From what time does Minchah Gedolah (early Minchah) begin, and does one who prays from 6.5 halakhic hours onward fulfill his obligation?

Synopsis

Minchah may be recited from 6.5 halakhic hours (half-hour after midday) onward, but this is only b'dieved according to the Mechaber/Rambam. Rashi and the Tur/Rosh hold that 6.5 hours is a valid l'chatchila time. The primary preferred time is Minchah Ketanah from 9.5 hours.

Early Acharonim
Late Acharonim
Lenient
Strict
Lesser cited
Major authority

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