BASIC OPERATION 3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan Minolta Europe GmbH Reparatur/Repair Minolta France S.A. Minolta (UK) Limited Minolta Austria Ges. m.b.H. Minolta Camera Benelux B.V. Belgium Branch Minolta (Schweiz) AG Minolta Svenska AB Finland Branch Minolta Portugal Limitada Minolta Corporation Head Office Los Angeles Branch Minolta Canada Inc. Head Office Vancouver Branch Minolta Hong Kong Limited Minolta Singapore (Pte) Ltd. Shanghai Minolta Optical Products Co., Ltd.
1
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Thank you for purchasing a Minolta camera. A valuable tool for photographers, the Maxxum/Dynax 7 has been designed with precision in mind to help you capture your photographic vision. As you use the Maxxum/Dynax 7, you will find that its performance and reliability compliment your own photographic expertise and raise your skills to a higher level.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ..............................................................................4 Name of Parts ...................................................................................8 Quick Operation ..............................................................................14 BASIC OPERATION Batteries ..........................................................................................17 Loading Film.....................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Memory Storing memory .................................................................135 Recalling settings in memory.............................................137 Data memory Storing the data .................................................................141 Film area and data number ...............................................143 Data recall..........................................................................146 Deleting stored data..........................................
NAMES OF PARTS For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
NAMES OF PARTS Control Panel Navigation Display Shutter-speed display Drive-mode indicators (87) Release-priority indicator (158) Exposure-mode indicator (60) Audio-on indicator (131) Aperture display Data-memory button (141) Custom button (154) Enter button (135) ISO button (86) Adjust button Exposure-compensation display (77) Flash-mode indicators (99) AF-mode indicator (46) Flash-compensation display (103) Metering-mode indicator (74) Date button (120) Film-transport signals Focus-area indic
NAMES OF PARTS QUICK OPERATION 1. Insert the batteries. Viewfinder Spot-metering area (75) • The camera uses two CR123A batteries. Local focus area (56) Spot-focus area (55, 56) Wide focus frame Flash-compensation indicator (103) Wireless/Remote flash indicator (114) 2. Attach a lens. • Align the red marks, then turn it gently clockwise until it clicks. 3. Turn the camera on. • Turn the main switch to ON.
QUICK OPERATION 5. Set the camera for automatic operation. • While pressing the exposure-mode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to . 6. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired. 7. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down. If the camera is turned on and the date and time have not been set, this message appears. See page 121 for instructions for setting the date and time.
BASIC OPERATION Installing the Batteries Your camera uses two 3V CR123A lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. 1. Turn the main switch off. Then slide the battery chamber release as shown, and open the door. Attach the strap as shown. 2. Insert the batteries as indicated by the + and - marks. 3. Close the battery-chamber door. • If you have Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC 1000L, you can use the cord holder on the strap.
LENS Battery Condition Indicators Attaching the Lens 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. The battery condition indicator displays the power status of the batteries when the main switch is set to ON. Full-battery indicator Power is sufficient for all camera operations. 2. Align the red bead on the lens with the red dot on the camera’s lens mount. Press the lens against the lens mount, and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks in the locked position.
Remove and discard the protective cover on the film gate before loading film for the first time. 3. Extend the leader between the guide rails to the index mark. • If the film tip extends beyond the index mark, push the excess film back into the cartridge. Check the film window before loading film. If film is already loaded, refer to Manual Rewind on page 34 to remove a partially exposed roll. • Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film. 4. Close the back cover.
HANDLING THE CAMERA • Once the film is loaded, the back cover will lock until film rewinding is complete, preventing accidental opening. • ISO is set automatically if DX-coded film is loaded. See page 86 for changing ISO manually. • Non-DX-coded film is automatically rewound at the end of the roll or after 36 exposures. • Non-DX-coded film is set to the ISO from the previous roll. Refer to page 86 to set the film speed manually. • Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.
1. Turn the main switch to ON. 4. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired. 2. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to full-auto. 5. Center your subject in the focus frame. Full-auto is shown in the display. When the upper part is black, as shown, the position of the dials and levers may not match the actual camera control. 6. Press the shutter-release button partway down. • Focus will be set automatically.
• The number of frames remaining is displayed in the viewfinder for the last 19 frames on the roll. This countdown does not appear for non-DX-coded film. • You can not take more pictures on a roll than what is stated on the film cartridge. • Audio sound can be canceled (p 131). • After taking picture, turn the camera off. • After the camera is turned off, the frame counter remains displayed in the top data panel, but not in the rear navigation display.
Focus Signals Focus Lock The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Focus is confirmed. Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed. Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing. Shutter is locked. (Blinks) Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked. Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situations described on page 30.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Special Focus Situations The built-in flash provides coverage for focal lengths as wide as 24mm. The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus lock (p. 29) or manual focus (p. 48). See page 28 for an explanation of the focus signals. BASIC OPERATION FOCUSING 1. Turn the main switch to ON and set the exposure-mode dial to . 2. Raise the built-in flash.
REWINDING THE FILM Flash Range Automatic Rewind The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table below. The film is automatically rewound after the last frame is exposed. Aperture f/2.8 f/3.5 f/4 f/5.6 ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400 1.0 ~ 4.3m (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) 1.0 ~ 3.4m (3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.) 1.0 ~ 3.0m (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) 1.0 ~ 2.1m (3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.) 1.0 ~ 6.1m (3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.) 1.0 ~ 4.8m (3.3 ~ 15.
REWINDING THE FILM Manual Rewind Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the roll is finished. DETAILED OPERATION Gently press the manual-rewind button. Once you have mastered the basic operation, you can move on to the Detailed Operation section to expand your expertise. Read those pages pertaining to the areas of your interest and need. DETAILED OPERATION • Use a blunt object. A sharp object may cause damage.
DISPLAY SELECTION When the camera is first turned on, the detailed display is shown. Pressing the display-selection button causes the displays to change as follows: NAVIGATION DISPLAY Detailed display Display-selection button Large icon display Meter-index display Exposure-history display • Only general information is included in this section. Please refer to each specific section for more detailed information. • Display will be slow in cold weather, but it normalizes when it warms up.
DISPLAY SELECTION Detailed display Detailed Display Detailed display The detailed display shows all the settings. Switch horizontal/ vertical Display selection button Large icon display Display-selection button Switch horizontal/ vertical Meter-index display Display-selection button Display-selection button Exposure-history display Meter-index display Large Icon Display For easier viewing of only a few items, select the large-icon display option.
DISPLAY SELECTION Meter-Index Display Exposure-History Display The meter index display shows the values of compensation and bracketing that you have selected. The lower part shows compensation/bracketing with flash. The upper part of the display is shown in both the viewfinder and the navigation display. The exposure data for the next frame appears in the top of the display, followed by the those of the last 5 frames. The metering index display contains the following: Exposure compensation (p.
DISPLAY (WHEN UPPER PART TURNS BLACK) Vertical Display When the exposure-mode dial is turned to P ,A, S, or M, the upper part of the display remains normal. But when , 1, 2, or 3 is selected, the upper part turns black. The horizontal/vertical operation automatically changes the orientation of the navigation display, when the camera’s position is changed to a vertical or horizontal position. • Only the detailed and large-icon display are able to be displayed vertically.
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS AND CONTRAST Display Illumination Press the navigation display illuminator. • The display illuminator shuts off approximately 5 seconds after the last camera operation. • If the button is pressed again before the 5 seconds, it will shut off. Display Contrast The contrast level of the display is adjustable. 1. Press the display selection button for 3 seconds to select the contrast set display. • The contrast set display appears. 2.
FOCUS MODE Automatic autofocus (A) Continuous autofocus (C) Single-shot autofocus (S) Manual focus (MF) Automatic Autofocus (A) Designed to work well in almost any situation, automatic autofocus is especially suited to moving subjects that stop suddenly. When the subject is moving, continuous autofocus is set. When not moving, single-shot autofocus is set. 1. Turn the focus-mode switch to A. 2. Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus.
FOCUS MODE 1. Turn the focus-mode switch to S. 2. Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus. • 2. Turn the focusing ring until your subject appears sharp and focused. appears in the display. Manual Focus (MF) Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus lock is not possible. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame is in focus. 1. Turn the focus-mode switch to MF.
AF/MF CONTROL BUTTON • AF/MF control button cannot be used with xi series and AF Power zoom lenses. AF to MF In AF mode (focus-mode switch set to C, A, or S), the AF mode is switched to MF mode while pressing the AF/MF control button. • Turn the focusing ring while pressing the AF/MF control button. • will appear in the viewfinder while the AF/MF control button is pressed. However, the AF-mode indicator in the navigation display (AF-A, AF-C, AF-S) doesn’t change.
FOCUS AREA Wide focus area 1. Set the focus-mode switch to MF. 2. Simultaneously press the spot-AF button and lens release. 3. Release your finger from the lens release first, then from the spot-AF button. • appears instead of the normal The camera’s standard focus mode, wide focus area, covers the entire center area making it easier for the camera to focus on moving subjects. Nine sensors are located in the wide focus area, which are shown by the local focus area in the viewfinder.
FOCUS AREA Choose the wide or local focus area as desired. By simply pressing the spot-AF button, the center spot-focus area is selected. Wide Focus Area The camera automatically decides which sensor to be used. 2. Press the focus-area selector to focus using the wide focus area. Press the spotAF button to use the center spot-focus area. 1.Set the wide/local focus-area switch to wide. 3.
FOCUS AREA Any one of the 9 local focus areas can be selected. 1. Set the wide/local focus-area switch to local. • The local focus-area appears in the navigation display. • Viewfinder shows which sensor is being used for focusing. • While pressing the spot-AF button or the focus-area selector, the focus is locked. 3. While pressing either the focus-area selector or the spotAF button, press the shutter-release button and take the picture.
FOCUS AREA AF ILLUMINATOR In low-light/low subject contrast situations, the AF illuminator automatically projects a pattern of lines onto the subject for the camera’s AF sensors to focus on. How to Lock the Local/Spot Focus Area 1. Turn the wide/local focus area switch to local, and select the focus area you want to lock. 2. Turn the wide/local focus-area switch to lock. 1. Turn the wide/local focus area switch to wide. 2. Turn the wide/local focus-area switch to lock.
P MODE 1. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to P. 2 Compose your scene, focus, and take the picture. Your camera’s exposure-mode dial has 8 positions; Full-auto P, A, S, and M modes 1, 2, and 3 memory modes • When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, metering occurs and the shutter speed and aperture are shown on the navigation, top data panel, and viewfinder displays. This section of the manual covers the P, A, S, and M modes.
P MODE A MODE P-Mode Flash In A mode (aperture priority), you select the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed required for proper exposure. Set the camera to A mode when you want to control the range of focus (depth-of-field) in an image. PA /P S Mode After the AE system has been activated, you can change the shutter speed or aperture selected by the camera. Creative program remains active until the display disappears.
A MODE • When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, if 8000 or 30” blinks or the printing Aperture Control reverses, the required setting is beyond the camera’s shutter speed range. Turn the control dial until the blinking/reversing stops. A-Mode Flash • appears in the viewfinder when the flash is charged. • The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/200 or slower. • When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time the shutter is released.
S MODE 1. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to S. • S appears in the navigation display. • appears in the viewfinder, next to the shutter speed, indicating that the shutter-speed can be changed. • (Time exposure) should be used when in the M mode. S-Mode Flash 1. Follow the steps on the previous page. 2. Raise the built-in flash, or turn the accessory flash on. • appears in the viewfinder when the flash is charged.
S MODE M MODE Shutter Control M mode (Manual) gives you full control of the exposure. The camera’s meter index displays how your settings compare to the exposure determined by the camera’s metering system. 1. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to M. Slow Shutter Speed Because the shutter speed controls the duration of exposures, it also determines how moving subjects will appear in the final image.
M MODE • appears in the viewfinder, next to the shutter-speed and aperture display, indicating that both can be changed. • The aperture setting changes in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments depending on the position of the exposure compensation dial. Metering in M Mode The meter index displays the EV difference between your settings and the ‘correct’ exposure determined by the camera. The 0 position (null point) represents the recommended exposure using the currently selected metering pattern (pp.82-83).
M MODE Manual Shift Manual shift lets you shift to equivalent aperture/shutter speed combinations without changing the exposure value (EV). METERING 1. Select a desired shutter speed and aperture. 2. Press the AE-lock button and turn the front control dial until the desired aperture/shutter speed combination appears in the display. METERING • While pressing the AE-lock button, AEL appears in the viewfinder and appears in the navigation display.
SELECTABLE METERING Your camera takes meter readings of the light in the scene to determine the correct exposure. It has three methods of taking meter readings. Use the method most appropriate for your subject. Turn the metering-mode switch to . 14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering Fourteen-segment honeycomb-pattern metering is the camera’s standard metering mode and is appropriate for most photographic situations. • appears in both the viewfinder and navigation display.
SELECTABLE METERING EXPOSURE COMPENSATION Center-Weighted Average Metering Center-weighted average mode bases the exposure on an average of the readings from each of the honeycomb segments - with emphasis placed on the center of the image. Care should be taken when photographing backlit, spotlighted, or offcenter subjects, as non-subject areas may be included in the exposure calculation.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION 1/3EV increment Meter Index 1/2EV increment Example below shows changing from 1/2EV to 1/3EV increment. 1. Set the exposure-compensation dial to the edge of the 1/2EV increment (ie; +/-3.0EV). 2. While pressing the exposurecompensation dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-compensation dial to the edge of the 1/3EV increment (ie; +/- 2.0EV). The meter index displays the exposure compensation value you set. Exposure compensation value of -1.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE LOCK (AEL) Comparison between exposure compensation and flash compensation. Press the AE-lock button to lock the exposure using the currently selected metering pattern without locking the focus. The exposure remains locked until the AE-lock button is released. 1. For exposure compensation, when the flash doesn’t fire, the picture will be compensated by changes in both the shutter speed and the aperture. 1. Select the desired metering pattern (pp.
AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE LOCK (AEL) • If you keep pressing the AE-lock button after taking the picture, the exposure remains locked. • Pressing the AE-lock button sets the flash to slow-shutter sync mode (p. 102). • If Custom 10-2 is selected, pressing the AE-lock button once activates automatic exposure lock. Pressing again cancels. 14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern and Center-Weighted Average Metering Press AE-lock button 1 . Keep pressing AE-lock button while recomposing picture 2 .
AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE LOCK (AEL) • If you press the display-selection button, the meter-index display appears in the navigation display. When you press the AE-lock button, the index shows the differences between the locked exposure and the exposure currently in the spot-metering area. Brightness-Distribution Display The display shows the difference between the locked value “0” and the output from each of the 14-honeycomb segments. While pressing the AE-lock button, press the display-selection button.
SETTING THE ISO MANUALLY Set the ISO manually to override the DX-coded ISO or when using nonDX coded film. • Film must be loaded before the ISO can be changed. • Non-DX coded film is initially set to the previous roll’s ISO. 1. Open the control-panel door and press the ISO button. DRIVE Continuous drive, exposure bracketing, multiple exposures, and other options can be selected using the drive-mode lever. • The current ISO is shown 2. Turn either control dial to set the desired ISO value.
CONTINUOUS 1. Turn the drive-mode lever to the desired drive mode. - Single-Frame Advance - Continuous Advance If continuous advance is selected... 2. Open the control-panel door, then press the adjust button. • The display will switch to the setting display. • Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setting. HI remains for high continuous, LO remains for low continuous mode. 4. Keep pressing the shutter-release button to take the pictures.
SELF-TIMER Use the self-timer to delay the shutter release for 2 or 10 seconds (approx.) after the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down. In addition to delaying release of the shutter, the 2 second delay pops the mirror up two seconds before the shutter opens to reduce blur caused by camera vibration. • Press the shutter-release button partway down 2s remains for 2 second to enter the setting. 10s remains for 10 second delay. delay, • Attach the eyepiece cap (p.
EXPOSURE BRACKETING Exposure bracketing automatically exposes a series of frames with exposures above and below the metered exposure value. Bracket your exposures when shooting slides and other films with a low tolerance for exposure error. A larger bracketing increment is recommended when shooting negative film. 3. Turn the front control dial to set the bracketing increment (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 EV). • This camera can expose a 3, 5, or 7 frame brackets in increments of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 EV. 4.
EXPOSURE BRACKETING Normal ➝ -0.5EV ➝ +0.5EV ➝ -1.0EV ➝ +1.0EV However by selecting Custom 11-2, the following sequence is possible; (p 169.) -1.0EV ➝ -0.5EV ➝ Normal ➝ +0.5EV ➝ +1.0EV • Exposure is locked on the first frame of the series. • P mode (programmed autoexposure) exposures are bracketed by changing both the aperture and shutter speed. • S (shutter priority) mode and PS mode exposures are bracketed by changing the aperture.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE The multiple exposure function makes it possible to expose 2 or more images on the same frame. The meter in your camera determines exposure (EV) based on the assumption that only one exposure will be made on each frame. When making multiple exposures, the EV for each additional exposure may need to be reduced or over exposure can result. 1. Turn the drive-mode lever to • . appears in the display’s frame counter. 2.
FLASH MODE SWITCH Built-in flash - Raise the built-in flash. This section of your manual covers the operation of accessory flashes as well as the built-in flash. The high accuracy of your camera’s flash metering is realized by ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering in combination with the newly developed D flash units and D lenses. Flash metering is controlled by the guide number in addition to pre-flash metering.
RED-EYE REDUCTION REAR FLASH SYNC When photographing people or animals at night or in other low-light situations, the effect called red-eye may occur due to the flash reflecting off the inside of the subject’s eyes. To reduce this effect, the flash fires a series of small bursts before the main flash burst. This causes the subject’s pupils to close, greatly reducing the amount of light which will reflect off the retina. With rear flash sync Without rear flash sync appears in the navigation display.
SLOW-SHUTTER SYNC FLASH COMPENSATION Use flash compensation to increase or decrease the output of the built-in or an attached accessory flash up to +/–2 EV in 1/2EV increments. This function is especially useful when shooting with slide film, because of the film’s low tolerance for exposure error. Flash compensation changes the flash exposure by the amount set relative to the ambient exposure.
FLASH BRACKETING Flash bracketing lets you expose a series of frames with exposures below and above the normal metered exposure while using flash. You can choose a series of 3, 5, or 7 frame flash exposure brackets in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 EV increments. Exposures are bracketed by controlling the flash output. 4. Turn the front control dial to set the bracketing increment (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 EV). • A larger bracketing increment is recommended when shooting negative film. 1.
FLASH BRACKETING ACCESSORY FLASH • The normal sequence (for a 5 frame bracket in 1/2 increments) is; By using an optional accessory flash, such as the 5600HS(D), you can get improved flash performance over the built-in flash. The accessory flash units fit in the shoe located on the top of your camera. ➝ -0.5EV ➝ +0.5EV ➝ -1.0EV ➝ +1.0EV However by selecting Custom 11-2, the following sequence is possible; (p 169.) -1.0EV ➝ -0.5EV ➝ Normal ➝ +0.5EV ➝ +1.
FLASH METERING D lens Other lenses 5600HS(D) 3600HS(D) ADI metering (HSS on, with pre-flash) Pre-flash metering (HSS on) 5400HS Pre-flash metering (HSS on) Pre-flash metering (HSS on) Other accessory flashes TTL metering TTL metering Built-in flash ADI metering (without pre-flash) TTL metering • When the shutter speed is faster than 1/200 sec, flash metering will be HSS-TTL. If Wireless/Remote flash is set, metering will be Wireless/Remote-TTL.
HIGH-SPEED SYNC • When using flash and color meters, high-speed sync is not possible. Turn the flash’s HSS off or use a shutter speed of 1/200 second or slower. • Shutter speeds faster than 1/200 second are not available when the 2 second self-timer or rear flash sync has been selected. High-speed sync Conventional-fill flash FLASH The maximum sync speed for this camera is 1/200.
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH Wireless/Remote Flash is available with the Minolta 5600HS(D), 5400HS, 3600HS(D), 5400xi, and 3500xi accessory flashes. Wireless/Remote flash lets you experience the creative control available with an accessory flash. 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera, then turn the camera and the flash on. Normal Flash Wireless/Remote Flash You can also achieve a 2:1 lighting ratio automatically.
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH 4. Press the shutter-release button partway down. • Navigation display returns to the previous display. • WL appears in the display. 6. Position your camera and flash unit using the information on this page. • Wireless/Remote flash is most effective when used in dark or poorly lighted areas. • Refer to your flash instruction manual for more detailed flash to subject distance information. Camera-Subject Distance • WL appears in the viewfinder.
WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH • appears in the viewfinder when the built-in flash is charged. • When the off-camera flash is charged, its AF illuminator will blink. 8. Press the AE-lock button to test fire the accessory flash. • Caution; Test firing the flash will activate slow-shutter sync (p. 102) if Custom 10-2 (p. 168) is selected. Custom setting 10-1 is recommended. • If unsuccessful, change the position of the camera or the flash. 9.
PC TERMINAL Flash units which can not be connected to the accessory shoe can be connected to the camera via the PC terminal. • Set the exposure mode dial to M. • Set the shutter speed to 1/200 or slower. ADDITIONAL FEATURES 118 ADDITIONAL FEATURES • The flash unit may fire unexpectedly if it is on when the sync. cord is plugged into the PC terminal. • TTL flash metering does not function when the flash is connected to the PC terminal. • Flash compensation is not possible.
The Quartz-data function lets you record the date or time onto the lower left-hand corner of the photograph. The automatic calendar is good through the year 2039. Approximate location of print area. 1. Open the control-panel door and press the DATE button. • • • • 2. Turn the front or rear control dial to select the date you want. • When you press the shutter-release button partway down, the display returns to the previous display.
DATE/TIME IMPRINTING 2. Press the ADJ button. When appears at the top right side, it is possible to use the focus-area selector instead of the dial. • The date adjust window appears and the year is high-lighted. If you press the top/bottom side of the selector, the highlighted value changes. • Display returns to normal when you press the shutter-release button partway down. 4. Turn the rear control dial to change the value. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the correct date/time is set.
EYE-START Changing the Format Eyepiece sensor The order of the year/month/day can be changed. 1. Open the control-panel door and press the DATE button. • The date imprint window will appear in the navigation display. 2. Hold the ADJ button for 3 seconds. The year, month, and day will appear high-lighted. 3. Turn either the front or rear control dial to select the desired format. Grip Sensor Eye-start automatically activates the camera’s focus and exposure systems as you bring the camera to your eye.
TIME EXPOSURES (BULB) Set the shutter speed to bulb when you want to take time exposures. When selected, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is held down. 3. Turn the rear control dial to select the aperture. 1. While pressing the exposuredial mode dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to M. 4. Compose your picture. • If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, turn the focus-mode switch to MF and focus the lens manually (p. 48). 5.
DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW When the lens is focused on a subject, there is a range behind and in front of the subject that appears sharp. This is the depth-of-field. To check how much of your scene will appear in focus, press the depth-of-field preview button. The lens is stopped down to the aperture that appears in the display.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT SETTING/CANCELLING THE AUDIO Turn the diopter adjustment dial to compensate the eyepiece for near or far sighted vision problems. The adjustment range is from –2.5 to + 0.5 diopters. Your camera has the capability of producing an audio tone to let you know when focus is confirmed and locked. It can also sound when using the self-timer mode. Turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the focus frame appears sharpest. 1.
MEMORY The memory function allows you to store a variety of camera settings as a group and recall them at any time. Three diferent set of camera function settings can be stored. • Each of the following can be stored in memory. See the appropriate section for details.
MEMORY STORING MEMORY Your camera is capable of storing three different sets of camera function settings. This feature is convenient when you will be repeating the same shooting conditions and want to use the same settings each time. When first purchased, standard settings are stored in memory 1, 2, and 3. This section shows you how to store new settings into memory. • It is not necessary to use all three memory settings.
RECALLING SETTINGS IN MEMORY 3. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to 1, 2, or 3. • If the exposure-mode dial is turned to 1, this display appears. • Memory position 3 is not available if STF mode has been selected by Custom 25-2 (p. 180). 1. While pressing the exposuremode lock-release button, turn the exposure-mode dial to positions 1, 2, or 3. • Stored settings will be displayed for 5 seconds.
CHANGING THE STORED SETTINGS 2. Change the camera settings using dials or levers. Example: Going from 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering to spot metering. • It is possible to take a picture at this point. 3. Press the enter button. If only the exposure mode is to be changed, follow these steps. 1. Turn the exposure-mode dial to positions 1, 2, or 3. 2. While pressing the exposure-mode dial lock-release button, turn the front or rear control dial until the desired mode appears. 3.
STORING THE DATA DATA MEMORY 1. Open the control-panel door and press the DATA button. • Display shows current data memory settings. When selected, the data memory function stores the following information for up to 7 rolls of 36 exposure film. Data is recorded for every exposure, except for (*) items which are recorded for every roll. 2. Turn the front or rear control dial to select ON.
STORING THE DATA FILM AREA AND DATA NUMBER • Data is not stored unless film is loaded. • When multiple exposure is selected, only the data of the last exposure will be stored. The film area and data number are useful in identifying a roll of film and its corresponding data. When appears, you can use the focusarea selector, as well as the front or rear control dial to move between areas. • If data memory is on, this display appears for 5 seconds, when a roll of film is loaded.
FILM AREA AND DATA NUMBER Data Number Comparison of Film Area and Data Number In order to identify the photographic data with the developed film, the data number is exposed on the “0” frame when the film cartridge is loaded into the camera (providing data memory has been selected). Each time another roll of film is loaded, the data number increases by 1. The 7 film areas indicate where the data is stored and are useful when you want to know how many rolls of film data is stored in the camera.
DATA RECALL Recorded data is shown on camera display. 3.Press the ADJ button. Data Readout 1. Open the control-panel door and press the DATA button. • The 1st frame’s data will be shown. • Display shows current data memory settings. 4. Press the display selection button to choose between showing a single frame’s data and four frames’ data. 2. Turn the front or rear control dial to select READ, and then the desired fim area and data number.
DATA RECALL 5. Turn the front or rear control dial to select the desired frame. Cancelling Data Recall To see other film data, press DATA or ADJ button, then follow step 2 on page 146. To finish recalling, press the shutterrelease button partway down. The single frame display will appear as: • The standard display returns.
DATA RECALL DELETING STORED DATA Using the Focus-Area Selector and Spot-AF Button The data in all of the film areas will be deleted. Film areas cannot be cleared individually. • If the wide/local focus-area switch is at the locked position, the focus-area selector does not work. Pressing • This display will appear. 2. Press the DATA button again. in the directions indicated: • Moves to the areas as follows: OFF ON Area 1 Area 2 Area 7 OFF 1.
DELETING STORED DATA Film Area and Data Number Reset Everytime film is loaded, both the film area and data number increases by 1. When you first buy your camera, both are set to 1. Film area reset: When the data is deleted (p. 151), the film area returns to 1. CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Data number reset: 1. Turn the main switch to OFF. 2. While pressing the DATA button, turn the main switch from OFF to ON. Custom functions let you tailor the camera to your shooting style or preferences.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS • Custom function setting display appears. •When appears, use of the focus area selector as well as the front and rear control dials is possible (page 156). When appears, display can be switched. 2. Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function (Custom 1-35). 4. Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the settings. • When you first buy the camera, all custom functions are set to the number 1 setting, except for Custom 33 and 35.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS When appears, it is possiFocus-area ble to use the focus-area selector selector and the spot-AF button to choose the desired custom function and it’s setting. • If the wide/local focus-area switch is at the locked position, the focus-area selector does not work. When the 15 item display appears: Use both the focus-area selector and the spot-AF button to move between displays and to make selections.
To set custom functions; CUSTOM 1, 2, 3 Custom 1 - AF/Release Priority • Custom 1 will be stored in memory if you use the memory function. • When full auto is selected, focus is always AF priority, even if Custom 1-2 is selected. 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings.
CUSTOM 3 Example where the roll was previously exposed to the 12th frame. It was rewound, but now the photographer wants to reload and continue shooting. In this example, the film should now be wound to the 14th frame. Select-Frame Film Transport - Rewinding for Multiple Exposures 1. Set Custom 3 to setting 2. 2. Load the roll of film that had previously been exposed up through the 12th frame. • When the roll is loaded, the film will advance to the first frame, and the frame counter will show 1. 3.
CUSTOM 3 Select-Frame Film Transport - Rewinding for Multiple Exposures (continued) 4. Press the ADJ button. • Film will rewind back to frame 10. • When rewound, subjects may not be positioned exactly as in the previous exposure, as the frame may be shifted a maximum of 1/2 of a perforation hole. • In the above example, a multiple exposure could also have been taken with frame 11 before going to frame 12. • Date imprint should be cancelled so as not to overlap the imprints.
Custom 4 - DX Memory 1. DX Memory Off Film speed is always set to the DX-coded ISO. Non-DX-coded film is set to the previous roll’s ISO. 2. DX Memory On Changes to the film speed for a DX-coded roll are saved and applied to future rolls with the same DX coded ISO. Use to consistently over/under-expose a specific film type. • Film must be loaded before the ISO can be changed. • Once you load a roll with a different ISO number, the saved ISO will be cancelled. Custom 5 - Release Lock (Film) 1.
To set custom functions; CUSTOM 7, 8, 9 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings. Refer to pages 154-157 for additional information.
To set custom functions; CUSTOM 10, 11, 12 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings. Refer to pages 154-157 for additional information. Custom 10 - AE-Lock Button 1. Press to activate, release to cancel. 2. Press once to activate, press again to cancel.
To set custom functions; CUSTOM 13, 14, 15 Custom 13 - Metering Display Duration • Selecting longer display durations reduces battery performance. 1. 5 seconds Custom 15 - Front and Rear Control Dial Lock 2. 10 seconds 1. Off Custom 14 - AF Area Display • Pressing the lens focus-hold button does not display the focus area LEDs. 1 - Focus area LEDs display the active focus area for 0.3 sec after the focus locks.
CUSTOM 16, 17, 18 • [- -] appears when the shutter button is pressed partway down, and then this message appears when all the way down. 2. Shutter can be released if a lens is not attached. • Use when mounting the lens to a non-coupling lens mount (telescope, microscope etc). Custom 18 - Exposure Compensation Using the Rear Control Dial in P, A, and S Mode You can compensate the exposure using the rear control dial.
To set custom functions; 3. Exposure compensation using rear control dial (PS - shutter speed in P mode) In P/A/S mode, exposure compensation is possible using the rear control dial. • If you turn the front control dial in P mode, you can select the shutter speed.
Custom 21 - AF Illuminator In low-light/low subject contrast situations, the AF illuminator automatically projects a pattern of lines onto the subject for the camera’s AF sensors to focus on. • When full auto is selected, the AF illuminator always fires, even if custom 21-2 is selected. 1. AF-A (Automatic autofocus) mode Focus-mode switch positions: S Single shot autofocus A Automatic autofocus C Continuous autofocus M Manual focus 2.
CUSTOM 23, 24, 25 Custom 23 - AF Using Shutter-Release Button 1. AF works when you press the shutterrelease button partway down. To set custom functions; 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings. Refer to pages 154-157 for additional information. • AF does not work when MF is selected.
To set custom functions; 2. STF mode • Beautifully defocused images can be produced using the STF (Smooth Trans Focus) mode. The images are reproduced faithfully as to shape, with softened edges. Effect using STF STF not used • Because your camera’s STF mode triggers a continuous multiple exposure, it should only be used with a tripod and a still subject. 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.
CUSTOM 26, 27 1. Varied burst When the flash fires and exposure compensation is set, both the flash burst and the aperture and shutter-speed change to compensate the exposure. To set custom functions; 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings. Refer to pages 154-157 for additional information.
Custom 28 - Operation Display The operation display appears whenever a camera dial or function is operated that is not already on the display. The new settings remain displayed for 5 seconds. See page 42 for more information. To set custom functions; 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings.
To set custom functions; CUSTOM, 32, 33, 34, 35 1.Open control-panel door and press the CUSTOM button. 2.Turn the front control dial to select the desired custom function. 3.Turn the rear control dial to seclect the setting. 4.Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the setings. Refer to pages 154-157 for additional information. Custom 32 - Vertical Display 1.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION APPENDIX The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced before August 2000. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta Service Facility to obtain information for products released after this date. Lenses • All Minolta AF lenses can be used with this camera. • MD and MC series lenses (manual focus) cannot be used with this camera. • “D lens” in this manual indicate the lenses whose name include “D”.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION Data Saver DS-100 Remote Cord Using the camera’s data memory mode, photographic data for 400~1900 rolls of film can be saved on 3.3v 2-32 MB Smart Media card. The saved data can be viewed on the camera’s navigation panel or accessed by a PC. Attach either Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC-1000L to reduce blur when taking long exposures. 1. Slide the remote-control terminal cover open. 2. Insert the plug into the terminal.
TROUBLE SHOOTING (DISPLAY) Upper part of display turns black blinks. Cause Solution When full-auto or one of the memory positions is selected, the position of the controls may not match the camera settings. Take picture using the information presented in the navigation display. Scene or subject brightness is beyond the camera’s meter- Bright Light ing range. Use slower speed film, a neutral density (ND) filter, or reduce the light level of your Light level is beyond surroundings.
TROUBLE SHOOTING (OTHERS) Cause Solution No display appears Batteries are loaded Remove and reinstall the when cam- incorrectly or batteries, or install new era is exhausted. batteries. switched on Autofocus does not work when shutterrelease button is pressed partway down. Shutter cannot be released. Picture is blurred. 194 Page 17 Situation is unsuitable for autofocus. Use focus lock or manual focus. 29/ 48 Camera is set to manual focus mode. Turn the focus-mode switch to AF.
CARE AND STORAGE Operating Temperature and Conditions Cleaning • This camera is designed for use from –20 to 50 °C (4 to 122 °F). • Never leave your camera where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures such as the glove compartment of a car. • Data panel response time will be slow at colder temperatures. The display will temporarily darken at higher temperatures, but will restore when the temperature normalizes. • This camera is not waterproof or splashproof.
SPECIFICATIONS Focus Type: 35mm SLR with built-in flash, autoexposure (AE) 9 point TTL phase-detection system, multi metering with dual cross-hair type CCD line sensor metering cell. Multi-dimensional predictive focus control is available for moving subjects. AF Sensitivity Range: EV -1 to 18 (ISO 100) AF Illuminator: Built-in LED. Automatically activated in lowlight/ low-contrast situations. Range: 0.7 - 7m (With a standard 50mm lens.) AF Control: Single-shot, continuous, automatic AF-mode selection.
SPECIFICATIONS Additional Power: Two CR123A lithium batteries Battery Performance: 24 Exposure Rolls 36 Exposure Rolls Flash Use (%) 20 °C –20 °C 20 °C –20 °C 0 45 rolls 13 rolls 30 rolls 9 rolls 50 21 rolls 6 rolls 14 rolls 4 rolls 100 13 rolls 4 rolls 9 rolls 2 rolls Test Conditions : Lens (24-85 f/3.5-4.5) is focused from infinity to 2m three times and the shutter-release button held partway down for ten seconds before each exposure. • Battery performance will vary with usage conditions.
INDEX Page No. Accessory flash ............................................................................107 ADI flash metering..........................................................................98 AF illuminator .................................................................................59 AF/MF control button......................................................................50 Audio ............................................................................................