APPENDIX E INSTRUCTION MANUAL DETAILED OPERATION BASIC OPERATION
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE The ultimate tool for creative professionals and advanced amateurs alike, the Maxxum / Dynax 9 has been designed with precission in mind to help you capture your photographic vision. As you use the Maxxum / Dynax 9, you will find that its performance and reliability compliment your own photographic expertise and in raising your skills to a higher level.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ....................................2 Names of Parts .......................................4 GETTING STARTED Strap........................................................8 Diopter Adjustment .................................9 Batteries ................................................10 Lens.......................................................12 Handling the Camera ............................13 BASIC OPERATION Loading Film.........................................
NAMES OF PARTS For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
NAMES OF PARTS Control Panel Viewfinder Data-memory button (84-90) Local focus areas (31) Spot-focus area (95) Manual-rewind button (24) Meter index (42) ISO button (52) Adjust button Control-panel door Focus frame Spot-metering area (46) Frames remaining counter (last 9 frames only) AE-lock indicator (48) Data Panel ISO mark Data memory indicator (84-90) Release priority indicator (92) Aperture display Shutter speed display (Focus area/ISO) Shutter speed display Focus signals (19) Aperture di
Turn the diopter adjustment dial to compensate the eyepiece for near or far sighted vision problems. The adjustment range is from –3 to +1 diopters. GETTING STARTED Before attaching the lens… Look through the viewfinder at a well illuminated blank wall or clear blue sky. Turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the focus frame appears sharpest. Farsighted users – turn the dial clockwise. Nearsighted users – turn the dial counter-clockwise.
Installing the Batteries Checking Battery Power Your camera uses two 3V CR123A lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. 1. Lift and turn the battery-chamber lock to OPEN, then open the batterychamber door. The battery condition indicator displays the power status of the batteries when the main switch is set to ON. Full-battery symbol Power is sufficient for all camera operations. Low-battery symbol 2. Insert the batteries as indicated by the + and – marks.
HANDLING THE CAMERA Attaching the Lens Holding the Camera 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. 2. Align the mounting indexes. 3. Insert the lens into the mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. • Do not press the lens release when mounting the lens. The lens will not couple properly. GETTING STARTED LENS Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, while supporting the lens with your left.
Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 24 to remove a partially exposed roll. • Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film. • Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur. Before loading film for the first time… Remove and discard the film gate protector. BASIC OPERATION 1. Turn the back-cover release counterclockwise to open the back cover.
2. Insert a film cartridge into the film chamber. 4. Close the back cover and turn the main switch to ON. • The camera automatically advances the film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the frame counter. • The correct ISO for DX-coded film is set automatically. Refer to page 93 to reload a partially exposed roll. The ISO is displayed in the data panel for 5 seconds after loading. 3. Extend the leader between the guide rails to the index mark.
3. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down. 1. Turn the main switch to ON. • The local-focus area LED appears briefly indicating the focus area selected by the camera. 2. Set Full-Auto mode as shown. 4. When or appears in the viewfinder, press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture. • The AF illuminator fires in low-light situations to assist the autofocus system (p.34). • Use focus hold (p.
The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p.21) or manual focus (p.33). See page 19 for an explanation of the focus signals. If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast. FOCUS HOLD Use focus hold when your subject is outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to confirm. BASIC OPERATION SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS • Use AF Lock (p. 32) to lock focus on moving subjects.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH When up, the built-in flash fires every time the shutter is released to provide coverage for focal lengths as wide as 24mm. Flash output is automatically controlled by the camera’s TTL flash metering system. • . will appear in the viewfinder data panel. Slide the flash-mode switch to to reduce the redeye effect when using the built-in flash. • Red-eye reduction mode is only available with the built-in flash. 2. Grip both sides of the flash and lift.
REWINDING THE FILM Automatic Rewind The film is automatically rewound after the last frame is exposed (or 36 exposures). When the film is completely rewound, the motor will stop and will blink in the data panel indicating it is safe to open the back of the camera. 1. Wait until the film is completely rewound. will appear and will blink in the data panel. 2. Open the back cover and remove the film. 3. Close the back cover.
FOCUS - Predictive Focus Control Predictive Focus Control determines the subject’s speed, position, and acceleration changes from the focus sensor data, then sets the best focus at the predicted point of exposure. Predictive focus control is always active in the Automatic and Continuous autofocus modes. FOCUS FOCUS With the ability to track acceleration in all three dimensions, Predictive Focus Control makes it possible for the camera to calculate where your subject will be when the shutter opens.
FOCUS — Autofocus Modes Selecting the Autofocus Mode 1. Set the focus mode switch to AF. 2. Turn the AF mode dial to the desired mode. Continuous Autofocus (C) Use Continuous Autofocus when shooting sporting events or when you know the subject will be in constant motion. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus. The camera continues to focus as long as the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
FOCUS — Focus Area Wide Focus Area Local Focus Area The camera’s standard focus mode, wide focus area uses the camera’s three focus sensors to automatically focus on your subject. Wide focus area’s greater framing flexibility makes it easier for the camera to focus on moving subjects. • Select a local focus area for greater control over the focus location in the autofocus mode. • Only the center focus area can be selected when the RF 500mm or the AF Power Zoom 35-80mm is mounted. 1.
FOCUS — AF Lock FOCUS — Manual Focus Press the AF button to lock focus on moving or stationary subjects using the current focus mode. The focus remains locked until the AF button is released. • Exposure is also locked if 14-segment metering (p.45) is selected. • Pressing the AF button also activates the AF illuminator. 1. Center your subject in the focus frame. Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not possible.
FOCUS — 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. 34 Do not to obstruct the AF illuminator. Pressing the AF button (p.32) also activates the AF illuminator. The range of the AF Illuminator is 0.7 – 7.0 meters (2.3 – 23.0 ft.). The AF illuminator will not fire in continuous autofocus mode.
EXPOSURE — P-Mode Select P-mode (Programmed Autoexposure) when you want to give your full attention to your subject and composition. The Program mode software analizes the subject’s size, motion, and magnification as well as the focal length of your lens, then sets the shutter speed and aperture according to the requirements of the scene. 1. Set the exposure-mode dial to P.
EXPOSURE — S-Mode EXPOSURE — A-Mode A-mode flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time the shutter is released. The camera’s TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure proper exposure. In S-mode (Shutter Priority), the camera automatically sets the aperture for the selected shutter speed. Use S-mode when you want to control the blur caused by subject movement. 1. Turn the exposure-mode dial to S. 1. Raise the built-in flash.
EXPOSURE — M-Mode EXPOSURE — S-Mode S-mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. Flash exposure is controlled by the camera’s TTL automatic flash metering system. M-mode 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.
EXPOSURE — M-Mode Metering in Manual 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.45-47). • The EV scale is marked in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments depending on the current setting of the exposure compensation dial (p.51).
METERING — Selectable Metering 14 Segment Honeycomb Pattern Metering Fourteen-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering uses information from the autofocus system to set the metering pattern according to the position of the main subject. The light metered by each applicable segment is then evaluated to determine the degree of spot-lighting or backlighting present in your scene. The local focus-area (LED) momentarily displays the sensor being used when the shutter release button is pressed partway down.
METERING — Selectable Metering Spot Metering Center Weighted Average Metering Spot metering uses only the center honeycomb segment to meter the image. • The spot-metering area indicates the metering area. Selecting Spot 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.
METERING — Automatic Exposure Lock (AEL) 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. 4. Recompose the scene as desired. • The meter index indicators display the EV difference between the locked exposure and the exposure for the subject area currently inside the spot metering area. • Pressing the AE-lock button sets the flash to slow sync mode (p.64).
METERING – Exposure Compensation Especially helpful when using the spot or center weighted metering patterns, exposure compensation lets you manually adjust the metered exposure +/– 3 EVs in 1/2 or +/– 2 EVs in 1/3 EV increments. Changing to 1/3 EV Increments 1. Set the exposure compensation dial to +/– 0 EV. 2. Pull the exposure-compensation dial up, then rotate it 180°. • The camera may be damaged if the exposure compensation dial is not set to 0 EV before pulling it up.
METERING — Setting the ISO Manually Set the ISO manually to override the DX-coded ISO or when using non-DX coded film. • Non-DX coded film is initially set to the previous roll’s ISO. Film must be loaded before the ISO can be changed. 1. Open the control panel door and press the ISO button. 2. Turn either control dial to set the desired ISO value. • The ISO can be changed manually from 6 to 6400 in 1/3 EV increments. 3. Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the new ISO.
DRIVE – Advance Mode This camera has both single frame and continuous advance drive modes. Select single frame advance to expose and advance the film one frame at a time. Switch to continuous drive to photograph dynamic action sequences at up to 5.5 frames per second (4.5 frames per second in autofocus mode). 2. Turn either control dial to select or speed continuous drive. • AF Zoom xi and Power zoom lenses cannot be zoomed when continuous-advance mode is selected.
DRIVE – 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. • The red-eye reduction flash mode is not effective when the 2 second self timer is selected. • Close the eyepiece shutter (p.
DRIVE – 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. • This camera can expose a 3, 5, or 7 frame brackets in increments of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 EV. • A larger bracketing increment is recommended when shooting negative film.
DRIVE — Multiple Exposure The multiple exposure function makes it possible to expose 2 or more images on the same frame. Metering Multiple Exposures 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 needs to be reduced or over exposure will result.
FLASH — Four Segment Flash Metering Four segment flash metering uses data from the focus sensors to control the output of the built-in and/or attached accessory flashes. 4-Segment Flash Metering Conventional Flash The TTL flash metering system determines the flash exposure of the area inside the selected focus area after the shutter has been released. FLASH FLASH All four segments are used to meter the flash, but weighting is heaviest on the segment containing the active focus sensor.
FLASH – Slow Sync FLASH – Rear-Flash Sync In P and A-modes, slow-shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed to increase the background or ambient exposure in a flash picture. Flash output is automatically decreased to maintain correct subject exposure. Slow-shutter Sync Slow sync flash exposures can appear unnatural because the motion blur precedes the subject in the final image.
FLASH — High Speed Sync FLASH — Flash Compensation The maximum sync speed for this camera is 1/300. However, with the 5400HS accessory flash (sold separately) shutter speeds up to 1/12000 can be used. High-speed sync (HSS) allows faster shutter speeds when fill flash is used on moving subjects outdoors. Use flash compensation to increase or decrease the output of the built-in or an attached accessory flash up to +/–3 EV in 1/2EV increments.
FLASH – Flash Bracketing Use flash bracketing to expose 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. • A larger bracketing increment is recommended when shooting negative film. Custom Function Notes 6. Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the settings. • appears in the data panel. 7. Compose your subject.
FLASH — Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Wireless/Remote Flash is available with the Minolta 5400HS, 5400xi, and 3500xi accessory flashes. Wireless/Remote flash lets you experience the creative control available with an accessory flash. In Wireless/Remote flash mode, the off-camera flash is triggered by a coded signal from the camera’s built-in flash when you press the shutter-release button. When proper exposure has been received, another signal cuts the accessory flash off.
FLASH — Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Taking Pictures in Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 2. Wait until both flash units are fully charged. The off-camera flash will provide all of the exposure. • appears in the viewfinder when the built-in flash is charged. • When the off-camera flash is charged, its AF illuminator will blink. 1. Position your camera and 3500xi flash unit using the information on this page.
FLASH — Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Cancelling Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 2. Select another flash mode. 3. Detach the accessory flash. 74 ADDITIONAL FEATURES ADDITIONAL FEATURES 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera, then turn the camera and flash on.
OTHER — Eye-Start OTHER — Depth-of-Field Preview Eye-start automatically activates the camera’s focus and exposure systems as you bring the camera to your eye. 1. Slide the eye-start switch to ON. Use the depth-of-field preview button to verify how much of your scene will be in focus at the currently selected aperture. Depth-of-Field — The area in front of and behind the point of focus that appears sharp in the final image. Press the depth-of-field preview button.
OTHER — Taking 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 shutterrelease button is held down. 4. Compose the scene and focus on your subject. If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, slide the focus-mode switch to M and focus the lens manually (p. 33). 1. Mount the camera on a tripod. 5. Close the eyepiece shutter.
OTHER — Remote Release Terminal Attach either the Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC-1000L (sold separately) to reduce blur when taking long exposures. 1. Slide the remote-control-terminal cover down. OTHER — PC Terminal Flash units which can not be connected to the accessory shoe can be connected to the camera via the PC terminal. • TTL automatic flash metering does not function when the flash is connected to the PC terminal. 1. Set the exposure mode dial to M, then set the shutter speed to 1/250 or slower. 2.
OTHER — Data Panel Illuminator Use the data panel illuminator to light up the information in the data panel in lowlight situations. Slide the data panel illuminator switch as shown. Custom Function Notes Select setting 2 to extend the display duration to 10 seconds. Switch to setting 3 to extend the display duration to 30 seconds (p.98). 82 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS SPECIAL FUNCTIONS The data panel illuminator shuts off approx. five seconds after the last camera operation.
DATA MEMORY When selected, Data Memory stores the following exposure information for each frame on up to seven 36-exposure rolls. 2. Turn either control dial until appears in the data panel. • The film area to which the data will be stored is displayed in the frame counter. Shutter Speed Aperture Focal Length Exposure Compensation Value (Bracketing Increment included) Exposure Mode Flash Compensation Value (Bracketing Increment included) Metering Mode 3.
DATA MEMORY appears in the data panel before the data for the first exposure in Area 1 is overwritten. • disappears after the first exposure. • Old data is erased one frame ahead of the current frame. Area appears only when the film area changes from 7 to 1 and disappears after the data from the first exposure is recorded. Recalling Data 1. Open the control panel door, then press the data-memory button. • and the current data memory mode appear in the data panel. 2.
DATA MEMORY 4. Turn the front control dial to select the desired frame number. – The shutter speed and aperture for the selected frame are displayed in the data panel. 6. Press the AE-lock button at step 4 or 5 to display the metering mode, flash compensation / flash bracketing increment and exposure mode. • The flash compensation and bracketing increment are combined into a single value. Shutter Speed Display Aperture Display Metering Mode Display – 14-Segment Honeycomb Pattern (p.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS DATA MEMORY Use the custom functions to tailor the camera to your shooting style or preferences. The customizable functions are explained on pages 92-102. The data in all of the film areas will be deleted. Film areas cannot be cleared individually. 1. Open the control panel door. 1. Open the control panel door. 2. Press the ISO button adjust button . 2. Press the data-memory and adjust buttons until appears and blinks in the data panel. , then the 3.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 1 — AF/Release priority 1 – AF priority Shutter will not release until or appears in the viewfinder. 2 – Release Priority Shutter releases even if the focus cannot be confirmed. Use release priority when photographing moving subjects. • RP will appear in the data panel. Mid Reload Mid Reload decreases the chances of accidental double exposure when reloading a partially exposed roll of film.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 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. Cust 6 — Focus Hold Button (Lens) The mounted lens must have a focus hold button. 1 – Focus Hold 2 – DX Memory On Pressing the focus-hold button on the lens locks the focus. 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.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 8 — Frame Counter Cust 11 — Bracketing Sequence 1 – Frame counter in data panel counts up. 1 – Metered exposure, Underexposure(s), Over-exposure(s) 2 – Frame counter in data panel counts down. • A 5 frame bracket in 1/2EV increments is exposed in the following order… Normal ➝ -0.5EV ➝ +0.5EV ➝ -1.0EV ➝ +1.0EV • The frame counter counts up when non-DX coded film is loaded.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 13 — Meter / Data Panel Illuminator Display Duration • Selecting longer display durations reduces battery performance. 1 – 5 sec Cust 15 — Eyestart Switch Dial-lock - Disengages the control dials to prevent an accidental turn of the control dials from changing the exposure settings. 2 – 10 sec 1 – Turns Eyestart on and off (p. 76). 3 – 30 sec 2 - Turns Dial-lock on and off. Eyestart is always on. 3 - Turns Dial-lock on and off. Eyestart is always off.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 18 — Control Dial Tasking Cust 18-2 Creative Program PA / Ps Mode Operation 1 – Default operation Exposure Mode Control Dial Tasking Front Control Dial Rear Control Dial 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 data panel display disappears.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 19 — Control Dial - Exchanged Control 1 – Unchanged from Cust 18. 2 – Front and rear control dial functions exchanged. • Control dial tasking does not change for bracketing, data memory, and custom functions. Cust 20 — Flash Metering 1 – 4-Segment Flash Metering (p. 63) 2 – Average metering APPENDIX All flash metering segments are weighted evenly. 3 – Spot Metering Flash is metered by the segment corresponding to the currently selected Local Focus Area.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION Quartz Data Back QD-9 Designed specifically for the Maxxum / Dynax 9, the Data Memory Back DM-9 can store exposure data for up to 400 rolls of 36 exposure film on a 2MB SmartMedia card. The saved data can be displayed in the data panel or on your home computer. The Data Memory Back DM-9 can also imprint aperture/shutter speed data, frame count, film ID, the date, or the time of exposure in between frames.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION This camera is designed to work specifically with lenses and accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using incompatible accessories with this camera may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage the camera and accessories. Compatibility of Accessories Lenses • All Minolta AF lenses can be used with this camera. • MD and MC series lenses (manual focus) cannot be used with this camera.
TROUBLE SHOOTING CAUSE SOLUTION PAGE Batteries are loaded incorrectly. Remove and reinstall the batteries. 10 Batteries are exhausted. If the camera battery is exhausted, install a new battery. 10 Situation is unsuitable for autofocus. Use focus hold or manual focus. Camera is set to manual focus mode. Slide the focus-mode switch to AF. Subject is too close. Check the minimum focus distance for your lens. Focus cannot be confirmed. Use focus hold or manual focus.
CARE AND STORAGE • 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. When using the camera in the rain, protect the camera and the lens.
SPECIFICATIONS Lens Mount: Viewfinder*: Magnification*: Focusing Screen: Diopter: 35mm SLR with built-in flash, autoexposure (AE), and omni-dimensional predictive autofocus (AF) Minolta A-type bayonet mount Eye level, fixed pentaprism, 100% field of view 0.73X * With a 50mm lens focused at infinity. Spherical matte, user interchangeable screens available. -1 diopter, Adjustment: -3 – +1 Film Transport Loading: Drive Modes: Auto load Single frame and Continuous advance (2 or 5.5 frames/sec. (4.
Minolta Co., Ltd. 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.
