Owner`s manual

Chapter 3
Flash-less photography
3.1 Photographing with M42 / Minolta AF lens reduction
[Author(s): Petr Holub.]
Needs more testing!!!
Tested in following setup:
Date: 2002–08–13 20:30–23:30. Place: Flamenco concert, Brno, CZ
Minolta Dynax 600si
Russian mirror lens: 500/6.3 – 3M-6A (or ZM-BA – Russian alphabet???) N840247 with M42
M42/ Minolta AF lens reduction
Fuji Superia 1600 (with 4
th
layer) pushed to 3200ASA
Testing showed that metering doesn’t work correctly. System tends to underexpose at least 1 EV. Also
working conditions during this experiment were difficult because of overall low-light situation (correct
exposition was about 5.6/20 with 3200 ASA film!) and strong spotlight.
After that I tried to play with it using different metering modes and comparing results to the ones
measured through the standard lens I use (24–85/3.5–4.5 and 70–210/3.5-4.5)but without actually shooting
on the film. I’ve found the measurements through the M42 reduction generally not very reliable (in all
three modes – average, expert, and spot) with tendency to underexpose which matches experiences from
the flamenco concert. To get proper exposure I suggest using either other light measurement (through other
lens or using external exposure meter) or bracket 0 5 through 2 5.
It should be tested more thoroughly, especially influence of different metering modes and the results
should be shot on slide film to get precise results.
3.1.1 Comment on M42
[Author(s): Magnus Wedberg.]
My own testing indicates that using M42 lenses on Minolta bodies is somewhat hit-and-miss. Results seems
to heavily depend on which lens you are using, and on the camera, too. I never use any compensation with
my Super Takumar 55/2.