E INSTRUCTION MANUAL QUICK OPERATION GETTING STARTED FULL-AUTO OPERATION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES ADDITIONAL FEATURES APPENDIX
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the camera in Full-Auto mode. Move on to Level II and the Subject Program modes when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera.
TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING STARTED I L E V E L FULLY-AUTOMATIC OPERATION Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ................................................20 Focus Signals ......................................................................21 Special Focus Situations......................................................22 Focus Hold ..........................................................................23 Using the Built-in Flash Flash signals...............................................................
NAMES OF PARTS NAMES OF PARTS For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
NAMES OF PARTS NAMES OF PARTS Data Panel Viewfinder Flash-mode indicators Red-eye reduction indicator Multiple-exposure indicator Exposure-bracketing indicator Exposure-mode indicators Manual-focus indicator Focus frame Shutter-speed/ISO display Aperture/Exposurecompensation display Exposure-compensation indicator Subject-program pointer Subject-program indicators Spot-metering area Spot-focus area Focus signals Focus-area indicator Shutter speed display Self-timer indicator Exposure-compensation i
QUICK OPERATION 1. Insert batteries. • This camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries. 2. Attach lens. • Align the red mounting dot on the lens with the one on the camera. Gently insert the lens into the mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. 3. Turn on power. • Slide the main switch to ON. QUICK OPERATION 5. Set Full-Auto operation. • Press the program-reset button to set the camera to fully-automatic operation. 6.
LEVEL I This section provides the information necessary to operate your camera in most photographic situations. This section covers: • Battery Installation • Attaching and Removing the Lens • Loading the Film • Camera Handling • Fully Automatic Camera Operation • Special Focus Situations • Basic Flash Operation • Rewinding the Film Once you fully understand the instructions in this section, proceed to Level II, Level III, and Additional Features to obtain more enjoyment from your camera.
BATTERIES BATTERIES Installing the Batteries Checking Battery Power Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the batterychamber lock to OPEN, then open the battery-chamber door. Each time the main switch is set to ON, a battery symbol appears in the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries. Full-battery symbol Power is sufficient for all camera operations. • will only appear for five seconds.
LENS LENS Attaching the Lens Removing the Lens 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. 1. Press the lens release and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops. 2. Gently remove the lens and replace caps, or attach another lens. 2. Align the red mounting dots on the lens and camera body. Caution 3. Gently insert the lens into the mount, then turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. • Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.
LOADING FILM LOADING FILM Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 28 for instructions on removing 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. • If DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film speed).
HANDLING THE CAMERA Holding the Camera Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, while supporting the lens with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steady. Keep the camera strap around your neck or wrist in the event you accidentally drop the camera. • Do not touch the end of the lens barrel while taking a picture. • Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO 1. Slide the main switch to ON. 5. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. • In low-light conditions, the AF illuminator (flash) will fire to determine focus distance. • Use focus hold (p23) if your subject is outside the focus frame. 2. Press the program-reset button to set the camera to Full-Auto. • The camera will return to its default settings (p81).
SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus lamp blinks, use focus hold (p23) or manual focus (p53). See page 21 for an explanation of the focus signals. FOCUS HOLD Use focus hold when your subject is outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to confirm. If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast. Focus hold cannot be used for moving subjects.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH In Full- Auto mode (P), the built-in flash pops-up automatically when the shutter release button is pressed partway down. Once the flash is up, it will fire when necessary. USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Flash Signals Flash is charged. • The shutter will not release until the flash is charged. • Select flash cancel ( ) when you don’t want the flash to fire. • Pressing the program-reset button (P) resets the flash to autoflash mode. Previous exposure was correct.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Fill Flash Red-Eye Reduction Use fill flash when taking pictures under fluorescent lighting or to eliminate harsh shadows. When set, the flash will fire every time a picture is taken. The TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure correct exposure. Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. • Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table on page 25.
REWINDING THE FILM Automatic Rewind After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically rewind the film. 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 panel. will blink in the data 2. Slide the back-cover release down to open the back cover. 3. Remove the film, then close the back cover.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Portrait Mode Landscape Mode Portraits have the greatest impact when a shallow depth-of-field* is used to separate the subject from the background. In Portrait mode, the necessary settings are made automatically, leaving you free to capture the perfect expression. * Depth-of-field is the area in front of and behind the point you focused on that appears sharp (p41).
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Close-Up Mode Sports Mode Set Close-Up mode when photographing small objects like flowers or jewelry. In Close-Up mode, the camera automatically sets the best possible aperture and shutter speed for the picture you are taking. Fast shutter speeds are needed to stop action. In Sports mode, the camera will set the fastest possible shutter speed and continually adjust the focus to track fastmoving subjects.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Night Portrait Mode Photographing Night Scenes Night portraits require the camera’s flash exposure to be balanced with the background exposure. In Night Portrait mode, the camera sets the largest possible aperture with a longer shutter speed, allowing the background to appear in the photograph. Cancel the flash in Night Portrait mode to photograph night scenes.
SELF-TIMER CONTINUOUS - ADVANCE MODE The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately 10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. 1. Place the camera on a tripod, then press the self-timer button until appears in the data panel. In this mode, the camera continues to release the shutter and advance the film as long as the shutter-release button is held down. • AF Zoom xi and Power zoom lenses cannot be zoomed when continuousadvance mode is selected. 1.
A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY In A-mode, 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 sharpness (depthof-field) in an image. Refer to Aperture Control on page 41. 1. Turn the function dial to LEVEL III . In this section you take full creative control of your camera. Depending on the selected exposure mode, you will control the aperture, shutter speed, or both to capture your image.
A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY A-Mode Flash Aperture Control When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. The camera’s TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure proper exposure. Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. • will appear in the data panel. • The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/125 or slower. • A smaller aperture (larger f-number) will result in a shorter flash range.
S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY In S-mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture required for proper exposure. Use S-mode when you want to control the blur caused by subject movement. 1. Turn the function dial to 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. . 1.
S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY M-MODE – MANUAL 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. Shutter Control 1. Turn the function dial to . 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until M appears in the data panel.
M-MODE – MANUAL M-MODE – MANUAL Metering in Manual Mode M-Mode Flash In manual mode, the meter index in the viewfinder and the data panel indicates how your exposure compares with the camera’s meter reading. 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. 1. Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash.
TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) Set the shutter speed to bulb when you want to take time exposures. When bulb is selected, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is pressed. 1. Mount the camera on a tripod. 2. Set the camera to M-mode, then turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. 5. Firmly press the eyepiece cap into the eyepiece. • The eyepiece cap prevents light from entering thru the viewfinder and affecting the metered exposure. 6.
FOCUS – Wide Focus Area Wide focus area uses the camera’s three focus sensors to automatically focus on your subject. The wide focus area provides greater framing flexibility and makes it easier for the camera to focus on moving subjects. Wide focus area is the camera’s standard focus mode. ADDITIONAL F E AT U R E S The camera determines which sensor is focusing on your subject and sets the focus accordingly. • The focus areas are not visible in the viewfinder frame.
FOCUS – Spot AF FOCUS – Manual Focus Spot AF uses the center focus sensor and the current metering mode (p55) to lock focus and exposure. The focus and exposure settings remain locked until the spot AF button is released. Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not possible. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame is in focus. 1. Place your subject inside the spot-focus area. 1. Press the focus-mode button.
FOCUS – AF Illuminator The AF Illuminator is a secondary function of the built-in flash. When the scene is too dark for the camera to focus accurately, the built-in flash fires a few short bursts when the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down to provide the illumination necessary for the camera to focus on your subject. • Pressing the spot AF button also activates the AF illuminator.
EXPOSURE – Spot Metering Use only the center metering segment to lock the exposure settings without locking the focus. The exposure remains locked until the spot/AE lock button is released. • Pressing the spot/AE lock button sets the flash to slow sync mode (p66). EXPOSURE – Exposure Compensation The metering system in this camera averages the readings from each active metering segment to determine an exposure that will achieve an average middle grey tone on the film. Compensated Exposure 1.
EXPOSURE – Setting the ISO Manually EXPOSURE – Bracketing Set the film speed manually when you want to override the DX-coded film speed or when using non-DX-coded film. Film speeds can be set from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3EV increments. Film must be loaded before the ISO can be changed. 1. Turn the function dial to ISO. Metered Exposure 1/2 Stop Under 1/2 Stop Over This function automatically exposes a 3 frame 1/2 stop increment bracketed series.
EXPOSURE – Bracketing EXPOSURE – Bracketing 3. Select the desired drive mode. • The drive mode is initially set to single ( or continuous ( ) whichever was set with exposure bracketing last. ) Cancelling Bracketing 1. Turn the function dial to . 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until OFF appears in the data panel. 4. Focus on and frame your subject, then press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.
EXPOSURE – Multiple Exposure EXPOSURE – Multiple Exposure The multiple-exposure function makes it possible to expose two or more images on the same frame. blinks in the data panel, indicating the next exposure will be the last in the series. • To take more than 2 exposures, repeat steps 1 and 2 until ME glows in the data panel. 1. Turn the function dial to . 4. Press the shutter-release button all the way down again to take the last exposure.
EXPOSURE – Multiple Exposure FLASH – High-Speed Sync The maximum sync speed for this camera is 1/125. However, with the 5400HS accessory flash (sold separately) shutter speeds up to 1/4000 can be used. High-speed sync (HSS) allows faster shutter speeds when fill flash is used on moving subjects outdoors. 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.
FLASH – Slow Sync FLASH – Wireless/Remote Flash In P and A-modes, slow-shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed to increase the background or ambient lighting exposure in a flash picture. Flash output will automatically be decreased to maintain a correct exposure of your subject. Normal Flash Slow-shutter Sync Conventional Flash 1. Frame your subject. 2. While pressing the spot/AE lock button, press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture.
FLASH – Wireless/Remote Flash FLASH – Wireless/Remote Flash Setting Wireless/Remote Flash Mode Taking Pictures in Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera, then turn the camera and the flash on. The off-camera flash will provide all of the exposure. 1. Position your camera and 3500xi flash unit using the information on this page. • If you are not using the 3500xi flash, refer to your flash instruction manual for the correct camera to subject and flash to subject distances.
FLASH – Wireless/Remote Flash 2. Wait until both flash units are fully charged. • appears in the viewfinder when the builtin flash is charged. • When the off-camera flash is charged, its AF illuminator will blink. FLASH – Wireless/Remote Flash Cancelling Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera, then turn the flash on. 2. Turn the function dial to WL. Press the spot/AE lock button to test fire the accessory flash. 3.
FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL The Quartz-data function lets you record the date or time onto the lower-right corner of the photograph. The quartz data back has an automatic calendar through the year 2019. • Imprinted data may be difficult to read if the lower-right corner of the photograph is bright or non-uniform. • Imprinting size and position may differ according to printing conditions. • Do not use the data back when temperatures exceed the operating range of 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F).
FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL Replacing the Battery The quartz data back uses a CR2025 lithium battery, located on the inside of the back cover. Replace the battery if the display or imprinted data becomes dim. 1. Open the back cover. CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Using the custom functions, you can tailor selected camera settings to suit your shooting style or preferences. The functions you can customize are explained on pages 76-80. Setting the Custom Functions 1. Turn the function dial to CUST. 2.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 1 – AF Release Priority Cust 4 – DX Memory 1 – AF priority 1 – DX Memory Off 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. • When continuous-advance mode is selected, the camera will not update the focus while the shutter-release button is pressed. Film speed is always set to the DX-coded ISO.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 6 – Focus-hold button (LENS) Cust 7 – Spot AF button The mounted lens must have a focus hold button. 1 – Focus Hold Pressing the focus-hold button on the lens locks the focus. 1 – Spot Focus Press the Spot AF button to lock the focus using the center focus sensor (p52). 2 – Selectable focus area Press the Spot AF button and turn the control dial to specify the desired local focus area.
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS Cust 8 – Spot/AE Lock button 1 – Press to activate Spot area is used for metering until the spot button is released. 2 – Press once to activate, press again to cancel. Spot metering area is used for metering until the spot/AE lock button is pressed again. APPENDIX • Slow-shutter sync is set when the flash is selected. Cust 9 – AF Illuminator (built-in flash) 1 – AF IIluminator on When the built-in flash is up, its AF illuminator will fire when necessary to assist focus.
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.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION EXPOSURE WARNINGS For owners of the optional lens kits Indicators will blink in the viewfinder or data panel when there is a problem with the exposure. Lens Hood Flare is non-image forming light that degrades image quality. A lens hood improves image quality by reducing flare. • Remove a lens hood before using the camera’s built-in flash. Fit the lens hood into the mount at the end of the lens barrel, then turn the hood clockwise until it stops.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TROUBLE SHOOTING Contact your nearest Minolta Service Facility if the following information does not cover the problem which you are experiencing or the condition continues. PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION PAGE Batteries are loaded incorrectly. Remove and reinstall the batteries. 12 Batteries are exhausted. If the camera battery is exhausted, install a new battery. 12 Situation is unsuitable for autofocus. Use focus hold or manual focus. Camera is set to manual focus mode.
CARE AND STORAGE 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. • Never subject the camera to extreme humidity.
SPECIFICATIONS Camera Type: Lens Mount: Viewfinder: Shutter Type: Speeds: Flash sync speed: Focus Type: 35mm SLR with built-in flash, autoexposure (AE), and action predictive autofocus (AF) Minolta A-type bayonet mount SLR roof mirror type, 90% field of view, Magnification: 0.75X Film Transport Loading: Drive Modes: Rewind: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type 30 sec. - 1/4000 sec., bulb 1/125 or slower (synchronizes with all speeds in HSS mode).
NOTES NOTES This mark certifies that this product meets the requirements of the EU (European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).
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. Belgian Branch Minolta (Schweiz) AG Minolta Svenska AB Finnish 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.
