INSTRUCTION MANUAL MINOLTA X-700
Before using your camera for the first time, study this manual carefully all the way through — or at least all the sections covering your photographic needs. As you read, attach a lens, load batteries, turn the main switch on, and handle your X-700 to acquaint yourself w i t h its parts and features. Then load it w i t h f i l m and proceed to actual picture taking. In this way you can take good photos and begin to realize the broad potential of your X-700 right from the start.
Your Minolta X-700, the state-of-the-art SLR camera at the center of the Minolta Program System, offers you the focus-and-shoot simplicity of programmed auto-exposure (AE) c o n t r o l : Both aperture and shutter speed are automatically set over a wide range by the camera, with continuous viewfinder LED readout of speeds being set.
CONTENTS NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN FEATURES . .. TAKING CARE OF YOUR X-700 4 8 9 Strap and case 10 PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES 10 MOUNTING AND CARE OF LENSES 10 Body and lens caps 11 Attaching and removing lenses 11 Care of glass surfaces 12 BATTERIES AND POWER 12 Batteries 13 Main switch 14 Operating button Automatic battery check and shutter lock . . . .
M E T E R E D / F U L L - M A N U A L EXPOSURE MODE (M mode) Long exposures ( " B " setting) FOCUSING Focusing aid Distance scale Film-plane index Infrared index • DEPTH OF F I E L D Preview button Depth-of-field scale • BLUR FROM CAMERA/SUBJECT MOVEMENT SUPPORTING THE CAMERA AND RELEASING THE SHUTTER Slow-shutter-speed warning Mounting camera on tripod Self-timer Other ways of releasing shutter 38 39 40 40 41 41 41 42 43 43 • C R E A T I V E CONTROL OF APERTURE A N D SHUTTER SPEED FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY 48 5
NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN FEATURES Exposure-adjustment control 2 EV stops continuous adjustment over or under normal exposure, with LED indicator in viewfinder Mode/shutter-speed selector P: Programmed AE A: Aperture-priority AE 1 -1000: Stepped shutter speeds for metered/full manual B: Long ("bulb") exposures Back-cover release k n o b Main switch Operating button "Soft t o u c h " electromagnetic release; locks when battery power too low "Touch switch" metering with 15-sec.
AE lock/self-timer switch • AE lock for holding close-up or adjusted-viewing meter readings • Electronic self-timer with triple-rate blinking LED and optional audible beeps MD coupler Lens-mounting index MC coupler Lens-release button Mirror Specially coated to make viewfinder 11 % brighter Front grip Integral front and back grips giving camera surer hold Strap eyelet Shutter-release socket Diaphragm-control lever Sync terminal Bayonet lens mount New integrally lubricated stainlesssteel mount offer
Mode indicators M: Metered manual A: Aperture-priority AE P: Programmed AE (blinks if lens not set at minimum aperture or non-MD lens in use Focusing grip Distance scale Depth-of-field scale Aperture ring/scale Mounting index Minimum-aperture lock Prevents accidental m o v e m e n t of a p e r t u r e ring in P m o d e Diaphragm-control pin Over-range LED 6 Shutter-speed scale/LEDs • LED indicates stepless speed set by camera in P and A modes • LED indicates stepped speed recommended in M mode • " 6 0 "
Back-cover release knob Film-cartridge chamber Shutter curtain Horizontal-traverse focal-plane type Sprocket Take-up spool Pressure plate Eyepiece frame/eyepiece Memo holder ISO (DIN-ASA) table Back grip Battery-chamber cover Tripod socket Rewind release Accessory connections: Contact terminals for camera control by Multi-Function Back and data-imprint control w i t h Multi-Function Back or Quartz Data Back 1 Motor-drive guide socket Motor-drive contacts Winder contact Winder/motordrive coupler Winder/moto
TAKING CARE OF YOUR X-700 8 Your Minolta X-700 is a high-precision instrument designed to give many years of trouble-free picture taking if used and cared for properly. The precautions you should follow for keeping the camera in good operating condition are given below and at various places throughout the text. • External camera and lens barrel — but not glass — surfaces should be wiped with a soft, silicone-treated cloth now and then, especially after using the camera near salt water.
S t r a p and case The strap (provided with camera) and case (sold separately) should be attached as shown to keep your camera handy for use and to protect it from being dropped or bumped. NOTE • The protective plastic film on the camera's base can be removed if desired.
PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES The next four sections cover things you must do to prepare your camera for taking pictures: • Attach lens (at right). • Insert batteries and turn main switch on (pp. 12 and 13). • Set film speed (p. 16). • Load camera with film (pp. 17 to 20). You must always install batteries properly and turn on the main switch before loading f i l m ; the order of other steps may vary. Instructions for rewinding and unloading film are also given in this part.
To attach lenses After removing the body cap and rear lens cap, align the red mounting index on the lens barrel w i t h the red index on the camera's lens mount, insert the lens bayonet into the socket, then turn the lens clockwise until it locks into place with a click. To remove lenses While pushing the lens-release b u t t o n , turn the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go, then lift it out of the mount.
BATTERIES AND POWER Batteries For operation of the X-700's circuitry and shutter, use one of the following types of batteries: • T w o 1.55v silver-oxide (SR44: Eveready S-76, EPX-76, or equiv.) •Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese (LR44: Eveready A-76 or equiv.) • One 3v lithium (CR-1/3N)-See note on p. 15. CAUTIONS • Never use 1.35v mercury batteries (MR44: Eveready EPX-675 or equiv.), which have a similar shape and size.
Main switch For the camera's circuitry and shutter to operate, the main switch must be set at either " O N " or " O N ". The latter position should be used when you want audible beeps during self-timer operation or an audible warning whenever the shutter speed set or recommended by the camera is 1/30 sec. or slower. (For the slow-shutter-speed warning to function, the operating button must be touched or slightly pressed.
Operating button Touching the operating button in the center of the mode/shutterspeed selector activates the camera's meter, viewfinder LED display, and exposure-control system. If proper contact is not possible (e.g., in cold weather, when fingers are excessively d r y , or when wearing gloves), press the button slightly. The shutter is released when the operating button is pressed all the way down.
Cold-weather operation Since batteries tend to lose power as they become colder, always use fresh batteries and keep a spare set with you when using your camera in cold weather. For prolonged cold-weather use (approx. O°C or lower), silver-oxide batteries are recommended. Battery capacity will be restored as temperatures rise. Battery holder Fresh spare batteries can be stored in the battery holder threaded on the camera strap (p. 9 ) . To insert batteries, form a loop as shown above then drop them in.
FILM AND FILM SPEED The X-700 uses standard 35mm cartridge f i l m . If you are not already familiar with the many types available, you may want to experiment to find one or more that give pleasing results for subjects you like to photograph or for special situations. The ISO film speed (incorporating ASA and DIN numbers) indicates the film's sensitivity to light. The first part of the ISO number (equivalent to ASA number) is marked on the X-700's film-speed ring. Each time this number doubles (e.g.
LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM A handy ISO (DIN-ASA) table, w i t h a surrounding memo holder for keeping the film-box end as a reminder of the film type and number of exposures, is located on the camera back. Loading film Before opening the camera back, confirm that there is no film inside that could be damaged by light if the back is opened, by checking that: • No red is visible in the Safe Load Signal (see p. 20). • Rewind crank can be freely rotated clockwise many times without pushing rewind button.
1. With the case off, pull up on the back-cover release knob until the camera back springs open. Gently blow away any dust or other particles inside with a blower brush. NOTE • When loading film in a dark place or with the lens cap on, loading will be easier if the mode selector is not set at " P " or " A " . 18 2. Leaving the knob pulled out, position a 35mm film cartridge as shown with the projecting spool down. Then push the knob all the way in, rotating it slightly if necessary.
If you find it easier to hold the film leader in your right hand, insert the film as shown in the diagram above, making sure the take-up spool tooth is properly engaged with a hole. 4. With the film held against the sprocket by your left hand, slowly operate the film-advance lever until the film is wound firmly around the take-up spool, the sprocket teeth are engaged with holes on both edges of the f i l m , and the slack in the film is taken up. 5.
6. Advance film, release shutter, and advance film — until the index points to " 1 " . A red bar should now appear at far left in the Safe Load Signal, indicating film is loaded and advancing properly. (If it does not appear or swings far to the right, repeat steps 3 to 6.) The camera is now ready for taking the first picture, provided film speed is set.
REWINDING AND UNLOADING FILM 1. To rewind the f i l m , remove the camera's case if on, then press the rewind release on the camera bottom. 2. Unfold the rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow until the red bar in the Safe Load Signal moves out of the window to the left. Near the end you will feel tension on the film increase then completely disappear, and the crank will then turn freely. CAUTION • Never open the camera back when there is any red still visible in the Safe Load Signal. 3.
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TAKING PICTURES WITH YOUR X-700 Pages 23 to 51 explain how to use your camera to take pictures. The sections in boxes give additional information on some of the fundamentals of photography. Self-timer ? P-mode settings ? Pre-shooting check To make sure your camera is ready for picture taking, it is a good habit to check the items shown here.
EXPOSURE CONTROL WITH THE X-700 Y o u r X - 7 0 0 can be used in any of three e x p o s u r e - c o n t r o l modes, as s u m m a r i z e d b e l o w and e x p l a i n e d in m o r e detail in the f o l l o w i n g sections. If you hold the camera as shown, you can easily operate most controls without removing it from your eye.
Mode/shutter-speed selector and P/A-lock release The mode/shutter-speed selector can be rotated continuously in either direction but locks at " P " and " A " to prevent accidental movement. Release the selector by pressing the P/A-lock release, then turn it until it clicks or locks into place at the desired position. Minimum-aperture lock In P mode, it is recommended to lock the lens at its minimum aperture to prevent accidental movement.
PROGRAMMED AUTO-EXPOSURE MODE (P mode) Basic settings Set m o d e selector at " P " . Set and lock lens at minimum aperture (green figure). 26 USE ONLY MD LENSES Taking pictures in P mode After you have set the camera as shown at left, it will automatically set the shutter speed and aperture for you (see program graph on p. 30).
Viewfinder shows: Green " P " = Programmed AE mode in use (Blinks if lens is not set at minimum aperture) Minimum aperture (green) NOT THE T A K I N G APERTURE Stepless shutter speed set by camera (If two LEDs light, speed is in between.
FUNDAMENTALS OF EXPOSURE CAMERA COMPUTES EXPOSURE VALUE (EV) APERTURE CAMERA METERS SUBJECT BRIGHTNESS FILM SPEED (Set by user) SHUTTER SPEED 28
When you take a picture, light from the subject passes through the lens and open shutter, striking the film to form an image. To obtain correct exposure for the subject's brightness and film being used, the aperture (size of the diaphragm opening) and shutter speed (length of time the shutter curtain is kept open) must be controlled. As indicated by the aperture diagram next to each f-number in the figure, large f-numbers (e.g., f/16 and f/8) represent small apertures, and small f-numbers (e.g.
COUPLED RANGES A N D PROGRAM GRAPH As shown in the graph at right, the X-700's program is designed to maintain the fastest practicable shutter speed as light dims. The graph gives you a general idea of which aperture is being set for a given LED-indicated shutter speed. For example, if the " 1 2 5 " LED lights, the aperture will be approximately f/2.8 (for a 50mm f/1.4 lens, at ISO 100/21 ). The accurate working range of shutter-speed and aperture combinations at ISO 100/21° w i t h an f/1.
LENS AND MODE COMBINATIONS ISO 25/15° 50/18° 100/21° 200/24° 400/27° Shutter speed 4 to 1/1000 sec. 2 to 1/1000 sec. 1 to 1/1000 sec. 1/2 to 1/1000 sec. 1/4 to 1/1000 sec. The accurate working range of shutter speeds of the X-700 depends on the film speed, as shown in the table. If you release the shutter when the LEDs indicate a speed outside the applicable range, exposure may be incorrect. The table at right shows the usable modes for various types of lenses and accessories.
APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO-EXPOSURE MODE (A mode Basic settings Set mode selector at " A " . 32 Set lens at desired aperture. Taking pictures in A mode After you have set the mode selector and desired aperture as shown at left, the camera will automatically select the stepless shutter speed needed for proper exposure.
Viewfinder shows: Red " A " = Aperture-priority AE mode in use Aperture you selected (equals taking aperture) Stepless shutter speed set by camera for that aperture (If two LEDs light, speed is in between.) Selecting an aperture In aperture-priority AE mode, your X-700 will set the precise shutter speed for proper exposure automatically. Even so, you have considerable control over results and can adjust aperture and shutter speed over considerable ranges to suit the conditions and yourself.
AE LOCK METERING WITH THE X-700 Your X-700's center-weighted averaging meter system is designed so that light from all parts of the viewfield (picture area) is measured by the silicon photocell but influence from a broad central area is greatest. Thus the reading should give satisfactory exposure without adjustment as long as the main subject area occupies a major part of the center of the frame.
EXPOSURE-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL then remove your finger from the operating button if desired. 3. Recompose your picture as desired. 4. Release the shutter while still holding the AE lock down. NOTES • Suggestions on when to use the AE lock are given on pages 36 and 37. • The AE lock cannot be used in M mode or together with the selftimer. • If you wish to change the settings of film speed, exposure adjustment, mode/shutter-speed, or aperture, do so before pressing the AE lock.
WHEN TO USE AE LOCK A N D EXPOSURE The following suggestions on when to use the AE lock or exposure-adjustment control can serve as starting points for trial; individual conditions and taste will, of course, determine what exposure you choose.
A. Without AE lock or adjustment C. Without AE lock or adjustment B. Exposure increased D. Exposure decreased The same results can be obtained by using the AE lock while framing the face within the rectangle, then recomposing before releasing the shutter.
M E T E R E D / F U L L - M A N U A L EXPOSURE MODE (M mode) Basic setting Set mode/shutter-speed selector at any position from " 1 " t o " 1 0 0 0 " . 38 Taking a picture in M mode To use the X-700 in metered- or full-manual mode, first release the mode/shutter-speed selector from " P " or " A " and check to see that the lens is not locked at minimum aperture.
sures) or a Minolta electronic remote cord (p. 47). The eyepiece cap (p. 25) should be used to prevent stray light from affecting the exposure.
FOCUSING Focusing aid The X-700's standard focusing screen has a split-image spot surrounded by a band of microprisms in the center of an Acute Matte field.
Distance scale You may find that in the following situations it is easier to focus by estimating the distance to your subject, then aligning the corresponding figure on the distance scale with the index: • If you are taking long exposures or flash pictures when it is too dark to focus through the lens • If you want to prefocus on your subject, such as in quickly shot candid photos Film-plane index The symbol beneath the filmadvance lever indicates the position occupied by the film in the camera.
DEPTH OF FIELD Focused distance APERTURE Focused distance FOCUSED DISTANCE The range behind and in front of the focused distance within which the image appears acceptably sharp is called the depth of field. It extends a greater distance behind the focused distance (usually about 1/3 in front, 2/3 behind) and is determined by three factors: the aperture, the distance at which the lens is focused, and the focal length of the lens.
Preview button In A and M mode, depth of field at any focused distance and aperture can be checked visually by pushing the preview button all the way in. This will stop the diaphragm down to the aperture corresponding to the f-number set on the aperture ring, allowing you to see through the viewfinder how much of the subject is acceptably sharp. NOTE • The shutter speed indicated by LED while the preview button is pressed is NOT the actual shutter speed.
BLUB FBOM CAMERA/SUBJECT MOVEMENT A blurred photograph results when movement of the subject or camera during exposure causes a shift in the position of the image on f i l m . The shutter speed required to "freeze" an object's action normally increases as the object's speed increases; however, no matter what the speed, an object moving across the viewfinder field requires a faster shutter speed than one moving at the same speed directly toward or away from the camera.
SUPPORTING THE CAMERA AND RELEASING THE SHUTTER In order to obtain sharp, blur-free photos, it is important to release the shutter gently while keeping the camera as still as possible. Always, regardless of shutter speed, release the shutter with a slow, steady squeeze — never a quick jab — preferably while holding your breath. Shown at right are some ways of holding the camera to provide adequate support at normal and fast shutter speeds.
Slow-shutter-speed warning When the main switch is set at " O N " and the operating button is touched or slightly pressed, a slow-shutter-speed warning will beep if the camera sets (in P or A mode) or recommends (in M mode) a shutter speed of 1/30 second or slower. Though the actual danger of blur from camera or subject movement depends on many factors (p. 44), including your own ability to hold the camera steady, you may wish to use the figure " 3 0 " as a reference point to gauge the chance of blur.
Self-timer The X-700's electronic self-timer can be used to delay release of the shutter for 10 seconds. To operate it: 1. Mount the camera on a sturdy support, compose your picture, and focus. 2. Set the mode/shutter-speed selector at any setting other than " B " , and make sure the film is advanced. 3. Pull the self-timer switch up. 4. To start the timer, press the operating button.
CREATIVE CONTROL OF APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED 48 A B Sometimes you may want to select an aperture so as to obtain a particular effect, such as rendering a certain range in sharp focus or emphasizing a subject against an out-of-focus background. In either case, use the X-700 in A or M mode, setting the lens at the desired aperture. Small f-numbers yield a shallow field of sharp focus, as in photo A above, while large f-numbers give greater depth of field, as in photo B.
c D At other times, the subject or effect you want may make the shutter speed more important. In A mode turn the aperture ring until the LED next to the desired shutter speed lights, or use M mode to set the speed. Fast shutter speeds such as 1/500 to 1/1000 above. can be (photo sec. can "freeze" action, as in photo C Slow shutter speeds such as 1/2 to 1 sec. used to emphasize subject flow or motion D).
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY Besides its pentaprism-mounted silicon photocell for ambient light metering, the X-700 has a second cell located in its mirror compartment to measure through-the-lens (TTL) light reflected from the film during flash exposures with PXseries Auto Electrofl3Shes. Used in program T T L autoflash mode with the X-700 and an MD lens set for P mode, this Minolta Direct Autoflash Metering system allows you to simply compose, focus on a subject in flash range, and shoot.
Camera connection Flash mode and aperture setting X-sync shutter speed Flash-ready signal If shutter released before flash charged: Flash-distance check (FDC) signaling Exposure-adjustment control PX-series A u t o Electroflash X series A u t o Electroflash Other Hot shoe (or off-camera cables) Hot shoe Hot shoe or sync cord Controllable by camera's selector: P: program T T L (camera selects aperture by flash program) A: any-aperture T T L (user selects aperture to control flash range and depth of
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ACCESSORIES (Minolta Program System) Wideangle Adapter Auto Electroflash Macro 80PX Set Panel Set Wideangle Adapter Auto Electroflash 360PX Auto Electroflash 132PX Auto Electroflash 280PX AC Adapter 4 or 5 Baterry Charge PG Triple Connector Wideangle Adapters Off Camera Shoe Bounce Reflector Set Cable OC Ni-Cd Charger NC 2 Cable CD Color Filter Set X 700 Cable EX Motor Drive 1 Multi Function Back NiCd Battery Pack NP-2 Cable MD Auto Winder G Power Grip 2 Set Cable AW Quartz Data Back 1 Ni-Cd
AUTO ELECTROFLASH 280PX. 132PX. 360PX. MACRO 80PX SET With one of these flash units attached, the X-700's Direct Autoflash Metering system provides through-the-lens (TTL) off-film flash control in program (P) mode or any-aperture (A) mode. Viewfinder flash-ready signaling, auto sync-speed setting, and sufficient-exposure confirmation are other features that make them extremely simple to use.
MULTI-FUNCTION BACK The quartz/microcomputer-controlled Multi-Function Back connects cordlessly to the X-700 in place of its regular back to perform a variety of cameracontrol and data-imprinting functions. By simply pressing keys while viewing its liquid-crystal display, you can set it for time-lapse photographs at a huge range of intervals, automatically timed long exposures, and/or multi-frame sequences.
MOTOR DRIVE 1 and AUTO WINDER G With Motor Drive 1 attached, you can capture the action with single-frame or continuous operation at either 2 or 3.5 frames per second. The comfortable handgrip has two operating buttons, each w i t h a Minolta "touch switch", enabling full viewfinder readout for either horizontal or vertical framing. Auto Winder G lets you focus full attention on the creative aspects of photography by freeing you from winding the film after each picture.
OPTIONAL FOCUSING SCREENS The X-700's standard focusing screen can be replaced by any of eight optional Acute Matte screens at authorized Minolta service facilities. Types and usages are as follows: P1 P2 PM: horizontal split/microprism band; standard type (not shown); general photography Pd M G L s H P 1 : horizontal split; general photography P 2 : horizontal split; general photography with f/2.8 or larger max.
TECHNICAL DETAILS Type: Electronically governed 35mm single-lens reflex AE camera Exposure-control modes: Fully programmed ("P"), aperture-priority automatic ( " A " ) , and metered manual ("M") Lens mount: Minolta SLR bayonet of integrally lubricated stainless steel (54° rotating angle); coupling for full-aperture metering, finder display input, and automatic diaphragm control, providing programmed or aperture-priority auto operation w i t h Minolta MD lenses, aperture-priority auto operation with MC and o
Exposure-adjustment control: Up to ±2 EV continuous adjustment of P, A, or M exposure by dial that locks at zero position and each 1/2-EV setting Mirror: Triple-coated oversize instant-return slide-up type Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing 95% of 24x36mm film-frame area; magnification: 0.
Power: Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese (LR44: Eveready A-76 or equiv.), two 1.55v silver-oxide (SR44: Eveready S-76, EPX-76, or equiv.
STORAGE • If the camera is not to be used for more than two weeks, the batteries should be removed. • It is advisable to operate the f i l m - a d v a n c e lever a n d release the s h u t t e r once o r t w i c e f r o m t i m e t o t i m e d u r i n g e x t e n d e d storage.
