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Minolta Dynax 7 XI Manual

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MINOLTA
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
The Minolta DYNAX 7xi is one of the most innovative AF SLRs available
For this reason, you are holding a large and rather intimidating owner's
manual. However, not everything will pertain to you immediately, so read
it in sections.
First, look over the parts diagrams and familiarize yourself with the
controls, their names, and their locations. This will be helpful later when
they are introduced in the manual and you learn about their functions.
Next, read Preparations, beginning on p.8. Follow along and attach the
strap, insert a battery, etc. Get used to holding the camera, working the
controls, and seeing the displays.
Then, begin where you must with anything new — The Basics. Read it well,
and you should then be ready to put the 7xi to work for you in the simplest
way possible. As you use the camera, you will begin to realize the power
of features such as:
• Expert system programming with fuzzy logic control
• High-Speed, Multi-Dimensional Predictive autofocus
• Expert Program Selection
• Graphic Display Viewfinder
• Creative Program Control
Operations in Detail and the Appendix are there for you to increase your
mastery over this unique camera and its innovative technology, and to help
you expand your control over the medium of photography.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Minolta DYNAX 7xi was designed to work specifically with lenses,
flash units, and other accessories manufactured and distributed by
Minolta. We therefore caution users of this camera that the attachment
and/or use of incompatible products with the 7xi may result in
unsatisfactory performance or damage to the camera or its accessories.
To obtain optimum performance throughout the life of your DYNAX 7xi,
we recommend that you use only those lenses, flashes and other
accessories distributed by Minolta specifically for use with this camera.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
NAMES OF PARTS 4
2
Neckstrap ...... 8
Eyepiece Cap 9
Lens 10
Attaching 10
Removing 11
Care of glass surfaces 11
Battery 12
Inserting 12
Battery-condition indicators 13
Battery Performance 14
Cold-weather operation 14
Film 15
Loading 15
Automatic/manual film speed setting 18
Automatic/manual rewind 20
Holding the Camera 22
Taking Pictures 23
Camera-Shake Warning 25
Autofocus 26
Focus Signals 27
Focus Lock 28
Programmed Autoexposure 29
Creative Program Control 31
PA 32
Ps 35
OPERATIONS IN DETAIL
Main Switch and Eye-start 39
Focusing Details 40
Autofocus illuminator 40
Local AF area selection 41
Special focusing situations 43
Manual focus 44
Exposure Details 46
Changing exposure mode 46
Aperture priority 48
Shutter priority 50
Manual exposure 52
Metering modes 54
Exposure compensation 56
AEIock 58
Self-timer 59
Bulb 60
Flash System 62
Flash modes 62
P mode flash 64
A, S, and M mode flash 65
Slow-shutter sync flash 68
Remote off-camera TTL flash 70
Film drive 74
Autozoom 76
Auto stand-by zoom 76
Image-size lock 78
Wide-view mode 80
APPENDIX
Lens Aperture and Depth of Field 84
Shutter Speed and Moving Subjects 87
Composition 88
Accessory Information 90
Care and Storage 92
Troubleshooting 94
Technical Description 95
Quick Reference Guide 98
Names of Parts/Body
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11
12
Grip sensor
AF illuminator/self-timer light
Wide-view mode button
Strap eyelet
Front control dial
Shutter-release button
Card on/off button
Body data panel
Accessory shoe
Program-reset button
Main switch
Flash pop-up button
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Back-cover release
Lens release
Focus-mode switch
Mounting index
Mirror*
Lens contacts*
Film chamber
Eyepiece sensor
Eyepiece cup
AE Lock button
Rear control dial
Function button
Film window
4
Card Door
*Do not touch
5
26. Pressure Plate*
27. Accessory-back contacts*
28. Card door
29. Remote-control terminal
30. Battery-cover release
31. Film-leader index
32. Sprocket
33. Tripod socket
34. DX contacts*
35. Self-timer/Drive mode button
36. Flash-mode button
37. Rewind button
38. ISO button
39. Card-adjust button
40. Card-eject slide
Names of Parts/Viewfinder Screen
1. Image-size-lock indicator
2. Dial-function indicators
3. Wide-view indicator
4. Film-frame indicator
5. AF-area indicator
6. Local-AF-area indicator
7. Spot-metering area
8. Manual-focus indicator
9. Depth index
10. Action index
11. Panorama indicator
12. Image control index
Names of Parts/Viewfinder Data Panel
1. Flash-on indicator
2. Flash-mode indicator
3. Camera-shake warning
4. Focus signals
5. Exposure-mode indicators
6. Shutter-speed/Film-speed display
7. Exposure Signals/Exposure Adjustment indicator
8. Aperture/Exposure Adjustment display
9. AEL indicator
7
NECKSTRAP
A neckstrap is supplied with your camera. Attach it as shown below.
a
An eyepiece cap is also included on the strap. It fits over the eyepiece to
prevent stray light from entering the camera and affecting the exposure
during situations in which you are not looking through the viewfinder
when the shutter releases (ie, self-timer photographs or bulb exposures).
An accessory shoe cap protects the contacts on the camera's accessory
contacts from dust and dirt. When you are using a flash or other accessory,
slide the accessory shoe cap into the eyepiece cap for safekeeping.
9
EYEPIECE CAP
To remove:
1. While pressing the lens release, turn the lens counterclockwise until it
stops. Lift the lens out of the mount.
2. Immediately attach the rear cap to the lens and the body cap or another
lens to the camera. This will protect the camera interior, lens contacts, and
lens elements.
- Be carefu!
• Do not to force the lens onto the body if it does not turn smoothly.
• Never touch anything inside the camera, especially the lens contacts
and mirror.
Care of Glass Surfaces
• Never touch any lens surfaces (including the eyepiece) with your
fingers. If a lens becomes dirty, first gently clean it with a lens brush. Then,
if necessary, moisten a sheet of lens tissue with one drop of lens-cleaning
fluid and, starting from the center of the lens, wipe the glass in a circular
motion.
• Never lift the mirror or touch its surface, as this may impair its alignment
or scratch its face. Dust on the mirror's surface will not affect meter
readings or picture quality. If it is distracting, have the camera cleaned at
an authorized Minolta service facility.
11
The camera uses a 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery which supplies power for
all camera operations. If you are using an xi-Series lens, the camera battery
also supplies power to the lens zoom motor.
Installation
1. With the main switch in the LOCK position, slide the battery cover
release in the direction indicated to open the battery cover.
2. Insert the battery according to the marks on the inside of the chamber
cover.
3. Snap the cover closed.
• Sometimes it helps to wipe the battery terminals with a clean, dry cloth
in order to ensure proper contact.
CAUTION
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the battery
manufacturer.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, recharge, or short-circuit the battery.
Do not subject it to high temperatures or fire. The battery may explode
and cause severe burns.
• Keep batteries away from children.
12
Battery-condition Indicators
At various times during operation, one of the following indicators will
appear in the body data panel.
Display Indication
1. Full-battery symbol
appears for 4 sec.
after you turn camera
on.
2. Low-battery symbol
appears for 4 seconds
after you turn camera
on.
3. Low-battery symbol
blinks while it
appears with other
operating indicators
at any time during use.
4. Blinking
low-battery symbol and
appears, or no
display appears at
all, and shutter locks
Meaning
Power is sufficient.
Power is sufficient, but
getting low. Keep a
fresh battery handy.
Camera can be
operated, but power is
extremely low. The
battery will need to
be changed soon.
Power is insufficient
for operation.
Replace the battery or
check that the battery
is inserted correctly.
• If no display appears when the main switch is set to ON, double-check
that the battery is inserted correctly before inserting a fresh one.
13
Battery Performance
The 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery should provide sufficient power for
shooting approximately 50 rolls of 24-exposure film without flash. These
figures are based on Minolta's standard test method using a fresh battery
at 68°F (20°C). Actual battery performance will depend on how you use the
camera. If you install a new battery that has been in prolonged storage,
battery performance may vary.
Cold-Weather Operation
Lithium batteries provide excellent performance in cold weather.
However, if you plan to shoot many rolls of film outdoors at temperatures
near or below 32° F (0°C), we recommend that you carry the camera inside
your coat while you are not shooting, to keep it warm. You may also want
to carry a spare battery in your pocket so that you can change the camera
battery if necessary. Do not discard a cold battery. After it warms up, it will
regain some of its charge.
14
Loading Film
Before you load film, always check the body data panel. If the film cartridge
is displayed, do not open the back cover. Check the film window and frame
counter to verify the type of film in the camera and the number of frames
remaining. (See p. 20 for instructions on rewinding a partially exposed roll of
film.)
• Before you load film for the first time, remove and discard the protective
plastic cover over the shutter.
• Always load film in subdued or shaded light.
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15
1. Open the back cover by sliding the back-cover release downward.
2. Place the film cartridge into the film chamber as shown above and extend
the leader between the guide rails until the tip is just past the film-leader
index. Make sure the holes in the film's lower edge are engaged by the
sprocket teeth.
RIGHT
WRONG
RIGHT
WRONG
• Make sure the film leader is shaped correctly, otherwise the film may
not wind properly. Trim a torn or crimped film tip so that it looks like the
correct one pictured above left.
• If the film extends too far, gently push the excess back into the cartridge.
• NEVER TOUCH THE SHUTTER CURTAIN WITH YOUR FINGERS OR
WITH THE FILM TIP. Its precision design makes it extremely sensitive to
pressure.
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16
3. Close the back cover and move the main switch to ON. The camera will
automatically advance the film to the first frame and 1 will appear in the film
counter.
• If the film is loaded incorrectly, 0 will blink in
the frame counter and the shutter will remain
locked. Open the back cover and repeat steps 2
and 3.
• If you turn the main switch to ON before you load film, to not touch the
grip sensor during the above procedures.
17
Manual Film Speed Setting
If you are using a non-DX-coded film or if you wish to override the
automatic setting, you must manually set the film speed. The camera will
initially set non-DX-coded film to the ISO of the previous roll; initially this
value is set to 100.
1. Load the film and close the back cover.
2. Open the card door and press the ISO button.
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18
If you use DX-coded film between ISO 25 and
5000, the camera will automatically set the
correct film speed. The film speed setting will be
displayed in the body data panel for 4 sec. after
you load the film.
Automatic Film Speed Setting
3. Turn either control dial until the desired film speed setting appears in the
body data panel.
• Each click of the dials will change the film speed setting by 1/3-stop
between ISO 6 and 6400.
4. Press the ISO button again to enter your selection and return to operating
mode, or wait 4 sec. and the setting will be entered automatically.
• To check the film speed setting at any time during operation, press the
ISO button. The ISO-speed will appear in the body data panel
• For flash exposures, Minolta recommends that you use film between ISO
25 and 1000.
19
Automatic Rewind
After you have exposed the lastframe, the camera will automatically rewind
the film. With a fresh battery, it takes about 9 sec. to rewind a 36-exposure
roll, or 6 sec. for a 24-exposure roll. When the film has been completely
rewound, the motor will stop and the film-cartridge symbol in the body data
panel will blink to indicate that it is safe to open the camera back.
Manual Rewind
To begin rewind at any time, open
the card door and press the rewind
button.
• If the motor stops before the film is completely rewound, insert a fresh
battery.
20
SIMPLE OPERATION
-THE BASICS
This brief section explains the simplest way to use your new camera—with
programmed autoexposure, autofocus, autoflash, and single-frame
advance. Details on each of the camera's functions begins on page 38 in the
section entitled "Operation in Detail".
21
Hold the grip firmly in your right hand and use your left hand to support
the camera or lens. Keep your elbows securely against your sides when
shooting both horizontal and vertically pictures. Press the shutter-release
button gently in a single, steady motion —never with a quick jab. Always
keep the camera strap around your neck or wound around one wrist.
• When you pick up the camera, make sure you touch the grip sensor.
Otherwise, Eye-Start will not function.
• Do not touch thefocusing ring of an AF lens or the end of the lens barrel
of an xi-Series Autozoom lens.
• Do not block the AF illuminator when you are using autofocus.
22
1. Slide the main switch to ON and press the program-reset button to set
full-automatic operation.
• Pressing the program-reset button sets the camera to programmed
autoexposure mode, honeycomb-pattern metering, autofocus,
single-frame film advance, +/-0.0 exposure compensation, wide
autofocus area, and auto switchover flash. Many of these default positions
can be changed with the Customized Function Card-xi.
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23
2. Hold the camera as described on p.22.
3. Look through the eyepiece, place your subject somewhere within the
autofocus area, and press the shutter-release button down to take the picture.
4. After the exposure has been made, the camera will automatically advance
the film to the next frame and increase the film counter by one.
• The focus signal will light in the viewfinder data panel when your subject
is in focus. See p.27 for a list of focus signals.
• If you do not touch the grip sensor you must activate AF and AE by
pressing the shutter-release button partway down. Again, the in-focus signal
will light when the camera has focused on a subject.
• If the focus signal blink in the viewfinder data panel, you must focus on
something else that is the same distance from you as your subject or else
focus the lens manually. Refer to p.43 for more information.
24
When your subject or scene is too dark to allow a clear hand-held
photograph, the camera-shake warning will blink in the viewfinder data
panel. The built-in flash will pop-up automatically, if it is required, when you
press the shutter-release button partway down and will fire when you take
the picture. You should also consider using a tripod.
• More information on flash operation in all exposure modes can be found
beginning on p.62.
25
Autofocus (AF)
The autofocus system uses expert programming and fuzzy logic to
determine which of the AF sensors is detecting your main subject. The
camera's ultra-wide AF area has four sensors —two vertical and two
horizontal. When you hold the camera horizontally, all four sensors are
active; when you hold the camera vertically, the top horizontal sensor shuts
off and the AF area changes to its vertical mode.
26
When the camera is activated, either by Eyestart or by pressing the
shutter-release button partway down, the AF system immediately begins
evaluating the scene to determine the location of your subject within the
frame. One of the following focus signals will be displayed in the
viewfinder data panel:
[blinking]
Continuous AF mode/focus is confirmed
Focus is locked
Focus cannot be confirmed.
• No indicator will be displayed while the lens is focusing.
• If your subject is moving, the camera will automatically enter
continuous autofocus mode. In this mode, the autofocus system will
repeatedly check and update focus until you press the shutter-release
button all the way down. At that time, the camera will predict where the
subject will be when the shutter actually makes the exposure and will set
the lens to this point so that even high-speed subjects shot in continuous
drive mode will remain in focus.
• If your subject is stationary when Eye-start first activates the autofocus
system, the camera will enter continuous mode. It will remain in
continuous mode if your subject moves before you press the
shutter-release button partway down. Focus will lock if it remains
stationary.
• In autofocus mode, if focus cannot be confirmed, the shutter will not
release.
27
Focus Signals
If, as a result of the composition or framing you have chosen, your subject
falls outside the main AF area, use focus lock to lock focus on it, then
recompose the scene as desired.
1. Place your subject in the center of the AF area and press the shutter
button partway down.
2. Hold the shutter button in this position, recompose the picture, and
press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
28
P mode is designed to be the camera's primary exposure mode and is ideally
suited for almost all situations. Expert Program Selection analyzes the scene,
taking into account subject size, motion, and magnification as well as lens
focal length, and sets both the shutter speed and aperture accordingly. It is
able to recognize many different photographic situations, from landscapes
to close-ups, portraits to action shots, and will optimize the exposure settings
based on the particular requirements of the situation at hand. There is no
single program line for each focal length, and no special modes to set
manually for different situations. Creative Program Control lets you quickly
change the programmed exposure settings to obtain a desired effect in your
photographs.
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29
• If the aperture and shutter speed displays blink in the viewfinder and body
data panels, then the required exposure settings are beyond the coupling
range of the camera and lens.
• If the metering indicators •
lighting is beyond the range of available aperture and shutter speeds.
In bright light, attach a neutral density filter.
30
blink in the viewfinder data panel, the
31
PA/PS: CREATIVE PROGRAM CONTROL
As already mentioned, Expert Program Selection will determine the best
combination of shutter speed and aperture for almost any scene or
situation. If, however, you would like to use a different shutter speed or
aperture, the dual-dial control system makes it quick and easy for you to
make the desired changes. Furthermore, as you change the aperture or
shutter speed, the image control index in the bottom of the viewfinder will
show you what effects your adjustments will have on the final image.
appears in the viewfinder data panel, Creative Program Control
will not function until you manually cancel the flash or until the flash is no
longer necessary.
• If
PA
In both P mode and PA, the depth index at the bottom of the viewfinder
screen will show roughly how in-focus the background will appear in your
final print. If the indicator is all the way to the right, everything from your
main subject to infinity will be in focus. If the indicator is to the left, only
your subject will be sharp.
When you move the rear control dial, you can change the aperture setting
of the programmed exposure and, if the proper shutter speed is available,
the camera will maintain a correct exposure. At the same time, the
indicator in the depth index will move to show you approximately how
your changes will effect your photo.
• If you do not touch any of the camera controls for 30 sec, the camera
will return to P mode automatically.
• The shutter speed display will blink if the required speed is beyond the
camera's range. If "8000" blinks, move the indicator to the right; if "30"
blinks, move the indicator to the left.
• If the metering indicators blink in the viewfinder data panel, the
light level is beyond the coupling range of the camera and lens. In bright
light, attach a neutral density filter; in low light, return to P mode.
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32
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33
• To return to P mode, press the program re-set button; to return to P
mode and keep any changes you have made to the camera's operation,
press the flash pop-up button.
• The flash will not fire manually or automatically while you are in PA.
• To turn the depth index off, press and hold the program re-set button
down and move the main switch back to ON. Repeat to turn the index on
again.
• Most lenses will not use all the positions on the index.
• The approximate depth which is indicated may be incorrect if the
background is very close to the subject.
• If you move the front dial, the camera will change to Ps. See next section
for more information.
• For more information on aperture and depth, see p.84.
34
In P mode, if you move the front control dial, the depth index will be
replaced by the action index. It shows the approximate amount of
action-stopping ability the current shutter speed setting will provide for
the subject which the camera currently detects. If you move the indicator
to the right by turning the front dial to the right, then the camera will set a
faster shutter speed and will adjust the aperture to maintain a correct
exposure; turning the dial to the left will provide slower shutter speeds.
• To return to P mode, press the program re-set button; or, to return to P
mode and keep any changes you have made to the camera's operation,
press the flash pop-up button.
• If you do not touch any controls for 30 sec, the camera will return to P
mode automatically.
• If the aperture display blinks, the aperture required for a correct
exposure is not available. If the lens' maximum aperture blinks, move the
indicator to the right.
• If the metering indicators blink in the viewfinder data panel, the
light level is beyond the coupling range of the camera and lens. In bright
light, attach a neutral density filter; in low light, return to P mode.
• The flash will not fire while you are in Ps.
Ps
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36
• To turn off the action index, press and hold the program re-set button
down and move the main switch back to ON. Repeat to turn the index on
again.
• If you move the rear dial, the camera will enter PA. See previous section
for more information.
• For more information on subject motion and shutter speed, see p.87.
• The action index should only be used with moving subjects. It will not
provide relevant information about stationary subjects. The camera-shake
warning will be more helpful in this case.
37
OPERATIONS IN DETAIL
38
MAIN SWITCH/EYESTART
When you move the main switch to ON, the body data panel and the grip
sensor activate. When you then touch the grip sensor, the eyepiece sensor
is activated. This sensor then immediately activates autofocus,
autoexposure, and, if you are using an xi-Series Autozoom lens, auto
stand-by zoom when it detects an object near the viewfinder. By the time you
frame your subject, therefore, the camera has performed many of its set-up
operations and is ready to make an exposure. The eyepiece sensor also turns
autofocus and autoexposure off 4 sec. after it no longer detects an object
near the viewfinder.
39
FOCUSING DETAILS
Autofocus Illuminator
In low-light or when subject contrast is too low to be read by the autofocus
sensors, the AF illuminator will activate. It projects a pattern of lines onto
your subject which the AF sensors can then detect.
• Be careful not to obstruct the AF illuminator while you are holding the
camera.
• The AF illuminator will not work if the focal length of the lens you are
using is 300mm or longer (excluding AF Zoom 100-300/4.5-5.6 and AF
Zoom 75-300/4.5-5.6), or if you are using the 3X-1X Macro Zoom.
40
Local AF Area Selection
If you want to use a specific AF sensor, you can manually override the
selection sequence and use only one of the four sensors.
1. Press the dial function selector twice; will appear in the viewfinder.
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41
2. Turn the front control dial until the AF sensor you want appears in the
viewfinder or the body data panel.
3. Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the area you have
chosen and return to normal operating mode, or wait 4 sec. and your choice
will be entered automatically.
• Autofocus does not function while you are selecting a local AF area.
42
Special Focusing Situations
The camera's autofocus system will produce sharp pictures in nearly any
situation. In the cases described below, however, it may be difficult or
impossible for the camera to autofocus properly —manual focusing may be
necessary.
If two subjects at different distances overlap
within the focusing frame
If a subject composed of alternating light and
dark lines completely fills the focusing frame
On very bright subjects
On low-contrast subjects
• You can also lock focus on another object of equal distance and then
recompose your picture (see p. 28).
43
Manual Focus
To manually focus the lens:
1. Slide the focus mode switch down to set the camera to manual focus
mode.
• "M. FOCUS" will appear in the lower left corner of the viewfinder.
2. If you are using an AF lens, turn the focusing ring until the subject
appears sharp. With an xi-Series lens, pull and turn the zoom ring. For
more information, refer to the lens manual.
• When your subject comes into focus, the green in-focus signal will light.
• In manual focus mode, the shutter will release even if the subject is not in
focus.
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3. To return to autofocus mode, slide the focus mode switch down.
• Pressing the program re-set button will also return the camera to
autofocus mode, but this will also change all of the programmable functions
to their default settings.
45
EXPOSURE DETAILS
The camera has four exposure modes: programmed autoexposure (P),
aperture-priority autoexposure (A), shutter-priority autoexposure (S), and
manual exposure (M).
Changing Exposure Mode
1. Press the dial function selector button once;
viewfinder.
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46
will appear in the
2. Turn the front control dial until the exposure mode you want appears in
the body or the viewfinder data panel.
• The modes will cycle in the sequence shown above.
• In M mode, M does not appear in the viewfinder data panel.
3. Press the shutter-release button partway down to enter the mode you
have chosen and return to normal operating mode; or wait 4 sec. for it to be
entered automatically.
• Pressing the program re-set button returns the camera to P mode and
re-sets the camera's programmable functions to their default settings.
47
Aperture Priority (A)
In aperture priority (A) mode, you set the aperture you want and, if the shutter
speed is available, the camera will automatically maintain the correct
exposure.
1. Refer to p.46 (Changing Exposure Mode) and select A.
• The depth index will appear in the lower part of the viewfinder screen and
the indicator will show the approximate depth that the current aperture will
provide.
2. To set the aperture, turn the rear control dial to the left or right.
The aperture display in the body and viewfinder data panels will change in
1/2-stop increments with each click of the dial. The depth index's indicator
will also move to reflect the changes in the depth that different apertures will
provide. When the indicator is all the way to the right, the aperture that is set
will provide maximum depth of field. As you open up to larger apertures
(smaller f/numbers), the indicator will move toward the graphic on the left,
to indicate a gradual loss of depth in the picture.
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48
• Available apertures and are limited to those within the range indicated
on the lens you are using.
• The shutter speed display will blink if the required speed is beyond the
range of the camera. If "8000" blinks, set a smaller aperture; if "30" blinks,
set a larger aperture.
• If the metering indicators blink in the viewfinder data panel, the
lighting is beyond the range of available apertures and shutter speeds. In
bright light, attach a neutral density filter; in low light use a faster lens or
faster film.
49
Shutter Priority (S)
This exposure mode lets you select a shutter speed and, if the lens you are
using allows, the camera will automatically set the correct aperture to ensure
a proper exposure.
1. Refer to p.46 (Changing Exposure Mode) and select S.
• The action index will appear in the lower part of the viewfinder screen and
the indicator will show the approximate amount of action-stopping the
current shutter will provide.
2. To set the shutter speed, turn the front control dial.
The shutter speed display in the body and viewfinder data panels will change
in half-stop increments with each click of the dial. The indicator on the action
index will also move to illustrate the changes that different shutter speeds
will have on your photograph.
When the indicator is all the way to the right (towards the stop- action runner),
then the shutter speed which you have set will stop the action of your subject.
As you set slower shutter speeds, the indicator will move to the left, towards
the picture of the blurred runner.
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• If the aperture display blinks, the aperture required for a correct
exposure at the shutter speed you have selected is not available. If the lens'
minimum aperture blinks, set a faster shutter speed; if the maximum
aperture blinks, set a slower shutter speed
• If the metering indicators blink in the viewfinder data panel, the
light level is beyond the coupling range of the camera and lens. In bright
light, attach a neutral density filter; in low light, use a faster lens or faster
film.
• You cannot select BULB in S mode. See next section.
51
Manual Exposure (M)
Manual mode should be used whenever you want full creative control over
the exposure settings. In this mode, you select the shutter speed and
aperture and the camera will tell you whether your settings will provide an
over-, under-, or correctly-exposed picture.
1. Refer to p.46 (Changing Exposure Mode) and select M.
2. To set the shutter speed, turn the front control dial to the right for faster
shutter speeds or to the left for slower. To set the aperture, turn the rear
control dial to the right for smaller apertures or to the left for larger.
• Both The shutter speed and aperture displays will change in half-stop
increments.
52
Exposure is set correctly.
Over exposure
Under exposure
The light level is beyond the meter's range.
In manual mode, the above displays in the viewfinder data panel will relate
information regarding your settings.
53
METERING MODES
The camera's standard metering mode is AF-lntegrated, 14-Segment,
Honeycomb-Pattern Metering, which will provide the correct exposure in
almost all situations. Spot metering can also be manually selected, in which
case, the center segment in the honeycomb pattern is used exclusively to
measure the subject's brightness.
54
To use spot metering:
1. Press the dial function selector twice; will appear in the viewfinder.
2. Turn the rear dial one click-stop in either direction to select spot
metering.
3. Press the shutter release button partway down to enter your selection
and return to normal operating mode or wait 4 sec. for it to be entered
automatically.
4. Center the spot metering circle in the viewfinder over the area that you
want to meter.
5. Press and hold the AE lock button, recompose the scene, and press the
shutter release button all the way down to take the picture.
• If the area you want to meter is not the same distance from the camera
as where you want to focus, first lock focus on your subject. Then position
the spot circle over the area to be metered, press and hold the AE lock
button, recompose the scene as desired, and press the shutter-release
button all the way down.
• In manual exposure mode, spot metering will only provide a meter
reading of the area within the center circle. The camera will not
automatically set this reading.
To return to honeycomb-pattern metering, repeat the selection procedure
and turn the rear dial one click-stop in either direction.
• Pressing the program re-set button will return to AF-integrated
14-segment honeycomb multi-pattern metering, but will also return the
camera's other programmable functions to their default settings.
55
This function enables you to bias the camera's exposure calculation up to
+/- 4 stops.
56
To set:
-NEXT PAGE-
1. Press the dial function selector button once;
viewfinder.
will appear in the
2. Turn the rear control dial until the compensation figure you want
appears in the viewfinder and body data panels.
3. Press the shutter release button partway down to enter the exposure
factor and return to normal operating mode or wait 4 sec. for your selection
to be entered automatically. The exposure which appears in the viewfinder
and body data panels will include this factor.
To cancel the compensation, set 0.0 adjustment and return to normal
operating mode.
• Pressing the program re-set button will cancel any exposure
compensation and return all the camera's programmable functions to their
default settings.
• After you enter the compensation factor, the number will disappear, but
" + " or "-" will remain as a reminder that an adjustment has been made. To
check the amount of compensation at any time, press the dial function
selector once. The compensation figure will again appear in the viewfinder
and body data panels.
57
To lock the exposure system independently of the autofocus system,
position your subject in the viewfinder and press the AE lock button; AEL
will appear in the viewfinder data panel. Hold the button in as you
recompose and take the picture.
• If you release the AE lock button before you take the picture, the
exposure system will re-evaluate the scene and continue functioning as
normal.
58
AE LOCK
SELF-TIMER
The electronic self-timer will delay release of the shutter about 10 sec. after
you press the shutter-release button.
To set:
1. Open the card door and press the self-timer/drive-mode button once. The
self-timer indicator will appear in the body data panel.
2. Compose your scene and attach the eyepiece cap.
3. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer.
• The AF illuminator will blink twice per second until the shutter releases.
• The self-timer can be stopped during countdown by moving the main
switch to LOCK. To restart the timer from the beginning of its countdown,
move the main switch back to ON and press the shutter-release button again.
To cancel the self-timer, move the main switch back to ON and press the
self-timer/drive-mode button.
• The self-timer automatically switches off after shutter-release. To make
another exposure with the self-timer, repeat steps 1 - 3.
59
BULB: LONG EXPOSURES
To make bulb exposures:
1. Mount the camera on a tripod.
2. Refer to p.46 and set the exposure mode to manual (M).
3. Turn the front control dial to the right until bulb appears in the body data
panel. Turn the rear dial to set the aperture.
4. Compose your scene and focus the lens.
• If the scene is too dark, autofocus may not function. Slide the focus mode
switch down and focus the lens manually.
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60
5. Attach the eyepiece cap.
6. To take the picture, press the shutter-release button and hold it down for
the duration of the exposure. The shutter will remain open until you release
it.
• To prevent camera shake, attach Remote Cord RC-1000 S/L. Open the card
door, remove the remote-control terminal cover, and insert the remote cord's
plug into the terminal. The shutter will remain open as long as you hold the
remote control button down.
61
FLASH SYSTEM
FLASH MODES
: Autoflash
: Autoflash with pre-flash
: Flash cancel (in P mode)
: Remote off-camera TTL flash (blinking alternately)
The built-in flash operates in four different modes: single-burst,
single-burst with pre-flash, flash cancel, and as a remote trigger for an
off-camera flash. Autoflash is the camera's standard mode. In pre-flash
mode, the flash will fire a small burst before the exposure in order to
reduce red-eye in portraits. Flash cancel allows you to take pictures using
only available light. Remote off-camera flash control is explained
beginning on p.70.
CAUTION
The lens hood should not be used when taking picture with the camera's
built-in flash since vignetting will result.
When using AF ZOOM Xi 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 with the camera's built-in
flash, vignetting may occur; before taking flash pictures with this lens,
please check with the nearest Minolta Servce Facility for specific
limitations. For more Accessory Information, See p.90.
62
1. Open the card door and press the flash mode button.
2. Turn the front or rear dial. The flash mode indicators will appear in the
body data panel in the sequence shown above.
3. Press the flash mode button again to enter the mode you have selected.
• Flash cancel in P mode can be selected only when the flash is down.
63
To set the flash mode:
PROGRAM MODE FLASH OPERATION
The camera uses an advanced flash control system to provide correct flash
exposures in P mode whenever it is required. The camera's TTL
(through-the-lens) flash metering system controls the flash output to
ensure a proper exposure.
Viewfinder Signals and Flash Control
As soon as the camera detects that flash will be required, the flash-on
indicatorappears in the viewfinder data panel. The flash-ready
indicator will light when the flash is fully charged. When you press
the shutter release partway down, the flash will pop-up, and it will fire
when you take the picture. After you release the shutter, if the flash output
was sufficient to provide a correct exposure, the flash-ready signal will
blink. The flash can also be forced to fire at any time by pressing and
holding the flash pop-up button while you take the picture.
• The shutter will lock while the built-in flash is charging to prevent
underexposure.
• If the flash pops up and you press it back down, it will remain off until
you take the camera away from your eye and wait for Eye-Start to turn off
the metering system (aperture and shutter speed will disappear from the
body data panel). To resume normal autoflash operation without taking
the camera away from your eye, press the flash pop-up button.
• If you press the flash pop-up button and do not keep it pressed down,
the flash will pop-up, but will only fire when necessary.
• The built-in flash or an accessory flash will not fire while the camera is
set in Creative Program Control (PA/PS).
64
A, S, AND M MODE FLASH
In A, S, or M mode if the flash is down it will not fire; if the flash is up, it
will fire each time you press the shutter-release button. To raise the flash,
press the flash pop-up button; it will not pop-up automatically in any of
these exposure modes. Single-burst, single-burst with pre-flash, flash
cancel, and remote off-camera control can all be selected in any of these
exposure modes, as well.
In S mode, the shutter speed and aperture will be set automatically by the
camera. In A and M mode, you can set any aperture within the lens' range.
In M mode, you can select any shutter speed between 1/200 sec. and 30
sec, as well as BULB.
-NEXT PAGE-
65
EXPOSURE MODE
P MODE
A MODE
S MODE
M MODE
FLASH POP-UP
Auto
Manual with pop-up button
BURST
Auto
UP; burst DCV
Scan & OCR, Marinko Orlovac on:
http://orlovac.eu
66
FLASH MODE
AUTO; Auto flash
AUTO; Auto with pre-flash
OFF ; flash cancel
; remote off camera flash
; single-burst
; single with pre-flash
; remote off camera flash
AVAILABLE SHUTTER SPEED
1/200 to 30sec. (set automatically)
1/200 sec.
1/200 to 30sec. (set automatically)
1/200 to 30sec. and bulb
67
SLOW-SHUTTER SYNC FLASH
The slow-sync shutter option will set a slower shutter speed to increase the
background or ambient lighting exposure in a flash picture. Flash output will
be decreased automatically to maintain a correct exposure of your subject.
1. Frame your subject and press and hold the shutter-release button partway
down.
2. Press and hold the AE lock button.
-NEXT PAGE-
68
3. Continue to hold the AE lock button and press the shutter-release button
down completely.
• If the background is bright or a large aperture is set, the shutter speed may
not be reduced.
• The flash-ready indicator in the viewfinder data panel will blink rapidly if
the flash output was sufficient to provide a correct exposure.
• If, after you press the AE lock button, the shutter speed becomes too slow
to allow sharp, hand-held pictures, use a tripod.
69
REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FLASH CONTROL
When used with specified xi flash units, this camera offers you the flexibility
of remote off-camera flash control with TTL flash metering. The flash unit has
more than one control channel so that if you are working near someone who
is using a similar set-up, you will not interfere with each other. The flash must
be mounted on the camera when you change the control channel.
1. Attach the flash to the camera and turn it on.
• To change the control channel, move the control channel selector in the
battery chamber of the flash to 1 or 2.
2. Press the flash mode button in the card door, turn either the front or rear
control dial, and select remote off camera flash mode.
3. Remove the flash and position it according to the table with its AF
illuminator pointing at the subject.
- NEXTPAGE -
70
• The camera should be 1m to 5m (16 in. to 13 ft.) from the subject.
• The off-camera flash may not detect the control signals if it is placed
behind the subject.
FLASH RANGE (m)
1.4
2.0
2.8
4.0
5.6
8.0
11.0
ISO 100
2.0-5.0
1.4-5.0
1.0-5.0
0.7-4.5
0.5-3.2
0.4-2.3
0.4-1.6
ISO 100
4.0-5.0
2.8-5.0
2.0-5.0
1.4-5.0
1.0-5.0
0.7-4.5
0.5-3.2
NEXT PAGE -
71
4. Wait until both the off-camera flash and built-in flash are charged.
• In remote mode, the off-camera flash's AF illuminator and flash-ready
signal will blink when the flash is charged. The flash-ready signal in the
viewfinder will blink when the built-in flash is charged.
5. Press the AE lock button to test-fire the off-camera flash and wait again
until both flashes are fully charged.
6. Take the picture.
• The flash-ready indicator in viewfinder data panel will blink rapidly if the
flash output was sufficient to provide a correct exposure.
72
Remote slow-shutter sync
In remote slow-shutter sync mode, the camera sets a slow shutter speed and
reduce the flash exposure to maintain a correct exposure. Operation is the
same as it is with the built-in or an attached flash (explained on p.68).
• When you press the AE lock button, the off-camera flash will fire a test
burst. Wait for the flash to recharge and take the picture. Do not release the
AE lock button until after you have taken the picture.
Ratio control
In remote mode, the built-in flash normally only controls the off-camera
flash without effecting the overall exposure. The built-in flash can, however,
be set to fire during the exposure so that it provides some fill lighting on your
subject. Press and hold the flash pop-up button while you take the picture.
The off-camera flash will provide 2/3 of the exposure and the built-in flash
will add the remaining 1/3.
73
FILM DRIVE
The camera has three film-drive modes. In single-frame advance mode, the
camera makes one exposure and advances the film one frame each time you
press the shutter-release button. In high-speed continuous mode (H), the film
is advanced at approximately 4 frames per second for long as you hold the
shutter-release button down; low-speed continuous mode (L) will provide
up to 2 frames per second. When you operate the camera in either low- or
high-speed continuous and autofocus mode, the focus setting will be
checked and adjusted between each exposure to ensure that moving
subjects remain sharply focused.
To select the film-drive mode:
1. Open the card door.
2. Press the self-timer/drive-mode button until the indicator for the mode
you want appears in the body data panel.
-NEXT PAGE-
74
3. To return to single-frame advance, press the self-timer/drive-mode button
until it appears in the data panel.
• Pressing the program re-set button will return the camera to single-frame
advance and return all of the camera's programmable functions to their
default settings.
75
Sequence
: Single frame
: Self-timer
: Hi-speed continuous
: Low-speed continuous
AUTOZOOM SYSTEM
With an xi-Series Autozoom lens, the camera's automatic control also
extends to zooming the lens. This speeds operation of the camera and lens
and allows you to concentrate more fully on the composition of your
photographs. The following features are available only when you are
using an xi-Series Autozoom lens.
Auto Stand-by Zoom (ASZ)
When Eye-Start first activates the camera, the lens immediately sets a focal
length. This position is determined by the subject's distance from the
camera and should provide a good starting-point in your composition.
The focal length can also be quickly adjusted from this point with power
zoom. -NEXT PAGE-
76
• ASZ's operation is a one-shot function; it will not set a new focal length
every time you point the camera at a new subject unless you first take the
camera away from your eye. If you use power zoom to change ASZ's
setting, ASZ will not function again until you remove the camera from your
eye and wait 30 sec.
To turn off ASZ:
1. Set the main switch to LOCK.
2. Press and hold the lens-function button on the lens barrel while you
move the main switch to ON.
• To turn ASZ on again, repeat the above steps.
77
Image-Size Lock
When you press and hold the lens-function button on an xi-Series lens,
Image-size lock will automatically adjust the lens' focal length to maintain
the size of the main subject's image in the viewfinder.
Image-size lock is limited by the focal length range of the lens you are
using. If either end of the lens focal length range is reached while
image-size lock is operating, the lens will stop zooming, but IMAGE LOCK
will continue to be displayed in the viewfinder. If your subject comes back
into range, Image-size lock will resume operation. To turn off Image-size
lock, release the lens-function button.
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78
• Image-Size Lock may not be able to accurately track high-speed
subjects. If your subject is moving too fast, the image size may not remain
constant but IMAGE LOCK will continue to be displayed in the viewfinder
screen.
• If you want to use continuous film advance, use low-speed mode.
In the following situations, IMAGE LOCK will flash in the viewfinder screen
when you press the lens function button and Image-size Lock will not
function:
• If your subject is too small and/or too far away for the camera to lock on
to it.
• If the camera cannot focus on your subject (see Special Focusing
Situations on p.43.)
• If the lens is initially set to a focal length shorter than 50mm.
79
2. Compose your picture inside the film-frame indicators.
3. Press the shutter-release button partway down. The lens will zoom to
fill the viewfinder with the part of the image that appears inside the
film-frame indicators.
4. Press the shutter-release button down completely to take the picture.
-NEXT PAGE-
81
• The focal length range of any lens will be reduced slightly when you use
wide-view mode. Although the lens will zoom to its shortest focal length
while wide-view is activated, the view inside the film-frame marks will never
be wider than 1.5 times this shortest setting, and the lens will only zoom to
2/3 its longest focal length.
For example, with a 28-105mm lens and the camera in wide-view mode,
when the lens is set at 28mm, the view inside the film-frame indicators will
be the same as a setting of 42mm. When you press the shutter-release button
partway down, the lens will then zoom to 42mm. If you zoom the lens in the
tele photo direction while still in wide-view mode, the lens will stop at 70mm,
but the image inside the film-frame indicators will show the view at 105mm.
The lens will then zoom to 105mm when you press the shutter-release button
partway down.
Wide-View Zoom Range
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82
• If you press the wide-view mode button with the lens set anywhere
between the shortest focal length and 1.5 times the shortest focal length, the
camera still enter wide-view mode. However, the image inside the film-frame
marks will not be the same as that of your original focal length. Also, when
you press the shutter-release button partway down, the lens will zoom
forward to 1.5 times the shortest focal length, not to the position from which
you started.
For example, if you set a 28-105mm lens at 35mm and press the
wide-view-mode button, the view inside the film-frame indicators will be that
of a 42mm setting, not 35mm. When you then press the shutter release
button partway down, the lens will then zoom to 42mm.
83
If focal length and subject distance remain constant, as the size of the lens
aperture decreases, depth of field increases. Aperture-priority (A) mode,
manual (M) mode, and PA enable you to vary the size of the aperture in order
to directly control a picture's depth of field. Different situations usually require
different amounts of depth.
For example, in a portrait situation, you may want to use a larger aperture in
order to focus only on the main subject and separate the person from their
background. A small aperture, on the other hand, would be preferable in
such cases as landscape photography when you want as much of the scene
as possible to appear in focus. Expert Program Selection will automatically
set a large aperture in portrait situations so that only your main subject will
appear in sharp focus, and a small aperture for landscapes and extreme
close-ups to maximize depth of field.
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85
For any given f-number and subject distance, an increase in focal length will
reduce the depth of field and a decrease in focal length will have the opposite
effect. For example, if a 28-105mm zoom lens is set at 50mm, f/8 and the
subject is 12 ft. away, changing the focal length to 90mm without altering the
exposure settings or subject-to-camera distance will noticeably shorten the
depth of field. Setting the lens to 28mm, however, extends the range which
will appear in focus.
Depth of field also depends on subject distance. Without changing lens
aperture or focal length in the above case, if you move to 6 ft. from your
subject, there will be less depth of field in the final image.
The depth index provides a qualitative method for you to understand the
relationship between the above three factors and background sharpness. It
not only shows roughly how in-focus the background of your scene will
appear, but the indicator will also change position to reflect changes in
aperture, focal length, and subject distance which will also effect depth.
86
Shutter Speed and Moving Subjects
Your choice of shutter speed is an important factor in determining how
moving subjects will appear in the final image. Depending on the speed of
your subject, slower shutter speeds such as 1/15 sec. will make moving
subjects appear blurred and flowing in the picture, creating a greater feeling
of motion. Fast shutter speeds, of course, are useful to freeze fast action.
Also, if you are using a telephoto lens, a fast shutter speed can help prevent
blurring caused by camera shake. For lenses longer than f'= 50mm, a
general rule to follow is that 1/f is the slowest usable shutter speed while the
camera is being hand-held. For example, if you are using a 135mm lens, try
to avoid using shutter speeds slower than 1/200 sec. (the closest shutter
speed to 1/135) without mounting the camera on a tripod.
The action index provides a simple way for you to visualize approximately
how your subject will appear in the final picture. The camera's expert system
compares the speed of your subject's image and compares it to the shutter
speed you have selected. It then positions the indicator to illustrate roughly
how much the image will be blurred.
87
Composition
In both horizontal and vertical mode, the AF brackets should be regarded as
reference area for positioning your subject within the frame. In horizontal
mode, the brackets follow the "Rule of Thirds," a common rule in
photographic composition which states that the important components of a
picture should be placed near to the intersections of the lines which divide
the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The horizontal-mode AF
brackets lie on those intersection points.
88
If, for example, you are taking a portrait, try placing your subject near one
of the four points, with the person facing towards the center of the picture.
This will help to include some of the background in the picture and make
a more interesting composition.
In the case of a landscape, experiment with different compositions —place
the important elements off-center and let the horizon run through one of
the one-third dividing lines to give your picture more of a dynamic quality.
When the camera is held vertically, the brackets change to reflect changes
in the AF area and in composition which you may want to consider before
you take the picture. All of these are, of course, merely suggestions and
starting points. Experiment to find the qualities which will make up your
own unique style.
You will notice that there are no AF sensors located directly beneath any of
the brackets. For this reason, you may have to use focus lock in order to
ensure that your main subject is in focus.
89
ACCESSORY INFORMATION
If you already have own MINOLTA accessories, check their compatibility
before using them with your 7xi.
1. LENS
All Minolta AF lenses can be used with 7xi. Auto zoom function (ASZ, APZ
Image-size lock and Wide-view mode) are possible only if the 7xi is usee
with an Xi-Series lens.
Manual focusing lenses (MD or MC) cannot be attached the 7xi.
Vignetting may occur when the 7xi's built-in flash is used together with
certain lenses; before taking flash pictures with any of the lenses listed
below, please check with the nearest Minolta Service Facility.
AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF 200mm f/2.8 APO TELE (N)
AF 28-135mm f/4-4.5 AF 200mm f/2.8 APO TELE
AF 600mm f/4 APO TELE AF 600mm f/4 APO TELE (N)
2. FLASH
Minolta i- and Xi-Series flash units can be used.
Flash Shoe Adapter FS-1100 must be used to attach an AF-series flash to
7xi. When used with the 7xi, these units fire whenever a picture is taken
regardless of the exposure mode selected.
In all exposure modes TTL flash control will operate.
3. CARDS (Refer to table)
O: can be used. — : cannot be used. 1 to 7: can be used with the conditions
listed below.
1. The display on the data panel is the same as Automatic Depth Control's.
2. Settings must be made with front control dial.
3. Settings must be made with front control dial. Because 7xi has no
manual aperture button, it cannot the vary aperture in M mode.
4. Settings must be made with front control dial. Exposure settings for
the next frame appear when you take the 7xi away from your eye.
5. The starting point of the exposure series cannot be changed from the
settings chosen by Expert Program Selection.
6. When you insert this card into 7xi, spot metering is automatically
activated. Exposure readings are stored by pressings the AE lock button
and the number of readings is displayed in the viewfinder data panel.
90
7, When you insert this card into 7xi, spot metering is automatically
activated. Exposure readings are stored by pressing the AE lock button.
SPECIAL
APPLICATION
CARDS
FEATURE
CARDS
Customized
function
CARD NAME
Travel
Child
Automatic depth control
Sports action
Portrait
Closeup
Panning
Intervalometer
Background priority
Multipule exposure
Exposure bracketing
Flash bracketing
Data memory
Fantasy efect
Automatic program shift
Multi spot memory
Highlight/shadow control
A/S mode
Customized function
card xi
Customized function card
7xi
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
2
3
4
2
O
5
6
7
—
O
...
8000i
1
---
O
o
o
o
—
—
—
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
—
...
o
7000i
1
...
o
o
o
o
—
—
—
---
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
—
---
o
5000i
1
—
o
o
o
o
—
—
—
...
—
—
—
...
—
—
...
o
...
---
91
CARE AND STORAGE
• Always keep your camera in its case with the lens capped when not ii
use, or with a body cap on when a lens is not attached.
• No part of the camera should be forced at any time.
• 72-exposure cartridge and polaroid instant 35mm films cannot be used
• Never subject your camera to shock, high heat, humidity, water, o
harmful chemicals. Be particularly careful not to leave it in the glove
compartment or other places in motor vehicles where it may be subjectec
to high temperatures.
• Never lubricate any part of the camera body or lens.
• Never touch the shutter curtains, mirror, or the interior of the body or
clean them with compressed air. Doing so may impair their alignment ant
movement.
• External camera surfaces and lens barrel-but not glass surfaces- car
be cleaned by wiping with a dry or silicone-treated cloth. Never use organic
solvents to clean the camera.
• Never touch the lens or eyepiece surfaces with your fingers. Whisk away
loose matter with a blower brush. To remove stubborn spots, use a sheet
of photographic lens tissue. If necessary, tissue may be moistened with
one drop of lens-cleaning fluid; Never place fluid directly on glass surfaces
• We recommend that you have your camera cleaned once a year at an-
authorized Minolta service facility.
• If you plan to store your camera for an extended period of time, rewind
and remove the film, then remove the battery. Place the camera in a cool,
dry place away from dust or chemicals, preferably in an airtight container
with a drying agent such as silica gel. Also, it is recommended that you
periodically release the camera's shutter to maintain proper working
condition.
92
• This camera is not waterproof or dustproof or sand-proof. If you use this
camera near water or at the beach, water-, dust-, or sand-damage may
occur. Protect it from moisture or splashes, especially saltwater spray, and
be extremely careful to keep sand from both the interior and exterior of
the camera and its accessories. If it comes in contact with water, wipe it
with a clean, dry cloth and bring it to an authorized Minolta Service facility.
If it comes in contact with sand or if sand enters the camera, gently blow
away loose particles-wiping may scratch the camera-and bring it to an
authorized Minolta Service facility.
• This camera is not water proof. If it comes in contact with water, wipe it
with a dry cloth and bring it to an authorized Minolta Service facility.
• If the camera is subjected to a sudden change in temperature, as when
transferring it from a cold environment into a heated building,
condensation may form inside. To prevent condensation, place the camera
in a sealed plastic bag before transferring it from a cold place to a warm
environment, and wait for it to come to room temperature before taking it
out of the bag.
• After prolonged storage, and especially before taking pictures at an
important event, carefully check the operation of the camera and lens.
• The operating range for camera's data panel is from - 20 to 50°C (- 4 to
122°F). At temperatures outside this range, response time and contrast will
change, making the display difficult to read. At very high temperatures, a
display may temporarily darken. If this occurs, the display should return
when the camera is restored to operating range conditions.
• This camera contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to
disassemble or repair the camera yourself.
• This camera's circuitry may switch off, even when a battery with
sufficient power is installed. To resume operation, remove the battery and
install it again.
93
TROUBLESHOOTING
94
PROBLEM
No display in the data
panel when the
camera is switched
on.
-- appears in the data
panel's aperture
display.
HELP displayed in the
bodt data panel.
Autofocus does not
work or the lens does
not focus when the
shutter-release
button is pressed.
Camera cannot be
shifted out of P mode.
Card system does not
function.
Eye-Start does not
work.
CAUSE
Battery exhausted.
Battery not installed
correctly.
Lens not attached
correctly.
Contacts on camera
and/or lens are dirty.
AZ/MZ switch set to
MZ.
Winding motor
problem.
Camera set to manual
focus.
AZ/MZ switch set to
MZ.
Lens is not attached
correctly.
Subject difficult to
autofocus.
Creative Expansion
Card in use.
Card not installed
correctly.
Grip Sensor is not
activated.
SOLUTION
Install a fresh battery
Remove the battery
and install it correctly.
Attach the lens so that
it locks in place with a
click.
Clean contacts with a
dry, clean cloth.
Move the AZ/MZ
switch AZ.
Remove the battery,
then reinstall it.
Set the camera to
autofocus mode.
Turn the AZ/MZ
switch AZ.
Attach the lens so that
it locks in place with a
click.
Focus manually.
Use the card key to
switch the card off.
Remove and reinsert
the card correctly.
Touch the Grip
Sensor
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Type: 35mm SLR with expert control of autofocus (AF),autoexposure (AE),
and auto zoom (AZ); auto film transport; built-in motor drive; and built-in
flash
Lens Mount: Minolta A-type bayonet mount; accepts all Minolta AF lenses
Eye-Start System: AF, AE and AZ automatically activated by combination
of eyepiece sensors and grip sensors
AF system: Minolta's through-the-lens (TTL) phase-ditection system with
four CCD sensors: activated by Eye-Start; Multi-dimensional Predictive
Focus Control; built-in AF illuminator automatically activated in
low-light/low-contrast conditions; AF sensitivity range: EV -1 to 19 (at ISO
100 in ambient light) AF illuminator range: 0.7 to 9m (Based on Minolta's
standard test methods)
Manual Focusing: Visually on acute-matte view-finder screen
Metering: TTL-type; 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell
(SPC); automatically activated by Eye-Start; second SPC for TTL flash
metering of built-in flash or other dedicated flash unit; metering modes:
honeycomb-pattern or spot metering; range: honeycomb-pattern EV 0-20,
spot metering EV 3-20 (ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Exposure Modes: Programmed AE: Automatic control of aperture and
shutter speed depending on lens specifications and scene characteristics;
PA, PS: Creative Program Control
Aperture-priority AE: Any available aperture in 1/2-stop increments;
shutter speed set steplessly from 1/8000 to 30 sec. automatically by
autoexposure program
Shutter-priority AE: Any shutter speed from 1/8000 to 30 sec. selectable in
1/2-stop increments; aperture set automatically by autoexposure program
Manual: Any shutter speed /aperture combination selectable in 1/2-stop
increments; correct and over-/under-exposure indicated in viewfinder:
BULB setting also selectable
Built-in flash: Activated when shutter release is pressed partway down;
guide number 12 (in meters at ISO 100); coverage for 28mm field of view;
approx. 2 sec. recycle time; Modes: autoflash, autoflash with pre-flash,
flash-cancel, remote off-camera
-NEXT PAGE-
95
TTL Flash Metering: Operates in all flash modes with dedicated flash unit,
x-sync shutter speed automatically set when flash-on signal appears in
viewfinder; in P, A, or S mode, pressing AE-lock button sets slower shutter
speed (down to 30 sec.) to balance flash with ambient lighting
Programmed AE: Aperture and shutter speed set automatically; built-in or
accessory flash fires automatically when neccessary
Shutter-priority AE: Aperture and shutter speed set automatically; flash
will fire when popped-up (built-in flash) or activated (accessory flash)
Aperture-priority AE: Any available aperture usable; flash will fire when
popped-up (built-in flash) or activated (accessory flash)
Manual: Any available shutter speed or aperture usable; flash will fire
when popped-up (built-in flash) or activated (accessory flash)
Exposure Compensation: +/- 4 stops in 1/2-stop increments
Shutter: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
Automatic speeds: In program and aperture-priority AE modes, stepless
1/8000 to 30 sec. with nearest half-stop displayed
Manual speeds: In shutter priority AE and manual modes,1/8000 to 30 sec.
in 1/2-stop increments plus BULB in manual mode
Expert Autozoom (with xi-Series Autozoom lens):
ASZ: Programmed selection of focal length based on subject distance:
automatically activated Eye-Start
APZ: Programed continuous setting of focal length based on changing
subject position (only with specified CE cards)
Image-size lock: Continuous setting of focal length to maintain image size
Wide-View Mode: Focal length re-set to allow viewing of 150% of actual
image area until shutter release is pressed partway down.
Film-speed Setting: Automatic Setting for DX-coded films; for films
without DX-coding, previous ISO value set; manual setting also possible
Automatic range: ISO 25-5000 in 1/3-stop increments
Manual range: ISO 6-6000 in 1/3-stop increments
Film transport: Automatic with built-in motor drive; auto threading,auto
advance to first frame; single-frame advance or 2-speed continuous
advance at up to 4 frames per second; automatic rewind or manual start
of rewind; frame counter in body data panel
96
Controls: Buttons for self-timer/drive mode, manual start of film rewind,
flash mode, film speed, viewfinder mode, card on/off, AE lock, dial function
selection, program re-set, card adjust, main switch
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism showing 92% of vertical and 94%
of horizontal field of view: magnification 0.75 with 50mm lens at infinity;
transparent LCD screen and Acute-Matte screen
Viewfinder displays: Inside screen: Image-control index, control dial
indicators, AF area indicators, spot metering area, panorama indicator,
wide-view mode indicator, manual focus indicator, image-size lock
indicator
Outside screen: Flash-on indicator, flash-mode/flash-ready indicator,
camera-shake warning, shutter-speed/film-speed indicator, exposure
signals/exposure-adjustment indicator, aperture/exposure-compensation
display, AEL indicator
Body data panel displays: LCD display with indicators for exposure mode,
wide/local focus area, flash mode, self-timer, drive mode, frame counter,
film-loaded, card activated, metering mode, exposure compensation,
battery condition, ISO, shutter speed/film speed, aperture/exposure
compensation
Power: 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery; automatic battery check when camera
is turned on; battery condition indicated by four-stage indicator in body
data panel; shutter locks when battery is exhausted
Self-timer: Electronic with 10-sec.delay;cancelable;operation indicated by
blinking LCD
Other: Eyepiece cap, film window, remote-control socket, carrying strap,
eyepiece cup
Dimensions: 163mm (6-7/16in.) x 100mm (3-15/16in.) x 67mm (2-5/8in.)
Weight: 650g (1lb. 6-15/16 oz.) without lens and battery
Specifications and accessories are based on the latest information
available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
97
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
When you want to ....
98
99
100
101
Scan & OCR, Marinko Orlovac on:
http://orlovac.eu/
Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. 3-13,2-Chome, Azuchl-Machl, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541, Japan
Minolta GmbH Kurt-Fischer-Strasse 50, D-2070 Ahrensburg, Germany
Minolta France S.A. 365-367 Route de Saint-Germain, 78420 Carrieres-Sur-Seine, France
Minolta (UK) Limited 1-3 Tanners Drive, Blakelands North, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BU, England
Minolta Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H. Amalienstrasse 59-61,1131 Wien, Austria
Minolta Camera Benelux B.V. Zonnebaan 39,3606 CH Maarssenbroek, P.B. 264,3600 AG Maarssen,
The Netherlands
Belgium Branch Stenen Brug 115-117,2200 Antwerpen, Belgium
Minolta (Schweiz) AG Riedhof V, Riedstrasse 6 8953 Dietikon-Zurich, Switzerland
Minolta Svenska AB Brannkyrkagatan 64, Box 17074, S-10462 Stockholm 17, Sweden
Minolta Corporation
Head Office 101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.
Los Angeles Branch 11150 Hope Street Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
Chicago Branch 3000 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, U.S.A.
Atlanta Branch 5904 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30071, U.S.A.
Minolta Canada Inc.
Head Office 369 Britannia Road East, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 2H5, Canada
Montreal Branch 3405 Thimens Blvd., St. Laurent, Quebec H4R1V5, Canada
Vancouver Branch 105-3830 Jacombs Road, Richmond, B.C. V6V1Y6, Canada
Minolta Hong Kong Limited Room 208,2/F, Eastern Center, 1065 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Minolta Singapore (Pte) Ltd. 10, Tebon Gardens Crescent, Singapore 2260
© 1991 Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. under the Berne
Convention and Universal Copyright Convention
9222-2082-11
N9110-C3 Printed in Japan
MINOLTA
… 96 …


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