E INSTRUCTION MANUAL QUICK OPERATION BASIC OPERATION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION ADDITIONAL FEATURES APPENDIX
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Thank you for purchasing a Minolta camera. This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing yourself with the camera, start with Basic Operation and learn to operate the camera in FullAuto mode. Move on to Subject Program selection when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera.
TABLE OF CONTENTS NAMES OF PARTS ..............................................................4 QUICK OPERATION ............................................................8 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION BASIC OPERATION Close-up Mode......................................................................34 Sports Mode..........................................................................35 Night Portrait Mode ...............................................................36 Photographing Night Scenes .....
NAMES OF PARTS For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
NAMES OF PARTS Data Panel Viewfinder Focus frame (19) Flash-mode indicators (24) Subject-program indicators (31) - Auto flash - Auto flash with red-eye reduction - Fill flash Portrait Mode Landscape Mode Close-up Mode - Fill flash with red-eye reduction Sports Mode - Flash cancel Night Portrait Mode Focus signals (20) Flash signal (23) Focus signals Red-eye reduction indicator (25) Wireless/Remote flash indicator (48) Focus is confirmed Frame counter (17) Continous focus is confirmed Film-transp
QUICK OPERATION 1. Insert batteries. • This camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries. 2. Attach lens. • Align the red mounting dot on the lens with the one on the camera. Gently insert the lens into the mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. 5 If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired. 6 Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter release button partway down. • The camera will focus and set exposure automatically. 3.
ATTACHING THE STRAP BASIC OPERATION This section provides the information necessary to operate your camera in most photographic situations.
BATTERIES Installing the Batteries Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the batterychamber lock to OPEN, then open the battery-chamber door. Checking Battery Power Each time the main switch is set to ON, a battery symbol appears in the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries. Full-battery symbol Power is sufficient for all camera operations. • will only appear for five seconds.
LENS Attaching the Lens Removing the Lens 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. 1. Press the lens release and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops. 2. Gently remove the lens and replace caps, or attach another lens. 2. Align the red mounting dots on the lens and camera body. 3. Gently insert the lens into the mount, then turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. • Do not insert the lens at an angle. • Do not press the lens release when attaching the lens.
LOADING FILM Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 29 for instructions on removing a partially exposed roll. • Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film. • Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur. • If DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film speed). • If non DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the previous roll’s ISO setting.
HANDLING THE CAMERA Holding the Camera Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, while supporting the lens with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steady. Keep the camera strap around your neck or wrist in the event you accidentally drop the camera. • Do not touch the end of the lens barrel while taking a picture. • Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
FOCUS Focus Signals Special Focus Situations The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status when the shutter release button is pressed partway down. Focus is confirmed The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p22) or manual focus (p45). See page 20 for an explanation of the focus signals. If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH FOCUS Focus Hold Flash Signals - (seen in the viewfinder) Use focus hold when your subject is outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to confirm. Flash is charged. (Blinks fast) Flash is charging and the shutter can not be released. Focus hold cannot be used for moving subjects. 1. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down. • appears in the viewfinder when the focus is confirmed.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Changing the flash mode When the flash mode button is pressed, the flash mode changes in the following sequence: Auto flash Auto Flash with Red-Eye Reduction Light reflecting from your subject’s eyes may produce the effect known as red-eye. Use the built-in flash’s red-eye-reduction mode to produce more natural looking photographs by reducing the red-eye effect. Auto flash with red-eye reduction Press the flash mode button until appears in the data panel.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Fill Flash with Red-Eye Reduction Press the flash-mode button until appears in the data panel. • Warn your subject that the flash will fire a few short flash bursts just before the picture is taken. • Flash always fires with red-eye reduction. Lens Shadowing Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the output from the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semicircular shaded area at the bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of your image.
REWINDING THE FILM Automatic Rewind Manual Rewind After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically rewind the film. When the film is completely rewound, the motor will stop and will blink in the data panel indicating it is safe to open the back of the camera. Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the current roll is finished. 1. Wait until the film is completely rewound. • will appear and data panel. will blink in the 1. Press the manual-rewind button. 2.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Now that you are comfortable with the operation of the camera, take more control of the creative process by telling the camera what kind of picture you want to take. The subject program modes let you take more control without leaving the automatic mode. In each of the subject program modes, the camera will automatically set the best possible shutter speed and aperture for the type of picture you are taking.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Landscape Mode Portrait Mode Portraits have the greatest impact when a shallow depth-of-field* is used to separate the subject from the background. In Portrait mode, the necessary settings are made automatically, leaving you free to capture the perfect expression. * Depth-of-field is the area in front of and behind the point you focused on that appears sharp. Landscape mode is suited for photographing landscape, scenic or travel photographs.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Close-Up Mode Sports Mode Choose the Close-Up mode when photographing small objects like flowers or jewelry. In Close-Up mode, the camera automatically sets the best possible aperture and shutter speed for the picture you are taking. Fast shutter speeds are needed to stop action. In Sports mode, the camera will set the fastest possible shutter speed and continually adjust the focus to track fast-moving subjects.
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Night Portrait Mode Photographing Night Scenes Night portraits require the camera’s flash exposure to be balanced with the background exposure. In Night Portrait mode, the camera sets the largest possible aperture with a longer shutter speed, allowing the background to appear in the photograph. Cancel the flash in Night Portrait mode to photograph night scenes.
SELF-TIMER CONTINUOUS - ADVANCE MODE The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately 10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. 1. Place the camera on a tripod, then press the self-timer button until appears in the data panel. In this mode, the camera continues to release the shutter and advance the film as long as the shutter-release button is held down. • AF Zoom xi and Power zoom lenses cannot be zoomed when continuous-advance mode is selected. 1.
FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL The Quartz-data function lets you record the date or time onto the lower-right corner of the photograph. The quartz data back has an automatic calendar through the year 2019. • Imprinted data may be difficult to read if the lower-right corner of the photograph is bright or non-uniform. • Imprinting size and position may differ according to printing conditions.
FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL Setting the Date/Time 1. Press the mode button to choose the data imprinting format. • M will appear above the month. Replacing the Battery The quartz data back uses a CR2025 lithium battery, located on the inside of the back cover. Replace the battery if the display or imprinted data becomes dim. 1. Open the back cover. 2. Use the select button (SEL) to move between different parts of the displayed data. 2.
MANUAL FOCUS Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not possible. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame is in focus. 1. Press the focus-mode button. will appear in the data panel. ADDITIONAL FEATURES 2. Turn the focusing ring until your subject appears sharp and focused. • appears in the viewfinder when the subject in the focus frame is in focus. • Press the focus-mode button again to return to the autofocus mode.
AF ILLUMINATOR AF Illuminator (Built-in Flash) Function Cancelling the AF Illuminator The AF Illuminator is a secondary function of the built-in flash. When the scene is too dark for the camera to focus accurately, the built-in flash fires a few short bursts when the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down to provide the illumination necessary for the camera to focus on your subject. • The range of the AF Illuminator flash is approximately one to five meters. (3.3 ~16.4ft.
WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH Wireless/Remote Flash is available with the Minolta 5400HS, 5400xi, and 3500xi accessory flashes. Wireless/Remote flash lets you experience the creative control available with an accessory flash. Normal Flash In Wireless/Remote flash mode, the off-camera flash is triggered by a coded signal from the camera’s built-in flash when you press the shutterrelease button. When proper exposure has been received, another signal cuts the accessory flash off. 2.
WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH 6. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. Cancelling Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera. Positioning for Wireless/Remote Flash Mode Position your camera and 3500xi flash unit using the information on this page. • If you are not using the 3500xi flash, refer to your flash instruction manual for the correct camera to subject and flash to subject distances. 3500xi-Subject Distance 2.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION This camera is designed to work specifically with lenses and accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using incompatible accessories with this camera may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage the camera and accessories. Compatibility of Accessories Lenses • All Minolta AF lenses can be used with this camera. • MD and MC series lenses (manual focus) cannot be used with this camera.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION Accessory Flash Control For owners of the optional lens kits When using an accessory flash, the desired flash mode can be controlled using either the camera or the flash. From the CAMERA Press the flash-mode button to select the desired flash mode. Lens Hood Flare is non-image forming light that degrades image quality. A lens hood improves image quality by reducing flare. • Remove a lens hood before using the camera’s built-in flash.
TROUBLE SHOOTING Contact your nearest Minolta Service Facility if the following information does not cover the problem which you are experiencing or the condition continues. PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION PAGE Batteries are loaded incorrectly. Remove and reinstall the batteries. 12 Batteries are exhausted. If the camera battery is exhausted, install a new battery. 12 Situation is unsuitable for autofocus. Use focus hold or manual focus. Camera is set to manual focus mode.
CARE AND STORAGE Operating Temperature and Conditions • This camera is designed for use from -20 to 50 °C (4 to 122 °F). • Never leave your camera where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures such as the glove compartment of a car. • Data panel response time will be slow at colder temperatures. The display will temporarily darken at higher temperatures, but will restore when the temperature normalizes. • Never subject the camera to extreme humidity.
SPECIFICATIONS Camera Type: Lens Mount: Viewfinder: Shutter Type: Speeds: Flash sync speed: Focus Type: AF Sensitivity Range: AF Illuminator: AF Control: Exposure Modes: Type: Metering Cell: Metering Range: Film-speed Setting: Film Transport Loading: 35mm SLR with built-in flash, autoexposure (AE), and action predictive autofocus (AF) Minolta A-type bayonet mount SLR roof mirror type, 90% field of view Magnification: 0.75X Drive Modes: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focalplane type 30 sec.
Minolta Co., Ltd. 3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan Minolta GmbH Minolta France S.A. Minolta (UK) Limited Minolta Austria Ges. m.b.H. Minolta Camera Benelux B.V. Belgium Branch Minolta (Schweiz) AG Minolta Svenska AB Finland Branch Minolta Portugal Limitada Minolta Corporation Head Office Los Angeles Branch Minolta Canada Inc.
