2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE ...5 NAMES OF PARTS ...8 Body ...8 Data Panel...10 Viewfinder ...11 QUICK OPERATION ...12 GETTING STARTED ...14 BATTERIES ...14 Installing the Batteries...14 Battery Condition Indicators ...15 DATE AND TIME SETTING - For Owners of the Quartz-date Model ...16 Names of Parts for Date and Time Setting ...16...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 3 Autoflash ...34 Autoflash with Red-eye Reduction ...34 Fill Flash ...35 Fill Flash with Red-eye Reduction ...35 Flash Cancel ...36 Setting the Default Autoflash Mode...36 SUBJECT PROGRAM...37 Subject Program Selection...37 Portrait...38 Landscape...38 Close-up ...39 Sports ...39 Night Portrait ...40 Night Scene...40 DRIVE MODES ...41...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 4 Thank you for purchasing this camera. Please take time to read this manual so that you can enjoy all the features of your new camera. This product is designed to work with accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 5 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product. WARNING Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury.
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 6 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE WARNING • Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children not to harm them with the product or parts. • Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight. •...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 7 CAUTION • Do not point the product directly at the sun. If sunlight is focused on an inflammable surface, a fire may result. Replace the lens cap when the product is not in use. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 8 NAMES OF PARTS Body For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in paren- thesis. Built-in flash* (32) Shutter-release button (27) Self-timer lamp / Remote-control receiver** (41) Lens contacts* (22) Mirror* (22) Lens mount (22) Battery-chamber door (14) Tripod socket...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 9 Accessory shoe (48) Main switch (28) Eyepiece cup (57) Viewfinder* (11) Film window (23) Date button** (16) Select button** (16) Adjust button** (16) Spot AF button (46) * This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces clean.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 10 NAMES OF PARTS Data Panel Flash-mode indicators (32) Autoflash Autoflash with red-eye reduction Fill flash Fill flash with red-eye reduction Flash cancel Wireless / Remote flash indicator (48) Date / time display (17) Single frame / Continuous advance indicator (41) Self-timer indicator (41)
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 11 Viewfinder Spot-focus area (46) Flash signals (33) Focus signals Steady Focus is confirmed and locked. Focus is confirmed with a moving subject. The camera Steady continues to focus while the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Focus cannot be confirmed.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 12 QUICK OPERATION 1. Insert the batteries (p. 14). • This camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries. 2. If the camera is the quartz date model, set the date and time, and imprinting format (p. 16). •...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 13 5. Open the back cover and load the film (p. 23). • Align the film tip with the red mark, then close the back cover. 6. Center the subject in the wide focus frame. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame the subject (p.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 14 BATTERIES GETTING STARTED Installing the Batteries The camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. 1. Slide the battery-chamber release as shown, and open the door. 2. Insert the batteries with the polarities as indicated by the illustration next to the battery chamber.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 15 Battery Condition Indicators Slide the main switch to on position. • A battery indicator appears on the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries. Full-battery indicator. • Power is sufficient for all camera operations. Half-battery indicator blinks.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 16 DATE AND TIME SETTING - FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ-DATE MODEL GETTING STARTED The quartz-date function records the date or time in the lower-left corner of the photograph. The quartz date back has an automatic cal- endar through the year 2039.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 17 Setting the Date and Time 1. Slide the main switch to the on position. The following example changes the date and time from the default setting of 2003, January 1, 0:00 to 2004, March 24, 15:45. 2.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 18 DATE AND TIME SETTING - FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ-DATE MODEL GETTING STARTED 8. Press the select button to select the hour. • The display will be changed from date to time. • The hour register will blink. The initial setting is 0. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 19 Changing the Date Format Date button Select button Adjust button 1. Press and hold the select button for 3 seconds until the date on the data panel blinks. 2. Press the adjust button to change the format. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 20 ATTACHING THE STRAP GETTING STARTED 1. Confirm the eyepiece cap is attached to the strap. The strap is threaded through the cap to prevent loss. 2. With the visible protrusions on the inside of the holder ring oriented as shown, pass the tip of the strap through the ring.
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 21 5. Pass the tip of the strap through the buckle and pull to tighten. • Leave some slack in the camera strap (A) so the tip may be threaded through the buckle easily. 6. Push the holder ring toward the strap eyelet to secure the strap to the camera.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 22 LENS GETTING STARTED Attaching the Lens This camera uses interchangeable lenses. See page 56 for informa- tion on which lenses are compatible with this camera. 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. 2. Align the red mounting index on the lens and camera body.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 23 FILM Loading the Film The camera automatically sets the correct film speed (ISO) with DX- code film. Always load or remove the film under subdued light to reduce the chances of fogging. • If non-DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the last DX-coded film’s ISO setting.
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 24 FILM GETTING STARTED 3. Insert the film cartridge into the film chamber. • With the top of the cartridge down, insert the film at an angle into the bottom of the film chamber. Push the cartridge into the chamber until it clicks into place.
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 25 When the film is loaded correctly with the camera on, the frame counter (“1”), cartridge mark, and film transport signals appear on the data panel. When the film is loaded correctly with the camera off, the frame counter (“1”), cartridge mark, and film transport signals appear on the data panel for approximately five seconds.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 26 FILM GETTING STARTED Rewinding the Film After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically rewind the film. 1. Wait until the film is completely rewound. • Zero will be displayed on the frame counter and the cartridge mark will blink on the data panel indicating that the back-cover can be opened safely.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 27 HANDLING THE CAMERA BASIC OPERATION Pressing the Shutter-release Button Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the cam- era’s autofocus and auto-exposure systems. Press the shutter- release button all the way down to take the picture. When taking a picture, press the shutter-release button with your index finger gently so as not to shake the camera during the exposure.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 28 TAKING PICTURES BASIC OPERATION In the standard operating mode, the camera sets the focus and expo- sure automatically and fires the built-in flash when necessary. The camera’s operation can be optimized for different subjects and situa- tion with subject programs (p.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 29 4. When the focus signal appears in the viewfinder, press the shutter- release button all the way down to take the picture. Focus Signals When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the follow- ing signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 30 FOCUS LOCK BASIC OPERATION The focus-lock function is used when the sub- ject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 31 SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS/ AF ILLUMINATOR Special Focus Situations The camera may not be able to focus in the situations described below. Use focus lock (p. 30) or manual focus (p. 47). If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 32 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH BASIC OPERATION Changing the Flash Mode When the flash mode button is pressed, the flash mode changes in the following sequence: • Except when flash cancel is selected, the built-in-flash will pop-up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 33 Flash Signals When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the viewfinder flash signal indicate the status of the flash. Steady Flash is charged and ready to fire. The signal will blink after taking the picture to indicate the Blinks flash output was sufficient to provide the correct exposure.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 34 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH BASIC OPERATION Autoflash In auto-flash, the built-in flash pops-up auto- matically when the shutter release button is pressed partway down in low light situations. Once the flash is up, it will fire when necessary. Press the flash mode button until the flash mode indicator appears on the data panel.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 35 Fill Flash Use fill flash when taking pictures under fluo- rescent lighting or to eliminate harsh shadows under strong direct lighting or sunlight. When set, the flash will fire every time a picture is taken.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 36 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH BASIC OPERATION Flash Cancel Use flash cancel to photograph landscapes at twilight, to capture the ambiance of the existing light, or when flash photography is not permitted. Press the flash mode button until the flash mode indicator appears on the data panel.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 37 SUBJECT-PROGRAM SELECTION The subject-program modes optimize camera settings for specific sit- uations. Press the subject program button to select any one of the following sub- ject program. • Set the appropriate flash mode according to the subject program selected.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 38 SUBJECT-PROGRAM SELECTION BASIC OPERATION Portrait Portraits have the greatest impact when a shal- low depth-of-field is used to separate the subject from the background. Depth-of-field is the area in front of and behind the subject that appears sharp.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 39 Close-up Use the close-up mode when photographing small objects like flowers or jewelry. In the close-up mode, the camera automatically sets the best possible aperture and shutter speed for close-up photography. Focusing time can be longer with macro lenses.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 40 SUBJECT-PROGRAM SELECTION BASIC OPERATION Night Portrait Night portraits balance the camera’s flash expo- sure with the background exposure. In this mode, the camera controls the aperture and shutter speed, allowing the background to appear in the photograph. 1.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 41 SELF-TIMER 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. Press the drive-mode button until the self- timer indicator appears on the data panel.
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 42 SELF-TIMER BASIC OPERATION 4. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. • The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera will blink during the countdown. It will glow steadily just before the shutter releases.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 43 CONTINUOUS ADVANCE In this mode, the camera continues to release the shutter and advance the film as long as the shutter-release button is held down. 1. Press the drive-mode button until continuous advance indicator appears on the data panel.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 44 REMOTE-CONTROL FUNCTION BASIC OPERATION Emitter window The quartz-date model can be operated up to 5m (16.4 ft.) away with the IR Remote Control RC-3 (sold separate- Delay button ly).* Release button * The quartz-date model is equipped with the remote-control function.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 45 FOCUS LOCK IN REMOTE CONTROL MODE When your subject is not centered in the focus frame, use manual focus or focus lock. Focus lock cannot be used with moving subjects or the sports subject program. 1.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 46 SPOT FOCUS ADVANCED OPERATION By simply pressing the spot AF button, the center spot focus area is activated. 1. Place your subject inside the spot focus area. 2. Press and hold the spot AF button. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 47 MANUAL FOCUS The lens can be focused manually. The autofocus system can be used to monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame is in focus. 1. Slide the focus-mode switch down and release.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 48 FLASH ADVANCED OPERATION This section of your manual covers the operation of accessory flash- es as well as the built-in flash. Program Flash An optional accessory flash improves flash performance over the built-in flash. Only Minolta D series flash units are compatible with this camera.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 49 Flash Metering Flash metering changes according to the lens used. ADI flash metering Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) metering is employed when using D series lenses. ADI metering combines distance information from the autofo- cusing system with information from a pre-flash exposure. Unlike conventional TTL flash metering, ADI is not influenced by the reference of the subject or background ensuring optimum exposures.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 50 WIRELESS / REMOTE FLASH ADVANCED OPERATION Photographs taken with a flash attached to the camera are flat as shown in example 1. An accessory flash positioned away from the camera creates three-dimensional lighting as shown in the second example.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 51 Setting Wireless / Remote Flash Mode 1. With the camera and flash off, mount the flash unit on the camera. Turn both the camera and flash on. • The flash must first be mounted on the accessory shoe so the camera can set the wireless/ remote function.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 52 FLASH ADVANCED OPERATION Taking Pictures in Wireless / Remote Flash Mode The accessory flash is controlled by a light signal from the built-in flash. Although the built-in flash fires, it does not add to the exposure, but simply controls the accessory flash.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 53 2. Wait until both flash units are fully charged. • When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the viewfinder flash signal will show the status of the built-in flash. • When the accessory flash is charged, the AF illuminator on the front blinks, and the flash signal on the rear of the unit glows.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 54 USEFUL INFORMATION APPENDIX Reset Default When the camera is turned off the following functions are reset: Function Subject program Canceled, Program AE active. Flash Focus mode Self-timer Continuous advance Wireless/remote flash Remote-control Canceling the Shutter-release Lock To prevent the film from being fogged, the shutter cannot be released if a lens is not attached to the camera.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 55 Canceling the AF Illuminator The built-in flash is used as an AF illuminator and will fire when nec- essary to assist the autofocus system in low light. The AF illuminator function can be turned off. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 56 ACCESSORY INFORMATION APPENDIX This manual contains information on products and accessories available at the time of printing. To obtain compatibility information for products not contained in the manual, contact a Minolta service facility listed on the back cover. Lenses All Minolta AF lenses can be used with this camera.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 57 Angle Finder V / Magnifier V The 90° Angle Finder VN allows the camera to be used in hard-to-view positions or at low angles. The Magnifier VN enlarges the viewfinder image by approx. 2.3X and is ideal for macro photography, copy- ing, and telephotography.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 58 TROUBLESHOOTING APPENDIX Contact your nearest Minolta Service Facility if the following informa- tion does not cover the problem which you are experiencing or the condition continues. Problem Cause Situation is unsuitable for autofocus (p. 31). Autofocus does not work when the Camera is set to...
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2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 59 Problem Cause Flash did not fire in a low- Picture is light situation Use fill flash, a tripod, or faster and the shut- blurred. film. ter speed was slow Flash pic- Subject is Make sure the subject is within ture is too beyond flash the flash range.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 60 CARE AND STORAGE APPENDIX 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 in the glove compartment of a car.
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 61 Cleaning • If the camera or lens barrel is dirty, wipe it gently with a soft, clean, dry cloth. If the camera or lens comes in contact with sand, gently blow away loose particles - wiping may scratch the surface. •...
2165_E.qxd 03.2.10 2:06 PM Page 62 SPECIFICATIONS APPENDIX CAMERA TYPE: 35mm autofocus SLR with autoexposure (AE) and a built-in flash LENS MOUNT: Minolta A mount AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM: Detection system: TTL phase-detection Autofocus sensors: CCD line sensors (3-point AF system with a center cross-hair sensor) Autofocus sensitivity range: Ev -1 –...
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