User manual KONICA MINOLTA DYNAX 404SI / MAXXUM STSI (ALPHA SWEET S)

E INSTRUCTION MANUAL QUICK OPERATION GETTING STARTED FULL-AUTO OPERATION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES ADDITIONAL FEATURES APPENDIX FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the camera in Full-Auto mode. Move on to Level II and the Subject Program modes when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera. When you are ready for full control, move on to Level III and the ASM exposure modes. The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced before March, 1999. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta Service facility to obtain compatibility information for products released after this date. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. · Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. · Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. · Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This Class B digital apparatus conplies with Canadian ICES-003. Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product. WARNING Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use. · Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual. · Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed. · Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures. · Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble. · Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages. · Tape over lithium battery contacts before disposal. Follow local regulations for battery disposal. Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near young children. Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed. Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if... · the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed. · the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke. Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required. Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder. CAUTION Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may occur if sunlight comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace the lens cap when the product is not being used. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS NAMES OF PARTS ..............................................................4 QUICK OPERATION ............................................................8 GETTING STARTED Strap ....................................................................................11 Batteries ..............................................................................12 Lens ....................................................................................14 Loading Film ........................................................................16 Handling the Camera ..........................................................18 FULLY-AUTOMATIC OPERATION Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ................................................20 Focus Signals ......................................................................21 Special Focus Situations......................................................22 Focus Hold ..........................................................................23 Using the Built-in Flash Flash signals....................................................................25 Flash range......................................................................25 Fill flash ..........................................................................26 Flash cancel ....................................................................26 Red-eye reduction ..........................................................27 Rewinding the Film ..............................................................28 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Portrait Mode ......................................................................30 Landscape Mode ................................................................31 Close-up Mode ....................................................................32 Sports Mode ........................................................................33 Night Portrait Mode..............................................................34 Photographing Night Scenes ..............................................35 Self-timer..............................................................................36 Continuous Advance ............................................................37 TABLE OF CONTENTS CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES LEVEL III A-MODE ­ Aperture Priority ................................................39 A-mode flash ..................................................................40 Aperture control ..............................................................41 S-MODE ­ Shutter Priority ..................................................42 S-mode flash ..................................................................43 Shutter control ................................................................44 M-MODE ­ Manual ..............................................................45 Metering in manual mode ................................................46 M-mode flash ..................................................................47 TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) ..................................48 ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOCUS Manual Focus ....................51 AF Illuminator ....................52 EXPOSURE 8 Segment Metering ..........53 Spot Metering ....................54 Exposure Compensation ..55 Setting the ISO Manually ..56 Bracketing..........................57 Multiple Exposure ..............58 FLASH Slow Sync..........................61 Wireless/Remote Flash ....62 FOR OWNERS OF THE DATE MODEL Exposing the Date/Time ....67 Setting the Date/Time........68 Replacing the Battery ........69 Changing camera functions 70 APPENDIX Program Reset Button ......71 Exposure Warnings ..........75 Care and Storage ..............78 II LEVEL I LEVEL Accessories ......................72 Trouble Shooting ..............76 Specifications ....................80 2 3 NAMES OF PARTS For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis. NAMES OF PARTS Main switch Data Panel Program-reset button (71) Subject-program button (30-35) Body Built-in flash (24-27) Flash-mode button Self-timer lamp (36) Function button Shutter-release button Function dial Accessory shoe Viewfinder* Film window Manual-rewind button (28) Control dial Lens contacts* Back-cover release Mirror* Focus-mode button (51) Lens mount Lens release (15) Exposure-compensation button (45, 55) Battery-chamber lock Battery-chamber door (12) Spot /AE lock button (54) Remote-control terminal (49) Strap eyelet (11) Self-timer/Drive-mode button (36, 37) * Do not touch Tripod socket 4 5 NAMES OF PARTS Data Panel Flash-mode indicators Red-eye reduction indicator Multiple-exposure indicator Exposure-mode indicators Manual-focus indicator Shutter-speed/ISO display Aperture/Exposurecompensation display Exposure-compensation indicator Subject-program pointer Subject-program indicators NAMES OF PARTS Viewfinder Focus frame Spot-metering area Focus signals Shutter speed display Exposure-compensation indicator Aperture/Exposure-compensation display Spot/AE lock indicator Self-timer indicator Battery-condition indicator Wireless flash indicator Drive mode indicator Cartridge mark Film transport signal Frame counter/Multiple-exposure display Flash signal 6 7 QUICK OPERATION 1. Insert batteries. · This camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries. QUICK OPERATION 5. Set Full-Auto operation. · Press the program-reset button to set the camera to fully-automatic operation. 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. 6. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired. 3. Turn on power. · Slide the main switch to ON. 7. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter release button partway down. · The camera will focus and set exposure automatically. 4. Load film. · Align the film tip with the red mark, then close the back cover. 8. Take the picture. · Gently press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. 8 9 LEVEL I This section provides the information necessary to operate your camera in most photographic situations. This section covers: · Battery Installation · Attaching and Removing the Lens · Loading the Film · Camera Handling · Fully Automatic Camera Operation · Special Focus Situations · Basic Flash Operation · Rewinding the Film Once you fully understand the instructions in this section, proceed to Level II, Level III, and Additional Features to obtain more enjoyment from your camera. G E T T I N G S TA R T E D Attaching the Strap 10 BATTERIES Installing the Batteries Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations. BATTERIES 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. 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the batterychamber lock to OPEN, then open the battery-chamber door. Full-battery symbol Power is sufficient for all camera operations. · will only appear for five seconds. Blinking low-battery symbol 2. Insert the batteries as indicated by the + and ­ marks. Power is extremely low. All functions are operational, but the batteries will need to be replaced soon. Flash recycling time may be slow. 3. Close the battery-chamber door, then turn the batterychamber lock to CLOSE. · Setting the camera down with the batterychamber door open may damage the camera. Blinking low-battery symbol appears alone and the shutter locks. Power is insufficient for camera operation. Replace the batteries. No display Power is too low for the camera to operate. Replace the batteries or make sure they have been inserted correctly. 12 13 LENS Attaching the Lens 1. Remove the body and rear lens caps. LENS Removing the Lens 1. Press the lens release and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops. 2. Align the red mounting dots on the lens and camera body. 2. Gently remove the lens and replace caps, or attach another lens. Caution 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. · Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly. · Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens contacts and mirror. 14 15 LOADING FILM Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 28 for instructions on removing a partially exposed roll. · Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film. · Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur. · If DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film speed). · If non DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the previous roll's ISO setting. Refer to page 56 to set the film speed manually. · Do not use infrared film in this camera. The camera's frame counter sensor will fog infrared film. LOADING FILM 3. Extend the leader between the guide rails to the index mark. · If the film tip extends beyond the index mark, push the excess film back into the cartridge. 4. Close the back cover. 1. Slide the back-cover release down to open the back cover. · The camera automatically advances the film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the frame counter. · The ISO is displayed in the data panel for 5 seconds after loading. 2. Insert a film cartridge into the film chamber. · blinks in the frame counter and the shutter locks when the film is loaded incorrectly. Open the back cover and repeat steps 2 ­ 4. The shutter curtain's precision design makes it extremely sensitive to pressure. Never touch it with your fingers or the film tip. If film is loaded with the power off... The film's ISO and appear in the data panel for approx. five seconds to indicate successful loading, then the camera shuts down. · If the film did not load, will blink in the data panel before the camera shuts down. Reload the film. 16 17 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. F U L LY - A U T O M AT I C O P E R AT I O N Full-Auto is the camera's standard operating mode and is suited for use in almost any situation. When selected, the camera sets the focus and exposure automatically and fires the built-in flash when necessary. Use Full-Auto when you are just starting out or when you are shooting under conditions that would require you to constantly adjust the focus and/or exposure. Pressing the Shutter-Release Button Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the camera's autofocus and auto-exposure systems. Gently press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. 18 TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO 1. Slide the main switch to ON. TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO 5. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. · In low-light conditions, the AF illuminator (flash) will fire to determine focus distance. · Use focus hold (p23) if your subject is outside the focus frame. 2. Press the program-reset button to set the camera to Full-Auto. · The camera will return to its default settings (p71). Focus Signals The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status when the shutter release button is pressed partway down. 3. If using a zoom lens, rotate the lens' zooming ring to frame the subject as desired. Focus is confirmed Continuous autofocus ­ Focus is confirmed 4. Center your subject in the focus frame [ ], then press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus. or will appear in the viewfinder when focus is confirmed. · The built-in flash will pop-up and fire when necessary. · Continuous autofocus ­ Lens focusing Shutter is locked Focus cannot be confirmed ­ Shutter is locked. Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situations described on page 22. 20 21 SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p23) or manual focus (p51). See page 21 for an explanation of the focus signals. If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast. FOCUS HOLD Use focus hold when your subject is outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to confirm. 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. · Focus hold also locks the exposure settings. · If two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame. If a subject composed of alternating light and dark lines completely fills the focus frame. 2. Continue to hold the shutterrelease button partway down while you compose your picture. If your subject is near a very bright object or area. 3. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the picture. · Remove your finger from the shutterrelease button to cancel focus hold. 22 23 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH In Full-Auto mode (P), the built-in flash pops-up automatically when the shutter release button is pressed partway down in lowlight situation. Once the flash is up, it will fire when necessary. · The shutter will not release until the flash is charged. · Select flash cancel ( ) when you don't want the flash to fire. · Pressing the program-reset button (P) resets the flash to autoflash mode. USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Flash Signals Flash is charged. Previous exposure was correct. Do not use the built-in flash with focal lengths shorter than 28mm. The built-in flash cannot cover focal lengths wider than 28mm. Flash Range The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table below. 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. · Remove the lens hood before using the built-in flash. · Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths. AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G AF Zoom 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5 AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 35-80mm f/4-5.6 · The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses: AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele) AF 600mm f/4 (APO tele) Make sure you are at least 1m (3.3 ft.) from your subject when using the built-in flash. Aperture f/2.8 f/3.5 f/4.0 f/5.6 ISO 100 1.0 ~ 4.3m (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) 1.0 ~ 3.4m (3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.) 1.0 ~ 3.0m (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) 1.0 ~ 2.1m (3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.) ISO 200 1.0 ~ 6.1m (3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.) 1.0 ~ 4.8m (3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.) 1.0 ~ 4.2m (3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.) 1.0 ~ 3.0m (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) ISO 400 1.0 ~ 8.6m (3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.) 1.0 ~ 6.8m (3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.) 1.0 ~ 6.0m (3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.) 1.0 ~ 4.3m (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) 24 25 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH Fill Flash Use fill flash when taking pictures under fluorescent lighting or to eliminate harsh shadows. When set, the flash will fire every time a picture is taken. The TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure correct exposure. USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH 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 redeye effect. Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. · Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table on page 25. · Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears to return to autoflash mode. · For quick shots, hold the flash-mode button down when pressing the shutter-release button to fire the fill flash. 1. Turn the function dial to . 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until and ON appear in the data panel. · Warn your subject that the flash will fire a few short flash bursts just before the picture is taken. Flash Cancel Use flash cancel when photographing twilight scenes or to capture the ambiance of existing light. Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. · Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears to return to autoflash mode. Cancelling Red-eye Reduction Turn the function dial to , then press the function button and turn the control dial until and OFF appear in the data panel. The shutter speed may be slow. Use of a tripod is recommended. 26 27 REWINDING THE FILM Automatic Rewind After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically rewind the film. When the film is completely rewound, the motor will stop and will blink in the data panel indicating it is safe to open the back of the camera. LEVEL II 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 program exposure 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. This section also lets you explore the use of the Self-timer and Continuous Advance modes. Subject Program Selection Page Portrait Mode 30 Landscape Mode 31 Close-Up Mode 32 Sports Mode 33 Night Portrait Mode 34 Photographing Night Scenes 35 Drive Mode Self Timer Continuous Advance Page 36 37 1. Wait until the film is completely rewound. · will appear and panel. will blink in the data 2. Slide the back-cover release down to open the back cover. 3. Remove the film, then close the back cover. Manual Rewind Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the current roll is finished. 1. Press the manual-rewind button. 2. Follow steps 1-3 from Automatic Rewind. Each of these functions can be explored independently after Level I has been mastered. · Press the program-reset button to return the camera to Full-Auto operation. 28 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION 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 (p41). SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Landscape Mode Landscape photography requires a large depth-of-field to make sure everything is in focus. In Landscape mode, the camera is set to obtain the greatest depthof-field possible, while maintaining a shutter speed fast enough to prevent blur due to camera shake. Press the subject-program button until the subject-program pointer is under . Press the subject-program button until the subject-program pointer is under . Tips · For best results use a mid-telephoto lens with a large aperture. · Use flash when your subject is backlit or there are strong shadows across the face (p26). · Lock focus on your subject's eyes and be ready to capture the perfect expression. Tips · For best results zoom to a wide view or use a wide angle lens and include a foreground subject or detail to create a feeling of depth in the picture. · Use flash when a subject in the foreground is backlit or has strong shadows across the face. If there is no subject in the foreground, do not use flash. · Use a tripod, especially at slower shutter speeds. 30 31 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Close-Up Mode Set Close-Up mode when photographing small objects like flowers or jewelry. In Close-Up mode, the camera automatically sets the best possible aperture and shutter speed for the picture you are taking. SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Sports Mode Fast shutter speeds are needed to stop action. In Sports mode, the camera will set the fastest possible shutter speed and continually adjust the focus to track fastmoving subjects. Press the subject-program button until the subject-program pointer is under . Press the subject-program button until the subject-program pointer is under . Tips · For best results use a macro lens or a macro capable zoom lens. · Do not use the built-in flash if your subject is closer than 1.0m (3.3 ft.). The lens may block the flash, creating a shadow at the bottom of your image (lens shadowing). · Use a tripod to reduce camera shake. Tips · The built-in flash is only effective when your subject is within the flash range. · Use fast film and keep the focus frame on your subject. · Mount the camera on a tripod when using telephoto lenses. 32 33 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Night Portrait Mode 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. SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION Photographing Night Scenes Cancel the flash in Night Portrait mode to photograph night scenes. The longer shutter speeds set in Night Portrait mode let you capture beautiful photographs of twilight scenes and night skylines. Press the subject-program button until the subject-program pointer is under . 1. Press the subject-program button until the subjectprogram pointer is under . Tips · Set the flash to or when using Night Portrait mode. See pages 26 and 27. · Use faster film and a tripod. · Focus on the main part of your subject. · Warn your subject not to move while the picture is taken. 2. Press the flash-mode button and turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. Tips · Use faster film and a tripod. · If you are photographing a dark night scene, it may be difficult for the camera to focus, use focus hold (p23) or manual focus (p51). 34 35 SELF-TIMER The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately 10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. CONTINUOUS - ADVANCE MODE In this mode, the camera continues to release the shutter and advance the film as long as the shutter-release button is held down. · AF Zoom xi and Power zoom lenses cannot be zoomed when continuousadvance mode is selected. 1. Place the camera on a tripod, then press the self-timer button until appears in the data panel. 1. Press the drive-mode button until appears in the data panel. 2. Center your subject in the focus frame. 3. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. · The self-timer indicator on the front of the camera will blink, then glow just before the shutter releases. · Self-timer mode is cancelled after the shutter is released. · Do not press the shutter-release button while standing in front of the camera. · Attach the eyepiece cap if there is a bright light source behind the camera (p49). 2. Press the shutter-release button down and hold. · When taking flash pictures, the shutter will release after the flash is charged. · When the subject is moving, the shutter will release after the camera focuses on the subject. · To return to single frame mode, press the drive mode button until appears in the data panel. Press the self-timer button or slide the main switch to LOCK to cancel the self-timer before the shutter releases. 36 37 A-MODE ­ APERTURE PRIORITY In A-mode, you select the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed required for proper exposure. Set the camera to A-mode when you want to control the range of sharpness (depthof-field) in an image. Refer to Aperture Control on page 41. LEVEL III In this section you take full creative control of your camera. Depending on the selected exposure mode, you will control the aperture, shutter speed, or both to capture your image. In the previous sections, only the Program (P) exposure mode has been explored. Here you will learn to use the Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M) exposure modes. Select A-mode to control the depth-of-field in your images. Set S-mode to control the way moving subjects appear in your images. Set M-mode when you want full control over all the exposure functions. Exposure Mode A-Mode Manually select aperture S-Mode Manually select shutter speed M-Mode Manually select the shutter speed and the aperture · Each exposure mode can be explored independently. 1. Turn the function dial to . 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until A appears in the data panel. Page 39 42 45 3. Turn the control dial to select the aperture. If 2000 or 30 s blinks in the data panel, the required setting is beyond the camera's shutter speed range. Turn the control dial until the blinking stops. 39 A-MODE ­ APERTURE PRIORITY A-Mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. The camera's TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure proper exposure. A-MODE ­ APERTURE PRIORITY Aperture Control Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. · will appear in the data panel. · The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/90 or slower. · A smaller aperture (larger f-number) will result in a shorter flash range. Refer to Flash Range (p25) to determine the range of the built-in flash at the selected aperture. Large Aperture (small f-number) Small Aperture (large f-number) If 90 blinks in the viewfinder and the data panel, the light level is too bright for the selected aperture. Turn the control dial until the blinking stops or cancel the flash. The size of the aperture (lens opening) determines the depth-of-field in the final image as well as the intensity of the light falling on the film. Depth-of-field is the range in front of and behind the focus point that appears sharp in the final image. In the viewfinder, only the plane the camera is focused on will appear sharp. The photographed image however, will have a depth-of-field corresponding to the selected aperture. Large apertures (small numbers) limit the depth-of-field to a narrow range in front of and behind the point of focus. Set a larger aperture when photographing portraits to make your subject stand out from the background. Small apertures (large numbers) provide greater depth-of-field. Set a small aperture when photographing landscapes to ensure your entire scene is sharp. · Usable apertures will depend on the aperture range of the lens you are using. Cancelling the Flash Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off. · will be displayed in the data panel. 40 41 S-MODE ­ SHUTTER PRIORITY In S-mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture required for proper exposure. Use S-mode when you want to control the blur caused by subject movement. S-MODE ­ SHUTTER PRIORITY S-Mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. Flash exposure is controlled by the camera's TTL automatic flash metering system. 1. Turn the function dial to . 1. Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. · will appear in the data panel. 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until S appears in the data panel. 2. Turn the control dial to select any shutter speed up to 1/90th of a second. · The camera automatically sets the aperture for the selected shutter speed. Cancelling the Flash 3. Turn the control dial to select the shutter speed. · The number 60, or 125, displayed in the data panel stands for 1/60th or 1/125th of a second. · The seconds indicator appears in the viewfinder and data panel if the shutter speed is one second or longer. Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off. · will be displayed in the data panel. If the aperture display in the data panel blinks, the required setting is outside the aperture range of the lens. Turn the control dial until the blinking stops. 42 43 S-MODE ­ SHUTTER PRIORITY Shutter Control M-MODE ­ MANUAL M-mode gives you full control of the exposure. The camera's meter index displays how your settings compare to the exposure determined by the camera's metering system. 1. Turn the function dial to . 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until M appears in the data panel. Fast Shutter Speed Slow Shutter Speed In addition to controlling the duration of the exposure, shutter speed determines how moving subjects will appear in the final image. Depending on the speed of your subject, slow shutter speeds will make a moving subject appear to flow, creating a feeling of motion. In addition to stopping action, fast shutter speeds can help prevent blur caused by camera movement during exposure, known as camera shake. · Use a fast shutter speed to stop the motion of your subject. · Use a slow shutter speed to blur the motion of your subject. 3. Turn the control dial to select the shutter speed. 4. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 44 45 M-MODE ­ MANUAL Metering in Manual Mode In manual mode, the meter index in the viewfinder and the data panel indicates how your exposure compares with the camera's meter reading. M-MODE ­ MANUAL M-Mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. Flash exposure is controlled by the camera's TTL automatic flash metering system. ­ The exposure will overexpose your subject. 1. Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. · will appear in the data panel. 2. Turn the control dial to select any shutter speed up to 1/90th of a second. ­ The exposure will underexpose your subject. If an exposure compensation indicator does not appear, your settings agree with the exposure determined by the camera. 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. · Refer to the flash range table on page 25 to determine the aperture setting and the flash range. Cancelling the Flash Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off. · will be displayed in the data panel. 46 47 TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) Set the shutter speed to bulb when you want to take time exposures. When bulb is selected, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is pressed. TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) 5. Firmly press the eyepiece cap into the eyepiece. · The eyepiece cap prevents light from entering thru the viewfinder and affecting the metered exposure. 1. Mount the camera on a tripod. 2. Set the camera to M-mode, then turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. 6. Press and hold the shutterrelease button to take the picture. · The shutter remains open as long as the button is pressed. Attaching the Remote Cord To reduce image blur, attach either the Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC-1000L (sold separately). 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 1. Flip the remote-controlterminal cover up. 2. Insert the plug into the terminal. 4. Compose the scene and focus on your subject. · If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, press the focus-mode button and focus the lens manually (p51). 48 49 FOCUS ­ 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 F E AT U R E S 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 Power Zoom and xi-Series Lenses Pull and turn the control ring until your subject appears sharp. 51 FOCUS ­ AF Illuminator The AF Illuminator is a secondary function of the built-in flash. When the scene is too dark for the camera to focus accurately, the built-in flash fires a few short bursts when the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down to provide the illumination necessary for the camera to focus on your subject. EXPOSURE ­ 8 Segment Metering Eight-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering is the camera's standard metering mode and is appropriate for most photographic situations. · The range of the AF Illuminator flash is approximately one to five meters. · The AF illuminator will not fire in continuous focus mode or if flash cancel ( ) is selected. · The AF illuminator will not operate with 300mm or longer single focal length lenses. · The AF illuminator will not operate with 3x-1x Macro Zoom. · When an accessory flash is attached, its AF illuminator will be active in place of the camera's AF illuminator. · Changing Camera Functions (p70) lets you cancel the built in flash's AF illuminator if it will interfere with your subject or is inappropriate. 52 53 EXPOSURE ­ Spot Metering Use only the center metering segment to lock the exposure settings without locking the focus. The exposure remains locked until the spot/AE lock button is released. · Pressing the spot/AE lock button sets the flash to slow sync mode (p61). EXPOSURE ­ Exposure Compensation The metering system in this camera averages the readings from each active metering segment to determine an exposure that will achieve an average middle grey tone on the film. Compensated Exposure 1. Place the spot-metering area on the subject whose exposure you want to lock. Dark scenes are often overexposed. Exposure compensation lets you adjust the metered exposure +/­ 3 stops in 1/2 stop increments. Metered Exposure 2. Press and hold the spot/AE lock button. · and the locked exposure will be displayed in the viewfinder. This effect is most visible when slide film is being used. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial until the desired compensation value appears in the data panel. · Exposure compensation remains until it is reset or cancelled. · To cancel exposure-compensation, repeat the above procedure and select 0.0 or press the program-reset button. · Exposure compensation is not available in M-mode. 3. Recompose the scene as desired, then press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. · The exposure is held until the spot/AE lock button is released. · Changing camera functions (p70) lets you change the operation of the spot/AE lock button to... Press to activate/Press again to cancel 54 55 EXPOSURE ­ Setting the ISO Manually Set the film speed manually when you want to override the DX-coded film speed or when using non-DX-coded film. Film speeds can be set from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3EV increments. EXPOSURE ­ Bracketing Film must be loaded before the ISO can be changed. 1. Turn the function dial to ISO. Metered Exposure 1/2 Stop Under 1/2 Stop Over This function automatically exposes a 3 frame 1/2 stop increment bracketed series. The order of the exposures will be the metered exposure, 1/2-stop under the metered exposure, 1/2 stop over the metered exposure. · The automatic bracketing feature cannot bracket flash exposures. 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until the desired ISO value appears in the data panel. This effect is most visible when slide film is being used. While pressing the exposurecompensation button, press the shutter release button all the way down and hold. · The camera automatically exposes a three frame bracketed series. · Releasing either button before the series is complete cancels the exposure series. 56 57 EXPOSURE ­ Multiple Exposure The multiple-exposure function makes it possible to expose two or more images on the same frame. EXPOSURE ­ Multiple Exposure 4. Press the shutter-release button all the way down again to take the last exposure. · Multiple-exposure mode is cancelled after the last exposure has been taken. Metering Multiple Exposures 1. Turn the function dial to . The meter in your camera determines exposure (EV) based on the assumption that only one exposure will be made on each frame. When making multiple exposures, the EV for each additional exposure needs to be reduced or over exposure will result. · Compensation is not necessary if all of the exposures have dark backgrounds and the subjects of the exposures will not overlap. 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. · appears in the frame counter. Compensate the exposures as follows: Number of Exposures Exposure Adjustment · The above corrections are intended as a general guideline. Some testing may be necessary to produce the desired results. · Exposure can be compensated in 1/2 EV increments using the exposure compensation function (p55) and in 1/3 EV increments by changing the ISO manually (p56). 3. Compose the scene, then press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the first exposure. blinks in the data panel, indicating the next exposure will be the last in the series. · To take more than 2 exposures, repeat steps 1 and 2 until ME glows in the data panel. 58 59 EXPOSURE ­ Multiple Exposure Cancelling Multiple Exposure 1. Turn the function dial to . FLASH ­ Slow Sync In P and A-modes, slow-shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed to increase the background or ambient lighting exposure in a flash picture. Flash output will automatically be decreased to maintain a correct exposure of your subject. 2. Press the function button and turn the control dial until OFF appears in the data panel. Slow-shutter Sync Conventional Flash Sliding the main switch to LOCK does not cancel multiple exposure mode. 1. Frame your subject. 2. While pressing the spot/AE lock button, press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture. · If the background is bright or a large aperture is set (A-mode), the shutter speed may not be reduced. · Use a tripod if the shutter speed becomes too slow to allow sharp, hand-held pictures after you press the spot/AE lock button. · and the locked exposure will be displayed in the viewfinder. 60 61 FLASH ­ 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. 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 shutter-release button. When proper exposure has been received, another signal cuts the accessory flash off. You can also achieve a 2:1 lighting ratio automatically. When remote ratio flash is selected, the off-camera flash provides 2/3 of the full exposure while the built-in flash provides the remaining 1/3. FLASH ­ Wireless/Remote Flash Setting Wireless/Remote Flash Mode 1. Attach the accessory flash to the camera, then turn the camera and the flash on. Normal Flash 2. Turn the function dial to WL. Wireless/Remote Flash 3. Press the function button and turn the control dial until WL and On appear in the camera's data panel. Wireless/Remote Ratio Flash 4. Detach the accessory flash, then press the camera's flash mode button to raise the builtin flash. Continued on next page. 62 63 FLASH ­ Wireless/Remote Flash Taking Pictures in Wireless/Remote Flash Mode The off-camera flash will provide all of the exposure. 1. Position your camera and 3500xi flash unit using the information on this page. · If you are not using the 3500xi flash, refer to your flash instruction manual for the correct camera to subject and flash to subject distances. FLASH ­ Wireless/Remote Flash 2. Wait until both flash units are fully charged. appears in the viewfinder when the builtin flash is charged. · When the off-camera flash is charged, its AF illuminator will blink. · Press the spot/AE lock button to test fire the accessory flash. 3. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. Wireless/Remote Ratio Flash Press the flash-mode button when taking the picture. Both flashes will fire when the shutter is release at a 2:1 ratio. The built-in flash will provide 1/3 and the accessory flash will provide 2/3 of the total exposure. Aperture Camera ­ Subject Distance 3500xi ­ Subject Distance f/2.8 f/4.0 f/5.6 1.4 ­ 5.0m (4.6 ­ 16 ft.) 1.0 ­ 5.0m (3.3 ­ 16 ft.) 1.0 ­ 5.0m (3.3 ­ 16 ft.) 1.0 ­ 5.0m (3.3 ­ 16 ft.) 0.7 ­ 4.5m (2.3 ­ 14.5 ft.) 0.5 ­ 3.2m (2.3 ­ 10.5 ft.) · Calculated for ISO 100 film only. 64 65