Minolta Dynax 7, Maxxum User Manual

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Thank you for purchasing a Minolta camera.

A valuable tool for photographers, the Maxxum/Dynax 7 has been designed with precision in mind to help you capture your photographic vision. As you use the Maxxum/Dynax 7, you will find that its performance and reliability compliment your own photographic expertise and raise your skills to a higher level.

The Maxxum/Dynax 7 features a newly developed 9-point AF system with center dual cross-hair sensors to give great flexibility when composing photographs, and the ability to switch between AF and MF, using the AF/MF control button, without changing holding positions.

This is the first camera ever to incorporate a Navigation display which gives easy to understand information on camera operation and Custom functions, available in 5 languages. Combined with the conventional lever and dial controls, the Navigation display provides flexible and clear operation.

This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your camera and its functions. Please familiarize yourself with the names of the controls and their locations on the camera, then read the Basic Operation section. Once you’ve mastered basic operation, move on to the Detailed Operation section to expand your expertise.

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.

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

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 to avoid short-circuit when disposing of batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal.

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.

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3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Table of Contents ..............................................................................

4

Name of Parts ...................................................................................

8

Quick Operation ..............................................................................

14

BASIC OPERATION

 

Batteries ..........................................................................................

17

Loading Film....................................................................................

20

Handling the Camera ......................................................................

23

Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ............................................................

24

Focusing..........................................................................................

28

Using the Built-in Flash ...................................................................

31

Rewinding the Film..........................................................................

33

DETAILED OPERATION

 

Navigation Display ..........................................................................

36

Display Selection .................................................................

37

When Upper Part Turns Black .............................................

43

Display Brightness/Contrast ................................................

44

Focusing

 

Focus Mode .........................................................................

46

AF/MF Control Button ..........................................................

50

Focus Area...........................................................................

53

AF Illuminator.......................................................................

59

Exposure

 

P Mode.................................................................................

61

A Mode.................................................................................

63

S Mode ................................................................................

66

M Mode ................................................................................

69

Metering

 

Selectable Metering .............................................................

74

Exposure Compensation .....................................................

77

Automatic Exposure Lock (AEL)..........................................

81

Setting the ISO Manually.....................................................

86

Drive

 

Continuous ..........................................................................

88

Self-Timer.............................................................................

90

Exposure Bracketing............................................................

92

Multiple Exposure ...............................................................

96

Flash

 

Flash Mode Switch ..............................................................

99

Red-eye Reduction ............................................................

100

Rear flash Sync .................................................................

101

Slow-shutter Sync ..............................................................

102

Flash Compensation ..........................................................

103

Flash Bracketing ................................................................

104

Accessory Flash ................................................................

107

Flash Metering ...................................................................

108

High Speed Sync ...............................................................

110

Wireless/Remote Off-camera Flash ...................................

112

PC Terminal........................................................................

118

Additional Features

 

Date/Time Imprinting..........................................................

120

Eye-Start ............................................................................

125

Time Exposures (Bulb) ......................................................

126

Depth-of Field Preview ......................................................

128

Diopter Adjustment ............................................................

130

Setting/Cancelling the Audio..............................................

131

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Memory

 

 

18

Exposure compensation control with rear control dial

Storing memory .................................................................

135

 

in P, A, and S mode

 

Recalling settings in memory.............................................

137

19

Control dial - exchanged control

 

Data memory

 

 

20

Flash-metering

 

Storing the data .................................................................

141

21

AF illuminator

 

Film area and data number ...............................................

143

22

Tasking on the focus-mode switch - AF-A position

Data recall..........................................................................

146

23

AF using shutter-release button

 

Deleting stored data...........................................................

151

24

Full-auto mode of the exposure-mode dial

 

Custom Functions

 

25

Tasking on exposure mode dial - position “3”

 

1

AF priority/Shutter-release priority

 

26

Flash burst with exposure compensation

 

2

Film rewind start

 

27

Detailed display

 

3

Film tip

 

28

Operation display

 

4

DX memory

 

29

Large icon display

 

5

Release lock (film)

 

30

Meter index display

 

6

Lens focus-hold button

 

31

Exposure-history display

 

7

Eyepiece sensor activation

 

32

Vertical display

 

8

Frame counter

 

33

Imprint intensity

 

9

AF/MF control button

 

34

Camera’s ID number

 

10

AE-lock button

 

35

Language on navigation display

 

11

Exposure bracketing/Flash bracketing sequence

 

 

 

 

12

Film rewind speed

 

APPENDIX

 

 

13

Meter display duration

 

Accessory information .......................................................

189

14

AF area display

 

Trouble shooting ................................................................

192

15

Front and rear control dial Lock

 

Care and Storage ..............................................................

196

16

Release lock (lens)

 

Specifications.....................................................................

198

17

AF drive speed

 

Index

..................................................................................

202

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NAMES OF PARTS

For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.

Camera Body

AF illuminator (59)/Self-

Built-in

Exposure-compensation dial

flash* (31)

lock-release button (77)

timer lamp (90)

 

 

 

 

Exposure-compensation

Shutter-release

 

dial (77)

 

 

button

 

 

Front control dial

Grip sensor (125)

Depth-of-field preview button (128)

Lens contacts*

Mirror*

Battery-chamber release (17)

Battery-chamber door

Vertical-control-grip contacts (189)*

Flash-compensa- tion dial (103)

PC terminal

(118)

Strap eyelet (16)

Back-cover release (20)

Lens release (19)

Remote-control terminal (191)

Focus-mode switch (46)

Lens mount

Tripod socket

* Do not touch

Diopter-adjustment dial (130)

Eyepiece cup (15)

Accessory shoe (107)

Viewfinder* (12)

Eyepiece sensor* (125)

Main switch (13)

Metering-mode switch (75)

AE-lock button (81)

Exposure-mode dial lockrelease button (24)

Exposure-mode dial (60)

Drive-mode lever (87)

AF/MF control button (50)

Top data panel (10)

Display- selection

button (37)

Strap eyelet (16)

Rear control

dial

Flash-mode switch (99)

Film window (20)

Navigation-display illuminator (44)

Manual-rewind button (34)

Eye-start switch (125)

 

Spot-AF but-

 

ton (52)

Focus-area

Wide/Local

focus-area

selector (55)

switch (54)

Control-panel door (120)

Navigation display (36)

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NAMES OF PARTS

Control Panel

Data-memory button

Custom button (154)

(141)

Enter button (135)

 

ISO button (86)

Adjust button

 

Date button (120)

 

Top Data Panel

Shutter-speed display

Frame counter/

Aperture display

Cartridge mark

Film-transport signals

Navigation Display

Shutter-speed display

Release-priority indicator (158)

Exposure-mode indicator (60)

Flash-mode indicators (99)

AF-mode indicator (46)

Metering-mode indicator (74)

Drive-mode indicators (87)

Audio-on indicator (131)

Aperture display

Exposure-com- pensation display (77)

Flash-compen- sation display (103)

Focus-area indicator (46)

 

Film-transport signals

Data-memory-on indicator (141)

 

Frame counter

Battery-condition indicator (18)

Cartridge mark

Imprint indicator (120)

Display-selection indicator (147)

Focus-area-selector indicator (142)

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Minolta Dynax 7, Maxxum User Manual
Meter index

NAMES OF PARTS

Viewfinder

Spot-metering area (75)

Local focus area (56)

Spot-focus area (55, 56)

Wide focus frame

Flash-compensation indicator (103)

Wireless/Remote flash indicator (114)

Manual-focus indicator (48)

AEL indicator (81, 102)

Exposure-mode indicator

Frames-remaining counter (26)

Aperture display

Shutter-speed display

Focus signals (28) Metering-mode indicator (75) High-speed-sync indicator(110)

Flash indicator (31)

QUICK OPERATION

1. Insert the batteries.

• The camera uses two CR123A batteries.

2. Attach a lens.

• Align the red marks, then turn it gently clockwise until it clicks.

3. Turn the camera on.

• Turn the main switch to ON.

4. Load the film

• Align the film-tip with the red mark, then close the back cover.

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QUICK OPERATION

5. Set the camera for automatic operation.

• While pressing the exposure-mode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to .

6.If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your

subject as desired.

Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down.

Focus is set automatically.

8. Take the picture.

Gently press the shutter release button all the way down.

If the camera is turned on and the date and time have not been set, this message appears. See page 121 for instructions for setting the date and time.

The navigation display panel can provide information in any one of five languages (Japanese, English, German, French, or Spanish). To select the language you wish to use, see Custom 35 (p. 187).

Attach the eyepiece cup for comfortable viewing.

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15

BASIC

OPERATION

Attach the strap as shown.

If you have Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC 1000L, you can use the cord holder on the strap. Attach the strap so that the holder comes to the side of the remote-control terminal (p. 191).

BATTERIES

Installing the Batteries

Your camera uses two 3V CR123A lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations.

1.Turn the main switch off. Then slide the battery chamber release as shown, and open

the door.

2. Insert the batteries as indicated by the + and - marks.

3. Close the battery-chamber door.

If the camera’s batteries are removed for a long period of time, the date and time settings will be lost. When this happens, this message appears, and the date/time information will not be imprinted. See page 121 for instructions for setting the date and time.

BASIC OPERATION

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BATTERIES

Battery Condition Indicators

The battery condition indicator displays the power status of the batteries when the main switch is set to ON.

Full-battery indicator

Power is sufficient for all camera operations.

Half-battery indicator

Power is low, but all functions are operational.

Keep a fresh battery handy.

Low-battery indicator

Power is extremely low. The batteries will need to be replaced soon. Flash recycling time may be slow.

Batteries are exhausted

Power is insufficient for camera operation.

Replace the batteries.

If no display appears, power is too low for the camera to operate. Replace the batteries or make sure they have been inserted correctly.

LENS

Attaching the Lens

1. Remove the body and rear lens caps.

2. Align the red bead on the lens with the red dot on the camera’s lens mount. Press the lens against the lens mount, and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks in the locked position.

• Do not press the lens release when mounting the lens. The lens will not couple properly.

Removing the Lens

1. While pressing the lens release, turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops.

2. Remove the lens and replace the caps, or attach another lens.

Caution

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.

BASIC OPERATION

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LOADING FILM

Remove and discard the protective cover on the film gate before loading film for the first time.

Check the film window before loading film. If film is already loaded, refer to Manual Rewind on page 34 to remove a partially exposed roll.

• Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film.

1. Slide the back-cover release and open the back cover.

2. Insert film cartridge into the film chamber.

• Refer to page 159 to reload a partially exposed roll.

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.

The camera automatically advances the film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the frame counter.

The ISO is shown in the navigation display for 5 seconds after loading.

If loading was unsuccessful, this message appears in the navigation display. Repeat steps 1-4.

The shutter curtain’s precision design makes it extremely sensitive to pressure. Never touch it with your fingers or the film tip.

shutter curtain

BASIC OPERATION

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LOADING FILM

Once the film is loaded, the back cover will lock until film rewinding is complete, preventing accidental opening.

ISO is set automatically if DX-coded film is loaded. See page 86 for changing ISO manually.

Non-DX-coded film is automatically rewound at the end of the roll or after 36 exposures.

Non-DX-coded film is set to the ISO from the previous roll. Refer to page 86 to set the film speed manually.

Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.

Do not use infrared film in this camera. The camera’s frame counter sensor will fog infrared film.

HANDLING THE CAMERA

Holding the Camera

 

OPERATION

 

 

 

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

BASIC

 

 

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.

Do not block the AF illuminator.

Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.

When taking vertically aligned photographs, the use of the vertical control grip, allows for easy access to all camera functions.

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 shut- ter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

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TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO

1. Turn the main switch to ON.

2. While pressing the exposuremode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to full-auto.

Full-auto is shown in the display. When the upper part is black, as shown, the position of the dials and levers may not match the actual camera control.

3. Raise the built-in flash.

• If the flash is raised, it will automatically fire when needed.

• For details on using the built-in flash, see page 31.

4.If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired.

Center your subject in the focus frame.

Press the shutter-release button partway down.

Focus will be set automatically. Audio sounds and the local focus area LED appears briefly indicating the focus area selected by the camera.

7. When or appears in the viewfinder, press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture.

Use focus lock (p.29) if your subject is outside the focus frame.

BASIC OPERATION

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TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO

The number of frames remaining is displayed in the viewfinder for the last 19 frames on the roll. This

countdown does not appear for non-DX-coded film.

You can not take more pictures on a roll than what is stated on the film cartridge.

Audio sound can be canceled (p 131).

• After taking picture, turn the camera off.

• After the camera is turned off, the frame counter remains displayed in the top data panel, but not in the rear navigation display.

• The frame counter in the top data panel disappears when the main switch is turned on.

Full-Auto Basic Settings

When the exposure-mode dial is set to , the functions in the table below are reset to the full-auto mode, and locked in order not to be changed.

Function

Full-Auto Settings

Page No.

 

 

 

Exposure mode

Program (P)

61

 

 

 

Metering mode

14-segment honeycomb-pattern

74

 

 

 

 

Autoflash, if the built-in flash is up.

 

Flash mode

(Pre-flash for red-eye reduction fires in

99

accordance with the position of the

 

 

 

flash-mode switch).

 

 

 

 

Focus mode

AF-A, Autofocus priority

46

 

 

 

AF area

Wide focus area

54

 

 

 

Drive mode

Single frame advance

87

 

 

 

Function

Full-Auto Settings

Page No.

 

 

 

Exposure

+/- 0.0EV

77

compensation

 

 

 

 

 

Flash

+/- 0.0EV

103

compensation

 

 

 

 

 

PA/PS creative

Cleared

62

program mode

 

 

 

 

 

Flash-metering

ADI (Advanced Distance Integration)

108

method

4-segment metering

 

 

 

 

When the exposure-mode dial is set to , the functions in the table above are reset to full-auto mode, and locked in order not to be changed. However, if Custom 24-2 (p. 178) is selected, these settings can be changed after the dial is set to .

The following items will not be reset when the exposure-mode dial is set to . Additional changes to these can be made after selecting

-Whether built-in flash fires or not

-Red-eye reduction

-Date and time imprinting

-Data memory

-Eye-start

-ISO setting

-Audio sound setting

-Custom function settings, except for custom functions 1, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

BASIC OPERATION

.

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FOCUSING

Focus Signals

The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status

when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.

Focus is confirmed.

Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed.

Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing. Shutter is locked.

(Blinks) Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked.

Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situations described on page 30.

In the above chart, the shutter is locked when the lens is focusing or when focus cannot be confirmed. To change so that the shutter can be released, even if focus has not been confirmed, select Custom1- 2.

If eye-start is on, it is possible to activate focus by bringing the camera to your eye. See eye-start for more information (p. 125).

Focus Lock

Use focus lock when your subject is outside the focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to confirm.

The focus lock method described on this page, is used for stationary subjects. For moving subjects, see page 47 .

1. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down.

appears in the viewfinder when focus is confirmed.

Focus lock also locks the exposure settings when 14 segment honey-

comb-pattern metering is selected (p. 74).

2. Continue to hold the shutterrelease button partway down while you compose your picture.

3. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the picture.

If the shutter-release button is raised partway up, focus lock will not be cancelled. If you want the camera to refocus, remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

Focus lock is not possible unless appears in the viewfinder.

BASIC OPERATION

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FOCUSING

Special Focus Situations

The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus lock

(p. 29) or manual focus (p. 48). See page 28 for an explanation of the focus signals.

If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in contrast.

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.

If your subject is near a very bright object or area.

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

The built-in flash provides coverage for focal lengths as wide as OPERATION 24mm.

1. Turn the main switch to ON and set the exposure-mode dial to . BASIC

2. Raise the built-in flash.

3. Press the shutter-release button to take the picture.

When the exposure mode dial is set to , the built-in flash will fire only when necessary.

For red-eye reduction, turn the flash-mode switch to the red-eye reduction position.

To cancel the flash, push the flash down.

Flash Signals

The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the flash status when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.

Flash is charged.

(Blinks) Previous exposure was correct.

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USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

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.

Aperture

ISO 100

ISO 200

ISO 400

f/2.8

1.0 ~ 4.3m

1.0 ~ 6.1m

1.0 ~ 8.6m

(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.)

 

 

 

 

 

f/3.5

1.0 ~ 3.4m

1.0 ~ 4.8m

1.0 ~ 6.8m

(3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.)

 

 

 

 

 

f/4

1.0 ~ 3.0m

1.0 ~ 4.2m

1.0 ~ 6.0m

(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.)

 

 

 

 

 

f/5.6

1.0 ~ 2.1m

1.0 ~ 3.0m

1.0 ~ 4.3m

(3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.)

(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Make sure you are at least 1m (3.3 ft.) from your subject when using the built-in flash.

Remove the lens hood before using the built-in flash.

Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths.

AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G

AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G

AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5

AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5

• 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) AF 300mm f/4 (APO tele)

REWINDING THE FILM

The film is automatically rewound after the last frame is exposed.

Automatic Rewind OPERATION

1. Wait until the film is completely rewound.

BASIC

Do not open the back cover until this message appears in the navigation display. Never use force.

2. When the film is completely rewound, open the back cover and remove the film.

If the manual rewind button is pressed while the film is rewinding, the rewind speed will change.

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REWINDING THE FILM

Manual Rewind

Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the roll is finished.

Gently press the manual-rewind button.

• Use a blunt object. A sharp object may cause damage.

Custom Function Notes

Custom 2, 3 and 12 refer to the rewinding of film.

Custom 2 - Automatic (1) or manually initiated (2) rewind start.

Custom 3 - Rewind the leader into the cartridge (1) or leave the leader out (2).

Custom 12 - Fast (1) or slow/silent (2) rewind.

DETAILED OPERATION

Once you have mastered the basic operation, you can move on to the Detailed Operation section to expand your expertise. Read those pages pertaining to the areas of your interest and need.

DETAILED OPERATION

 

Navigation Display ................................

36

Focusing................................................

45

Exposure ...............................................

60

Metering ................................................

73

Drive ......................................................

87

Flash......................................................

98

Additional Features..............................

119

Memory Functions...............................

132

Data Memory.......................................

140

Custom Functions ...............................

153

DETAILED OPERATION

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35

NAVIGATION

DISPLAY

Your camera uses the navigation display (a dot-matrix presentation in the large LCD panel on the back of the camera) to provide you with useful photographic information.

Only general information is included in this section. Please refer to each specific section for more detailed information.

Display will be slow in cold weather, but it normalizes when it warms up.

If the camera is not operated for more than 1 hour, with the main switch on, the display will disappear. Press the shutter-release button partway down, or turn the main switch off and then back on, for the display to re-appear.

DISPLAY SELECTION

 

When the camera is first turned on,

 

 

the detailed display is shown.

 

 

Pressing the display-selection button

 

 

causes the displays to change as fol-

 

 

lows:

 

 

Detailed display

 

Display-selection button

Large icon display

 

 

Meter-index display

DISPLAY

 

Exposure-history display

• The horizontal detailed display is used for explanations throughout this

manual.

 

NAVIGATION

 

 

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37

DISPLAY SELECTION

Detailed display

Detailed display

Display-selection button

Display selection button

Large icon display

Display-selec- tion button

Meter-index display

Display-selec- tion button

Exposure-history display

Switch horizontal/ vertical

Display selection button

Large icon display

Switch horizontal/ vertical

Display-selec- tion button

Meter-index display

Display-selection

button

Exposurehistory display

Display-selection button

Detailed Display

The detailed display shows all the settings.

By selecting Custom 27-2 (p. 182), you can show only those settings which differ from the standard settings.

Large Icon Display

 

 

 

DISPLAY

 

 

 

NAVIGATION

For easier viewing of only a few items, select the large-icon display

 

 

 

option.

 

 

 

 

Shutter speed

 

Aperture

 

 

Exposure mode

 

Exposure compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio-on indicator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frame counter

Battery condition indicator

• To cancel this display, select Custom 29-2 (p. 184).

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