Konica Minolta FLASH METER VI, AUTO METER VF User Manual

E

F

FLASH METER VI

Instruction Manual
Manuel d’instructions

The essentials of imaging
L’essentiel de l’image

Instruction Manual
FLASH METER VI

Thank you for purchasing the MINOLTA FLASH METER VI.

The Minolta Flash Meter VI has the following features:

● The integrated exposure meter combines incident light measurement
and spot (reflected light) measurement in a single unit.

● For spot measurement, the Flash Meter VI uses a parallax-free optical
system. This eliminates the displacement of the measurement area that
varies with the distance from the subject.

● With the latitude display function, the Flash Meter VI can simultaneously
display the results of both incident light measurement and spot light
measurement. It provides a clear and simple graphical decision process
for determining the exposure suited to the nature of the photograph.

● With the analyze scale, you can determine the proportion of flash light
and ambient light in a single flash light measurement.

● The Flash Meter VI provides a memory function capable of storing up to
10 measured values; an averaging function that calculates an average
exposure from stored measurement data; and a brightness difference
function that displays deviation from the standard exposure.

● For spot measurement, both shadow-based and highlight-based
exposure calculation functions are provided.

● The Flash Meter VI provides a "custom setting (Alt) mode" that allows
you to customize the meter according to your preference. This feature
includes an exposure correction value setting function and a shutter
speed increment-setting function.

● Measurement results are shown on both the analog and digital displays
on the meter’s data panel. The clear and legible display eliminates
reading errors.

● The results of spot measurements are shown on the digital display in the
viewfinder and on the external data panel. The viewfinder features a
dioptric adjustment mechanism.

● In addition to displaying a conventional 10-level intermediate f-number
display, the Flash Meter VI provides an f-number direct reading display.
This enables the measured value to be applied to any camera with an f­number direct reading display, eliminating the need for f-number
conversion.

Safety-related Icons

The following icons are used in this manual to alert you to important
information for preventing accidents due to improper handling of
equipment.

This denotes a safety-related caution. Read the caution carefully
to ensure safe use of the product.

This denotes actions to be strictly avoided.
Make sure to avoid these actions.

This denotes actions to be avoided.
Do not attempt to disassemble the product.

Safety Warnings and Cautions

To ensure proper use of the instrument, take special care to observe the
following handling instructions when using this instrument. Read this
instruction manual carefully and keep it securely in a place where you can
refer to it readily.

indicates a danger that improper use of the

WARNING

Do not use the instrument in a place where inflammable or
combustible vapors (e.g. gasoline) are present. Otherwise there is
a risk of causing a fire.

Do not throw batteries into fire. Do not recharge (non­rechargeable batteries), short circuit, heat or disassemble
batteries. Otherwise, there is a risk of causing fire or injury due to
an explosion or fluid leakage.

Never attempt to disassemble or modify the instrument yourself.
Otherwise there is a risk of causing fire or electric shock.

instrument will lead to the death or serious
injury of the user.

Never attempt to look directly at the sun through the viewfinder of
the meter. Doing so will damage your eyesight.

The instrument should not be operated if it is damaged, or smoke
or odd smells occur. Doing so may result in a fire. In such
situations turn off the power immediately, disconnect the AC
adapter, and contact the nearest authorized service facility.

indicates a danger that improper use of the

CAUTION

instrument will lead to injury to the user or to
property damage.

Do not use any batteries other than those designated for use with
the instrument. When fitting batteries, make sure to align them
according to the polarity shown on the instrument (plus "+" and
minus "-"). Otherwise there is a risk that the batteries may leak or
become damaged, leading to fire, injury or pollution of the
surrounding environment.

Do not walk around while looking into the viewfinder. Doing so
may result in a fall or other accident.

STATEMENT OF FCC COMPLIANCE

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 receiver.

- Connect the equipment into 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 complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Table of Contents

Names of Parts and Displays ･･････････････････････････････････････････2

● Data panel displays ････････････････････････････････････････････････4

● Viewfinder display ････････････････････････････････････････････････8

Preparations ････････････････････････････････････････････････････････9

● Battery ･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････････9

1. Preparing ･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････9

2. Inserting ･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････9

3. Checking ････････････････････････････････････････････････････10

● Setting film speed ････････････････････････････････････････････････12

● Setting instant film speed for test shooting ･･････････････････････････13

● Selecting a measuring method suitable for the light-receiving method ･･14

1. Incident light measurement･･････････････････････････････････････14

2. Spot measurement ････････････････････････････････････････････15

* Difference between incident-light and Spot (reflected-light) readings ････16

Basic Operation･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････19

● Select a measuring method ････････････････････････････････････････19

● Measuring ambient light ･･････････････････････････････････････････20

1. With a still camera ････････････････････････････････････････････20

2. With a cine camera ････････････････････････････････････････････24

● Measuring flash light ･･････････････････････････････････････････････27

1. With a sync cord ･･････････････････････････････････････････････27

2. Without a sync cord (Incident light measurement) ･･････････････････32

* Light Ratio Analyze function ･･････････････････････････････････････36

Special Functions ････････････････････････････････････････････････････38

● Latitude display function ･･････････････････････････････････････････38
* Combining incident light measurement and spot measurement ････････40

● Memory function ････････････････････････････････････････････････42

● S/A/H (Shadow/Average/Highlight) calculations ･･････････････････････45

● Brightness difference function ･･････････････････････････････････････52

* Measuring lighting ratio using the Flat Diffuser ･･････････････････････58
* Using the Flash Meter VI as a simplified illuminance meter ････････････63
* Using the Flash Meter VI as a simplified luminance meter ････････････63

● Custom settings mode (Alt mode) ･･････････････････････････････････66

Accessories ････････････････････････････････････････････････････････74
Care and Storage ････････････････････････････････････････････････････75

1. Care ････････････････････････････････････････････････････････75

2. Storage ･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････75

Handling Instructions ････････････････････････････････････････････････76

● After Service ････････････････････････････････････････････････････77

Specifications ･･････････････････････････････････････････････････････78

E1

Names of Parts and Displays

Incident light receptor

Names of Parts and Displays

Spot measurement
viewfinder

Spot measuring
button

Data panel

ISO button

LATITUDE button

MODE button

MEMORY button

S/A/H button

Sync terminal

CLR (Clear) button

Instant film ISO button

POWER button

Incident light
measuring button

Dioptric
adjustment
dial

Up/down
dial

Battery chamber cover

Strap eyelet

E3E2

Names of Parts and Displays

Names of Parts and Displays

Data panel displays

1. Analog scale status
indicator

4. Measurement data status indicator

Pointers

3. Analog scale R

2. Analog scale L

For the purpose of explanation, the diagram above shows
all indicators that light up on the LCD.

5. S/A/H indicator

6. indicator

1. Analog scale status indicator

The left (L) and right (R) analog scales are used for incident light
measurement and spot measurement, respectively.

2. Analog scale L

The display of the pointers corresponds to measurement data and
memory data for incident light measurement. It also corresponds to the
standard exposure or latitude for incident light
measurement or spot measurement.
The small digit to the right of the two-digit
reading (f-number) on the digital readout
indicates a fractional value between stops. The
value shown on the analog display is rounded
down or up to the nearest 0.5 stops. (Values of

0.2 or lower are rounded down to 0; those of

0.3 to 0.7 are rounded to 0.5; and those of 0.8
or greater are rounded up to 1.)
When a latitude range is indicated, all dots between the upper and lower
limits are lit.

3. Analog scale R

The display of the pointers corresponds to measurement data and
memory data for spot measurement.
The small digit to the right of the two-digit reading (f-number) on the
digital readout indicates a fractional value between stops. The value
shown on the analog display is rounded down or up to the nearest 0.5
stops. (Values of 0.2 or lower are rounded down to 0; those of 0.3 to 0.7
are rounded to 0.5; and those of 0.8 or greater are rounded up to 1.)

4. Measurement data status indicator

When a value measured with incident light measurement is displayed,
the indicator appears. When a value measured with spot
measurement is displayed, the indicator appears.

5. S/A/H indicator

Holding down the S/A/H button while a measured value is displayed
lights the S, A or H indicator corresponding to the currently selected

mode.

6. indicator

This indicator turns on when the LATITUDE button is pressed.

Upper limit

Standard
value

Lower limit

E5E4

7. Digital readout

8. Shutter speed/framing­rate display

9. Analyze scale

10.Flash light measuring
indicator

11.Film speed display

12.Measuring mode
display

For the purpose of explanation, the diagram above shows
all indicators that light up on the LCD.

Names of Parts and DisplaysNames of Parts and Displays

7. Digital readout

When the measurement data display unit is set to "FNo." or "FNo. direct
reading," the f-number (FNo.) is displayed. When the display unit is set
to "EV," the exposure value (EV) is displayed in 0.1-stop increments. For
flash light measurement, only the FNo. display mode is available.
Holding down the incident light measuring button or spot measuring
button (which activates the brightness difference function) in latitude
display mode causes

displayed. When the measuring button is released, the standard
exposure is displayed.

8. Shutter speed/framing-rate display

Displays the shutter speed or frame rate specified with the Up/down dial.
When shutter speed is between 0.6 to 50 sec, s is displayed; between 1
min. and 30 min., m is displayed.
Setting range: Shutter speed: 30 min. to 1/16000 sec. (1, 1/2, 1/3

9. Analyze scale

Displays the proportion of flash light in the total exposure value obtained
from flash light measurement. For more information on the Light Ratio
Analyze function, see p. 36.

10. Flash light measuring indicator

This indicator appears together with the analyze scale in CORD and
NON CORD mode.

11. Film speed display

Displays the film speed setting.
Holding down the instant film ISO button displays the indicator.
Setting range: ISO 3 to ISO 8000

12. Measuring mode display
Displays one of the three measurement modes (AMBI, CORD or NON
CORD) according to the setting of the MODE button.

Repeatedly pressing the MODE button cycles the measurement modes
in the following sequence:
AMBI ➞ CORD ➞ NON CORD ➞ AMBI ➞

∆EV (deviation from the standard exposure) to be

stops)

Framing-rate: 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 64,128 f/s

E7E6

Names of Parts and Displays

Viewfinder display

15.Measuring index

14.Viewfinder

13.Viewfinder

For the purpose of explanation, the above figure shows
all available indicators on the display.

13. Viewfinder indicator

Same as the indicator on the external data panel.

14. Viewfinder FNo./EV display

Displays an f-number (FNo.) or exposure value (EV) during spot
measurement.

circle

FNo./EV display

indicator

Preparations

Battery

WARNING

Do not throw batteries into fire. Do not recharge (non­rechargeable batteries), short circuit, heat or disassemble
batteries. Otherwise, there is a risk of causing fire or injury due to
an explosion or fluid leakage.

CAUTION

Do not use any batteries other than those designated for use with
the instrument. When fitting batteries, make sure to align them
according to the polarity shown on the instrument (plus "+" and
minus "-"). Otherwise there is a risk that the batteries may leak or
become damaged, leading to fire, injury or pollution of the
surrounding environment.

1. Preparing

The instrument uses a single
alkaline dry cell (LR-6/1.5 V).

2. Inserting

15. Measuring index circle

The circle’s internal area indicates the measuring area for spot
measurement.

E8

Remove the battery

1

chamber cover by sliding it
lightly in the direction of the
arrow.

Insert the battery with the

2

plus (+) and minus (-) ends
oriented according to the
diagram in the battery
chamber.

★ The meter will not work if the

battery is inserted in the
wrong direction.

E9

Preparations

Preparations

Replace the battery

3

chamber cover.

3. Checking

The instrument automatically
checks the battery when power is
on.

After a new battery is installed, the
display appears as shown below
after the power is turned on.

If you turn on the meter when the
battery power is running low,
"b.c." will appear on the display

for approx. 0.5 sec. before the
normal display appears.

If you turn the power on when
there is not enough battery power
to take measurements, or if the
battery runs low during
measurement, a blinking "b.o."
will display for approx. 1 min. and
then the display will switch off. If
this happens, replace the battery
with a new one.

★ When disposing of used

batteries, observe local waste
disposal regulations.

● The Flash Meter VI can be
operated continuously for about
30 hours with a fresh alkaline
dry cell.

● The Flash Meter VI has a
power-saving function that
automatically turns off the
power after about 10 minutes of
inactivity.
To restart measuring operation
after the display has been
turned off, press the POWER
button. (Pressing the POWER
button restores the meter to the
condition it was in before the
power was turned off. The
settings for film speed, shutter
speed, measuring mode and
display unit, as well as the
existing measurement data and
memory data, are all retained in
memory.)

E10

E11

Preparations

Preparations

Setting film speed

Specify a film speed with the Up/down dial while holding down the ISO
button.

● Turning the control upward
increases the film speed in
increments of 1/3-stop. The
maximum film speed is ISO

8000.

● Turning the control downward
lowers the film speed in
decrements of 1/3-stop. The
minimum film speed is ISO 3.

● Be sure to set film speed to the
correct setting, since all
measurement results are based
on the set value.

● If you change the film speed
after you take a measurement,
the reading will be recalculated
and displayed accordingly.

Setting instant film speed for test
shooting

If the film speed setting used for the final shooting is different from the
instant film speed setting used for test shooting, the instant film speed can
be registered in the meter in advance. Once an instant film speed is
registered for test shooting, the meter converts the measurement result
into a value based on this setting when the instant film ISO button is
pressed after measurement.
Specify an instant film speed with the up/down dial while holding down the

instant film ISO button.

● Turning the control upward
increases the film speed in
increments of 1/3-stop. The
maximum film speed is ISO

8000.

● Turning the control downward
lowers the film speed in
decrements of 1/3-stop. The
minimum film speed is ISO 3.

● If you change the instant film
speed after you take a
measurement, the reading will
be recalculated and displayed
accordingly.

E12

E13

Preparations

Preparations

Selecting a measuring method suitable
for the light-receiving method

Select a measuring method, either incident light measurement or spot
measurement, appropriate to the shooting conditions and nature of the
photograph. The Flash Meter VI can measure exposure in either way. For
incident light measurement, select either the Spherical Diffuser or optional
Flat Diffuser.

1. Incident light measurement

When performing incident light measurements, use the Spherical Diffuser
for three-dimensional subjects such as portraits, and architectural or
landscape photographs. Use the Flat Diffuser when you photograph flat
surfaces such as documents or paintings, or when you want to measure
lighting ratio (See page 58.).

Attaching the Spherical Diffuser Removing the Spherical Diffuser

Align the index mark (white circle)
of the Spherical Diffuser with the
index of the receptor head. Secure
the diffuser by turning it in the
direction indicated by the arrow
until it stops.

Rotate the diffuser anticlockwise
until it stops, and pull the diffuser
to detach it.

WARNING

CAUTION

Never attempt to look directly at the sun through
the viewfinder of the meter. Doing so will
damage your eyesight.

Do not walk around while looking into the
viewfinder. Doing so may result in a fall or other
accident.

2. Spot measurement

To measure a specific area of a photographic image, select the spot
measurement method (with a light-receiving angle of 1 degree).
To take a spot measurement,

• position the meter near the camera,

• look into the viewfinder at the front of the
meter (data panel side),

• locate the measuring index (circle) at the
center of the viewfinder within the desired
measuring point of the subject, and

• press the spot measuring button.

The allowable measuring distance from the
subject is 1.3 m to infinity (∞).

Measuring index circle

To take an incident light measurement, position the meter near the
subject and aim the Spherical Diffuser directly at the camera.

● The receptor can rotate through a range of 270 degrees, so that you
can use the meter in an almost any photographic configuration.

E14

To stabilize your shooting posture and avoid shaking the meter, turn the
receptor head toward the subject and hold the meter by placing your
hand over it as shown above.

Dioptric adjustment

While looking into the viewfinder for a spot measurement,
adjust the dioptric by turning the dioptric adjustment dial
until the measuring index circle can be clearly seen.

E15

Preparations

Preparations

Difference between incident-light
and Spot (reflected-light) readings

Exposure can be measured in two basic ways. One way is to measure the
light incident on the subject, i.e. the brightness of light illuminating the
subject (illuminance) (see Fig. 1); the other is to measure the light Spot
reflected by the subject, i.e. the intensity of the light reflected from the
subject in the direction of the camera (luminance) (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 1 Incident-light method Fig. 2 Spot (Reflected-light) method

light

Light source

Camera

Incident- light

Light source

Camera

Reflected-

Before selecting the most suitable measuring method, you need to fully
understand the different sources of light you are working with, as well as
the influence of the positions and direction of receptors during
measurement.

Incident-light readings

In general photography, light from the illuminating light source reflects off
the subject and passes through the lens to form an image on the film, and
to expose the film.
To accurately calculate exposure in incident-light readings, you need to
know how much of the illuminating light is actually reflected from the object
to the camera. To do this, you need to know how light or how dark the
subject is, i.e. the reflectance of the subject.
Since a typical value of reflectance for many scenes is 18%*, this value is
used to calculate the light intensity reflected from the subject towards the
camera. The exposure reading (f-number and shutter speed) are then
calculated to reproduce the metered area as a midtone with 18%
reflectance.

E16

Thus, incident-light readings are based on this standard value of 18%
reflectance. This means that areas of subjects having a reflectance higher
than 18% will turn out brighter (e.g. white), while areas of reflectance lower
than 18% will turn out darker (e.g. black). This will produce a clear contrast
in the picture of the subject. From this, we can see that this measuring
method provides for natural tonal range over the entire composition.

* The value of “18%” has been determined to be a typical reflectance value for many

different subjects.

Fig. 3

(a)

Three-

dimensional

subjects

(b)

Flat subjects

To make effective incident-light exposure readings, you must use the
Spherical Diffuser and Flat Diffuser creatively.
When photographing three-dimensional objects such as people, the
highlights and shadow areas of a composition depend on the direction of
the main illuminating light source. Exposure is also influenced by any light
reflected towards the camera from the sides or rear of the subject (Fig. 3
(a)). In these situations, the Spherical Diffuser captures the illuminating
light coming from different directions at the position of the subject, so that
the exposure reading takes into account the contribution of this light on
illuminating the subject. On the other hand, with flat subjects such as
pictures and documents, light from the sides or rear of the subject
generally make little or no contribution to illuminating the subject (Fig. 3(b)).
So, for these situations, accurate exposure readings are made using a Flat
Diffuser to capture only the illuminating light from the front of the subject.

E17

Preparations

Spot (reflected-light) readings

Spot (reflected-light) exposure readings directly measure the amount of
light (luminance) reflected from the subject to the camera. Unlike the case
of incident-light readings, this method does not rely on the assumption of a
standard subject reflectance of 18%. Based on the measured amount of
light falling on the subject, the meter calculates the appropriate exposure
value for reproducing the subject on film at a suitable medium density
(midtone). This means that in Spot (reflected-light) readings, all subjects,
regardless of their reflectance, i.e. regardless of whether they are bright or
dark (white or black), will be reproduced at the same tonal density
(midtone). For this reason, when making Spot (reflected-light) exposure
readings, it is important to decide which area of the subject to measure,
since the reflectance will generally vary quite widely over the composition
under different conditions.

Basic Operation

Here we explain the basics of using the MINOLTA FLASH METER VI
to take exposure readings.

Select a measuring method

● Flash light refers to artificial momentary lighting from light sources such
as electronic flashes, strobe flashes, and speed lights.

● Ambient light refers to continuous lighting from sources such as natural
light (sunlight) and electric lights (including fluorescent lights).

● In either case, both incident-light exposure readings and spot-light
exposure readings can be made.

Are you using a still camera?
Are you using a cine camera?

There are various advanced Spot (reflected-light) readings, such as the
highlight standard exposure method, where an exposure reading is taken
of a bright (white) part of the composition; the shadow standard exposure
method, where a dark (black) part of the composition is measured; and a
method for determining exposure by evaluating the contrast of the
subject and then forecasting how it will come out on film. To make full
use of Spot (reflected-light) readings, refer to specialist books and photo
magazines. You will find that selective metering can give you very
precise control over exposure.

E18

Alt mode

Ambient light

AMBI
mode

(p. 20)

With a still

camera

Select TIME (P.72)

Type of light source to

measure

Are you using a sync cord?

With a sync

cord

CORD

mode

(p. 27)

Flash light

(mixed

light)

Without a

sync
cord

NON CORD

mode

(p. 32)

Alt mode

Select CINE (P.72)

With a cine

camera

AMBI
mode

(p. 24)

E19

Basic Operation

Measuring ambient light

1. With a still camera

Insert a battery (p. 9)

↓

Set film speed (p. 12)

button

Spot measuring

Basic Operation

Incident light

measuring button

Prepare the meter to start

1

taking readings.

E20

Press the MODE button to

2

switch the mode display to
AMBI.

● Changing the measuring mode
retains the memory data but
clears previous measurement
data.

Specify the desired shutter

3

speed with the up/down
dial.

● Shutter speed can be set within
the range of 30 min. to 1/16000
sec.

● Turning the up/down dial
upward increases the shutter
speed. Turning it downward
lowers the shutter speed.

● The shutter speed can also be
changed after meter readings.

Press the measuring

4

button to take readings.

● The meter takes measurements

continuously as you hold down the
incident light measuring button. The
digital display on the data panel
displays the measurement data. At
the same time, the measurement
data are also displayed on the dot
indicator of the analog scale L.
When the measuring button is
released, the meter stops taking
measurements and displays only
the latest measurement result.

● The meter takes measurements
continuously as you hold down the
spot measuring button. The digital
display in the viewfinder displays
the measurement data. At the same
time, the measurement data are
also displayed on the dot indicator
of the analog scale R. When the
measuring button is released, the
meter stops taking measurements.
The latest measurement result
appears on the digital display of the
external data panel and on the dot
indicator of the analog scale R
display.

● Pressing the CLR button
clears the measurement data.

E21

Display example

Display units are FNo.

If you set your desired shutter
speed, the f-number required for
proper exposure at that shutter
speed is displayed on the digital
readout. The reading is also
displayed on the analog scale by a
pointer.
Ex.: The display shows a reading

of F4.0+0.2-stops.

E22

If the f-number reading is outside
the meter’s display range, “FNo.”
blinks and the display shows either
“

O

–

–

” (over-range error) or “
(under-range error). At the same
time, the over-range/under-range
error indicator (▲ or ▼) appears
on the analog scale.
If the reading is over the display
range, reset the shutter speed to a
faster value; if it's under the
display range, reset to a slower
shutter speed. In this way, you will
be able to determine
an appropriate combination of
shutter speed and f-number.

U

–

Basic OperationBasic Operation

Display units are EV

An exposure value is displayed
regardless of the shutter speed

If the f-number reading exceeds or
falls below the meter’s measuring
range, the display shows “E.o.”

–

”

(over-range error) or “E.u.”
(under-range error).

setting. The dot indicator of the
analog scale indicates the f­number corresponding to the
shutter speed setting.
Ex.: The display shows a reading

of 11.2 (EV).

If the f-number reading exceeds or
falls below the meter’s measuring
range, the display shows “E.o.”
(over-range error) or “E.u.”
(under-range error).

E23

2. With a cine camera

Basic OperationBasic Operation

Insert a battery (p. 9)

↓

Set CINE mode (p. 72)

The default setting of TIME/CINE
mode is “TIME.” In the custom
setting (Alt) mode, change “TIME”
to “CINE.”

Set film speed (p. 12)

Prepare the meter to start

1

taking readings.

↓

In CINE mode, the

2

measuring mode is fixed to
AMBI.

● Measuring mode cannot be

changed.

Specify the frame rate of

3

your camera with the
up/down dial.

● Eight framing-rates can be set:
8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 64,
and 128 frames/sec. (The
appropriate shutter speed,
corresponding to a shutter
opening of 180°, is set
automatically by the exposure
meter.)

If the opening of your camera’s
shutter is not 180°, the film speed
should be adjusted as follows:

Shutter opening

and film speed adjustment

Shutter Film-speed

opening adjustment

160° -1/3
220° +1/3

-1/3: Set the film speed to 1/3
stop slower than the film
speed you are using.

(Ex.: ISO 400 to 320)

+1/3: Set the film speed to 1/3

stop faster than the film
speed you are using.
(Ex.: ISO 400 to 500)

E25E24

Measuring flash light

1. With a sync cord

Insert a battery (p. 9)

↓

Set film speed (p. 12)

Basic OperationBasic Operation

Press the measuring

4

button to take readings.

● The meter takes measurements
continuously as you hold down
the incident light measuring
button. The digital display on
the data panel displays the
measurement data. At the same
time, the measurement data are
also displayed on the dot
indicator of the analog scale L.
When the measuring button is
released, the meter stops taking
measurements and displays
only the latest measurement
result.

● Pressing the CLR button clears the measurement data.

* Display example is the same as the case of a still camera. (Refer to page 22.)

E26

● The meter takes measurements
continuously as you hold down
the spot measuring button. The
digital display in the viewfinder
displays the measurement data.
At the same time, the
measurement data are also
displayed on the dot indicator of
the analog scale R. When the
measuring button is released,
the meter stops taking
measurements. The latest
measurement result appears on
the digital display of the external
data panel and on the dot
indicator of the analog scale R
display.

Prepare the meter to start

1

taking readings.

Press the MODE button to

2

switch the mode display to

CORD.

● Changing the measuring mode
retains the memory data but
clears previous measurement
data.

● Settings for shutter speed and
display units are automatically
adjusted as follows.
1/1250 to 1/16000 sec.:

adjusted to 1/1000 sec.

EV: adjusted to FNo.

E27

Basic Operation

Basic Operation

Display example

Attach the flash sync cord

3

to the meter’s sync
terminal.

★ Take care when connecting

the flash to the meter, as the
flash may fire.

E28

Specify the desired shutter

4

speed with the up/down
dial.

● Shutter speeds can be set
within the range of 30 min. To
1/1000 sec. (The speed can be
set within the flash sync speed
range of your camera.)

● Turning the up/down dial
upward increases the shutter
speed. Turning it downward
lowers the shutter speed.

● The shutter speed can also be
changed after meter readings.

Press the measuring

5

button to take a reading.

● When the flash fires, the meter
takes a single measurement
and displays the measured
value on the digital display.
The reading is also displayed
on the analog scale. The
proportion of flash light
illuminating the composition is
shown on the analyze scale.

● Pressing the CLR button clears
the measurement data.

★ If no flash is connected to the

sync terminal, or if the flash
does not fire normally
because it is not fully charged,
the meter cannot take a flash
light measurement. Before
starting measurement, make
sure that the flash is
connected to the sync
terminal and the flash has
been fully charged.

The f-number corresponding to the
shutter speed set in step 4 is
displayed on the digital readout as
well as on the analog scale with a
pointer ( ). The proportion of
flash light illuminating the
composition is shown on the
analyze scale.

Example: The display shows a

reading of F8.0 + 0.9
stops, and the
proportion of ambient
light to flash light is
about 1:1.

E29

Basic OperationBasic Operation

★ When measuring flash light using a sync cord (CORD mode), the flash

may fail to fire (e.g. if the trigger voltage of the flash is too low). In this
case, take a reading without sync firing the flash (NON CORD mode).

If the f-number reading is outside
the meter’s display range, “FNo.”
blinks and the display shows either
“

–O –

” (over-range error) or “–U –”
(under-range error). At the same
time, the over-range/under-range
error indicator (▲ or ▼) appears
on the analog scale.

E30

If the f-number reading exceeds or
falls below the meter’s measuring
range, the display shows “E.o.”
(over-range error) or “E.u.”
(under-range error).

E31

2. Without a sync cord (Incident light measurement)

Insert a battery (p. 9)

↓

Set film speed (p. 12)

Basic OperationBasic Operation

Prepare the meter to start

1

taking readings.

Set the mode display to

2

NON CORD using the

MODE button.

● Changing the measuring mode
retains the memory data but
clears previous measurement
data.

● Settings for shutter speed and
display units will be
automatically adjusted as
follows.
1/1250 to 1/16000 sec.:

adjusted to 1/1000 sec.

EV: adjusted to FNo.

Specify the desired shutter

3

speed with the up/down
dial.

● Shutter speeds can be set
within the range of 30 min. to
1/1000 sec. (Set the shutter
speed within the flash sync
speed range of your camera.)

● Turning the up/down dial
upward increases the shutter
speed. Turning it downward
lowers the shutter speed.

● The shutter speed can also be
changed after meter readings.

Press the incident light

4

measuring button.

● The NON CORD mode symbol
blinks to indicate that the meter
is waiting for the flash to take a
reading.

● In NON CORD mode, the meter
cannot take a spot
measurement.
Pressing the spot measuring
button displays the error code
(“Err”).
Pressing the incident light
measuring button cancels the
error code and sets the meter to
standby state. The error code is
canceled after about five
seconds or as soon as another
button is pressed.

E33E32

Basic Operation

Fire the flash to take a

5

reading.

● The meter detects the light of
the flash and reads and
displays the exposure on the
digital readout. The measured
value is also displayed on the
dot indicator of the analog
scale, and the proportion of
flash light is indicated on the
analyze scale.

● Pressing the CLR button clears
the measured value.

● To take further readings, repeat
the process from step 4.

● If the flash does not fire within
approx. one minute after the
meter goes into flash waiting
mode, or if you press any button
other than the measuring button
during this time, the NON
CORD mode symbol will stop
blinking (stay on). Then, even if
you fire the flash, no reading will
be made.
To restore the meter to standby
state, press the incident light
measuring button again.

E34

● In the standby state, the meter
may mistake ambient light from
an intermittent light source
(such as a fluorescent light) for
flash light, depending on the
type of ambient light. To avoid
this risk, take readings in CORD
mode using a synch cord.

★ Fire the flash according to the

directions given in the users’
manual for the flash.

Display example

The f-number corresponding to the
shutter speed set in step 3 is
displayed on the digital readout as
well as on the analog scale with a
pointer ( ).
Example: The display shows a

reading of F8.0 + 0.9
stops, and the
proportion of ambient
light to flash light is
about 1:1.

Basic Operation

If the f-number reading is outside
the meter’s display range, “FNo.”
blinks and the display shows either
“

–O –

” (over-range error) or “–U –”
(under-range error). At the same
time, the over-range/under-range
error indicator (▲ or ▼) appears
on the analog scale.

If the f-number reading exceeds or
falls below the meter’s measuring
range, the display shows “E.o.”
(over-range error) or “E.u.”
(under-range error).

E35

Basic Operation

: 0 ~ 16%

:17 ~ 41%

:42 ~ 58%

:59 ~ 83%

:84 ~ 100%

Basic Operation

Light Ratio Analyze function

For flash light measurement, the Flash Meter VI uses a method of
measuring flash light/ambient light separately.
The proportion of ambient light and flash light to the total exposure is
indicated on the quadrant analyze scale.

How to read the flash/ambient light ratio

Whenever you take a flash light reading, the
analyze scale is displayed on the LCD data
panel. After a reading, you can also do a
simulation to see how changes to the shutter
speed affect the proportions of ambient light and
flash light.
The analyze scale shows the proportion of flash
light in the total exposure reading as one of five
levels.

Example of reading, display and simulation

Assume that a tungsten lamp is used as the ambient light source.

●● Reading of F2.8

A photograph taken under these conditions will not be strongly influenced
by either the tungsten light (orange) or the flash light (white).

E36

0 at a shutter speed of 1/60 sec.

Two quadrants are lit up on the display, indicating
that the proportion of flash light is approx. 50%
(ambient:flash ratio =1:1).

●● Using the up/down dial to change the shutter speed to 1/15, we can see

how this change will affect the mix of ambient and flash light.

The aperture has changed to F4.0
one quadrant is lit up. This indicates that the
proportion of flash light is now only 25%
(ambient:flash ratio =3:1).
A photograph taken under these conditions will
be influenced more strongly by the tungsten light
(orange) and less strongly by the flash light
(white).

On the other hand, increasing the shutter speed (within the range of sync)
will have the opposite effect-photos will be more strongly influenced by
flash light (white) than ambient light.

This simulation is based on controlling the ambient light by varying the
shutter speed. The proportions of ambient light and flash light can also be
adjusted by changing the intensity of the flash light.
The intensity of flash light can be controlled either by varying the distance
between the subject and the flash, or by changing the power (light output)
of the flash.
When you are controlling flash light intensity, you must take a new reading
each time one of these two factors is changed.

3 and now, only

E37

Special Functions

Here we explain how to use the special functions of the MINOLTA FLASH
METER VI.

Latitude display function

Generally, with a color slide film, the film latitude range that ensures
linearity of exposure and density is about 5 to 6 EV. The analog scale L of
the Flash Meter VI can display the standard exposure and the latitude
range based on the standard exposure. By comparing the readings on the
analog scales, you can check graphically whether the exposures of
highlights and shadowed areas determined by spot measurement are
within the latitude range.
The meter’s initial latitude setting is +2.3 EV to -2.7 EV, relative to the
standard exposure. These settings can be changed in custom settings
mode.
For details of custom settings mode, see p.66.
The LATITUDE display function is related to the S/A/H
(shadow/average/highlight) exposure calculation function (p. 45) and the
brightness difference function (p. 52). The following provide a thorough
description of these functions.

Take a measurement.

1

Press the LATITUDE
button.

● The indicator appears, and
the measured value is fixed.
The latitude based on this
measured value is displayed on
the dot indicator of the analog
scale L.

● Pressing the LATITUDE button
while holding down the S/A/H
button causes the latitude to be
based on the standard
exposure calculated from
memory data according to S, A
or H mode, instead of the
current measurement result.

Special Functions

Press the measuring

2

button to take a
measurement of the
desired measuring area.

● While the measuring button is
held down, the meter
continuously takes
measurements and displays the
exposure difference between
the measured value and the
standard exposure described in
Step 1. When the measuring
button is released, the standard
exposure is displayed. See the
description of the "Brightness
difference function" on p. 52.

● Pressing the LATITUDE button
again cancels the latitude
display mode and causes the
latest measurement data to be
displayed.

● Pressing the CLR button
cancels latitude display mode
and clears the measurement
data and standard exposure.

E39E38

Special FunctionsSpecial Functions

Combining incident light measurement
and spot measurement

The Flash Meter VI offers a comparative display of the results of incident
light measurement and spot (reflected light) measurement. Used with the
latitude display function, the meter provides a clear and simple graphical
decision process for determining an exposure suited to the nature of the
photograph.

Take an incident light

1

measurement to determine
the standard exposure.

Press the LATITUDE

2

button to select latitude
display mode.

◆ A latitude based on the
standard exposure measured in
Step 1 is displayed on the dot
indicator of the analog scale L.

Take a spot measurement

3

of the area of the subject to
be emphasized, such as
the highlight or shadow
areas, and store the
measured values in
memory.

◆ The result of the spot
measurement is displayed on
the pointer of the analog scale
R.
If the measurement result is
outside the latitude range, the
dot indicator blinks.

● While holding down the spot
measuring button, you can
monitor the deviation from the
standard exposure in the
viewfinder display with a
precision of 0.1 EV. (See p. 52.)
If the measurement result is
outside the latitude range, the
∆EV indicator blinks.

By comparing the spot

4

measurement result
displayed on the analog
scale R with the latitude
displayed on the analog
scale L, you can ensure
that the exposure of the
spot you are emphasizing
is within the latitude range.

If the measurement result is
outside the latitude range, adjust
the lighting conditions and take
another spot measurement.

E40

E41

Special Functions

Memory function

To store measurement data in memory of the Flash Meter VI, simply press
the MEMORY button. Up to ten pieces of data (including incident light
measurement data and spot measurement data) can be stored.
To display the incident light measurement data stored in memory on the
pointer of the analog scale L, simply press the incident light measuring
button. To display the spot measurement data stored in memory on the
pointer of the analog scale R, simply press the spot measuring button. With
the memory function, you can check the lighting ratio graphically on the
analog scale. This function is useful for lighting adjustments. (See p. 58.)

Special Functions

Press the CLR button to

1

clear existing memory
data.

E42

After taking the first

2

measurement, press the
MEMORY button.

● Press and hold the MEMORY
button to display the number of
measurement results stored in
memory.

When the MEMORY button is
released, the measured value
is stored in memory and the
pointer corresponding to the
measured value light up.

After taking the second

3

measurement, press the
MEMORY button to store
the second measurement
result in memory.

Repeat the above steps as
many times as required.

● Press and hold the MEMORY
button to display the number of
measurement results stored in
memory.

E43

Special Functions

Special Functions

◆ The measured value is
displayed on the digital display.
If the latest measurement is an
incident light measurement, the
pointers corresponding to the
measured value on the digital
display appear on the analog
scale L. If it is a spot
measurement, the pointers
corresponding to the measured
value on the digital display
appear on the analog scale R.

◆ The memory data from the
latest measuring method are
displayed on the pointer. If the
latest measurement is an
incident light measurement, the
memory data on incident light
measurement are displayed on
the pointer of the analog scale
L. If it is a spot measurement,
the memory data on spot
measurement are displayed on
the pointer of the analog scale
R.

E44

Example: When the latest

measurement is a spot
measurement:

● Data on up to ten
measurements can be stored in
memory.
The pointer of the analog scale
can simultaneously display data
on up to eleven measurements
(including ten measurements in
memory and the one
measurement taken most
recently).

● If the memory contains data on
ten measurements, pressing the
MEMORY button again causes
the "Err" code to be displayed
while the MEMORY button is
being pressed. The current data
will not be stored in memory.

● If you change film speed or
shutter speed after pressing the
MEMORY button, the stored
values are changed accordance
to the new setting. (These
changes are also reflected on
the analog scale.)

● If there is no reading on the
digital readout, or if the current
reading is out of the meter's
measurement range, pressing
the MEMORY button does not
have any effect.

● To delete all values from
memory, press the CLR button.

S/A/H (Shadow/Average/Highlight)
calculations

The Flash Meter VI provides three types of exposure calculations
(highlight-based exposure, shadow-based exposure, and average
exposure) suited to the nature of the photographic image. These are based
on spot measurements of specific areas of the subject. The average
exposure calculating function also works for incident light measurement.
For incident light measurement, exposure calculation is based on incident
light measurement memory data. For spot measurement, it is based on
spot measurement memory data.

E45

Special Functions

Special Functions

Average exposure

For spot measurement, the meter calculates the average of the maximum
and minimum measurements stored in memory.
For incident light measurement, the meter calculates an average exposure
from up to ten measurements stored in memory.

Take measurements of up

1

to ten points on the
subject, including highlight
and shadow areas, and
store the measurement
data in memory.

Set the calculation mode to

2

“A” with the up/down dial
while pressing the S/A/H
button.

● When the incident light
measurement is selected, the
calculation mode is
automatically set to “A”. (It
cannot be set to “S” or “H”.)
A measured value cannot be
used for the average exposure
calculation unless it has been
stored in memory.

● Hold down the S/A/H button to display the average of the memory data
on the digital display and on the pointer of the analog scale (L).

<Display example>

While the S/A/H button is held down:

Aperture for averaged
exposure

Number of values in
memory

● If there is no value in memory and the current measurement value is
displayed on the digital readout: the measurement value is stored in
memory and used in average exposure calculations.

● If there is no value in memory and no reading on the digital readout:
no exposure value is calculated.

E46

E47

Special Functions

Special Functions

Shadow calculations (for spot readings only)

When you want to reproduce some detail in the darkest areas of a
composition (shadow areas) without blocking them out, take a spot
reading of the shadow area and use the meter’s shadow exposure
calculation function to determine the appropriate exposure for the shot.

Take a reading of the

1

highlight area of the
subject.

While holding down the

2

S/A/H button, set the
calculation mode to “S”
with the up/down dial.

● Hold down the S/A/H button to view the result of the shadow-based
exposure calculation on the digital display and on the dot indicator of the
analog scale L.

● If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, the
meter will determine the exposure for the darkest area measured and
stored in memory. The meter can only make shadow exposure
calculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are no
measurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriate
exposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).

● If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the shadow
exposure calculation, the shadow areas will be accurately reproduced
on film as shadows (lower latitude).

<Display example>

While the S/A/H button is held down:

Aperture for shadow
exposure

Apertures for
measurements in
memory

● In the above example, the shadow exposure for the darkest measured
area (aperture: F2.0+0.0) was determined.

E49E48

Special Functions

Special Functions

Highlight calculations (for spot readings only)

When you want to reproduce some detail in the brightest areas of a
composition (highlight area), without washing them out, take a spot reading
of the highlight area and use the meter’s highlight exposure calculation
function to determine the appropriate exposure.

Take a reading of the

1

highlight area of the
subject.

While holding down the

2

S/A/H button, set the
calculation mode to “H”
with the up/down dial.

● Hold down the S/A/H button to display the result of the highlight-based
exposure calculation on the digital display and on the dot indicator of the
analog scale L.

● If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, the
meter will determine the exposure for the brightest area measured and
stored in memory. The meter can only make highlight exposure
calculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are no
measurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriate
exposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).

● If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the highlight
exposure calculation, the highlight areas will be accurately reproduced
on film as highlights (upper latitude).

<Display example>

While the S/A/H button is held down:

Apertures for
measurements in
memory

● In the above example, the highlight exposure for the brightest area
measured (aperture: F16+0.5 stops) was determined.

Aperture for highlight
exposure

E51E50

Special Functions

Special Functions

Brightness difference function

To fix the displayed measurement result or calculation result, press the
LATITUDE button after taking an ordinary measurement or while holding
down the S/A/H button. When the next measurement is taken with the
meter, the exposure difference between the fixed measurement/calculation
result and the new measurement result appears on the digital display.
This function is useful for photography, with the measurement value and
the aperture value taken by holding the S/A/H button or for ordinary
measurement. It allows you to quickly check the brightness differences
between one part of a composition and another, (e.g. front and
background), or to measure the unevenness of illumination over a scene,
by directly showing exposure differences between the current reading and
a reference exposure value (previous measurement value or aperture
value fixed using the LATITUDE button). This function can also be used for
directly measuring the lighting ratio of a scene, by showing the exposure
difference between the shadow and highlight areas of a composition, for
highly precise lighting designs.

● The brightness difference function can be used in AMBI mode and
CORD mode. Exposure differences cannot be displayed in NON CORD
mode, even if you take readings.

● Displayable range of exposure differences is ±10.0Ev (0.1Ev steps).

Measuring brightness difference relative to an
exposure reading

Take a reading and then

1

press the LATITUDE
button.

◆ turns on to indicate the
measurement value is fixed. (In
this case, the fixed
measurement value is
F8.0+0.9-stops.)

Press the measuring

2

button to take a reading of
the area whose brightness
you want to compare with
the fixed value.

● The measurement result will not
appear on the viewfinder
display if the incident light
measuring button is pressed.

● The measurement result will
appear on the viewfinder
display if the spot measuring
button is pressed. The external
data panel displays "- - - -."

In AMBI mode

● Pressing the incident light
measuring button or the spot
measuring button takes
continuous readings. As each
reading is taken, the exposure
difference between the current
measurement value and the
fixed measurement value of
step 1 is displayed. When you
release the measuring button,
the fixed reference value of step
1 is displayed.

In CORD mode

● Each time you press the
incident light measuring button
or the spot measuring button,
the flash is fired and a single
exposure reading is taken.
While the measuring button is
pressed, the exposure
difference between the current
measurement value and the
fixed measurement value of
step 1 is displayed. When you
release the measuring button,
the fixed measurement value of
step 1 is displayed again. (The
data panel display is the same
in AMBI mode.)

● If you press the LATITUDE
button, the display reverts to
normal display mode. (The
value measured in step 1 is
stored in memory.)

● Pressing the CLR button
cancels latitude display mode
and clears the measurement
data and standard exposure.

E53E52

Special Functions

Special Functions

If the incident light measuring button is used to take the
measurement described in Step 1 and to monitor the exposure
difference:

Measured value for the point
monitored
(When AMBI mode is selected,

Fixed
measurement
result

When the measuring

button is released:

Fixed
measurement
result

the meter continuously takes
measurements as long as the
measuring button is held down.
The positions of the lit dots
change with the measurement
result.)

Indicates that the exposure of the
monitored point is less than the
fixed measurement result by 1.5
stops.
(When AMBI mode is selected,
the meter continuously takes
measurements as long as the
measuring button is held down.
The dot lighting position changes
according to the measurement
result.)

The display returns to the fixed
measurement result display mode.

If the spot measuring button is used to take the measurement
described in Step 1 and to monitor the exposure difference:

Measured value for the point
monitored
(When AMBI mode is selected,
the meter continuously takes

Fixed
measurement
result

When the measuring

button is released:

Fixed
measurement
result

measurements as long as the
measuring button is held down.
The positions of the lit dots
change with the measurement
result.)

Indicates that the exposure of the
monitored point is less than the
fixed measurement result by 1.5
stops.
(When AMBI mode is selected,
the meter continuously takes
measurements as long as the
measuring button is held down.
The dot lighting position changes
according to the measurement
result.)

Measured value for the point
monitored
(Measurement taken when the
measuring button is released)

The display returns to the fixed
measurement result display mode.

E55E54

Special Functions

Monitoring exposure difference after shadow-based
exposure calculation

Take a spot measurement

1

of the shadow area of the
subject.

While holding down the

2

S/A/H button, set the
calculation mode to “S”
with the up/down dial.

Press the LATITUDE

3

button while holding down
the S/A/H button.

◆ The indicator appears and
the calculated standard
exposure is fixed. (In this case,
the standard exposure is fixed
to F4.0 +0.7 stops.)

● The difference from highlight­based exposure and average
exposure for spot
measurement, and from
average-based exposure for
incident light measurement, can
be displayed in the same
manner.

E56

Press the measuring

4

button to take a reading of
the area whose brightness
you want to compare with
the fixed value.

● The measurement result will not
appear on the viewfinder display if
the incident light measuring button
is pressed.

● The measurement result will
appear on the viewfinder display if
the spot measuring button is
pressed. The external data panel
displays "- - - -."

AMBI mode

● When the incident light measuring
button or spot measuring button is
held down, the meter continuously
takes measurements and displays
the difference between the
measurement result and the
exposure determined in Step 3.
When the measuring button is
released, the exposure
determined in Step 3 is displayed.

CORD mode

● Each time the incident light
measuring button or spot
measuring button is pressed, the
flash fires and the meter takes a
single measurement. While the
measuring button is held down,
the difference between the
measurement result and the
exposure determined in Step 3 is
displayed. When the measuring
button is released, the exposure
determined in Step 3 is displayed.
(The indication on the data panel
is the same as that for AMBI
mode.)

● Press the LATITUDE button to
return the meter to the original
measurement display mode.

● Pressing the CLR button cancels
latitude display mode and clears
the measurement data and
standard exposure.

Fixed
aperture
value

Measurement
value of the
shadow area
measured in
Step 1

When the measuring

button is released:

Fixed
aperture
value

Measurement
value of the
shadow area
measured in
Step 1

Special Functions

Current measurement value
(In AMBI mode, measurements
are made continuously while the
measuring button is pressed. The
positions of the pointers change
accordingly.)

This shows that the currently
measured area is 2.0 stops
brighter than the fixed aperture
value.
(In AMBI mode, measurements
are made continuously while the
measuring button is pressed. The
reading on the digital readout
changes accordingly.)

Measured value for the point
being monitored
(Measurement taken when the
measuring button is released)

The display returns to the fixed
exposure calculation display
mode.

E57

Special FunctionsSpecial Functions

Measuring lighting ratio using the
Flat Diffuser

The lighting ratio is the brightness ratio between the highlight and shadow
areas of a composition. For example, if the difference in measurement
values (exposure difference) obtained by an incident light measurement is
one stop, the lighting ratio is 2:1; if it’s two stops, the ratio is 4:1. In general,
lighting ratios from 4:1to 8:1 (exposure difference of 2 to 3 stops) are
considered best when using color films, since these ratios allow colors to
be reproduced naturally.

By adjusting the lighting ratio, you can control the subject’s highlight-to­shadow relationship or the relationship between the main subject and the
background when photographing people or objects in a studio.
To check lighting characteristics such as the brightness difference between
a main subject and background, a Spherical Diffuser can be used in most
cases. However, if a subject is receiving light from different directions, it is
necessary to measure the brightness of the individual light sources
illuminating it, using a Flat Diffuser (incident light measurement, see page

14).

This allows control over the shadow areas of the main subject. By
replacing a Spherical Diffuser with a Flat Diffuser, the brightness of light
sources illuminating a subject can be measured individually, and the
lighting ratio can be checked easily. In addition, you can use the meter’s
memory function and brightness difference function to read these values
easily.

Attach a Flat Diffuser to the

1

receptor of the instrument.
See page 14 for details on
how to attach a Flat
Diffuser.

Battery (p. 9)

↓

Film speed (p. 12)

Prepare the meter for

2

taking a reading.

Set the measuring mode

3

with the MODE button
according to the light
source to be measured.

Specify the desired shutter

4

speed with the up/down
dial.

E59E58

Special FunctionsSpecial Functions

Press the incident light

5

measuring button while
holding the meter near the
subject with the Flat
Diffuser facing the main
light source.

Press the MEMORY button

6

to store the measurement
value.

Press the incident light

7

measuring button while
holding the meter near the
subject with the Flat
Diffuser facing the fill light
source.

● Block out all light from the main
light source with your hands or
other means, so that it does not
directly fall on the Flat Diffuser,
or if possible, turn off the main
light source.

◆ The two pointers on the analog
scale L indicate the brightness
of the main light source and the
brightness of the fill light source.

● Read the difference in exposure
of the two values.

● The reading accuracy of the
analog scale L is 0.5 stops.

E61E60

Special FunctionsSpecial Functions

Using the brightness difference function of the instrument, the lighting ratio
can be read with an accuracy of 0.1 stops.

Alternatively, instead of storing the readings in memory, as explained in
step 6 on page 60, the following method can be used:

Press the LATITUDE button. is displayed on the data

6

panel, and the exposure reading for the main light source is
fixed.

Take a reading with the Flat Diffuser facing towards the fill

7

light source. While holding down the incident light measuring
button, the difference (or lighting ratio) between the fill light
source exposure and main light source exposure, which was
fixed in step 6, is displayed directly on the digital readout.
Read the value.

The lighting ratio of main light source to fill light source can be calculated
from the following table.

Table for determining lighting ratio

Brightness differences Brightness ratio between main
(exposure differences) light source and fill light source

+ 1.0 (1 stop) 2:1
+ 2.0 (2 stops) 4:1
+ 3.0 (3 stops) 8:1
+ 4.0 (4 stops) 16:1
+ 5.0 (5 stops) 32:1
+ 6.0 (6 stops) 64:1
+ 7.0 (7 stops) 128:1

The formula for calculating the lighting ratio is:

Main light: Fill light = 2

Difference

: 1

(lighting ratio)

Using the Flash Meter VI as
a simplified illuminance meter

Attach the Flat Diffuser (ptional accessory), to the meter. In AMBI mode,
hold the Flat Diffuser parallel to the surface you want to measure. Then,
press the incident light measuring button and read the EV value from the
meter. Now, look up the approximate illuminance from the EV-lx
conversion table on the next page.

● Film speed is set to ISO100 (p. 12) and display units are set to EV (p.

69).

● If the instrument has been recalibrated, set it back to the standard
setting of 0 using Alt mode.

★ If you need to measure illuminance precisely, use the MINOLTA

DIGITAL ILLUMINANCE METER T-10, which is designed specifically for
this function.

Using the Flash Meter VI as
a simplified luminance meter

The Flash Meter VI can also function as a simplified luminance meter. To
determine approximate luminance, press the spot measuring button in
AMBI mode to take a measurement of the desired area of the subject.
Read the resulting EV value in the EV–cd/m

● Film speed is set to ISO100 (p. 12) and display units are set to EV (p.

69).

● If the instrument has been recalibrated, set it back to the standard
setting of 0 using Alt mode.

★ To determine accurate luminance, use the LS-100/LS-110 Minolta

Luminance Meter, a dedicated luminance measuring device.

2

conversion table.

“Difference” can be either brightness difference in ±EV or difference in
stops between apertures.

E63E62

Special Functions

●

EV-lx conversion table (with Flat Diffuser attached)

Decimal

Integeral

●

Decimal

Integeral

EV-cd/m

2

conversion table

Special Functions

How to read the EV-lx conversion table

The EV-lx conversion table lists the integer component of EV values
vertically and the decimal fraction components of EV values horizontally.
For example, if the meter displays a reading of EV 10.2, the row for the
integer 10 and the column for the decimal 0.2 intersect at 2900 lx, the
corresponding approximate illuminance value.

How to read the EV-cd/m

The EV-cd/m

2

conversion table lists the integer component of EV values

2

conversion table

vertically and the decimal fraction components of EV values horizontally.
For example, if the meter displays a reading of EV 10.2, the row for the
integer 10 and the column for the decimal 0.2 intersect at 160 cd/m

2

, the

corresponding approximate luminance value.

E65E64

Special Functions

Special Functions

Custom settings mode (Alt mode)

The operation settings of the Flash Meter VI, such as exposure correction
value and shutter speed increment settings, can be customized to suit your
preferences.

Selecting Alt mode

To set the meter to “Alt” mode, turn on the power by pressing the POWER
button while holding down either the incident light measuring button, spot
measuring button, ISO button, S/A/H button, LATITUDE button or MODE
button.
In “Alt” mode, you can change the settings with the incident light
measuring button, spot measuring button, or the ISO, S/A/H, LATITUDE
and MODE buttons. Use the up/down dial to change the preset values. To
register the custom settings, turn off the power after entering or selecting
the desired values.

Setting Operation Setting range Default setting

Exposure correction Incident light
value (for incident measuring button -10.0 to +10.0 0
light measurement) + Power-ON
Exposure correction Spot measuring
value (for spot button + Power- -10.0 to +10.0 0
measurement) ON
Shutter speed ISO button +
increments Power-ON

Display unit

Latitude

TIME/CINE

S/A/H button +
Power-ON

LATITUDE button S: -0.1 to -10.0 -2.7

+ Power-ON H: +0.1 to +10.0 +2.3

MODE button +
Power-ON

1, 1/2, 1/3 1

FNo. + fraction,
FNo. direct FNo. + fraction
reading, EV
H: +0.1 to +10.0 +2.3

S: -0.1 to -10.0 -2.7

TIME, CINE TIME

1) Exposure correction value

This sets the exposure correction value. The set value is displayed
when you turn the power on.
You can adjust this setting to recalibrate the meter to your choice of
exposure values

To specify an exposure

1

correction value for
incident light
measurement, turn on the
power while pressing the
incident light measuring
button. To specify an
exposure correction value
for spot measurement, turn
on the power while
pressing the spot
measuring button. You can
also specify a correction
value for each
measurement mode by
pressing the corresponding
measuring button in Alt
mode.

Correction value
for incident light
measurement

Correction value
for spot
measurement

Specify an exposure

2

correction value with the
up/down dial.

◆ The displayed value can be
changed in 0.1-EV
increments/decrements. The
setting range is ±10.0Ev.

● Once an exposure correction
value is changed, it is reflected
in the data stored in memory.

● After an exposure correction
value has been specified, the
set value is displayed for 0.5
seconds at power-on.
After correction values for both
incident light measurement and
spot measurement have been
specified, these settings are
displayed for 0.5 seconds each
in sequence.

Correction value
for incident light
measurement

Correction value
for spot
measurement

E67E66

Special Functions Special Functions

2) Shutter speed increments

Choose between increments of 1/2-stop, 1/3-stop and 1-stop, according
to the shutter speed settings your camera.

Turn the power on while

1

pressing the ISO button, or
press the ISO button in Alt
mode.

Turn the up/down dial to

2

set the step value.

● Choose from values of 1.0 (1),

0.5 (1/2) and 0.3 (1/3).

3) Display unit

Select the desired display unit.

Turn on the power while

1

pressing the S/H/A button,
or press the S/H/A button
in Alt mode.

FNo. 000:

Displays intermediate
readings between f­numbers as FNo. +
1/10 stops.

Select the desired display

2

unit with the up/down dial.

● Select any of the following
display modes:

FNo. 0.0:

Displays direct
reading of an
intermediate reading
between f-numbers.
(e.g., F3.5, F4.5)

EV 00.

0:

Displays an EV value
in 1/10-stop
increments.

● The pointer of the
analog scale
displays "FNo.,"
even when the
display unit is set
to "EV."

● When CORD or
NON CORD mode
is selected, the
display mode is set
to "FNo.00

0".

E69E68

Special Functions

4) Latitude

Specify an upper limit (H) and lower limit (S) for latitude display mode.
Specify a shift value (H) for highlight-based exposure calculation and a
shift value (S) for shadow-based exposure calculation.

Special Functions

Turn on the power while

1

pressing the LATITUDE
button, or press the
LATITUDE button in Alt
mode.

Specify the H value with

2

the up/down dial.

Press the LATITUDE

3

button.

Specify the S value with

4

the up/down dial.

Press the LATITUDE

5

button.

Specify the H value for

6

instant film with the
up/down dial.

Press the LATITUDE

7

button.

Specify the S value for

8

instant film with the
up/down dial.

● Press the LATITUDE button
again to return to Step 2.

E71E70

Special Functions

Special Functions

5) TIME/CINE setting

Switches between shutter speed and framing-rate in AMBI mode Note
that it is not possible to switch to another measuring mode (CORD or
NON CORD) while the framing-rate setting is active.

Turn the power on while

1

pressing the MODE button,
or press the MODE button
while in Alt mode.

TIME display CINE display

Turn the up/down dial to

2

set the shutter-speed or
framing-rate value you
desire.

● Select either TIME or CINE
mode.

Reference: How to reset to initial settings

You can reset various settings changed in custom setting mode to their
initial values (default factory settings).

1. Turn the power on.

2. Hold down the POWER button for approx. 2 sec. while pressing the CLR
button.

◆ The power turns off and the default settings are restored.

The shutter speed is set to 1/60 sec. Both the film speed and instant
film speed are set to ISO 100. The measurement data and memory
data are cleared.

E72

E73

Accessories

Care and Storage

Flat Diffuser

With this diffuser attached, the
Flash Meter VI can be used to
measure lighting contrast (ratio of
brightness) and exposure for flat
subjects.

Common accessories

Item Condition

4X Spherical ND Diffuser Set exposure correction to +2.0Ev.
8X Spherical ND Diffuser Set exposure correction to +3.0Ev.
Spot Mask Nothing particular

★ Only the accessories shown above may be used with the Flash Meter

VI.

Sync. Cord III

This is a 5-meter long cord that
connects together the Flash Meter
VI, flash unit and camera’s sync
terminal. Using this cord, you can
take flash exposure readings by
simply releasing the shutter,
without changing any connections.

1. Care

1) If the meter gets dirty, it can be wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use
solvents such as thinners or benzene at all.

2) If the Spherical Diffuser becomes stained, remove it from the meter,
wash the diffuser carefully in water with amild detergent, and rinse and
dry the diffuser thoroughly before reattaching it to the meter.

3) Never attempt to disassemble the meter if it becomes damaged or
faulty. Please contact a Minolta Service Facility.

2. Storage

1) The meter should not be stored in areas where it may be subject to
temperatures higher than 55°C (131°F) or lower than -20°C (-4°F), or in
areas subject to high humidity. It is recommended that the meter be
stored in an airtight container together with a drying agent such as silica
gel.

2) Do not leave the meter in places such as the rear window or trunk of a
car, otherwise it will get extremely hot, resulting in damage.

3) Remove the battery whenever the meter is left unused for more than 2
weeks, to avoid the risk of damage due to battery leakage.

E75E74

Handling Instructions

Handling Instructions

1) If the meter is used in the rain, at the seashore, or near a volcano, it may
become rusty or corroded due to water or corrosive gas. In such
situations, be careful to protect the meter as much as possible.

2) Do not subject the meter to shock or vibration. For protection, store the
meter in its case when carrying it.

3) Be careful not to damage or soil the Spherical Diffuser; otherwise, the
meter will not take accurate measurements.

4) Do not press on or damage the data panel.

5) Avoid using the meter under the following temperature conditions or
under the following situations, since it is composed of precision
electronic parts such as LSIs and LCD elements.
A) Do not use the meter in areas subject to temperatures higher than

50°C (122°F) or lower than -10°C (14°F).

B) When the temperature of the meter falls below -10°C (14°F), the

display response becomes very slow and the display may become
very difficult to read.

* At temperatures between 0°(0°F) and -10°C (14°F), the display

response is relatively slow, but there is no risk to the meter in such
environments.

C) When the temperature of the meter rises above 50°C (122°F), the

display may become very difficult to read and the data panel will turn
black.

*If the meter is left under direct sunlight in the summer or near a

heater, the temperature of the meter may get much hotter than the
surroundings. So avoid this situation.

This instrument contains a microprocessor. If it is affected by
electromagnetic interference or other influences, it may fail to function
properly. If this happens, remove the battery and replace it.
In such a case, remove and reinstall the battery. Turn on the power
again, and reset the meter to the default settings (by holding down the
POWER button while pressing the CLR button).

★ If the following error code appears, the calibration data have been

damaged and the meter must be repaired.

After Service

1) Parts for repair of this product shall be available for at least seven years
from the time of purchase.

2) For further details regarding After Service, please contact a Minolta
Service Facility.

E77E76

Specifications

Specifications

Type Hand-held exposure meter for measuring ambient

Reception method Incident-light and spot reflected-light readings
Receptors Incident-light readings: Spherical Diffuser, Flat

Receptor element Silicon photocell
Measuring modes AMBI mode: Ambient light

Measuring range (ISO100)

Measuring distance 1.3 m to infinity (∞) (for spot measurement)
Viewfinder Single-lens reflect type with fixed focal point

Repeatability ±0.1 EV
Calibration coefficient Incident-light readings: C=330 (Spherical Diffuser)

and flash light

Diffuser, Swivels 270°
Spot reflected-light: angle 1°

CORD mode: Flash light using a sync cord
NON CORD mode: Flash light without a sync cord

Ambient light Incident-light readings:

Flash light Incident-light readings:

Magnification: 1.2x
Viewing angle: 12° (vertical) x 17° (horizontal)
Dioptric adjustment range: -3.0 to +1.0

Spot reflected-light: K=14

(for incident-light reading only)

EV-2.0 to 19.9

Spot reflected-light: Ev2.0 to 24.5

FNO. 1.0 to 128+0.9 stop

Spot reflected-light:

FNO. 2.8 to 128+0.9 stop

C=250 (Flat Diffuser)

Display range Exposure: F1.0 to 128+0.9 stop

EV: -17 to 40.9 (0.1 stop increments)
Shutter speed (ambient): 30 min. to 1/16000 sec.

Shutter speed (flash): 30 min. to 1/1000 sec.

Frame rate (Opening angle of 180°):

ISO: 3 to 8000 (1/3 increments)
Exposure difference: -10 to +10

Analog scale: FNO. 1.0 to 90

Analyze scale: Flash light proportion 0 to 100%

Other functions Latitude display function, Light Ratio Analyze

Others Sync terminal
Power One AA alkaline dry cell (LR-6/1.5 V)
Battery life Approx. 30 hours: (Continuous operation for

Operating -10°C to 50°C ( 14°F to 122°F)
temperature/humidity Relative humidity 85% max. [at 35°C (95°F)],
range no condensation

Storage -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F)
temperature/humidity Relative humidity 85% max. [at 35°C (95°F)],
range no condensation

Dimensions 63 (W) x 175 (H) x 30 (D) mm
Weight 170 g (excluding battery)
Standard accessories Spherical Diffuser, strap, case
*Optional accessories Flat Diffuser, Sync. Cord III

● Specifications and external appearances described herein are subject to

change without notice.

function, Memory function (10 measured values),
S/A/H calculation, Brightness difference function,
Exposure correction function: -10 to +10 (0.1 stop
increments)

ambient light/incident light measurement, with
alkaline dry cell)

(0.1 stop increments)

(1, 1/2, 1/3 stop increments)

(1, 1/2, 1/3 stop increments)

8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 64, 128

(0.1 stop increments)

(1/2 stop increments)

(25% increments)

E79E78

Minolta Co., Ltd.

3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan

©2002 Minolta Co., Ltd.
ACMAPA(1) Printed in Japan

9222-8057-11