Thank you for purchasing the Minolta Vectis
Weathermatic. The Vectis Weathermatic is a water
resistant Advanced Photo System™ camera designed to
take pictures anywhere you go. Its housing is sealed to
prevent entry of moisture and dust, so you can enjoy
taking pictures on the ski slope, at the beach, or even
underwater (approx. 10m (33 ft.)).
Your camera has been designed to be water resistant
when used as described in the manual. Careless
handling however, may allow water to enter the camera
causing permanent damage to internal parts. To obtain
the best performance from your camera, read the
instruction manual thoroughly.
• Advanced Photo System™ is a trademark of the five system
developing companies.
New print formats...
Classic C print, wider H print,
and panorama P print formats
are available with Advanced
Photo System cameras.
OF THE ADVANCED PHOTO SYSTEMADVANTAGES…
Easier to load...
Advanced Photo System
cameras use the new IX240
type film. This new film features
drop-in-loading to make loading your
camera simple, the first time, every time.
Indicators on the top of the cassette tell
you if the film is unexposed, partially
exposed, exposed, or processed.
New processing....
In addition to returning your prints in the
format you selected, certified photofinishers
will return your Advanced Photo System film
in its original cassette with an index print.
To order reprints, simply choose the
images you want from the index
print. No more searching
through negatives
to find the
right frame.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
For Proper and Safe Use4
Using In /Around Water6
Operating Conditions12
Names of Parts14
Attaching and Removing the Strap17
Installing the Battery18
Loading Film21
2
Taking Pictures25
Taking Pictures Underwater28
For Closer Subjects29
Special Focus Situations30
Focus Hold32
Using the Built-in Flash
Red-eye Reduction36
Manual Fill-Flash37
Flash Cancel37
Night Portrait38
Rewinding the Film
Auto Rewind39
Manual Rewind40
Date Imprinting
Imprinting the Date or Time41
Setting the Date and Time42
Changing the Date/Time Format44
Self-Timer46
Caring for your Camera48
Lab Services50
Specifications52
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FOR PROPER AND SAFE USEFOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
Read and understand all cautions and warnings before using this product.
WARNING
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
• Use only the battery specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the battery with the polarity (+/-) reversed.
• Do not subject the battery to fire or high temperatures.
• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near young children.
Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a
doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
Immediately remove the battery 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.
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USING IN/AROUND WATERUSING IN/AROUND WATER
This camera is water resistant and can be used in the rain, snow, or underwater to a depth of
approx. 10 meters (33 ft.). However, careless handling may cause irreparable damage not
covered by the warranty.
Please observe the following cautions:
• Do not hold the camera under running water.
10m (33 ft.)
• Do not take the camera to depths greater
than 10m (33 ft.).
• Do not jump or dive into the water
while holding the camera.
• Do not surf with the camera.
• Do not throw the camera.
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USING IN/AROUND WATERUSING IN/AROUND WATER
• Clean and dry the camera before
opening the film and battery
chambers.
• Do not load film or replace the battery
in places where water, blowing sand,
or dust can enter the camera.
• Keep hands, film, and battery clean
and dry when inserting or removing
the film or battery.
• The gaskets will be damaged if the camera
is not washed in fresh water after exposure
to salt water.
• The surface of the camera can be damaged if
sunscreen and tanning lotions are not
removed immediately.
• Clean the camera by immersing it in a small
volume of fresh water.
• Do not use compressed air or a hair dryer to
dry the camera.
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USING IN/AROUND WATER
USING IN/AROUND WATER
The interior of this camera is not water resistant.
Battery Chamber Gasket
• Clean the gaskets and joining surfaces
before closing covers.
• Remove foreign matter from the
gaskets with a clean, dry cloth.
10
Film Chamber Gasket
Gasket
• Inspect the gaskets and joining surfaces every time
the film or battery chambers are opened. If the seals
are brittle, cracked, or discolored, the camera may
leak. Contact an authorized Minolta Service Facility to
have the gaskets replaced.
Joining Surface
• Make sure the covers close tightly.
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OPERATING CONDITIONSOPERATING CONDITIONS
OPERATING CONDITIONS
• This camera is designed for use from -10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F).
• Never leave your camera where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures such as
inside the glove compartment of a car.
• At colder temperatures, the data panel response time will be slow. At higher temperatures,
the display may temporarily darken, but will restore when the temperature normalizes.
• To prevent condensation from forming inside the camera when bringing the camera from
an extremely cold area to a warm area, let the camera come to room temperature before
opening the film or battery chambers.
• When photographing in cold weather, keep the camera and spare batteries inside your coat
to keep them warm when you are not shooting. Cold batteries will regain some of their
charge when they warm up.
FILM CASSETTE WARNING
The film used in Advanced Photo System cameras stores some data magnetically. Do not
place the film cassette on or near anything that creates a magnetic field, such as a television
or stereo speakers.
CAMERA ERROR
If the camera will not function with a fresh battery, remove the battery, wait a few minutes,
then reinsert it. If normal operation does not resume or the camera malfunctions repeatedly,
contact an authorized Minolta Service Facility.
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NAMES OF PARTSNAMES OF PARTS
Body
Zoom lever
Shutter-release button
Red-eye reduction/
Self-timer lamp*
Meter window*
Strap port
Control dial
Data panel
Flash*
Viewfinder window*
AF window*
Lens*
* Do not touch
Film-chamber lock
Film-chamber door
Battery-chamber lock
Battery-chamber door
Accessory port
Format-selector switch
Tripod socket
Self-timer/
Adjust button
Date/ Select button
Viewfinder*
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NAMES OF PARTSATTACHING AND REMOVING THE STRAP
Data PanelViewfinder
Date/ Time display
Frame counter
Cassette mark
Self-timer indicator
Battery warning
Ready Lamp Signals
Glowing
Blinking Rapidly
Blinking Slowly
Close-framing guides
Ready lamp
Focus frame
Flash is charged.
Subject too close. Shutter is locked.
Camera cannot determine focus distance.
Focus set to ∞ (2-3m if flash is selected).
Attaching
Insert the strap tab into the strap port until it ‘clicks’.
• Tug on the strap to make sure it is secure.
Removing
Press the strap release and pull the tab out of the
strap port.
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INSTALLING THE BATTERY
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
Your camera uses one 3-volt CR2 lithium battery to supply power for all camera operations.
Important – Before opening the Battery Chamber
• Wipe all water, sand, and grit off of the camera.
• Do not open the battery chamber in places where water, blowing sand, or dust can enter the camera.
• Make sure the battery is clean and dry before inserting it into the camera.
• To prevent condensation from forming, let the camera come to room temperature before opening the
film or battery chambers when bringing the camera into a warmer environment.
1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the battery-chamber
lock to OPEN, then open the battery-chamber door.
18
2. Insert a new battery into the chamber as indicated by
the + and – marks.
3. Close the battery-chamber door and turn the batterychamber lock to CLOSE.
• Reset the date and time after installing a new battery.
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INSTALLING THE BATTERY
LOADING FILM
Battery Warning
Power is low, but sufficient for all camera operations.
Keep a new battery handy.
If there is no display, replace the battery or make sure it
is correctly installed.
Your camera will shut down if it is not operated for more than 8 minutes.
Press the shutter release button partway down to restore power.
20
Use IX240 (Advanced Photo System) film in this camera.
• Your camera’s transport system loads the film, sets the film speed, and advances the film after each
exposure.
• There is no need to worry about double exposure. DEP (Double Exposure Prevention) prevents the
camera from accepting exposed film.
• Do not open the film chamber unless appears or blinks in the data panel.
Visual Exposure Indicators (VEI)
• The current VEI has a white indicator behind it.
• Your camera can only load unexposed film ().
- Unexposed
- Partially Exposed
- Exposed
- Processed
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LOADING FILM
LOADING FILM
Important – Before opening the Film Chamber
• Wipe all water, sand, and grit off of the camera.
• Make sure the film cassette is clean and dry before loading it into the camera.
• Do not load film in places where water, blowing sand, or dust can enter the camera.
• To prevent condensation from forming, let the camera come to room temperature before opening the
film or battery chambers when bringing the camera into a warmer environment.
1. Turn the camera upside down. Lift the film-chamber
lock and turn it to OPEN.
• The film-chamber door will unlock.
22
2. Open the film-chamber door and insert a new cassette
into the film chamber.
• If the film-chamber door will not open, internal pressure needs to be
equalized. Open the battery chamber before opening the film chamber
to release the pressure.
3. Press the film-chamber door closed and turn the filmchamber release to CLOSE.
• The camera will automatically advance the film to the first frame.
•and the number of exposures remaining on the roll will be
displayed in the data panel.
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LOADING FILM
TAKING PICTURES
Film can be loaded with the power on or off.
If blinks in the data panel, open the film chamber and remove the cassette.
• Your camera can not load a film cassette if the current VEI is , , or .
• If a processed (VEI ) or partially exposed (VEI ) cassette was loaded into this camera, the VEI has
been changed to .
• If the current VEI is, reload the cassette. If the film will not load, contact the nearest authorized
Minolta Service Facility.
24
1. Turn the control dial to .
• The flash is set to autoflash and will fire when necessary. See page 34.
2. Select the print format.
• The viewfinder changes to match your selection.
Hold the camera steady, making sure your
fingers do not cover the flash. When taking
a vertically framed picture, turn the camera
so the flash is on top.
Continued on following page
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TAKING PICTURES
TAKING PICTURES
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3. Looking through the viewfinder, frame the subject as
desired.
Push the zoom lever to the right to zoom in.
Push the zoom lever to the left to zoom out.
4. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press
the shutter-release button partway down.
5. When the ready-lamp glows, press the shutterrelease button all-the-way down to take the picture.
Press the shutter with a slow steady squeeze, never
a quick jab.
• The ready lamp will not glow and the shutter can not be released
until the flash is charged.
• The ready lamp blinks slowly and focus is set to infinity (2-3m
depending on the focal length when flash is selected) when the
camera cannot determine the focus distance.
6. Turn the control dial to OFF when you are finished
taking pictures.
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TAKING PICTURES UNDERWATER
This camera can be used to a depth of
approximately 10m (33 ft.). Picture sharpness
and flash range are affected by water clarity.
Non-flash exposures taken underwater tend
to appear bluish. For best results, use the
flash and take pictures within 2m (6.6 ft.)
of your subject.
After returning to the surface, clean
and dry the lens cover-glass before
taking additional pictures.
2m (6.6 ft.)
FOR CLOSER SUBJECTS
This camera’s focus range is from 40cm to ∞ (1.4 ft. - ∞), 53cm to ∞ (1.75 ft. - ∞) underwater.
• The ready lamp blinks rapidly and the shutter locks when the subject is closer than 40cm.
• The ready lamp blinks slowly when the camera cannot determine the focus distance. Your subject may
be out of focus.
10m (33 ft.)
When your subject is closer than 1m (3.3 ft.), align the top of
your image with the close-framing guides, using focus hold if
necessary (see page 32).
CorrectNot Correct
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SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS
Some subjects or scenes, such as those described below, are difficult for the autofocus
system to detect. To ensure proper focus in these situations, first lock focus on another object
at the same distance from you as your main subject, recompose, then press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture.
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS
When two subjects overlap
in the focus frame.
The ready lamp will glow,
but the closer of the two
subjects will be in focus.
30
When a very bright or low
contrast area fills the center
of the viewfinder.
When your subject is near a
very bright object or area.
The ready lamp will blink
slowly to warn you that
focus may not be accurate.
The ready lamp may glow,
but the focus may not be
accurate.
When a subject composed
of alternating light and dark
lines fills the center of the
viewfinder.
The ready lamp will blink
rapidly and the shutter will
lock.
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FOCUS HOLD
FOCUS HOLD
32
Subjects outside the focus frame may not be in focus. Use
focus hold to ensure accurate focusing.
1. Center your subject in the focus frame.
2. Press and hold the shutter-release button
partway down until the ready lamp glows.
3. Without lifting your finger, recompose the
picture and press the shutter-release
button all-the-way down to take the
picture.
• Lift your finger from the shutter-release button to
cancel focus hold.
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USING THE BUILT-IN FLASHUSING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
Autoflash mode is set when the control dial is turned to , the flash will fire automatically
in low-light situations.
Ready Lamp
Wait until the ready lamp glows, then take the picture.
• The flash takes approximately 5 seconds to charge.
• The ready lamp blinks rapidly and the shutter locks when the subject is closer
than 40 cm.
• The ready lamp blinks slowly when the camera cannot determine the focus
distance. Your subject may be out of focus.
34
Flash Range
The range of the built-in flash depends on the film speed and the focal length you are using.
To ensure proper exposure, make sure your subject is positioned within the flash range.
Note: The following flash ranges are for surface photography only.
Stay within 2m (6.6 ft.) of your subject when taking pictures underwater.
Focal LengthISO 100ISO 200ISO 400
WIDE
TELE
0.55~3.6m
(1.8~11.8 ft.)
0.40~2.3m
(1.3~7.5 ft.)
0.55~5.1 m
(1.8~16.7 ft.)
0.40~3.2 m
(1.3~10.5 ft.)
0.73~7.2m
(2.4~23.6 ft.)
0.45~4.5m
(1.5~14.8 ft.)
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USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
36
Red-Eye Reduction
When photographing people or animals at night or other low-light
situations, light reflecting off the inside of the subject’s eyes may
produce the effect called red-eye. Use red-eye-reduction to
reduce the red-eye effect.
Turn the control dial to .
• Warn your subject(s) that the red-eye-reduction lamp on the front of the
camera will illuminate before the picture is taken.
Manual Fill-Flash
The flash will fire when the shutter is released regardless of
lighting. Use manual fill-flash to illuminate a backlit subject or to
reduce harsh shadows on your subject’s face.
Turn the control dial to .
Flash Cancel
Use flash cancel when photographing twilight scenes or to capture
the ambiance of existing light.
Turn the control dial to .
• The shutter speed may be slow when the flash is cancelled. Use of a
tripod is recommended.
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USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
REWINDING THE FILM
38
Night Portrait
Night-portrait mode balances the flash and existing light exposure
so you can take beautiful pictures of people at sunset or at night.
Turn the control dial to .
• The shutter speed will most likely be slow. Use of a tripod is
recommended.
Auto Rewind
Your camera automatically rewinds the film into the cassette after the last exposure.
1. Wait for the film to completely rewind into the cassette.
• The frame counter will count down during rewind.
•will appear and blink in the data panel when the film is rewound.
2. Lift the film-chamber release and turn it to OPEN.
• Before opening the film-chamber door, wipe any dirt or moisture off of
the camera.
3. Open the film-chamber door and remove the film.
• The film’s current VEI indicator will be .
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REWINDING THE FILM
DATE IMPRINTING
Manual Rewind
Use manual rewind when you want to remove the film before exposing the last frame.
Note: Film cannot be reloaded after it has been rewound.
1. Turn the control dial to .
2. Press the date/select and self-timer/adjust buttons at
the same time.
• The camera will start to rewind the film.
3. Follow steps 1 - 3 from automatic rewind.
40
Your camera uses the film’s magnetic data strip to record date and time information your
photofinisher can imprint on the front and back of your photographs.
Note: Some labs can not imprint on the front of your photographs. See your photofinisher
for a full description of available services.
Imprinting the Date or Time
Before taking the picture:
Press the date/select button until the data you want
printed on the front of the print appears in the data
panel.
• The sequence is: DATE → TIME → -- -- -- (no imprinting).
• The selected date/time mode will remain on until another mode is
selected.
• When -- -- -- is displayed in the data panel, no data will be printed on
the front of the print, but the date and time of the exposure will be
imprinted on the back of the print.
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DATE IMPRINTING
DATE IMPRINTING
42
Setting the Date and Time
• This camera has an automatic calendar through the year 2030.
1. Turn the control dial to .
2. Press and hold the date/select button until the year
blinks in the data panel.
• Only the date will be displayed in the data panel.
3. Press the self-timer/ adjust button to change the
blinking item.
• Press and hold the self-timer/adjust button to change the value rapidly.
4. Press the date/select button to choose the next item
to adjust.
• The sequence is `YY → MM → DD → HH → MM.
• Time is displayed and imprinted in 24-hour format.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all items in the date/time
display are correct.
6. Press the date/select button until all items in the data
panel stop blinking.
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DATE IMPRINTING
DATE IMPRINTING
44
Changing the Date/ Time Format
1. Turn the control dial to OFF.
2. Press the date/select button until the date display
blinks in the data panel.
3. Press the self-timer/adjust button to change the date
format.
• The format sequence is `Y M D → M D`Y → D M`Y.
4. Press the date/select button until all items in the data
panel stop blinking.
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SELF TIMER
SELF TIMER
The self-timer delays release of the shutter for approximately ten seconds.
1. Mount the camera on a tripod or the optional handy
tripod (not included) and place on a level surface.
2. Press the self-timer/adjust button.
•will appear in the data panel.
Shown with optional
Handy Tripod.
46
3. Frame your subject(s) in the viewfinder.
4. Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down
to take the picture.
• The self-timer lamp blinks until the shutter releases.
• The self-timer is automatically cancelled after the shutter
releases or the camera is turned off.
• To cancel the self-timer before the picture is taken, press the
self-timer button again or turn the camera off.
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CARING FOR YOUR CAMERA
CARING FOR YOUR CAMERA
Cleaning
• If the camera body is dirty, wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• After using the camera in or near salt water, clean it by immersing it in a small volume of fresh
water, then wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
• To clean the lens cover glass, brush away any dust or sand. If necessary, moisten a lens tissue
with lens cleaning fluid and gently wipe the cover glass in a circular motion.
• Do not hold the camera under running water.
• Never use alcohol or solvents to clean the camera.
• Remove foreign matter from the gaskets and joining surfaces with a clean dry cloth when the film
and battery chambers are opened.
Before Important Events
• Check camera operation carefully or take test photographs.
• Minolta is not responsible for any loss that may occur due to an equipment malfunction.
48
Storage
When storing the camera for extended periods,
• Store the camera in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from dust and chemicals. For longer
periods, place the camera in an airtight container with a silica gel drying agent.
• Before using after prolonged storage, check the camera’s operation to make sure it’s functioning
properly.
Questions and Service
• If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to the
Minolta distributor in your area.
• Before shipping your camera for repair, contact an authorized Minolta Service Facility for details.
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LAB SERVICES
Take your film to a photolab displaying the Advanced
Photo System logo to receive the best possible prints.
Photofinishers displaying this logo have been certified
according to Advanced Photo System guidelines.
LAB SERVICES
1. CHP - Print Format
Your film will be printed according to the format set when the picture was taken.
2. Date Imprinting
The date and time are printed on the back of the picture in the chosen format.
3. PQI - Print Quality Improvement
The lab will compensate (or not compensate) printing according to the data recorded on the magnetic
data strips.
4. Film is returned in the cassette.
To keep the film dust free and aid in organization, film is returned in its original cassette. The VEI will
be set to to prevent accidental loading.
5. Index Print
An index print showing a numbered image of each frame is included with your returned order.
REPRINTS
Images are always captured in the H Print format. However, any of the three formats can be selected
when ordering reprints.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type:Water resistant IX240 Lens Shutter Type
Lens:30 - 50mm f/4.0 – 6.4 (approx. 38 - 63mm in the 35mm format )
Viewfinder Magnification:0.44 - 0.67X
Focusing Range:0.4m – ∞ (1.4 ft. - ∞)
Underwater: 0.53m - ∞ (1.75 ft. - ∞)
Exposure:Programmed AE
Film Speed Range:100 - 3200 ISO
Metering Range (ISO 200): Wide: EV 6 - 16, Tele: EV 7.4 - 16
Flash Range (ISO 200):Wide: 0.55 ~ 5.1m (1.8 ~ 16.7 ft.), Tele: 0.4 ~ 3.2m (1.3 ~ 10.5 ft.)
Battery:One CR2 3V lithium battery
Battery performance:Approximately ten 25-exposure rolls (Based on Minolta’s standard test
method with the flash on for 50% of the exposures.)
Underwater Performance: Tested by Minolta to be submersible to a depth of approx. 10m (33 ft.).
Dimensions:128 x 74.5 x 66 mm (5.0 x 2.9 x 2.6 in.)
Weight (w/o battery):340g (12 oz.)
Specifications and accessories are based on the latest information available at the time of printing
and are subject to change without notice.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
This mark on the bottom of your camera certifies that this camera meets the
requirements of the EU (European Union) concerning interference causing equipment
regulations. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).
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Minolta Co., Ltd.3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541, Japan
Minolta GmbHKurt-Fischer-Strasse 50, D-22923 Ahrensburg, Germany
Minolta France S.A.365 Route de Saint-Germain, F-78420 Carrieres-Sur-Seine, France
Minolta (UK) LimitedRooksley Park, Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes, MK13 8HF, England
Minolta Austria Ges. m.b.H.Amalienstrasse 59-61, A-1131 Wien, Austria
Minolta Camera Benelux B.V.Zonnebaan 39, P.O. Box 6000, NL-3600 HA Maarssen, The Netherlands