MINOLTA Dynax 404Si, Maxxum ST Si Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

QUICK OPERATION

GETTING STARTED

FULL-AUTO OPERATION

SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

APPENDIX

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the camera in Full-Auto mode.

Move on to Level II and the Subject Program modes when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera.

When you are ready for full control, move on to Level III and the ASM exposure modes.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This Class B digital apparatus conplies with Canadian ICES-003.

The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced before March, 1999. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta Service facility to obtain compatibility information for products released after this date.

WARNING

Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.

• Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.

• Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.

• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.

• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages.

• Tape over lithium battery contacts before disposal. Follow local regulations for battery disposal.

Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near young children.

Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.

Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if…

• the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed.

• the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.

Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required.

Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder.

Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.

Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may occur if sunlight comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace the lens cap when the product is not being used.

CAUTION

FOCUS

Manual Focus....................51 AF Illuminator ....................52

EXPOSURE

8 Segment Metering..........53 Spot Metering....................54

Exposure Compensation ..55 Setting the ISO Manually ..56

Bracketing..........................57 Multiple Exposure..............58

FLASH

Slow Sync..........................61 Wireless/Remote Flash ....62

FOR OWNERS OF THE DATE MODEL

Exposing the Date/Time....67 Setting the Date/Time........68

Replacing the Battery........69 Changing camera functions 70

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Strap ....................................................................................11

Batteries ..............................................................................12

Lens ....................................................................................14

Loading Film ........................................................................16

Handling the Camera ..........................................................18

Portrait Mode ......................................................................30

Landscape Mode ................................................................31

Close-up Mode ....................................................................32

Sports Mode ........................................................................33

Night Portrait Mode ..............................................................34

Photographing Night Scenes ..............................................35

Self-timer..............................................................................36

Continuous Advance............................................................37

Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ................................................20

Focus Signals ......................................................................21

Special Focus Situations......................................................22

Focus Hold ..........................................................................23

Using the Built-in Flash

Flash signals....................................................................25

Flash range......................................................................25

Fill flash ..........................................................................26

Flash cancel ....................................................................26

Red-eye reduction ..........................................................27

Rewinding the Film ..............................................................28

NAMES OF PARTS ..............................................................4

QUICK OPERATION ............................................................8

A-MODE – Aperture Priority ................................................39

A-mode flash ..................................................................40

Aperture control ..............................................................41

S-MODE – Shutter Priority ..................................................42

S-mode flash ..................................................................43

Shutter control ................................................................44

M-MODE – Manual..............................................................45

Metering in manual mode................................................46

M-mode flash ..................................................................47

TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) ..................................48

SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

FULLY-AUTOMATIC OPERATION

CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Program Reset Button ......71 Accessories ......................72

Exposure Warnings ..........75 Trouble Shooting ..............76

Care and Storage..............78 Specifications ....................80

APPENDIX

GETTING STARTED

LEVEL ILEVEL II

LEVEL III

NAMES OF PARTS

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

Data Panel

Self-timer/Drive-mode button (36, 37)

Subject-program button (30-35)

Program-reset button (71)

Shutter-release button

Control dial

Self-timer lamp (36)

Battery-chamber lock

Tripod socket

Battery-chamber door (12)

Built-in flash (24-27)

Accessory shoe

Flash-mode button

Exposure-compensation button (45, 55)

Function button

Function dial

Lens release (15)

Lens mount

Mirror*

Lens contacts*

Back-cover release

Focus-mode button (51)

Viewfinder*

Film window

Main switch

Spot /AE lock button (54)

Manual-rewind button (28)

Strap eyelet (11)

* Do not touch

Body

Remote-control terminal (49)

NAMES OF PARTS

Data Panel Viewfinder

Focus frame

Focus signals

Shutter speed display Exposure-compensation indicator Aperture/Exposure-compensation display

Spot/AE lock indicator

Flash signal

Spot-metering area

Multiple-exposure indicator

Red-eye reduction indicator

Flash-mode indicators

Wireless flash indicator

Battery-condition indicator

Self-timer indicator

Exposure-mode indicators

Subject-program indicators

Shutter-speed/ISO display

Subject-program pointer

Aperture/Exposurecompensation display

Exposure-compensation indicator

Manual-focus indicator

Frame counter/Multiple-exposure display

Film transport signal

Cartridge mark

Drive mode indicator

QUICK OPERATION

1. Insert batteries.

• This camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries.

2. Attach lens.

• Align the red mounting dot on the lens with the one on the camera. Gently insert the lens into the mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position.

3. Turn on power.

• Slide the main switch to ON.

4. Load film.

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

5. Set Full-Auto operation.

• Press the program-reset button to set the camera to fully-automatic operation.

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

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

• The camera will focus and set exposure automatically.

8. Take the picture.

• Gently press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

LEVEL I

This section provides the information necessary to operate your camera in most photographic situations.

This section covers:

• Battery Installation

• Attaching and Removing the Lens

• Loading the Film

• Camera Handling

• Fully Automatic Camera Operation

• Special Focus Situations

• Basic Flash Operation

• Rewinding the Film

Once you fully understand the instructions in this section, proceed to Level II, Level III, and Additional Features to obtain more enjoyment from your camera.

GETTING STARTED

Attaching the Strap

BATTERIES

1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the batterychamber lock to OPEN, then open the battery-chamber door.

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

3. Close the battery-chamber door, then turn the batterychamber lock to CLOSE.

• Setting the camera down with the batterychamber door open may damage the camera.

Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations.

Installing the Batteries

Each time the main switch is set to ON, a battery symbol appears in the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries.

Checking Battery Power

Full-battery symbol

Power is sufficient for all camera operations.

• will only appear for five seconds.

Blinking low-battery symbol

Power is extremely low. All functions are operational, but the batteries will need to be replaced soon. Flash recycling time may be slow.

Blinking low-battery symbol appears alone and the shutter locks.

Power is insufficient for camera operation. Replace the batteries.

No display

Power is too low for the camera to operate. Replace the batteries or make sure they have been inserted correctly.

LENS

1. Remove the body and rear lens caps.

2. Align the red mounting dots on the lens and camera body.

3. Gently insert the lens into the mount, then turn it clockwise until it clicks into the locked position.

• Do not insert the lens at an angle.

• Do not press the lens release when attaching the lens.

Attaching the Lens

1. Press the lens release and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops.

2. Gently remove the lens and replace caps, or attach another lens.

Removing the Lens

Caution

• Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.

• Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens contacts and mirror.

LOADING FILM

1. Slide the back-cover release down to open the back cover.

2. Insert a film cartridge into the film chamber.

Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 28 for instructions on removing a partially exposed roll.

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

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

• If DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film speed).

• If non DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the previous roll’s ISO setting. Refer to page 56 to set the film speed manually.

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

3. Extend the leader between the guide rails to the index mark.

• If the film tip extends beyond the index mark, push the excess film back into the cartridge.

• blinks in the frame counter and the shutter locks when the film is loaded incorrectly. Open the back cover and repeat steps 2 – 4.

If film is loaded with the power off… The film’s ISO and appear in the data panel for approx. five seconds to indicate successful loading, then the camera shuts down.

• If the film did not load, will blink in the data panel before the camera shuts down. Reload the film.

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

4. Close the back cover.

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

• The ISO is displayed in the data panel for 5 seconds after loading.

Gently press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the camera’s autofocus and auto-exposure systems.

HANDLING THE CAMERA

Holding the Camera

Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, while supporting the lens with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steady. Keep the camera strap around your neck or wrist in the event you accidentally drop the camera.

• Do not touch the end of the lens barrel while taking a picture.

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

Pressing the Shutter-Release Button

FULLY-AUTOMATIC

OPERATION

Full-Auto is the camera’s standard operating mode and is suited for use in almost any situation. When selected, the camera sets the focus and exposure automatically and fires the built-in flash when necessary. Use Full-Auto when you are just starting out or when you are shooting under conditions that would require you to constantly adjust the focus and/or exposure.

Focus is confirmed

Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed

Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing

Shutter is locked

Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked. Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situations described on page 22.

TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO

1. Slide the main switch to ON.

2. Press the program-reset button to set the camera to Full-Auto.

• The camera will return to its default settings (p71).

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

4. Center your subject in the focus frame [ ], then press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus.

• or will appear in the viewfinder when focus is confirmed.

• The built-in flash will pop-up and fire when necessary.

5. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

• In low-light conditions, the AF illuminator (flash) will fire to determine focus distance.

• Use focus hold (p23) if your subject is outside the focus frame.

Focus Signals

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

FOCUS HOLD

SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS

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

If two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame.

If a subject composed of alternating light and dark lines completely fills the focus frame.

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

The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p23) or manual focus (p51). See page 21 for an explanation of the focus signals.

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

• appears in the viewfinder when the focus is confirmed.

• Focus hold also locks the exposure settings.

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

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

• Remove your finger from the shutterrelease button to cancel focus hold.

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

Focus hold cannot be used for moving subjects.

Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the output from the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semicircular shaded area at the bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of your image.

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

• Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths. AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G AF Zoom 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5 AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 35-80mm f/4-5.6

• The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses: AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele) AF 600mm f/4 (APO tele)

Lens Shadowing

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

In Full-Auto mode (P), the built-in flash pops-up automatically when the shutter release button is pressed partway down in lowlight situation. Once the flash is up, it will fire when necessary.

• The shutter will not release until the flash is charged.

• Select flash cancel ( ) when you don’t want the flash to fire.

• Pressing the program-reset button (P) resets the flash to autoflash mode.

Do not use the built-in flash with focal lengths shorter than 28mm. The built-in flash cannot cover focal lengths wider than 28mm.

Flash Signals

Flash is charged.

Previous exposure was correct.

Flash Range

Aperture ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400

f/2.8

1.0 ~ 4.3m

(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)

1.0 ~ 6.1m

(3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.)

1.0 ~ 8.6m

(3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.)

f/3.5

1.0 ~ 3.4m

(3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.)

1.0 ~ 4.8m

(3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.)

1.0 ~ 6.8m

(3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.)

f/4.0

1.0 ~ 3.0m

(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.)

1.0 ~ 4.2m

(3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.)

1.0 ~ 6.0m

(3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.)

f/5.6

1.0 ~ 2.1m

(3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.)

1.0 ~ 3.0m

(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.)

1.0 ~ 4.3m

(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)

The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table below.

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

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