MINOLTA Freedom Supreme Zoom EX User Manual

1

For Proper and Safe Use............................2

Names of Parts............................................4

Inserting the Battery....................................8

Low-Battery Symbol....................................9

Camera Strap..............................................9

Loading the Film........................................10

Full-Auto Operation...................................12

For Closer Subjects...................................15

Special Focusing Situations......................16

Focus Hold................................................18

Rewinding the Film....................................20

Thank you for
purchasing this Minolta
camera. Your new
camera is equipped
with functions which
will suit your every
photographic need.
Before using your new
camera, please take
the time to read
through this instruction
manual for it contains
important information
on the use and care of
your camera.

Using the Built-in Flash ..............21

Flash Range..........................21

Flash Lamp...........................22

Selecting the Flash Mode...........23

Autoflash with Red-eye

Reduction...................24

Fill Flash.....................................25

Flash Cancel...............................26

Subject Program Selection .........27

Close-up Mode...........................28

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

Night Portrait Mode ....................32

Spot Metering Mode...................34

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

Continuous Drive........................38

For Owners of the

Quartz Date Model................40

Imprinting the Date or Time..41

Setting the Date and Time....42

Care and Storage.......................44

Technical Details.........................50

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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2 3

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

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

WARNING

Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.

• Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

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

• Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.

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

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

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

Keep batteries or 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 product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.

The lens retracts when the camera is turned off or Auto Power Off is
activated. Touching the lens barrel while it is retracting may cause injury.

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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4 5

NAMES OF PARTS

Continued on next page.

BODY

Shutter-release button

Zoom lever

Subject-program
button (27)

Flash-mode button (23)

Self-timer/Drive-mode button (36, 38)

Data panel

Date buttons (40)

Flash*

Back-cover
release

Viewfinder
window*

AF Window*

Lens*

Self-timer lamp*

Viewfinder*

Focus lamp (green)

Flash lamp (orange)

Main switch

Film window

Strap eyelets (9)

Battery-chamber
door

Manual-rewind
button (20)

Tripod socket

Back cover

(Quartz Date model only)

* Do not touch

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

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Remote-control indicator

* The remote control is not included with all

models. Use the self-timer button to select
remote-control mode. Instructions for the
remote control are not included in this manual.

6 7

NAMES OF PARTS

Cartridge mark

Frame counter

Subject-program pointer

Spot-metering indicator

Night Portrait mode indicator

Portrait mode indicator

Close-up mode indicator

Continuous-drive indicator

Self-timer indicator

Low-battery symbol
Date/Time display

Flash mode indicators

DATA PANEL VIEWFINDER

Focus frame

Spot-metering circle (34)

Focus lamp (green)

With the shutter-release button pressed
partway down ­Glows: Focus confirmed
Blinks quickly: Subject is too close
Blinks slowly: Contrast too low

Flash lamp (orange)

With the shutter-release button pressed
partway down­Glows: Flash will fire
Blinks quickly: Flash charging
Blinks slowly: Camera-shake warning

Close-framing guides

(Quartz Date
model only)

Film-transport signals

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8 9

CAMERA STRAPINSERTING THE BATTERY

Attach the strap as shown.

Your camera uses one 3-volt CR123A or
DL123A lithium battery to supply power for all
camera operations.

1.Open the battery-chamber door using
a coin or similar object.

2.Insert the battery according the + and
– marks inside the battery chamber,
then snap the door closed.

• Quartz Date model: The date and time must

be reset (p. 42).

LOW-BATTERY SYMBOL

Power is sufficient, but the
battery will have to be replaced
soon.

Replace the battery. The shutter
will lock until the battery is
replaced.

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LOADING THE FILM

Use only 35mm, DX-coded film rated ISO 25 to

3200.

• ISO 400 film is recommended for best results.

• Always load and unload film in subdued light.

• Do not use Polaroid instant 35mm film. Winding

problems may occur.

1.Press the main switch to turn the
camera on. Slide the back-cover
release down to open the back cover,
then place the film cartridge into the
film chamber.

2.Extend the film tip to the "FILM TIP"
mark, making sure it lays flat.

3.Close the back cover.

• The film automatically advances to the first

frame and appears in the data panel.

If the film has been loaded improperly, will
blink in the data panel and the shutter will
remain locked. Open the back cover and
repeat the loading procedure.

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FULL-AUTO OPERATION

1.Press the main switch to turn the
camera on.

• Auto Power Off: To conserve power, the

camera automatically turns off if it is not
operated for more than 8 minutes.

2.Hold the camera steady, making sure
your fingers do not cover the flash.

• For vertically framed pictures, hold the

camera so the flash is on top.

3.Look through the viewfinder and push
the zoom lever toward W (wide angle)
to zoom out or toward T (telephoto) to
zoom in.

4.Place the focus frame on a detailed
part of the subject and press the
shutter-release button partway down.

• Your subject’s face or a vertical edge make

the best focus targets.

• The AF illuminator (flash) will fire in low light

to determine focus distance.

Continued on next page.

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14 15

FOR CLOSER SUBJECTSFULL-AUTO OPERATION - CONT’D

5.When the green focus lamp glows,
press the shutter-release button all
the way down to take the picture.

• If the green focus lamp blinks, the focus may

not be accurate (p. 7, p. 16-17).

• The flash will fire automatically in low-light and

back-lit situations.

• The film automatically advances to the next

frame.

When your subject is closer than 2.0m (6.6 ft.),
compose your picture within the close-framing
guides using Focus Hold if necessary (p. 18).

Correct

Incorrect

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SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS

Some scenes or subjects, like the examples below, are difficult for the
autofocus system to lock on to. When the focus will not lock, focus hold
(p. 18) on another object the same distance from you as your main
subject, recompose, then take the picture.

When a very bright or
low contrast area fills
the focus frame.

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

When two subjects
overlap in the focus
frame.

The green focus lamp
will blink slowly to warn
you that focus may not
be accurate. Focus will
be set to infinity without
flash and between 2 ­5m (6.6 - 16.4 ft.) with
flash.

The green focus lamp
may glow, but the
focus may not be
accurate.

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

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FOCUS HOLD

Subjects outside the focus frame may not be in
focus. Use focus hold to ensure accurate
focusing.

1.Place the focus frame on your
subject.

2.Press and hold the shutter-release
button partway down until the green
focus lamp glows.

3.Without lifting your finger, recompose
the picture and press the shutter­release 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 FLASHREWINDING THE FILM

The film will rewind automatically after the last
frame has been exposed.

When appears and blinks, open the
back cover and remove the film.

MANUAL REWIND

To begin rewind before the end of the
roll, turn the camera on and press the
manual-rewind button using a pen.

When you turn the camera on, the built in flash is automatically set to
autoflash or autoflash with red-eye reduction, whichever was used last. In
these modes, the flash will fire automatically in low-light and back-lit
situations.

FLASH RANGE

The range of the built-in flash depends
on the film speed and focal length you
are using. To ensure proper exposure,
make sure your subject is positioned
within the flash range.

If rewind stops before the film has been completely rewound, all the
indicators will blink. DO NOT OPEN THE BACK COVER. Insert a fresh
battery, then press the manual-rewind button.

Continued on next page.

39mm

125mm

0.6 - 7.0m

2.0 - 23.0 ft.

0.6 - 14.0m

2.0 - 46.0 ft.

0.6 - 4.5m

2.0 - 14.8 ft.

0.6 - 2.25m

2.0 - 7.4 ft.

ISO 100 ISO 400

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SELECTING THE FLASH MODEUSING THE BUILT-IN FLASH - CONT’D

FLASH LAMP (ORANGE)

The orange flash lamp comes on when the
shutter-release button is pressed partway down.

• The flash lamp will glow when the built in flash
is ready.

• When the flash lamp blinks slowly, your scene
is too dark for a sharp hand-held picture. Use
flash or place the camera on a tripod.

• When the orange flash lamp blinks rapidly, the
flash is charging. Wait until it glows steadily,
then take the picture.

Autoflash , autoflash with red-eye reduction

, fill flash , or flash cancel can be

selected.

Press the flash-mode button until the
desired indicator appears in the data
panel.

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FILL FLASHAUTOFLASH WITH RED-EYE REDUCTION

Use the built-in flash's red-eye reduction mode
to reduce the red-eye effect when
photographing people or animals in low-light
situations. The flash will fire a few short bursts
before the main flash burst to reduce the red­eye effect.

Press the flash-mode button until
appears in the data panel, then take the
picture.

• Warn your subject the flash will fire a few
short bursts just before the picture is taken.

The flash will fire when the shutter is released
regardless of lighting. Use fill flash to reduce
harsh shadows on your subject's face.

Press the flash-mode button until
appears in the data panel, then take the
picture.

Pre-flash Main Flash

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SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTIONFLASH CANCEL

The flash will not fire in this mode. Flash cancel
should be used when photographing twilight
scenes or subjects beyond the flash range.

Press the flash-mode button until
appears in the data panel, then take the
picture.

• Use of a tripod is recommended.

Subject Program Selection lets you tailor the
camera's fully automatic operation to suit the
subject.
Optimal camera settings are provided for Close­up , Portrait , and Night Portrait
photography, as well as for the Spot Metering

mode.

Press the subject-program button until

is above the desired indicator.

• The camera returns to after the picture is
taken.

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CLOSE-UP MODE

This mode lets you take pictures of subjects as
close as 45cm (18 in.).

1.Press the subject-program button
until is above .

• Two seconds after close-up mode is selected,

the lens will automatically zoom to 115mm
and lock.

• Autoflash (or autoflash with red-eye reduction)

mode is initially set, but any other flash mode
can be selected.

2.Place the focus frame on the subject,
then take the picture.

• If your subject is closer than 2.0m (6.6 ft.),

compose your subject within the close-framing
guides using Focus Hold if necessary (p. 15,
p. 18).

• If the green focus lamp blinks slowly with the

shutter-release button pressed partway down,
focus cannot be confirmed and will be fixed at
45cm (18 in).

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PORTRAIT MODE

In Portrait mode, the lens automatically zooms
to provide suitable framing for portraits when
the shutter-release is pressed half-way down.

1.Press the subject-program button
until is above .

• Autoflash (or autoflash with red-eye reduction)

is initially set, but any other flash mode can be
selected.

2.Place the focus frame on your
subject, then press the shutter­release button partway down.

• The lens will automatically zoom to the

appropriate focal length.

3.Wait for the lens to zoom, then press
the shutter-release button all the way
down.

• If you manually zoom the lens after selecting

Portrait mode, return to autozoom is no longer
possible.

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NIGHT PORTRAIT MODE

Night Portrait mode sets a slow shutter speed to
correctly expose a dark background, such as a
sunset or night scene, while flash properly
exposes the foreground.

1.Press the subject-program button
until is above .

• Fill flash is set, but fill flash with red-eye

reduction can be selected.

2.Place the focus frame on the subject,
then take the picture.

• The shutter speed will most likely be slow.

Use of a tripod is recommended.

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34 35

SPOT METERING MODE

In Spot Metering mode, the camera sets
exposure based on the area inside the spot­metering circle. Use this mode to photograph
strongly back-lit or spot-lit subjects.

1.Press the subject-program button
until is above .

• Flash cancel is initially set, but any other flash

mode can be selected.

2.Align your subject within the spot­metering circle, then take the picture.

✎The back-light detection of autoflash and autoflash with red-eye

reduction does not operate in spot metering mode.

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SELF-TIMER

The self-timer delays release of the shutter for
approximately 10 seconds after you press the
shutter-release button.

1.Place the camera on a tripod, then
press the self-timer button until
appears in the data panel.

2.Place the focus frame on your
subject.

3.Press the shutter-release button all
the way down.

• will blink in the data panel. The self-timer

lamp on the front of the camera will blink
slowly during the countdown, then rapidly just
before the shutter is released.

• To cancel the self-timer, press the self-timer button again or turn the
camera off.

• Self-timer is automatically cancelled after the shutter is released.

✎The camera locks focus on the subject when the shutter-release button

is pressed. Focus hold can be used (p. 18).

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CONTINUOUS DRIVE

In this mode, the camera continuously takes
pictures and advances the film as long as the
shutter-release button is held down.

1.Press the drive-mode button until
appears in the data panel.

2.Press and hold the shutter-release
button all the way down.

• Without flash, the shutter will release every 2

seconds; with flash, the shutter will release
when the flash is charged.

• Continuous drive mode remains selected after

the series is complete.

• The selected subject program mode remains

selected for the entire series. The subject
program mode will return to when the
series is complete.

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40 41

FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL

This feature enables you to record the date or time onto the lower-right
portion of the picture. The automatic calendar is through the year 2029.

Turn the camera on, then press the MODE button to choose
the data imprinting format.

• The display will change as follows.

2 31

1. MODE button

2. SELECT button

3. ADJUST button

IMPRINTING THE DATE OR TIME

• Imprinted data may be difficult to read if the lower-right corner of the
photograph is bright or non-uniform.

• The data may not be imprinted on the last frame.

DATE BUTTONS

Continued on next page.

Year, Month, Day Month, Day, Year Day, Month, Year

Day, Hour, Minute(no imprinting)

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42 43

FOR OWNERS OF THE QUARTZ DATE MODEL - CONT’D

SETTING THE DATE AND TIME

Reset the time and date after changing the
battery.

1.Turn the camera on.

2.Use the SELECT button to move
between the different parts of the
displayed data.

• The selected part will blink, indicating that is it

the data to be changed.

3.Press the ADJUST button to change
the data to the correct value.

• Data continues changing as long as the

button is held down.

• In 24-hour format, pressing the ADJUST

button while the colon is blinking resets the
second counter zero (not displayed).

4.When all data is correct, press the
SELECT button until all the data stops
blinking.

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44 45

CARE AND STORAGE

Continued on next page.

• Never subject the camera to extreme humidity.

• To prevent condensation from forming, place the camera in a sealed
plastic bag when bringing it from a cold environment into a warm
environment. Allow it to come to room temperature before removing it
from the bag.

• When photographing in cold weather, it is recommend that you 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.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND 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 in
the glove compartment of a car.

• At colder temperatures, the data panel
response time will be slow. At higher
temperatures, the display will temporarily
darken, but will restore when the temperature
normalizes.

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46 47

CARE AND STORAGE - CONT’D

Continued on next page.

CLEANING

• Keep the AF window clean or the focus may not be accurate.

• If the camera body is dirty, gently wipe it clean with a
soft, clean, dry cloth.

• To clean the lens surface, first brush away any
dust or sand then, if necessary, moisten a lens
tissue with lens cleaning fluid and gently wipe the
lens in a circular motion, starting from the center.

• Never place lens fluid directly on the lens.

• Never touch the lens surface with your
fingers.

• Never use alcohol or solvents to clean the
camera.

STORAGE

When storing the camera for extended periods, please follow these
guidelines:

• Store the camera in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from dust and
chemicals. For very long periods, place the camera in an airtight
container with a silica gel drying agent.

• Before using after prolonged storage, always check the camera’s
operation to make sure it is functioning properly.

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48 49

CARE AND STORAGE - CONT’D

CAMERA ERROR

If all the indicators in the data panel blink, or the data panel is blank and
the camera will not function with a fresh battery, remove and reinsert the
battery. If normal operation does not resume, or the camera malfunctions
repeatedly, contact an authorized Minolta Service Facility.

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, please contact an authorized
Minolta Service Facility for details.

BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS

• Check camera operation carefully or take test photographs.

• Minolta is not responsible for any loss which may occur due to an
equipment malfunction.

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50 51

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Camera Type: 35mm lens-shutter camera
Lens: 39-125mm f/3.6 - 10.9 lens

4 element/4 group construction

Focusing Range:0.6m - ∞ (2.0 ft. - ∞)

Close-up mode (115mm fixed focal length) 0.45m - ∞
(1.5 ft. - ∞)

ISO Range: DX coded films ISO 25-3200 (in 1 EV increments)
Metering Range
(ISO 100): Wide: EV 2.4 - 17 Tele: EV 3.9 - 17
Flash Range
(ISO 100): Wide: 0.6 - 7.0m (2.0 - 23.0 ft.)

Tele: 0.6 - 2.25m (2.0 - 7.4 ft.)
Close-up mode: 0.45 - 2.4m (1.5 - 7.9 ft.)

Battery: One CR-2 3V Lithium battery

Battery-condition indication: 3-stage indication
Battery performance: approx. 13 rolls based on Minolta's
standard test method using 24 exposure rolls with flash for
50% of the exposures.

Viewfinder: Magnification: 0.41X - 1.2X

Field of View : 87% (subject at 3m)
Eyepoint: 18mm from the viewfinder frame

Dimensions: 129.5 x 69.5 x 50 mm

5.1 x 2.7 x 2.0 in.

Weight: 275g (9.7 oz.) without battery
Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of

printing and are subject to change without notice.

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52 53

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

This mark on 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).

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.

9222-2446-11 MM A804 3/4/98 1:07 PM Page 52

Minolta Co., Ltd. 3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan

Minolta GmbH Kurt-Fischer-Strasse 50, D-22923 Ahrensburg, Germany
Minolta France S.A. 365 Route de Saint-Germain, F-78420 Carrieres-Sur-Seine, France
Minolta (UK) Limited Rooksley 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

Belgium Branch Kontichsesteenweg 38, B-2630 Aartselaar, Belgium
Minolta (Schweiz) AG Riedstrasse 6, CH-8953 Dietikon, Switzerland
Minolta Svenska AB P.O.Box 9058, Albygatan 114, S-17109 Solna, Sweden

Finland Branch Niittykatu 6 PL 37, SF-02201 Espoo, Finland
Minolta Portugal Limitada Av. do Brasil 33-A, P-1700 Lisboa, Portugal
Minolta Corporation

Head Office 101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.

Los Angeles Branch 11150 Hope Street Cypress, CA90630, U.S.A.
Minolta Canada Inc.

Head Office 369 Britannia Road East, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 2H5, Canada

Vancouver Branch 230-3771 Jacombs Road, Richmond, B.C. V6V 2L9, Canada
Minolta Hong Kong Limited Room 208, 2/F, Eastern Center, 1065 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, China
Minolta Singapore (Pte) Ltd. 10, Teban Gardens Crescent, Singapore 608923
Shanghai Minolta Optical
Products Co., Ltd. 368 Minolta Road, Songjiang, Shanghai, China

©1998 Minolta Co., Ltd. under the Berne Convention and

Universal Copyright Convention

9222-2446-11 MM-A804 Printed in Malaysia

E

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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