Minolta Dynax 7, Maxxum User Manual

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Thank you for purchasing a Minolta camera. A valuable tool for photographers, the Maxxum/Dynax 7 has been designed with precision in mind to help you capture your photo­graphic vision. As you use the Maxxum/Dynax 7, you will find that its performance and reliability compliment your own photographic expertise and raise your skills to a higher level.
The Maxxum/Dynax 7 features a newly developed 9-point AF sys­tem with center dual cross-hair sensors to give great flexibility when composing photographs, and the ability to switch between AF and MF, using the AF/MF control button, without changing holding posi­tions.
This is the first camera ever to incorporate a Navigation display which gives easy to understand information on camera operation and Custom functions, available in 5 languages. Combined with the conventional lever and dial controls, the Navigation display provides flexible and clear operation.
This manual has been designed to help you understand the opera­tion of your camera and its functions. Please familiarize yourself with the names of the controls and their locations on the camera, then read the Basic Operation section. Once you’ve mastered basic operation, move on to the Detailed Operation section to expand your expertise.
This camera is designed to work specifically with lenses and acces­sories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using incompatible accessories with this camera may result in unsatisfactory perfor­mance or damage the camera and accessories.
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.
WARNING
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
• Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.
• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages.
• Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuit when dispos­ing of batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal.
Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if…
• the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed.
• the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required.
Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder.
CAUTION
Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may occur if sunlight comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace the lens cap when the product is not being used.
54
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents..............................................................................4
Name of Parts...................................................................................8
Quick Operation..............................................................................14
BASIC OPERATION
Batteries..........................................................................................17
Loading Film....................................................................................20
Handling the Camera......................................................................23
Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ............................................................24
Focusing..........................................................................................28
Using the Built-in Flash...................................................................31
Rewinding the Film..........................................................................33
DETAILED OPERATION
Navigation Display ..........................................................................36
Display Selection .................................................................37
When Upper Part Turns Black .............................................43
Display Brightness/Contrast ................................................44
Focusing
Focus Mode.........................................................................46
AF/MF Control Button..........................................................50
Focus Area...........................................................................53
AF Illuminator.......................................................................59
Exposure
P Mode.................................................................................61
A Mode.................................................................................63
S Mode ................................................................................66
M Mode................................................................................69
Metering
Selectable Metering.............................................................74
Exposure Compensation .....................................................77
Automatic Exposure Lock (AEL)..........................................81
Setting the ISO Manually.....................................................86
Drive
Continuous ..........................................................................88
Self-Timer.............................................................................90
Exposure Bracketing............................................................92
Multiple Exposure ...............................................................96
Flash
Flash Mode Switch ..............................................................99
Red-eye Reduction............................................................100
Rear flash Sync .................................................................101
Slow-shutter Sync..............................................................102
Flash Compensation..........................................................103
Flash Bracketing................................................................104
Accessory Flash ................................................................107
Flash Metering...................................................................108
High Speed Sync...............................................................110
Wireless/Remote Off-camera Flash...................................112
PC Terminal........................................................................118
Additional Features
Date/Time Imprinting..........................................................120
Eye-Start............................................................................125
Time Exposures (Bulb)......................................................126
Depth-of Field Preview ......................................................128
Diopter Adjustment ............................................................130
Setting/Cancelling the Audio..............................................131
76
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Memory
Storing memory .................................................................135
Recalling settings in memory.............................................137
Data memory
Storing the data .................................................................141
Film area and data number ...............................................143
Data recall..........................................................................146
Deleting stored data...........................................................151
Custom Functions
1 AF priority/Shutter-release priority 2 Film rewind start 3 Film tip 4 DX memory 5 Release lock (film) 6 Lens focus-hold button 7 Eyepiece sensor activation 8 Frame counter 9 AF/MF control button 10 AE-lock button 11 Exposure bracketing/Flash bracketing sequence 12 Film rewind speed 13 Meter display duration 14 AF area display 15 Front and rear control dial Lock 16 Release lock (lens) 17 AF drive speed
18 Exposure compensation control with rear control dial
in P, A, and S mode 19 Control dial - exchanged control 20 Flash-metering 21 AF illuminator 22 Tasking on the focus-mode switch - AF-Aposition 23 AF using shutter-release button 24 Full-auto mode of the exposure-mode dial 25 Tasking on exposure mode dial - position “3” 26 Flash burst with exposure compensation 27 Detailed display 28 Operation display 29 Large icon display 30 Meter index display 31 Exposure-history display 32 Vertical display 33 Imprint intensity 34 Camera’s ID number 35 Language on navigation display
APPENDIX
Accessory information .......................................................189
Trouble shooting................................................................192
Care and Storage ..............................................................196
Specifications .....................................................................198
Index..................................................................................202
98
Camera Body
AF illuminator (59)/Self­timer lamp (90)
Battery-chamber release (17)
Vertical-control-grip contacts (189)*
Battery-chamber door
Tripod socket
* Do not touch
NAMES OF PARTS
Accessory shoe (107)
Eyepiece cup (15)
Drive-mode lever (87)
Exposure-mode dial lock­release button (24)
Viewfinder* (12)
Eyepiece sensor* (125)
AE-lock button (81)
Top data panel (10)
Navigation display (36)
Metering-mode switch (75)
Display­selection button (37)
Navigation-display illuminator (44)
Diopter-adjustment dial (130)
Control-panel door (120)Manual-rewind button (34)
Eye-start switch (125)
AF/MF control button (50)
Main switch (13)
Strap eyelet (16)
Film window (20)
Focus-area selector (55)
Flash-mode switch (99)
Exposure-mode dial (60)
Rear control dial
Spot-AF but­ton (52)
Wide/Local focus-area switch (54)
Focus-mode switch (46)
Lens release (19)
Strap eyelet (16)
Built-in flash* (31)
PC terminal (118)
Lens mount
Back-cover release (20)
Shutter-release button
Exposure-compensation dial lock-release button (77)
Grip sensor (125)
Exposure-compensation dial (77)
Flash-compensa­tion dial (103)
Front control dial
Lens contacts*
Mirror*
Remote-control terminal (191)
Depth-of-field pre­view button (128)
For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
1110
NAMES OF PARTS
Control Panel
Top Data Panel
Cartridge mark
Film-transport signals
Frame counter/ Aperture display
Adjust button
Enter button (135)
Custom button (154)
Date button (120)
ISO button (86)
Data-memory button (141)
Shutter-speed display
Navigation Display
Release-priority indicator (158)
Exposure-mode indicator (60)
Flash-mode indicators (99)
AF-mode indicator (46)
Metering-mode indicator (74)
Focus-area indicator (46)
Data-memory-on indicator (141)
Battery-condition indicator (18)
Imprint indicator (120)
Display-selection indicator (147) Focus-area-selector indicator (142)
Shutter-speed display
Aperture display
Exposure-com­pensation display (77)
Drive-mode indi­cators (87)
Flash-compen­sation display (103)
Frame counter
Film-transport signals
Cartridge mark
Audio-on indicator (131)
1312
NAMES OF PARTS
Viewfinder
AEL indicator (81, 102)
Focus signals (28)
Flash-compensation indicator (103)
Spot-metering area (75)
Spot-focus area (55, 56)
Flash indicator (31)
High-speed-sync indicator(110)
Wireless/Remote flash indicator (114)
Shutter-speed display
Exposure-mode indicator
Aperture display
Meter index
Metering-mode indicator (75)
Frames-remaining counter (26)
Manual-focus indicator (48)
Wide focus frame
Local focus area (56)
QUICK OPERATION
1. Insert the batteries.
• The camera uses two CR123A batter­ies.
2. Attach a lens.
• Align the red marks, then turn it gen­tly clockwise until it clicks.
3. Turn the camera on.
• Turn the main switch to ON.
4. Load the film
• Align the film-tip with the red mark, then close the back cover.
1514
QUICK OPERATION
5. Set the camera for automatic operation.
• While pressing the exposure-mode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to .
6. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired.
7. Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down.
• Focus is set automatically.
8. Take the picture.
• Gently press the shutter release but­ton all the way down.
If the camera is turned on and the date and time have not been set, this message appears. See page 121 for instructions for set­ting the date and time.
The navigation display panel can provide infor­mation in any one of five languages (Japanese, English, German, French, or Spanish). To select the language you wish to use, see Custom 35 (p. 187).
Attach the eyepiece cup for comfort­able viewing.
1716
Attach the strap as shown.
Your camera uses two 3V CR123A lithium batteries to supply power for all camera operations.
1. Turn the main switch off. Then slide the battery chamber release as shown, and open the door.
2. Insert the batteries as indicat­ed by the + and - marks.
3. Close the battery-chamber door.
Installing the Batteries
If the camera’s batteries are removed for a long period of time, the date and time settings will be lost. When this happens, this message appears, and the date/time information will not be imprinted. See page 121 for instructions for setting the date and time.
BATTERIES
BASIC OPERATION
BASIC
OPERATION
• If you have Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC 1000L, you can use the cord holder on the strap. Attach the strap so that the holder comes to the side of the remote-control terminal (p. 191).
1918
BATTERIES
Battery Condition Indicators
The battery condition indicator displays the power status of the bat­teries when the main switch is set to ON.
Full-battery indicator
Power is sufficient for all camera operations.
Half-battery indicator
Power is low, but all functions are operational. Keep a fresh battery handy.
Low-battery indicator
Power is extremely low. The batteries will need to be replaced soon. Flash recycling time may be slow.
Batteries are exhausted
Power is insufficient for camera operation. Replace the batteries.
• If no display appears, power is too low for the camera to operate. Replace the batteries or make sure they have been inserted correctly.
LENS
Attaching the Lens
1. Remove the body and rear lens caps.
2. Align the red bead on the lens with the red dot on the cam­era’s lens mount. Press the lens against the lens mount, and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks in the locked position.
• Do not press the lens release when mounting the lens. The lens will not couple properly.
1. While pressing the lens release, turn the lens counter­clockwise until it stops.
2. Remove the lens and replace the caps, or attach another lens.
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.
BASIC OPERATION
2120
LOADING FILM
Check the film window before loading film. If film is already loaded, refer to Manual Rewind on page 34 to remove a partially exposed roll.
• Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film.
Remove and discard the protective cover on the film gate before loading film for the first time.
1. Slide the back-cover release and open the back cover.
2. Insert film cartridge into the film chamber.
• Refer to page 159 to reload a partially exposed roll.
3. Extend the leader between the guide rails to the index mark.
• If the film tip extends beyond the index mark, push the excess film back into the cartridge.
4. Close the back cover.
• The camera automatically advances the film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the frame counter.
• The ISO is shown in the navigation display for 5 seconds after loading.
• If loading was unsuccessful, this message appears in the navigation display. Repeat steps 1-4.
shutter curtain
The shutter curtain’s precision design makes it extremely sensitive to pressure. Never touch it with your fingers or the film tip.
BASIC OPERATION
2322
LOADING FILM
• Once the film is loaded, the back cover will lock until film rewind­ing is complete, preventing accidental opening.
• ISO is set automatically if DX-coded film is loaded. See page 86 for changing ISO manually.
• Non-DX-coded film is automatically rewound at the end of the roll or after 36 exposures.
• Non-DX-coded film is set to the ISO from the previous roll. Refer to page 86 to set the film speed manually.
• Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.
• Do not use infrared film in this camera. The camera’s frame counter sensor will fog infrared film.
HANDLING THE CAMERA
Holding the Camera
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.
• Do not block the AF illuminator.
• Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
• When taking vertically aligned pho­tographs, the use of the vertical con­trol grip, allows for easy access to all camera functions.
Pressing the Shutter-Release Button
Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the cam­era’s autofocus and auto-exposure systems. Gently press the shut­ter-release button all the way down to take the picture.
BASIC OPERATION
2524
TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO
1. Turn the main switch to ON.
3. Raise the built-in flash.
• If the flash is raised, it will automati­cally fire when needed.
• For details on using the built-in flash, see page 31.
2. While pressing the exposure­mode dial lock-release button, set the exposure-mode dial to
full-auto.
Full-auto is shown in the display. When the upper part is black, as shown, the position of the dials and levers may not match the actual camera control.
4. If using a zoom lens, rotate the zooming ring to frame your subject as desired.
6. Press the shutter-release but­ton partway down.
• Focus will be set automatically.
• Audio sounds and the local focus area LED appears briefly indicating the focus area selected by the cam­era.
7. When or appears in the viewfinder, press the shutter­release button all the way down to take the picture.
• Use focus lock (p.29) if your subject is outside the focus frame.
5. Center your subject in the focus frame.
BASIC OPERATION
2726
TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO
Full-Auto Basic Settings
When the exposure-mode dial is set to , the functions in the table below are reset to the full-auto mode, and locked in order not to be changed.
Function
Exposure mode Metering mode
Flash mode
Focus mode AF area
Full-Auto Settings
Program (P) 14-segment honeycomb-pattern Autoflash, if the built-in flash is up.
(Pre-flash for red-eye reduction fires in accordance with the position of the flash-mode switch).
AF-A, Autofocus priority Wide focus area
Page No.
61 74
99
46 54
Function
Exposure compensation
Flash-metering method
Full-Auto Settings
+/- 0.0EV
ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) 4-segment metering
Page No.
77
Flash compensation
+/- 0.0EV 103
PA/PS creative program mode
Cleared 62
108
• When the exposure-mode dial is set to , the functions in the table above are reset to full-auto mode, and locked in order not to be changed. However, if Custom 24-2 (p. 178) is selected, these settings can be changed after the dial is set to .
• The following items will not be reset when the exposure-mode dial is set to . Additional changes to these can be made after selecting
.
- Whether built-in flash fires or not
- Red-eye reduction
- Date and time imprinting
- Data memory
- Eye-start
- ISO setting
- Audio sound setting
- Custom function settings, except for custom functions 1, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
• The number of frames remaining is displayed in the viewfinder for the last 19 frames on the roll. This countdown does not appear for non-DX-coded film.
• After taking picture, turn the camera off.
• After the camera is turned off, the frame counter remains displayed in the top data panel, but not in the rear navi­gation display.
• The frame counter in the top data panel disappears when the main switch is turned on.
• You can not take more pictures on a roll than what is stated on the film cartridge.
• Audio sound can be canceled (p 131).
Drive mode Single frame advance 87
BASIC OPERATION
2928
FOCUSING
Focus Signals
The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the focus status when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
Focus is confirmed.
Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed.
Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing. Shutter is locked.
(Blinks) Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked. Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situa­tions described on page 30.
• In the above chart, the shutter is locked when the lens is focusing or when focus cannot be confirmed. To change so that the shutter can be released, even if focus has not been confirmed, select Custom1-
2.
• If eye-start is on, it is possible to activate focus by bringing the cam­era to your eye. See eye-start for more information (p. 125).
Focus Lock
Use focus lock when your subject is outside the focus frame or when auto­focus is difficult to confirm.
• The focus lock method described on this page, is used for stationary sub­jects. For moving subjects, see page 47 .
1. Center your subject in the
focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down.
appears in the viewfinder when focus is confirmed.
• Focus lock also locks the exposure settings when 14 segment honey­comb-pattern metering is selected (p.
74).
2. Continue to hold the shutter­release button partway down while you compose your pic­ture.
3. Press the shutter-release but­ton the rest of the way down to take the picture.
• If the shutter-release button is raised partway up, focus lock will not be cancelled. If you want the camera to refocus, remove your finger from the shutter-release button.
• Focus lock is not possible unless appears in the viewfinder.
BASIC OPERATION
3130
FOCUSING USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
The built-in flash provides coverage for focal lengths as wide as 24mm.
1. Turn the main switch to ON and set the exposure-mode dial to .
2. Raise the built-in flash.
3. Press the shutter-release button to take the picture.
• When the exposure mode dial is set to , the built-in flash will fire only when necessary.
• For red-eye reduction, turn the flash-mode switch to the red-eye reduction position.
• To cancel the flash, push the flash down.
The following signals appear in the viewfinder to indicate the flash status when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
Flash is charged. (Blinks) Previous exposure was correct.
Special Focus Situations
The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus lock (p. 29) or manual focus (p. 48). See page 28 for an explanation of the focus signals.
If the subject within the focus frame is very bright, or low in con­trast.
If two subjects at dif­ferent distances over­lap in the focus frame.
If a subject composed of alternating light and dark lines completely fills the focus frame.
If your subject is near a very bright object or area.
Flash Signals
BASIC OPERATION
3332
Automatic Rewind
The film is automatically rewound after the last frame is exposed.
1. Wait until the film is completely rewound.
2. When the film is completely rewound, open the back cover and remove the film.
Flash Range
The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table below.
Aperture ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400
f/2.8
f/3.5
f/4
f/5.6
1.0 ~ 4.3m 1.0 ~ 6.1m 1.0 ~ 8.6m
(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) (3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.) (3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.)
1.0 ~ 3.4m 1.0 ~ 4.8m 1.0 ~ 6.8m
(3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.) (3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.) (3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.)
1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.2m 1.0 ~ 6.0m
(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.)
1.0 ~ 2.1m 1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.3m
(3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.) (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)
Lens Shadowing
Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the output from the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semi­circular shaded area at the bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of your image.
• Make sure you are at least 1m (3.3 ft.) from your subject when using the built-in flash.
• Remove the lens hood before using the built-in flash.
• Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths.
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5
• The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses:
AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele) AF 600mm f/4 (APO tele) AF 300mm f/4 (APO tele)
• Do not open the back cover until this message appears in the navigation display. Never use force.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH REWINDING THE FILM
• If the manual rewind button is pressed while the film is rewinding, the rewind speed will change.
BASIC OPERATION
3534
REWINDING THE FILM
Manual Rewind
Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the roll is finished.
Gently press the manual-rewind button.
• Use a blunt object. A sharp object may cause damage.
Custom Function Notes
Custom 2, 3 and 12 refer to the rewinding of film.
Custom 2 - Automatic (1) or manually initiated (2) rewind start. Custom 3 - Rewind the leader into the cartridge (1) or leave the
leader out (2). Custom 12 - Fast (1) or slow/silent (2) rewind.
Once you have mastered the basic opera­tion, you can move on to the Detailed Operation section to expand your expertise. Read those pages pertaining to the areas of your interest and need.
DETAILED OPERATION
Navigation Display ................................36
Focusing ................................................45
Exposure...............................................60
Metering ................................................73
Drive......................................................87
Flash......................................................98
Additional Features..............................119
Memory Functions...............................132
Data Memory.......................................140
Custom Functions ...............................153
DETAILED OPERATION
DETAILED
OPERATION
3736
Your camera uses the navigation dis­play (a dot-matrix presentation in the large LCD panel on the back of the camera) to provide you with useful photographic information.
• Only general information is included in this section. Please refer to each specific section for more detailed information.
• Display will be slow in cold weather, but it normalizes when it warms up.
• If the camera is not operated for more than 1 hour, with the main switch on, the display will disappear. Press the shutter-release button partway down, or turn the main switch off and then back on, for the display to re-appear.
Exposure-history display
Display-selection button
When the camera is first turned on, the detailed display is shown. Pressing the display-selection button causes the displays to change as fol­lows:
• The horizontal detailed display is used for explanations throughout this manual.
Detailed display
Large icon display
Meter-index display
DISPLAY SELECTION
NAVIGATION DISPLAY
NAVIGATION
DISPLAY
3938
DISPLAY SELECTION
Detailed display Detailed display
Exposure-history display
Meter-index display
Large icon display
Large icon display
Meter-index display
Exposure­history display
Display-selec­tion button
Display-selection button
Switch horizontal/ vertical
Switch horizontal/ vertical
Display selec­tion button
Display-selec­tion button
Display-selec­tion button
Display selection button
The detailed display shows all the settings.
By selecting Custom 27-2 (p. 182), you can
show only those settings which differ from the standard settings.
Detailed Display
For easier viewing of only a few items, select the large-icon display option.
• To cancel this display, select Custom 29-2 (p. 184).
Aperture
Exposure compensation
Frame counter
Large Icon Display
Shutter speed Exposure mode
Audio-on indicator Battery condition
indicator
NAVIGATION DISPLAY
Display-selection button
Display-selection button
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