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MINOLTA
[IJINSTRUCTION MANUAL
MAXXUM®
FLASH3200i
The Maxxum Flash 3200i is designed for totally automatic flash photograph with your
Minolta Maxxum 7000i or-30QQ!..autofocus SLR. Its internal power zoom system auto-
matically adjusts flash coveragefor lensfocal lengths from 28mm through 85mm, evenwhile
zooming. Direct (TIL of-the-film) AutOflas·h~ng operates in all flash modes to ensure
accurate exposure, and a low power setting can be used for faster recycling. The 3200i also
hasa built-in AF illuminator for autofocusing in low light a t~1 darkness.
The Maxxum Flash 3200i is controlled by the advanced flaSl1-ce~1 program of your
7000i or 3000i camera. In P mode on either camera, the flash automatically switches on
when necessary, and slow-shutter sync and fill flash are completely automatic. With the
lOOOi camera, A mode and M mode can also beused. Any aperture can be used in A mode,
and slow-shutter sync and fill flash are also possible. In M mode, you can set both aperture
and shutter speedfor creative effects.
Carefully read this manual to learn about the 3200i's parts and features, and keep this
manual handy for future reference.
NAMES OF PARTS
Flash tube
Mounting-foot release
AF
illuminator
Mounting foot
Battery cover
Program-mode
flash signal
Flash-ready signal
Low power level signal
On/off signals
------Power-Ievel selector
On/off button
BATTERIES AND POWER
The Maxxum Flash 3200i is powered
by four AA-size batteries. Either alkaline or
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries can
be used.
To
install
batteries:
1.
Slide battery cover out. Wipe terminals
with a clean dry cloth.
2. Insert batteries with ends as shown inside
the chamber.
3. Reinsert cover in the grooves and slide
cover fully in.
NOTES
• If the charging time after taking a picture
is longer than the time listed below, batteries
should be changed or recharged.
Alkaline 30 sec. --- change
Nickel-cadmium 10 sec. --- recharge
• To prevent battery leakage or bursting,
never mix batteries of different types,
brands, or ages.
• If flash will not be used for more than
two weeks, batteries should be removed.
• Used batteries should not be discarded in
fire.
• Keep batteries away from young children.
• If batteries are not inserted correctly,
flash will not charge and leaking or bursting
of batteries may resu It.
Charging system
The Maxxum Flash 3200i uses two
condensers to reduce the time required
for charging the flash. This two-condenser
system is controlled in the following way.
The flash system of the camera deter-
mines the guide number required for the
subject distance and exposure settings. The
system then starts changi ng the condensers
in sequence. When the required charge has
been reached, the flash ready signal appears
in the camera's viewfinder and the picture
can be taken.
To conserve battery power, the 3200i
automatically turns itself off it shutter-
release button is not touched within ap-
proximately 5 seconds. Once off, flash can
be readied for firing by touching the shutter-
release button.
Cold-weather operation
In cold weather, always use fresh bat-
teries and keep a spare set warm in an inside
pocket. For prolonged use near or below
O°C (32°Fl, Ni-Cd batteries are recom-
mended. Do not discard old batteries. Their
capacity will be restored as temperature
rises.
ATTACHING AND REMOVING FLASH
Before attaching or removing flash, make
sure power is off.
To attach: Slide flash's mounting foot into
the camera's accessory shoe unti I it locks.
To remove: ile pressing the moun ing-
foot release, slide flash straight out of
accessor s
00.
BASIC INFORMATION
Power level selection
When the 7000i camera is set to A, S or
M exposure mode, the Maxxum Flash
3200i can be used at the normal power for
maximum flash range or at "Lo " power for
faster recycling or sequential shooting in
continuous film-advance mode.
• "Lo" power cannot be set when the
7000i camera is set to P exposure mode, or
when using the 3000i camera.
• If the camera is set to S exposure mode
and the flash is set to "Lo" power, exposure
may not be correct.
To set: With flash power on, press the power
level selector. The low power level signal will
light, indicating that flash is set to "Lo"
power. Pressing the power level selector
again will cause the low power level signal to
stop glowing and the flash will return to
normal power.
Flash range for normal and "Lo" power are
shown at right.
• With flash set to "Lo" power, up to 40
pictures can be taken at 3 frames per second
with fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries.
Flash Range
'SO
25 501002004001.000
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11 1622 32
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0.3 04 0.5 0.1 3 4 5 6 7 8910
To determine the appropriate flash range from the
graph above, find the selected lens aperture on the ver-
tical line for the film speed (ISO) being used. Imagine
a horizontal line drawn across the graph from this
point, The minimum subject distance is indicated by
the point where the horizontal line crosses the mini,
mum distance line for the appropriate lens focal length.
The maximum subject distance is indicated by the
point where the horizontal line crosses the line for the
appropriate lens focal length and flash power level.
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Flash range is from the minimum subject distance to
the maximum subject distance.
show the flash range, when using ISO 100 film, a
50mm lens, and an aperture of f/2 with the flash at
normal power level. In these conditions, the flash
range is from 0.5m to 14m.
• The minimum possible aperture when the camera
is set to P exposure mode is f/2.8.
---.-...:::
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For example, the blue lines on the graph above,
28
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,
,
CDNormal power level
@ "Lo" power level
@ Minimum distance
@ Lens aperture
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Subject distance (m)
AF illuminator
When required, such as for low-contrast
subjects in low light, the AF illuminator will
be activated when the shutter-release button
is pressed halfway. This focus-assist illumi-
nati n is projected on the subject, enabling
the camera's autofocus system to determine
focus status and adjust the lens.
For best results, the subject should be be-
tween 1.6 ft. to 29.5 ft. (O.5m and 9ml.*
the subject is outside this range, or whenever
the camera's focus signals indicate that auto-
focusing isnot possible, set camera to manual
focus mode and focus manually.
*
Based on Minolta's standard test method
with 50mm lens
Power zoom system
The Maxxum Flash 3200i is equipped
with an internal power zoom system which
automatically adjusts the flash coverage for
lenses with focal lengths from 28mm to
85mm. With zoom lenses, the 3200i's power
zoom system automatically adjusts the flash
coverage as the lens is zoomed.
If
Exposure adjustment
The 7000i's exposure-adjustment func-
tion can be used to increase or decrease flash
exposure from
information on when to use exposure
adjustment, refer to the explanation in the
camera's instruction manual.
+4to-4
stops. For detailed
X-sync speed
The X-sync speed is set automatically
when flash is activated. When using the
7000i, if the shutter is released before flash
is charged, flash may not fire and exposure
may not be correct. When using the 3000i,
shutter will be locked and cannot be released
until flash is charged.
7000i
P mode: Set automatically between 1/125
sec., and 1/20 sec., depending on the focal
length of the lens
A mode: Set automatically to 1/125 sec.
S mode: Same as P mode
M mode: 1/125 sec. or slower shutter speeds
can be set manually*
* When flash is activated, speed is reset to
1/125 sec., if higher speed has been set
manually.
3000i
Set automatically between 1/60 sec. and
1/20 sec., depending on the focal length of
the lens
Camera settings
After attaching the flash unit, check the
following camera settings.
1. Check that the film-speed setting is
within the camera's range for TTL Direct
Autoflash Meteri ng: ISO 25 to 1000 for
7000i camera, ISO 32 to 1000 for 3000i
camera.
2. 3000i: No other settings required.
7000i: Set fiIm-advance mode to ~ for
single-frame advance or to ~ for continu-
ous advance.
PROGRAMMED AUTOFLASH OPERATION (P mode)
Program mode flash-is ideal for "point-
and-shoot" flash photography:-In his mode,
the camera automatically switches on the
flash when necessary and controls exposure.
No manual settings are required to obtain
good results. To take pictures in program
mode:
1. Press program-reset button on 7000i to
set camera to flash program mode. Flash
program mode is automatically set on the
3000i when flash is attached and switched
on.
• Program-mode flash signal will light on
the back of the 3200i and flash will auto-
matically begin charging. (Flash-on signal will
appear in the viewfinder of the 7000i).
• When flash is charged, flash-ready signal
on 3200i will ~w/and flash-ready signal in
camera's viewfinder will blink slowly.
• Shutter speed and aperture will be
displayed in the viewfinder and data panel of
7000i.
2. For autofocusing, press and hold shutter-
releasebutton partway down.
• If the camera's focus signals indicate that
autofocusing is not possible, set camera to
manual focus mode and focus manually.
• If the AF illuminator is lit, focus will not
beadjusted continuously.
3. After focusing, check whether main
subject is within the flash range for the film
speed in use. Flash ranges for ISO 100 are
listed in the TECHNICAL DETAILS.
4. To take a picture, press the shutter-
releasebutton all the way down.
• After taking a picture, the flash-ready
signal in the viewfinder will blink rapidly if
exposure was sufficient.
• If the shutter will not release,set camera
to manual focus mode, focus manually, and
releasethe shutter.
• If 7000i is set to shutter-priority (S)
mode, operation is the same as in program
mode.
Programmed fill flash.......
In
program mode, exposure calculations
for
fill
flash are completely automatic.
bright sunlight, flash duration is reduced to
fill shadows without overexposing the main
subject. X-sync speed is automatically set
according to the ambient light level to give
more natural rendition of the background.
In
With programmed fill-flash
P-mode slow-shutter sync (7000i only)
In low light, such as at dusk or down,
slower X-sync speeds can be set to increase
background exposure while maintaining
normal exposure of the main subject.
1. Frame the main subject, and press the
shutter-release button halfway down.
ZI
2. Press and hold the camera's spot-metering
button, and a shutter speed slower than the
original shutter speed will automatically be
set. Flash output will be adjusted to prevent
overexposure of the main subject.
7
3. While still pressing spot-metering button,
release shutter.
• After taking a picture, the flash-ready
signal in the viewfinder will blink rapidly if
exposure was sufficient.
• If shutter speed is too slow for hand-held
pictures, mount camera on a tripod.
With slow-shutter sync
With conventional flash
A-MODE AUTOFLASH OPERATION
Aperture-priority (AI mode can be used
with the 7000i camera. In A mode, any
available aperture can be set to control
sharpness, to increase flash range, or for
faster recycling. To take pictures in A
mode:
lOCK ON -II)
( ( Oei)
1. Set camera to A mode and press 3200i's
on/off button to switch flash on. Shutter
speed will automatically be set to 1/125 sec.
• When flash unit is charged, flash-ready
signal on 3200i will glow, flash-ready signal
in viewfinder will blink slowly, and the
shutter speed will automatically be set to
1/125 sec.
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2. Set the lens aperture for the effect
desired: set smaller apertures (higher num-
bers; e.g., fill or f/16) for more sharpness;
or set larger apertures (lower numbers; e.g.,
f/l.7 or f/2) for photographing distant
subjects or for faster recycling between
exposures.
J:
3. For autofocusing, press and hold shutter-
release button halfway down. After focus-
ing, check whether main subject is within
the flash range for the film speed in use. If
not, move closer or use a larger aperture.
• Flash ranges for ISO 100 are listed in the
4
TECHNICAL DETAILS.
4. To take a picture, press the shutter-
release button all the way down.
• After taking a picture, the flash-ready
signal in the viewfinder will blink rapidly if
exposure was sufficient.
7
A-mode slow-shutter sync
Slow-shutter sync can be used in A mode
to increase the background exposure.
1. Set the desired lens aperture. Shutter
speed will be automatically set to 1/125 sec.
2. Frame the main subject, and press and
hold the shutter-release button halfway
down.
3. Press ana hold the camera's spot-metering
button. Shutter speed will be set slower than
1/125 sec. Flash output will be adjusted to
prevent overexposure of the main subject.
4. While still pressing spot·metering button,
release shutter.
• After taking a picture, the flash-ready
signal in the viewfinder will blink rapidly if
exposure was sufficient.
• If shutter speed is too slow for hand-held
pictures, mount camera on a tripod.
Fill flash in A mode
In most situations, program mode can be
used for automatic fill flash without special
settings or calculations. A-mode fill flash can
be used for greater control of background
exposure or when you want to set smaller
apertures for increased depth of field.
The procedure for fill flash in A mode is
the same as for slow-shutter sync operation;
however, subject brightness will be higher
and you may need to use a neutral-density
filter on the lens to set shutter speed below
1/125 sec.
M-MODE AUTOFLASH
Manual (M) mode autoflash is possible
with the 7000i camera. In this mode, you
can set both the shutter speed and the
aperture for the effect desired. The camera
controls the flash exposure, so no calcula-
tions are needed.
1. Set camera to M mode and press 3200i's
on/off button to switch flash on.
• When flash is charged, flash-ready signal
on 3200i will glow and flash-ready signal in
camera's viewfinder will blink slowly.
2. For natural background exposure, set
aperture and shutter speed according to the
metering indications in the viewfinder.
3. For autofocusing, press and hold shutter-
release button halfway down. After focus-
ing, check whether main subject is within
the flash range for the film speed in use. If
not, move closer or use a larger aperture.
• Flash rangesfor ISO 100 are listed in the
TECHNICAL DETAILS.
4. To take a picture, press the shutter-re-
leasebutton all the way down.
• After taking a picture, the flash-ready
signal in the viewfinder will blink rapidly if
exposure wassufficient.
CARE AND STORAGE
• Keep flash unit away from water and
other liquids. Never handle unit with wet
hands.
• Flash unit may not operate satisfactorily
at temperatures above 50° C (120° F) or
below
_woe
• Never fire flash at close range into the
eyes of people or animals.
• When dirty, flash unit may be wiped with
a clean dry cloth. Do not allow alcohol or
other chemicals to touch surfaces.
• Never subject flash unit to shock, high
heat, or high humidity. Be particularly
careful not to leave it in the glove compart-
(15°F).
ment or other places in motor vehicles where
it may be subjected to high temperatures.
• When storing flash for more than two
weeks, remove the batteries and keep flash
in a cool, dry place away from dust or
chemicals.
• Never attempt to disassemble the flash.
Any repairs should be done by an authorized
Minolta service facility.
• Fire flash several times a month to keep it
in good operating condition.
To assure prompt service, contact your
nearest authorized Minolta service facility
before shipping your flash unit.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Type: Fully dedicated autoflash for
Maxxum 7000i and 3000i cameras; with
TTL metering and AF illuminator for auto-
focusing
Exposure control: Direct (TTL off-the-film)
Autoflash metering in all flash exposure
modes based on the camera's film-speed
setting
AF illuminator: When required for low-con-
trast subjects in low light, illuminator is
automatically triggered for autofocusing;
range: 1.6 ft. to 29.5 ft. (0.5 to 9m) based
on Minolta's standard test method with
50mm lens
Controls and indications: Controls: On/off
button, power-level selector; Indicators:
"AUTO" program mode, flash "ON"/
"OFF", flash ready, "Lo " power level
Flash coverage: Internal power zoom system
automatically adjusts flash coverage for
lensesfrom 28mm to 85mm
Power levels: Manually selectable: Normal
for full power and maximum flash range;
"Lo " for sequential shooting and faster
recycling
Guide number at ISO 100:
~ge
Power level
Lo
In feet
In meters
Normal
In feet 72
In meters
• Guide numbers vary according to the lens focal length.
28mm 35mm 50mm
18 21 23
5.5 6.3 7 7.5
22 25
Flash range at ISO 100 with 50mm/f1.4 lens
P mode: 1.5 ft. to 32.8 ft. (0.45 to 10m)
AIM mode: 1.5ft. to 65.6ft. (0.45 to 20m)
• Minimum subject distance is2.3 ft. (0.7m)
when using lenses with focal lengths of less
than 50mm
Power sources: Uses four AA-size batteries,
either 1.5v alkaline or 1.2v rechargeable
nickel-cadmium
70mm 85mm
25
26
8
82
92
98
28 30
105
32
Battery performance: As determined by
Minolta's standard test methods
Flash per set Recycling
time (sec.)
Power level
Type
Alikaline
Nickel-
cadmium
Normal
220-
3500
800-
1200
Lo
Normal
2400- 0.2-
3500 5 0.5
700-
1200
0.2- 0.2-
3 0.3
Lo
0.2-
Flash-camera contacts: Spring-loaded con-
tacts on mounting foot dedicate flash to
camera body for: triggering flash unit,
automatic setting of X-sync speed, flash-on
and flash-ready signals in viewfinder, Direct
Autoflash Metering, and triggering AF
illuminator for autofocusing
Automatic charge control: Unit automati-
cally switches itself off if shutter-release
button is not touched for approx. 5 sec.;
charging restarted by pressing shutter-
releasebutton.
Exposure confirmation: After exposure,
flash-ready signal in viewfinder' blinks
rapidly if exposure was sufficient.
Optional accessories: Cable EX, Cable
OC-1100, Off-Camera Shoe OS-1100, Triple
Connector TC-1000, Ni-Cd Charger NC-2
with batteries
Dimensions: 2-7/8 x 3-1/16 x 3-7/8 in. (73 x
77 x 98.5mm)
Weight: 7-1/16 oz. (200g) without batteries
Specifications subject to change without
notice
Minollo Comero CO.,lid.
Minollo COrporation
Heod Office
Los Angeles Branch
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Minolla Canada Inc.
Head Office
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Minolla GmbH
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©
1988 Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. under the Berne
Convention and Universal Copyright Convention P812-A6 Printed in Japan
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