Minolta X-700 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MINOLTA

X-700

Before using your camera
for the first time, study this
manual carefully all the way
through — or at least all the
sections covering your photo­graphic needs. As you read,
attach a lens, load batteries,
turn the main switch on, and
handle your X-700 to acquaint
yourself with its parts and
features. Then load it with film
and proceed to actual picture
taking. In this way you can
take good photos and begin to
realize the broad potential of
your X-700 right from the
start.

To obtain many years of
service from your X-700, be
sure to read and follow the
precautions given on page 8
and elsewhere. Keep this
manual for reference later as
necessary.

Your Minolta X-700, the state-of-the-art SLR camera at the center of the Minolta
Program System, offers you the focus-and-shoot simplicity of programmed auto-exposure
(AE) control: Both aperture and shutter speed are automatically set over a wide range by
the camera, with continuous viewfinder LED readout of speeds being set. The program is
designed to maintain fastest practicable speeds as light dims, then give audible beeps, if

desired, to guard against blur from subject/camera-movement, making the X-700 ideal if
you're starting out in photography or if you want full program automation for ease of use
or fast-breaking action.

The X-700's aperture-priority AE mode lets you control the depth of field but still
maintain AE control of stepless shutter speeds fine-tuned for proper exposure with light
metered up to the instant of exposure. This mode is excellent for AE photography with
the wide range of Minolta SLR system lenses and accessories available, including mirror
lenses and close-up bellows — not possible with shutter-priority AE systems. For full

creative flexibility, aperture and shutter can be set independently in any combination in
the X-700's metered/full-manual mode.

Other handy features of your X-700 include: touch-switch metering that keeps the
LEDs on for 15 seconds after you first touch the operating button; AE lock for holding
adjusted-framing meter readings;+/— 2EV stops' exposure adjustment with LED indicator
in finder; self-timer with triple-rate visual/audible indications; flash-ready and Flash
Distance Checker (FDC) indications in finder; split-image microprism spot and Acute
Matte focusing screen; integral front and back grips for surer holding; Safe Load Signal;

and a new easy-load take-up spool.

A programmed autoflash, multi-function back, and quartz data back (see pages 53 to

55) complete the Minolta Program System; also available are a new wireless controller, a
motor drive and auto winder, and a broad range of other SLR system accessories.

1

CONTENTS

NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN FEATURES . ..

TAKING CARE OF YOUR X-700

Strap and case

PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES

MOUNTING AND CARE OF LENSES

Body and lens caps

Attaching and removing lenses

Care of glass surfaces

BATTERIES AND POWER

Batteries

Main switch
Operating button

Automatic battery check and shutter lock ....

Battery holder

Cold-weather operation

FILM AND FILM SPEED
LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM

Loading film

Film-advance lever
Safe Load Signal/Frame counter

REWINDING AND UNLOADING FILM

2

10
10
10
11

11
12
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17

17
20
20
21

4

TAKING PICTURES WITH YOUR

8
9

X-700

Pre shooting check

EXPOSURE CONTROL WITH THE X-700 ......

Summary of modes
Mode/shutter-speed selector and

P/A-lock release
Minimum-aperture lock
Eyepiece cap
PROGRAMMED AUTO-EXPOSURE

MODE (P mode)
FUNDAMENTALS OF EXPOSURE
COUPLED RANGES AND PROGRAM

GRAPH

LENS AND MODE COMBINATIONS

APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO-

EXPOSURE MODE (A mode)
METERING WITH THE X-700
AE LOCK
EXPOSURE-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL

WHEN TO USE AE LOCK AND

EXPOSURE-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL ...

23
23
24

24

25
25
25

26
28

30
31

32
34
34
35

36

METERED/FULL-MANUAL EXPOSURE

MODE (M mode)
Long exposures ("B" setting)

FOCUSING

Focusing aid
Distance scale
Film-plane index
Infrared index

• DEPTH OF FIELD
Preview button
Depth-of-field scale

• BLUR FROM CAMERA/SUBJECT

MOVEMENT

SUPPORTING THE CAMERA AND

RELEASING THE SHUTTER

Slow-shutter-speed warning
Mounting camera on tripod
Self-timer
Other ways of releasing shutter

38
39
40
40
41
41
41
42
43
43

44

45
4G
46

47

47

• CREATIVE CONTROL OF APERTURE
AND SHUTTER SPEED

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

48
50

ACCESSORIES (Minolta Program

System)
TECHNICAL DETAILS
STORAGE

• : Supplemental information on fundamentals of
photography given in boxes

53
58
61

3

NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN FEATURES

Exposure-adjustment control

2 EV stops continuous adjust­ment over or under normal ex­posure, with LED indicator in
viewfinder

Mode/shutter-speed selector

P: Programmed AE
A: Aperture-priority AE

1 -1000: Stepped shutter speeds

for metered/full manual

B: Long ("bulb") exposures

Operating button

"Soft touch" electromagnetic
release; locks when battery
power too low
"Touch switch" metering with
15-sec. hold of LED display

Back-cover release knob-

Rewind crank

Film-speed ring-

Film-speed window

Exposure-adjustment control

release

4

Main
switch

Flash/camera-control contacts

For dedicated programmed auto­flash and X-series autoflashes

Sync contact

Safe Load Signal

Monitors correct film advance

Frame counter

P/A-lock release

Film-advance lever

Smooth 130" advance stroke
after 30' unengaged movement

Main-switch position indicator

OFF, ON, ON (audible slow-

shutter-speed warning and self­timer beeps)

AE lock/self-timer switch

• AE lock for holding close-up or
adjusted-viewing meter readings

• Electronic self-timer with
triple-rate blinking LED and
optional audible beeps

Front grip

Integral front and back grips
giving camera surer hold

MD coupler

MC coupler

Lens-mounting index

Lens-release button

Mirror

Specially coated to make

viewfinder 11 % brighter

Strap eyelet

Shutter-release socket

Sync terminal

Bayonet lens mount

New integrally lubricated stainless­steel mount offers greater durabili­ty and smoother lens changing;
accepts virtually all Minolta SLR
interchangeable lenses and acces-

sories

Not visible:

• Silicon photocell atop penta­prism for full-aperture metering
for viewfinder LED display, and
for "final check" stop-down
metering

Diaphragm-control lever
Preview button

Easy-to-use spring-loaded

button for previewing

depth of field

• Second silicon photocell in
mirror compartment for Direct
Autoflash Metering with PX­series Auto Electroflashes

5

Mode indicators

M: Metered manual

A: Aperture-priority AE
P: Programmed AE

(blinks if lens not set
at minimum aperture

or non-MD lens in use

Over-range LED

Shutter-speed scale/LEDs

• LED indicates stepless speed
set by camera in P and A modes

• LED indicates stepped speed
recommended in M mode

• "60" LED blinks at 2Hz as
flash-ready indicator with
PX- and X-series Auto Electro­flashes

• "60" LED blinks at 8Hz as
flash-distance checker (FDC)

6

with PX-series Auto Electro­flashes

Focusing grip
Distance scale
Depth-of-field scale
Aperture ring/scale
Mounting index
Minimum-aperture lock

Prevents accidental movement of
aperture ring in P mode

Diaphragm-control pin

Under range LED
Exposure-adjustment LED
Aperture setting
Focusing screen

Split-image spot, microprism
band, and Acute Matte field;
exchangeable with eight other
screens at authorized Minolta
service facilities

Lens shown: 50mm f/1.7 MD

Back-cover release knob
Film-cartridge chamber

Shutter curtain

Horizontal-traverse focal-plane

type
Sprocket
Take-up spool
Pressure plate
Eyepiece frame/eyepiece
Memo holder
ISO (DIN-ASA) table
Back grip

Battery-chamber cover
Tripod socket

Rewind release

Accessory connections:

Contact terminals for camera
control by Multi-Function
Back and data-imprint control
with Multi-Function Back or
Quartz Data Back 1
Motor-drive guide socket

Motor-drive contacts
Winder contact
Winder/motordrive coupler
Winder/motordrive guide

socket

7

TAKING CARE OF YOUR X-700

Your Minolta X-700 is a high-precision instrument
designed to give many years of trouble-free picture
taking if used and cared for properly. The precautions
you should follow for keeping the camera in good
operating condition are given below and at various
places throughout the text.

• Always keep your camera in its case with the lens
capped when not in use, or with a body cap on when a
lens is not attached.

• No part of the X-700 should be forced at any time.
If operation is not as you think it should be, carefully
restudy the applicable instructions or consult an
authorized Minolta service facility.

• Never subject your camera to shock, high heat
and/or humidity, water, or harmful chemicals. Be
particularly careful not to leave it in the glove
compartment or other places in motor vehicles where
it may be subject to high temperatures.

• Never lubricate any part of the body or lens.

• Never touch the shutter curtains or the front inside

part of the body with fingers or other objects or blow
against them, as doing so might damage the alignment
and movement of either the curtains or mirror.

8

• External camera and lens barrel — but not glass —
surfaces should be wiped with a soft, silicone-treated
cloth now and then, especially after using the camera
near salt water.

• It is recommended to have your camera cleaned
once per year at an authorized Minolta service facility.

Lens-care instructions are given on pages 10 and 11.

If you will not be using your camera for an extended
period, see the storage instructions at the back of the
manual.

If you have questions concerning operation of your
camera or about photography, feel free to contact
your local Minolta agent or distributor by writing one
of the offices listed inside the back cover.

CAUTION

• Before using lenses, flashes, or other accessories
made by companies other than Minolta, attach them
to the camera to make sure they function properly
and take test photographs if necessary.

Strap and case

The strap (provided with camera)
and case (sold separately) should be
attached as shown to keep your

camera handy for use and to pro-

tect it from being dropped or

bumped.

NOTE

• The protective plastic film on the
camera's base can be removed if

desired.

Eyepiece cap

Battery

holder

Shoulder pad

9

PREPARING TO TAKE
PICTURES

The next four sections cover

things you must do to prepare your

camera for taking pictures:

• Attach lens (at right).

• Insert batteries and turn main
switch on (pp. 12 and 13).

• Set film speed (p. 16).

• Load camera with film (pp. 17
to 20).

You must always install batteries
properly and turn on the main
switch before loading film; the

order of other steps may vary.

Instructions for rewinding and

unloading film are also given in this
part. We recommend reading them
before starting to use your camera,
so that you will be sure what to do
when you come to the end of the

film.

MOUNTING AND CARE OF LENSES

Body and lens caps

Remove body and lens caps as

shown above.

CAUTIONS

• Always cap the rear end of the
lens and the lens mount of the
camera when the lens is not at­tached, and the front of the lens
when the camera is not in use.

• To prevent damage to the control
pins, never set a lens with its rear
end down unless a rear lens cap is
on.

• If it is necessary to set an un­capped lens with its front end
down, do so on a smooth surface.

Fisheye lenses should always be
capped before being placed front
end down.

• Keep lenses, properly capped

front and rear, in their cases when

not in use.

10

To attach lenses

After removing the body cap and
rear lens cap, align the red mount­ing index on the lens barrel with
the red index on the camera's lens
mount, insert the lens bayonet into
the socket, then turn the lens clock-

wise until it locks into place with a
click.

To remove lenses

While pushing the lens-release

button, turn the lens counterclock-

wise as far as it will go, then lift it

out of the mount.

CAUTION

• Be careful not to touch anything
inside the camera when attaching or
removing lenses.

Care of glass surfaces

• Never touch lens or eyepiece
surfaces with fingers or other ob­jects. If necessary, remove loose
matter with a blower brush. Use
special photographic lens tissue or a
soft, clean cloth to remove smudges

or fingerprints with a gentle circular

motion. Only if absolutely neces­sary, the tissue may be moistened
very slightly with not more than

one drop of a satisfactory quick­evaporating fluid cleaner specially
compounded for photographic

lenses. Such fluids must never be
dropped directly on the glass sur-

face.

• Never lift the mirror or touch its

surface, as doing so might damage

the alignment. Small smudges or

fingerprints on the mirror will not

affect the meter reading or image
quality; if they are very annoying,

have the camera cleaned at an

authorized Minolta service facility.

11

BATTERIES AND POWER

Batteries

For operation of the X-700's
circuitry and shutter, use one of
the following types of batteries:

•Two 1.55v silver-oxide (SR44:
Eveready S-76, EPX-76, or equiv.)

•Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese

(LR44: Eveready A-76 or equiv.)

• One 3v lithium (CR-1/3N)-See
note on p. 15.

CAUTIONS

• Never use 1.35v mercury batteries
(MR44: Eveready EPX-675 or

equiv.), which have a similar shape
and size.

• To avoid battery leakage or burst­ing, do not mix batteries of different

types, brands, or ages.

• Used batteries should not be dis­posed of in fire.

WARNING: Keep batteries away

from young children.

12

1. Unscrew counterclockwise and
remove the battery-chamber cover
on the camera bottom.

2. After wiping the terminals with a
clean, dry cloth, hold the batteries
by their edges and insert them plus
(+) side out into the sleeve on the
inside of the cover.

Main switch

For the camera's circuitry and
shutter to operate, the main switch
must be set at either "ON" or
"ON ". The latter position should be
used when you want audible beeps
during self-timer operation or an
audible warning whenever the shut­ter speed set or recommended by
the camera is 1/30 sec. or slower.

(For the slow-shutter-speed warning
to function, the operating button
must be touched or slightly
pressed.)

To prevent accidental exposures
and battery drain, move the main
switch to "OFF" when you are
done taking pictures. (When the
switch is left on, however, battery
drain occurs only if the operating
button is touched, so you may
want to leave it on to avoid missing
unexpected shots.)

13

Operating button

Touching the operating button in
the center of the mode/shutter­speed selector activates the cam­era's meter, viewfinder LED dis­play, and exposure-control system.

If proper contact is not possible

(e.g., in cold weather, when fingers
are excessively dry, or when wearing
gloves), press the button slightly.
The shutter is released when the

operating button is pressed all the

way down.

14

For easier operation of other
controls while viewing through the
finder, the circuits will remain on
for 15 sec. after you first touch the
button.

NOTE

• If the operating button becomes
dirty or greasy, turn off the main
switch and wipe the button with a
clean, dry cloth.

Automatic battery check and shut­ter lock

If any LED in the viewfinder
lights up when the main switch is
on and the operating button is
touched or slightly pressed, the
batteries are inserted correctly and
have sufficient power for operation
of the camera.

When battery power decreases to
a point almost insufficient for cam­era operation, the LED display will
no longer light up, serving as a
warning to insert fresh batteries as
soon as possible. When battery
capacity is no longer sufficient, the
shutter will not operate.

Cold-weather operation

Since batteries tend to lose pow­er as they become colder, always
use fresh batteries and keep a spare
set with you when using your cam­era in cold weather. For prolonged
cold-weather use (approx. O°C or
lower), silver-oxide batteries are re­commended. Battery capacity will
be restored as temperatures rise.

Battery holder

Fresh spare batteries can be

stored in the battery holder thread-

ed on the camera strap (p. 9). To

insert batteries, form a loop as
shown above then drop them in.
Slide the holder off the strap to

remove batteries.

NOTE

• If the camera is not to be used for
more than two weeks, it is advisable
to remove the batteries (especially
old ones).

NOTE

• If a lithium battery is used below
0°C, the camera may not operate.

• Never transfer the camera directly
from low to high temperatures as
condensation may form inside and
prevent normal operation.

15

FILM AND FILM SPEED

The X-700 uses standard 35mm
cartridge film. If you are not al­ready familiar with the many types
available, you may want to experi­ment to find one or more that give
pleasing results for subjects you like

to photograph or for special situa­tions.

The ISO film speed (incorporat­ing ASA and DIN numbers) indi­cates the film's sensitivity to light.
The first part of the ISO number
(equivalent to ASA number) is
marked on the X-700's film-speed
ring. Each time this number doubles

(e.g., from 25 to 50, 50 to 100),
the required exposure is halved.
Such a change is called one "stop".

Though selecting a high-speed

film will allow you to take pictures

when there is less light, such films

in general may produce a grainier
image.

Setting film speed

Lift up on the film-speed ring
and turn it until the proper ASA
number appears centered in the
film-speed window and locks in
that position when the ring is re­leased. Marks between numbered
graduations indicate speeds shown
in the table at right.

ASA

25

50

100

200

32
40

64
80

125
160

16
17

19
20

22
23

DIN
15

18

21

24

ASA

250
320

400

500
640

800

1000
1250

1600

DIN

25

26

27
28
29

30
31
32

33

CAUTION

• Film should be stored in a cool,
dry, dark place before use and
exposed before the expiration date
printed on the box.

16

A handy ISO (DIN-ASA) table,
with a surrounding memo holder
for keeping the film-box end as a

reminder of the film type and
number of exposures, is located on
the camera back.

LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM

Loading film

Before opening the camera back,
confirm that there is no film inside
that could be damaged by light if
the back is opened, by checking

that:

• No red is visible in the Safe Load
Signal (see p. 20).

• Rewind crank can be freely
rotated clockwise many times
without pushing rewind button.

Since the frame counter advances
each time the shutter is cocked
even if no film is inside, the camera
may be empty even when the index
does not point to "S".

Prior to loading film, set the film

speed (see previous page) and turn

the main switch on (p. 13).

CAUTIONS

• Film should be handled and load­ed in subdued light - at least
shaded from direct sunlight by your
body.

• Do not touch any parts or areas
shown in blue below.

17