Minolta X-700 User Manual

MINOLTA X-700INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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
		1

motor drive and auto winder, and a broad range of other SLR system accessories.

CONTENTS

NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN FEATURES . ..	4
TAKING CARE OF YOUR X-700	8
Strap and case	9
PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES	10
MOUNTING AND CARE OF LENSES	10
Body and lens caps	10
Attaching and removing lenses	11
Care of glass surfaces	11
BATTERIES AND POWER	12
Batteries	12
Main switch	13
Operating button	14
Automatic battery check and shutter lock . . . . 14
Battery holder	15
Cold-weather operation	15
FILM AND FILM SPEED	16
LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM	17
Loading film	17
Film-advance lever	20
Safe Load Signal/Frame counter	20
REWINDING AND UNLOADING FILM	21

TAKING PICTURES WITH YOUR
X-700	23
Pre shooting check	23
EXPOSURE CONTROL WITH THE X-700 ...... 24
Summary of modes	24
Mode/shutter-speed selector and
P/A-lock release	25
Minimum-aperture lock	25
Eyepiece cap	25
PROGRAMMED AUTO-EXPOSURE
MODE (P mode)	26
FUNDAMENTALS OF EXPOSURE	28
COUPLED RANGES AND PROGRAM
GRAPH	30
LENS AND MODE COMBINATIONS	31
APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO-
EXPOSURE MODE (A mode)	32
METERING WITH THE X-700	34
AE LOCK	34
EXPOSURE-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL	35
WHEN TO USE AE LOCK AND
EXPOSURE-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL	. . . 36

2

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	48
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY	50
ACCESSORIES (Minolta Program
System)	53
TECHNICAL DETAILS	58
STORAGE	61

• : Supplemental information on fundamentals of photography given in boxes

3

NAMES OF PARTS/MAIN

Exposure-adjustment control

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

Back-cover release k n o b -

Rewind crank

Film-speed ring-

Film-speed window

Exposure-adjustment control release

4

FEATURES

Mode/shutter-speed selector P: Programmed AE

A: Aperture-priority AE

1 -1000: Stepped shutter speeds for metered/full manual

B: Long ("bulb") exposures

Main switch

Flash/camera-control contacts For dedicated programmed autoflash and X-series autoflashes

Sync contact

Operating button

"Soft touch" electromagnetic release; locks when battery power too low

"Touch switch" metering with 15-sec. hold of LED display

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 self-

timer 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

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 accessories

MD coupler

MC coupler

Not visible:

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

Lens-mounting index

Lens-release button

Mirror

Specially coated to make viewfinder 11 % brighter

Strap eyelet

Shutter-release socket

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 PX-

series 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

• " 6 0 " LED blinks at 2Hz as flash-ready indicator with

PXand X-series Auto Electroflashes

• " 6 0 " 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.

•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.

8

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 protect 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 un-

capped 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 clockwise until it locks into place with a click.

To remove lenses

While pushing the lens-release button, turn the lens counterclockwise 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 surface.

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

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.

12

Main switch

For the camera's circuitry and shutter to operate, the main switch must be set at either " O N " 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 " O F F " 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.

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.

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Battery holder

Fresh spare batteries can be stored in the battery holder threaded 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).

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.

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	DIN	ASA	DIN
	25	15	250	25
	32	16	320	26
	40	17	400	27
	50	18	500	28
	64	19	640	29
	80	20	800	30
	100	21	1000	31
	125		1250
		22		32
	160	23	1600	33
	200	24

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								Prior to loading film, set the film
Before opening the camera back,							speed		(see previous page) and turn
confirm that there is no film inside							the main switch on (p. 13).
that could be damaged by light if
the back is opened, by checking							CAUTIONS
that:							•	Film should be handled and load-
• No	red is visible		in	the Safe Load			ed	in	subdued light - at least
Signal (see p. 20).							shaded from direct sunlight by your
• Rewind		crank	can		be	freely	body.
rotated		clockwise		many		times	• Do not touch any parts or areas
without pushing rewind button.							shown in blue below.
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 " .

17