Film cameras
Minolta Auto-Spot II User manual
User manual for Minolta Auto-Spot II. 25 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Auto-Spot II
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 25
- File size
- 12.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Your Minolta Auto-Spot II or Auto-Spot II Digital is a high-performance
specialized photographic light meter for expert or professional use. lts
focusing single-lens-reflex viewfinder gives a clear, bright, magnified circular
view covering g" with a clearly marked 1o center spot. Simply pulling the
measuring trigger instantly measures only the light in the spot, with no
influence from surrounding areas. With the Auto-Spot II model, motorized
scales around the viewfield move to continuously give or pinpoint aperture/-
time/cine and EV values. The Auto-Spot II Digital model features direct LED
digital readout of EV numbers through the f inder and of apertures on the side
of the unit. The highly sensitive silicon photo diode and transistor circuit
yield high accuracy over a wide range. All indications on both models 1
illuminate for easy reading under dark conditions. I
Before using your meter for the first time, please read this manual I
icarefully while installing the battery and handling and acquainting yourself
with the parts and features of your Minolta Auto-Spot II scale or Digital
model. In this way, you can make excellent exposures and begin to realize its I
potential right from the start. l
t www.butkus.usView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
CONTENTS NOTES ON THIS MANUAL
NOTE ON THIS MANUAL 1 This is a combined instruction manual for
use with the Minolta Auto-Spot II and MinoltaNAMES OF PARTS 2 Aui.o-Spot lI Digital exposure meters. For this
PREPARATION AND BASICS 4 reason, some sections may not apply to your
Installing battery 4 model and some illustrations may show features
Checking battery 5 dif ferent f rom the meter you own. P roper
Eyepiece adjustment 7 operation is indicated for both models, how-
Positioning lens hood 7 ever, and differences between them are clearly
Setting film-speed 8 indicated in instructions and specifications.
Setting shutter speed . 9 Separate illustrations are used wherever applica-
External cine scale 10 bte.
Scale illumination 10 NOTE
lndications visible in finder 't1 While adequate for usual photographic pur-
TAKING READINGS 13 poses, readings with rapidly f lickering or rapid-
Using the luminance table . 15 scanning light sources such as movie or tele-
Using the optional ND f ilter 16 vision screens require some adjustment for pre-
Measu ring-level adjuster 17 cise technical or engineering use (e.9., at the
S.M.P.T.E. optimum-screen-brightness recom'CARE AND STORAGE 18 mendation of 16 ft.-L, the meter reading is
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION 19 apF,rox. 13 percent below the actual value). For
similar reasons, metered exposure should gener-TECHNICAL INFORMATION 20 alfy be increased bV 114 stop in critical photo'
graphic work for zubiects illuminated by flu-
orescent lamps. For further information on
critical light measurement or for engineering
purposes, consult an authorized Minolta service
facility.View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
Eyepie
Eyepiece guard
Wrist str
ASA/DlN conversion scale
(on grip end)
Tripod socket
{on grip end)View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
PREPARATION I\ND BASICS
2. Angle an oblong 9-volt "transistor" battery
(Eveready 216 or equivalent) with plus (+)
and minus (-) poles positioned as indicated
Installing battery inside the chamber and push it against the
1. Remove the battery chamber cover by slid- spring contacts u ntil it snaps secu rely in
ing it off in the direction of the arrow place. (A battery is removed by pushing the
toward the back of the unit. bottom end up out of the chamber. )
www.butkus.usView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Checking battery
3. Align the cover carefully and slide it on to Auto-Spot II
replace securely. 1. Slide the power switch to "ON."View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
2. Push the battery-check button. lf the green Digital model
battery-check indicator lights, the battery is With the power switch at "ON," pull the
serviceable; if not, replace it with a fresh measuring trigger. lf any EV number in the
one. viewfinder lights, the battery is serviceable; if
not, replace it with a fresh one.
NOTE
Do not pull the measuring trigger while According to Minolta's tests, up to about
testing the battery as the indication will not be 800 measurements can be made consecutively
correct. with a fresh carbon-zinc battery in the Auto-
Spot II, 200 with the Auto-Spot II Digital. In
either case, two or three times more can be
made with a fresh alkaline-manganese battery.
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Eyepiece adjustment Look through the viewf inder and rotate the eyepiece until you can see the centered circle most clearly. CAUTION Positioning lens hood Do not point the meter directly at the sun The f lexible rubber lens hood should always as this rnay damage the receptor cell or other be extended during use. lt may be folded back parts. for storage.View original page 10
Page 11 · Read text
Setting film speed
Auto-Spot II
While looking through the viewfinder, pull
out on the f ilm-speed setting knob and turn it
until the index of the effective ASA rating for
the film in use is aligned with the central notch Digital model
in the indention at the bottom of the viewf ield. Pull out on the film-speed setting knob and
(For values indicated by unmarked scale lines, rotate it by click stops until the applicable ASA
see p. 9.) to convert main DtN to ASA num- indication appears opposite the index in the
bers, refer to the table around the tripod socket f ilm-speed window. Dots between numbers on
at the end of the handgrip. the scale indicate respective speeds as follows:
www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Setting the shutter speed (Digital model only! ',2 o o 25o o50 o o 100 . o 16 20 32 40 64 80 125 160 Rotate exposure-time setting knob in click
3 stops to set the applicable exposure time 2OO o400o.B00oo
250 500 640 1000 1250 indication in the window at the index. o 320 Plain figures on the scale indicate their
€.9., 1600.o3200oo6400 reciprocals as shutter speeds in seconds,
2000 2500 4000 5000 "500" = 1/500 sec., etc. Figures followed by an
"s" indicate exposure times in seconds, 8.9.,
(The same respective intermediate values are "Bs" = B sec. Click stops between "15" and
indicated by the unmarked. ASA-scale lines "3O" are for speeds of 1l2O and 1125 sec.;
visible in the viewfinder of the Auto-Spot II.) those between "30" and "60," 1l4O and 1l5O;
and those between "60" and " 125," 1/80 and
CAUTI ON 1 llOO sec., respectively.
Do not set either of the two click stops in
the red area on the scale.
NOTE
lf the film-speed setting is changed wh ile the
display is still on after the trigger has been
released, the f-number will not change.View original page 12Page 14 · Read text
Indications visible in f incler 11 With either model, the circle centered in the viewfinder indicates the exact 1o spot to be measu red. Auto-Spot II The dots and numbers on the scale around the top half of the circular viewf ield (with f ilm speed set at about ASA 100) indicate exposure vafues of EV 2to 18 (measuring range 3 to 17 EV at ASA 100). On the outermost scale around the bottom half of the circular viewf ield (set at about ASA 100) are f igures indicating f-numbers of lens aperture with intermediate markings indicating th ird stops. The moving "TlME" scale on the inner side of the scale indicates exposu re times. Plain f igures on this indicate their reciprocals as shutter speeds in seconds; e.9., "25O" = 'll25O sec. The dots on the scale indicate speeds of 1/1OO, 1125, 1/10, and 1/5 sec., respectively, from left to right; the line to the right of "60," 1/50 sec.View original page 14
Page 16 · Read text
Tl\Kfi[\ilffi tr4ffiA1]flhtffi$ 1. With the power switch (p. 5) on, look into 2. With the exact subject area you wish to the eyepiece and turn the focusing grip until rneasure appearing within the spot, pull the the subject appears sharp. measu ring t rigger.View original page 16
Page 17 · Read text
Auto-Spot II Digital model
With this model, the scales in the f inder will With this model, separate digital LED dis-
move as long as the trigger is kept pulled and plays on the side of the unit and visible in the
stop to indicate the reading for the spot area. finder will come on instantly when the trigger is
The scales will stop moving and/or remain pulled to indicate the reading f or the spot area.
stationary to preserve the reading when the Both displays will continue to change in accord-
trigger is released. ance with iight metered as long as the trigger is
Readings in EV numbers are indicated by pulled. Releasing it will preserve the reading
the index line on the scale around the upper until the displays automatically go off after
part of the viewfietd (p. 1 1). Indications above about 30 sec.
17 and below 3 (at ASA 100) are outside the EV readings are indicated by digital readout
range of the meter. Use of the ND filter as visible below the viewfietd (p. 12). These EV
described on p. 16 will enable taking readings in numbers are for reference always at the stand-
most over-range instances. ard ASA 100 and do not change with the
Correct exposure for any time, aperture film-speed set. lf the "ERROR" square comes
(p. 11), or cine value (p. 11) is indicated around on, an EV value above or below the meter's
the lower part of the viewf ield by the value on range is indicated. For over-range conditions,
the scale exactly opposite it. For example, if the ND filter (p. 16) may be used.
the indexes f or "'125" on the time scale (64fps The f-number for proper exposure at the
on the cine scale) and "8" on the aperture scale exposure time and f ilm speed set will appear as
speed-apertureare the range of exactly aligned, unit side of the on the red digital display left a
yield proper is itcombinations that indicated will range display when the an aperture within
exposure includes 1|2OOO sec. at f 12,2 sec. at called for and battery power is adequate. Light-
f 164, 1/30 sec. at f 116, etc., as well as 1l'125 ing of the third-stop indicator designated "113"
sec. at f /8. indicates one third of a stop less exposure,
while if both that and the other one marked
www.butkus.us *View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
"213't are lighted, two thirds of a stop less directly, os this may damage the receptor
exposure is indicated. For example, if a reading cell or other parts.
results in a display f igure of "8" with only the o For accurate readings in low light, be sure to
left third-stop indicator lighted, the lens should keep the trigger pulled for at least 5 seconds
be set one third of the way between tl9 and around 1 EV, 2seconds for 2 EV.
f 111, or at the intermediate click stop between Using the luminance tablethe two apertures if that is not possible. tf the EV readings with either Auto-Spot Itr modelsubject brightness, f ilm-speed and shutter set- can easily be converted to luminance readingsting combination calls for an f-number the in either foot-Lambers (ft-L) or candelas perdisplay range of tl1.O to f /90, n,o digital f igures
will appear and the respective "UNDER" or square meter (cd/m2 ) by referring to the table
"OVER" indicator wiII Iight. Should this occur, on the right side of the meter.
adjust conditions to yield an f-number within
the display range; e.g., decrease shutter speed if
under range, increase it if over-range.
CAUTION
o Do not attempt to view or measure the sun ffiffiffiwffiffi
#HffiHHffiView original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Using the optional ND f ilter
A 16X (+EV) neutral-density (ND) filter is 2. Take the reading in the usua I way, but
available optionally which can be used to de- adjust the value obtained to produce four
crease light to the receptor suff iciently to allow stops @ EV) /ess exposure. For example, an
taking readings in most conditions that would EV reading of 15 with the ND f ilter in place
result in over-range results without it. indicates an actual value of 19 EV; an
To use this: aperture reading of t14 should be adjusted
1. Screw the 16X ND f ilter into the threaded to f 116, while an exposure time of 1l3O
mount over the lens on either Auto-Spot II must be adjusted to 1/500 sec., or the
model respective time-aperture equivalents.
www.butkus.usView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Measu ring-level adjuster
The brightness-reading level of the Auto- adjuster to the minus (-) side will produce a
Spot II and Auto-Spot II Digital are properly lower light reading; to the plus (+) side, a higher
adjusted to Minolta's standard during manufac- one. In other words, the aperture indication
ture. Fine adjustment of the measuring level up (e.g., tlSl becomes numerically smaller (e.g.,
to 1 EV over or under the standard setting is t15.6) as the screw is turned clockwise; numer-
possible as individually desirable. This is done icaf fy larger (e.9., tl11), counterclockwise.
by inserting a small screwdriver or similar in-
strurnent into the slot of the measuring-level
adjuster's white screw head as qhown and turn-
ing it clockwise or counterclockwise until the +.+EV - *ev
slot is aligned as desired. The graduation marks
on the red collar surrounding the screw repre-
sent 1 13 E V steps as sh own by the d iagram. *3Ev -3rvWith the same level of illumination, turning the ffi
+l EV -:- | EV
CAUT I ON
Do not attempt to turn the screw beyond
the plus or minus 1 EV f imits.
NOTE
The measuring level should be adjusted only
lf considered desirable after determining the
meter's characteristics from experience.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
CARE AND STORAGE
18 o Avoid touching glass lens and finder-eye- Keep the power switch in its "OFF" posi-
piece surfaces with the f ingers. lf necessary, tion when the meter is not in use. lf it is not
blow away loose matter from them or use a to be used for more than a month, be sUre
bellows lens brush. Then use special photo- to remove the battery to avoid the possibili-
graphic lens tissue or a soft clean cloth to ty of corrosion.
remove smudges or fingerprints with a gen- Store your meter in a cool dry place away
tle circular motion. Only if absolutely neces- from dust or chemicals. lf it is to be stored
sary, the tissue may be moistened very for an extended period, it would be best to
slightly with not more than one drop of a return it to its original packing and seal it in
satisfactory quick-evaporating fluid cleaner an airtight container (such as a heavy or
specially compounded for photographic double plastic bag) along with a small bag of
lenses. Like other fluids, this must never be a drying agent (such as silica gel).
dropped directly on the glass surface.
Other external parts of the meter may be
wiped with a silicone-treated cloth. Alcohol
or other chemical solvents should never be
allowed to contact it. Never lubricate any
part of the meter or lens.
o Do not subject your Auto-Spot II or Auto-
Spot II Digital to vibration or shocks.
o The unit should never be placed or left in
the glove compartment or other places in
motor vehicles or elsewhere in which it may
be subject to relatively high temperatures.
It should not be exposed to moisture or
corrosive conditions (such as salt spray).
www.butkus.us *View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
Circuit and indication operation
The silicon photo cell transduces light inci-
Optical and receptor arrangement dent on it to electric current, whose linear
Light ref lected f rom the subject enters values are changed to logarithmic ones by a
through the objective lens lAl.25y" of this light long-converter ci rcu it.
is deflected by the total-reflection mirror (B) to Auto-Spot II
the Porro prism (C), which renders it an erect The output from the log converter and the
aerial image at the glass plate (D), on which the value from a variable resistor connected with
spot circle is silvered. This and the scales in the rotatable finder scale plate are both fed into
the Auto-Spot II or LED EV readout in the a comparator. Whenever the two inputs are not
Digital model are viewed through the eyepiece's balanced, this causes the motor to rotate the
ocular fenses (E). The remaining, 75o/o of the scales and resistor in the necessary directionlight is imaged directly at the same focal until balance is restored.
distance as the aerial image, and the part Digital model
exactly corresponding to the viewfinder's 1" The logarithmic signal from the log convert-
circle passes through a mask aperture (F) to the er (mentioned above) is input to an analogue-
receptor, a silicon photo cell (G). digital converter along with one f rom a clock
pulse generator and is converted to a digital
signal. This goes to a seven-segment decoder
which energizes the LED EV readout visible
through the finder. The signal from the A-D
converter is also input along with a clock pulse
from the generator to a counter which has been
preset to a certain value by the f ilm-speed
knob. To this counter output the preset value
from the exposure time knob is added and the
result fed to an f-number decoder that lights
the digital aperture display on the side of the J[E- meter.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
TECHNICAL IN FORMATION
Type: Ref lex-viewing spot-reading automatic photographic light meters
Measuring method: Reflected light by silicon photo cell with 1" angle of acceptance
Viewing system: Focusing, through-the-lens reflex type; angle of view: Circular 9o with
central 1" marked circle; magnif ication: 2.96X focused at inf inity
Focusi ng: 1m (3.3 ft.) to infinity by objective-component single helicoid; eyepiece
adjustable from -4.58 to +2.73 dioptersExposure indications: Auto-Spot II: By motorized moving scales visible through f inder:
Film speed: ASA 3 to 25,000
Time: 1|2OOO to 30 sec.
Aperture: f l1 to f 145
EV: 2 to 18
Cine: B to 128 fps (with 180" shutter-sector opening)
Digital model: By direct light-emitting-diode {LED) digital readout:
ln finder: EV numbers 1.0 to 19.9 in 0.1 EV steps at
standard ASA 100, under-/over-range "ERROR" LED
warning
On side of unit: Apertures tl1 to f/90 digitally in full
stops, with intermediate +1/3- and +2/3-stop, under- and I
over-range LE D/i ndicators
Measuring range Auto-Spot II: 3 to 17 (up to 21 with optional ND filter)
at ASA 100: Digital model: 1.0 to 19,9 (up to 23.9 with optional ND filter)
Film-speed settings: Auto-Spot II: ASA 3 to 25,000 in 1/3-stop increments by self-releasing
knob with indication in finder | Digital model: ASA 12 to 6400 in 1/3-stop click increments by self-
releasing knob f
I www.butkus.us.4LView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
*:.
lf
Exposure-time settings: Auto-Spot II: Not necessary
Digital model: 1l2ooo to 15 sec. in scale window by click-stop knob;
cine scale: B to 128 fps (with shutter sector opening of
190.)
Circuit components: Auto-Spot II: 2lC's, 13 transistors, 1 diode, micromotor, etc.
Digital model: 2O lC's, 23 transistors, etc.
Power source: One 9v battery: Eveready 216 or equivalent
Battery check: Auto-Spot II: Button-lamp type
Digital model: By lighting of LED disptay
Scale illumination: Built-in lamp illuminates viewfinder scales in Auto-spot II, non-LED scales
on Digital model, by spring-loaded extension of power-switch slide
Other: Folding rubber lens hood, rubber eyepiece guard, EV-to-luminance conver-
sion table on side of meter, ASA/DlN conversion table and tripod socket
on end of handgrip, screwfor t1 EV fine-measuring adjustment, hand strap
Size: 62x 162x'l19mm (2-1lB x 6-3/8 x4-1U16 in.)
Weight: AutoSpot II: 560g ( 19-314 oz. ) i.'rithout battery
Digital model: 5459 (19-114 oz.) without battery
Minolta camera co., Ltd.,30,2-chome, Azuchi-Machi, Higashi-Ku, osaka 541, Japan
Minolta Corporation, 101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.I
Minolta Camera Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., Kurt-Fischer-Strasse 50, D-2070 Ahrensburg, West Germany
Minolta France S.A., Tour Albert ler 65, Avenue de Colmar, 92508 Rueil-Malmaison, France
Minolta Hong Kong Limited, 49 Chatham Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Minolta singapore (Pte) Ltd., Tong Fong Bldg.,52-E, chin Swee Road, Singapore 3View original page 24From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.