Light meters
Minolta Automter VF User manual
User manual for Minolta Automter VF. 38 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Automter VF
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 38
- File size
- 1.3 MB
- Category
- Light meters
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
Instruction Manual
Please read this manual
thoroughly before using
this product.
AUTO METER VF
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Thank you for purchasing the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF. Safety Warnings and CautionsThe MINOLTA AUTO METER VF offers the following features:
●Exposure meter with a built-in microprocessor for flash light and ambient To ensure proper use of the instrument, take special care to observe the
light measurements for a broad range of shooting conditions following handling instructions when using this instrument. Read this
instruction manual carefully and keep it securely in a place where you can●Separate measurement modes for flash light and ambient light, for refer to it readily. calculating and displaying the proportions of flash light and ambient light.
●Memory function for storing two measurement values, Averaging indicates a danger that improper use of
function to calculate the average of two stored measurement values, and WARNING the instrument will lead to the death or
a Brightness Difference function to display a measurement value in serious injury of the user
terms of its difference to a specified reference value.
●Do not use the instrument in a place where inflammable or
●Calculation functions for shadow-based exposure and highlight-based combustible vapors (e.g. gasoline) are present. Otherwise there is
exposure readings for reflected-light readings with attachments such as a risk of causing a fire.
a Viewfinder.
●Do not throw batteries into fire. Do not recharge (non-rechargeable●(Alt) mode for "custom settings" to allow users to customize special
batteries), short circuit, heat or disassemble batteries. Otherwise, settings, such exposure correction value and number of shutter speed
there is a risk of causing fire or injury due to an explosion or fluid stops.
leakage.
●Measurement values are displayed both in analog and digital format on
the display of the meter, for easy-to-read, error-free visually reading. ●Never attempt to disassemble or modify the instrument yourself.
Otherwise there is a risk of causing fire or electric shock.
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Names of Parts and Displays Names of Parts and Displays
Data panel displays
For the purpose of explanation, the diagram below shows all indicators that
light up on the LCD.
2 1 2. Analog scale
Pointers mark FNo. (f-number) values. F-numbers are displayed by
pointers, to the nearest 0.5 stops.
3. Shutter speed/frame rate display
Displays the current shutter speed or frame rate, which is set with the
up/down key.
When shutter speed is between [1 stop: 1 sec., 1/2 stop: 0.7 sec., 1/3
stop: 0.6 sec.] and 45 sec., s is displayed; between 1 min. and 30 min.,
m is displayed.
Setting range: Shutter speed: 30 min. to 1/8000 sec. (1, 1/2, 1/3 stops)
Frame rate: 8 to 128 f/s
4. Film speed display
Displays the film speed, which is set using the ISO button and up/down
4 5 key. Alt is displayed when the meter is in mode.
3 6 Setting range: ISO 3 to 8000
5. Over-/under-range indicators
When a reading is over the meter's display range, blinks. When a1. Pointers reading is under the meter's display range, blinks. When a reading is
Pointers light up to indicate measurement values (f-number) on an over or under the display range, the display units (FNo.) and or
analog scale. When using the memory function or other functions, up to blink.
four pointers can be lit up at the same time, indicating two readings in
memory (two pointers), the average of these two values, and the latest 6. Digital readout
measurement value. The small digit to the right of the two-digit reading Displays the f-number (when display units are set to FNo.) or exposure (f-number) on the digital readout indicates a fractional value between value (when display units are set to EV), in increments of 0.1 stops. stops. The value shown on the analog display is rounded down or up to When measuring flash light, only the f-number (FNo.) is displayed. the nearest 0.5 stops (0.2 stops is rounded down to 0, 0.3 and 0.7 stops When measuring brightness difference, readings are displayed in ▲EV. are rounded to 0.5, and 0.8 stops is rounded up to 1, i.e. the next full
stop). Display range: f-number (FNo.) 1.0 to 90+0.9 stops
Exposure value (EV) -7.8 to 31.5 lights up if a reading is under the meter's display range.
lights up if a reading is over the meter's display range.
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Names of Parts and Displays Names of Parts and Displays
8 9. Measuring mode indicators
Press the mode button repeatedly to select and display one of the three
7 measuring modes: AMBI, CORD or NON CORD. The measuring mode
changes in the following order each time the mode button is pressed:
AMBI ➞CORD ➞NON CORD ➞AMBI ...
10.Reflected-light indicator
This indicator lights up when you use a reflected-light attachmentⅡ or
Viewfinder 5°.
11.Quadrant proportion indicator
This indicates the approximate proportion of flash light in the total
exposure when measuring flash light.
12.Flash light measuring indicator
This indicator lights up during measurement in CORD mode and NON
13 CORD mode.
10 9
13.Brightness difference function indicator
11 12
This indicator lights up when you press the S/A/H button. For details of
the brightness difference function, see page 49.
7. Memory indicator
When you press the memory button to store a reading in memory, one
of these dots lights up. If one reading is stored in memory, one dot is
displayed; if two readings are in memory, two dots are displayed.
8. S/A/H indicators
: This lights up when you press the S/A/H button.
/ : S or H can be selected by using the up/down key while holding
down the S/A/H button during reflected-light readings.
Select to measure the exposure of shadow areas; select to
measure highlight areas.
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Preparations Preparations
Battery
1. Preparing
The instrument uses a single
AA dry cell.
●Manganese dry cell (R-6)
●Alkaline-manganese dry cell
(LR-6)
●Nickel-cadmium rechargeable
battery
●Lithium-manganese dry cell
●Nickel-manganese dry cell
Any one of the above types of
batteries can be used.
2. Inserting
Remove the battery Insert the battery with the Replace the battery1 2 3 chamber cover by sliding plus (+) and minus (-) chamber cover.
it lightly in the direction of ends oriented according to ★The meter will not work if the
the arrow. the diagram in the battery battery is inserted in the wrong
chamber. direction.
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Preparations Preparations
3. Checking Custom settings mode (Alt mode)
If you turn the power on when 1. Alt mode there is not enough battery power
to take measurements, or if the To adjust the meter's operation settings to your preferences, set the meter
battery runs low during to Alt mode by pressing the power button while holding down either the
measurement, a blinking "bo" will ISO button, display-selector button, mode button, or measuring button.
display for approx. 1 min. and then Once in Alt mode, you can switch setting modes by using the ISO button,
the display will switch off. If this display-selector button, mode button or measuring button, and you can
happens, replace the battery with change setting values using the up/down key.
a new one. After specifying your desired value, confirm the setting by turning the
power off and then on.
The instrument automatically
checks the battery when power is 1) Exposure correction value
on. 2) Shutter speed increments
After a new battery is installed, the 3) FNo. display
display appears as shown below 4) TIME/CINE setting
after the power is turned on.
1) Exposure correction value
●To conserve battery power, the This sets the exposure correction value. The set value is displayed
meter automatically switches when you turn the power on.
itself off if no operation has You can adjust this setting to recalibrate the meter to your choice of
If you turn on the meter when the been performed for exposure values, or when you want to calibration more than one
battery power is running low, "bc" approximately 10 minutes. exposure meter to the same exposure range.
and a battery level indicator will To commence measurement
appear on the display for approx. when the display is switched off,
0.5 sec. before the normal display press the power button. (At this
appears. If this display appears, time, all settings for film speed,
replace the battery. shutter speed, measuring mode
and display units are saved, but
the last reading and values in Turn the power on while Use the up/down key to memory are lost.) 1 pressing the measuring 2 set the correction value.
button, or press the ♦Display changes in increments ●When you replace the battery measuring button in Alt of 0.1Ev. You can set the value all initial settings are preserved.
Battery level indicator mode. up to ±10.0Ev.
♦Alt is displayed bottom left and
Ev0.0 is displayed.
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Preparations Preparations
2) Shutter speed increments 4) TIME/CINE setting
Choose between increments of 1/2-stop, 1/3-stop and 1-stop, Switches between shutter speed and frame rate in AMBI mode
according to the shutter speed settings your camera. Note that it is not possible to switch to another measuring mode
(CORD or NON CORD) while the frame rate setting is active.
Turn the power on while Use the up/down key to Turn the power on while Use the up/down key to1 2 1 2 pressing the ISO button, set the step value. pressing the mode button, set the shutter-speed or
or press the ISO button in ♦Choose from values of 1.0, 0.5 or press the mode button frame rate value you
Alt mode. and 0.3. while in Alt mode. desire.
♦Alt (bottom left) and TIME step ♦Alt (bottom left) and TIME value ♦Choose mode from TIME and
value (center left) are displayed. or CINE f/s (center left) are CINE.
displayed.
3) FNo. display
Specifies FNo. display
display display
Displays FNo. with one digit after For quickly reading values
the decimal point to indicate 1/10 between f-numbers (e.g F3.5,
stops. F4.5)
Turn the power on while Use the up/down key to1 2 pressing the display- select FNo. display.
selector button, or press ♦Choose your preferred display
the display-selector button method from the two options
in Alt mode. above.
♦Alt (bottom left) and an FNo.
value of 0 (center right) are
displayed.
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Preparations Preparations
Setting film speed Selecting a measuring method
You can choose between two measuring methods—incident-light
reading and reflected-light reading, according to the shooting
conditions or purpose of the image.
When used with its various accessories, the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF
can perform exposure measurements in either of these two ways. To
perform an incident-light reading, the AUTO METER VF is used with the
Spherical Diffuser, Mini receptor or Flat Diffuser. To perform a reflected-
light reading, the meter is used with the Viewfinder 5° (acceptance angle of
5°) or reflected-light attachment (acceptance angle 40°).
●The Spherical Diffuser for incident-light readings is supplied as a
To set the film speed, use the up/down key while holding down standard accessory with the AUTO METER VF.
the ISO button. ●Accessories other than the Spherical Diffuser are sold separately. (See
page 61.)
●Each time you press , the film speed increases by 1/3-stop. Holding
down the button increases the value continuously. Even if you continue
pressing , the maximum setting is ISO 8000.
●Each time you press , the film speed decreases by 1/3-stop. Holding 1. Incident-light readings
down the button decreases the value continuously. Even if you continue
pressing , the minimum setting is ISO 3. When performing incident-light readings, use the Spherical Diffuser for
●Be sure to set film speed to the correct setting, since all measurement three-dimensional subjects such as portraits, and architectural or
results are based on the set value. landscape photographs. Use the Flat Diffuser when you photograph flat
●If you change the film speed after you take a measurement, the reading surfaces such as documents or paintings, or when you want to measure
will be recalculated and displayed accordingly. lighting ratio (See page 54.). When you want to photograph small three-
dimensional objects, use the Mini receptor, which enables readings of
minute objects.
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Preparations Preparations
2. Reflected-light readings
To use a meter for reflected-light measurements, you need to use one of
the attachments for reflected-light measurements (40° acceptance angle).
The exposure is based on the average of the light reflected from all
subjects within the meter's field of view (approximately 40°). If you need to
do selective metering or take spot measurements of specific parts of a
subject, use the Viewfinder 5° (5° acceptance angle). (See page 20.)
●To attach and detach these accessories, follow the same procedure as
described for the Spherical Diffuser. (Attach and detach devices by
rotating the holder (ring).)
Attaching the Spherical Removing the Spherical
Diffuser Diffuser Vertical mounting Horizontal mounting
Align the white dot on the diffuser Rotate the diffuser anticlockwise
with the index on the meter until it stops, and pull the diffuser
receptor head, push the diffuser to detach it.
into the receptor head, and turn
the diffuser clockwise until it stops.
(To connect the Mini receptor,
insert its plug into the accessory-
receptor jack.)
To take a reflected-light reading, aim the meter's receptor head from
the camera position so that it reads the area you want to measure.
●The receptor can rotate through a range of 270 degrees, so that you
can use the meter in an almost any photographic configuration.
To take an incident-light reading, position the meter near the subject
and aim the Spherical Diffuser directly at the camera.
●The receptor can rotate through a range of 270 degrees, so that you
can use the meter in an almost any photographic configuration.
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Difference between incident-light Thus,reflectance.incident-lightThis meansreadingsthat areareasbasedof subjectson this havingstandarda reflectancevalue of 18%higher
than 18% will turn out brighter (e.g. white), while areas of reflectance lowerand reflected-light readings than 18% will turn out darker (e.g. black). This will produce a clear contrast
in the picture of the subject. From this, we can see that this measuringExposure can be measured in two basic ways. One way is to measure the
method provides for natural tonal range over the entire composition. Also,light incident on the subject, i.e. the brightness of light illuminating the
since people (skin) have an overall reflectance of around 18%, this methodsubject (illuminance) (see Fig. 1); the other is to measure the light reflected
is suitable for reproducing human skin tones. For this reason, incident-lightby the subject, i.e. the intensity of the light reflected from the subject in the
readings are good for portrait photography, where presentation of skindirection of the camera (luminance) (see Fig. 2).
tones is important.
Fig. 1 Incident-light method Fig. 2 Reflected-light method * The value of “18%” has been determined to be a typical reflectance
Light source Light source value for many different subjects.
Incident-light
Fig. 3
Reflected-light (a) (b)
Camera
Camera
Before selecting the most suitable measuring method, you need to fully dimensionalThree-
understand the different sources of light you are working with, as well as subjects
the influence of the positions and direction of receptors during Flat subjects
measurement.
To make effective incident-light exposure readings, you must use the
\Incident-light readings Spherical Diffuser and Flat Diffuser creatively.
When photographing three-dimensional objects such as people, theIn general photography, light from the illuminating light source reflects off highlights and shadow areas of a composition depend on the direction ofthe subject and passes through the lens to form an image on the film, and the main illuminating light source. Exposure is also influenced by any lightto expose the film. reflected towards the camera from the sides or rear of the subject (Fig. 3To accurately calculate exposure in incident-light readings, you need to (a)). In these situations, the Spherical Diffuser captures the illuminatingknow how much of the illuminating light is actually reflected from the object light coming from different directions at the position of the subject, so thatto the camera. To do this, you need to know how light or how dark the the exposure reading takes into account the contribution of this light onsubject is, i.e. the reflectance of the subject. illuminating the subject.Since a typical value of reflectance for many scenes is 18%*, this value is On the other hand, with flat subjects such as pictures and documents, lightused to calculate the quantity of light reflected from the subject towards the from the sides or rear of the subject generally make little or no contributioncamera. The exposure reading (f-number and shutter speed) are then to illuminating the subject (Fig. 3 (b)). So, for these situations, accuratecalculated to reproduce the metered area as a midtone with 18% exposure readings are made using a Flat Diffuser to capture only thereflectance. illuminating light from the front of the subject.
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Reflected-light readings In averaging metering, all the reflected light from the entire subject that fits
within the field of view of the meter is measured using a receptor with aReflected-light exposure readings directly measure the amount of light relatively wide acceptance angle. If the average reflectance of the entire(luminance) reflected from the subject to the camera. Unlike the case of subject is close to 18%, the exposure reading will be close to the valueincident-light readings, this method does not rely on the assumption of a produced by an incident-light reading. For this kind of situation, this is thestandard subject reflectance of 18%. Based on the measured amount of fastest and easiest kind of reflective-light reading to make.light falling on the subject, the meter calculates the appropriate exposure However, if there is a large bright or dark area within the camera's field ofvalue for reproducing the subject on film at a suitable medium density view, or if there is any backlighting, these factors may cause the exposure(midtone). This means that in reflected-light readings, all subjects, reading to be too high or too low. So, caution is needed in these situations.regardless of their reflectance, i.e. regardless of whether they are bright or In selective metering, measurements are taken so that only light reflecteddark (white or black), will be reproduced at the same tonal density from a specific, selected part of the subject falls within the acceptance(midtone). For this reason, when making reflected-light exposure readings, angle of the meter. This is achieved by using a receptor with a narrow it is important to decide which area of the subject to measure, since the acceptance angle, or by placing the receptor sufficiently close to thereflectance will generally vary quite widely over the composition under subject. Since the meter is not affected by light from other parts of thedifferent conditions. composition, the selected part of the subject is reproduced on film at aThere are two basic methods for making reflected-light exposure readings. suitable tonal density. When the measured part has a normal reflectance,These methods use different distances and angles between exposure e.g. human skin, then, as in the case of averaging metering, the exposuremeter and subject. One method is "averaging metering," where the reading will give a very similar result to incident-light reading. Thus, forexposure of the entire composition is measured (Fig. 4). The other is photographing subjects of normal reflectance, such as people, this methodselective metering," where illumination is measured only for a specific part offers highly accurate exposure readings. However, this method can causeof the composition (Fig. 5). problems if you selectively measure very bright (high reflectance) or very
dark (low reflectance) subjects, because the meter assumes that the wholeFig. 4 Averaging metering Fig. 5 Selective metering image should have the same tonal density as the selected area. So take
special care about which part of a subject you select to measure when
using selective metering.
There are various advanced selective area metering methods, such as
the highlight standard exposure method, where an exposure reading is
taken of a bright (white) part of the composition; the shadow standard
exposure method, where a dark (black) part of the composition is
measured; and a method for determining exposure by evaluating the
contrast of the subject and then forecasting how it will come out on film.
To make full use of selective metering, refer to specialist books and
photo magazines. You will find that selective metering can give you
very precise control over exposure.
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Basic Operation Basic Operation
Display example
The f-number corresponding to the If the reading is outside the
shutter speed set in step 4 is measurement range of the meter,
displayed on the digital readout as E (error) will be displayed on the
Press the measuring The proportion of flash light (under), and or on the5 well as on the analog scale. digital readout, and (over) or button to take a reading. illuminating the composition is analog scale, will blink to indicate
●The flash light is released and shown on the quadrant proportion that the measurement is out of
the meter takes a single reading indicator. range.
and displays the result on the Ex.: The display shows an f-
digital readout. The reading is number reading of F8.0+0.9-
also displayed on the analog stops.
scale. The proportion of flash
light illuminating the
composition is shown on the
quadrant proportion indicator.
●If there is no flash connected to
the sync terminal, the meter
measures and displays the If the exposure reading is outside
exposure for ambient light only. the display range of the meter, the
★After confirming that the flash f-number is not displayed. Instead,
is completely recharged, take FNo. and (over) or (under)
a reading. will blink to indicate the reading is
★If you change the shutter out of range. The or indicator
speed setting after taking a on the analog scale will also blink.
flash light reading, the FNo.
and quadrant proportion
indicator will change
accordingly.
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Basic Operation Basic Operation
●If the flash does not fire within approx. one minute after the meter goes
into flash waiting mode, or if you press any button other than the
measuring button during this time, the NON CORD mode symbol will
stop blinking (stay on). Then, even if you fire the flash, no reading will be
made. To change back to flash waiting mode, press the measuring
button again.
Note that while in flash waiting mode, the meter may make incorrect
readings if it mistakes an intermittent light source such as fluorescent
lights as a flash, or if a reading is triggered mistakenly for any other
reason.
Use the up/down key to Press the measuring ★Fire the flash according to the directions given in the users' manual3 4 set the desired shutter button and release it. for the flash.
speed. ●The NON CORD mode symbol ★If you change the shutter speed setting after taking a flash light
●Shutter speeds can be set blinks to indicate that the meter reading, the FNo. and quadrant proportion indicator will change
within the range of 1 sec. to is waiting for the flash to take a accordingly.
1/500 sec. (The speed should reading.
be within the flash sync speed
range of your camera.) Fire the flash to take a●Each time you press , the 5 reading.
shutter speed increases. ●The meter detects the light of
Holding down increases the the flash and reads and
value continuously. The value displays the exposure on the
cannot be increased above digital readout. The reading is
1/500 sec. even if you continue also displayed on the analog
pressing. scale.
●Each time you press , the ●To take further readings, repeat
shutter speed decreases. the process from step 4.
Holding down decreases
the value continuously. The
value cannot be decreased
below 1 sec. even if you
continue pressing.
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Basic Operation Basic Operation
Measuring the proportion of flash
light and ambient light
When making flash light readings, the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF is able
Display example to calculate the proportion of ambient light and flash light in the total
illumination.
The proportion of ambient light and flash light can be checked on the
quadrant proportion indicator of the display.
How to read the flash/ambient light ratio
Whenever you take a flash light reading, the quadrant proportion indicator
The f-number corresponding to the If the reading is outside the is displayed on the LCD data panel. After a reading, you can also do a
shutter speed set in step 3 is measurement range of this meter, simulation to see how changes to the shutter speed affect the proportions
displayed on the digital readout as E (error) will be displayed on the of ambient light and flash light.
well as on the analog scale. digital readout, and (over) or The quadrant proportion indicator shows the proportion of flash light in the
Ex.: The display shows an f- (under), and or on the total exposure reading as one of five levels (0.1-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-
number reading of F8.0+0.9- analog scale, will blink to indicate 100%).
stops that the measurement is out of
range. Example of reading, display and simulation
Assume that a tungsten lamp is used as the ambient light source.
●Reading of F4.02 at a shutter speed of 1/80 sec.
Two quadrants are lit up on the
display, indicating that the proportion
If the exposure reading is outside of flash light is approx. 50%
the display range of the meter, the (ambient:flash ratio = 1:1).
f-number is not displayed. Instead,
FNo. and (over) or (under)
will blink to indicate the reading is A photograph taken under these conditions will not be strongly influenced
out of range. The or indicator by either the tungsten light (orange) or the flash light (white).
on the analog scale will also blink.
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Basic Operation Special Functions
Here we explain how to use the special functions of the MINOLTA AUTO●Using the up/down key to change the shutter speed to 1/40, we can see METER VF. how this change will affect the mix of ambient and flash light.
The aperture has changed to F2.89
(almost F4.0) and now, only one Memory function
quadrant is lit up. This indicates that Using the memory button, you can store up to two measurement values in
the proportion of flash light is now only the meter.
25% (ambient:flash ratio = 3:1). The stored measurement values are displayed on the analog scale by
pointers. As an example, you can use the meter's memory function to
A photograph taken under these conditions will be influenced more strongly visually confirm the lighting ratio on the analog scale. This is a very handy
by the tungsten light (orange) and less strongly by the flash light (white). feature for tuning lighting conditions. (See page 54.)
On the other hand, increasing the shutter speed (within the range of sync)
will have the opposite effect-photos will be more strongly influenced by
flash light (white) than ambient light.
This simulation is based on controlling the ambient light by varying the
shutter speed. The proportions of ambient light and flash light can also be
adjusted by changing the intensity of the flash light. Press the memory button Take a second reading.The intensity of flash light can be controlled either by varying the distance 1 after taking a reading. 2
between the subject and the flash, or by changing the power (light output)
of the flash.
When you are controlling flash light intensity, you must take a new reading
each time one of these two factors is changed.
●The data panel turns off for a ●The measurement value is
moment as the measurement displayed on the digital readout.
value is stored in memory. One Now, the analog scale shows
pointer appears at the right of both the current reading, as
the analog scale to indicate that displayed on the digital readout,
one value is stored in memory. as well as the measurement
value stored in memory in step
1.
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Special Functions Special Functions
♦When you press the S/A/H button, the aperture required for proper Highlight calculations (for reflected-light
exposure of the shadow area will be calculated, and the result will be readings only) displayed on the digital readout and on the analog scale for FNo. If you
press the S/A/H button again, all values will be erased from the display. When you want to reproduce some detail in the brightest areas of a
●If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, the composition (highlight area), without washing them out, take a reflected-
meter will determine the exposure for the darkest area measured and light reading of the highlight area and use the meter's highlight exposure
stored in memory. The meter can only make shadow exposure calculation function to determine the appropriate exposure.
calculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are no
measurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriate
exposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).
●If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the shadow
exposure calculation, the shadow areas will be accurately reproduced
on film as shadows.
Display example
Apertures for measurements
in memory
Aperture for shadow exposure
Aperture for shadow exposure Take a reading of the Use the up/down key 1 2 highlight area of the while pressing the S/A/H
subject. button to set the meter to
In the above example, the shadow exposure for the darkest measured area “H” mode.
(aperture: F2) was determined. ●Unless an accessory for
reflected-light readings
(Viewfinder 5°, reflected-light
attachment II) is attached, it is
not possible to set the meter to
“H” mode.
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Special Functions Special Functions
♦When you press the S/A/H button, the aperture required for proper
exposure of the highlight area will be calculated, and the result will be Brightness difference function
displayed on the digital readout and on the analog scale for FNo. If you
Pressing the S/A/H button after a normal measurement, or after performing press the S/A/H button again, all values will be erased from the display.
an averaging calculation, fixes the current reading or calculated average as●If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, the
a reference value for difference calculations. Thus, when the next reading meter will determine the exposure for the brightest area measured and
is made, the measurement value is displayed on the digital readout of the stored in memory. The meter can only make highlight exposure
meter in terms of its difference relative to the fixed reference value or calculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are no
averaged reference value. measurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriate
This function is useful for various photography or motion film situations. It exposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).
allows you to quickly check the brightness differences between one part of●If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the highlight
a composition and another, (e.g. front and background), or to measure the exposure calculation, the highlight areas will be accurately reproduced
unevenness of illumination over a scene, by directly showing exposure on film as highlights.
differences between the current reading and a reference exposure value
(previous measurement value or averaged reference value fixed using the
S/A/H button).
This function can also be used for directly measuring the lighting ratio of a
<Display example> scene, by showing the exposure difference between the shadow and
highlight areas of a composition, for highly precise lighting designs.
Aperture for highlight exposure
Apertures for ●The brightness difference function can be used in AMBI mode and
measurements in memory CORD mode. Exposure differences cannot be displayed in NON CORD
Aperture for highlight exposure mode, even if you take readings.
●Displayable range of exposure differences is ±9.9EV (0.1EV steps).
In the above example, the highlight exposure for the brightest area
measured (aperture: F16+0.5) was determined.
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Measuring lighting ratio using the
Flat Diffuser
The lighting ratio is the brightness ratio between the highlight and shadow Battery (p. 8) Attach a Flat Diffuser toareas of a composition. For example, if the difference in measurement 1 ↓ the receptor of thevalues (exposure difference) obtained by an incident-light reading is one Battery check (p. 10) instrument. See page 16 forstop, the lighting ratio is 2:1; if it's two stops, the ratio is 4:1. In general, ↓ details on how to attach a Flatlighting ratios from 4:1 to 8:1 (exposure difference of 2 to 3 stops) are Film speed (p. 14)
considered best when using color films, since these ratios allow colors to Diffuser.
be reproduced naturally.
By adjusting the lighting ratio, you can control the subject's highlight-to-
shadow relationship or the relationship between the main Prepare the meter for subject and the 2background when photographing people or objects in a studio. taking a reading.
To check lighting characteristics such as the brightness difference between
a main subject and background, a Spherical Diffuser can be used in most
cases. However if a subject is receiving light from different directions, it is
necessary to measure the brightness of the individual light sources
illuminating it, using a Flat Diffuser (incident-light reading, see page 10).
This allows control over the shadow areas of the main subject.
By replacing a Spherical Diffuser with a Flat Diffuser, the brightness of light
sources illuminating a subject can be measured individually, and the
lighting ratio can be checked easily. In addition, you can use the meter's
memory function and brightness difference function to read these values
easily.
Set the measuring mode Use the up/down key to 3 4 according to the light set the desired shutter
source to be measured. speed.
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Using the brightness difference function of the instrument, the lighting ratiocan be read with an accuracy of 0.1 stops. Using as a simplified illuminance
Alternatively, instead of storing the readings in memory, as explained in meter
step 7 on the previous page, the following method can be used: Attach the Flat Diffuser (optional accessory), to the meter. Take a reading
Press the S/A/H button. A is displayed on the data panel, and of ambient light in AMBI mode by holding the Flat Diffuser parallel to the7 the exposure reading for the main light source is fixed. surface you want to measure, then read the EV value from the meter. Now,
look up the approximate illuminance from the EV-lx conversion table on the
page. Take a reading with the Flat Diffuser facing towards the fill next8 ●Film light source. While holding down the measuring button, the speed is set to ISO100 and display units are set to EV.
●If the instrument has been recalibrated, set it back to the standard difference (or lighting ratio) between the fill light source setting of 0 using Alt mode. exposure and main light source exposure, which was fixed in
step 7, is displayed directly on the digital readout. Read the ★If you need to measure illuminance precisely, use the MINOLTA
value. DIGITAL ILLUMINANCE METER T-10, which is designed specifically for
this function.
The lighting ratio of main light source to fill light source can be calculated
from the following table. How to read the EV-lx conversion table
The EV-lx conversion table lists the integer component of EV values
Table for determining lighting ratio vertically and the decimal fraction components of EV values horizontally.
Brightness differences Brightness ratio between main light source For example, if the meter displays a reading of EV 10.2, the row for the
(exposure differences) and fill light source (lighting ratio) integer 10 and the column for the decimal 0.2 intersect at 2900 lx, the
+1.0 (1 stop) 2:1 corresponding illuminance value.
+2.0 (2 stops) 4:1
+3.0 (3 stops) 8:1
+4.0 (4 stops) 16:1
+5.0 (5 stops) 32:1
+6.0 (6 stops) 64:1
+7.0 (7 stops) 128:1
The formula for calculating the lighting ratio is:
Main light:fill light = 2:1 (exposure difference)
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Accessories Care and Storage
Sync Cord III 1. Care
1) If the meter gets dirty, it can be wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use
solvents such as thinners or benzene at all.
2) If the Spherical Diffuser becomes stained, remove it from the meter,
wash the diffuser carefully in water with a mild detergent, and rinse and
dry the diffuser thoroughly before reattaching it to the meter.
3) Never attempt to disassemble the meter if it becomes damaged or
faulty. Consult the contact given in the attached sheet, “After Service
Information.”
This is a 5-meter long cord that
connects together the Auto Meter
VF, flash unit and camera's sync 2. Storage
terminal. Using this cord, you can 1) The meter should not be stored in areas where it may be subject to
take flash exposure readings by temperatures higher than 55°C (131°F) or lower than -20°C (-4°C), or in
simply releasing the shutter, areas subject to high humidity. It is recommended that the meter be
without changing any connections. stored in an airtight container together with a drying agent such as
silica gel.
2) Do not leave the meter in places such as the rear window or trunk of a
car, otherwise it will get extremely hot, resulting in damage. Remove
the battery whenever the meter is left unused for more than 2 weeks, to
avoid the risk of damage due to battery leakage.
Common accessories
Item Possible/impossible Condition
Viewfinder10°II Possible Set exposure correction to +3.0Ev.
Reflected-light attachment Possible Set exposure correction to +3.0Ev
Booster II Possible Nothing particular
ND receptor Possible Nothing particular
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Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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