Film cameras
Minolta Maxxum 400si / RZ430si User manual
User manual for Minolta Maxxum 400si / RZ430si. 73 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
73 pagesEnglish7.9 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Maxxum 400si / RZ430si
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 73
- File size
- 7.9 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 3 · Read text
IMPORTANT INFORMATION This camera is designed to work specifically with lenses, flash units, and other accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. We therefore caution users of this camera that the attachment and/or use of incom- patible products may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the camera or its accessories. To obtain optimum performance throughout the life of your camera, we recommend that you use only those lenses, flashes, and other acces- sories distributed by Minolta specifically for use with this camera. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol- lowing conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by the party respon- sible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for.a Class B digital device. pursuant to Part '15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not in- stalled and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interfer- ence to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. lf this equipment does cause harmful inter- ference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: . Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. . Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. o Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the re- ceiver is connected. . Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/'fY technician for help. This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio lnterference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.View original page 3
Page 4 · Read text
www.butkus.us
FOREWORD
As you use this camera, you may find something extraordinary. You may
very well find your photography improving and your interest in pho-
tography increasing
lf you are a beginning photographer, start with Full-Auto mode and observe
the camera at work as you move from one subject to another. When you feel
comfortable with the camera, select a Subject Program and move one Step
deeper into the realm of camera control. Notice how different exposure set-
ting affect the end result and how the different effects are best suited to dif-
ferent subjects. The next step is for you to take full creative control of your
camera by controlling the shutter speed or aperture or both to obtain the kind
of image that you see only in your own mind.
Before you begin using your camera, however, take a moment to familiarize
yourself with the contents of this manual. lt contains all the information you
wilf need to operate your camera lor a lifetime of photography. Read it care-
fully, refer to it whenever necessary, and you will soon be on your way to
beginning or continuing your fascinating experiences in photographing the
world around you.
NOTE
ln this manual, a display or indicator surrounded by radiating lines is blinking.
Blinking + Steady ;r'.
This manual contains'information regarding products introduced before
August, 1994. To obtain compatibility information for products released after
this date, contact the authorized MINOLTA Service Facility nearest you.View original page 4Page 9 · Read text
NAMES OF PARTS
BODY DATA PANEL
Digitally signed by mike butkus
DN: cn=mike butkus, mike o=orphancameras, ou=29,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
Date: 2018.09.24 16:35:13 butkus -04'00'
12
13
1. Subject Program indicators: 5. Shutter speed disPlaY
6. Aperture,/Exposure-
[6.l Portrait compensation disPlaY
Landscape 7. Red-eye reduction indicator Fl
IID close-up 8. Exposure-mode indicators 9. Battery condition indicators
Sports action N 1 O. Manual-focus indicator
[!f-l Ntigftt portrait 1 1. Frame counter
2. Film-cartridge mark 2. Drive mode indicators: 1
E Single-frame advance 1 3. Self-timer indicator
EIj Continuous drive
3. Wireless./Remote flash
indicator
4. Exposure compensation
indicator
6View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
VIEWFINDER
Li_,
1. Focus signals 5. Flash-ready indicator
2. Shutter speed display 6. Flash-on indicator
3. Exposure-compensation 7. Focus frame
indicator
4. Aperture,/Exposure-
compensation displayView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
STANDARD ACCESORIES
NECKSTRAP
Attach the neckstrap as shown.
EYEPIECE CAP
An eyepiece cap is attached to the
neckstrap. When you use the self-
timer or take a long exposure, snap it
over the eyepiece as shown above.
This will prevent light from entering
the camera through the eyepiece
and affecting the metered exposure.
o Kits with a wide strap do not in-
clude an eyepiece cap. See your
local Minolta dealer to order an
accessory eyepiece cap.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Your camera uses a 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery which supplies power for all
camera operations. lf you are using an xi-Series lens, the camera battery also
supplies power to the zoom motor in the lens.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Set the main switch to LOCK and
slide the battery-cover release in the
direction indicated to open the bat-
tery cover.
2. Insert the battery according to the
marks on the inside of the cover.
3. Close the cover securely.
CAUTION
o Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the battery
manufacturer.
o The battery may explode and cause severe burns if you subject it to high
temperatures or fire, or attempt to disassemble, recharge, or short-circuit it.
o Keep batteries away from small children.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
BATTE RY-CO N DITIO N I N DICATO RS
Whenever you slide the main switch from LOCK to ON, one of the following
indicators will appear in the body data panel.
Full-battery symbol - power is sufficient for all camera operations.
Low-battery symbol - power is sufficient, but getting low.
Keep a fresh battery handy.
Blinking low-battery symbol appears with other displays
- camera can be operated, but power is extremely low. The battery will need to be changed soon.
Blinking low-battery symbol appears by itself and the
shutter locks power is insufficient for operation. - Replace the battery.
. lf no displays appear, replace the battery or check that it is inserted correctly.
10View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
www.butkus.us
BATTERY PERFORMANCE
The battery's performance will depend greatly on how often you use the built- *ffi
in flash and the temperature in which you use the camera.
Flash Use -200c (-4'F) 200c (69"F)
lOOo/o 5 rolls 13 rolls
5Oo/o 1O rolls 20 rolls
Oo/o 2O rolls 5O rolls
The above figures are based on the following test conditions: Using 24-expo-
sure rof ls and AF 28-8Omm f /4-5.6lens; autofocus from infinity to minimum
focus distance and back 3 times; shutter-release button held partway down for
1O seconds before shutter release.
o lf you perform more operations during use, battery performance will be
slightly lower.
o For performance with 36-exposure rolls, reduce above data by approxi-
mately 1,/3.
o To maximize battery performance, slide the main switch to LOCK when you
are not using the camera.
COLD.WEATH ER OPE RATI O N
Lithium batteries providg excellent performance in cold weather. However, if
you plan to shoot many rolls of film in temperatures near or below O'C (32"F),
we recommend that you carry the camera inside your coat while you are not
shooting to keep it warm. You should also carry several spare batteries in
your pocket so that you can change the camera battery if necessary. Do not
discard a cold battery. After it warms up, it will regain some of its charge.
11View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
$" ' ," ". -, ,, ,. . '" ". ","_;_-, n_'.
"
li i-llu:l
ATTACHING
1. Remove the camera's body cap
and the rear lens cap as shown.
2. Align the red bead on the lens
barrel with the red dot on the
camera's lens mount.
3. Gently fit the lens into the mount
and turn the lens clockwise until it
locks firmly in place.
BE CAREFUL
o Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.
. Never touch anything inside the camera, especially the lens contacts and
mirror.
lf two lines appear in the aperture display of the camera's body data panel
when you press the shutter-release partway down, no lens data is being re-
ceived by the camera. Some possible causes of this are:
o No lens is attached to the camera
o The lens is not attached properly
o The lens contacts are dirty
o You have attached a non-compatible lens
12View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us
REMOVINGREMOVTNG$ll
ltr*r*[i',""hYil$:[::l
2. Gently remove the lens from the
mount.
3. lmmediately attach the rear cap to
the lens and the body cap or another
lens to the camera.
CARE OF GLASS SURFACES
o Never touch any lens surfaces (including the viewfinder eyepiece)with your
fingers. lf your lens is dirty, first gently clean it with a lens brush to remove
loose material. Then, if necessary, moisten a sheet of lens tissue with one
drop of lens-cleaning fluid and, starting from the center of the lens, gently
wipe the glass using a circular motion.
o Never lift the mirror inside the camera or touch its surface. This may impair
its alignment or scratch its face. Dust on the mirror's surface will not affect
meter readings or picture quality. lf it is distracting, have your camera cleaned
at an authorized MINOL. TA Service Facility.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
FrhrH,l
FILM SPEED
Use DX-coded films, ISO 25 - 5000, DX-coding
is a system which the camera uses to auto- l'?8Ji'["#*, N matically identify the film you have loaded. You
can recognize DX-coded film by the DX printed
l36rxp. on the cartridge and box and by the black-and-
silver pattern on each cartridge.
The camera reads information encoded on this pattern and sets the film speed
automatically each time you insert a new roll of film. lf you use non-DX-coded
film, the camera automatically sets the film speed to 1OO.
. Do not touch the contacts inside the film chamber.
LOADING FILM
Before you load film, check the film window on the back of the camera. lf
there is already film in the camera, do not open the back cover. See page 16
for instructions on rewinding an unfinished roll of film.
. Always load film in subdued light or shade.
BE CAREFUL
. NEVER TOUCH THE SHUTTER CURTAIN
WITH YOUR FINGERS OR WITH THE FILM
TlP, lts precision design makes it extremely sen-
sitive to pressure.
o lf the film tip is bent or torn, the film may not
wind correctly.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us
1,.?i"Tl?n'#"J;;Ts'idingtheil
2. Place the film cartridge in the film
chamber flat side up and extend the
film tip to the red mark.
0000004000 o lf the film tip extends beyond the
mark, gently push the excess film
0 0 0 0 0 0 o 0 0 o ql \0 0 o back into the cartridge.
3. Close the back cover and slide the
main switch to ON. The camera will
automatically advance the film to the
first frame and 1 will appear in the
frame counter.
o lf the film is loaded incorrectly, O will blink in the frame
counter and the shutter will remain locked. Open the back
cover and repeat steps 2 and 3.
o For flash pictures, use film between ISO 25 and l OOO.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
;;. dts r@.", 6d €F :
@inp,t'la1l:itit ._,;s""s
REWINDING FILM
After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will
automatically rewind the film. With a fresh battery, it takes
about 21 seconds to rewind a 36-exposure roll, or 16 seconds
lor a 24-exposure roll. When the film has been completely
rewound, the motor will stop and the film-cartridge symbol in
the body data panel will blink to indicate that it is safe to open
the back cover.
To begin film rewind manually:
Use a coin or similar object to press
the rewind button on the bottom of
the camera. Wait until the motor
stops and the film cartridge mark
blinks before opening the back
cover.
16View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
www.butkus.us
l
FULL-AUTO OPERATION
Full-Auto mode is the camera's standard operating mode and is suited for use
in virtually any situation. In this mode, the camera will focus automatically,
set the best shutter speed and aperture, and determine when flash is neces-
sary. Use Full-Auto mode when you are just starting out, when you cannot
decide which Subject Program to use, or when you are photographing in
quick-changing conditions that would require you to constantly adjust the
shutter speed and/or aperture.
17View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
1. TURN THE CAMERA ON. PRESS THE PROGRAM RE.SET BUT-
TON, AND RAISE THE FLASH.
o Pressing the program re-set button restores many of the camera's functions
to their standard settings. See page 55 for more information.
o When the built-in flash is up, it will fire whenever necessary in Full-Auto
mode. See page 20 for more information.
2. HOLD THE CAMERA WITH BOTH HANDS.
Hold the grip firmly in your right
hand and use your left hand to
support the camera or lens from
beneath. Keep your elbows secure-
ly against your sides when shooting
both horizontal and vertical pic-
tures. This will help steady the
camera and reduce blur in your
pictures.
o Always keep the camera strap around your neck for safety.
18View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
www.butkus.us
3. LOOK THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER AND FOCUS ON YOUR
SUBJ ECT.
Place your subject inside the focus
frame and press the shutter-releasen button partway down to activatelsl autofocus.
o Do not touch the focusing ring ofI'l an AF lens or the end of the lens
15.51 barrel of an xi-Series Autozoom lens
L_i while the lens is focusing.
ffigl Rest kkPartuiay All-the-way
down down
4. TAKE THE PICTURE.
When the focus-lock signal O
appears in the viewfinder data
panel, press the shutter-release but-
ton all the way down. Press the
shutter-release button gently with a
single, steady motion - never with a quick jab. This will prevent the
camera from moving suddenly at the
last moment.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
rnitffl i
FOCUS NOTES
When you press the shutter-release button partway down in STEP 3, auto-
focus will activate and the viewfinder data panel will light. The camera's auto-
focus system will then lock focus on the subject in the focus frame if it is
stationary, or will automatically track a moving subject until you press the
shutter-release. In Full-Auto mode, there are two focus signals you should
know. For more information on these and other focus signals, see page 37.
O (O) When either of these symbols aopear, you can take the picture.
these symbols appear, the shutter will lock. >O= ( ) When either of
. To place your subject outside the focus area, see page 39.
FLASH NOTES
In Full-Auto mode, the following flash signals will appear in the viewfinder
data panel. For more information on these signals, see page 43.
When this symbol blinks, flash is necessary. Raise the
0D! camera's built-in flash. When it lights steadily, the flash will
fire the next time you take a picture.
When this symbol appears, the flash is charged and you can
take a picture. The shutter will lock until it appears to prevent
accidenta l''u nder exposure.
20View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
t www.butkus.us
SUBJECT PROGRAM
SELECTION
In any of the five subject programs, the camera will, as in Full-Auto mode, do
everything from focus automatically to select the shutter speed and aperture
which is best suited for your subject. By using Subject Program mode you
take control of an important part of the automatic process and tell the camera
from the beginning what kind of picture you will take: a portrait, a landscape, a
close-up, sports action, or a portrait at night. For information on P mode, refer
to "Full-Auto Operation" beginning on page 17.
21View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
Photographs of people usually bene-
fit from shallow depth of field {the
distance in front and behind the
point on which you focus which also
appears sharp)to isolate the subject
from the background. In portrait
mode, the camera will make all the
settings necessary to obtain this
effect, leaving you free to concen-
trate on composition and capturing
the perfect moment or expression.
To select Portrait mode:
1 . Set the Command switch to El3.
2. Press and hold the Mode button
and turn the control dial until S
blinks.
3. Release the Mode button.
RECOMMENDED LENSES
o Use a telephoto lens or the telephoto setting on your zoom lens to enhance
the separation between your subject and the background.
USING FLASH
o Raise the built-in flash only if the background is much brighter than your
subject or if there are Strong shadows across your subject's face. lf you use
flash, however, it may not be possible for the camera to obtain shallow depth
of field.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
o Lock focus on your subject's eyes.
o Be ready to capture subtle changes in expression after you take the first
picture.
22View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
www.butkus.us
In a landscape photograph, the
subject generally extends from near
to far. For this reason, a small aper-
ture is necessary to provide maxi-
mum depth of field and capture as
much of the scene as possible in
sharp focus., When set to Land-
|l scape mode, the camera will auto-
matically set the smallest aperture
possible without introducing the
blurring effects of "camera-shake"
I (see p.59).
To select Landscape mode:
1 . Set the Command switch to E1;.
2. Press and hold the Mode button
and turn the control dial until m
blinks.
3. Release the Mode button.
RECOMMENDED LENSES
o Use wide-angle lenses or the wide-angle setting of your zoom lens. This
will help create a feeling of depth that will enhance your landscape photo-
graphs.
USING FLASH
o Flash is not recommended in Landscape mode because your subject will
usually be outside of flash range.
. When you photograph a person in front of a landmark or scenic landscape,
flash will help only if the sun is behind the person.
ADDITIONAL SUGG ESTIONS
. Use a tripod to obtain the sharpest possible results.View original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.