Film cameras
Minolta Maxxum 450si User manual
User manual for Minolta Maxxum 450si. 73 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
73 pagesEnglish7.7 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Maxxum 450si
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 73
- File size
- 7.7 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 The Maxxum 45Osi 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 incompatible 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 rec- ommend that you use only those lenses, flashes, and other accessories dis- tributed 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. . 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/-lY 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 your Man<um 45osi, you may find something e)ftraordinary. you
may very well find your photography improving and your interest in photo-
graphy 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 ,
will need to operate your camera for 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
In this manual, a display or indicator surrounded by radiating lines is blinking.
, Steady j1... Btinking
This manual contains information regarding products introduced before
September, 1994. To obtain compatibility information for products released
after this date, contact the authorized MINOLTA Service Facility nearest you.
I
I
,)View original page 4Page 9 · Read text
NAMES OF PARTS
BODY DATA PANEL
12
13
1. Subject Program indicators: 5. Shutter speed display
[Sl Portrrit 6. Aperture,/Exposure- compensation display
Landscape Fl 7. Red-eye reduction indicator
IID ctose-up 8. Exposure-mode indicators
Spo.ts action Kl I 9. Battery condition indicators 1 O. Manual-focus indicator
hf-l Ntigl-,t porrrait 1 1. Frame counter
1 2. Film-cartridge mark 2. Drive mode indicators:
trl Single-frame advance 1 3. Self-timer indicator
EIj Continuous drive
3. Wireless,/Remote flash
indicator
4. . Exposure compensation
indicatorView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
VIEWFINDER
L_L,
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
ffiqWq%*;qeqx
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.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
* @l
@ 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.
1)
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
BATTERY.CON DITION I N DICATO R S
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.
o 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 ffiThe battery's performance will depend greatly on how often you use the built-
in flash and the temperature in which you use the camera.
Flash Use -20" c (-4'F) 20"c (68"F)
1@o/o 5 rolls 13 rolls
SOY' 1O rolls 20 rolls
Oo/o 20 rolls 50 rolls
The above figures are based on the following test conditions: Using 24-expo'
sure rolls and AF 28-8Omm t/4-5.6lens; autofocus from infinity to minimum
focus distance and back 3 times; shutter-release button held partway down for
10 seconds before shutter release. .. i -.
beo lf you perform more operations during use, battery performance will
slightly lower.
. 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 OPERATION
Lithium batteries provide excellent performance in cold weather. However, if
you plan to shoot many rolls of film in temperatures near or below OoC (32oF),
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
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.
o 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
. You have attached a non-compatible lens
12View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us
ffir;';:,1-,::;:
REMOVING ,'fi
1. Press the lens release button
and hold it while you turn the lens
counter-clockwise until it stops.
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 MINOLTA Service Facility.
13View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
-ith: @ ; ; *' :.*** - . @ €.;; .** ; ;: -.- $fi;;::; -r
FILM SPEED
Use DX-coded films, ISO 25 - 5000. DX-coding
is a system which the camera uses to auto- lo?8iio['*no fl matically identify the film you have loaded. You
can recognize DX-coded film by the DX printed
136:xp. _-===_____t- 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.
o Always load film in subdued light or shade.
BE CAREFUL
O 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.
14View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us
q 1. Open the back cover by sliding the lia back-cover release down.
2. Place the film cartridge in the film
chamber flat side up and extend the
film tip to the red mark.
. lf the film tip e)ftends beyond the
mark, gently push the excess film
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 /i 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 100O.
15 'IView original page 18Page 19 · Read text
ffi
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
tor 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 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
SUBJECT.
Place your subject inside the focus
frame and press the shutter-releasen button partway down to activate
autofocus.
o Do not touch the focusing ring of t5ltl an AF lens or the end of the lens
barrel of an xi-Series Autozoom lens L--Jl56lll while the lens is focusing.
ffiil Rest kkPartway 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.
19View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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 aDpear, you can take the picture.
When either of these symbols appear, the shutter will lock. :O= ( )
. 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
AD! 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 +
accidentdl under exposure.
20View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
www.butkus.us
4..&r-;+ +., ii-;;- .i;' -
SUBJECT PROGRAM
SELECTION I
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 willtake: 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.
l:\\\l::
N
{
nN 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 E:::.
2. Press and hold the Mode button
and turn the control dial until Fl
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
. 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-
scape mode, the camera will auto-
matically set the smallest aperture
possible without introducing the
blurring effects of "camera-shake"
(see p.59).
To select Landscape mode: _
1 . Set the Command switch to tglJ|.
2. Press and hold the Mode button
and turn the control dial until E
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.
o 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
o Use a tripod to obtain the sharpest possible results.
23View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
When you take pictures of small
objects such as flowers or models,
set Close-up mode. In Close-up
mode, the camera will automatically
set the best possible aperture and
shutter speed for the picture you are
taking.
To select Glose-up mode:
1 . Set the Command switch to -Ellj.
2. Press and hold the Mode button
and turn the control dial until'M
blinks.
3. Release the Mode button.
RECOMMENDED LENSES
o Use a macro lens (50mmt/2.8 Macro or lOomm t/2.8 Macro)or a macro-
capable zoom lens.
. Read your lens owner's manual before taking close-up photographs.
USING FLASH
o The built-in or an accd"ssory flash may not be suitable for close-up photo-
graphy. Refer to your flash manual or pp.44,45 of this manual for more infor-
mation.
o To take pictures closer than 1m (3.3 ft.), use Macro Flash 12OOAF Set or
Close-up Flash Diffuser CD-1000 (available separately).
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
. When you attach the camera to a tripod, use the self-timer to take the pic-
ture. This will allow camera vibrations to subside before the shutter opens.
24View original page 27From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.