Minolta Maxxum / Dynax SP xi User manual

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            MINOLTN

MAXXUM
   DYNAX
  SP><i


        TEIINSTRUCTI0N MANUAL

READ ME FIRST!

First of all, thank you for purchasing this Maxxum,/Dynax SPxi. Also, if this is
your first Minolta camera, welcome to the Minolta family.

This instruction manual has been designed to help you get the most enjoy-
ment and use out of your new camera.  lt is not necessary for you to read the
contents of this manual from cover-to-cover before you begin photographing.
Instead, it is.better that you read it in sections

Begin by learning a little about the manual itself by reading the TABLE OF
CONTENTS on p.2. This will give you an idea of kinds of information  in-
cluded in the manual and the way in which it is organized. Next, pick up your
camera and, using NAMES OF PARTS AND DISPLAYS, become familiarize
yourself with the layout of its controls and indications. Continue to the next
section, PREPARATIONS, and follow along with your own camera by at-
taching the neckstrap and a lens, inserting a battery, ect. When you are
finished, read SIMPLE OPERATION - THE BASICS thoroughly and youshould be ready to begin using your new camera in its most basic operating
mode. When you want to take more creative control over the image-making
process, OPERATIONS lN DETAIL will help you do so. Finally, APPENDIX
containS information about the camera and general photography, as well as a
Ouick Reference Guide, which may be helpful to you in the near future.
Refer to it as you need.

A note about the indicators which appear in this manual: a display surrounded
by star-burst rays such ag/.or)opeans  that the indicator is blinking.

You are probably anxious to begin, so good luck and we hope that this camera
will help you to discover and enjoy the many pleasures of the world of photo-
graphy.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Minolta Maxxu m/Dynax SPxi was designed to work specifically with
lenses, flash units, and other accessories manufactured and distributed by
Minofta. We therefore caution users of this camera that the attachment and/
or use of incompatible products with the SPxi may result in unsatisfactory
performance or damage to the camera or its accessories. To obtain optimum
performance throughout the life of your Maxxum,/Dynax SPxi, we recommend
that you use only those lenses, flashes and other accessories distributed by
Minolta specifically for use with this camera.

 STATEMENT OF FCC COMPLIANCE
  This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation  is subject to the fol-
  lowing two 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 re-
  sponsible 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 installa-
  tion. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  if
  not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-
  ference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
  will not occur in a particular installation.  lf this equipment does cause harmful
  interference 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 relocated the receiving antenna.
  Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
  receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/'fV technician for
  help.
 STATEMENT OF DOC COMPLIANCE
  This digital aparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
  from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
  Department of Communications.

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                                         I





17. Film chamber                     22. Pressure plate*
1 8. Eyepiece sensor                   23. Battery cover
      lR sensor activates camera        24. Batiery -cover release
    when  it detects an object          25. Guide rails
      nearby                           26. Tripod socket
1 9. Viewfinder eyepiece*               27. Shutter*
20. Spot-metering button              28. Rewind button
     Used to select spot metering          Used to manually begin film
     and slow-shutter svnc                    rewinci
21. Film window                      29. DX contacts*
                                *Do                                              not touch

Data Panel





  1. Selectable setting pointers
      Indicates which settings are under manual control
 2. Shutter-speed display
 3. Aperture display
 4. Battery-condition  indicator
      Displays level of battery charge
 5. Frame counter
 6. Film-transport signals
 7. Film cartridge mark
      Indicates film loaded, film rewound, film improperly loaded
 8. Exposure-mode indicators
      Indicates curr'ent exposure mode
 9. Self-timer indicator
10. Manual-focus indicator

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Viewfinder                                         I


                  5-{    l
            T                                  6


1. Focus signals
      (o) Continuous AF mode: appears after Eye-Start when subject is in
      focus and after shutter-release button is pressed partway down  if sub-
       ject is moving
       . Focus locked: appears a short time after shutter-release button is
      pressed part way down  if subject is stationary
     )o(-(blinking) Focus cannot be confirmed
2. Exposure signals
       In M mode:
        ., overexposure; v underexposure; Q correct exposure
       In P and A mode when flash is canceled:
     )--1(blinking) Camera-shake warning: current shutter speed may result in
       blurry pictures
       In all modes:
                            ( bl   i n t<i ng1 Correct expos u re not poss    i ble     :!i-
    )v.:(blinking) Flash charging
3. Flash signal
      -)l(- (Utint<ln9 slowly) Flash charged
     )1.' (blinking rapidly) Flash output sufficient
4. Spot-metering  indicator
5. Focus frame
6. Spot-metering area
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PayPal Name  Lynn@butkus.org      www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkus

PREPARATIONS





This section includes those things which you should do and understand before
you use your camera. Read  it thoroughly before you go on to SIMPLE OPER-
ATION or OPERATIONS lN DETAIL.

PRELIMINARY                             www.butkus.us





   A neckstrap is supplied with your camera. Attach  it as shown above.

     Eyepiece and Accessory Shoe Cap





   An eyepiece cap is attached to the    The camera also comes with an ac-
     strap. Fasten it to the viewfinder    cessory shoe cap which protects the
     eyepiece whenever you use the self-    accessory-shoe contacts. When you
     timer or make long exposures. To    are using a flash or other accessory,
      attach the cap, snap it in place over     slide the accessory shoe cap into the
     the eyepiece as shown above; pullto    eyepiece cap for safekeeping.
     remove.





i

LENS

Attaching
                                                 1. Turn the body cap and lens cap as
                               shown and remove them.





                                            2. Align the red bead on the lens
                                             barrel with the red dot on the cam-
                                        era's lens mount. Fit the lens into
                                     the mount and turn the lens clock-
                                 wise until it locks in place with a
                                                       click.




  Be careful...
  . Do not force the lens  if it does not turn smoothly.
  . Never touch anything inside the camera, especially the lens contacts and
  mirror.

                                "--" will appear in the apefiure display of the data
     85fr             panel  if:
                       No lens is attached to the camera   t-M.rocusl P          o                      o The lens is not attached properly                          f?u
                      o fhe AZ/MZ switch on an xi-Series lens is set to
                 MZ



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Removing
                                            1. Press the lens release and hold it
                                            in while you turn the lens counter- |                                      clockwise until it stops. Lift the lens -
                                       out of the mount.

                                         2. lmmediately attach the rear cap to
                                       the lens and the body cap or another
                                          lens to the camera. This will protect
                              the lens elements, lens contacts,
                                  and camera interior.


Care of Glass Surfaces
o Never touch any lens surfaces (including the eyepiece) with your fingers.  lf
a lens becomes dirty, first gently clean  it with a lens brush. Then,  if necessary,
moisten a sheet of lens tissue with one drop of lens-cleaning fluid and.
starting from the center of the lens, wipe the glass using a circular motion.
. Never lift the mirror 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 distracing, have the camera cleaned at an authorized
Minolta service facil ity.

BATTERY

 This camera uses a 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery to supply power to all of its
 operations.  lf you are also using an xi-Series lens, the camera battery also
 supplies power to the zoom motor built into the lens.

 Inserting
                                            1. Move the main switch to LOCK
                                   and slide the battery cover release in
                                   the direction indicated to open the
                                            battery cover.




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                                         2. Insert the battery according to the
                                   marks on the inside of the chamber
                                             cover.

                                         3. Snap the cover closed.





 CAUTION
  . Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the battery
  manufacturer.
 o Do not attempt to disassemble, recharge, or short-circuit the battery. Do
  not subject it to high temperatures or fire. The battery may explode and
  cause severe burns.
 o Keep batteries away from small children.



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{Battery}

 Battery Performance
 The 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery should provide sufficient power for shooting
 up to 60 rolls oI 24-exposure film without flash. These figures are based on
 Minolta's standard test method using a fresh battery at 68oF (20"c). Actual
 performance  will depend on how you use the camera.  lf you install a new
 battery that has been in prolonged storage, the camera's performance may
 vary.

 Cold -Weather Operation
 Lithium batteries perform well in cold weather. However,  if you plan to shoot
 many rolls of film outdoors at temperatures near or below 32oF (ooc), we
 recommend that you carry the camera inside your coat to keep it warm while
 you are not shooting. You may also want to carry a spare battery 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.





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FILM                                         www.butkus.us

Automatic Film Speed Setting
                                             lf you use DX-coded film between ISO 25 and
        lo?Efltl"#','          5OOO, the camera will automatically set the cor- 1               il                              rect film speed. For flash photography, Minolta !
                       recommends that you use film between ISO 25
               36:xp.                    and 10OO. lf you use non-DX-coded  film, the
                        camera will automatically set ISO 1OO.


Loading Film
Before you load a roll of film, always check the data panel.  lf the film cartridge
is displayed, do not open the back cover. Check the film window and frame
counter to verify the type of film in the camera and the number of frames
remaining. (See p.18 for instructions on rewinding an unfinished roll of film.)

                               o Always load film in subdued light
                                           or shade.
                            o Before you load film for the first
                                       time, carefully remove and discard
                                     the protective plastic cover over the
                                              shutter.
                           Protectlve     \        ^'.in:,-'-1 :.;:'::'-'-:                          '.    I      II   fi"                z-t:.' .-                            |    t--::-      j        covgr

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(Film)

                                              1. Open the back cover by sliding the
                                       back-cover release downward.





                                         2. Place the film cartridge into the
                                            film chamber and extend the leader
                                  between the guide rails until the tip
                                                            is just past the film-leader index.





                            WRONG
O NEVER TOUCHRIGHTffiTHE SHUTTER CURTAIN WITH YOUR FINGERS OR
WITH THE FILM TlP. lts precision design makes it erctremely sensitive to
pressure.
o lf the film leader is torn or crimped,  it may not wind properly.
o  lf the film tip extends beyond the mark, gently push the excess back into the
cartridge.

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                                         3. Close the back cover and move
                                       the main switch to ON. The camera
                                            will automatically advance the film
                                                 to the first frame and 1 will appear in
                                       the film counter.



                    P.---,                           flu

                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_itl

o lf you move the main switch to ON before you load film, do not touch the
grip sensor during the above procedures because ASZ may activate.
o lf you accidentally open the back cover before you rewind the film, quickly
shut the back. The counter will reset to 1. Some of the pictures you have
already taken will be ruined or will be discolored along the edges.





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(Film)

Automatic Rewind
        +                 \r,     P.                                       '--.lJ            llt
After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically rewind
the film. With a fresh battery,  it takes about 18 sec. to rewind a 36-exposure
 rolf, or 12 sec. lor a 24-exposure  roll.

When the film has been completely rewound, the motor will stop and the film-
cartridge mark in the data panel will blink to indicate that  it is safe to open the
back cover.

Manual Start of Rewind
                                 To begin rewind at any time, gently
                                       press the film rewind button on the
                                      bottom of the camera body.

                             o  lf the motor stops before the film is
                                      completely rewound, insert a fresh
                                              battery.





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    SIMPLE OPERATION
        - THE BASICS



This brief section is intended to help you get started using your new camera.  lt
explains the simplest method of operation-with programmed autoexposure
and autofocus. Details on each of the camera's functions begins on p.26 in
the section entitled "Operation in Detail".





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HOLDING THE CAMERA





 Hold the grip firmly in your right hand and use your left hand to support the
camera or lens. Keep your elbows securely against your sides when shooting
both horizontal and vertical pictures. Press the shutter-release button gently
 in a single, steady motion-never with a quick jab. Always keep the camera
strap around your neck or wound around one wrist.
. When you pick up the camera, make sure you touch the grip sensor.
Otherwise, Eye-Start will not function.
. Do not touch the focusing ring of an AF lens or the end of the lens barrel of
an xi-Series Autozoom lens or AF Power Zoom lens.





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MAIN SWITCH/EYESTART            www.butkus.us





When you move the main switch to ON, the data panel and grip Sensor ac-
tivate. When you then touch the grip sensor, the eyepiece Sensor is acti-
vated. This sensor then immediately activates autofocus and autoexposure
when it detects an object near the viewfinder.  lf you are using an xi-Series
Autozoom lens, auto stand-by zoom (ASZ) is also activated by Eye-Start arrd
the lens will zoom automatically. By the time you frame your subject, there-
fore, the camera has performed many of its set-up operations and is ready to
make an exposure. The eyepiece sensor also turns autofocus and auto-
exposure off 4 sec. after it no longer detects an object near the viewfinder.
o lf you do not touch the grip Sensor or if you are wearing gloves, you must
 activate autofocus and autoexposure by pressing the shutter-release button
 partway down. ASZ will not function in this case'
o  lf you wear sunglasses which absorb infrared light, Eye-Start may not func-
 tion.





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