Film cameras
Minolta Maxxum STsiMinolta Dynax 404si User manual
User manual for Minolta Maxxum STsiMinolta Dynax 404si. 85 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Maxxum STsiMinolta Dynax 404si
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 85
- File size
- 10.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
This manual has been designed to help you understand the s.. operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing *r4l yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the camera in Full-Auto mode. Move on to Level ll and the Subject Program modes when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera. When you are ready for full control, move on to Level lll and the ASM exposure modes. The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced before March, 1999. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta Service facility to obtain compatibility information for products released after this date. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow- I ing 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 responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equip- ment 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 installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communi- cations. 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 mea- SUTES: . Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. . Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. . Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. . Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This Class B digital apparatus conplies with Canadian ICES-003.View original page 3
Page 4 · Read text
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USEwww.butkus.us
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before
using this product.
wnRNING A
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
. Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
. Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.
. Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.
. Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
. Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages.
:: . Tape over lithium battery contacts before disposal.
Follow local regulations for battery disposal.
Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near
young children.
Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from
young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is
swallowed.
lmmediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if...
. the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the
interior is exposed
. the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage
circuit inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta
Service Facility when repairs are required.
Donot|ookdirect|yatthesunthroughthevievyfinder.
cAUTIoN A
Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may
occur if sunlight comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace
the lens cap when the product is not being used.
1View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
TABLE OF CONTENTS www.butkus.us
A-MODE - Aperture Priority ..................39 A-mode flash ......4O
Aperture control .................41
S-MODE - Shutter Priority .....42 S-mode flash ......49
Shutter control ....44
.................45 M-MODE - Manual Metering in manual mode ..................46
M-mode flash ......47
TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (bulb)............ .........48
FOCUS
Manual Focus .....51 AF llluminator ....:... ............52
EXPOSURE
B Segment Metering ..........53 Spot Metering .....54
Exposure Compensation ..55 Setting the ISO Manually..56
Bracketing ...........57 Multiple Exposure ..............58
FLASH
Slow Sync..........................61 Wireless/Remote Flash ....62
FOR OWNERS OF THE DATE MODEL
Exposing the Date/Ti4e ....67 Setting the Date/Time........68
Replacing the Battery........69 Changing camera functions 70
Program Reset Button ......71 Accessories ......... .............72
Exposure Warnings ..........75 Trouble Shooting................76
Care and Storage ..............78 Specifications .....80View original page 6Page 9 · Read text
Data Panel
Flash-mode indicators Manual-focus ind
Red-eye reduction indicator
Shutter-speed/l SO display
M ultiple-exposure indicator
Aperture/Exposure-
Exposure-mode i ndicators compensation display
Exposure-compensation
indicator
Subject-program
Subject-program indicators
Self-timer indicator
Battery-condition indicator
Wireless flash indicator
Drive mode indicator
Cartridge mark
Film transport signal
Frame counter/M ultiple-exposu re
displayView original page 9Page 13 · Read text
I LEVEL
This section provides the information necessary to operate your
camera in most photographic situations.
This section covers:
o Battery Installation
. Attaching and Removing the Lens
. Loading the Film
. Camera Handling
. Fully Automatic Camera Operation
. Special Focus Situations
. Basic Flash Operation :
. Rewinding the Film
Once you fully understand the instructions in this section, proceed to
Level ll, Level lll, and Additional Features to obtain more enjoyment
from your camera. ...;i .,.1, i
10View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
Installinq the Batteries
Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for
all camera operations.
1. Using a coin or similar
object, turn the battery-
chamber lock to OPEN, then
open the battery-chamber
door.
2, lnsert the batteries as
indicated by the + and -
marks.
3. Close the battery-chamber
door, then turn the battery-
chamber lock to GLOSE.
. Setting the camera down with the battery-
chamber door open may damage the
camera.
12View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
BATTERIES www.butkus.us
Eachtimethemainswitchisset.ooffibo|appearsin
the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries.
Full-battery symbol
Power is sufficient for all camera
operations. P . {Z will only appear for five seconds. ,t AUTo jEz " O-- |
Blinking low-battery symbol
Power is extremely low. All functions
are operational, but the batteries will
need to be replaced soon. Flash Ptr / r- recycling time 4U-o---r# may be slow. o=:d
Blinking low-battery symbot
appears alone and the shutter
locks.
Power is insufficient for camera \/
operation. Replace the batteries. -d-z-
No display
Power is too low for the camera to
operate. Replace the batteries or make
sure they have been inserted correcily.
13View original page 16Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Removing the Lens
1. Press the lens release and
turn the lens counter-
clockwise until it stops.
2. Gently remove the lens and
replace caps, or attach
another lens.
Gaution
. Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.
. Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens
contacts and mifror.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
_: TgTITgIIIry _:
Check the film window before loading film. lf film is loaded, do not
open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 28 tor
instructions on removing a partially exposed roll.
. Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film.
. Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.
. lf DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film
speed).
. lf non DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the previous roll's ISO
setting. Refer to page 56 to set the film speed manually.
. Do not use infrared film in this camera. The camera's frame counter sensor will
fog infrared film.
1. Slide the back-cover release
down to open the back cover.
2. Insert a film cartridge into the
film chamber.
The shutter curtain's precision design
makes it extremely sensitive to
pressure. Never touch it with your
fingers or the film tip.
16View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
LOADING FILM www.butkus.us
Extend the leader between the
guide rails to the index mark.
lf the film tip extends beyond the index
mark, push the excess film back into the
cartridge.ffiW
4. Close the back cover.
a The camera automatically advances the
film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the
frame counter.
The ISO is displayed in the data panel for 5
seconds after loading.
l-l . blinks in the frame counter and the -l{
the film is loaded Enri shutter locks when incorrectly. Open the back cover and repeat l-, Q-,J-! steps 2 - 4.
lf film is loaded with the power off...
The film's ISO and o--j appear in the data panel for approx. five
seconds to indicate successful loading, then the camera shuts
down.
r lf the film did not load, wirr blink in the data panel before the camera -i-]
shuts down. Reload the film.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
HANDLING THE CAMERA
Holding the Camera
Grip the camera firmly with your
right hand, while supporting the
lens with your left. Keep your
elbows at your side and your feet
shoulder-width apart to hold the
camera steady. Keep the camera
strap around your neck or wrist in
the event you accidentally drop
the camera.
. Do not touch the end of the lens
barrel while taking a picture.
. Use a tripod when using slow
shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
Pressing the Shutter-Release Button
Press the shutter-release button partway
down to activate the camera's autofocus and
auto-exposu re systems.
Gently press the shutter-release button all the way
down to take the picture.
18View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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x
\
\
FULLY.AUTO MATIC
OPERATI ON
Full-Auto is the camera's standard operating mode and is
suited for use in almost any situation. When selected, the
camera sets the focus and exposure automatically and fires
the built-in flash when necessary. Use Full-Auto when you
are just starting out or when you are shooting under
conditions that would require you to constantly adjust the
focus and/or exposure.View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
TAKING PICTURES FULL-AUTOwww.butkus.us
Press the shutter-release
button all the way down to
take the picture.
ln low-light conditions, the AF illuminator
(flash) will fire to determine focus distance.
Use focus hold (p23) if your subject is
outside the focus frame.
Focus Signals
The following signals appear in the
viewfinder to indicate the focus
status when the shutter release
button is pressed partway down.
is
O I focus is confirmed
continuous autofocus - Focus is confirmed (O) |
Continuous autofocus * Lens focusing 17 \ | Shutter is locked \ lf X
Focus cannot be confirmed - Shutter is locked.
Subject is too close or is one of the special focus )oi situations described on page 22.
21View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS
The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those
described below. When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p23)
or manual focus (p51). See page 21 lor an explanation of the focus
signals.
lf the subject within the focus frame is
very bright, or low in contrast.
lf two subjects at different distances
overlap in the focus frame.
lf a subject composed of alternating light
and dark lines completely fills the focus
frame.
lf your subject is near a very bright
object or area.
22View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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Use focus hold when your subject is
outside the focus frame or when
autofocus is difficult to confirm.
Focus hold cannot be used for moving subiects.
1. Genter your subject in the
focus frame, then press the
shutter-release button
partway down.
I appears in the viewfinder when the
focus is confirmed.
Focus hold also locks the exposure
settings.
ffi
2, Continue to hold the shutter-
release button partway down
while you compose your
picture.
3. Press the shutter-release
button the rest of the waY
down to take the picture.
. Remove your finger from the shutter-
release button to cancel focus hold.View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
USING THE BUILT.IN FLASH
In Full-Auto mode (P), the buift-in flash pops-up automatically when
the shutter release button is pressed partway down in lowlight
situation. Once the flash is up, it will fire when necessary.
. The shutter will not release until the flash is charged.
. Select flash cancel 1@; wnen you don't want the flash to fire.
. Pressing the program-reset button (P) resets the flash to autoflash mode.
Do not use the built-in flash with focal tengths shorter
than 28mm. The built-in flash cannot cover focal
lengths wider than 29mm.
Lens Shadowing
Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the
output from the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semi-
circular shaded area at the bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of
your image.
. Remove the lens hood before using the builtin flash.
. Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths.
AF Zoom 28-7Omm tl2.8c
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G
AF Zoom 20-35mm t13.5-4.5
AF Zoom 28-135mm tl4-4.5
AF Zoom 28-85mm t/3.5-4.5 '/
AF Zoom 35-80mm tl4-5.6
. The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses:
AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele)
AF 600mm f/4 (APO tele)View original page 27Page 29 · Read text
Fill Flash
Use fill flash when taking pictures under fluorescent lighting or to
eliminate harsh shadows. when set, the flash will fire every time a
picture is taken. The TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure
correct exposure.
Press the flash-mode button and
turn the control dial until I
appears in the data panel.
. Make sure your subject is within the flash
range specified in the table on page 25.
. Press the flash-mode button and turn the
control dial until ofio appears to return to
autoflash mode.
. For quick shots, hold the flash-mode button
down when pressing the shutter-release
' button to fire the fill flash.
Flash Gancel
Use flash cancel when photographing twilight scenes or to capture
the ambiance of existing light.
Press the flash-mode button and
turn the control dial until €t
appears in the data panel.
. Press the flash-mode button and turn the
control dial until oulo appears to return to
autoflash mode.
The shutter speed may be slow.
Use of a tripod is recommended.
26View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
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Red-Eye Reduction
Light reflecting from your subject's eyes may produce the effect
known as red-eye. Use the built-in flash's red-eye-reduction mode to
produce more natural looking photographs by reducing the red-eye
effect.
1. Turn the function dial to @.
2. Press the function button and
turn the control dial until @
and ON appear in the data
panel.
. Warn your subject that the flash will fire a
few short flash bursts just before the
picture is taken.
Gancelling Red-eye Reduction
Turn the function dial to @,
then press the function button
and turn the control dial until
OFF appear in the data @ anO
panel.
27
LView original page 30Page 31 · Read text
Automatic Rewind
After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically
rewind the film. When the film is completely rewound, the motor will
stop and Q will blink in the data panel indicating it is safe to open
the back of the camera.
1. Wait until the film is
completely rewound.
ff will appear anO @ will blink in the data
panel. foai:i
2. Slide the back-cover release
down to open the back cover.
3. Remove the film, then close
the back cover.
Manual Rewind
Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the current roll is
finished.
1. Press the manual-rewind
button.
2. Follow steps 1-3 from
Automatic Rewind.
28View original page 31Page 32 · Read text
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LEVEL II
Now that you are comfortable with the operation of the
camera, take more control of the creative process by
telling the camera what kind of picture you want to take.
The subject program modes let you take more control
without leaving the program exposure mode. In each of the
subject program modes, the camera will automatically set the
best possible shutter speed and aperture for the type of picture
you are taking.
This section also lets you explore the use of the Self-timer and
Continuous Advance modes.
Subject Program Selection Page
Portrait Mode 30
Landscape Mode 31
Close-Up Mode 32
Sports Mode 33
Night Portrait Mode 34
Photographing Night Scenes 35
Drive Mode Page
Self Timer 36
Continuous Advance 37
Each of these functions can be explored independenily after Level I
has been mastered.
Press the program-reset button to return the camera to Full-Auto operation. 'View original page 32From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.