Film cameras
Minolta SR-T 303 User manual
User manual for Minolta SR-T 303. 44 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 SR-T 303
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 44
- File size
- 10.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
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Your Minolta SR-T 303 is designed and built to give
you greater speed and ease of operation and handling.
Both F-number and shutter speed set are visible in the
viewf inder. A new-type "micro-split" f inder screen aids
rapid, accurate focusing. Besides the recognized advan-
tages of full-aperture, through-the-lens metering, this
camera features the exclusive Minolta CLC ("Contrast
Light Compensator") system f or most satisf actory
exposure in virtually all lighting situations.
In addition to this better exposure-metering and
viewing system, the Minolta SR-T 303 has features that
make it handle easier and more responsively.
Mu ltiple exposu re capab ility and a direct-contact "hot
shoe" are among the other advanced features of this new
camera.
Before using your SR-T 303 for the first time, read
this manual carefully all the way through - or at least allthe sections needed to cover your own photographic
requirements. In this way, you can take good pictures and
begin to realize the full potential of your Minolta right
from the start.View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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CONTENTS
NAMESOFPARTS ......2 Lens aperture controls
MAJOR FEATURES .... 4 depth of field ........25
SPECIFTCAT|ONS ...... 5 Depth-of -f ield table of MC Rokkor
50mm F1.4and F1.7 tens (in feet) .......27
PR EPARATIONS BE FORE TAKING PICTURES Depth-of -f ield table of MC Rokkor
f nserting the mercury battery ........7 50mm F1.4 and F1.7 lens (in meters) . .. . . 2g
Checkingthebatterypower ......... 9 Depth-of-field table of MC Rokkor
Loading film . ... 10 58mm F1.2lens (in feet) . . . .29
Setting the ASA number (f ilm speed) . . . . . . 14 Depth-of-f ield table of MC Rokkor
ASA/DIN converting scale . ... 14 58mmF1.2lens(inmeters) .......30
Checking the effects of depth of f ield . . . . . 31
TAKING PICTURES Self-timer .......32
TTL with CLC: A new exposure Infrared index . ........33
measuringsystem ....15 Film plane index ...... 33
Settingthecorrectexposure ........ 16 MULTIPLE EXPOSURES .... ....... 34
Shutterspeed and aperturesettings ........ 1B UNLOAD|NG EXPOSED FtLM ..... 34
Focusing the camera ...20 CHANGING LENSES ... 36
Holding the camera . ...21
USING OTHER THAN MC
TAKING FLASH PICTURES ...,.. , ,22 (METER.COUPLED) LENSES
Att'aching flash unit ... .23 Auto Rokkor Lenses . . .38
Settingcorrectexposure .....24 Manual presetRokkorLenses ....... 39
MORE ADVANCED GI.'IDES CARE AND STORAGE
Depth of f ieldView original page 3Page 6 · Read text
Rewind shaft Film cartridge chamber Finder eyepiece Battery svvitch Focal plane shutter Tripod socket Sprocket Battery chamber cover F ilm-advance release button Film take-up spool Film pressure plateView original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
MAJOR FEATURES OF THE MINOLTA SR.T 303
1. Better Through-the-Lens Exposure System 3. Multiple-Exposure Capability
a) Exposure readings are taken with the lens at Creative possibilities are greatly expanded
full aperture for greatest metering accuracy by the 303's ability to make multiple
and best viewing and focusing. exposures simply and positively.
b) Since only the light to strike the film is
measured, there is no need to compensate for 4. Direct-Contact "Hot Shoe"
filters, greater-than-normal lens extension, This accepts either cordless units or conven-
etc. tional ones with cords.
c) The exclusive CLC metering system combines
advantages of spot and averaging types to 5. World-Renowned Rokkor Lenses
yeild optimum exposure even in high- MC Rokkor Lenses permit f ull-aperture TTL
contrast I ighting situations. operation, while any other interchangeable
Rokkor ever made can be used with the
2. " lnlormation-Center" Viewf inder stop-down method. Either way you benefit
a) Meter and follower needles in the viewf inder from top Rokkor quality, computer design,
show correct exposure setting at a glance. and exclusive Achromatic coating.
b) Both shutter speed and F-number set are
visible without taking your eye from the 6. Complete System Accessories
fi nder. A full line of quality Minolta and adapted
c) Focusing virtually any kind of subject is Leitz accessories makes for maximum versa-
facilitated by the new focusing aid that tility with the 303.
employs a split-image spot and a microprism
band.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MINOLTA SR-T 303
-35 mm sin gle-lens-reflex ca mera with through-t he-lens exposure meteri ng-
standard lens MC Rokkor 50mm F 1.4 (F 1 .7 or 58mm F 1 .2) equipped with meter coupler
Composition: 7 elements in 5 groups
Coating: Achromatic coating
Angle of iver: 47o with Somm lens (41o with S8mm lens)
Diaphragm: Fully automatic
Diaphragmscale: {.1.2l-,1.4,1'1.7l-,2,2.8,4,5.6,8,11,16withequa|-spaceandintermediateclick F-stops
Filter/shade mount: @SSmm,screw-in
Lens mount: Minolta bayonet mount
Shutter Focal-plane type
Speeds: 8,1,112,114,118,1115,113O,1|ffi,11125,11250,U500,and1/1000sec.
Selector dial: Single, non-spinning, equal-space, click stop dial
Sync. terminal: Single terminal with X/FP selector switch
Self-timer: Time adjustable, 10 sec. maximum delay
Film advance Lever type, quick advance winding with shutter cocking and double exposure prevention
Winding method: Single-or multi ple*troke, with 2Oo lree clearance
Winding angle: 150"
Frame counter: Automatic resetti ng counter showi ng number of exposed f rames
Film rewinding: Rapid rewinding with crank
Frame size: 36 x 24mm
Fif m: Standard 35mm film,12,2Q, or 36 exposuresView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Viewfinder Real-image type through fi xed, eye-level pentaprism; exposure-control needles (follower system),
battery check mark, shutter speed scale, and F-number visible in finder
Focusing screen: Mat Fresnel with a Q2.smm central horizontally oriented split-image spot surrounded
by a microprism band 1.Smm wide
Exposure meter Through-the-lens metering system
Exposure meter: Contrast light compensator (CLC) with two CdS cells on the pentaprism
Measurement: Measuring at full aperture coupled to shutter speed, aperture and f ilm speed setting
Control: Follower-needle system viewed in the f inder
Working range: EV 3 to EV 17 with ASA 100 film
Diaphragm button: Depth-of-f ield preview button for MC Rokkor Lenses;measuring (stopdownl button for
other than MC Rokkor lenses
39Film speed range: ASA 6 - 6400, DIN I -ASA setting: On sh u tter speed dial; bu ilt-in ASA/D I N conversion scale on camera back
Battery: 1.35v mercury battery, Mallory PX-625 or equivalent
Switch: ON , O F F, and battery check switch on base of camera
Focusing Bright-screen with micro-split and fi ne ground glass
Focusing distance: 50cm (1.75 ft.) to inf inity
Focusing method: Direct helicoid focusing with infrared index
Mirror Oversize quick-return mirror
Others Built-in accessory hot shoe
Size and weight Body only
Width 145mm 15-314"1; Depth 47.Smm{.1-718"1;Height95mm (3-314"1;71O9(25oz.l
(Rtt illustrations in this manual are with the F1.4 standard lens. There is, however, no
fundamental difference in use between this and the other interchangeable MC Rokkor Lenses.)View original page 9Page 11 · Read text
CAUTION: . Do not touch the batterv terminals with moist or dirty hands, as this can cause them to deteriorate and make the battery inoperative. . Do not discard a mercury battery in a fire or break it up. o When the camera is not being used, it is advisable to turn the battery switch on the base of the camera to the "OFF" position, . lf the camera is not to be used for over a month. remove the battery and store it in a dry, cool place. o Before putting the battery back in the camera, clean both sides of the battery and the contact lead of the battery chamber with dry cloth.View original page 11
Page 12 · Read text
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Checking the battery power
The battery checker is designed to check the 2. lf the indicator needle points to the battery
output of the mercury battery. By taking a few check mark as shown in the picture, the
seconds to check battery output before starting battery can be regarded as functioning
each new roll of f ilm, and particulary when using properly.
the camera af ter it has been stored for an
extended period of time or a new battery has CAUTION:
been inserted, you can avoid poor exposure due o Do nol leave switch settirrg at battefy check
to insufficient electric power. position as the continuous higlr battery drain
1. Turn the battery switch on the base of the will cause the battery to go "deac.l" in a few
camera to the "B.C." position. horr rs.
rF6rFView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
10 Loading f ilm
1. Raise the back cover release knob
(which also incorporates the film rewind
knob) until some resistance is felt. With a
slight additional pull, the back cover will 2. Insert the film leader into a slot in the film
automatically "pop" open. take-up spool as shown.
ff,
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4. Operate the film advance lever in several
short strokes until the film has begun to
wind firmly around the take-up drum and
3. Place thefilm cartridge into the film cartridge both sides of the film perforations are
chamber and push the back cover release securely engaged with the teeth of the
knob all the way down. (When inserting the sprocket gear. lf the film advance lever locks
film cartridge. its proiecting center drum during this procedure, press the shutter
must be placed in a downward position,) release button and then continue.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
't ')
5. Close the camera back once you are certain
that the film is winding securely on the
take-up spool and engaged with on both
sproc kets. 6. Advance the film and oress the shutter release
Rotate the film rewind crank gently in the button. Repeat this action until the number
direction of the arrow to make sure that the "l" appears at the arrow mark in the
film is flat against the pressure plate. exoosure counter window.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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13
NOTE:
o The frame counter indicates the number of
pictures taken from 1 to 36.
o The f ilm advance lever has a total "throw" of
17Oo; ol this distance, the first 209 have no
effect on the f ilm but are intended to provide
a "free play" range through which the lever
may be "offset" from the body for rapid
shooting.
o When the camera back is opened, the counter
automatically resets itself to the start (S)
position.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
14 Setting ASA number (f ilm speed)
Lift and rotate the shutter speed dial until the
figure (6 to 6400) which corresponds with the
ASA rating of your film is visible in the ASA
window.
On the ASA dial the following figures are ASA/D I N conversion scale
printed: 6 . 10 '16 .25..50..100 ..2OO "400
..800 ..1600 ..3200 ..6400. To convert DIN film speed to the corres-
The dots (.) denote ASA B, 12,20,32,40,64, ponding ASA value, use the conversion scale
80, 125,160, 250, 320, 500, 640,1000, 1300, located on the back cover of the camera. (The
2000, 2600,4000, and 5200, respectively. inner numbers are DlN.)View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us TAKING PICTURES 15 TTL with CLC: A new exposure measuring qfstem The Minolta SR-T 303 camera has a through-the-lens measuring system with CLC meter. Minolta's exclusive, revolutionary CLC "Contrast Light Compensator" promises better photographic results with multiple split expo- sure measuring system. Under normal photo-taking conditions this new system gives excellent results; under other conditions, such as in high-contrast scenes, the CLC feature prevents possible photo failures.View original page 18
Page 19 · Read text
Setting the correct exposure The shutter soeed set is indicated in the
viewfinder beneath the frame, while the F-
When aiming the camera at your subject number of the aperture set appears above the
through the viewfi nder, you wil I see the i ndicator frame.
needle moving. Once the indicator needle has
stopped moving, turn the shutter speed dial
and/or the diaphragm ring to align the follower
needle (circle-tipped needle) with the indicator
needle.
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When the proper combination of aperture CAUTION:
and shutter speed setting is made for correct o When setting the aperture f irst, be sure not to 17
exposure, the follower needle (which is coupled set the shutter speed between cl ick stops.
to the aperture, shutter speed, and ASA speed . When the shutter speed is set slower than
settings) will align with the indicator needle over 1/30th sec., be extremely careful of camera
a range of EV 3 through EV 17 at ASA 100. The motion while releasing the shutter. lt is
EV range will vary with f ilm speed. recommended that a tripod be used at speeds
It is a recommended procedure to set the of 1/3oth sec. or slower. For "Bulb" setting, a
shutter speed first (depending on the motion or cable release should also be used.
lack of motion of your subject or the overall o When using high-speed film, a shutter speed
lighting) and to then adjust the aperture. of 1l2sOth sec. is recommended for outdoor
lf the needle fails to move when the photography, and 1 /30th sec. for indoor use.
diaphragm ring is rotated, this signals a need to o When photographing a group of people or a
adjust your shutter speed setting. building requiring great depth of field, close
Since F-number and shutter-speed indi- down the diaphragm as much as possible. See
cations as wellas meter and follower needlesare the "depth of field" on page 25 for details.
continuously visible in the viewf inder, you can
make all exposure adjustments and know exactly
the settings you are making without taking the
camera away f rom your eye.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Shutter speed and aperture settings The figure of B and 1 through 100O on the
shutter speed dial respectively indicate bulb
r8 The shutter speed (the period of time during action and shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1o00th
which the shutter remains open) works in second. (At "8" the shutter will remain ooen
conjunction with the lens opening (aperture) to until pressure is removed from the release
determine the amount of light striking the film, button.)
The higher the shutter speed, the more effec- The aperture setting controls the light reach-
tively it will momentarily "stop" the action of ing the film at any given shutter speed. ln
your subject. addition, it determines the "depth of f ield." (See
To set shutter speed, simply rotate the page 25.)
shutter speed dial until the desired speed
indication is aligned with the index on the
camera bodv, or until it is centered between indicators on the shutter soeed scale in the r viewf inder.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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The lens aperture ring is engraved with passed increases. The theoretical relation be-
F-numbers from maximum aperture through tween aperture and light volume is shown in the
16. The lens opening is set by rotating this until diagram. In practice, this varies somewhat at
the desired number is aligned with the index (o large or maximum apertures, but your 19
or I l or appears above the frame in the SR-T 303 and MC Rokkor lenses have built-in
viewf inder. compensation for this to give you most satis-
When other conditions remain constant, light factory exposure.
passing through a lens generally decreases 50
percent for every full-stop increase in F-number NOTE:
(for example, when the aperture number of a fast o "Click" stops are provided for half-stop
lens is increased from F5,6 to F8. the light aperture settings. I ntermediate shutter speeds
passing to the film decreases by 5O percent). cannot be set.
As the aperture figure decreases, the light o The figure "B" on the shutter speed dial is
used when an exposure duration of over 1
r.to.Ir.z rr @ opensecondwhileis required.the shutterThereleaseshutteris depressed.will remain
o The red figure "60" on the shutter speed dialll'n"nT"t'""'vofume g 2 | t2 t{ t/8 tt6 t/32 t6a indicates the maximum shutter speed to be
used in conjunction with electronic flash.
. Since light striking the film is affected by a
combination of aperture and shutter speed,
exposure can be adjusted by changing either
or both of these settings.
. The shutter speed at which the camera is set
can be seen from the scale visible below the
frame in the viewfinder, With most lenses,
the F-number set is displayed above the
viewfield in the f inder.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Focusing the camera To focus using the split-image spot, look20
through the viewfinder and turn the focusing ring I The focusing screen of the M inolta on the lens until the upper and lower images in
SR-T 303 has a central horizontally oriented the split-image spot are exactly aligned with no I
split-image spot surrounded by a circular micro- broken lines between them.
prism band. You can choose either of these For microprism focusing, turn the ring until
focusing aids according to the subject and your the image is no longer broken up but appears
preference. clear in the microprism band.
In focus Out of focus
I
JView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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Holding the camera NOTE:
against your face, 21 I o Pressing the camera gently The camera may be held horizontally or or supporting the elbow of the hand holding
I vertically. In either case, be sure to hold the the camera against your body, will aid in
camera in a comfortable position. This will help steady holding.
to prevent movement of the camera during o The camera will tend to move more when
exposure and avoid blurred pictures. used in the vertical position.
I
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