Film cameras
Minolta X-1 User manual
User manual for Minolta X-1. 68 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 X-1
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 68
- File size
- 4.3 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
Your Minolta X-1 is a wide-scope electronic system
camera that accepts all Minolta SLR lensesand acces-
soriesas well as X-1 interchangeablef indersand focusing
screens.lt is engineeredand built to give you greatest
precision;easiest,most convenientoperation;and maxi-
mum versatility. lt gives full information and offers
complete control of all camera exposure variables.ln
automatic operation, the X-1 will adjust exposurewith
utmost accuracy electronically, freeing you for more
enjoyment or greatercreativity.
Before using your camerafor the f irst time, study this
manual carefullyall the way through - or at leastall the
sections'neededto cover your own photographic needs.
As you read, assemblethe screen,finder, lens,and body
as described on pages57,36, and 61, load batteries,and
handle your X-1 and acquaintyourselfwith its parts and
features. Then load it with film and proceed to actual
picture-taking. ln this way, you can take good photos
and begin to realizethe great potential of your X-1 right
from the start. Be sure to keep this manual for reference
later as necessary.
:e*&i;e{gtLView original page 4Page 7 · Read text
NAMESOF PARTS
Shutter-speed index
Sh utter-speed/function selector
Shutter-releasebutton
Long-exposure selector lever
Neck-strap lug
Self-timer lever
Auto "Senswitch"
Stopdown/lock-up button
www.butkus.usView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Scale-iI lumi nation window Back-cover release knob Rewind crank Flash contact Accessory mount Battery checker Aperture scale Lens-releasebutton Aperture ring Sync. terminal Sync. selector switch Focusing ringView original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
Mou nt - lock releasebutton
Film-plane indicator
Distance scale
lnf rared index
Depth-of-field scale
Film-speed selector
Compen sation-factor wi ndow
Auto-exposure override control
Long-exposure scale
Film-advance lever
Exposure counter
Serial number
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Finder releasebutton Finder power switch Finder eyepiece Loaded-film reminder Eyepiece shutter control Titani um shutter curtain Battery chamber Tripod socket Sprocket Fi lm-advance releasebutton Take-up spool Back cover PressureplateView original page 10
Page 11 · Read text
MINOLTAX-1 BODYSPECIFICATIONS
Type: Interchangeable-finder-type35mm single-lensreflex with electronic
focal-planeshutter '
Lens mount: Stainless-steelMinolta SLR bayonet,54o rotating angle
c(Standardoup'ns: lenses:MC Rokkor 50mm F1.7, 50mm F1.4, or 58mm F1.2) i?J,,'ili:"8:TI:?l::::i i,i:i : :f r;'::"H:i I"i:Ji"'J:l;i.
Rokkor Lenses.)
Button for depth-of-field preview and stopdown metering
Shutter: Electronicallycontrolled focal-planetype with titanium curtainsand
2 mechanicallycontrolled settings
Electronicspeeds: 16 to 1 I2OOOsec. in steps,4 to 1/2000 sec.
continuouslyvariable(with Auto Electro Finder)
Mechanicalsettings: X (1/100 sec.)and B
Curtain traversetime: 9ms
Power source: Two 1 .5v silver-oxidebatteries
(Mallory MS-76, Eveready5-76, or equivalent)
Film advancelocks when voltageis insufficient.
Viewfinder: Interchangeabletype showing93% of area appearingon f ilm (Auto Electro,
Match-Needle,Plain, High-Magnification,and Waist-LevelFindersavailable);
Type P focusingscreen(mat Fresnelfield with horizontally oriented
split-imagespot) supplied as standard, interchangeablewith 8 other
screen types
F i l m a d v a n c e : L e v e r t y p e , s i n g | e - o r m u | t i p | e - s t r o k e , 1 1 d w i n d i n g a n g l e a f t e r 2 o "
unengagedmovement; advancing-typeexposure counter resetsautomatically
when cameraback is opened.
i*ri:,i... -:'.1 r.,trr${* www.butkus.us .,:-. ": .View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Multiple exposures: Possiblewith f ilm-advancerelease
M irror: oversize, quick-return type, with lock-up device: no image cutoff even
with extreme telephotos (PO value: 140mm)
Self-timer: Lever type, operating time variable from approx. 6 to 10 sec.
Flashsync.: X contact: Electronic f lash synchronizesat "l llOO (X) and longer stepless
and step speeds,FP contact: FP bulbs synchronizeat all step speedsthrough
1l2ooo sec. includingX (1 llool; singleterminar in threadedsocket with
X/FP switch; direct contact on accessorymount for Minolta cordless
flashgunswith optional accessoryhot shoe
Other: Built-in Auto "senswitch" keepsf inder power on while camera is held in
usual operation (alternateswitch located on Auto Electro and Match_Needle
Finders); battery checker on end of body;accessory mount (with direct flash
contact) on body around back-releaseknob; loaded film reminder on bottom
Dimensions: 84 x 147.5 x 48mm (3-Sl1G" x 6" x 1-15116,,)without tens
Weight: 67Og 123-9116oz.l without tens
I Interchangeablelensesand accessoriescommon to sR-T 101, etc.
,.ra*s.,-* *!;!r,ls-*sIdView original page 12Page 15 · Read text
BATTERIES AND POWER
t 2 Two 1.S-volt silver-oxide batteries, Mallory
MS-76 or Eveready S-76 or equivalent, supply
the power f or controlling electronic shutter
speeds and for meter and electronic exposure
control when applicable.
I M P O R T A N T :
Should viewing become impossible because
the mirror of your X-l remains up after the
shutter is released,it does NOT mean that the
camera needs repair. The automatic electronic
features of the model cause this to happen if
you releasethe shutter 1) when battery voltage
is insufficient at an electronicsettingor 2) when
current is off on automatic mode or when no
finder is installed.To restoreviewing and usual
function,see page 16 in case 1l or page 27 in
case2).
www.butkus.us ,View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
lnstallingBatteries 2. Handling them only by the edges,insert two 1 3 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the of the specified batteries plus (+) side out battery chamber cover until the dot on it is into the sleeveon the inside of the cover. lf aligned with "O" on the camera base plate batteries are inserted improperly, they will and remove the cover. not make contact, and no current wi ll flow.View original page 16
Page 18 · Read text
With either of these f inders, however, turning 1 5
the finder power switch to the "ON" position
will override the Auto Senswitch and keep
Switching Power On and Off power on even though it is not being touched.
With the Auto Electro F inder, power f or (The finder power switch should be used for
metering and electronic exposure control will be unmanned auto exposure, tripod shooting, or
on whenever the Auto Senswitch is being when the camera is not held as normal. Some
touched. may wish to keep it on whenever they are using
Similarly, with the Match-Needle Finder, the camera.)
meter power will be on when the Auto Sen- With non-metering f inders, it is unnecessary
switch is being touched and off when it is not, to turn power on and off . The camera will use
provided the f inder power switch is in the power only when the electronic shutter is
"OFF" position. released.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
LOADINGAND ADVANCINGFILM
1 6 Auto Film-Advance Lock
Your X-l camerais equippedwith a deviceto
lock the f ilm-advancelever and to warn you and
prevent much waste f ilm in casebattery voltage
becomes insufficient while the shutter-speed
selectordial is at an electronicsetting (i.e., any
one other than "8" or "X").
lf f ilm has not been advanced when voltage
falls too low, it will be possibleto advancefilm 1. Pull out on the back-coverreleaseknob until
once and releasethe shutter once. lf f ilm has the camera back springsopen.
been advanced, it will also be possibleto release
the shutter once. In either case, however, the
film will receive no exposure, and the mirror
will stay up so that viewing is impossible
thereafter.At the same time, the film advance
lever will lock and cannot be operated f urther.
Inserting batteries having sufficient voltage
will restore normal operation immediately.For
mechanical operation at "X" or "8" settings
without serviceablebatteries,see instructionson
page55.
Space for two extra batteries is provided in the
shoulder pad of the camera strap.
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L 7 2. Leaving the knob pulled out, position a film cartridge in the chamber with the projecting spool end toward the bottom of the camera. 3. lnsert the end of the film leader into one of Then push the back-coverreleaseknob all the the slots in the take-up spool so that the way iD, rotating it slightly to do so if tooth is engagedin the fourth or fifth sproket necessary. hole from the end.View original page 20
Page 21 · Read text
1 8
5. Pressdown f irmly on the f ilm with the f ingers
between the sprocket holes and one edge of
4. Operate the film-advancelever in severalshort the film so that it cannot move. While doing
strokes until the f ilm has begun to wind this, take up any slack in the cartridge by
f irmly around the take-up spool and the folding out the rewind crank and turning it in
sprocket teeth are engaged with the holes on the direction of the arrow until resistanceis
both edges of the film. lf the advance lever felt.
locks at the end of a full stroke during this 6. Close the camera back and push in on it until
procedure, releasethe shutter and continue. it clicks locked.
www.butkus.usView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
7. While watching the rewind crank, releasethe C A U T I O N :
shutter and advance film until the index Film should be handled and loading done in 1 9
points to "1" on the exposurecounter dial. subdued light - at least shaded from direct
Rotation of the crank during the full stroke sunlightby the body.
in the direction opposite that of the arrow
indicatesthat the f ilm is advancingproperly.
lf the crank rotates during only a small part
of the stroke or not at all, make sure of
proper f ilm loading and alignment by repeat_
ing steps from 3 above onward.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
20 Loaded-FilmReminder Film-Advance Lever and Exposure Counter
The dial on the bottom of the camera may be Film is advanced,the shutter cocked,and the
turned so that one of its symbols is alignedwith exposure counter advanced by operating the
one of the numbered dots beside it to serveas a film-advance lever in one or more strokes
reminder that a cartridge of. 12, 20, or 36 through its 11Ooengagedangle until it springs
exposuresof black-and-white,color negative,or back. The f ilm-advancelever has 20" unengaged
daylight- or tungsten-type color reversalfilm is play before the beginning of its engagedstroke
loaded in the camera. to allow offsetting it from the body so that the
right thumb will f it comfortably behind it.
lf the f ilm-advance lever remains locked
between exposureseven though the shutter has
been released,battery voltage is insuff icient for
electronic operation (see P. 16). lf the advance
lever stops in mid-stroke and resists further
movement, film is exhausted.The f ilm-advance
lever should never be forced when it locks or
cannot be operatednormally.
The exposure counter is of the advancing
type and is numbered to 40, past which point it
will not move regardless of the number of
exposures made. This exposure counter auto-
matically resets f or f ilm loading when the
camera back is opened.
www.butkus.usView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
METERINGWITH CLC
(,,Contrast Minolta's exclusive CLC Light Stopdown metering is used for other Rokkor 2 L Compensator") metering system employs two Lenses.
CdS cells mounted on the pentaprism to take The metering method is changedby means of
separate,overlapping light readings.These cells the stopdown/lock-up button. This has two
are wired so that the reading of each affects that positions: Inner for full-aperturemetering and
of the other to automatically yield optimum outer for stopdown metering (or depth-of_field
exposure in both normal and most high_contrast preview). Pushingthe button once will set it at
lighting situations. For best results, the photo_ one of thesepositions;pushingit againwill set it
graphershould thus generally not make compen_ at the other.
satory adj ustment for such differences. One Though the CLC system and f inder are
exception is that the lens should generally be designed to minimize the effect on the meter of
stopped down from % to 1 F-stop if the most light entering through the eyepieceunder usual
important subject area is much brighter than the conditions, care must be exercised to prevent
rest of the picture (e.g.,is in a spotlight or shaft this especially if you wear eyeglasses.Use of a
of sunlight). Some photographersalso prefer to rubber finder eyecup is further recommended
open a half to a full stop with a backlighted when the subject is in shadeand the camera is in
subject or one whose most important area is con_ sunlight,when bright sidelightfalls betweeneye
siderablydarker than the area surroundingit. and eyepiece, or when stop-down metering is
With MC Rokkor Lenses,metering is done at used, particularly at small apertures. When
full aperture,for greatestsensitivityand accura_ viewing is unnecessary,the eyepieceshutter (see
cy. The viewfinder thus remains at maximum page 28) can be used to completely eliminate
brightness for utmost ease of composing and this problem.
focusing, and the automatic diaphragm closes
down to the presetaperture only at the moment
of exposure.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
EXPOSUR E.CONTROL F UNDAMENTALS
22 The two c6rnera exposure-control settings are shutter speed (e.9., 1160 sec.) allows light to
lens opening (aperture) and shutter speed. The strike the f ilm twice as long as the next higher
size of the aperture determines the amount or speed ('l1125l-and half as long as the next lower
volume of light reachingthe film from a given one ( 1/30) . Total exposure on the f ilm is
subject and lighting. The shutter speed deter- determined by the combination of aperture and
mines the length of time this light acts upon the speed. Other things being equal, using the next
film. Apertures are expressed in F-numbers, smaller F-number will balance using the next
which are larger for small openings and vice higher shutter speed,and so on. A great range of
versa(e.9., F16 representsa small opening,F2 a combinations (e.9., F5.6 at 'll3O, F4 at 1160,
large one). Shutter speeds are expressed in F2.8 at 11125, F2 at 11250,etc.l will thus yield
seconds or f ractions thereof , which are the the same total exposure. The specific combina-
reciprocalsof the numbers on the shutter-speed tion you choose under given lighting conditions
scales.At usual apertures,each F-number setting will depend upon how much you want the
(e.g.,F8) lets in twice as much light as the next greater depth of field (see p. 34l. of smaller
numerically larger one (F1 1) and half as much apertures and the greater movement-blur pre-
as the next smaller (F5.6). Similarly, each venting ability of faster speeds.
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A. AUTOMATICEXPOSURECONTROL
25
Automatic Operation
1. Turn the shutter-speed/functionselectordial
to align "AUTO" with the index. The speed/_ 2.Turn on power by touching and keepingyour
f unction bar will move to "A,, on the scalein hand on the Auto "Senswitch" or using the
the finder. switch on the f inder.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
\
26 3. Set the desired lens opening by turning the 4. lt is then only necessaryto focus, compose
aperture ring on the lens barrel. The F- your picture,and releasethe shutter.
number set will appear above the f rame in the 5. The accurate rbnge of shutter operation on
finder, and the shutter speed indicated by the automatic mode is 1|2OOOto 4 sec. 1/2000 is
needle at the right of frame will vary auto- indicated by the upper end of theindented
matically and steplessly to give proper ex- area on the left side of the finder scale. For
posure for the aperture and other settings exposureslonger than 1 sec., the needlewill
with the light being metered. move progressivelyfarther outside the indent-
ed area down to a point between "8" and
"X." To determine whether the speed is
longer than 4 sec., depressthe auto-exposure
override control radially and move it as far as
it will go to the left. lf the finder scaleneedle
moves back to the f igure "1" or higherwhen
this is done, the speed is within 4 sec. lf the
needle remains outside the indented area at
any point below "1 ," the exposure set is
longer than 4 sec.
Whenever a speed outside the proper auto-
exposure range is indicated,adjust the aper-
ture or other conditions to yield a speed
w i t h i n i t .
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N O T E : E x p o s u r e W a r n i n g S i g n a l 27
lf the shutter release button is pushed while Red blinking of the exposure warning signal
power is off (i.e., when the Auto Senswitch is below the scale in the finder indicates that light
not being touched or ihe finder switch is not level has fallen below the lower limit of the
on) with the camera on automatic mode, the meter's accurate sensitivity range on either
mirror will stay up and the shutter will remain automatic or match-needle/manualmode.
open temporarily. Turning the shutter-speed Whenever this signal is blinking, exposure set
selector dial to "X" will return the mirror to its is not correct even if the shutter speed indicated
lower position and close the shutter at once. by the needle falls within the acceptable range
Even if this is not done, the electronic circuitry for automatic operation. lt is thus important
will reset the mirror and shutter automatically that exposure conditions be adjusted until the
after about 30 sec. Toward not spoiling adjacent signal goes out.
frames under certain conditions, however, it is Due to the characteristics of CdS under
advisable to reset the camera as puickly as certain conditions, there may be an interval
possible. between the time the range is exceeded and the
onset of blinking.View original page 30From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.