Film cameras
Minolta X-300 User manual
User manual for Minolta X-300. 39 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-300
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 39
- File size
- 3.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Your Minolta X-300 is an easy-to-usemicrocomputerized single-lens-reflex(SLR) camera with
quartz control of mechanical sequencesand shutter speed, providing lasting accuracy and years of
enjoyment.
In its aperture-priority auto-exposure (AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera), the X-300 auto-
matically sets the precise shutter speed for correct exposure according to the in-camera meter at
the aperture you selected. An AE lock can be used to hold a meter reading and then readjust the
framing before releasingthe shutter. Auto control is maintainedeven when using mirror lensesand
close-upaccessoriessuch as bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priority AE systems.
Creative flexibility exists in the X-300's match-LED/full-metered manual mode: For correct
exposure at the metered value, simply adjust aperture and/pr shutter speed to align blinking and
glowing LEDs in the viewfinder. Or you can merely refer to these LEDs-or totally disregard
them-when making your own settings.
Flash photography is also simple: just attach a Minolta X-series Auto Electroflash,adjust
aperture, and shoot. Flash-readysignal is given in the viewfinder, and the shutter is automatically
set for proper sync at 1/60 sec.
The X-300 can be used with Minolta's wide range of accessories,such as wideangle,telephoto,
and zoom lenses,Motor Drive 1, Auto Winder G, WirelessController lR-l, and much more.
Before using lenses,flashes, or other accessoriesmade by companies other than Minolta,
attach them to the camera and make sure they function properly by taking test photographs.
www.orphancameras.com ,nt{u*
,a:ttX ..View original page 3Page 8 · Read text
STRAP AND CASE Attach the strap (provided) and case (optional) as shown. The strap includes a battery holder used for storing fresh spare batteries.View original page 8
Page 11 · Read text
PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES
ATTACHINGAND REMOVINGLENS
Body and lens caps
Remove body and lens caps as
s h o w n .
To attach To remove
Align the red mounting index on While pressing the lens-releasebut-
the lens barrel with the red index ton, turn the lenscounterclockwise 'lnsert on the camera's lens mount. as far as it will go, then lift it out of
the lens bayonet into the mount, the mount.
then turn the lensclockwiseuntil it
locks into placewith a click.
o Never set a lens with its rear end down unlessa rear lens cap is on,
or its control pins may be damaged.
o Be careful not to touch anything insidethe camera,especiallythe
mirror, when attaching or removing lenses.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
BATTERIESAND POWER
Batteries 1. Using a coin or similar object, 2. Wipe the terminalswith a clean,
Use one of the followi ng types of unscrew the battery-chamber cover dry cloth. Hold the batteries by
batteries: counterclockwiseand removeit. their edgesand insertthem plus (+)
r Two 1.55v silver-oxide (SR-44: side up into the sleeve on the
Eveready5-76, EPX-76,or equiv.) insideof the cover.
o Two 1 .5v alkaline-manganese
(LR44: Eveready,4-76or equiv.)
o O n e 3 v l i t h i u m ( C R - 1 / 3 N ) o Do not use 1.35v mercury batteries(MR44: EvereadyEPX-675 or
equiv.), which are the same shape and size, becausetheir voltage is
too low.
o To avoid battery leakage or bursting, do not mix batteries of
different types, brands,'or ages.
o Keep batteriesaway f rom young children.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
3. Replace the cover and screw it Main wvitch Operating button
in clockwise as far as it wi ll go. To operate the camera, slide the Touching the operation button
main switch to "ON". (with the main switch on) activates
When you have finished taking the camera'smeter, viewf inder LED
pictures, move the main switch to display, and exposure-control sys-
"OFF" to prevent accidental expo- tem. lf proper contact is not
sures and battery drain. (tt the possible (e.9.,when wearing gloves),
switch is left on, however, battery press the operating button slightly.
drain occurs only when the operat- The shutter is released when the
ing button is touched, so you may button is pressedall the way down.
want to leave it on to avoid missing The viewfinder LED display will
unexpectedshots.) remain on for 15 sec. after you
remove your f inger.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
C old-weather operation
Since batteries tend to lose power
as temperature drops, always use
fresh batteries when photographing
in cold weather and keep a spare set
with you, preferably in a warm
pocket close to your body. Battery
capacity will be restored when
temperature returns to normal.
For prolonged cold-weatheruse at
approx. 0"C (32"F) or lower, it Ls
Battery check recommended to use silver-oxide
The camera automatically checks batteries; if a lithium battery is
battery power when the operating used below approx. 0"C (32" F), the
button is touched or pressed. camera may not operate.
o When batteries are nearly ex-
hausted, the mode LE D l" A"
or " M") in the viewfinder blinks to
warn that fresh batteries will soon
be needed.
o When batteries are completely
exhausted (or not correctly in-
stalled), no LEDs light and the
shutter locks.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
F I L M A N D F I L M S P E E D
The camera uses standard 35mm Setting f ilm speed Memo holder
cartridgef ilm. Each f ilm has an ISO While pressing the film-speed A n I S O ( D I N . A S A ) t a b l e i s
film-speed number (incorporating ring release,turn the film-speedring located on the camera back. lt is
ASA and DIN numbers) which until the desired number lines up surrounded by a handy memo
indicates the film's sensitivity to with the index and locks in place holder where you can insert the
light. The first part of the ISO when you remove your finger from film box end as a reminder of the
number (equivalentto ASA number) the release. film type in use.
is marked on the camera's film-
speed ring.
For proper exposure, the cam- Intermediate settings and DIN equivalents
era's film-speed ring must be set to
the correct f ilm speed.
D I N ]L
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
LOADINGFILM
Before opening the camera back, 1. Unfold the rewind crank and 2. Leaving the knob pulled out,
make sure there is no film inside pull up on it to lift the back-cover position a 35mm film cartridge in
the camera by checking the Safe release knob. Pull up on the knob the chamber with its projecting
Load Signal(p. 15). until the camera back springsopen. spool down. Then push the back-
cover release knob all the way in,
rotating it slightly if necessary.
o Always handle and load film in subdued light-at least shaded
from direct light by your body.
N O T E
o When loading film in a dark place
o Do not touch any parts or areasor with the lens cap on, loading
insidethe camerashown in blue.will be easierif the mode selector is
not set at "AUTO".View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
3. Pull out just enough film leader 4. With the film held against the 5. After making sure that the film
to reach the take-up spool. Insert sprocket by your left hand, slowly is taut, close the camera back by
the end of the film into a slot on operate the fi lm-advancelever until pressingit until it locks shut with a
the left side of the take-up spool, the f ilm is wound firmly around the click. A red "S" should now appear
making sure that a hole in the film take-up spool, the sprocket teeth opposite the index in the frame
is lined up with the tooth on the are engaged with holes on both cou nter.
take-up spool. The sprocket teeth edges of the film, and the slack in
should be engagedwith holesat the the film is taken up. lf the film-
bottom of the film. advance lever stops at the end of a
full stroke during this procedure,
release the shutter and continue
(main switch must be on).
1 4
www.orphancameras.comView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
3. Pull out just enough f ilm leader 4. With the film held agairist the 5. After making sure that the film
to reach the take-up spool. Insert sprocket by your left hand, slowly is taut, close the camera back by
the end of the film into a slot on operate the film-advance lever until pressingit until it locks shut with a
the left side of the take-up spool, the f ilm is wound firmly around the click. A red "S" should now appear
making sure that a hole in the film take-up spool, the sprocket teeth opposite the index in the frame
is lined up with the tooth on the are engaged with holes on both cou nter.
take-up spool. The sprocket teeth edges of the film, and the slack in
should be engagedwith holes at the the film is taken up. lf the film-
bottom of the film. advance lever stops at the end of a
f u ll stro ke du ring th is procedure,
release the shutter and continue
(main switch must be on).View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
6. Advance the f ilm and releasethe Film-advancelever Safe Load Signal/Frame counter
shutter until the index points to The lever has 30" of unengaged As you take pictures and advance
"1". A red bar should appearat the movement to allow swingingit out the film . the r ed bar in the Safe
f ar left in the Safe Load Signal from the camera body so the right Load Signal gr adually m oves to the
indicating that film is loaded and thumb will fit comfortably behind r ight and the r ewind cr ank r otates
advancing proper,ly. lf it does not it. As the lever is moved an addi- counter clockwise, i ndicating pr oper
appear or swings far to the right, tional 130' until it stops, the f ilm film advance.
repeat steps 3 to 6. and frame counter advanceand the Never f orce the f ilm-advance
shutter is cocked for the next lever when it stops and resists
The camera is now ready for taki ng exposure. fur ther m ovem ent at the end of the
the f irst pictu re, provided f ilm f ilm , which m ay be som ewhat
speed is set. af ter the com m on f ilm lengths
n2, 20, 24, 36 exposur es) shown in
r ed in the f r am e counter . T he fr am e
counter stops advancing after 36
exposu res. 1 5
www.orphancameras.comView original page 19Page 22 · Read text
TAKING PICTURESIN AUTO MODE
CAMERA SETTINGS
In aperture-priority auto mode, blurred pictu res due to camera
all you need to do is set the desired movement. To correct, turn the
aperture-the camera will automati- aperture ring toward the largest
cally select the shutter speed aperture (i.e., f 12, f 11.7, tl'l.4,
needed for proper exposure. etc.,) until the ll160sec. LED
Viewf inder display lights. lf not possible,use a tripod
Before releasingthe shutter, com- $ . 2 2 1 o r f l a s h( p . 3 1 ) .
pose your picture, focus, and check
the viewfinderfor the following: N O T E Set mode/shutter-speed selector . ls the under-rangeLED blinking? o In some situationsyou should use to "AUTO". lf so, turn the aperture ring the AE lock (p. 24)
toward the largest aperture (i.e., o lf your head is not shieldingthe
f 12, t11.7, or f 11.4,etc.) until the eyepiece f rom light when the
LED stops blinking, or increasethe picture is ta ken (as when using
light level if possible. self-timer or a cable release),attach
. ls the over-rangeLED blinking? lf the eyepiece cap lp.22l
so, turn the aperture ring toward
the smallestaperture (i.e.,f /16 or
tl22luntil the LED stops blinking.
lf it does not stop, use a neutral-
density (ND) f ilter, or reduce the
Set lens at desiredaperture. light level if possible.
. ls an LED on indicating1/30 sec.
or slower shutter speed? Using
1 8 slow shutter speedsmay result inView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Selectingaperture Guidelinesfor typical picture-taking situations
ln auto mode, your camera will automatically set the
precise shutter speed for proper exposure at the set Heavy
aperture. Even so, you have considerablecontrol over rso Sunny Over- lndoorsresults and can adjust aperture and shutter speed over ?# cast
sizableranges.
For good pictures where no particular effect is desired,
simply set the aperture as indicated in the table. These :bsettings will provide as much depth of field as possible *
while producing a shutter speed fast enough to stop the
motion of most subjects. 25115" f l 8 fl4 il2 i l 1 . 4
There may be times, however, when you want to 64119" f l 8 tl4 f 12.8 r11.4obtain a particular effect, such as rendering a certain
range in sharp focus, emphasizing a subject against an 10012't" t 111 f t5.6 fl4 t11.4
out-of-focus background, or selectinga specific shutter
speed. ln these cases, you must select the appropriate 160123" r 111 il8 f/5.6 tl2
aperture to give the desired depth of field (seep. 281or 200124" f 111 f l 8 il5.6 fl2
the desiredshutter speed (p. 29).
400127" f 1 1 6 | 1 1 1 f 1 8 f t2.8
1000/31' f 122 il16 f 1 1 1 rlq
1 9
www.orphancameras.com
.*l*"o. .;*roPd$-s" " -g*-- d;View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
FOCUSING
The camera's focusing screen has . Microprism band is used for lenses
a f ocusing aid consisting of a f rom medium wideangle th rough
split-image spot surrounded bY a medium telePhoto, esPeciallY
band of microPrisms in the center with subjects not having vertical
of an Acute Matte field. I i nes.
To focus the cameravisuallY,look . Matte field is used for longer
through the viewfinder and turn the focal-lengthlensesor for macro or
lens'focusinggriP until : other work involvingconsiderable
. Upper and lower subject imagesin lensextension.
the spot are exactlY aligned with
In focus no broken linesbetween them.
. Subject image in the band does
not shimmer or appear broken uP.
At this point, the subject image
within the viewfinder's center
focusing aid appears clearest and
seems to blend with that on the
matte field surroundingit.
You will Probably f ind that
focusing is easiestif :
. Split-image spot is used for
subjectshaving vertical lines.
Out of focusView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
HOLDING CAMERA AND RELEASINGSHUTTER
Holding the camera as shown lets you operate most controls while viewing through the camera's eyepiece.
itffi,-t'*#f$iffifi' I, t ;i,.:,.::,::,i';"-i":'r': "*.iut,.
L E F T H A N D To obtain sharp, blur-free Photos, back and forth for horizontal (a)
Thumb: focusing grip, aperture hold the camera as still as possible and vertical (b) pictures without
rlng and press the operating button removing you r hand f rom its
Index: focusinggrip gently to release the shutter. The controls. By cradling the camera in
Middle: aperturering camera should be steadied against your left hand, you can easilyfocus
your face or body. Always Pressthe and set the aperture, then shoot.
R I G H T H A N D button with a slow, steady squeeze Photo (c) shows an alternative for
Thumb: film-advancelever to releasethe shutter-never a quick holding the cameraverticallY.
Index: mode/shutter-speed jab.
selectoror operating Some ways of holding the camera
button are shown here. lf You grasp the
Middle: AE lock camera f irmly with your right hand
on its front grip, you can shift it
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
Self-timer LED blinks as follows:
First 8 sec.: twice Per sec.
Next sec.: eight times Per sec.
L a s t s e c . : c o n t i n u o u s l Y
NOTE
o You may cancel the self-timer
after it has been started by pushing
the self-timer switch down or bY
slidingthe main switch to "OFF"'
Mounting camera on tripod Self-timer o After taking the picture, switch
For maximum sharPness when The camera'selectronic self-timer off the self-timer, or the next Pic-
making exposures too long to Per- can be used to delay shutter release ture will be taken after a 1O-sec.
mit handholding of the camera for 10 sec. delay.
(1/30 sec. or slower), mount the 1. Mount the camera on a sturdy
camera on a tripod using the socket support (such as a tripod), compose Eyepiece cap
on the camera bottom. your picture, and focus. When using the camera in auto
Screw the Remote Cord into the 2. Set the mode/shutter-speed se- mode or at "8" and Your head does
shutter release socket and release lector at any setting other than not shield the eyepiece from light
the shutter. "8", and make sure that the film is (self-timer operation or Remote
advanced. Cable release), slide the eyepiece
3. Pull the self-timerswitch up. cap onto the eYePieceframe' This o Do not use excessiveforce when 4. To start the timer, press the preventsunwanted light f rom affect- attaching the camera to a triPod. operating button. lng exposure. o The mounting screw should be A visual signal will indicate how To keep it handy, the eYePiece
5.4mm 11la in.l or shorter. much time is left before the self- cap threads onto the camera strap.2 2
timer releases the shutter.View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
REWINDINGAND UNLOADINGFILM
ffi
:"*": - and1. Pressthe rewind releaseon the 2 . Unufo ld th e re win d crank ff 3. When you are certain that the
camera bottom. turn it in the direction of the arrow exposed film is completely rewound
until the red bar in the Safe Load into the cartridge, pull up on the
Signal moves out of the window to back-coverreleaseknob to open the
the left. Near the end, you will feel back, then remove the film car-
tension of the film increasethen tridge.
completely disappear, and the
crank will then turn freely.
o Never open the camera back when there is any red still visible
in the Safe Load Signal.
2 3
www.orphancameras.comView original page 27Page 28 · Read text
C R E A T I V E C O N T R O L
AE LOCK
When to use
Your X-300's center-weighted
averaging meter system is designed
s o t hat li g h t f r o m a l l p a r t s o f th e
v ie w f inder i s m e a s u r e d , b u t in flu '
ence from a large central area is
gre a t e s t . T h u s , w h e n t h e ma in
s u b jec t f i l l s m o s t o f t h e fra me ' s
c e n t e r, t h e m e t e r r e a d i n g sh o u ld
give satisfactory exposure. However,
How to use 1. Shift the camera's position sow h e n t h e r e i s a g r e a t b rlg h tn e ss
To o b ta in p ro p e r e xposur e in the subject f ills most of the f rame.difference between the subject and
h ig h -co n tra st lig h tin g situations For small subjects, you may needb ac k gro u n d w h e r e t h e m a i n su b je ct
wh e re yo u r su b je ct is o n the edge to move closer (or zoom closer).d oes n o t f i l l t h e c e n t e r o f th e
o f th e fra me o r o ccu pies only aframe , t he A E l o c k s h o u l d b e u se d
sma ll p o rtio n in th e ce n ter , use the (wit h c am e r a i n a u t o m o d e ) .
A E lo ck a s fo llo ws: U s e t h e A E l o c k i n s itu a tio n s
w h e re s u b j e c t s a p p e a r d a r k a g a in st
s t rong b a c k l i g h t i n g , s u c h a s win -
d ows , o r a g a i n s t a l i g h t b a c kg ro u n d
o f s n o w o r s a n d ; o r w h e r e su b je cts
a ppear v e r y l i g h t a g a i n s t a d a rk
b ac k gro u n d , a s w h e n s t a n d in g in a
s p o . t lig h t o r s h a f t o f s u n l i g h t.View original page 28Page 31 · Read text
Long exposure at "8" setting
There are two ways to do this: Minolta Remote Cord. The eye-
, First set the shutter speed selector piece cap b. 22) should be used to
at the desired c lick-stop, then prevent stray light f rom aff ecting
turn the aperture ring until no the exposure.
LEDs light up other than the LED
blinking next to the selected N O T E
speed. o The self-timer does not operate at
. First set the aperture as desired, the "8" setting.
then turn the shutter-speedselec- o With fresh batteries at moderate
tor so that the blinking LED temperatures, the maximum long
matches up with the glowing When the mode/shutter-speedse- exposure is approx. 10 hours. At
LE D. lf two LE Ds are gl owing, fector is set at " 8", the shutter will lower temperatures, exposure time
adjust the aperturering slightly so open when you press the oPerating may be shorter.
only one glows. Do not set the button and remain open u ntil you
shutter speed between click-stops. release the button. This makes
exposure longer than one second
possible. A tripod or other firm
support should generally be used.
To avoid shaking the camera when
pressing the operating button or
releasingthe shutter, use a standard
cable release(preferably a lockable
type for longer exposures) or a
www.orphancameras.comView original page 31Page 34 · Read text
OTHER FOCUSINGMETHODS Distance scale Infrared index Film-plane index You may find that in certain For proper f ocus when using The symbol beneath the f ilm- situations it is easier to focus by infrared film, first focus your advance lever indicates the position estimating the distance to your subject as usual with visible light. of the film inside the camera.This subject, then aligning the corre- Attach a red f ilter and tu rn the mark can be used for measuringthe sponding f igure on the distance focusing ring to the right to align distance f rom subject to film when scalewith the index, such as: the point of proper focus on the taki ng close-ups,photomacrographs, . When taking long exposures or distance scale with the small red and photomicrographs, where the flash pictureswhen it is too dark dot (or red "R" on MC and old- exact distance is sometimes impor- to focus through the lens type MD lenses) on the depth-of- tant. . lf you want to Prefocus on Your field scale. Set exposure according subject,as in quickly shot candid to the fi lm manufacturer's recom- photos mendations.View original page 34
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.