Film cameras
Minolta X-370 User manual
User manual for Minolta X-370. 38 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
38 pagesEnglish3.6 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta X-370
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 38
- File size
- 3.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
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Your Minolta X-370 is an easy-to-usemicrocomputerizedsingle-lens-reflex(SLR) camerawith
quartz control of mechanicalsequencesand shutterspeed,providinglastingaccuracyand yearsof
enJoyment.
ln its aperture-priorityauto-exposure(AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera),the X:370 auto-
maticallysetsthe preciseshutter speedfor correct exposureaccordingto the in-camerameter at
the apertureyou selected.An AE lock can be usedto hold a meter readingand then readjustthe
framing before releasingthe shutter.Auto control is maintainedevenwhen usingmirror lensesand
close-upaccessoriessuchas bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priorityAE systems.
Creativeflexibility exists in the X-370's match-LED/full-meteredmanualmode: For correct
exposureat the meteredvalue,simply adjust apertureand/or shutter speedto align blinking and
glowing'LEDs in the viewfinder.Or you can merely refer to these LEDs-or totally disregard
them-when makingyour own settings.
Flash photographyis also simple: just attach a Minolta X-seriesAuto Electroflash,adjust
aperture,and shoot. Flash-readysignalis given in the viewfinder,and the shutteris automatically
set for propersync at 1/60 sec.
The X-370 can be usedwith Minolta'swide rangeof accessories,suchas wideangle,telephoto,
and zoom lenses,Motor Drive1, Auto WinderG, WirelessControllerlR-1,and much more.
Beforeusing lenses,flashes,or other accessoriesmade by companiesother than Minolta,
attachthem to the cameraand makesurethey function properlyby takingtest photographs.
Je@-"View original page 2Page 6 · Read text
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AE lock/self-timer switch MC coupler
' A E l o c k f o r h o l d i n g c l o s e - u p o r
adjusted-viewing meter readings
. Self-timer with triple-rate
b l i n k i n gL E D Lens-mounting index
Mode/shu tter-speed IN LT&
selector
K"&TE www.orphancameras.com Lens-releasebutton
Self-timer LE D Shu tter- re lease socket
Front grip
Mirror
Mike Butkus Digitally DN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2024.04.13signedButkus,by18:07:36Mikeo=ButkusButkusc=US-04'00'camera manuals, ou=butkus.org,
Bayonet lens mount iaphragm-control leverView original page 6Page 8 · Read text
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STRAP AND CASE
Attach the strap (provided) and case (optional) as shown. The strap includes a battery holder used for storing
fresh spare batteries.
Battery holder
ShoulderpadView original page 8Page 11 · Read text
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PREPARINGTO TAKE PICTURES
ATTACHINGAND REMOVINGLENS
Body and lens caps
Remove body and lens caps as .,,
shown. ;xxn
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 lens counterclockwise
on the camera'slens mount. Insert as far as it will go, then lift it out of
the lens bayonet into the mount, the mount.
then turn the lens clockwiseuntil it
locks into placewith a click.
o Never set a lens with its rear end down unless a rear lens cap is on,
or its control pins may be damaged.
o Be careful not to touch anything inside the camera, especially the
mirror, when attaching or removing lenses.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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BATTERIESAND POWER
,;---rr".,"",ffi..
Batteries 1. Using a coin or similar obiect, 2. Wipe the terminals with a clean,
Use one of the f ollowing types of unscrew the battery-chamber cover dry cloth. Hold the batteries bY
batteries: cou nterclockwise an d remove it. their edges and insert them plus (+)
o Two 1 .55v silver-oxide (SR-44: side up into the sleeve on the
Eveready5-76, EPX-76, or equiv.) inside of the cover.
o Two 1 .5v alkaline-manganese
( LR44 : Eveready 4-76 or equ iv. )
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: Eveready EPX-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 from young children.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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3. Replace The cover and screw rt Main switch Operating button
in clockwise as far as it will go. To operate the camera, slide the Touching the operataon button
main switch to "ON ". (with the main switch on) activates
When you have finished taking the camera'smeter, viewfinder LED
pictures, move the main switch to display, and exposure-controlsys-
"OFF" to prevent accidental expo- tem. lf proper contact is not
sures and battery drain. (lf the possible (e.g.,when wearing glov,es),
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
unexpected shots.) remain on for 15 sec. after you
remove your f inger.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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C old-weathe r 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 wi ll be restored when
temperature returns to normal.
For prolonged cold-weatheruse at
approx. O"C (32"F) or lower, it is
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. O"C 132"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 viewfinderblinks 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 16 · Read text
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LOADING F ILM
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 f ilm cartridge in
the camera by checking the Safe releaseknob. Pull up on the knob the chamber with its projecting
L o a d S i g n a l ( p . 1 5 ) . until the cameraback springsopen. spool down . Then push t he back-
cover releaseknob all the way in,
rotatangit slightly if necessary.
o Always handle and load f ilm in subdued light-at least shaded
f rom direct light by your body.
N OTE
o When loading film in a dark place
o Do not touch any parts or areasor with the lens cap or, loading
will be easier if the mode selector is insidethe camerashown in blue.
not set at "AUTO".View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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3. Pull out just enough f ilm 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 film-advance lever until pressingit until it locks shut with a
the left side of the take-up spool, the f ilm is wound f irmly 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 f rame
is lined up with the tooth on the are engaged with holes on both counter.
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 f ilm. advance lever stops at the end of a
full stroke during this procedure,
release the shutter and continue
(main switch must be on).View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
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6. Advance the f ilm and releasethe Film-advance lever Safe Load SignaUFrame 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 swinging it out the film, the red bar in the Safe
f ar left in the Safe Load Signal from the camera body so the right Load Signal gradually moves to the
indicating that film is loaded and thumb will fit comfortably behind right and the rewind crank rotates
advancing properly. lf it does not it. As the lever is moved an addi- cou nterclockwise, i ndicating proper
appear or swings far to the right, tional 130" until it stops, the film film advance.
repeat steps 3 to 6. and frame counter advance and the Never force the f ilm-advance
shutter is cocked f or the next lever when it stops and resists
The camera is now ready for taking exposure. further movement at the end of the
the first picture, provided film film, which may be somewhat
speed is set. before or after the common film
fengths .12, 20, 24, 36 exposures)
shown in red in the frame counter.
The frame counter stops advancing
after 36 exposures. 1 5View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
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PRESHOOTINGCHECK
Self-timer off ?
Check the following items to
make sure your camera is ready for
picture-taking:
M in imum-aperture lock released?
(on new-type MD lens only)
F i l m i n s i d e ?
Film speedset?
BatteriesOK? Mode/shutter speed set?
(Doesmode LED glow-not blink-when
operating button is touched or pressed?)View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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TAKING PICTURESIN AUTO MODE
CAMERA SETTINGS
In aperture-priority auto mode, blurred pictures 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 11.7, f 11.4,etc.,)
needed for Proper exposure. until the 1/60 sec. LED lights.
Viewf inder d isplaY lf not possible, use a tripod
Before releasingthe shutter, com- b. 22) or f lasrr(p. 3 1 ).
pose your picture, focus, and check
the viewf.inderfor the following: N O T E
Set mode/shutter-speed selector . ls the under-rangeLED blinking? o ln some situationsyou should use
to "AUTO". lf so, tu rn tfle aPerture ring the AE lock lp.2al
toward the largest aperture (i.e., o lf your head is not shieldingthe
f 12, f 11.7, or f 11.4,etc.) until the eyepiece f rom light when the
LED stopsblinking,or increasethe picture is taken (as when using
light level if possible. self-timer or a cable release),attach
. ls the over-rangeLED blinking? lf the eyepiece cap b. 22l.
so, turn the aPerture ring toward
the smallestaperture (i.e.,f 116or
f 122)u ntil the LE D stops blin king.
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
slow shutter speedsmay result inView original page 21Page 23 · Read text
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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-length lensesor for macro or
lens' focusinggrip until : other work involvingconsiderable
. Upper and lower subiect imagesin lens extension.
the spot are exactly aligned with
In focus no broken lines between them.
. Subject image in the band does
not shimmer or appear bro ken uP.
At this point, the subject image
within the viewf inder's center
focusing aid appears clearest and
seems to blend with that on the
matte field surroundingit.
You will probably find that
focusing is easiestif :
. Split-image spot is used for
subjects having vertical lines.
Out of focusView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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HOLDINGCAMERA AND RELEASINGSHUTTER
Holding the camera as shown lets you operate most controls while viewing through the camera's eyepiece.
::,i. iil;. i . . t, iL
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
n n g and press the operating button removing your hand from its
Index: focusinggrip gently to releasethe shutter. The controls. By cradling the camera in
Middle: aperturering camera should be steadied against your left hand, you can easilY focus
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 camera verticallY.
Index: mode/shutter-speed jab.
selectoror operating Some ways of holding the camera
button are shown here. lf You grasp the
M i d d l e : A E l o c k cameraf irmly with Your right hand
on its front grip, you can shift itView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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Self-timerLED blinks as follows:
First 8 sec.: twice per sec.
Next sec.: eight times per sec.
Lastsec.: continuously
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
making exposures too long to per- can be used to delay shutter release off the self-timer, or the next pic- ture will be taken after a 10-sec.mit handholding of the camera for 10 sec.
( 1 /30 sec. or slower), mou nt the 1. Mount the camera on a sturdy delay.
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
o Do not use excessiveforce when 3. Pull the self-timerswitch up. cap onto the eyepiece frame. This
4. To start the timer, press the prevents unwanted light from affect-attaching the camera to a tripod.
o The mou nting screw should be operating button. Ing exposure.
5.4mm (114 in.) or shorter. A visual signal will indicate how To keep it handy, the eyepiece
much time is left before the self- cap threads onto the camera strap.
timer releases the shutter.View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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REWINDINGAND UNLOADINGFILM
S:.,i::::
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1. Press the rewind release on the 2. Unfold the rewind crank and 3. When you are certain that the
camera bottom. turn it in the directaonof the arrow exposedf ilm 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 f ilm 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.View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
www.orphancameras.comC R E A T I V E C O N T R O L AE LOCK When to use Your X-370's center-weighted averagingmeter system is designed so that light from all parts of the viewfinder is measured, but influ- ence from a large central area is greatest. Thus, when the main subject f ills most of the f rame's center, the meter reading should give satisfactoryexposure. However, when there is a great brightness How to use 1. Shift the camera's position so difference between the subject and To obtain proper exposure in the subject fills most of the f rame. background where the main subject h igh-contrast lighting situations For small subjects, you may need does not fill the center.of the where your subject is on the edge to move closer (or zoom closer). f rame, the AE lock should be used of the frame or occupies only a (with camerain auto mode). small portion in the center, use the Use the AE lock in situations AE lock as follows: where subjects appear dark against strong backlighting, such as win- dows, or againsta light background of snow or sand; or where subjects appear very light against a dark background, as when standing in a spotlight or shaft of sunlight.View original page 27
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Long exposure at "8" setting
Thereare two ways to do this: Minolta Remote Cord. The eye-
. First set the shutter speed selector piece cap lp. 22l. 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 NOTE
speed. o The self-timer does not operate at
. First set the aperture as desired, the "B" setting.
then turn the shutter-speed selec- o With fresh batteries at moderate
tor so that the bl in king LE D temperatures, the maximum long
matches up with the glowing When the mode/shutter-speed se- exposure is approx. 10 hours. At
LED. lf two LE Ds are glowing, fector is set at "B", 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 camera
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 f or longer exposures) or aView original page 30Page 33 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com OTHER FOCUSINGMETHODS Distance scale lnfrared index F ilm-plane index You may f ind that in certain For proper focus 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 filter and turn the mark can be used for measuringthe sponding f igure on the distance focusing ring to the right to align distance from subject to film when scalewith the index, such as: the point of proper focus on the ta ki ng cl ose-ups, photomacrographs, . When taking long exposures or distance scale with the small red and photomicrographs, where the flash pictures when it is too dark dot (or red "R" on MC and old- exact d istance is sometimes im por- to focus through the lens type M D 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 film manufacturer's recom- photos mendations.View original page 33
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www.orphancameras.com FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY Connecting flash units Cordlessclip-on flash units, such as the Minolta Auto Electroflash 200X and 1 18X are attachedand electrically connectedby simply sliding them into the camera'shot shoe. Synchronization When a Minolta X-seriesAuto Electroflashis used on the camera with its mode/shutter-speedselector at any position other than "8", the "60" LED in the viewf inder will blink as a flash-readysignalwhen the flash is turned on and fully charged,and the shutter will be automati- cafly switched over to 1160 sec. when the shutter is released. lf you use an electronic flash other than a Minolta X- l seriesAuto Electroflash,the mode/shutter-speedselector must be set at "60" to assurecomplete exposure of the f ilm frame. Slower speedscan also be used under certain conditions if desired for particular effects. Do not use speedsfaster than 1160sec. (i.e.,1 1125and upward). N OTE . For more detailed instructions, please refer to the f lash unit's owner's manual.View original page 34
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