Film cameras
Minolta XE-5 User manual
User manual for Minolta XE-5. 56 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 XE-5
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 56
- File size
- 3.3 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
L: Your Minolta XE-5 is a top-quality single-lens reflex camera whose electronic system will control exposure for you automatically, freeing you for more enjoyment or greater creativity. You can also control exposure manually, with or without reference to the meter indication. ln either case, your XE-5 offers fine control of camera exposure variables. This eminently refined and well-thought-out model with its unique new electronic shutter lets you enjoy easy handling, utmost smoothness and quietness, and considerate "fail-safe" features through- out. Further, your XE-s is an integral part of the Minolta SLR system and uses all interchangeable lenses and applicable system accessories. It is thus ready to grow with you and your needs for great versatility even in advanced, professional, or specialized scientific or technical use. Before using your camera for the first time, study this manual carefully all the way through - or at least all the sections needed to cover your own photographic needs. As you read, attach the lens to the camera body (see p.46), load batteries, and handle your XE-S and acquaint yourself with its parts and features. Then load it with film and proceed to actual picture taking. In this way, you can take good photos and begin to realize the broad potential of your XE-s right from the start. Be sure to keep this manual for reference later as necessary.View original page 4
Page 6 · Read text
FOCUSING 33 USING OTHER THAN MC LENSES Deoth-of-f ield scale 34 Auto Rokkor lenses ..47 Depth-of-f ield preview 35 RF (mirror-type) and Manual-Preset Infrared index 35 Rokkor lenses ..47 Film-plane index . 35 CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS .. 48 RELEASING THE SHUTTER 36 COUPLED AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE REWINDING AND UNLOADING FILM . . 38 RANGE ...50 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY 40 STAN DARD-LENS SPECI F ICATIONS ..51 SELF-TIMER 42 CARE AND STORAGE ..52 EXPOSU R E-ADJUSTMENT CONTROL 43 WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO ADJUST EXPOSURE 44 ATTACHING AND REMOVING LENSES 46View original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
MAIN FEATURES
Outstanding electronic exposure system H igh-perf ormance new shutter
Incorporating the electronic auto-exposure The XE-5's unique new "CLS" ("Copal-
control system developed for Minolta's top XK Leitz Shutter") is a metal-blade vertical-run
model, the XE-5 covers a wide range of photo- type providing high precision and durability. lt
graphic conditions with high accuracy and very operates more quietly and smoothly and offers
low power consumption. lt resists temperature admi rable compactness.
and humidity and maintains high performance With basic design by Germany's Ernst Leitz
from general photography through highly spe- GmbH, the CLS was developed through joint
cialized work. The XE-5's system features: work with Japan's Copal Co., Ltd., who further
o Fully automatic exposure by stepless shut- contributed experience and original ideas.
ter speeds from 1/1000 to four full seconds, Minolta supported and cooperated with both
plus metered and full manual Copal and Leitz in this project.
o Monolithic-lC memorv and control circuits
o Minolta's exclusive contrast-compensator Clear, stream lined viewfinder
metering o Focusing can be done in three ways: By the
. Better operation at high and low tempera- split-image or microprism focusing aid or on
tu res the mat f ield.
o Two tiny silver batteries as a power source o Auto shutter speed, manual meter indica-
tion, and coupled limits are visible while you
view.
o Metered-manual exposure control is possible
by aligning needle in finder with number for
shutter speed in use.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Minolta SLR bayonet lens mount Versatile, easy, "fail-safe" operation
o Virtually all existing Minolta interchange- . Up to two stops' continuous exposure ad-
able lenses can be used in either automatic justment over or under the normal electron-
or manual operation, the current line includ- ic setting
ing some thirty models from 16mm fisheye o X-type flash synchronization through the
through 1600mm extreme telephoto. At- hot shoe or threaded PC terminal
taching is simple, quick, and sure, with o Self-timer with adjustable delay for auto or
full-aperture metering for MC lenses, stop- manual exposure control
down type for others. o Eyepiece cap for unmanned or similar Opera-
o The XE-5 also uses all applicable system tion
accessories of the more than 150 currently . Oversize mirror; image cutoff negligible even
available. with 16OOmm RF Rokkor-X lens
o Shutter release locked when power switch
off
o Mirror stays up, no exposure made if shutter
released when battery power insuff icient.
o "X" (1/90 sec. with X sync.) and "8" (bulb)
settings operate without battery power.
o Safetv locks on "AUTO" setting, ASA dial,
I and exposure-adjustment control
o Handy memo holder and ASA/DlN conver-
sion scale on back
o Unusually smooth short-stroke film advanceView original page 8Page 11 · Read text
SUMMARY OF OPERATION (on "AUTO")
The steps picture on this page outline use of exposed pictures with this camera and are
your XE-5 on automatic mode. They give a gen- keyed to corresponding sections of the manual
eral idea of how very easy it is to get perfectly for ready reference. This brief guide may also
batteries (see p. 12). Move power switch to "
(p. 121.
7 Set(p. 25).selector dial to "AUTO" $ Set lens aperturs (p. 25). Adjust focus
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 13 · Read text
BATTERIES AND POWER
10 Two 1 .S-volt silver-oxide batteries, Eveready
5-76 or equivalent. supply the power for the
meter, electronic exposure control, and elec-
tron ic shutter setti ngs.
IMPORTANT:
Should viewing become impossible because
the mirror of your XE-5 remains up after the
shutter has been released, it does NOT mean
that the camera is out of order. This occurs
automatically to warn you when there is
insuff icient battery power for proper operation
at electronic shutter settings. To return the
mirror for viewing, simply turn the shutter-
speed/function selector to "X" or "B." For
further details, see p. 13.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
lnstalling batteries 11
1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the out into the sleeve on the inside of the
battery-chamber cover counterclockwise to cover. (lf batteries are inserted improperly,
remove it. they will not make contact, and no current
2. After v,,'ping terminals with a clean dry will flow.)
cloth arrd handling only by the edges, insert 3. Replace the cover and screw it in clockwise
side as far as it will go.
two of the specified batteries Wplus (+)
ffiView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
12 Testing batteries
Depress the battery-checker lever toward
the bottom of the camera. lf the red lamp
lights, batteries are serviceable. Power switch
Test batteries immediately after installing To operate the camera, move the power
them. lf the lamp does not light, make sure that switch to "ON." This will unlock the shutter-
they are fresh and have been inserted correctly. release button and cause the meter needle in
Batteries should be tested from time to time the f inder to move if there are sufficient light
thereafter, preferably before starting each new and battery power.
roll of film and particularly before starting When not operating the camera, always be
picture-taking sessions or trips. A set of bat- sure to move the power switch to "OFF." This
teries will generally last for about one year in will lock the shutter release against accidental
proper normal use. exposures and prevent needless battery drain.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Cold-weather operation Low-voltage warning 13
Batteries by nature tend to decrease in Your XE-S is equipped with a device to
capacity as the temperature goes down. Though warn you and prevent wasted film if battery
the silver-oxide batteries used for the XE-5 are voltage becomes insufficient while the shutter-
superior to most others in this respect, it also speed/f unction selector is at an electronic set-
happens with them. ting (i.e., any one other than "X" or "8"): lf
lf old batteries are used at temperatures the shutter is released when voltage is too low,
below OoC B2"Fl, the camera's electronic no exposure will be made on the f ilm, and the
operation may not be satisfactory. You should mirror will remain up to prevent viewing.
thus replace older batteries with fresh ones Turning the shutter-speed/function dial to
before using your XE-5 in cold weather and either "X" or "B" (mechanical settings) will
carry spare fresh batteries with you during such reset the mirror to its viewing position. The
use. camera may then be operated at either of these
mechanical settings without replacing batteries
or at any electronic or mechanical setting af ter
inserting serviceable batteries. (The mirror wi ll
also reset automatically after film has been
advanced in the usual way and the shutter
released once.)
NOTE I
lf the camera is not to be used for more
than two weeks, it is advisable to remove the
batteries.View original page 16Page 18 · Read text
3. Insert the end of the film leader as shown
into one of the slots in the take-up spool so THIS way
that the tooth is engaged with a sprocket
hole near the end of the leader. Make sure
that the end of the leader does not project
f rom another slot between tabs on the
spool. ,!t
NOT this wayView original page 18Page 19 · Read text
't6 5. Press down firmly on the film with the
fingers between the sprocket holes and one
4. Operate the film-advance lever slowly until edge of the film so that it cannot move.
the film has begun to wind firmly around While doing this, take up any slack in the
the take-up spool and the sprocket teeth are cartridge by folding out the rewind crank
engaged with holes on both edges of the and turning it in the direction of the arrow
f ilm. lf the advance lever stops at the end of until resistance is felt.
a full stroke during this procedure, release 6. Close the camera back and push in on it
the shutter and continue. until it clicks locked.
H.**
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7. While watching the rewind crank, release the vances film and frame counter and cocks the 17
shutter and advance film until the index shutter for the next exposure.
points to "1" on the frame-counter dial. When the lever stops and resists further
Rotation of the crank during the full stroke movement at the end of a film, never attempt
in the direction opposite that of the arrow to force it farther. (See p. 38 for instructions on
indicates that the f ilm is advancing properly. rewinding and unloading film.)
lf the crank rotates during only a small part The counter automatically resets for film
of the stroke or not at all, make sure of loading when the camera back is opened.
proper film loading and alignment by re-
peating steps from 3 above onward.
CAUTION:
Film should be handled and loading done in
subdued light - at least shaded from direct
sunlight by the body.
Film-advance lever and frame counter
The film-advance lever is designed with 30o
unengaged movement before the beginning of
its engaged stroke to allow swinging it out from
the body so that the right thumb will fit
comfortably behind it. Continuing to move the
lever through its engaged angle of 130o until it
springs back to the unengaged position ad-View original page 20Page 22 · Read text
CAUTION: Memo holder 19
When setting film speed, the index of the Around the ASA/DlN conversion table is a
exposure-adjustment control (see p. 43) should convenient frame that can be used to keep
generally be locked at its zero position. memos handy with the camera. lt is just the
right size to hold the film-box end, which can
ASAiD lN conversion scale be inserted as a reminder of the film in use.
A convenient scale for converting DIN to
ASA film-speed ratings is located on the back
cover of the camera.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
EXPOSU R E-CONTRO L FUN DAMENTALS
The two car€ra exposure-control settings speed. Other things being equal, using the next
are lens opening (aperture) and shutter speed. smaller f-number (i.e., giving one stop more ex-
The size of the aperture determines the amount posure) will balance using the next higher shut-
or volume of light reaching the film from a ter speed (i.e., giving one stop less exposure),
given subject and lighting. The shutter speed and so on. A great range of combinations (e.g.,
determines the length of time this light acts f/5.6 at 'll3O, f 14 at 1/60, f 12.8 at 11125, f 12 at
upon the film. Apertures are expressed in f- 1125O, etc.) will thus yield the same total expo-
numbers, which are larger for small openings sure. The specif ic combination you choose
and vice versa (e.g., fl16 represents a small under given lighting conditions will depend
opening, tl2 a large one). Shutter speeds are upon the degree to which you want the greater
expressed in seconds or fractions thereof, which depth of field (see p.34) of smaller apertures
are generally the reciprocals of the numbers and the greater movement-blur preventing abili-
shown on shutter-speed scales (e.g., 60 = 1/60 ty of faster speeds (p. 29).
sec., but 2s or a yellow 2 on this camera = 2 full
seconds). At usual apertures, each f-number
setting (e.g., f/8) lets in twice as much light as
the next numerically larger one ff1111 and half
as much as the next smaller (f/5.6). Similarly,
each shutter speed (e.g., 1/60 sec.) allows light
to strike the film twice as long as the next
higher speed (11125l. and half as long as the
next lower one (1/30). The interval between
two standard f-numbers (say, f l4 and f/5.6) or
shutter speeds (say, 1/1 5 and 1 /30) is one
"stop." Total exposure on the f ilm is determin-
ed by the combination of aperture and shutter
www.orphancameras.comView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
XE-s METERING POINTERS Minolta's exclusive contrast-compensator shade and the camera is in sunlight, when bright metering system employs two CdS cells mount- sidelight f alls between eye and eyepiece, or ed on the pentaprism to take separate, overlap- when stop-down metering is used, particularly ping light readings. These cells are circuited so at small apertures. When viewing is unnecessary, that the reading of each affects that of the the eyepiece cap (see p.26) can be used to other to automatically yield optimum exposure completely eliminate this problem. in both normal and most high-contrast situa- Besides offering exceptionally long service tions. For best results, the photographer should life and consistent conversion of light to electri- thus generally not make compensatory adjust- cal values, the CdS cells in your XE-S, like all ment for such differences. One exception is others, have characteristics comparable to that exposure should generally be decreased human vision. They are able to "see" roughly one to two stops if the most important subject the same light and color as your eyes and photo area is much brighter than the rest of the film can; this is a great advantage for accurate picture (e.g., is in a spotlight or shaft of exposure. Like your eyes, however, their time sunlight). Some photographers also prefer to of response varies with the intensity of the light increase exposure a half stop or more with a falling on them. lt thus takes them a while to backlighted subject or one whose most import- become accustomed to low light levels after ant area is considerably darker than the area exposure to bright light. For accurate exposure, surrounding it. (For further details, see p. 44). you should thus be careful not to point the Though the XE-S's special system and finder camera at very bright natural or artif icial light are designed to minimize the effect on the sources before making exposures. And you meter of light entering through the finder should give your CdS electric eyes a short time eyepiece under usual conditions, care must be to get accustomed to darker conditions, when, exercised to prevent this especially if you wear for example, taking pictu res in shadow or eyeglasses. Use of a rubber finder eyecup is indoors after shooting in bright sunlight. further recommended when the subject is inView original page 24
Page 25 · Read text
STOP-DOWN BUTTON METERING METHODS
22 With "MC" (meter-coupled) lenses, metering
is done at full aperture, with the stop-down
button at its inner position (see left), f or
greatest sensitivity and accuracy. The view-
The stop-down button on the XE-5 has two finder thus remains at maximum brightness for
positions: Inner for full-aperture metering and utmost ease of composing and focusing, with
outer for stop-down metering (see right) or the automatic diaphragm closing down only at
depth-of-f ield preview (see p. 35). the moment of exposure to the aperture preset
Pushing the button once will set it at one of on the aperture ring.
these positions; pushing it again will set it at the Stop-down metering is used for lenses other
other. than the MC type (see p.47).
At full aperture Stopped down
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
HOLDING THE CAMERA
used to turn the aperture ring. Grasp the
Your camera should be held in a comfort- camera body firmly with the right hand as 23
able position that will provide suff icient steadi- shown so that the index finger rests on the
ness. A recommendable way that permits ready shutter-release button. I n th is position, the
operation of important controls is shown here. thumb can conveniently operate the film-ad-
To hold the camera horizontally, cradle the vance lever.
bottom of it in the oalm of the left hand with The camera may be rotated to a vertical
the thumb and index or middle finger on the position when held this way, the only differ-
focusing grip of the lens. The thumb and ence being that its rewind-crank end will rest in
middle or ring finger of the same hand can be the palm of the left hand.View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
VEF-WFff[zuDEH4
24 As you look through the view-
finder of your XE-5, you can see:
ffi Sptit-image/microprism focusing
spot,
@ Shutter-speed scale,
@ Indicator needle (shows speed
being set on automatic mode; indi-
cates correct exposure when aligned
with scale number corresponding to
speed manually set), and
@ Meter coupling range limits.
For operation details, see the
following sections on exposure con-
trol and focusing.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 27Page 28 · Read text
AUTOMATIC EXPOSU R E CONTRO L 2. Set the desired lens opening by turning the 25
aperture ring on the lens barrel. The shutter
Automatic operation speed as indicated by the needle at the right
1. Turn the shutter-speed/function selector to of the frame will vary automatically and
align "AUTO" with the index, at which steplessly to yield proper exposure for the
point it is locked to prevent accidental aperture and other settings with the light
movement. being metered.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
26 3. lt is then only necessary to confirm focus Eyepiece cap
(see p. 33), compose your picture, and re- For remote or unmanned operation or when
lease the shutter (p.36). the camera is set on a support and used without
4. The accurate range of shutter operation on viewing on automatic mode, be sure to attach
automatic mode is 1/1000 to 4 sec., as the eyepiece cap as shown. This will prevent 1I
indicated by the indention on the left side unwanted light f rom entering through the
of the shutter-speed scale. When the needle eyepiece and affecting the meter reading and
moves above or below this indention, cor- exposure when the eyepiece is not being shield-
rect exposure will not be obtained, and the ed by the photographer's head, as it normally
aperture or other conditions should be wou ld be.
adjusted so that it points to a value within The eyepiece cap has a slot that allows
the coupled range. threading it on the camera cord to avoid loss
and keep it handy for use.
NOTE:
To continuously provide more or less expo-
sure on automatic mode, see p.43.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 29From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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