Minolta XG-2 User manual

a'.
    Your light, compact XG-2 is a top-quality single-lens reflex camera whese electronic
  system will control exposure for you automatically, freeing you for more enjoyment
  and greater creativity. You can also override the meter's automatic setting or set the .
  camera for full manual operation. Electromagnetic shutter release and unique "Touch
  switch" metering, head a host of other features. Attaching the accessory Auto.Winder
 G enables single-frame/contiluous motor film advance up to 2 trames/sec. Minolta's
  special Auto Electroflash ZOOX electronically switches the XG-2's shutter over for
  strobe exposures when charged and signals flash-ready in the finder; it also enables
 . continuous-sequence flash with therruinder. Besides new MD Rokkor lenses, your XG-2:
  uses virtually  all interchangeable Rokkors made to di e and all applicable Minolta SLR
                                                                                                        ry,'  system accessories.
     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 photogr;aphic needs. As
  you read, attach a lens to the camera body (see p. 10), load batteries,.and hahdle your
 XG-2 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 XG-2 right from the start, Be sure to keep this
  manual for reference later as necessary.
    Minolta precision lenses and accessories are manufactured under high quality
  control standards and are designed to the performance requirements of Minolta camera
  bodies. We recommend Minolta Rokkor lenses and Minolta system accessories for all
  types of photography.

35    XG-2 SYSTEM ACCESSOR   I ES           :. 45
                                      36     Auto Winder G                           .. 46
                                      36     Auto Electroflash 20OX                  .. 47
   Infrared index                         37    RemoteCordSandL           ...48
RELEASING THE SHUTTER             38   STANDARD.LENSSPECIFICATIONS   .,.  49
SELFTIMER                          40  CAMERASPECIFICATIONS  ....50
REWI NDING AND UNLOADING            CARE AND STORAGE               ....  52
  FILM                                  41
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY                43
  Synch ron ization                      43
  Connecti ng  f lash units                 43
USING OTHER THAN MD AND
 MC LENSES                        44
 Auto Rokkor lenses                    44
 RF (mirror-type) and Manual-Preset
             I enses                              44

www.butkus.usMAIN FEATURES


Fail+afe electronic exposure system                  Solid-state information viewf inder
   lncorporating many of the features devel-   o Focusing can be done in three ways: By the
oped for Minolta's top electronic cameras, the        split-image spot or microprism focusing aid
XG-2 covers a wide range of photographic        or on the matte field.
conditions. lts electronic shutter which auto-   o Automatic shutter speeds, indicated by
matically locks to prevent overexposure and       LED's are visible while you view.
electromagnetic shutter release with unique   o LED at "60" position blinks as flash-ready
touch switch metering add to the handling ease       signal when Auto Electrof lash 2O0X is
of the camera.                                         attached and charged.
The XG-2's system features:
o Full automatic exposure by stepless shutter    Easy handling controls
   speeds from  1 /1 OO0 to 1 sec. plus  f u ll        Lightweight and compact, the XG-2 is hu-
   manual settings.                    man engineered to fit the user's hands for
o Electromagnetic shutter release.               smooth operation:
o Unique Touch switch metering,           o Smooth short stroke  f ilm advance.
o Shutter-release lock prevents overexposure   o Large easy to adjust shutter-speed dial.
  when light over meter's range or battery   o "Soft-touch" electromagnetic shutter re-
   power low.                                                  lease.
o Two tiny silver-oxide batteries as power      .  Curve formed body with cushioned body
    source.                                                       grip.
                                o Minolta bayonet lens mount with large
                                                           release button.
                                o Balanced wi nder operation.

Ouick attach auto winder                         User oriented features
  The XG's accessory auto winder attaches   o Up to two stops' continuous adjustment
quickly, without access caps to remove or store,       over or under the normal electronic setting.
freeing the user from advancing film in single-   o X-type flash synchronization through the
frame or continuous operation up to two       hot shoe or PC terminal.
frames per second, lts strong efficient coreless   o Electronic selftimer with blinking indicator
micromotor winds as many as 150 or more          light.
cartridges per set or charge of batteries. At the      .  Eyepiece cap for unmanned or similar oper-
end of each cartridge the motor automatically        ation.
shuts off.                          o Exclusive Safe Load Signal monitors film
                                                      alignment and advance.
Special camera-control  flash               o Handy memo holder and ASA/DIN conver-
  When attached to the XG-2 and ready to        sion scale on back.
fire the Auto Electroflash 200X starts a flash-   o Release terminal for tripod shots with elec-
ready signal blinking in the viewfinder and auto-        tronic or standard release cord.
matically sets the shutter for X synchronization    o Shutter not operative when operation
(1/60 sec.). This four-setting unit provides auto-       switch off.
flash at either of two apertures and either   o Virtually all existing Minolta interchange-
full-power manual operation or when powered       able lenses and applicable system accessories
by Ni-Cd batteries, up to two continuous-       can be used in either automatic or manual
sequence flash exposures each second with the        operation.
Auto Winder G.

www.butkus.usSUMMA RY OF OPERATION (on automatic)

   The steps                               rtline use      perfectly exposed pictures with this camera and
of your XG-2                     ey give a    are keyed to corresponding sections of the
general idea                   s to get    manual for ready reference. This brief guide
                                                                        |     ->-/
                   J*1                   -@-=-
                                                                  ,,1. Check batteries (see p. 12)     2. Move main switch to "ON"   3. Open back .ovs1 (p. 14)
                                              (p. 13)

                              a
t!7.  Set selector dial to "A"      8. Set lens aperture $.2a1      9. Adiust focus (p. 35)
    lp.24l

may also be useful for good results after you    instructions in fre rest of this manual, which
have not used the camera for some time. lt  is    should be thoroughly studied for best results.
not, however, a substiture for the detailed
                           v
                                                                                         :lI


4.  Load film properly;close
    ssysl (p. 14)


            'l       /          .;                        (p. 38)         11.Turn power off (p. 13)         12. Rewind and remove  f    i10. Retease shutter
                                                                                             (p. 41)

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        ATTACHING AND REMOVING LENSES10


                                                  To Remove
           To Attach                                        While pushing the lens-release button, turn
            1. Remove the body cap from the camera lens   the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go;
              rnount and the rear cap from the lens    then lift the lens bayonet out of the mount.
                bayonet, each by turning the cap counter-
                  clockwise.                          CAUTION
                                                                                             lf  it becomes necessary to set the lens down
            2. Align the red mounting index on the lens    without a rear lens cap attached, be sure to set
                  barrel with the red index above the camera   the lens only on its front end (except for
                  lens mount; insert the lens bayonet into the    fisheye lenses) as damage to the diaphragm
               mount; and turn the lens clockwise until it    control pin could result from rear lens contact
                  locks into place with a click.                   with a hard surface.

BATTE R IES AND POWE R

  Two 1.S-volt silver-oxide batteries, Eveready     Installing batteries
5-76 or equivalent, supply the power for the    1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the
meter, electronic exposure control,  elec-      batterychamber cover counterclockwise
tromagnetic release, electronic shutter settings,       and remove it.
and LED indication.                          2. After wiping terminals with a clean dry
                                                      cloth and handling only by the edges, insert
CAUTION                                   two of the specified batteries plus (+) side
o The shutter will not release when the      out into the sleeve on the inside of the
   operating button is pushed  if : battery power        cover. (lf batteries are inserted improperly,
   is too low; the operating switch is at       they will not make contact, and no current
  "OFF," exposure conditions exceed the         will flow.)
   range of the automatic exposure system.
o Do not use 1.3v mercury batteries, Eveready
   EPX-675 or equivalent, which have a similar
   shape.
NOTE
 r   lf the camera is not be used for more than
   two weeks, it is advisable to remove the
    batteries.
 o Fresh spare batteries may be stored in
    the battery holder provided with the camera
    strap.

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                                                     Testing battories
                                        Move the main switch to align the index
                                            with "8.C." lf the red batterycheck indicator
                                       on the front of the camera lights, batteries are
                                                       serviceable. When released, the main switch will
                                                   automatically move to the       position.
                                             Test batteries immediately after installing
                                                                                                   sure3. Replace the cover and screw it in clockwise them. lf the indicatordoes not light, make
   as far as it will go.                         that they are fresh and have been inserted
                                                         correctly.
                                                            Batteries should be tested from time to time
                                                        thereafter, preferably before starting each new
                                                     roll of film and particularly before starting
                                                      picture-taking sessions or trips. A set of batter-
                                                   ies will generally last for about one year in
                              -tNE-'.'-    ProPer normal use'            Gt
        l,tdq     rr    tdl

                                  -

Main switch                                Touch switch/operating button
  To operate the camera, move the main        F inger contact with the Touch switch/-
switch to "ON." This allows current to flow to    operating button activates tlre camera's elec-
the Touch switch/operating button. The main    tronic shutter and when the shutter-speed/-
switch also serves as the self-timer and battery    function selector is set at "A"  (automaticl,
check switch.                              powers the electronic exposure control and
  To prevent accidental exposures and need-   LED circuits. lf proper contact with the touch
less battery drain, always be sure to move the    switch is not possible (i.e., while wearing gloves
main switch to "OFF" when not using the    or when fingers are dryl, slight pressure on the
                                                                      also activate the camera.
camera.   ^I;        .il       button will

www.butkus.us                            LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM


NOTE
  Wipe off any dust or dirt that might
accumulate on the touch switch with a clean
dry cloth. This will insure good contact and      After you have not used your camera for
proper operation.                        some time, check the Safe Load Signal and
                                             frame counter to be sure that there is no film in
Cold-weather operation                           the camera. lf the camera is unloaded proceed
   Batteries by nature tend to decrease in    as follows:
capacity as the temperature goesdown. Though  1. Pull out on the back cover release knob
the silveroxide batteries used for the XG-2 are.       until the camera back springs open'
superior to most others in this respect,  it also
happens with them.
                      used                  are            batteries                          at temperature     lf old                                       electronic           t    ^>'                         camera's                  thebefow      o"c              (32"F| ,
operation may not be satisfactory. You shouldthus replace older batteries with fresh ones       j=ryi
before using your XG-2 in cold weather and
carry spare fresh batteries with you during such
use. Battery capacity will be restores to itsnormal level when the batteries are warmed to   @:                                               Itheir recommended operating temperature
range.                                                         t

3. Insert the end of the film leader as shown
Leaving the knob pulled out, position a film        into one of the slots in the take-up spool so
cartridge in the chamber with the project-       that the tooth is engaged with a sprocket
ing-spool end toward the bottom of the       hold near the end of the leader. Make sure
camera. Then push the back-cover release        that the end of the leader does not project
knob all the way in, rotating  it slightly to do      from another slot bewveen tabs on the
so if necessary.                                        spool.

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4. Operate the film-advance lever slowly until      5. Close the camera back and push in on it
   the film has begun to wind firmly around         until  it clicks loaded.
   the takerp spool and the sprocket teeth are      6. A red "S" should now appear opposite the
   engaged with holes on both edges of the      index in the frame+ounter window. Ad-
    film. lf the advance lever stops at the end of       vance film and release the shutter until the
   a full stroke during this procedure, release       index points to "1" on the framecounter
    the shutter and continue.                                   dial.
                                I

CAUTION
                                                 Film should be handled and loading done in
                                                                     shaded from direct7. A red bar should also now appear at the    subdued light -  at least   extreme left in the Safe Load Signal win-     sunlight by the body.
  dow. This indicates that the film is loaded
   and winding properly on the take-up spool.     Film-advance lever and  f rame counter
     lf the Safe Load Signal does not appear or      The film-advance  lever is designed with 30'
   swings far to the right in the window, repeat    unengaged movement before the beginning of
   steps 1 through 6 to assure that film  is      its engaged stroke to allow siwnging it out from
   properly engaged on the spool. As you    the body so that the right thumb will   f it
   continue to take pictures, the red signal will    comfortably behind it. Continuing to move the
  move gradually toward the right in the win-     lever through its engaged angle of 130", ad-
  dow, indicating that film is aJvancing prop-    vances film and frame counter and cocks the
    erly.                                             shutter for the next exposure.
                                            I-L
                                                                                f-lY
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                                              --

www.butkus.us                              FILM SPEED


                                              Each film on the market has an ASA or DIN
                                              exposureindex number to indicate its sensitivi-
  When the lever stops and resists  f urther    ty to light. For correct exposure, the meter
movement at the end of a film, never attempt    must be set for the effective exposure index of
to force it farther. (See p. 41 tor instructions     the film in use.
on rewinding and unloading film.)                    Setting  f ilm speed
  The counter automatically resets for film      To do this, lift up on the knurled ring of the
loading when the camera back is                    shutter-speed/function selector and turn it until
                                              ,6il

  \g      opened.b

the proper ASA indication appears centered in   Memo holder
 the film-speed window and locks in that posi-      Around the ASA/DlN conversion table is a
 tion when the ring is released. Marks between    convenient frame that can be used to keep
 numbered graduations indicate ASA numbers as   memos handy with the camera. lt  is just the
 follows:                                             right size to hold the film-box end, which can
                                            be inserted as a reminder of the film in use.
           25.32          200o 250
        o4O           o 320
         50            400
        o64           o 500
        o80         .640
         100.125         800o 1000
         o 160         o 1250
                       1600

ASA/DlN conversion scale
  A convenient scale for converting DIN to
ASA film-speed ratings is located on the back
cover of the camera.

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20

      EXPOSURE.CONTROL FUNDAM ENTALS
          The two camera exposure-control settings   the next higher speed (11125l, and half as long
          are lens opening (aperture) and shutter speed.   as the next lower one (1/30). The interval
        The size of the aperture determines the amount   between two standard f-numbers (say,  f l4 and
          of volume of light reaching the film from a    f/5.6) or shutter speeds (say, 1/15 and 1/30) is
          given subject and lighting. The shutter speed  one "stop." Total exposure on the film  is
         determines the length of time th is light acts   determined by the combination of aperture and
        upon the  film. Apertures are expressed in   speed. Other things being equal, using the next
          f-numbers, which are larger for small openings    smaller f-number (i.e., giving one stop more
       and vice versa G.g., fl16  represents a small   exposure) will balance using the next higher
          opening,   f 12 a large one). Shutter speeds are   shutter speed (i.e., giving one stop less expo-
          expressed  in seconds or fractions thereof , which    sure), and so on. A great range of combinations
         are generally the reciprocals of the numbers    (e.9., f/5.6 at 1/30, t14 at'l160,f l2.B at 11125,
        shown on shutter-speed scales (e.9. 60 = 1/60        f 12 at 11250, etc.) will thus yield the same total
             sec., and 2 = 112 sec.). At usual apertures, each    exposure. The specific combination you choose
          f-number setting (e.9.,  f /8) lets in twice as much   under given lighting conditions will depend
           light as the next numerically larger one ft111l.   upon the degree to which you want the greater
        and half as much as the next smaller (f/5.6).   depth of field (see p.36) o.f smaller apertures
           Similarly, each shutter speed (e.9., 1/60 sec.)   and the greater movement-blur  preventing abili-
         allows laght to strike the film twice as long as    ty of faster speeds (p. 28).

21
METERING WITH THE XG.2
 (Automatic mode only)
  The center weighted metering system in    with the same control from 112 to 2 stops, the
your XG-2 employs two CdS cells mounted     exact amount varying with the specific bright-
behind the pentaprism so that light from all    ness difference and the effect desired. (p. 29).
parts of the viewf ield (picture area) is measured     As with most metering systems, strong
but inf luence  f rom a broad central area is    sources of direct light or other very bright areas
greatest. Thus the reading should yield satisfac-   may influence the reading adversaly is allowed
tory exposure without adjustment as long as     to dominate the frame.
the main subject area occupies a major part of      Though your XG-2 finder is designed to
the  f rame.                                    minimize the effect on the meter of light
lf the subject area to be measured occupies a    entering through the finder eyepiece under
relatively small part of the frame, move the    usual conditions, care must be exercised to
camera so that the main subject fills most of    prevent this especially  if you wear glasses. Use of
the frame. Note the shutter speed setting in this    a rubber eyecup is further recommended when
position and compensate for the exposure    the subject is in shade and the camera is in
difference with the shutter-speed/function se-     sunlight, when bright sidelight falls between eye
lector or use manual speeds to set the same   and eyepice, or when stopdown metering  is
value when making the exposure from the    used, particularly at small apertures (see p.44).
original position. Further, if the most impor-   When viewing is unnecessary, the eyepiece cap
tant area is very much brighter or darker than     (see p. 251 can be used to completely eliminate
the rest of the frame and does not fill most of     this problem.)
it, exposure should be decreased or increased

www.butkus.usV IEWF IN DE R

  As you look through the view-
f inder of your XG-2, you can see:
Q Split-image/microprism focusing
    spot,
O Shutter speed scale,
                        mode@ Indicator LED's (Auto
   only, show shutter speed berng
   selected by the automatic expo-
   sure system; in manual and auto-
   matic mode, LED at "60" is also
        f lash-ready signal)
@ leO over- or under-range indica-
    tors (auto mode only)
   For operation details, see the fol-
lowing section on exposure control
and focusing.

www.butkus.us        AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL24

                                                     2. Set the desired lens opening by turning the
                                                                 aperture ring on the lens barrel. The shutter
            Automatic operation                            speed as indicated by lighted LED at the
            1. Turn the shutter-speed/function selector to        right of the frame will vary automatically to
                  align "A" with the index, at which point  it       yield proper exposure for the aperture and
                  is locked to prevent accidental movement.       other settings with the light being metered.