Film cameras
Minolta XG-A User manual
User manual for Minolta XG-A. 52 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 XG-A
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 52
- File size
- 4.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
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Your light, compact XG-A is a top-quality single-lens reflex camera whose
electronicsystemswill control exposure for you automatically,which makes taking
beautiful pictures as easy as focusing and pressinga button. You can also override the
automatic meter setting up to 2 full stops for complete creative control. Electro-
magnetic shutter release, unique "touch switch" metering, and an Acute Matte
focusing screen making viewing brighter and focusing easier are just a few of the
XG-A's many features. Attaching the accessory Auto Winder G enables single/
continuous motor film advance up to 2 frames-per-second.Minolta's X-series Auto
Electroflasheselectronically switch the XG-A's shutter over for strobe exposureswhen
charged and signal f lash-ready in the f inder; the 320X and 200X also enable
continuous-sequenceflash with the winder. BesidesMinolta MD lenses,your XG-A is
compatible with virtually all Minolta interchangeablelensesmade to date and all
applicableMinolta SLR systemaccessories.
Before using your camerafor the first time, study this manual allthe way through.
Inthis way, you can take good photos and realizethe full potentialof your XG-A right
from the start. Be sure to keep this manual for later reference.
,*fur*ui"er-, -dView original page 2Page 6 · Read text
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MAIN FEATURES
Fail-safe electronic exposu re system o Automatic shutter-speeds, indicated by
lncorporating many of the features devel- LED's, are visible in viewfinder.
oped for Minolta's top electronic cameras,the o LED at "60" position blinks as flash'ready
XG-A covers a wide range of photographic signal when X+eries Auto Electroflashesare
conditions. lts electronic shutter which auto- attached and charged.
matically locks to prevent overexposure and
electromagnetic shutter release with unique Easy handling controls
touch switch metering add to the handling ease Lightweight and compact, the XG-A is
of the camera. human engineered to fit the user's hands for
XG-A's system features: smooth oPeration:
o Full automatic exposure by steplessshutter o Smooth short stroke film advance.
speedsfrom 1/1000 to 1 sec. . Large, easy-to-adjustshutter-function dial.
o Electromagneticshutter release. o "Soft-touch " electromagnetic shutter re-
o Unique "Touch switch" metering. lease.
o Shutter-releaselock prevents overexposure . Curve formed body with cushioned body
when light is over meter's range or battery g r i p .
power is low. o Minolta bayonet lens mount with large
releasebutton.
Sol id+tate information viewfinder o Balancedwinder operation.
o Special focusing screen has split-image and
microprism focusing aids, plus scientifically
developed new type of matte field that is up
to 50% brighter than conventional matte
screens.
,#di&.!F, -tr..:'. rli*i,View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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Ouick attach auto winder Power Control, there is an X-series flash to
The XG-A's accessory auto winder attaches meet any need.
quickly without accesscaps to remove or store,
freeing the user from advancing film in single- User oriented features
frame or continuous operation up to two o Up to two stops' continuous adjustment
frames per second. lts strong, efficient coreless over or under the normal electronic setting.
micromotor winds as many as 150 or more o X-type flash synchronization through the cartridges per set or charge of batteries. At the hot shoe.
end of each cartridge the motor automatically o Electronic self-timer with blinking indicatorshuts off. light.
o Eyepiece cap for unmanned or similar oper-Special dedicated flash units ation.
When attached to the XG-A and ready to o Exclusive Safe Load Signal monitors film
fire, the X-series Auto Electroflashes start a alignment and advance.
flash-readysignal blinking in the viewf inder and o Releaseterminal for tripod shots with elec-
automatically set the shutter for X+ynch roniza- tronic or standard releasecord.
tion (1/60 sec.) when the shutter is releasbd. . Shutter not operative when operation
Other individual features include thyristor cir- switch off.
cuitry for winder synchronization and maxi- . Virtually all existing Minolta interchange-
mum battery life, tiltable head for bounce able lensesand applicablesystem accessories
flash, filters for special effects, multiple aper- can be used.
ture settings and full manual operation. From
the compact and economical 118X to the 320X
with its exclusive Variable Guide-Number/
ix*{# ..*"h*,i,t ,..,,, r.*M#*l**n. .o. IView original page 7Page 12 · Read text
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STRAP AND CASE
Eyepiece cap
The strap (provided with
camera) and case (sold sepa-
Batteryrately) should be attached as holdershown to keep you r camera
handy f rom use and to protect
it f rom being dropped or
bum ped.
Shoulder padView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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ATTACHINGAND REMOVINGLENSES
To Attach To R emove
1 . Remove the body cap f rom the camera lens While pushing the lens-releasebutton, turn
mount and the rear cap f rom the lens the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go;
bayonet, each by turning the cap counter- then lift the lens bayonet out of the mount.
clockwise.
2. Align the red mounting index on the lens C A U T I O N
barrel with the red index above the camera lf it becomes necessaryto set the lens down
lens mount; insert the lensbayonet into the without a rear lens cap attached, be sure to set
mount; and turn the lens clockwise until it the lens only on its f ront end (except for
locks into placewith a click. fisheye lenses) as damage to the diaphragm
control pin could result from rear lens contact
with a hard surface.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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BATTERIESAND POWER
Two 1 .5v al kaline-manganese(Eveready A-76 I nstalling batteries
or equivalent) or 1.55v silver-oxide (Eveready 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the
EPX-76/5-76or equivalent)batteriessupply the battery-chamber cover cou nterclockwise
power for the meter, electronic exposure con- and remove it.
trol, electromagneticrelease,electronic shutter 2. After wiping terminals with a clean dry
settings,and LED indication. cloth and handling only by the edges,insert
two of the specified batteries plus (+) side
C A U T I O N out into the sleeve on the inside of the
o The shutter will not release when the cover. (lf batteries are inserted improperly,
operating button is pushed if : battery power they will not make contact, and no current
is too low; the operating switch is at w i l l f l o w . )
" OF F ," exposure cond itions exceed the 3. Replace the cover and screw it in clockwise
range of the automatic exposure system. as far as it will go.
o Do not use 1 .35v mercury batteries
(Eveready EPX€75 or equivalent), which
have a similar shape.
NOTE
o 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.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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Battery holder Testing batteries
A holder for carrying spare batteries is Move the main switch to align the index
provided with th is camera strap. To install with "8.C." lf the red battery-checkindicator
batteries,follow the steps illustrated.Slide the on the front of the camera lights, batteries are
holder off the strap to remove batteries. serviceable.When released,the main switch will
automaticallymove to the "ON" position.
Test batteries immediately after installing
them. lf the indicator does not light, make sure
that they are f resh and have been inserted
correctly.
Batteriesshould be tested from time to time
thereafter, preferably before starting each new
roll of film and particularly before starting
picture-taking sessionsor trips.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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M ain switch Touch switch/operatingbutton
To operate the camera, move the main Finger contact with the touch switch/oper-
switch to "ON." Th is allows current to f low to ating button activates the camera's electronic
the touch switch/operating button. The mian shutter and, when the shutter-functionselector
switch also servesas the self-timer and battery is set at "AUTO", powers the electronic ex-
check switch. posure control and LED circuits- lf proper
To prevent accidental exposures and need- contact with the touch switch is not possible
less battery drain, always be sure to move the (i.e., while wearing gloves or when fingers are
main switch to "OF F" when not using the dry), slight pressure on the button will also
camera. activate the camera.
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SELF
'TIMERView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM
NOTE After you have not used your camera for
Wipe off any dust or dirt that might some time, check the Safe Load Signal and
accumulate on the touch switch with a clean to be sure that there is no film in the camera. lf
dry cloth (make sure main switch is turned off the camera is unloaded, proeeed as follows:
first). This will insure good contact and proper 1. Pull up on the back-coverreleaseknob until
operatton. the cameraback springsopen.
Cold-weather operation
Batteries by nature tend to lose power as
temperatures drop. While alkaline-manganese
batteries will meet all requirements under
normal conditions, for heavy sustained cold-
weather operation (approx. -10"C) it is recom-
mended that silver-oxide type batteries
be used.
Regardlessof battery type used, remember
to always use fresh batteries and keep a spare
set with you when using your camera in cold
weatherView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com 2 . Leavingthe knob pulled out, positiona film 3. Insert the end of the film leader as shown cartridge in the chamber with the project- into one of the slots in the take-up spool so ing-spool end toward the bottom of the that the tooth is engaged with a sprocket camera. Then push the back-cover release hole near the end of the leader. Make sure knob all the way in, rotating it slightlyto do that the end of the leader does not project so if necessary,and pull out enough film f rom another slot between tabs on the leaderto just reachthe take-up spool. spoo | .View original page 18
Page 19 · Read text
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4 . Operate the film-advancelever slowly until
the film has begun to wind firmly around
the take-up spool, the sprocket teeth are
engaged with holes on both edges of the
film, and the slack in the film is taken up. lf
the advance lever stops at the end of a full
stroke during this procedure, release the
shutter and continue.
^fnView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
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5. After making sure the f ilm is taut, closethe 7 . A red bar should also now appear at the
camera back and push in on it until it clicks extreme left in the Safe Load Signal
I oc ked. window. This indicates that the film is
6. A red "S" should now appear opposite the loaded and winding properly on the take-up
index in the frame-counter window. Ad- spool. lf the Safe Load Signal does not
vance f ilm and releasethe shutter until the appear or swings f ar to the right in the
index points to "1" on the frame-counter window, repeat steps 1 through 6 to assure
d i a l . that film is properly engagedon the spool.
"4:.x:, As you continue to take pictures, the red
signal will move gradually toward the right
@ffi advancingin the window,properlYindicating that film isView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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C A U T I ON When the lever stops and resists f u rther
F ilm should be handledand loadingdone in movement at the end of a film, never attempt
subdued light at least shaded from direct to force it farther. (See p.41 for instructions
sunlightby the body. on rewindingand unloadingfilm.)
The counter automatically resets for film
Film-advancelever and frame counter loading when the camera back is opened. The film-advance lever is designedwith 30"
unengagedmovement before the beginning of
its engagedstroke to allow swingingit out from
the body so that the right thumb will fit
comfortably behind it. Continuing to move the
lever until it stops, an angle of 130o, advances ffi
film and frame counter and cocks the shutter
for the next exposure.
www.butkus.usView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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F I L M S P E E D
Each f ilm on the market has an ASA or DIN shown in the ASA/D lN conversion scale at
exposure-indexnumber to indicate its sensitivi- be low.
ty to light. For correct exposure, the meter ffimust be set for the effective exposure index of
the f ilm in use.
Setting film speed
To do this, lift up on the knurled ring of the
shutter-function selector and turn it until the
proper ASA indication appearscentered in the
film-speed window and locks in that position
when the ring is released. Marks between
numbered graduationsindicate ASA numbers as ASA D I N ASA D I N
25 o 1 5 250 o 2 5
32 o 1 6 320 o 2 6
40 o 1 7 400 o 2 7
50 o 1 8 500 o 2 8
64 o 1 9 640 . 2 9
80 o 20 800 o 3 0
100 o 2 1 1000 . 3 1
125 a 22 1250 o 3 2
160 o 23 1600 o 3 3
200 o 24View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
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METERINGWITH THE XG.A
The center-weighted metering system in control from 1 12 to 2 stops, the exact amount
your XG-A employs two CdS cells mounted varying with the specific brightness difference
behind the pentaprism so that light from all and the effect desired. (p. 29).
parts of the viewfield (picture area) is measured As with most metering systems, strong
but inf luence f rom a broad central area is sourcesof direct light or other very bright areas
greatest.Thus the reading should yield satisfac- may influence the reading adversely if allowed
tory exposure without adiustment as long as to dominate the frame.
the main subject area occupies a major part of Though your XG-A finder is designed to
the frame. minimize the eff ect on the meter of light
lf the subject area to be measured occupies entering through the finder eyepiece under
a relatively smalI part of the frame, move the usual conditions, care must be exercised to
camera so that the main subject fi lls most of prevent this especially if you wear glasses.Use
the frame. Note the shutter-speedsetting in this of a rubber eyecup is further recommended
position and compensate for the exposure when the subject is in shade and the camera is
difference with the shutter-function selector in sunlight, when bright sidelightfalls between
when making the exposure from the original eye and eyepiece,or when stop-down metering
position. Further, if the most important area is is used, particularly at small apertures (see
very much brighter or darker than the,rest of p.441 . When viewing is unnecessary,the eye'
the frame and does not fill most of it, exposure piece cap (see p. 25) can be used to completely
should be decreasedor increasedwith the same eliminatethis problem.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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VIEWFINDER 23
As you look through the view-
finder of your XG-A, you can see:
O Split-image/microprism focusing
spot
@ Shutter speedscale
@ Indicator LED's (Show shutter
speed being set on auto mode;
LED at "60" also blinks as flash-
ready signal with X-series Auto
E lectrof lashes)
.() LED over- or under-rangeindica-
to rs
For operation details, see the fol-
lowing sections on exposure control
and focusing.
;.ri t&l;l**,View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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AUTOMATIC-EXPOSURECONTROL
Automatic operation right of the frame will vary automaticallyto
1. Turn the shutter-function selector to align yield proper exposure for the aperture and
"AUTO" with the index, at which point it is other settings with the light being metered.
locked to prevent accidental movement. 3. lt is then only necessaryto confirm focus
2. Set the desired lens opening by turning the (see p. 35), compose your picture, and
aperture ring on the lens barrel. The shutter releasethe shutter (p. 38).
speed as indicated by lighted LED at the
vI:|#rvlLAlView original page 26Page 27 · Read text
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4. The XG-A's accurate range of shutter opera- E yep iece cap
tion on automatic mode is 1/1000 to 1 sec., For remote or unmanned operation or when
as indicated by the shutter-speed scale. the camera is set on a support and used without
When the over-range indicator lights, the viewing on automatic mode, be sure to attach
shutter will lock to prevent overexposure. the eyepiece cap as shown. This will prevent
Lighting of the under-rangeLED indicates unwanted light f rom entering through the
use of a shutter speed longer than one eyepiece and affecting the meter reading and 'exposure
second. For either, the aperture or other when the eyepieceis not being shield-
conditions should be adjusted so that an ed by the photographer's head, as it normally
LED lights within the scale'srange. would be.
The eyepiece cap has a slot that allows
NOTES threading it on the camera strap to avoid loss
o When the over-rangeindicator lights, be sure and keep it handy for use.
not to depress the operating button while
adjusting the aperture or other conditions.
This will cause the shutter to releaseat the
instant the exposure is within metering
rangeand result in an unwanted picture.
o To continuousfy provide more or lessexpo-
sure on automatic mode, see p. 29.
o New Minolta MD lenses have a minimum
aperture lock for use with X-700 or XD
cameras.This lock should be releasedwhen
using your XG-A camera.View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
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WAYS OF USING AUTO MODE
Guide to setting aperture
On AUTO mode, Your XG-A will set the Hazy Heavy
precise shutter speed for proper exposure for Sunny S u n Over- lndoors
you automatically. Even so, you have consider- cast
able control over results and can adjust aper- ASA 25 tt8 fl4 f12 f 1 1 . 4
ture and shutter speed over considerableranges ASA 80 f 1 1 1 f /5.6 fl4 f 1 1 . 4
to suit the conditions and yourself. ASA 1OO t 111 il5.6 il4 il1.4
ASA 2OO t 111 t l 8 f 15.6 t12
ASA 4OO t 116 f 111 tl8 f 12.8General use
For usuat good personal pictures with a (These are only guidelinesfor typical picture
minimum of care where no particular effect is taking situations. For additional information
desired, simply set the aperture as indicated in seepage 21 .l
the table. These guide settings will provide as
much depth of field (see p.36) as possible NOTE
while producing a shutter speed fast enough to Use of a steady support (P. 39) or an
stop most subject motion and guard against electronic f lash (p. 43) is recommendedfor use
blur from camera movement (seep. 38). with shutter speedsof 1/60 or slower.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com Creativeaperture control There may be times when it will be most camera select the shutter speed. Small f-num- important to set the lens aperture to obtain a bers yield a shallow field of sharp focus, as in particular effect, such as rendering a certain photo A below, while large f-numbers give range in sharp focus or emphasizinga subject greater depth of field, ds in photo B. To against an out-of-focus background. In 'this determine actual depth of field, use the depth- case, set the desired aperture, and let the of-f ield scale(seep. 36). A: L arge lens open ing B: Small lens openingView original page 29
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