Film cameras
Minolta XM User manual
User manual for Minolta XM. 60 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 XM
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 60
- File size
- 8.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us .
Your Minolta XM is a wide-scope electronic svstem
camera that accepts all Minolta SLR lenses and acces_
sories as well as XM interchangeable f inders and focusing
screens. lt is engineered and built to give you greatest
precision; easiest, most convenient operation; and maxi_
mum versatility. lt gives full information and offers
complete control of all camera exposure variables. ln
automatic operation, the XM will adjust exposure with
utmost accuracy electronically, freeing you for more
en joyment or greater creativity.
Before using your camera for the f irst time, study this
the manual carefully all the way through - or at least all sections needed to cover your own photographic needs.
As you read, assemble the screen, finder, lens, and body
as described on pages 49,37,and 53, load batteries, and
handle your XM 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 great potential of your XM right
from the start. Be sure to keep this manual for reference
later as necessary.LView original page 3Page 6 · Read text
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CHANGING FOCUSING SCREENS
To Install 49
To Remove ..... . . ....:::: : 49
LENS.SCREEN COMBINATION CHART . .. . . . 50
COMPENSATION.FACTOBSELECTOR ...... 52
CHANGING LENSES
To Install ... ... 53
To Remove ... .. 53
USING OTHER THAN MD OR MC ROKKOR
LENSES
Auto Rokkor Lenses . ,. ..... .. 54
RF (Mirror-Type) and Manual-Preset Lenses. 54
MANUAL MIRROR CONTROL
ToLockMirrorUp ....55
To Lower MirrorAfter Lock-Up ........ 55
CARE ANDSTORAGE ...., 56View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
NAMES OF PARTS
Shutter-speed index
Shutter-speed /f uncti on selector
Shutter-release button
Long-exposure selector lever
Neck-strap lug
Self-timer lever
Auto "Senswitch"
Stopdown/lock-up button
Digitally signed by Mike Butkus
DN: cn=Mike Butkus, o=Butkus
camera manuals, ou=butkus.org, Mike Butkus email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
Date: 2021.04.06 19:51:51 -04'00'View original page 7Page 9 · Read text
Mount-lock release button
Film-plane indicator
Distance scale
lnf rared index
Depth-of-field scale
Film-speed selector
Compensation-factor wi ndow
Auto-exposure override control
Long-exposure scale
Film-advance lever
Exposure counter
Serial numberView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us Finder- release button Finder power switch Finder eyepiece Loaded-film reminder Eyepiece shutter control Titanium shutter curtain Battery chamber Tripod socket Sprocket Fi lm-advance release button Take-up spool Back cover Pressure plateView original page 10
Page 11 · Read text
MINOLTA XM BODY SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Interchangeable-finder-type 35mm single-lens reflex with electronic
focal-plane shutter
Lens mount: Stainless-steel Minolta SLR bayonet, 54o rotating angle
(Standard lenses: MD Rokkor 50mm F 1 .7, 50mm F1 .4, or MC Rokkor
58mm F1.2)
Coupling: For full-aperture metering and automatic diaphragm operation
with MD and MC Rokkor Lenses (Stopdown metering is used
for other Rokkor Lenses.)
Button for depth-of-f ield preview and stopdown metering
Shutter: Electronically controlled f ocal-plane type with titanium curtains and
2 mechanically controlled settings
Electronic speeds : 16 to 1 I2OOO sec. in steps,4 to 1/2000 sec.
continuously variable (with Auto Electro Finder)
Mechanical settings: X (1 /100 sec.) and B
Curtain traverse time: 9ms
Power source: Two 1.5v silver-oxide batteries
(Eveready 5-76, or equivalent)
Film advance locks when voltage is insuff icient.
V ewr nd e' ?'ff :'"' IJi: li:,l:t [^1ffi,:#:iH ::ff ';:l1-i:Ji"i ??ffi?JH filJ;
PM focusing screen (central horizontally oriented split-image focusing spot
surrounded by microprism band) supplied as standard, interchangeable
1 l o"windins ansre arter 20o Firm advance: li::,t,T:T;:::T lll,',]0," ,,,oke,
unengaged movement; advanci ng-type exposure counter resets automatically
when camera back is opened.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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Multiple exposures: Possible with f ilm-advance release
Mirror: Oversize, quick-return type, with lock-up device: no image cutoff even
with extreme telephotos (PO value: 140mm)
Self-timer; Lever type,operating time variable from approx. 6 to 1O sec.
Flash sync.: X contact: Electronic flash synchronizes at1l100 (X) and longer stepless
and step speeds, FP contact: FP bulbs synchronize at all step speeds through
1l2OOO sec. including X (1/100); single terminal in threaded socket with
X/FP switch; direct contact on accessory mount for Minolta cordless
flashguns with optional accessory hot shoe
Other: Built-in Auto "Senswitch" keeps f inder power on while camera is held in
usual operation (alternate switch located on Auto Electro Finder); battery
checker on end of body; accessory mount (with direct flash contact) on body
around back-release knob; loaded film reminder on bottom
Dimensions: 84 x 145 x 48mm (3-5/1 6" x 5-314" x 'l-15116") without tens
Weight: 67OS Q3-9116 oz.) without lensView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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AUTO ELECTRO FINDER SPECIFICATIONS
10 Type: Eye-level pentaprism with built-in meter and automatic electronic and
match-needle/manual exposure-control apparatus
Circuits: Incorporate monolithic and hybrid lC's with 41 transistors
Magnif ication: 0.8X with SOmm lens
Visible in f inder: F-number, shutter-speed/f unction scale, meter/indicator needle,
speed/function bar, light-emittingdiode exposure warning signal
Exposure meter: Built-in TTL CLC with 2 CdS cells for full-aperture metering with
MC Rokkor Lenses, stop-down metering with other Rokkor Lenses
Measuring range: EV 1 to Ev 17 (e.g., 1 sec. at F1'4 to 1l2ooo at FB) with F1.2 lensatASA1o0
Film-speed range: ASA 12 to 6400
Sh utter-speed/
function dial: AUTO,X, B, 1 ,2,4,8, 15,30,60, 125,25O,500, 1000 and 2000
Auto-exposure
stepless manual control override: -2 EV to +2 EV half-step graduations Compensation scale: -0.5 EV to +3.5 EV in Power source: 2 silver-oxide batteries for shutter control in camera base (shared use)
Dimensions: 50 x 76 x 65mm fi-15116" x 3" x 2-9116"1
Weight: 225 S l8-118 oz.l
Other: Power switch for use in lieu of body Auto "Senswitch"View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
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BATTERIES AND POWER
L2 Two 1.5-volt silver-oxide batteries, Eveready
5-76 or equivalent, supply the power for con-
trolling electronic shutter speeds and for meter
and electronic exposure control when appli-
cable.
I lrn ^,r -r A NT.
Should viewing become impossible because
the mirror of your XM remains up after the
shutter is released, it does NOT mean that the
camera needs repair. The automatic electronic
features of the model cause this to happen if
you release the shutter 1 ) when battery voltage
is insuff icient at an electronic setting or 2) when
current is off on automatic mode or when no
finder is installed. To restore viewing and usual
function,see page 16 in case 1l or page 27 in
case 2 ).View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
2. Handling them only by the edges, insert two 1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the of the specified batteries plus (+) side out battery chamber cover until the dot on it is into the sleeve on the inside of the cover. lf aligned with "O" on the camera base plate batteries are inserted improperly, they will and remove the cover. not make contact, and no current will flow.View original page 16
Page 17 · Read text
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Testrnq Batterres
Depress the battery checker lever toward the
bottom of the camera. lf the red lamp lights,
3. Replace the cover and return the dot to "C" batteries are serviceable.
position. Test batteries immediately after installing
them. lf the lamp does not light, make sure that
they have been inserted correctly.
Batteries should be tested from time to time
thereafter, particularly before starting picture-
taking sessions or trips. A set of batteries will
usually last for about one year.
tqView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
ilr lir,",itr.lttrtq l'r)rnrt:t ()lr,,rrtl l)fi shooting, or when the camera is not held as With the Auto Electro Finder, power for normal. Some may wish to keep it on whenever metering and electronic exposure control will be they are using the camera.) To avoid possible on whenever the Auto Senswitch is being excessive battery drain from the exposure warn- touched and off when it is not, provided the ing signal, however, make sure the finder power finder power switch is in the "OFF" position. switch is turned off when the camera is not Turning the finder power switch to the "ON" in use. position, however, will override the Auto Sen- With non-metering finders, it is unnecessary switch and keep power on even though it is not to turn power on and off. The camera will use being touched. (The finder power switch should power only when the electronic shutter is be used for unmanned auto exposure, tripod released.View original page 18
Page 19 · Read text
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Your XM camera is equipped with a device to
lock the f ilm-advance lever and to warn you and
prevent much waste f ilm in case battery voltage
becomes insufficient while the shutter-speed
selector dial is at an electron ic setting (i.e., any
one other than "B" or "x"1.
lf film has not been advanced when voltage
falls too low, it will be possible to advance f ilm 1. Pull out on the back-cover release knob until
once and release the shutter once. lf film has the camera back springs open.
been advanced, it will also be possible to release
the shutter once. In either case, however, the
film will receive no exposure. and the mirror
will stay up so that viewing is impossible
thereafter. At the same time, the film advance
lever will lock and cannot be operated f urther.
Inserting batteries having suff icient voltage
will restore normal operation immediately. For
mechanical operation at "X" or "8" settings
without serviceable batteries, see instructions on
page 47.
Space for two extra batteries is provided in the
shoulder pad of the camera strap.View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
2. Leaving the knob pulled out, position a film
cartridge in the chamber with the projecting
spool end toward the bottom of the camera. 3. Insert the end of the film leader into one of
Then push the back-cover release knob all the the slots in the take-up spool so that the
way in, rotating it slightly to do so if tooth is engaged in the fourth or f if th sproket
necessary. hole f rom the encl
www.butkus.usView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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t8
5. Press down f irmly on the f ilm with the f ingers
between the sprocket holes and one edge of
4. Operate the f ilm-advance lever in several short the f ilm so that it cannot move. While doing
strokes until the film has begun to wind this, take up any slack in the cartridge by
firmly around the take-up spool and the folding out the rewind crank and turning it in
sprocket teeth are engaged with the holes on the direction of the arrow until resistance is
both edges of the film. lf the advance lever fel t.
locks at the end of a full stroke during this 6. Close the camera back and push in on it until
procedure, release the shutter and continue. it clicks locked.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
7. While watching the rewind crank, release the CAUTI ON I r-)
shutter and advance film until the index Film should be handled and loading done in
shaded from direct points to "1" on the exposure counter dial. subdued light - at least Rotation of the crank during the f ull stroke sunlight by the body.
in the direction opposite that of the arrow
indicates that the f ilm is advancing properly. Loaded Filrn Reminder
lf the crank rotates during only a small part The dial on the bottom of the camera may be
of the stroke or not at all, make sure of turned so that one of its symbols is aligned with
proper f ilm loading and alignment by repeat- one of the numbered dots beside it to serve as a
ing steps from 3 above onward. reminder that a cartridge of 12, 20, or 36
exposures of black-and-white, color negative, or
daylight- or tungsten-type color reversal f ilm is
loaded in the camera.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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A scale for converting DIN to ASA f ilm-speed Film is advanced, the shutter cocked, and the
ratings is located on the back cover of the exposure counter advanced by operating the
camera. Convenient for film-speed setting film-advance lever in one or more strokes
lp.2al. through its 1 'l 0" engaged angle untJl it springs
back. The f ilm-advance lever has 20- unengaged
play before the beginning of its engaged stroke
Around the ASA/DlN conversion table is a to allow offsetting it f rom the body so that the
convenient frame that can be used to keep right thumb will f it comfortably behind it.
memos handy with the camera. lt is just the lf the f i lm-advance lever remains locked
right size to hold the film-box end, which can between exposures even though the shutter has
be inserted as a reminder of the f ilm in use. been released, battery voltage is insuff icient for
electronic operation (see P. 16). lf the advance
lever stops in mid-stroke and resists further
movement, f ilm is exhausted. The f ilm-advance
lever should never be forced when it locks or
cannot be operated normally.
The exposure counter is of the advancing
type and is numbered to 40, past which point it
will not move regardless of the number of
exposures made. This exposure counter auto-
matically resets for film loading when the
camera back is opened.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Minolta's exclusive CLC ("Contrast Light Stopdown metering is used for other Rokkor
Compensator") metering system employs two Lenses.
CdS cells mounted on the pentaprism to take The metering method is changed by means of
separate, overlapping light readings. These cells the stopdown/lock-up button. This has two
are wired so that the reading of each af f ects that positions: Inner for f ull-aperture metering and
of the other to automatically yield optimum outer for stopdown metering (or depth-of-f ield
exposure in both normal and most high-contrast preview). Pushing the button once will set it at
lighting situations. For best results, the photo- one of these positions; pushing it again wi ll set it
grapher should thus generally not make compen- at the other.
satory adj ustment for such differences. One Though the CLC system and finder are
exception is that the lens should generally be designed to minimize the effect on the meter of
stopped down from % to 1 F-stop if the most light entering through the eyepiece under usual
important subject area is much brighter than the conditions, care must be exercised to prevent
rest of the picture (e.9., is in a spotlight or shaft this especially if you wear eyeglasses. Use of a
of sunlight). Some photographers also prefer to rubber finder eyecup is further recommended
open a half to a full stop with a backlighted when the subject is in shade and the camera is in
subject or one whose most important area is con- sunlight. when bright sidelight falls between eye
siderably darker than the area surrounding it. and eyepiece, or when stop-down metering is
With MD and MC Rokkor Lenses, metering is used, particularly at small apertures. When
done at full aperture, for greatest sensitivity and viewing is unnecessary, the eyepiece shutter (see
accuracy. The viewf inder thus remains at maxi- page 28) can be used to completely eliminate
mum brightness for utmost ease of composing this problem.
and f ocusing, and the automatic diaphragm
closes down to the preset aperture only at the
moment of exposure.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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EXPOSU R E.CONTRO L F UN DAM ENTALS
22 The two camera exposure-control setti ngs are shutter speed (e.9. , 1l60 sec.) allows light to
lens opening (aperture) and shutter speed. The strike the film twice as long as the next higher
size of the aperture determines the amount or speed (111251 and half as long as the next lower
volume of light reaching the f ilm from a given one (1/30) . Total exposure on the f ilm is
subject and lighting. The shutter speed deter- determined by the combination of aperture and
mines the length of time this light acts upon the speed. Other things being equal, using the next
film. Apertures are expressed in F-numbers, smaller F-number will balance using the next
which are larger for small openings and vice higher shutter speed, and so on. A great range of
versa (e.g., F16 represents a smallopening, F2 a combinations (e.g., F5.6 at 1/30, F4 at 1160,
large one). Shutter speeds are expressed in F2.8 at 11125, F2 at 11250, etc.l will thus yield
seconds or fractions thereof, which are the the same total exposure. The specif ic combina-
reciprocals of the numbers on the shutter-speed tion you choose under given lighting conditions
scales. At usual apertures, each F-number setting will depend upon how much you want the
(e.9., F8) lets in twice as much light as the next greater depth of f ield (see p. 35) of smaller
numerically larger one (F11) and half as much apertures and the greater movement-blur pre-
as the next smaller (F5.6) . Similarly, each venting ability of faster speeds.View original page 25Page 27 · Read text
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Setting Film Speed 2016
For correct exposure, the meter must be set
for the effective exposure index of the film in
use.
To do this, turn the f ilm-speed selector until
the proper ASA value indication appears oppo-
site tts index dot. Dots between numbered
graduations ind icate ASA numbers as shown :
NO f E:.
ASA/DIN conversion scale is located on the
back cover of the camera (see p. 20).View original page 27Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.