User manual MINOLTA MAXXUM HT SI

[. . . ] E INSTRUCTION MANUAL QUICK OPERATION GETTING STARTED FULL-AUTO OPERATION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES ADDITIONAL FEATURES APPENDIX FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the camera in Full-Auto mode. Move on to Level II and the Subject Program modes when you are comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the exposure details to the camera. [. . . ] Turn the control dial to select the shutter speed. · The number 60, or 125, displayed in the data panel stands for 1/60th or 1/125th of a second. · The seconds indicator appears in the viewfinder and data panel if the shutter speed is one second or longer. Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off. · will be displayed in the data panel. If the aperture display in the data panel blinks, the required setting is outside the aperture range of the lens. Turn the control dial until the blinking stops. 42 43 S-MODE ­ SHUTTER PRIORITY Shutter Control M-MODE ­ MANUAL M-mode gives you full control of the exposure. The camera's meter index displays how your settings compare to the exposure determined by the camera's metering system. 1. Press the function button and turn the control dial until M appears in the data panel. Fast Shutter Speed Slow Shutter Speed In addition to controlling the duration of the exposure, shutter speed determines how moving subjects will appear in the final image. Depending on the speed of your subject, slow shutter speeds will make a moving subject appear to flow, creating a feeling of motion. In addition to stopping action, fast shutter speeds can help prevent blur caused by camera movement during exposure, known as camera shake. · Use a fast shutter speed to stop the motion of your subject. · Use a slow shutter speed to blur the motion of your subject. 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 44 45 M-MODE ­ MANUAL Metering in Manual Mode In manual mode, the meter index in the viewfinder and the data panel indicates how your exposure compares with the camera's meter reading. M-MODE ­ MANUAL M-Mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. Flash exposure is controlled by the camera's TTL automatic flash metering system. ­ The exposure will overexpose your subject. 1. Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. · will appear in the data panel. 2. Turn the control dial to select any shutter speed up to 1/125th of a second. ­ The exposure will underexpose your subject. If an exposure compensation indicator does not appear, your settings agree with the exposure determined by the camera. 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. · Refer to the flash range table on page 25 to determine the aperture setting and the flash range. Cancelling the Flash Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off. · will be displayed in the data panel. 46 47 TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) Set the shutter speed to bulb when you want to take time exposures. When bulb is selected, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is pressed. 4. Compose the scene and focus on your subject. · If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, press the focus-mode button and focus the lens manually (p53). 1. Set the camera to M-mode, then turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. 5. Firmly press the eyepiece cap into the eyepiece. · The eyepiece cap prevents light from entering thru the viewfinder and affecting the metered exposure. 6. Press and hold the shutterrelease button to take the picture. · The shutter remains open as long as the button is pressed. 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 48 49 FOCUS ­ Wide Focus Area Wide focus area uses the camera's three focus sensors to automatically focus on your subject. The wide focus area provides greater framing flexibility and makes it easier for the camera to focus on moving subjects. Wide focus area is the camera's standard focus mode. ADDITIONAL F E AT U R E S The camera determines which sensor is focusing on your subject and sets the focus accordingly. · The focus areas are not visible in the viewfinder frame. The focus area indicator in the viewfinder tells you which sensor the camera is using. 51 FOCUS ­ Spot AF Spot AF uses the center focus sensor and the current metering mode (p55) to lock focus and exposure. [. . . ] · Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from dust and chemicals such as moth balls. For long periods, place the camera in an airtight container with a silica gel drying agent. · Periodically release the camera's shutter to keep it operating properly. · Before using after prolonged storage, check the camera's operation to make sure it is functioning properly. Questions and Service · If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to the Minolta distributor in your area. [. . . ]