tr

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

X-300s/X-370n
 Y o u r M i n o l t a X - 3 O O s , z 3 7 O t irst a n e a s y - t o - u s e m i c r o c o m p u t e r i z e d s i n g l e - l e n s - r e f l e x ( S L R )
camera with quartz control of mechanical sequences and shutter speed, providing lasting accuracy
and years of enjoyment.
In its aperture-priority auto-exposure (AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera), the X-3OOs,z37Orrr auto-
matically sets the precise shutter speed, according to the in-camera meter for correct exposure, at
the aperture you selected. An AE lock can be used to hold a meter reading and then readjust the
framing before releasingthe shutter. Auto control is maintained even when using mirror lenses and
close-up accessoriessuch as bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priorityAE systems.
Creative flexibility exists in the X-3oOs,z37Orulsmatch-LED,/full-metered manual mode: For
correct exposure at the metered value, simply adjust aperture and/or shutter speed to align blinking
and glowing LEDs in the viewfinder. Or you can also merely refer to these LEDs-or totally
disregardthem-when making your own settings.
Flash photography is also simple: just attach a Minolta X-series Auto Electroflash, adjust
aperture,and shoot. Flash-readysignpl is given in the viewfinder, and the shutter is automaticallyset
for proper sync. at 1/60 sec.
The X-3OOs,/37Orucan be used with Minolta's wide range of accessories, such as wideangle,
telephoto,and zoom lenses, Motor Drive 1, Auto Winder G, and much more.

Beforeusinglenses,flashes,or other accessories

madeby companiesother than Minolta,
attachthem to the cameraand makesurethey function properlyby takingtest photographs.

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CONTENTS ,t

N A M E SO F P A R T S . . . .2 CREATIVECONTROL..... .24
STRAP AND CASE .5 AE LOCK .24
SU M MARYOF O P E RA T I O N(a u to m o d e l . . . 6 MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE .26
P R E P A R I N GT O T A K E P I C T U R E S. .8 Long exposure at "B" setting .27
A T T A C H I N GA N D R E M O V I N GL E N S .8 DEPTH OF FIELD .28
BATTERIESAND POWER .9 SHUTTER SPEED .29
Batterycheck 't1 OTHER FOCUSING METHODS .30
C o l d - w e a t h e ro p e r a t i o n 11 Distancescale .:.. .30
FILM AND FILM SPEED 12 Infrared index .30
LOADING FILM 13 FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY...] .31
S a f e L o a d S i g n a l / F r a m ec o u n t e r 15 ACCESSORTES. .32
VIEWFINDER 16 TECHNICAD L ETAILS. ... .34
PRESHOOTINGCHECK. . . . . . . 17 C A R E AN D S TOR A GE .36
T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E 18
C A MER A SE T T I NG S 18
FOCUSING 20
HOLDING CAMERA AND RELEASING
SHUTTER 21
Mounting cameraon tripod 22'
Self-timer 22
E y e p i e c ec a p 22
REWINDINGAND UNLOADING FILM 23

-.di'.
 N A M E SO F P A R T S
Mounting indo< Minimum- re lock (Disengagefor use on X-3OOs,z37ON)

Focusinggrip
Distance scale

Depth-of-field soale
Aperture ring
Safe Load Signal
Main mritch
Monitors correct film advance
Back-cover release knob

Rewind crank

Film-speedring

Film-speedwindow Shutter-release bufton

Mode/shutter-speedwindow Frame countel

F ilm-speedring release
A U TO: automati cmode
Sync. contact 1 - 1000: shutter speeds
B : " b u l b " ( l o n g )e x p o s u r e Film-advance lever
2 Camera control contact
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AE lock/self-timer switch MC coupler
' AE lock for holding close-upor
adjusted-viewing meter readings
' Self-timer with three-rate blink-
Lens-mounting index
ing LED

Mode/shutter-speed
selector
Lengrelease button
Strap eyelet

Self-ti me rLE D
Shutter- release socket

F r o n t g ri p

Bayonet lens mount Diaphragm-controllever

 Accessory shoe

Take-upspool

Pressureplate

Eyepiece

Eack cover
Eyepiece frame

Film window

Rewind release
Winder contact
Winder/motor-drive gu ide socket
Battery cover

Motor-drive gu ide socket W inder/motor-dr ive coupler

Motor-drive contacts Tripod socket
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STRAP AND CASE
Attach the strap (provided) and case (optional) as shown. The strap includesa battery holder usedfor storing
f r e s h s p a r eb a t t e r i e s .

E y e p i e c ec a p
S U M M A R Y O F O P E R A T I O N ( A u t o m a t i cm o d e )

1 . S l i d em a i n s w i t c h t o " O N " ( p . 1 O ) . 2. Check battery power (p 1 1). 3. Set film speed lp. 12l-.

4. Open back cover (p. 13). 5. Load film properly and 6 . A d v a n c ef i l m t o f r a m e " 1 "
c l o s ec o v e r ( p . 1 4 ) . and check Safe Load Signal
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7. Set mode/shutter-speed se- 8 . S e l e c tl e n sa p e r t u r s ( p . 1 9 ) . 9. Adjust focus (p. 2O).
l e c t o rt o " A U T O " ( p . 1 8 ) .

1 0 . R e l e a s es h u t t e r l p . 2 1 1 . 1 1 . S l i d em a i n s w i t c h t o " O F F " ( p 1 0 ) . 1 2 .R e w i n d a n d r e m o v e f i l m
(p. 23).
P R E P A IRN G T O T A K E P I C T U R E S
A T T A C H I N GA N D R E M O V I N GL E N S
B o d y a n d l e n sc a p s
Remove body and lens caps as
shown.

To attach To remove
Align the red mounting index on W h i l e p r e s s i n gt h e l e n s - r e l e a s b
eu t -
the lens barrel with the red index t o n , t u r n t h e l e n sc o u n t e r c l o c k w i s e
on the camera'slens mount. Insert as far asit will go,then lift it out of
the lens bayonet into the mount, the mount.
t h e n t u r n t h e l e n sc l o c k w i s eu n t i l i t
l o c k s i n t o p l a c ew i t h a c l i c k .

o N e v e r s e t a l e n s m o u n t - s i d ed o w n u n l e s sa r e a r l e n s c a p i s a t t a c h e d ;
o t h e r w i s e ,i t s c o n t r o l p i n s m a y b e d a m a g e d .
o B e c a r e f u l n o t t o t o u c h a n y t h i n g i n s i d e t h e c a m e r a ,e s p e c i a l l yt h e
mirror, when attachingor removinglenses.

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B A T T E R I E SA N D P O W E R
Batteries
Use one of the following types of
batteries:
o Two 1.55V silver-oxide (SR-zl4:
EvereadyS-76. EPX-76,or equiv.)
o Two 1.5V alkaline-manganese
(LR44: Eveready4-76 or equiv.)
o O n e 3 V l i t h i u m( C R - 1 / 3 N )

1. Using a coin or similar object, 2. Wipe the terminals with a clean,

unscrew the battery cover counter- dry cloth. Hold the batteries by
clockwiseand remove it. t h e i r e d g e sa n d i n s e r t t h e m p l u s ( + )
side up into the sleeve on the
i n s i d eo f t h e c o v e r .

o Do not use 1.35V mercury batteries (MRzl4:EvereadyEpX-675 or

e q u i v . ) , w h i c h a r e t h e s a m e s h a p e a n d s i z e , b e c a u s et h e i r v o l t a g e i s
too low.
o To avoid battery leakageor bursting, do not mix batteriesof
d i f f e r e n t t y p e s , b r a n d s ;o r a g e s .
o K e e p b a t t e r i e sa w a y f r o m y o u n g c h i l d r e n .
3. Replace the cover and screw it Main switch
i n c l o c k w i s ea s f a r a s i t w i l l g o . To operate the camera, slide the
main switch to "ON".
When you have f inished taking
pictures, move the main switch to
" O F F " t o p r e v e n t a c c i d e n t a le x p o -
sures and battery drain. (lt the
switch is left on, however, battery
drain occurs only when the shutter-
release button is pressed, so you
may want to leave it on to avoid
m i s s i n gu n e x p e c t e d s h o t s . )
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S h u t t e r - r e l e a s eb u t t o n
Pressing the shutter-releasebutton
(with the main switch on) activates
the camera's meter, viewfinder LED
display. and exposure-control sys-
tem. The shutter is released when
the button is pressed all the way
down.
The viewfinder LED display will
remain on lor 15 sec. after you
removeyour finger.

Battery check
The camera automatically checks
battery power when the shutter-
r e l e a s eb u t t o n i s p r e s s e d .
o When batteries are nearly ex-
hausted, the mode LED l" A"
o r " M " ) i n t h e v i e w f i n d e rb l i n k s t o
warn that fresh batteries will soon
be needed.
o When batteries are completely
exhausted (or not correctly in-
stalled), no LEDs light and the
shutter locks.
Cold-weather operation
Since batteries tend to lose power
as temperature drops, always use
fresh batteries when photographing
in cold weather and keep a spare set
with you, preferably in a warm
pocket close to your body. Battery
capacity will be restored when
t e m p e r a t u r e r e t u r n s t o n o r m a l.
For prolonged cold-weather use at
approx. O"C (32'F) or lower, it is
recommended to use silver-oxide
batteries; if a lithium battery is
usedbelow approx. 0"C (32"F), the
camera may not operate.
FILM AND FILM SPEED
The camera uses standard 35mm
cartridge film. Each film has an ISO
film-speed number which indicates
the film's sensitivity to light. The
ISO number .is marked on the
camera'sfilm-speedring.
For proper exposure, the cam-
era's film-speed ring must be set to
the correct film speed.
Setting f ilm speed Film window
While pressing the f ilm-speed The film window can be used to
r i n g r e l e a s e t, u r n t h e f i l m - s p e e dr i n g c o n fi r m t h e t y p e o f f i l m c u r r e n t l y
until the desired number lines up loaded.
with the index and locks in place
when you remove your f ingerfrom
the release.
Intermediate settings
rs o
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L O A D I N GF I L M
Before opening the camera back,
make sure there is no film inside
the camera by checking the film
window $.121.

NOTE
o When loading film in a dark place
or with the lens cap on, loading
w i l l b e e a s i e ri f t h e m o d e s e l e c t o r i s
not set at "AUTO".
1. Unfold the rewind crank and 2. Leaving the knob pulled out,
pull up on it to lift the back-cover position a 35mm film cartridge in
r e l e a s ek n o b . P u l l u p o n t h e k n o b the chamber with its projecting
u n t i l t h e c a m e r a b a c k s p r i n g so p e n . spool down. Then push the back-
c o v e r r e l e a s ek n o b a l l t h e w a y i n ,
rotating it slightly if necessary.

o Always handle and load f ilm in subdued light or at least shaded

from direct light by your body.

o Do not touch any parts or areas

i n s i d et h e c a m e r as h o w n i n b l u e .

13
3. Pull out just enoughfilm leader
to reach the take-up spool. lnsert
the end of the film into a slot on
the left side of the take-up spool,
making surethat a hole in the film
is lined up with the tooth on the
take-up spool. The sprocket teeth
s h o u l d b e e n g a g e dw i t h h o l e s a t t h e
bottom of the f ilm.
4. With the film held against the 5. After making sure that the film
sprocket by your left hand, slowly is taut, close the camera back by
o p e r a t e t h e f i l m - a d v a n c e l e v e ru n t i l p r e s s i n gi t u n t i l i t l o c k s s h u t w i t h a
the film is wound firmly aroundthe click. A red "S" should now appear
take-up spool, the sprocket teeth opposite the index in the f rame
are engaged with holes on both cou nter.
edgesof the film, and the slack in
the film is taken up. lf the film-
advance lever stops at the end of a
full stroke during this procedure,
release the shutter and continue
( m a i ns w i t c h m u s t b e a t o n ) .
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6 . A d v a n c e t h e f i l m a n d r e l e a s et h e
shutter until the index points to
" 1 " . A r e d b a r s h o u l d a p p e a ra t t h e
I a r l e f t i n t h e S a fe L o a d S i g n a l
indicating that film is loaded and
advancing properly. lf it does not
appear or swings far to the right,
r e p e a t s t e p s3 t o 6 .
The camera is now ready for taki ng
the first picture, provided film
speed is set.
Film-advance lever
The lever has 30o of unengaged
movement to allow swinging it out
from the camera body so the right
thumb will fit comfortably behind
it. As the lever is moved an addi-
t i o n a l 1 3 0 o u n t i l i t s t o p s ,t h e f i l m
a n d f r a m e c o u n t e r a d v a n c ea n d t h e
shutter is cocked for the next
exposure.
Safe Load Signal/Frame counter
As you take pictures and advance
the film, the red bar in the Safe
Load Signalgradually moves to the
right and the rewind crank rotates
c o u n t e r c l o c k w i s e ,i n d i c a t i n g p r o p e r
film advance.
Never force the f ilm-advance
lever when it stops and resists
further movement at the end of the
f ilm, which may be somewhat
after the common film lengths
( 1 2 , 2 0 , 2 4 , 3 6 e x p o s u r e s s) h o w n i n
red in the f ramecounter. The frame
counter stops advancing after 36
exposures. 15
 VIEWF IN DE R
o ' GShl outterspeed
wing
scale/LE Ds
L E D ( s )i n d i c a t e (: 1 ) i n " A " ( a u t o )
mode, shutter speed set by camera (if two
LEDs glow, camera has set stepless speed
betw eenthe tw o), and (2) i n " M" (manual )
mode, the metered speed
' B fi nki ng LE D (at 4H zl i ndi cates useret
shutterspeedi n manualmode
' " 60" LE D bl i nks at 3H z as fl ash-ready
si gnal w i th X -seri esMi nol ta A uto E l ectro-
f lashes

o 1-4 sec./ under-range LED

Glows if metered speedis between 1 and 4
sec.
Bfinks lat4Hz) if outside range

@ B-setting indicator

O Mode indicators o Focusingscreen

M : M a n u a lm o d e S pl i t-i mage spot, mi cropri sm band, and
A: A ut o m ode Acute Matte field

O Over-rangeLED @ Aperture indicator

Blinks at 4Hz (4 times per second)
16
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PRESHOOTING
CHECK
Self-timer off ?
Check the following items to
make sure your camera is ready for
p i c t ur e - t ak i n g :

M i n i m u m - a p e r t u r el o c k r e l e a s e d ?
( o n n e w - t y p e M D l e n so n l y )

l s t h e f i l m l o a d e dc o r r e c t l y ?

F i l m s p e e ds e t ?

BatteriesOK? Mode/shutter speed set?

(Does mode LED glow-not blink-when
shutter-releasebutton is pressed?)
 T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E
C A M ER A S E T T I N G S
Set mode/shutter-speed selector
to "AUTO".
S e t l e n s a t d e s i r e da p e r t u r e .
18
ln aperture-priority auto mode, blurred pictures due to camera
all you need to do is set the desired movement. To correct, turn the
aperture-the camerawill automati- aperture ring toward the largest
cally select the shutter speed aperture (i.e., tlZ, f11.7, t11.4,
n e e d e df o r p r o p e r e x P o s u r e . etc.,) until the 1/60 sec. LED
Viewf inder display l i g h t s . l f t h i s i s n o t p o s s i b l e ,u s e
B e f o r e r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r , c o m - a t r i p o d ( p . 2 2 t o r f l a s h( p . 3 1 ) .
pose your picture, focus, and check
the viewfinder for the following: NOTE
. l s t h e u n d e r - r a n g eL E D b l i n k i n g ? o In some situations you should use
lf so, turn the aperture ring the AE lock (p. 24).
toward the largestaperture (i.e., o lf your head is not shielding the
f 1 2 , f 1 1 . 7 ,o r f 1 1 . 4 ,e t c . ) u n t i l t h e eyepiece from light when the
L E D s t o p s b l i n k i n g , o r i n c r e a s et h e picture is taken (as when using
light levelif possible. self-timer), attach the eyepiece cap
. l s t h e o v e r - r a n g eL E D b l i n k i n g ? l f lp.22l.
so, turn the aperture ring toward
t h e s m a l l e s t a p e r t u r e ( i . e . ,f / 1 6 o r
tl22luntil the LED stopsblinking.
lf it does not stop, use a neutral-
d e n s i t y ( N D ) f i l t e r , o r r e d u c et h e
l i g h t l e v e li f p o s s i b l e .
. l s a n L E D o n i n d i c a t i n g1 / 3 0 s e c .
or slower shutter speed? Using
s l o w s h u t t e r s p e e d sm a y r e s u l t i n
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 Selectingaperture Gu idelines f or typ ical p ictu re-taking situations
In auto mode, your camera will automatically set the

1 precise shutter speed for proper exposure at the set Heavy

Hazy
a p e r t u r e . E v e n s o , y o u h a v e c o n s i d e r a b l ec o n t r o l o v e r tso Sunny
Sun
Over- Indoors
r e s u l t sa n d c a n a d j u s t a p e r t u r e a n d s h u t t e r s p e e d o v e r cast

I s i z a b l er a n g e s .

b
For good pictures where no particular effect is desired,
simply set the aperture as indicated in the table. These
s e t t i n g sw i l l p r o v i d e a s m u c h d e p t h o f f i e l d a s p o s s i b l e *
while producing a shutter speedfast enough to stop the
motion of most subjects. 25 il8 il4 ft2 f 11.4
There may be times, however, when you want to
64 il8 tl4 f 12.8 t11.4
obtain a particular effect, such as rendering a certain
r a n g e i n s h a r p f o c u s , e m p h a s i z i n g a s u b j e c t a g a i n s ta n 100 t 111 f/5.6 tlq t11.4
o u t - o f - f o c u s b a c k g r o u n d , o r s e l e c t i n ga s p e c i f i c s h u t t e r
160 tl't1 il8 f/5.6 tt2
speed. ln these cases, you must select the appropriate
aperture to give the desired depth of field (seep. 28l. or 200 f 111 il8 f/5.6 il2
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d ( p . 2 9 ) .
400 il16 t 111 ft8 il2.8
1000 il22 rl16 t 111 il4

19

,'rx*efJd&dsi6*..
F O C U SNI G
The camera'sfocusing screenhas . M i c r o p r i s m b a n d i s u s e df o r l e n s e s
a f ocusing aid consisting of a f r o m m e d i u m w i d e a n g l et h r o u g h
split-image spot surrounded by a medium telephoto, especially
band of microprismsin the center with subjects not having vertical
of an Acute Matte field. Ii n e s .
T o f o c u s t h e c a m e r av i s u a l l y ,l o o k . Matte field is used for longer
t h r o u g h t h e v i e w f i n d e ra n d t u r n t h e f o c a l - l e n g t hl e n s e so r f o r m a c r o o r
l e n s 'f o c u s i n gg r i p u n t i l : o t h e r w o r k i n v o l v i n gc o n s i d e r a b l e
' U p p e r a n d l o w e r s u b j e c t i m a g e si n l e n se x t e n s i o n .
t h e s p o t a r e e x a c t l y a l i g n e dw i t h
In focus n o b r o k e n l i n e sb e t w e e n t h e m .
'Subject image in the microprism
band does not shimmer or appear
broken up.
At this point, the subject image
within the viewfinder's center
focusing aid appears clearest and
seems to blend with that on the
m a t t e f i e l d s u r r o u n d i n gi t .
You will probably f ind that
f o c u s i n g i s e a s i e s ti f :
' Split-image spot is used for
s u b j e c t sh a v i n gv e r t i c a l l i n e s .
Out of focus

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H O L D I N GC A M E R A A N D R E L E A S I N GS H U T T E R
H o l d i n g t h e c a m e r a a s s h o w n l e t s y o u o p e r a t e m o s t c o n t r o l s w h i l e l o o k i n g t h r o u g h t h e c a m e r a ' se y e p i e c e .

LEFT HAND T o o b t a i n s h a r p ,b l u r - f r e e p h o t o s , back and forth for horizontal(a) and

Thumb: focusing grip, aperture hold the camera as still aspossible vertical(b) pictures without removing
nng a n d p r e s st h e s h u t t e r - r e l e a s e
button your hand from its controls. By
lndex: f o c u s i n gg r i p g e n t l y t o r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r . T h e cradling the camera in your left
M i d d l e : a p e r t u r er i n g camera should be steadiedagainst hand, you can easily focus and set
y o u r f a c e o r b o d y . A l w a y s p r e s st h e the aperture, then shoot. Fig.(c)
R I G H TH A N D button with a slow, steady squeeze shows an alternative way to hold
T h u m b : f i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r t o r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r - n e v e r a q u i c k the camera vertically.
lndex: mode/shutter-speed jab.
s e l e c t o ro r s h u t t e r - Some ways of holding the camera
r e l e a s eb u t t o n are shown here. lf you grasp the
Middle: AE lock c a m e r af i r m l y w i t h y o u r r i g h t h a n d
on its front grip, you can shift it

M o u n t i n g c a m e r ao n t r i p o d
F o r u s i n g t h e s e l f - t i m e r ,o r f o r
m a x i m u m s h a r p n e s sw h e n m a k i n g
exposures too long to permit
handholding of the camera (1/30
sec. or slower), mount the camera
on a tripod using the socket on the
c a m e r ab o t t o m .
Self-timer LED blinks as follows:
First 8 sec.: twice per sec.
Next sec.: eight times per sec.
L a s ts e c . : continuously
NOTE
o You may cancel the self-timer
after it has been startedby pushing
the self-timer switch down or by
s l i d i n gt h e m a i n s w i t c h t o " O F F " .
self-timer
o After taking the picture, switch
T h e c a m e r a ' se l e c t r o n i c s e l f - t i m e r
off the self-timer, or the next pic-
can be used to delay shutter release
ture will be taken after a 10-sec.
for 10 sec.
delay.
1. Mount the camera on a sturdy
s u p p o r t ( s u c h a s a t r i p o d ) , c o m p o s e E y e p i e c ec a p
your picture, and focus. When using the camera in auto
2. Set the mode/shutter-speed se- m o d e o r a t " 8 " , i f y o u r h e a d d o e s
lector at any setting other than not shield the eyepiece from light
" 8 " , a n d m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e f i l m i s ( s e l f- t i m e r o p e r a t i o n) , s l i d e t h e
advanced. eyepiece cap onto the eyepiece
3 . P u l l t h e s e l f - t i m e rs w i t c h u p . f r a m e . T h i s p r e v e n t su n w a n t e d l i g h t
4. To start the timer, press the from affectingexposure.
shutter-release button. To keep it handy, the eyepiece
A v i s u a l s i g n a l w i l l i n d i c a t e h o w cap threads onto the camera strap
m u c h t i m e i s l e f t b e f o r e t h e s e l f - (p. 5)
t iwww.orphancameras.com
mer releases the shutter.
R E W I N D I N GA N D U N L O A D I N GF I L M
1 . P r e s st h e r e w i n d r e l e a s eo n t h e
c a m e r ab o t t o m .
2. Unfold the rewind crank and
t u r n i t i n t h e d i r e c t i o no f t h e a r r o w
until the red bar in the Safe Load
Signalmoves out of the window to
the left. Near the end, you will feel
tension of the film increasethen
completely disapPear, and the
crankwill then turn f reelY.
o Never open the camera back when there is any red still visible
in the SafeLoad Signal.
3. When you are certain that the
e x p o s e df i l m i s c o m p l e t e l y r e w o u n d
into the cartridge, Pull uP on the
b a c k - c o v e rr e l e a s ek n o b t o o p e n t h e
back, then remove the f ilm car-
tri dge.
23
C R E A T I V EC O N T R O L
AE L O CK
When to use
Your X-30Os/370rl's center-weight-
ed averagingmeter system is designed
so that light from all parts of the
viewfinder is measured, but influ-
ence from a large central area is
greatest. Thus, when the main
subject fills most of the frame's
center, the meter reading should
give satisfactory exposure. However,
when there is a great brightness
difference between the subject and
backgroundwhere the main subject How to use 1. Shift the camera's position so
does not fill the center of the To obtain proper exposure in the subject fills most of the frame.
frame, the AE lock should be used high-contrast lighting situations For small subjects,you may need
( w i t h c a m e r ai n a u t o m o d e ) . where your subject is on the edge to move closer (or zoorn closer).
Use the AE lock in situations of the frame or occupies only a
where subjects appear dark against s m a l l p o r t i o n i n t h e c e n t e r ,u s e t h e
strong backlighting, such as win- AE lock asfollows:
d o w s , o r a g a i n s ta l i g h t b a c k g r o u n d
of snow or sand; or where subjects
appear very light against a dark
background, as when standing in a
spotlight or shaft of sunlight.

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 NOTE
o The AE lock cannot be used in
m a n u a lm o d e o r w i t h t h e s e l f - t i m e r .
o lf you wish to change the aper-
t u r e , d o s o b e f o r e p r e s s i n gt h e A E
lock.
o For precise exposure control
when using the AE lock with a
v a r i a b l e - e fef c t i v e - a p e r t ur e zoom
lens (such as Minolta 35-105mm
f13.5-4.5 MD Zooml, slightlY
down and hold it. adjust the aperture after engaging
3. While still holding the AE lock t h e A E l o c k t o c o m p e n s a t ef o r t h e
down, recompose your picture as changewhen zooming (or do not
d e s i r e d a n d p r e s st h e s h u t t e r - r e l e a s e z o o m a f t e r e n g a g i n gt h e l o c k ) . F o r
button all the way down to release exact compensation value, please
the shutter. refer to the zoom lens' instruction
manual.
o W h e n u s i n g f i l t e r s ,s o m e e x p o s u r e
adjustment may be necessary.
 M A N U A L E X P O S U R EM O D E
Basic setting
Set mode/shutter-speedselector
at desired click-stop from "1" (1
s e c . )t o " 1 0 0 0 " ( 1 / 1 0 0 0 s e c . ) .
Taking a picture
Viewf inder shows: l n t h e c a m e r a ' sm a t c h - L E D m a n u -
Manual mode in use al mode, the manually set shutter
speed is indicated in the right side
of the viewfinder by an LED blink-
Manually set speed
( L E D b l i n k i n ga t 4 H z ing at 4Hz (4 times per sec.), and
the metered speed (for the aperture
Metered
and film speed set) is indicated by
( g l o w i n gL E D )
a glowing LED. The manually set
aperture is indicated in the bottom
of the viewfinder. To obtain normal
exposure as metered by your camera,
simpfy adjust the aperture and/or
shutter speed until the blinking and
glowing LEDsmatch up.

ally set aperture

Darken picture Lighten picture

-2 -1.5 -1 -05 U?EVfl!+05 +1.5 +2

26
f-stop
il f,ililf,f, f,il
16 (13) 11 (s.5)

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8 (0.7) (4.8) 4
 Long exposure at "8" setting
T h e r ea r e t w o w a y s t o d o t h i s : NOTE
. F i r s t s e t t h e s h u t t e r s p e e ds e l e c t o r o T h e s e l f - t i m e rd o e s n o t o p e r a t e a t
at the desired c lick-stop, then the "B" setting.
turn the aperture ring until no a With fresh batteries at moderate
LEDslight up other than the LED temperatures, the maximum long
blinking next to the selected exposure is approx. 10 hours. At
speed. lower temperatures, exposure time
. First set the aperture as desired, may be shorter.
t h e n t u r n t h e s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e l e c -
tor so that the blinking LED
matches up with the glowing W h e n t h e m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e -
LED. lf two LEDs are glowing, lector is set at "8", the shutter will
a d j u s t t h e a p e r t u r er i n g s l i g h t l y s o open when you press the shutter-
only one glows. Do not set the release button and remain open
s h u t t e r s p e e db e t w e e n c l i c k - s t o p s . u n t i l y o u r e l e a s et h e b u t t o n . T h i s
makes exposure longer than one
second possible. A tripod or other
firm support should generally be
used.
T h e e y e p i e c ec a p @ . 2 2 1 s h o u l d b e
used to prevent stray light f rom
affecting the exposure.
D E P T HO F F I E L D
When a lens is focused on a given
subject, there is a certain range
behind and in front of the subject
which appearssharp. This range is
c a l l e d" d e p t h o f f i e l d " , a n d i t v a r i e s
accordingto the aperture set: large
a p e r t u r e s ( e . g . , I l 1 . 7| y i e l d a
s h a l l o w d e p t h o f f i e l d r e n d e r i n gt h e
background out of focus (examPle
A ) ; s m a l l a p e r t u r e sl e . g . , I l 2 2 l g i v e
-A- -B- greater depth of field with sharper
b a c k g r o u n d ( e x a m p l eB ) . T h e d e p t h
o f f i e l d c a n b e c h e c k e do n t h e l e n s '
d e p t h - o f - f i e l ds c a l ea s s h o w n .
Depth of f ield also varies with
subject distance: when the lens is
focused on a close subject, the
J.t4 n ( 1J tl 1 5u ( J . depth of f ield is shallow; when
1.2 1.5 2 3 .m q ro'
focused on a distant subject, the

d$&__q[
q
50 ?i'h'il 4 f i t 6 l ! depth of field is greater.

\z,n 5.oBIn6f3 1.7?.$4 5.t it)n

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SHUTTE R SPEED
Sometimes the subject or the
e f fe c t t h a t y o u w a n t m a k e s t h e
shutter speed more important. To
set a desired shutter sPeed when
using auto mode, turn the lens'
aperturering until the LED next to
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d l i g h t s .
F a s t s h u t t e r s p e e d ss u c h a s 1 / 5 0 0
or 1/1000 sec. can "freeze" action
(example A ). Slow shutter speeds
-A- -B- such as 1 12 or 1 sec. can be used to
emphasize subject flow or motion
( e x a m p l eB ) .
O T H E R F O C U S I N GM E T H O D S
Distance scale
You may find that in certain
s i t u a t i o n s i t i s e a s i e rt o f o c u s b y
estimating the distance to your
subject, then aligning the corre-
sponding figure on the distance
s c a l ew i t h t h e i n d e x , s u c h a s :
. When taking long exposures or
f l a s h p i c t u r e sw h e n i t i s t o o d a r k
to focusthrough the lens.
. lf you want to prefocus on your
subject,as in quickly shot candid
photos.
lnfrared index
For proper focus when using
infrared film, first focus your
subject as usual with visible light.
Attach a red filter and turn the
focusing ring to the right to align
the point of proper focus on the '/.
distance scale with the small red
dot (or red "R" on MC and old-
type MD lenses)on the depth-of-
field scale. Set exposure according
l":
to the film manufacturer'srecom-
mendations.
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FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY
C o n n e c t i n gf l a s h u n i t s
C o r d l e s sc l i p - o n f l a s h u n i t s , s u c h a s t h e M i n o l t a A u t o
Electroflash22OX. 2@X, 132X and 1 18X, are attached and
electrically connectedby simplyslidingthem into the camera's
accessoryshoe.

Synchronization
W h e n a M i n o l t a X - s e r i e sA u t o E l e c t r o fl a s h i s u s e d o n
t h e c a m e r a w i t h i t s m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e l e c t o r a t a n y
p o s i t i o no t h e r t h a n " 8 " , t h e " 6 0 " L E D i n t h e v i e w f i n d e r
w i l l b l i n k a s a f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a lw h e n t h e f l a s h i s t u r n e d
o n a n d f u l l y c h a r g e d ,a n d t h e s h u t t e r w i l l b e a u t o m a t i '
cally switched over to 1/60 sec. when the shutter is
released.
l f y o u u s e a n e l e c t r o n i cf l a s h o t h e r t h a n a M i n o l t a
X-series Auto Electroflash, the mode/shutter-speed
s e l e c t o rm u s t b e s e t a t " 6 0 " t o a s s u r ec o m p l e t e e x p o s u r e
o f t h e f i l m f r a m e . S l o w e r s p e e d sc a n a l s o b e u s e d u n d e r
certain conditions if desired for particular effects. Do
not use speedsfaster than 1/60 sec. (i.e., 11125 and
u p w a r d) .

NOTE
r For more detailed instructions, please refer to the
flashunit's instructionmanual.
 IES
ACCESSOR
MOTOR DRIVE 1 and AUTO WINDER G
g,t{("s'as
With Motor Drive 1 attached,you can capture the action with single-frame
o r c o n t i n u o u s o p e r a t i o n a t e i t h e r 2 o r 3 . 5 f r a m e s p e r s e c o n d .T h e c o m f o r t a b l e
handgrip has two shutter-releasebuttons each with a Minolta "touch switch", enabl-
ing full viewfinder readout for either horizontal or vertical framing.
A u t o W i n d e r G l e t s y o u f o c u s f u l l a t t e n t i o n o n t h e c r e a t i v e a s p e c t so f
photography by freeing you from winding the film after each picture.
C o n t i n u o u s s e q u e n c e sa t u p t o 2 f r a m e s p e r s e c o n d a r e a l s o p o s s i b l e b y
h o l d i n g d o w n t h e c a m e r a ' ss h u t t e r - r e l e a s e
button.
Both units are designedto attach quickly and easily to your X-3OOs,z37ON without
access caps to remove or store. Their film-advance mechanismsstop auto-
matically at the end of the roll, and film can be easily loaded and unloaded
without removingthe units.

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AUTO ELECTROFLASHES
Takingflash pictures is as simple and easy as taking normal shots with your camera
when you use Minolta X-seriesAuto Electroflashes, such as the 1 18X, 132X, 20OXand
220X. These automatic electronicflash units are designedfor your camera,featuring
dedicated-flashfunctions that electronicallyset the camera for proper X-sync.,and
activatea blinking flash-readysignal in the viewfinderwhen the flash is chargedand
ready to fire.
Other features are multipleauto-aperturesettings,and Ni-Cd batterypower supply.
 T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S
Type: Electronically controlled 35mm SLR auto-
e x p o s u r ec a m e r a
Lens mount: Minolta SLR bayonet (54" rotation angle);
coupling for full-aperture metering and automatic dia-
phragm control with Minolta MD and MC lenses
Focusing: Manual on Acute-Matte viewfinder screen
w i t h s p l i t - i m a g ea n d m i c r o p r i s m a r e a s
Exposure control: Aperture-priority automatic ex-
posure control with AE lock function; autoexposurerange:
EV 1 to EV 18 (eg., 1 sec. at f,/1 .4to 1/ IOOOsec. at f,/1 6)with
I S O l O O f i l m ; M a n u a l e x p o s u r em o d e
S h u t t e r : Q u a r t z c o n t r o l l e d , h o r i z o n t a l - t r a v e r s e ,f o c a l -
plane type; stepless speeds of 1/1000 to 4 sec. set
a u t o m a t i c a l l y i n a u t o e x p o s u r e m o d e , f i x e d s p e e d sf r o m
1/1000 to 1 sec' set manually at detented indications
i n m a n u a l m o d e ; s h u t t e r r e l e a s el o c k w h e n v o l t a g e t o o
low for proper operation.
M e t e r i n g : T T L c e n t e r - w e i g h t e d ,w i t h s i l i c o n p h o t o c e l l
mounted atrear of pentaprism
C o n t r o l s : M a i n s w i t c h , s e l e c t o rd i a l f o r s e t t i n g e x p o s u r e
m o d e a n d s h u t t e r s p e e d s , s h u t t e r - r e l e a s eb u t t o n , A E
l o c k / s e l f - t i m e rs w i t c h , a n d r e w i n d r e l e a s eb u t t o n
34
www.orphancameras.com
,.,,* ;;su
Filmepeed range: ISO 12 to 3200, set with film speed
dial that locks at 1/3-EV increments
Film advance: Manual by lever with 13Oo stroke after
30o unengaged movement. automatic with accessory
Motor Drive 1 or Auto Winder G; release button for
rewind on camera bottom; advancing-typeframe counter
V i e w f i n d e r : E y e l e v e l f i x e d r o o f m i r r o r s h o w s g 5 o / oo f
24 x 36mm film-frame area; magnification: o.g4X with
Sgmm lens focused at infinity
Vievyfinder data display: Mode indication (A or M),
shutter-speed scale with LED indicators for metered
s p e e d a n d m a n u a l l y s e t s p e e d , o v e r - / u n d e r - r a n g eL E D
indicators, "8" setting indicator, flash-ready signal,
aperture setting, automatic battery check; displaysand
m e t e r i n g a c t i v a t e d f o r 1 S s e c . b y l i g h t l y p r e s s i n gt h e
s h u t t e r _ r e l e a sbeu t t o n o r b y e n g a g i n gt h e A E l o c k
P o w e r : T w o 1 . 5 V a l k a l i n e m a n g a n e i e ,t w o 1 . s b v s i l v e r -
o x i d e , o r o n e 3 V l i t h i u m c e t t ( s ) ;m a i n s w i t c h w i t h o n /
off settings;mode indicator LED in viewfinder blinks
to indicate low battery; LED ceasesoperation and
shutter locks when voltage is too low for proper
operation
.,
 Self-timer: Electronic with 1O-sec.delay; cancelable;
operation indicated by self-timer LED that blinks at
2Hz for first 8 sec., then 8Hz for 1 sec., then remains
on until shutter release
Other: 4-slot film-take-upspool
Size and weight: 5-1/2 x 3-9/16 x 2 in. (14O x 90 x
51.5mm); 17-5/'16 oz. (490gI without lens and battery
Optional accessories: Minolta Auto Electroflashes,
Motor Drive 1. Auto Winder G; MD and MC inter-
changeable lenses. and applicable Minolta X-series SLR
system accessories

S p e c i f i c a t i o n ss u b j e c t t o c h a n g ew i t h o u t n o t i c e

l
35
 CARE AND STORAGE
o Always keep your camera in its case with the lens o Never touch lens or eyepiece surfaces. Remove loose
capped when not in use, or with a body cap on when a m a t t e r w i t h a b l o w e r b r u s h . l f n e c e s s a r y c, l e a n w i t h a
lensis not attached. soft, clean cloth or special photographic lens tissue
o No part of the canera should be forced at any time. which may be moistened with not more than one
o Never subject your camera to shock, high heat, high drop of a quick-evaporating fluid cleaner specially
h u m i d i t y , w a t e r , o r h a r m f u l c h e m i c a l s .B e p a r t i c u l a r l y c o m p o u n d e d f o r p h o t o g r a p h i c l e n s e s .N e v e r d r o p f l u i d
c a r e f u l n o t t o l e a v ei t i n t h e g l o v e c o m p a r t m e n t o r o t h e r d i r e c t l y o n t h e g l a s ss u r f a c e .
places in motor vehicles where it may be subjected to o lt is recommended to have your camera cleaned once
high temperatures. p e r y e a r a t a n a u t h o r i z e d M i n o l t a s e r v i c ef a c i l i t y .
o Never lubricate any part of the camera body or lens. o lf the camera is to be stored for a long period of time,
o Never touch the shutter curtains or the front inside remove the batteries and keep in a cool, dry place away
part of the body or blow against them, as doing so from dust or chemicals,preferably in an airtight con-
might damage the alignment and movement of either t a i n e r w i t h a d r y i n g a g e n ts u c h a s s i l i c ag e l .
the curtainsor mirror.
o External camera and lens barrel-but not glass-
s u r f a c e ss h o u l d b e w i p e d w i t h a c l e a n , d r y , o r s i l i c o n e -
t r e a t e d c l o t h n o w a n d t h e n , e s p e c i a l l ya f t e r u s i n g n e a r
salt water.
o lt is advisable to operate the film-advance lever and
r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r o n c e o r t w i c e f r o m t i m e t o t i m e
during extended storage.

36
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O 1990 MinoltaCameraCo.,Ltd. underthe Berne
Conventionand UniversalCopyrightConvention N9405-C15Printedin Japan I