MINOLTN

Your Minolta X-300 is an easy-to-usemicrocomputerized single-lens-reflex(SLR) camera with

quartz control of mechanical sequencesand shutter speed, providing lasting accuracy and years of
enjoyment.
In its aperture-priority auto-exposure (AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera), the X-300 auto-
matically sets the precise shutter speed for correct exposure according to the in-camera meter at
the aperture you selected. An AE lock can be used to hold a meter reading and then readjust the
f r a m i n g b e f o r e r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r . A u t o c o n t r o l i s m a i n t a i n e de v e n w h e n u s i n g m i r r o r l e n s e sa n d
close-upaccessoriessuch as bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priority AE systems.
C r e a t i v ef l e x i b i l i t y e x i s t s i n t h e X - 3 0 0 ' s m a t c h - L E D / f u l l - m e t e r e dm a n u a l m o d e : F o r c o r r e c t
e x p o s u r ea t t h e m e t e r e d v a l u e , s i m p l y a d j u s t a p e r t u r e a n d / p r s h u t t e r s p e e d t o a l i g n b l i n k i n g a n d
glowing LEDs in the viewfinder. Or you can merely refer to these LEDs-or totally disregard
them-when making your own settings.
F l a s h p h o t o g r a p h y i s a l s o s i m p l e : j u s t a t t a c h a M i n o l t a X - s e r i e s A u t o E l e c t r o f l a s h ,a d j u s t
a p e r t u r e , a n d s h o o t . F l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i s g i v e n i n t h e v i e w f i n d e r ,a n d t h e s h u t t e r i s a u t o m a t i c a l l y
set for proper sync at 1/60 sec.
The X-300 can be used with Minolta's wide range of accessories, such as wideangle,telephoto,
and zoom lensesM , o t o r D r i v e 1 , A u t o W i n d e r G , W i r e l e s sC o n t r o l l e r l R - l , a n d m u c h m o r e .

Before using lenses,flashes, or other accessoriesmade by companies other than Minolta,

attach them to the camera and make sure they function properly by taking test photographs.

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..
CONTENTS
NAMESOFPARTS... |'. .2 CREATIVECONTROL.. .....24
S T R A PA N D C A S E . . .5 AE LOCK . . . .24
SUMMARY OF OPERATION (automode}...6 M A N U A LE X P O S U RM EODE ...26
PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES . . . 8 at "8" settins
L o n se x p o s u r e . . .27
A T T A c H I N GA N D R E M o V I N G L E N s . . .B D E P T HO F F I E L D . . 28
BATTERTESANDpOWER ......9 SHUTTERSPEED ...29
Batterycheck ....1'l O T H E RF O C U S I N G M E T H O D S ..30
C o l d - w e a t h e r o p e r a t i .o n ....11 Distancescale ....30
FILMAND FILM SpEED . .12 Infrared index . . . . 30
LOADTNGFTLM ...lf, Film-planeindex ..30
SafeLoadSignal/Framecounter.....15 FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY ......31
vtEWFtNDER .....16 ACCESSORIES. ....32
PREsHooTlNGcHEcK... ....'t7 T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S . . .....34
T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E . . . . 1 8 CARE AND STORAGE ...36
CAMERASETTINGS .....18
FOCUSTNG . . .20
H O L D I N GC A M E R AA N D R E L E A S I N G
SHUTTER ......21
Mountingcameraontripod ....22
Seff-timer . . .22
Eyepiececap ...22
R E W I N D I N GA N D U N L O A D I N GF I L M . . . . . 2 3
1

,r
N A M E SO F P A R T S
Mo u nti ng i ndex Minimum-aperture lock (Disengagefor use on X-300)

Focusing gr
Distance

Aperture ring Depth-of-fie!d soale

Main sruitch Safe Load Signal

Moni tors correct f ilm advance
Back-cover release knob

Re w i n d c r ank

F ilm-speed

Film-speed window Operating button

F ilm-speed ring release M ode/shu tter-speed window Fr am e count er

A U TO: automati c mode
Hot shoe 1 - 1000: shutter speeds
Fingerrest
B : " b u l b " ( l o n g )e x p o s u r e Film-advance lever

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AE lock/self-timer switch MC coupler
. A E l o c k f o r h o l d i n g c l o s e - u po r
ad j u ste d - v iewingm et er re a d in g s
. S e l f - t i m e rw i t h t r i p l e - r a t e
Lens-mounti ng index
b l i n k i n gL E D

Mode/shu tter-speed
LTA
s ele cto r
q\"F a.r
tlii i
,
d\L*&.J Lens-releasebutton
:lliirli

Self-ti me r L E D
Shu tter- releasesocket

F ro n t g ri p
rrror

Bay o n e t l e ns m ount Diaphragm-control lever

 ,ffi

F ilm-cartridge cham ber Take-up spool

Pressureplate

Eyepiece

Back cover
Eyepiece frame

Me m o holder IS O (D IN. ASA) t able

Rewind release
Winder contact
der/motor-drive gu ide socket

W inder/m otor-drive cou p ler

Tripod socket
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STRAP AND CASE
Attach the strap (provided) and case (optional) as shown. The strap includes a battery holder used for storing
fresh spare batteries.
SUMMARY O P ER A T I O N ( A u t o m a t i cm o d e )

2. Check battery power 3 . S e t f i l m s p e e d( p . 1 2 ) .

( p . 1 1) .

4. Openbackcover (p. 13). 5. Load film properly and 6. Advance film to frame "1"
c l o s ec o v e r ( p . 1 4 ) . and check Safe Load Signal
(p. 15).
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9. Adjust focus (p. 20).

and remove film

P R E P A RI N G T O T A K E P I C T U R E S
ATTACHING AND REMOVING LENS
Body and lens caps
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
eut-
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
'lnsert
on the camera'slens mount. 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 w i t h i t s r e a r e n d d o w n u n l e s sa r e a r l e n s c a p i s o n ,
or its control pins may be damaged.
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 et 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 followi ng types of
batteries:
r T w o 1 . 5 5 v s i l v e r - o x i d e( S R - 4 4 :
E v e r e a d y5 - 7 6 , E P X - 7 6 ,o r e q u i v . )
o Two 1. 5 v a l k a l i n e - m a n g a n e s e
( L R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y, 4 - 7 6o r e q u i v . )
o O n e3 v l i t h i u m ( C R - 1 / 3 N )
1. Using a coin or similar object, 2 . W i p e t h e t e r m i n a l sw i t h a c l e a n ,
u n s c r e w t h e b a t t e r y - c h a m b e rc o v e r dry cloth. Hold the batteries by
counterclockwise a n d r e m o v ei t . t h e i r e d g e sa n d i n s e r tt 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 D o n o t u s e 1 . 3 5 v m e r c u r y b a t t e r i e s( M R 4 4 : E v e r e a d yE P X - 6 7 5 o r
e q u i v . ) , w h i c h a r e t h e s a m e s h a p ea 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 batteries of
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 wvitch
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 switchto "ON".
When you have finished taking
pictures, move the main switch to
"OFF" to prevent accidentalexpo-
s u r e s a n d b a t t er y d r a i n . ( t t t h e
switch is left on, however, battery
drain occurs only when the operat-
ing button is touched, so you may
want to leaveit on to avoid missing
u n e x p e c t e ds h o t s . )
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Operating button
Touching the operation button
(with the main switch on) activates
t h e c a m e r a ' sm e t e r , v i e w f i n d e r L E D
display, and exposure-control sys-
tem. lf proper contact is not
p o s s i b l e ( e . 9 . ,w h e n w e a r i n g g l o v e s ) ,
pressthe operating button slightly.
T h e s h u t t e r i s r e l e a s e dw h e n t h e
b u t t o n i s p r e s s e da l l t h e w a y d o w n .
The viewfinder LED display will
remain on for 15 sec. after you
remove your f inger.

Battery check
The camera automatically checks
battery power when the operating
button is touched or pressed.
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 W h e n b a t t e r i es a r e c o m p l e t e l y
exhausted (or not correctly in-
stalled), no LEDs light and the
shutterlocks.
C old-weather operation
S i n c e b a t t e r i e st e n d t o l o s ep o w e r
as temperature drops, always use
f r e s h b a t t e r i e sw h e n p h o t o g r a p h i n g
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
temperaturereturnsto normal.
F o r p r o l o n g e d c o l d - w e a t h e ru s e a t
approx. 0"C (32"F) or lower, it Ls
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 Setting f ilm speed Memo holder
c a r t r i d g ef i l m . E a c h f i l m h a sa n I S O While pressing the film-speed An ISO (DIN.ASA) table is
film-speed number (incorporating r i n g r e l e a s et,u r n t h e f i l m - s p e e dr i n g located on the camera back. lt is
ASA and DIN numbers) which until the desired number lines up surrounded by a handy memo
indicates the film's sensitivity to with the index and locks in place holder where you can insert the
light. The first part of the ISO when you remove your finger from f i l m b o x e n d a s a r e m i n d e ro f t h e
n u m b e r ( e q u i v a l e ntto A S A n u m b e r ) the release. film type in use.
is marked on the camera'sfilm-
s p e e dr i n g .
For proper exposure, the cam- Intermediate settings and DIN equivalents
e r a ' s f i l m - s p e e dr i n g m u s t b e s e t t o
the correct f ilm speed.

DIN ]
L

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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 Safe
L o a d S i g n a l( p . 1 5 ) .
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 ri s
not set at "AUTO".
1. Unfold the rewind crank and
pull up on it to lift the back-cover
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
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 .
o Always handle and load film in subdued light-at leastshaded
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 .
2. Leaving the knob pulled out,
position a 35mm film cartridge in
the chamber with its projecting
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.
 3 . P u l l o u t j u s t e n o u g hf i l m l e a d e r
to reach the take-up spool. Insert
the end of the film into a slot on
the left side of the take-up spool,
makingsurethat 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 sa t t h e
bottom of the film.
14
4. With the film held against the 5. After making surethat 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 el e v e r u 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 f ilm is wound firmly aroundthe click. A red "S" shouldnow appear
take-up spool, the sprocket teeth opposite the index in the frame
are engaged with holes on both c o un t e r .
e d g e so f t h e f i l m , a n d t h e s l a c k i n
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 o n ) .
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3 . P u l l o u t j u s t e n o u g hf i l m l e a d e r
to reach the take-up spool. Insert
the end of the film into a slot on
the left side of the take-up spool,
m a k i n gs u r et h a t a h o l e i n t h e f i l m
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 sa t t h e
bottom of the film.
4. With the film held agairist 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 el 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 f ilm is wound firmly aroundthe click. A red "S" shouldnow appear
take-up spool, the sprocket teeth opposite the index in the frame
are engaged with holes on both c o un t e r .
e d g e so f t h e f i l m , a n d t h e s l a c k i n
the film is taken up. lf the film-
advance lever stops at the end of a
f u l l s t r o k e d u r i n g t h i s p r o c e d ur e ,
r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r a n d c o n t i n u e
( m a i ns w i t c h m u s t b e o n ) .
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
f a r l e f t i n t h e S a fe L o a d S i g n a l
indicatingthat film is loaded and
advancing proper,ly. lf it does not
appear or swings far to the right,
repeat steps 3 to 6.
The camera is now ready for taki ng
the f irst picture, provided f ilm
speed is set.
F i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r Safe Load Signal/Frame counter
The lever has 30" of unengaged As you take pictures and advance
m o v e m e n t t o a l l o w s w i n g i n gi t o u t the film. the red bar in the Safe
from the camera body so the right Load Signal gradually moves to the
thumb will fit comfortably behind right and the rewind crank rotates
it. As the lever is moved an addi- counterclockwise, i ndicating proper
t i o n a l 1 3 0 ' u n t i l i t s t o p s ,t h e f i l m film advance.
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 Never f orce the f ilm-advance
shutter is cocked for the next lever when it stops and resists
e x p o s ur e . further movement at the end of the
f ilm, which may be somewhat
after the common f ilm lengths
n2, 20, 24, 36 exposures) shown in
red in the f rame counter. The frame
counter stops advancing after 36
exposu res. 15
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VIEWF IN DE R
o Shu tter-speed scale/LE Ds
Glowing LED(s) indicate:(1) in "A" (auto)
mode, shutter speed set by camera (if two
LEDs glow, camera sets stepless speed
between the two), and (2) in "M" (manual)
mode, the metered speed
Blinking LED (at 4Hzl indicates user-set
shutter speed in manual mode
"60" LED blinks at 2Hz as flash-ready
signal with X-series Minolta Auto Electro-
f lashes

@ 1 - 4 sec./under-range LED
Glows if metered speed is between 1 and 4
sec.
Blinks ht 4Hz) if outsiderange

Mode indicators B-setting indicator

M : M a n u a lm o d e
A: Auto mode Focusing screen
Split-image spot, microprism band, and
Over-range LED Acute Matte field
Blinksat 4Hz (4 times per second)
P R E S H O O T I NC
GH E C K
Self-timer of.f?
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 )

Film inside?
Main switch at "ON"?

Film speedset? ffi M o d e / s h u t t e r s P e e ds e t ?

B a tte ri e sO K ?
( D o e sm o d e L E D g l o w - n o t b l i n k - w h e n
operating button is touched or pressed?)

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 T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E
CAME RA SETTINGS
In 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., f 12, f 11.7, tl'l.4,
n e e d e df o r p r o p e r e x p o s u r e . e t c . , ) u n t i l t h e l l 1 6 0s e c . L E D
Viewf inder display l i g h t s . l f n o t p o s s i b l eu
, s ea t r i p o d
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 - $ . 2 2 1 o r f l a s h( p . 3 1 ) .
pose your picture, focus, and check
t h e v i e w f i n d e rf o r t h e f o l l o w i n g : NOTE
S e t m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e l e c t o r . 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 I n s o m e s i t u a t i o n sy o u s h o u l d u s e
to "AUTO".
lf so, turn the aperture ring the AE lock (p. 24)
toward the largestaperture (i.e., o l f y o u r h e a d i s n o t s h i e l d i n gt h e
f 1 2 , t 1 1 . 7 , o r f 1 1 . 4 ,e t c . ) u n t i l t h e eyepiece f rom light when the
L E D s t o p sb l i n k i n g , o r i n c r e a s et h e picture is ta ken (as when using
l i g h t l e v e li f p o s s i b l e . s e l f - t i m e r o r a c a b l e r e l e a s e ) a, t t a c h
. 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
t h e e y e p i e c ec a p l p . 2 2 l
so, turn the aperture ring toward
t h e s m a l l e s ta p e r t u r e ( i . e . ,f / 1 6 o r
t l 2 2 l u n t i l t h e L E D s t o p sb l i n k i n g .
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
S e t l e n sa t d e s i r e da p e r t u r 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
18 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
Selectingaperture G u i d e l i n e sf o r t y p i c a l p i c t u r e - t a k i n gs i t u a t i o n s
ln auto mode, your camera will automatically set the
preciseshutter speed for proper exposure at the set Heavy
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
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
rso Sunny
?# Over-
cast
lndoors

:b
s i z a b l er a n g e s .
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 *
w h i l e p r o d u c i n g a s h u t t e r s p e e df a s t e n o u g h t o s t o p t h e
motion of most subjects. 25115" fl8 fl4 il2 il1.4
There may be times, however, when you want to
obtain a particular effect, such as rendering a certain
64119" fl8 tl4 f 12.8 r11.4
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 10012't" t 111 ft5.6 fl4 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
speed. ln these cases, you must select the appropriate 160123" r 111 il8 f/5.6 tl2
a p e r t u r e t o g i v e t h e d e s i r e d d e p t h o f f i e l d ( s e ep . 2 8 1 o r 200124" f 111 fl8 fl2
il5.6
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d ( p . 2 9 ) .
400127" f 116 | 111 f18 ft2.8
1000/31' f 122 il16 f 111 rlq

19
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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 m e d i um t e l e P h o t o , e s P e c i lal Y
band of microPrisms in 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 band does
n o t s h i m m e r o r a p p e a rb r o k e n u P .
At this point, the subject image
w i t h i n t h e v i e w fi n d e r ' s c e n t e r
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 it f :
. Split-image spot is used for
s u b j e c t sh a v i n g v e r t i c a l l i n e s .

Out of focus
H O L D I N G C A M E R A A N D R E L E A S I N GS H U T T E R
Holding the camera as shown lets you operate most controls while viewing through the camera's eyepiece.

itffi,-t'*#f$iffifi' I, t ;i,.:,.::,::,i';"-i
":'r':
"*.iut,.
LEFT HAN D 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)
Thumb: focusinggrip, aperture hold the cameraas still as possible and vertical (b) pictures without
rlng and press the operating button removing you r hand f rom its
Index: 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 controls. By cradling the camera in
M i d d l e : a p e r t u r er i n g camera should be steadied against y o u r l e f t h a n d , y o u c a n e a s i l yf o c u s
your face or body. Always Pressthe and set the aperture, then shoot.
RIGHTHAND button with a slow, steady squeeze Photo (c) shows an alternative for
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 h o l d i n g t h e c a m e r av e r t i c a l l Y .
Index: mode/shutter-speed jab.
s e l e c t o ro r o p e r a t i n g Some ways of holding the camera
button 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

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M o u n t i n g c a m e r ao n t r i p o d
For maximum sharPness when
m a k i n g e x p o s u r e st o o l o n g t o P e r -
mit handholding of the camera
(1/30 sec. or slower), mount the
c a m e r a o n a t r i p o d u s i n gt h e s o c k e t
o n t h e c a m e r ab o t t o m .
Screw the Remote Cord into the
shutter release socket and release
the shutter.
o D o n o t u s e e x c e s s i v ef o r c e w h e n
a t t a c h i n gt h e c a m e r at o a t r i P o d .
o The mounting screw should be
5 . 4 m m 1 1l a i n . l o r s h o r t e r .
22
Self-timer LED blinks as follows:
F i r s t 8 s e c . : t w i c e P e rs e c .
N e x t s e c . : e i g h tt i m e s P e r s e c .
Lastsec.: continuouslY
NOTE
o You may cancel the self-timer
after it has been started by 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 o f f t h e s e l f - t i m e r , o r t h e n e x t P i c -
can be used to delay shutter release ture will be taken after a 1O-sec.
for 10 sec.
delay.
1. Mount the camera on a sturdy
support ( s u c h asa tripod), c o m p o s e Eyepiece cap
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 " a n d 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", and make sure that the film is (self-timer operation or Remote
advanced. Cable release),slide 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 . c a p o n t o t h e e Y e P i e c ef r a m e ' T h i s
4 . T o s t a r t t h e t i m e r , p r e s s t h e p r e v e n t su n w a n t e d l i g h t f r o m a f f e c t -
lng exposure.
o p e r a t i n gb u t t o n .
To keep it handy, the eYePiece
A v i s u a l s i g n a lw i l l i n d i c a t e h o w
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 - c a p t h r e a d s o n t o t h e c a m e r as t r a p .
timer 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 .
ffi
u :"*":ff -and
2. Unfold the rewind crank 3. When you are certain that the
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 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
until the red bar in the Safe Load i n t o t h e c a r t r i d g e ,p u l l u p o n t h e
Signalmoves out of the window to 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
the left. Near the end, you will feel back, then remove the film car-
t e n s i o n o f t h e f i l m i n c r e a s et h e n tridge.
completely disappear, and the
crankwill then turn freely.
o Never open the camera back when there is any red still visible
in the SafeLoad Signal.
23
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CREATIVE CONTROL
AE LOCK
When to use
Your X-300's center-weighted
averaging meter 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 brlghtness
How to use 1. Shift the camera'sposition so
difference between the subject and
To obtain proper exposure in t h e s u b j e c tf i l l s m o s t o f t h e f r a m e .
background where the main subject
high-contrast lighting situations For small subjects,you may need
does not fill the center of the
where your subject is on the edge t o m o v e c l o s e r( o r z o o m c l o s e r ) .
of the frame or occupies only a
frame, the AE lock should be used
small portion in the center, use the
(with camera in auto mode).
AE lock as follows:
Use the AE lock in situations
where subjects appear dark against
strong backlighting, such as win-
dows, or against a light background
of snow or sand; or where subjects
appear very light against a dark
background, as when standing in a
spo.tlightor shaft of sunlight.

2 . P r e s st h e A E l o c k a l l t h e w a y
down and hold it.
3. While still holdingthe AE lock
down, recompose your Picture as
desired and press the oPerating
button all the way down to release
the shutter.
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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
adjust the aperture after engaging
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
changewhen zooming (or do not
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
exact compensation value, please
refer to the zoom lens' owner's
manual.
o When using an R60 (red) f ilter,
a d j u s t e x p o s u r e+ 1 s t o p .
25
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 0s e c . ) .
Viewf inder shows:
-../anual mode in use
Manually set speed
( L E D b l i n k i n ga t 4 H z )
Metered speed
( g l o w i n gL E D )
Taking a picture
I n t h e c a m e r a ' sm a t c h - L E D m a n u -
al mode, the manually set shutter
speedis indicated in the viewfinder
b y a n L E D b l i n k i ng a t 4 H z ( 4 t i m e s
per sec.), and the metered speed
(for the aperture and film speed
set) is indicated by a glowing LED.
To obtain normal exposure as
metered by your camera, simply
adjust the aperture and/or shutter
speeduntil the blinking and glow-
ing LEDs match up.

Darken picture L i g h t e np i c t u r e
NORMAL
-2 -1.5 -0.5 (at EV13) +0.5 +1 +1.5 +2

f-stops 16 (13)
ffiffiffiffiffi8 (o.z) 5.6 (4.8) 4

T h e r ea r e t w o w a y s t o d o t h i s :
, 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
at the desired c lick-stop, then
turn the aperture ring until no
LEDs light up other than the LED
blinking next to the selected
speed.
. First set the aperture as desired,
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
L E D . l f t w o L E D s a r e g lo w i n g ,
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
only one glows. Do not set the
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 .
Long exposure at "8" setting
Minolta Remote Cord. The eye-
piece cap b. 22) should be used to
p r e v e n t s t r a y l i g h t f r o m a f fe c t i n g
the exposure.
NOTE
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
the "8" setting.
o With fresh batteries at moderate
temperatures,the maximum long
W h e n t h e m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e - exposure is approx. 10 hours. At
fector is set at " 8", the shutterwill l o w e r t e m p e r a t u r e s ,e x p o s u r e t i m e
o p e n w h e n y o u p r e s st h e o P e r a t i n g may be shorter.
button and remain open until you
release the button. This makes
exposure longer than one second
possible. A tripod or other firm
support should generally be used.
To avoid shakingthe camerawhen
pressing the operating button or
r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r , u s e a s t a n d a r d
c a b l e r e l e a s e( p r e f e r a b l y a l o c k a b l e
type for longer exposures) or a
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 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 subjqct
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 . , f 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 f a p e r t u r e s l e . g . ,f 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 f r 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 d s c a l ea s s h o w n .
Depth of field also varies with
subject distance: when the lens is
focused on a close subject, the
depth of field is shallow; when
focused on a distant subject, the
depth of f ield is greater.

28
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
o r 1 / 1 0 0 0 s e c .c a n " f r e e z e " a c t i o n
(example A ). Slow shutter speeds
-B- s u c h a s 1 1 2 o r 1 s e c .c a n b e u s e d t o
e m p h a s i z es u b j e c t f l o w o r m o t i o n
( e x a m p l eB ) .

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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 f igure 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
. l f y o u w a n t t o P r e f o c u so n Y o u r
s u b j e c t ,a s i n q u i c k l y s h o t c a n d i d
photos
Infrared index
For proper f ocus when using
infrared film, first focus your
subject as usual with visible light.
Attach a red f ilter and tu rn 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
to the fi lm manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Film-plane index
The symbol beneath the f ilm-
a d v a n c e l e v e r i n d i c a t e st h e p o s i t i o n
o f t h e f i l m i n s i d e t h e c a m e r a .T h i s
m a r k c a n b e u s e d f o r m e a s u r i n gt h e
distancef rom subject to film when
t a k i n g c l o s e - u p sp, h o t o m a c r o g r a p h s ,
and photomicrographs, where the
exact distance is sometimesimpor-
tant.
F L A S H P H O T O GR A P H Y
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
E l e c t r o f l a s h2 0 0 X a n d 1 1 8 X , a r e a t t a c h e d a n d e l e c t r i -
cally connected by simply sliding them into the
c a m e r a ' sh o t s h o e .

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 f l a s hi 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 sd e l e c t o ra t a n y
position other than "8", the "60" LED in the viewfinder
w i l l b l i n k a s a f l a s h - r e a d sy 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 1160 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 - s e r i e s A u t o E l e c t r o fl a s h , t h e m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e d
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 desiredfor particular effects. Do
n o t u s e s p e e d sf a s t e r t h a n 1 1 6 0 s e c . ( i . e . , 1 1 1 2 5 a n d
u p w a r d) .

NOTE
o For more detailed instructions,please refer to the
f l a s hu n i t ' s o w n e r ' sm a n u a l .

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 IES
ACCESSOR
MOTOR DRIVE 1 and AUTO WINDER G
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 operating buttons, each with a Minolta "touch switch",
e n a b l i n gf u l l v i e w f i n d e r r e a d o u t f o r e i t h e r h o r i z o n t a l o r v e r t i c a l f r a m i n g .
Auto Winder G lets you focus full attention on the creative aspects of
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 su 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 eb y h o l d i n g
d o w n t h e c a m e r a ' so p e r a t i n g b u t t o n .
B o t h u n i t s a r e d e s i g n e dt o a t t a c h q u i c k l y a n d e a s i l y t o y o u r X - 3 0 0 w i t h o u t
access caps to remove or store. Their film-advance mechanisms stop auto-
matically at the end of the roll, and film can be easily loaded and unloaded
w i t h o u t r e m o v i n gt h e u n i t s .
 AUTO ELECTROFLASHES
Taking flash pictures is as simple and easy as taking normal shots with your
c a m e r a w h e n y o u u s e 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 e s ,s u c h a s t h e 1 1 8 X
a n d 2 0 0 X . T h e s ea u t o m a t i c e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h u n i t s a r e d e s i g n e df o r y o u r c a m e r a ,
f e a t u r i n g d e d i c a t e d - f l a s hf u n c t i o n s t h a t e l e c t r o n i c a l l ys e t t h e c a m e r af o r p r o p e r
X - s y n c , a n d a c t i v a t e a b l i n k i n g f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i n t h e v i e w f i n d e r w h e n t h e
f l a s h i s c h a r g e da n d r e a d y t o f i r e .
O t h e r f e a t u r e sa r e m u l t i p l e a u t o - a p e r t u r es e t t i n g s ,m a n u a l m o d e , a n d N i - C d
battery power supply.

W I R E L E S SC O N T R O L L E R I R . l S E T
T h e l R - 1 i n f r a r e d t r a n s m i t t e r / r e c e i v e rs e t l e t s y o u t r i g g e r y o u r c a m e r af r o m
u p t o 6 0 m ( a b o u t 2 O Of t . ) a w a y f o r r e m o t e - c o n t r o l l e ds i n g l e - f r a m ee x p o s u r e s ,
continuous sequenceso , r l o n g e x p o s u r e s .W h e n u s e d w i t h e x t r a r e c e i v e r s t, h e
three-channel transmitter enables independent operation of up to three
c a m e r a s o r g r o u p s o f c a m e r a s ,o r s i m u l t a n e o u s o p e r a t i o n o f a n u n l i m i t e d
number of cameras.

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 T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S
T y p e : O u a r t z / e l e c t r o n i c a l l y g o v e r n e d 3 b m m s i n g l e - l e n s Metering: TTL center-weighted averaging type, by
r e f l e x a u t o - e x p o s u r e( A E ) c a m e r a silicon photocell mounted at rear of pentaprism
E x p o s u r e - c o n t r o l m o d e s : A p e r t u r e - p r i o r i t y a u t o m a t i c Film-speed range: ISO 12112" to 320O136" set by film-
("AUTO") and match-LED/full-metered manual("M") s p e e dd i a l t h a t l o c k s a t 1 / 3 - E V i n c r e m e n t s
Lens mount: Minolta SLR bayonet (54' rotating angle); Mirror: Triple-coated oversize instant-return slide-up
c o u p l i n g f o r f u l l - a p e r t u r e m e t e r i n g a n d a u t o m a t i c type
d i a p h r a g mc o n t r o l w i t h M i n o l t a M D a n d M C l e n s e s
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing
Exposure control and functions: Low-voltage, low- 9 5 o / oo f 2 4 x 3 6 m m f i l m - f r a m e a r e a ;m a g n i f i c a t i o n : O . g X
c u r r e n t c o m p u t e r c i r c u i t v a r i e ss h u t t e r s p e e d s t e p l e s s l y w i t h 5 0 m r n s t a n d a r d l e n s f o c u s e d a t i n f i n i t y ; p o w e r :
according to aperture set in AUTO mode, to yield - 1 D , a d j u s t a b l e w i t h a c c e s s o r ys n a p - o n e y e p i e c e l e n s e s ;
proper exposure for film speed set; auto-exposure Acute Matte focusing screen with central horizontally
r a n g e : E V 1 t o E V 1 8 ( e . 9 . , 1 s e c . a t f 1 1 . 4t o 1 / 1 0 0 0 o r i e n t e d s p l i t - i m a g ef o c u s i n g s p o t s u r r o u n d e d b y m i c r o -
s e c . a t t l 1 6 l a t I S O 1 0 0 / 2 1 " w i t h f 1 1 . 4 t e n s ;A E t o c k p r i s m b a n d ; v i s i b l ea r o u n d f r a m e : m o d e i n d i c a t i o n ( " A , ,
enabling holding meter reading for exposure at that o r " M " ) , s h u t t e r s p e e ds c a l ew i t h L E D s e t t i n g i n d i c a t i o n
value f o r m e t e r e d s p e e da n d m a n u a l l y s e t s p e e d , 1 4 s e c . a u t o -
Shutter: Quartz-controlled horizontal-traverse focal- s p e e d i n d i c a t i o n , o v e r - / u n d e r - r a n g eL E D i n d i c a t o r s , , , B , ,
p l a n e t y p e ; s t e p l e s ss p e e d s1 / 1 0 0 0 t o 4 s e c .s e t a u t o m a t - s e t t i n g i n d i c a t i o n , f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l , a u t o m a t i c b a t t e r y
ically with selector dial at "AUTO" setting or fixed c h e c k d i s p l a y a n d m e t e r i n g a c t i v a t e db y n o r m a l f i n g e r
s p e e d s1 t o 1 / 1 0 0 0 s e c . o r " B " ( b u l b ) s e t m a n u a l l y a t contact, or slight pressing of operating button or by
detented indications; electromagnetic shutter release engaging AE lock, continue for 15 sec. after finger
l o c k s w h e n v o l t a g et o o l o w f o r p r o p e r o p e r a t i o n removed

*&***'.* :*,*; sE. a ,s!tbi&"

 Flash sync and control: Hot shoe for X sync; camera- S e l f - t i m e r : E l e c t r o n i c f o r 1 O - s e c d . elay, with operation
control contact on hot shoe for automatic setting of indicated by camera-front LED that blinks at 2Hz for 8
shutter at 1/60 sec. (except when mode/shutter-speed s e c . , t h e n 8 H z f o r 1 s e c . , t h e n r e m a i n s o n u n t i l s h u t t e r
s e l e c t o r a t " B " ) a n d f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i n gw i t h X - s e r i e s r e l e a s e sc, a n c e l a b l ea n y t i m e b e f o r e r e l e a s e
A u t o E l e c t r o f l a s h e so; t h e r e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h e ss y n c h r o n i z e O t h e r : I n t e g r a l f r o n t h a n d g r i p ; b a c k w i t h m e m o h o l d e r ,
a t 1 / 6 0 s e c . a n d s l o w e r m a n u a l s p e e d so r " 8 " s e t t i n g ; a n d I S O ( D l N ' A S A ) t a b l e ; p o s i t i v e4 - s l o t t a k e - u ps p o o l ;
C l a s sM F , M , a n d F P f l a s h b u l b s ,a t 1 / 1 5 s e c . o r s l o w e r remote shutter-releasesocket
setting
Size and weight: 137 x 90 x 51.Smm (5-3/8 x 3-9/16 x
Film advance:Manaul: by lever with single 130" stroke 2 in.l, 47Og (16-9/16 oz.) without lens and power
a f t e r 3 0 " u n e n g a g e dm o v e m e n t ; m o t o r i z e d w i t h a c c e s - c e l l ( s )
sory Motor Drive 1 or Auto \Ninder G: release button
strap with slide-on battery
f o r r e w i n d o n c a m e r a b o t t o m ; a d v a n c i n g - t y p e f r a m e Standard accessories:Carrying
i n d i c a t i n g f i l m l o a d i n g a n d h o l d e r a n d e y e p i e c ecap
counter; Safe Load Signal
a d v a n c i n gc o n d i t i o n Optional accessories:Minolta Auto Electroflashes;Motor
Power: Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese ( L R 4 4 : Eveready Drive 1, Auto Winder G; Wireless Controller lR-l
M D , M C , a n d o t h e r M i n o l t a i n t e r c h a n g e a b l el e n s e s
4 - 7 6 o r e o u i v . ) , t w o 1 . 5 5 v s i l v e r - o x i d e( S R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y S e t ;
a n d a p p l i c a b l eM i n o l t a s L R s y s t e m a c c e s s o r i e s
5-76, EPX-76 or equiv.),or one 3v lithium (CR-l/3N)
cell(s) power both auto exposure control and manual
notice
o p e r a t i o n ; m a i n s w i t c h w i t h i n d i c a t i o n f o r o f f o r o n ; Specifications subject to change without
mode LED blinks when cells approach exhaustion; no
L E D s l i g h t a n d s h u t t e r w i l l n o t r e l e a s ew h e n v o l t a g e i s
too low for proper operation

;l www.orphancameras.com
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