Your Minolta X-7A is an easy-to-use microcomputerized single-lens-reflex (SLR) camerawith

quartz control of mechanicalsequences and shutterspeed,providinglastingaccuracyand yearsof

enjoyment.
In its aperture-priorityauto-exposure(AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera),the X-7A auto-
maticallysetsthe preciseshutterspeedfor correctexposureaccordingto the in-camerameter at
the apertureyou selected.An AE lock can be usedto hold a meterreadingand then readjustthe
f ra mi n gbef or er eleas inth g e s h u tte r.Au to c o n tro li s mai ntai ned evenw hen usi ngmi rror l enses
and
close-upaccessories suchas bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priorityAE systems.
Cre at iv ef lex ibilit y e x i s ts i n th e X -7 A' s m a tc h -L E D /ful l -metered manualmode: For correct
exposureat the meteredvalue,simply adjustapertureand/or shutterspeedto align blinking and
glowing LEDs in the viewfinder.Or you can merely refer to these LEDs-or totally disregard
them-when makingyour own settings.
Flash photographyis also simple: just attach a Minolta X-seriesAuto Electroflash,adjust
a p e rtu re,and s hoot .F la s h -re a dsyi g n a li s g i v e ni n th e vi ew fi nder,
and the shutteri s automati cal l y
set for propersyncat 1/60 sec.
The X-7A can be usedwith Minolta'swide rangeof accessories, such as wideangle,telephoto,
a n d zo o m lens esM , ot orD ri v e1 , Au to W i n d e rG , Wi re l ess C ontrol l erl R -1,and much more.

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

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

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j:
CONTENTS
N A MESOF P A RT S . . . ..2 CREATIVE CONTROL.... ...24
STRAPAND CASE ..5 AE LOCK ...24
SU MMAR YOF 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
ATTACHING AND REMOVING LENS ..8 DEPTH OF FIELD ...28
BATTERIES AND POWER . .9 SHUTTER SPEED ...29
Battery chec.k .11 OTHER FOCUSING METHODS ...30
Cold-weather operation . 11 D i s t a n c es c a l e ...30
FILM AND FILM SPEED .12 Infrared index ...30
LOADING FILM .13 F i l m - p l a n ei n d e x ...30
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 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ...31
VIEWFINDER . 1 6 A C C ES S OR
IE S . ...32
PRESHOOTINGCHECK... .17 TECHNICAL DETAILS.... ...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 CAREAND STORAGE ...36
CAMERA SETTINGS .18
FOCUSING .20
HOLDING CAMERA AND RELEASING
SHUTTER .2',1
Mounting camera on tripod .22
Self-timer .22
Eyepiece cap .22
REWINDING AND UNLOADING FILM .23

n
*ar
NAMESOF PARTS
Mounting index Minimum-aperturelock (Disengagefor use on X-7A)

Focusinggrip
Distance scale

Depth-of-field scale
Aperture ring
Main sw Safe Load Signal
Monitors correct film advance
Back-coverreleaseknob

Rewind crank
Film-speedriry
button
Film-speedwindouv
M ode/sh-utter-speed window Frame countel
F ilm-speedring releaee
AUTO: automaticmode Finger rest
Hot 1 - 1000: shutterspeeds
B: "bulb" (longl exposure Film-advaneolever
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AE lock/self-timersmritch MC coupler
' A E l o c k f o r h o l d i n gc l o s e - u po r
adju ste d -v iewing m et er re a d i n g s
. S elf-ti me r w it h t r iple- r ate
b l i n k i n gL E D Lens-mountingindex

Mode/shutter-speed
selector
Lens-release button

Self-timerLED

Front grip

Bayonet lens mount iaphragm-control lever

 Take-up spool

Pressureplate

Eyepiece

Back coYer
Eyepieceframe

Memo holder ISO (DlN.ASAI table

Rewind release
Winder contact
Winder/motor-driveguide socket
Battery-chamber cover

Motor-drive gu ide socket W inder/motor-drive couP ler

Motor-drive contacts Tripod socket

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STRAP AND CASE
A t t a c h t h e s t r a p ( p r o v i d e d ) a n d c a s e ( o p t i o n a l ) a s s h o w n . T h e s t r a p i n c l u d e sa b a t t e r y h o l d e r u s e df o r s t o r i n g
f r e s h s p a r eb a t t e r i e s .

Battery holder

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

(p. 10). ( p .1 1 ) .

4. Openback 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 "
closecover (p. 14). and check Safe Load Signal
www.orphancameras.com ( p .1 5 ) .
 7. Set mode/shutter-speed se- 8 . S e l e c t l e n sa p e r t u r e ( p . 1 9 ) .
lectorto "AUTO" (p. 1g). 9. Adjusttocus(p. 20).

'a

1 0 . R e l e a s se h u t t e r( p . Z l i 1 1 . S l i d em a i n s w i t c h t o , , O F F , , 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
ES
A T T A C H I N GA N D R E M O V I N GL E N S
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 e
but-
the lens barrel with the red index ton, turn the lenscounterclockwise
on the camera'slens mount. Insert as far as it 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 e u 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 .

. 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 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 removing lenses.

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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-44:
E v e r e a d y5 - 7 6 , E P X - 7 6 , o r e q u i v . )
. Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese
( L R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y4 - 7 6 o r e q u i v . )
o O n e 3 v l i t h i u m ( C R - 1 / 3 NI
1. Using a coin or similar object, 2. Wipe the terminals with a clean,
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
c o u n t e r c l o c k w i s ea n d r e m o v e i t . 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
insideof the cover.
' 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
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 leakage or bursting, do not
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 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 switchto "ON".
When you have finished taking
pictures, move the main switch to
"OFF" to prevent accidentalexpo-
sures and battery drain. (tt the
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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Operatingbutton
Touching the operation button
(with the main switch onl 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 ) ,
press the 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
r e m a i n o n f o r 1 5 s e c . a ft e r y o u
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 wi ll 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
s h u t t e rl o c k s .
C o l d - w e a t h e ro p e r a t i o n
Since batteriestend to losepower
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
temperaturereturns to 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. O"C (32"F) or lower, it is
recommended to use silver-oxide
batteries; if a lithium battery is
u s e db e l o w a p p r o x . 0 " C ( 3 2 " F ) , t h e
cameramay not operate.
il- ' \
,*. rt?* I*JFF'F* -
 FILM AND FILM SPEED

I
Ir /

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 s a n I S O While pressing the f ilm-speed An ISO (DlN/ASA) table is
film-speed number (incorporating 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 d r i n g located on the camera back. lt is
ASA and DIN numbersl which until the desired number lines up s ur r o u n d e d b y a h a n d y m e m o
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 f inger 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 l the release. film type in use.
is marked on the camera'sfilm-
s p e e dr i n g .
For proper exposrrc, the cam- lntermediate settings and DIN equivalents
era's film-speed rin st bc aet to
r 250
the correct film speed.
asaf

I l Z
D I N 1t

12
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L O A D I N GF l 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 W h e n l o a d i n gf i l m i n a d a r k p l a c e
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 . U n f o l d t h e r e w i n d c r a nk a n d
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 f irm in subdued light-at
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.
least shaded
3. Pull out just enoughfilm leader
to reach the take-up spool. Insert
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 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 counter.
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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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
t 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 taking
the f irst picture, provided f ilm
speed is set.
t/
l-/
F i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r
The lever has 30" 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 " 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
e x p o s ur e .
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
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 film-advance
lever when it stops and resists
further movement at the end of the
f ilm, which may be somewhat
before or after the common film
lengths ('12, 20, 24, 36 exposures)
shown in red in the frame counter.
The frame counter stops advancing
after 36 exposures. 15
VIEWF IN DE R
o Shutter-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
Bfinking 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.
B fi n k s l a t 4 H z ) i f o u t s i d e r a n g e

o Mode indicators @ B-setting indicator

M: Manual mode
A: Auto mode o Focusing screen
Split-image spot, microprism band, and
o Over-range LED Acute Matte field
Blinksat 4Hz (4 times per second)

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PRESHOOTING
CHECK
Self-timer off?
Check the following items to
make sure your camera is ready for
picture-taking:

Minimum-aperture lock released?

(on new-type MD lensonly)

Main switch at Film inside?

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

B a t t e r i e sO K ? Mode/shutter speed set?

( 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?)
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
ETTTTIINNGGSS
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 camera will automati- aperture ring toward the largest
cally select the shutter speed a p e r t u r e ( i . e . , f l 1 . 7, f 1 1 . 4 , e t c . ,)
needed for proper exposure. until the 1/60sec. LED lights.
Viewf inder display lf not possible, use a tripod
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 - lp. 22l,or f lash (p. 31 ).
pose your picture, focus, and check
the viewfinder for the following: NpTE
Set mode/shutter-speedselector . 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. 241
toward the largest aperture (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 t 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 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. 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
the eyepiece cap lp.22l
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
Il22luntil the LED stops blinking.
lf it does not stop, use a neutral-
density (ruD) fitter, or reduce the
S e t l e n s a t d e s i r e da p e r t u r e . light levelif possible.
. l s a n L E D o n i n d i c a t i n g1 / 3 0 s e c .
o r s l o w e r s h u t t e r s p e e d ?U s i n g
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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 S e l e c t i n ga p e r t ur e Guidelines for typical picture-taking situations
I n a u t o m o d e , y o u r c a m e r a w i l l a u t o m a t i c a l l ys e t t h e
I precise shutter speed for proper exposure at the set Hazy
Heavy
I 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
rso Sunny
Sun
Over- lndoors
cast
resultsand can adjust aperture and shutter speed over
s i z a b l er a n g e s .
For good pictureswhere no particulareffect is desired,
s i m p l y s e t t h e a p e r t u r ea s i n d i c a t e d i n t h e t a b l e . T h e s e
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
,* b
motion of most subjects. 25115" ftB f14 r12 f11.4
There may be times, however, when you want to 64119" tlB ft4 tt2.8 f11.4
o b t a i n a p a r t i c u l a r e f f e c t , s u c h a s r e n d e r i n ga c e r t a i n
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 ga s u b j e c t a g a i n s ta n 100121" fl11 f /5.6 rlq il1.4
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 fi c s h u t t e r 160123" tl11 il8 f /5.6 fl2
s p e e d . I n t h e s e c a s e s ,y o u m u s t s e l e c t t h e a p p r o p r i a t e
a p e r t u r et o g i v e t h e d e s i r e dd e p t h o f f i e l d ' ( s e ep . 2 8 l r o r 200124" tl"t1 ftB f 15.6 t12
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d( p . 2 9 ) .
400121" f t't6 rl1'l f18 f t2.B
1000/31 tl22 f t16 t t11 ft4
FOCUSING
The camera'sfocusing screenhas . Microprism band is used for lenses
a focusing aid consisting of a f rom medium wideangle th rough
split-image spot surrounded by a medium telephoto, especially
band of microprismsin the center with subjects not having vertical
of an Acute Matte f ield. 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 fi n d e r a n d t u r n t h e focal-length lensesor for macro or
l e n s 'f o c u s i n gg r i p u n t i l : other work involving considerable
. 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 lens extension.
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
within 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 .
Y o u w i l l p r ob a b l y f i n d t h a t
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 l 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 AA 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 aa 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 v i e w 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 To obtain sharp, blur-free photos, back and forth for horizontal (a)
Thumb: focusing grip, aperture hold the camera as still as possible and vertical (b) pictures without
nng and press the operating button removing your hand from its
Index: focusing grap gently to release the shutter. The controls. By cradling the camera in
Middle: aperture ring camera should be steadied against your left hand, you can easily f ocus
your face or body. Always press the and set the aperture, then shoot.
R IGHT HAND button with a slow, steady squeeze Photo (c) shows an alternative for
Thumb: film-advance lever to releasethe shutter-never a quick holding the camera vertically.
Index: mode/shutter-speed j ab .
selector or operating Some ways of h old ing t he camera
button are shown here. lf you grasp the
Middle : AE lock camera firmly with your right hand
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
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
camera on a triPod usingthe socket
on the camera bottom.
Screw the Remote Cord into the
shutter release socket and release
the shutter.
o Do not use excessiveforce when
attachingthe camerato a tripod.
o The mounting screw should be
5 . 4 m m 1 1 1 4i n . l o r s h o r t e r .
S e l f - t i m e rL E D b l i n k s a s f o l l o w s :
First 8 sec.: twice per sec.
Next sec.: eighttimesper sec.
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
off the self-timer, or the next Pic-
can be used to delay shutter release
ture will be taken after a 10-sec.
f o r 10 s e c .
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 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 " , a n d m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e f i l m i s (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 prevents unwanted light from affect'
operatingbutton. Ing exposure.
A visual signal will indicate how To keep it handy, the eyePiece
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 - cap threads onto the camera strap.
twww.orphancameras.com
imer releases the shutter.
 A N D U N L O A D I N GF I L M
REWINDING

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
S i g n a lm o v e s o u t o f t h e w i n d o w t o
the left. Near the end, you will feel
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
completely disappear, and the
crankwill then turn freely.
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 yr e w o u n d
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
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-
tridge.

-
| . N.u.r. open the camera back when there is any red still visible
' n the Safe Load Signal.
I
CREATIVE CONTROL
AE LOCK
When to use
Y o u r X - 7 A ' s c e n t e r - w e i g h t e da v -
eraging 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 f ills most of the f rame's
c e n t e r , t h e m e t e r r e a d i n g s h o ul d
g i v e s a t i s f a c t o r ye x p o s u r e .H o w e v e r ,
when there is a great brightness How to use 1 . S h i ft t h e c a m e r a ' s p o s i t i o n s o
difference between the subject and To obtain proper exposure in the subject f ills most of the f rame.
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 to move closer (or zoom closerl.
frame, the AE lock should be used of the frame or occupies only a
( w i t h c a m e r ai n a u t o m o d e ) . 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 et h e
AE lock asfollows:
Use the AE lock in situations
where subjects appear dark against
strong backlighting, such as win-
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
s p o t l i g h to r s h a f t o f s u n l i g h t .

www.orphancameras.com

2. Pressthe AE l o c k a l l t h e w a y
down and hold it.
NOTE
o The AE lock cannot be used in
manual mode or with the self-timer.
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
ir
lock.
t o For precise exposure control
;'t, when using the AE lock with a
'.f variable-effective-aperture zoom
\, lens (such as Minolta 35-105mm
3. While still holding the AE lock t13.5-4.5 MD Zooml. slightly
down, recompose your picture as adjust the aperture after engaging
desired and press the operating 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
button all the way down to release change when zooming (or do not
the shutter. 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.
oWhen using an R60 (redl filter,
adjust exposure+1 stop.
25
 MODE
MANUAL EXPOSURE
Basic setting
Set mode/shutter-speed selector
at desired click-stop from "1" (t
sec.)to "1000" (1/1000sec.).
Viewfinder shows:
al mode in use
Manual l yset 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
In the camera' smatch-LE Dmanu-
al mode, the manual l y set shut t er
speedi s i ndi catedi n the vi ew fi nd er
by an LE D bl i nki ng at4H z (4 ti m es
per sec.), and the metered speed
(for the aperture and fi l m speed
setl i s i ndi catedby a gl ow i ng LED.
To obtain normal exposure as
metered by your camera, simply
adlust the aperture and/or shutter
speed unti l the bl i nki ng and gl ow-
i n g L E D s m a t c hu p .

Dar k enpictu re Lighten picture

NORMAL
-1.5 -o.5 (at EV13l +o.5 +1.5 +2

(13) (9.5) (6.7) (4.8)

f-stops
26
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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
LED. lf two LEDs are glowing,
adiust the aperturering slightly so
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 .
L o n g e x p o s u r ea t " 8 " s e t t i n g
Minolta Remote Cord. The eye-
piece cap lp. 221 should be used to
prevent stray light from affecting
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 "B" setting.
r 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. 1O hours. At
l e c t o r i s s e t a t " 8 " , t h e s h u t t e rw i l l 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 camera
support should generally be used.
To avoid shaking the 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
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 subiect

I which appearssharp. This range is

cal l ed" depth of fi el d" , and i t varies
accordingto the aperture set: large
apertures (e.9., t l 1 .7 ) yi el d a
shal l owdepth of fi el d renderi ngthe
background out of focus (examPle
A l ; smafl apertures(e.9.,tl 22l give
-A- -B- greater depth of field with sharper
background{exampl eB ). The dept h
of field can be checkedon the lens'
depth-of-fieldscaleas shown.
Depth of field also varies with
subject distance: when the lens is
focused on a close subject, the
depth of fi el d i s shal l ow ; w hen
focused on a distant subject, the
depth of field is greater.

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SHUTTE R SPEED
Sometimes the sublect or the
e ff e 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 O O
or 1/1000 sec. can "freeze" actaon
(example A ). Slow shutter sPeeds
-A- 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
emphasize subiect 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 f ind that in certain
situations it is easier to f ocus bY
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
flash pictures when it is too dark
to focus through the lens
. lf you want to Prefocus on Your
subject, as in quickly shot candid
photos
lnfrared index
For proper f ocus when using
inf rared f ilm, f irst 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
to the film manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
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Film-plane index
The symbol beneath the film-
advance lever indicates the position
of the film inside the camera. This
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
distance from subject to film when
taki ng close-ups,photomacrographs,
and photomicrograPhs, where the
exact distance is sometimes impor-
tant.
F L A S HP H O T O G
RAPHY
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 fl a s h 2 0 0 X a n d 1 1 8 X a r e a t t a c h e da n d e l e c t r i c a l l y
c o n n e c t e db y s i m p l y s l i d i n g t h e m i n t o t h e c a m e r a ' sh o t
shoe.

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
the camera with its mode/shutter-speedselector at any
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 -
s e r i e sA 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 ds e l e c t o r
m 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 c e r t a i n
conditions if desired for particular effects. Do not use
s p e e d sf a s t e r t h a n 1 / 6 0 s e c . ( i . e . , 1 1 1 2 5a n d u p w a r d ) .

NO T E
o For more detailed instructions, please refer to the
f l a s hu n i t ' s o w n e r ' s m a n u a l .
 IES
ACCESSOR
MOTOR DRIVE 1 and AUTO WINDER G
With Motor Drive 1 attached, you can capture the action with single-frame
or continuous operation at either 2 or 3.5 frames per second. The comfortable
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 f rom 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
down the camera's operating button.
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 - 7 A 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
without removingthe units.

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 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 f l 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 a f 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 s a 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
The lR-1 inf rared transmitter/receiver set lets you trigger your camera f rom
up to 60m (about 2OOft. ) away f or remote-controlled single-frameexposures,
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
t h r e e - c h a n n etl r a n s m i t t e r e n a b l e si n d e p e n d e n t o p e r a t i o n o f u p t o t h r e e 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 so p e r a t i o n o f a n u n l i m i t e d n u m b e r o f
cameras.
 T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S
T y p e : Q 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 5 m m s i n g l e - l e n s Metering: TTL center-weighted averaging type,
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
Exposure-control modes: Aperture-priority automatic
( " A U T O " ) a n d 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 " )
L e n s m o u n t : M i n o l t a S L R b a y o n e t ( 5 4 " r o t a t i n ga n g l e ) ;
coupling for full-aperture metering and automatic
diaphragmcontrol with Minolta MD and MC lenses
Exposure control and functions: Low-voltage, low-
current computer circuit variesshutter speed steplessly
a c c o r d i n g t o a p e r t ur e s e t i n A U T O m o d e , t o y i e l d
proper exposure for film speed set; auto-exposure
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
s e c . a t t l ' l 6 l a t I S O 1 O O l 2 1 "w i t h f / 1 . 4 l e n s ;A E l o c k
enabling holding meter reading for exposure at that
value
Shutter: Ouartz-controlled horizontal-traverse focal-
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 -
ically with selector dial at "AUTO" setting or fixed
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
detented indications; electromagnetic shutter release
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 operation
34
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by
silicon photocell mounted at rear of pentaprism
F i f m - s p e e d r a n g e : I S O 1 2 1 1 2 " t o 3 2 0 0 / 3 6 " s e t by
f i l 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
Mirror: Triple-coated oversize instant-return slide-up
type
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing
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 : 0 . 9 X
with 50mm standard lens focused at infinity; power:
- 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 ;
Acute Matte focusing screen with central horizontally
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 -
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 "
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 gi n d i c a t i o n
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 -
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 "
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
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
contact, or slight pressing of operating button or -by
e n g a g i n gA E l o c k , c o n t i n u e f o r 1 5 s e c . a f t e r f i n g e r
removed
,
Fr,"* 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 0 - s e c .d e l a y , w i t h o p e r a t i o n
control contact on hot shoe for automaticsettingof i n d i c a t e d b y c a m e r a - f r o n t L E D t h a t b l i n k s a t 2 H z f o r I
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
selectorat "8") and flash-readysignalingwith X- and 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
P X - s e r i e sA u t o E l e c t r o f l a s h e s ;o t h e r e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h e s Other: Integralfront handgrip;back with memo holder,
s y n c h r o n i z e 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 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 tt a k e - u ps p o o l ;
" 8 " s e t t i n g ;C l a s sM F , M , a n d F P f l a s h b u l b sa, t 1 / 1 5 s e c . remote shutter-releasesocket
or slower setting
Size and weight: 137 x 90 x 51.Smm (5-3/8 x 3-9/16 x
Film advance:Manaul: by lever with single130" stroke 2 i n . l , 4 7 0 g ( 1 6 - 9 1 1 6o z . l w i t h o u t l e n sa n d p o w e r c e l l ( s )
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 -
s o r y M o t o r D r i v e 1 o r A u t o W i n d e r G ; r e l e a s eb u t t o n Standard accessories;Carrying strap with slide-on bat-
for rewind on camera bottom; advancing-type frame t e r y h o l d e r a n d e y e p i e c ec a p
counter; Safe Load Signal indicating film loading and Optional accessories:Minolta Auto Electroflashes;Motor
i a d v a n c i n gc o n d i t i o n 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 ' 1 S e t ;
e o * " r , T w o 1 . 5 v a l k a t i n e - m a n g a n e s (eL R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y 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 sa n d
I
I n - Z O o r e q u i v . ) , t w o 1 . 5 5 v s i l v e r - o x i d e( S n + + : E v e r e a d y applicableMinolta SLR systemaccessories
5-76, EPX-76 or equiv.),or one 3v lithium (CR-l/3N)
cell(s) power both auto exposure control and manual 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
I operation; main switch with indication for off or on;
f mode LED blinks when cells approach exhaustion; no
I l e O 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
IT too low for proper operation

35i
I
\hk* ,
 CARE AND STORAGE
o Always keep your camera in its case with the lens r N e v e r t o u c h l e n s o r e y e p i e c e s u r f a c e s .R e m o v e l o o s e
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 camera 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 vehiches where it may be subjected to o l t i s r e c o m m e n d e d t o h a v e y o u r c a m e r a c l e a n e do n c e
high temperatures.
o N e v e r l u b r i c a t e a n y p a r t o f t h e c a m e r ab o d y o r l e n s .
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 lf the camera is to be stored for a long period of time,
f
o Never touch the shutter curtains or the front inside r e m o v e t h e b a t t e r i e sa n d k e e p i n a c o o l , d r y p l a c e a w a y
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 tainer with a drying agentsuch as silicagel.
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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9222-2025-41 N609-A8 Printed in Japan

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