E INSTRUCTION MANUAL

QUICK
OPERATION

GETTING
STARTED

FULL-AUTO
OPERATION

SUBJECT
PROGRAM
SELECTION

CREATIVE
EXPOSURE
MODES

ADDITIONAL
FEATURES

APPENDIX
 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
This manual has been designed to help you understand the Read and understand all warnings and cautions before
operation of your Minolta camera more quickly. After familiarizing using this product.
yourself with the camera, start with Level I and learn to operate the
camera in Full-Auto mode. WARNING
Move on to Level II and the Subject Program modes when you are
comfortable with the camera and want to have more control. Here Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
you decide the type of image you want to photograph and leave the • Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
exposure details to the camera. • Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.
When you are ready for full control, move on to Level III and the ASM • Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.
exposure modes. • Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages.
The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced • Tape over lithium battery contacts before disposal.
before December, 1998. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta • Follow local regulations for battery disposal.
Service facility to obtain compatibility information for products
released after this date. Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near
young children.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol- Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from
lowing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is
undesired operation. Changes or modifications not approved by the party responsible swallowed.
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equip-
ment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if…
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reason- • the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the
able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip-
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and interior is exposed.
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio • the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, circuit inside the camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the follow-
ing measures:
Service Facility when repairs are required.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may
This mark certifies that this product meets the requirements of the EU
occur if sunlight comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace
(European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations. the lens cap when the product is not being used.
CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

CREATIVE EXPOSURE MODES

NAMES OF PARTS ..............................................................4

LEVEL
QUICK OPERATION ............................................................8 A-MODE – Aperture Priority ................................................40
A-mode flash ..................................................................41
GETTING STARTED Aperture control ..............................................................42
Strap ....................................................................................11 S-MODE – Shutter Priority ..................................................43
Batteries ..............................................................................12 S-mode flash ..................................................................44
Lens ....................................................................................14 Shutter control ................................................................45
M-MODE – Manual ..............................................................46
Loading Film ........................................................................16
Metering in manual mode ................................................47

III
I

Handling the Camera ..........................................................18 M-mode flash ..................................................................48

Eye-Start ..............................................................................19 TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) ..................................49
L E V E L

FULLY-AUTOMATIC OPERATION
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ................................................21 FOCUS
Focus Signals ......................................................................22 Wide Focus Area ..............52 Spot AF..............................53
Special Focus Situations......................................................23 Manual Focus ....................54 AF Illuminator ....................55
Focus Hold ..........................................................................24 EXPOSURE
Using the Built-in Flash 14 Segment Metering ........56 Spot Metering ....................57
Flash signals....................................................................26 Exposure Compensation ..58 Setting the ISO Manually ..59
Flash range......................................................................26 Bracketing..........................60 Multiple Exposure ..............63
Fill flash ..........................................................................27 FLASH
Flash cancel ....................................................................27 High-Speed Sync ..............66 Slow Sync..........................67
Red-eye reduction ..........................................................28 Wireless/Remote Flash ....68
Rewinding the Film ..............................................................29 FOR OWNERS OF THE PANORAMA MODEL..................73
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION FOR OWNERS OF THE DATE MODEL
II

Portrait Mode ......................................................................31 Exposing the Date/Time ....74 Setting the Date/Time........75
Landscape Mode ................................................................32 Replacing the Battery ........76
LEVEL

Close-up Mode ....................................................................33 CUSTOM FUNCTIONS

Sports Mode ........................................................................34 Setting ..............................77 Details................................78
Night Portrait Mode..............................................................35
APPENDIX
Photographing Night Scenes ..............................................36
Self-timer..............................................................................37 Program Reset Button ......83 Accessories ......................84
Continuous Advance ............................................................38 Exposure Warnings ..........87 Trouble Shooting ..............88
Care and Storage ..............90 Specifications ....................92

2 3
NAMES OF PARTS NAMES OF PARTS

For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in Main switch Data Panel
parenthesis.
Accessory shoe Subject-program
Body Viewfinder*
button (31-36)

Built-in flash (25-28) Program-reset

Eyepiece sensor button (83)
Self-timer lamp (37) Flash-mode button Film window Remote-control
terminal (50)
Shutter-release Function button
button
Function dial

Manual-rewind
button (29)

Spot AF button (53)

Strap eyelet (11)
Grip sensor Eye-start switch
Self-timer/Drive-mode
Control dial Spot/AE lock button (57) button (37, 38)
Back-cover release
Lens contacts*
Panorama switch (73) Battery-chamber
(not on all models) door (12)
Mirror*
Focus-mode button (54)
Lens mount
Battery-chamber
Lens release (15)
lock

Exposure-compensation button (46, 58)

* Do not touch Tripod socket

4 5
NAMES OF PARTS NAMES OF PARTS

Data Panel Viewfinder

Flash-mode indicators
Manual-focus indicator Focus frame
Red-eye reduction indicator
Shutter-speed/ISO display
Multiple-exposure indicator
Aperture/Exposure-
Exposure-bracketing indicator
compensation display
Exposure-mode indicators
Exposure-compensation
indicator
Subject-program pointer
Subject-program indicators

Spot-metering area

Spot-focus area

Focus signals

Focus-area indicator

Shutter speed display

Self-timer indicator
Exposure-compensation indicator
Battery-condition indicator
Wireless flash indicator
Aperture/Exposure-compensation display
Drive mode indicator
High-speed flash sync indicator Spot/AE lock indicator
Cartridge mark
Film transport signal
High-speed sync indicator
Frame counter/Multiple-exposure/
Custom-function setting display Flash signal

6 7
QUICK OPERATION QUICK OPERATION

1. Insert batteries. 5. Set Full-Auto operation.

• This camera uses two CR2 lithium • Press the program-reset button to set the
batteries. camera to fully-automatic operation.

2. Attach lens. 6. If using a zoom lens, rotate

• Align the red mounting dot on the lens the zooming ring to frame
with the one on the camera. Gently
your subject as desired.
insert the lens into the mount and turn it
clockwise until it clicks into the locked
position.

3. Slide the main and eye-start 7. Center your subject in the

switches to ON. focus frame.
• The camera will focus and set exposure
automatically.

8. Take the picture.

4. Load film.
• Gently press the shutter-release button
• Align the film tip with the red mark, then
all the way down to take the picture.
close the back cover.

8 9
 LEVEL I G E T T I N G S TA R T E D
This section provides the information necessary to operate your
camera in most photographic situations. Attaching the Strap
This section covers:
• Battery Installation
• Attaching and Removing the Lens
• Loading the Film
• Camera Handling
• Fully Automatic Camera Operation
• Special Focus Situations
• Basic Flash Operation
• Rewinding the Film
Once you fully understand the instructions in this section, proceed to
Level II, Level III, and Additional Features to obtain more enjoyment
from your camera.

10
BATTERIES BATTERIES

Installing the Batteries Checking Battery Power

Your camera uses two 3V CR2 lithium batteries to supply power for Each time the main switch is set to ON, a battery symbol appears in
all camera operations. the data panel indicating the power status of the batteries.

1. Using a coin or similar Full-battery symbol

object, turn the battery- Power is sufficient for all camera
chamber lock to OPEN, then operations.
open the battery-chamber • will only appear for five seconds.

door.

Blinking low-battery symbol

2. Insert the batteries as Power is extremely low. All functions
indicated by the + and – are operational, but the batteries will
marks. need to be replaced soon. Flash
recycling time may be slow.

Blinking low-battery symbol

appears alone and the shutter
3. Close the battery-chamber locks.
door, then turn the battery- Power is insufficient for camera
chamber lock to CLOSE. operation. Replace the batteries.
• Setting the camera down with the battery-
chamber door open may damage the
camera.
No display
Power is too low for the camera to
operate. Replace the batteries or make
sure they have been inserted correctly.

12 13
LENS LENS

Attaching the Lens Removing the Lens

1. Remove the body and rear 1. Press the lens release and
lens caps. turn the lens counter-
clockwise until it stops.

2. Gently remove the lens and

replace caps, or attach
another lens.
2. Align the red mounting dots
on the lens and camera body.

Caution
• Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.
3. Gently insert the lens into the • Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens
mount, then turn it clockwise contacts and mirror.
until it clicks into the locked
position.
• Do not insert the lens at an angle.
• Do not press the lens release when
attaching the lens.

14 15
LOADING FILM LOADING FILM

Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not 3. Extend the leader between the
open the back cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 29 for
guide rails to the index mark.
instructions on removing a partially exposed roll.
• If the film tip extends beyond the index
• Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film.
mark, push the excess film back into the
• Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.
cartridge.
• If DX-coded film is used, the camera automatically sets the correct ISO (film
speed).
• If non DX-coded film is used, the camera will use the previous roll’s ISO
setting. Refer to page 59 to set the film speed manually.
• Do not use infrared film in this camera. The camera’s frame counter sensor will
fog infrared film.
4. Close the back cover.
1. Slide the back-cover release • The camera automatically advances the
film to the first frame. 1 will appear in the
down to open the back cover. frame counter.
• The ISO is displayed in the data panel for
5 seconds after loading.

• blinks in the frame counter and the

2. Insert a film cartridge into the
shutter locks when the film is loaded
film chamber. incorrectly. Open the back cover and
repeat steps 2 – 4.

If film is loaded with the power off…

The films ISO and appear in the data panel for approx. five
The shutter curtain’s precision design seconds to indicate successful loading, then the camera shuts
makes it extremely sensitive to down.
pressure. Never touch it with your • If the film did not load, will blink in the data panel before the camera
fingers or the film tip. shuts down. Reload the film.

16 17
HANDLING THE CAMERA EYE-START

Holding the Camera Eye-start automatically activates the camera’s

focus and exposure systems as you bring the
Grip the camera firmly with your camera to your eye. Sliding the main and eye-
right hand, while supporting the start switches to the ON position activates the
lens with your left. Keep your grip sensor and data panel. Touching the grip
elbows at your side and your feet sensor activates the eyepiece sensor located
shoulder-width apart to hold the near the viewfinder. When an object is detected
camera steady. Keep the camera near the viewfinder, the camera’s systems are
strap around your neck or wrist in activated to set the focus and exposure as you
the event you accidentally drop frame your subject.
the camera.
• Do not touch the end of the lens Grip Sensor
barrel while taking a picture.
• Autofocus and exposure systems shut
• Use a tripod when using slow
down approx. five seconds after eye or
shutter speeds or a telephoto lens.
grip sensor contact is broken.
• Infrared absorbing sunglasses or gloves
may affect the operation of eye-start.

Eyepiece Sensor
Pressing the Shutter-Release Button
Press the shutter-release button partway
down to activate the camera’s autofocus and
auto-exposure systems.
Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate
Gently press the shutter-release button all the way the camera when eye-start is off.
down to take the picture.

18 19
 TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO

1. Slide the main and eye-start

switches to ON.

2. Press the program-reset

FULLY-AUTOMATIC button to set the camera to
Full-Auto.
OPERATION • The camera will return to its default
settings (p83).

Full-Auto is the camera’s

standard operating mode and
is suited for use in almost any
situation. When selected, the 3. If using a zoom lens, rotate
camera sets the focus and the lens’ zooming ring to
exposure automatically and frame the subject as desired.
fires the built-in flash when
necessary.

Use Full-Auto when you are

just starting out or when
shooting under conditions that 4. Center your subject in the
would require you to constantly
focus frame [ ].
adjust the focus and/or
• or will appear in the viewfinder
exposure.
when focus is confirmed.
• If appears in the viewfinder, press the
shutter-release button partway down to
pop-up the built-in flash. will disappear,
then reappear when the flash is charged.

Continued on next page.

21
TAKING PICTURES IN FULL-AUTO SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS

5. Press the shutter-release The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those
described below. When the focus lamp blinks, use focus hold (p24)
button all the way down to
or manual focus (p54). See page 22 for an explanation of the focus
take the picture. signals.
• In low-light conditions, the AF illuminator
(p55) will fire to determine focus distance.
• Use focus hold (p24) if your subject is If the subject within the focus frame is
outside the focus frame. very bright, or low in contrast.

Focus Signals
The following signals appear in If two subjects at different distances
the viewfinder to indicate the focus overlap in the focus frame.
status when focus is activated.

If a subject composed of alternating light

and dark lines completely fills the focus
Focus is confirmed
frame.

Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed

Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing If your subject is near a very bright

Shutter is locked object or area.

Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked.

Subject is too close or is one of the special focus
situations described on page 23.

22 23
FOCUS HOLD USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

In Full-Auto mode (P), the built-in flash pops-up automatically when

Use focus hold when your subject is
the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Once the flash is
outside the focus frame or when
up, it will fire when necessary.
autofocus is difficult to confirm.
• The shutter will not release until the flash is charged.
• Select flash cancel ( ) when you don’t want the flash to fire.
• Pressing the program-reset button (P) resets the flash to autoflash mode.

Do not use the built-in flash with focal lengths shorter

Focus hold cannot be used for moving subjects. than 28mm. The built-in flash cannot cover focal
lengths wider than 28mm.
1. Center your subject in the
focus frame, then press the
shutter-release button Custom Function 5 (p79) lets you cancel the built-in flash’s
auto pop-up feature. When selected, the flash-mode button
partway down.
must be pressed to raise the built-in flash.
• appears in the viewfinder when the
focus is confirmed.
• Focus hold also locks the exposure
settings.
Lens Shadowing
Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the
2. Continue to hold the shutter- output from the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semi-
release button partway down circular shaded area at the bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of
while you compose your your image.
picture. • Remove the lens hood before using the built-in flash.
• Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal lengths.
AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G
AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4.0-4.5
3. Press the shutter-release AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
button the rest of the way
• The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses:
down to take the picture. AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele)
• Remove your finger from the shutter- AF 600mm f/4.0 (APO tele)
release button to cancel focus hold.

24 25
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

Flash Signals Fill Flash

Use fill flash when taking pictures under fluorescent lighting or to
Eye-start ON eliminate harsh shadows. When set, the flash will fire every time a
– Flash will fire. disappears when the shutter- picture is taken. The TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure
release button is pressed partway down, then correct exposure.
reappears when the flash is charged.
Press the flash-mode button and
Eye-start OFF
turn the control dial until
– Flash is charged.
appears in the data panel.
• Make sure your subject is within the flash
Previous exposure was correct. range specified in the table on page 26.
• Press the flash-mode button and turn the
control dial until appears to return to
autoflash mode.
• For quick shots, hold the flash-mode button
Flash Range down when pressing the shutter-release
The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and button to fire the fill flash.
the selected aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash
range specified in the table below.
Flash Cancel
Make sure you are at least 1m (3.3 ft.) from your subject Use flash cancel when photographing twilight scenes or to capture
when using the built-in flash. the ambiance of existing light.

Aperture ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400 Press the flash-mode button and
1.0 ~ 4.3m 1.0 ~ 6.1m 1.0 ~ 8.6m turn the control dial until
f/2.8
(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) (3.3 ~ 20. ft.) (3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.)
appears in the data panel.
1.0 ~ 3.4m 1.0 ~ 4.8m 1.0 ~ 6.8m
f/3.5 • Press the flash-mode button and turn the
(3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.) (3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.) (3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.)
control dial until appears to return to
1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.2m 1.0 ~ 6.0m autoflash mode.
f/4.0
(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.)
1.0 ~ 2.1m 1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.3m
f/5.6
(3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.) (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)
The shutter speed may be slow.
Use of a tripod is recommended.

26 27
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH REWINDING THE FILM

Red-Eye Reduction Automatic Rewind

Light reflecting from your subject’s eyes may produce the effect After you have exposed the last frame, the camera will automatically
known as red-eye. Use the built-in flash’s red-eye-reduction mode rewind the film. When the film is completely rewound, the motor will
to produce more natural looking photographs by reducing the red- stop and will blink in the data panel indicating it is safe to open
eye effect. the back of the camera.

1. Turn the function dial to . 1. Wait until the film is

completely rewound.
• will appear and will blink in the data
panel.

2. Slide the back-cover release

2. Press the function button and down to open the back cover.
turn the control dial until
and ON appear in the data 3. Remove the film, then close
panel. the back cover.
• Warn your subject that the flash will fire a
few short flash bursts just before the
picture is taken.

Manual Rewind
Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the current roll is
Cancelling Red-eye Reduction finished.

Turn the function dial to , 1. Press the manual-rewind

then press the function button button.
and turn the control dial until
and OFF appear in the data 2. Follow steps 1-3 from
panel. Automatic Rewind.

28 29
 SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

Portrait Mode
Portraits have the greatest impact
when a shallow depth-of-field* is
used to separate the subject from
the background. In Portrait mode,
the necessary settings are made
LEVEL II automatically, leaving you free to
capture the perfect expression.
Now that you are comfortable with the operation of the * Depth-of-field is the area in front of
camera, take more control of the creative process by and behind the point you focused
telling the camera what kind of picture you want to take. on that appears sharp (p42).
The subject program modes let you take more control
without leaving the program exposure mode. In each of
Press the subject-program
the subject program modes, the camera will
automatically set the best possible shutter speed and button until the subject-program
aperture for the type of picture you are taking. pointer is under .
This section also lets you explore the use of the Self-
timer and Continuous Advance modes.
Subject Program Selection Page
Portrait Mode 31
Landscape Mode 32
Close-Up Mode 33
Sports Mode 34 Tips
Night Portrait Mode 35 • For best results use a mid-telephoto lens with a large aperture.
Photographing Night Scenes 36 • Use fill flash (p27) when your subject is backlit or has strong
shadows across the face.
Drive Mode Page • Lock focus on your subject’s eyes and be ready to capture the
Self-Timer 37 perfect expression.
Continuous Advance 38
Each of these functions can be explored independently
after Level I has been mastered.
• Press the program-reset button to return the camera to Full-
Auto operation.

31
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

Landscape Mode Close-Up Mode

Landscape photography requires Set Close-Up mode when
a large depth-of-field to make photographing small objects like
sure everything is in focus. In flowers or jewelry. In Close-Up
Landscape mode, the camera is mode, the camera automatically
set to obtain the greatest depth- sets the best possible aperture
of-field possible, while and shutter speed for the picture
maintaining a shutter speed fast you are taking.
enough to prevent blur due to
camera shake.

Press the subject-program Press the subject-program

button until the subject-program button until the subject-program
pointer is under . pointer is under .

Tips
Tips
• For best results zoom to a wide view or use a wide angle lens
and include a foreground subject or detail to create a feeling of • For best results use a macro lens or a macro capable zoom lens.
depth in the picture. • Do not use the built-in flash if your subject is closer than 1.0m
• Use flash when a subject in the foreground is backlit or has (3.3 ft.). The lens may block the flash, creating a shadow at the
strong shadows across the face. If there is no subject in the bottom of your image (lens shadowing).
foreground, do not use flash. • Use a tripod to reduce camera shake.
• Use a tripod, especially at slower shutter speeds.

32 33
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION

Sports Mode Night Portrait Mode

Fast shutter speeds are needed to Night portraits require the camera’s
stop action. In Sports mode, the flash exposure to be balanced with
camera will set the fastest possible the background exposure. In Night
shutter speed and continually Portrait mode, the camera sets the
adjust the focus to track fast- largest possible aperture with a
moving subjects. longer shutter speed, allowing the
background to appear in the
photograph.

Press the subject-program Press the subject-program

button until the subject-program button until the subject-program
pointer is under . pointer is under .

Tips Tips
• The built-in flash is only effective when your subject is within the • Set the flash to or when using Night Portrait mode.
flash range. See pages 27 and 28.
• Use fast film and keep the focus frame on your subject. • Use faster film and a tripod.
• Mount the camera on a tripod when using telephoto lenses. • Focus on the main part of your subject.
• Warn your subject not to move while the picture is taken.
• Use Spot AF to hold the focus in Sports mode (p53).

34 35
SUBJECT PROGRAM SELECTION SELF-TIMER

Photographing Night Scenes The self-timer delays the release of the shutter for approximately
10 seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed.
Cancel the flash in Night Portrait
mode to photograph night scenes.
The longer shutter speeds set in 1. Place the camera on a tripod,
Night Portrait mode let you then press the self-timer
capture beautiful photographs of button until appears in the
twilight scenes and night skylines. data panel.

1. Press the subject-program

button until the subject- 2. Center your subject in the
program pointer is under . focus frame.

3. Press the shutter-release

button all the way down to
start the timer.
• The self-timer indicator on the front of the
2. Press the flash-mode button camera will blink, then glow just before the
and turn the control dial until shutter releases.
appears in the data panel.
• Self-timer mode is cancelled after the shutter is released.
• Do not press the shutter-release button while standing in front of the camera.
• Attach the eyepiece cap if there is a bright light source behind the camera (p50).

Tips Press the self-timer button or slide the main switch to

• Use faster film and a tripod. LOCK to cancel the self-timer before the shutter
• If you are photographing a dark night scene, it may be difficult for releases.
the camera to focus, use focus hold (p24) or manual focus (p54).

36 37
CONTINUOUS - ADVANCE MODE
In this mode, the camera continues to
release the shutter and advance the
film as long as the shutter-release
button is held down.
• AF Zoom xi and Power zoom lenses
cannot be zoomed when continuous-
advance mode is selected.
LEVEL III
1. Press the drive-mode button
until appears in the data In this section you take full creative control of your
camera. Depending on the selected exposure mode, you
panel.
will control the aperture, shutter speed, or both when
capturing your image.
In the previous sections, only the Program (P) exposure
mode has been explored. Here you will learn to use the
Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M)
exposure modes. Select A-mode to control the depth-of-field
2. Press the shutter-release in your images. Set S-mode to control the way moving
button down and hold. subjects appear in your images. Set M-mode when you want
• When taking flash pictures, the shutter will full control over all the exposure functions.
release after the flash is charged.
• When the subject is moving, the shutter will A-Mode Manually select aperture 40
release after the camera focuses on the S-Mode Manually select shutter speed 43
subject.
• To return to single frame mode, press the M-Mode Manually select the shutter speed 46
drive mode button until appears in the and the aperture
data panel. • Each exposure mode can be explored independently.

38
A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY
In A-mode, you select the aperture and the camera automatically A-Mode Flash
sets the shutter speed required for proper exposure. Set the camera
to A-mode when you want to control the range of sharpness (depth- When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it
of-field) in an image. Refer to Aperture Control on page 42. will fire each time a picture is taken. The camera’s TTL automatic
flash metering system will ensure proper exposure.

1. Turn the function dial to .

Press the flash-mode button to
pop-up the built-in flash.
• will appear in the data panel.
• The shutter speed is automatically set to
1/125 or slower.
• A smaller aperture (larger f-number) will
result in a shorter flash range. Refer to
Flash Range (p26) to determine the range
2. Press the function button and of the built-in flash at the selected aperture.
turn the control dial until A
appears in the data panel.
If 125 blinks in the viewfinder and the
data panel, the light level is too
bright for the selected aperture. Turn
the control dial until the blinking
stops or cancel the flash.

3. Turn the control dial to select

the aperture.

Cancelling the Flash

Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory flash off.
• will be displayed in the data panel.

If 4000 or 30 s blinks in the data panel, the required setting is

beyond the camera’s shutter speed range. Turn the control dial
until the blinking stops.

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A-MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY

Aperture Control In S-mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera
automatically sets the aperture required for proper exposure. Use
S-mode when you want to control the blur caused by subject
movement.

1. Turn the function dial to .

Large Aperture Small Aperture

(small f-number) (large f-number)

The size of the aperture (lens opening) determines the depth-of-field 2. Press the function button and
in the final image as well as the intensity of the light falling on the turn the control dial until S
film. Depth-of-field is the range in front of and behind the focus point
that appears sharp in the final image. In the viewfinder, only the
appears in the data panel.
plane the camera is focused on will appear sharp. The photographed
image however, will have a depth-of-field corresponding to the
selected aperture.
Large apertures (small numbers) limit the depth-of-field to a narrow
range in front of and behind the point of focus. Set a larger aperture
when photographing portraits to make your subject stand out from
3. Turn the control dial to select
the background.
the shutter speed.
Small apertures (large numbers) provide greater depth-of-field. Set a • The number 60, or 125, displayed in the
small aperture when photographing landscapes to ensure your entire data panel stands for 1/60th or 1/125th of a
scene is sharp. second.
• Usable apertures will depend on the aperture range of the lens you are using. • The seconds indicator appears in the
viewfinder and data panel if the shutter
speed is one second or longer.

If the aperture display in the data panel blinks, the required

setting is outside the aperture range of the lens. Turn the control
dial until the blinking stops.

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S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY S-MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY

S-Mode Flash Shutter Control

When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it
will fire each time a picture is taken. Flash exposure is controlled by
the camera’s TTL automatic flash metering system.

1. Press the flash-mode button

to pop-up the built-in flash.
• will appear in the data panel.

Fast Shutter Speed Slow Shutter Speed

2. Turn the control dial to select
any shutter speed up to In addition to controlling the duration of the exposure, shutter speed
1/125th of a second. determines how moving subjects will appear in the final image.
• The camera automatically sets the aperture
Depending on the speed of your subject, slow shutter speeds will
for the selected shutter speed. make a moving subject appear to flow, creating a feeling of motion.
In addition to stopping action, fast shutter speeds can help prevent
blur caused by camera movement during exposure, known as
camera shake.
Cancelling the Flash • Use a fast shutter speed to stop the motion of your subject.
• Use a slow shutter speed to blur the motion of your subject.
Push the built-in flash down or turn the accessory
flash off.
• will be displayed in the data panel.

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M-MODE – MANUAL M-MODE – MANUAL
M-mode gives you full control of the exposure. The camera’s meter Metering in Manual Mode
index displays how your settings compare to the exposure
determined by the camera’s metering system. In manual mode, the meter index in the viewfinder and the data
panel indicates how your exposure compares with the camera’s
meter reading.
1. Turn the function dial to .

2. Press the function button and – The exposure will over-

turn the control dial until M expose your subject.
appears in the data panel.

– The exposure will under-

3. Turn the control dial to select expose your subject.
the shutter speed.

If an exposure compensation indicator

4. Press the exposure- does not appear, your settings agree with
the exposure determined by the camera.
compensation button and turn
the control dial to select the
aperture.

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