Minolta X-700 35MM SLR Film Camera Instruction Manual

1. General Overview

The Minolta X-700 is a sophisticated 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, renowned for its user-friendly design and advanced exposure control capabilities. It offers Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, and Manual exposure modes, alongside TTL OTF flash exposure control. This camera is ideal for photographers seeking both automated convenience and full creative control.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Minolta X-700 camera with a 50mm f/1.7 lens.

2. Setup

2.1 Battery Installation

The Minolta X-700 requires two LR44 or PX76 type batteries for its electronic functions, including the light meter and automatic exposure modes. To install or replace batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the camera.
2. Use a coin to turn the cover counter-clockwise to open it.
3. Insert the new batteries with the positive (+) side facing upwards.
4. Replace the cover and turn it clockwise with a coin until it is securely fastened.

2.2 Film Loading

Loading 35mm film correctly is crucial for proper camera operation. Follow these steps:

1. Open the camera back by pulling up the film rewind knob located on the top left of the camera.
2. Place the film cartridge into the film chamber on the left side of the camera.
3. Pull the film leader across to the take-up spool on the right side. Insert the tip of the film leader into one of the slots on the take-up spool.
4. Advance the film slightly using the film advance lever until the film perforations engage with the sprocket teeth.
5. Ensure the film lies flat across the film gate.
6. Close the camera back firmly until it clicks into place.
7. Advance the film two blank frames by repeatedly pressing the shutter button and winding the film advance lever. This ensures fresh film is ready for exposure.

Figure 2.1: The Minolta X-700 with its back open, showing the film chamber and take-up spool.

3. Operating the Camera

3.1 Setting Film Speed (ISO/ASA)

The ISO (International Standards Organization) or ASA (American Standards Association) setting on your camera must match the speed of the film you are using. This ensures accurate light metering.

1. Lift and rotate the outer ring of the shutter speed dial (located on the top right) to align the correct ISO/ASA number with the index mark.
2. The Minolta X-700 supports ISO speeds from 25 to 1600.

Figure 3.1: Top view of the Minolta X-700, highlighting the ISO/ASA setting dial.

3.2 Exposure Modes

The Minolta X-700 offers three primary exposure control modes:

• Program AE ("P"): The camera automatically selects both the aperture and shutter speed for optimal exposure. This is ideal for quick, point-and-shoot situations.
• Aperture Priority AE ("A"): You set the desired aperture, and the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed. This mode is useful for controlling depth of field.
• Manual Exposure ("M"): You manually set both the aperture and shutter speed. The camera's meter will provide guidance, but you have full creative control.

Figure 3.2: Top view of the Minolta X-700, showing the shutter speed and exposure mode dials.

3.3 Shutter Speed Control

The shutter speed dial allows you to control the duration the shutter remains open. In Program AE and Aperture Priority AE modes, the camera electronically controls stepless shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 4 seconds. In Manual mode, you can select speeds from 1/1000 to 1 second, plus 'B' (Bulb).

• Bulb ('B') Mode: In this setting, the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter release button is held down. This is useful for very long exposures, such as night photography or light painting.

3.4 Focusing

The Minolta X-700 uses manual focus lenses. To achieve sharp focus:

1. Look through the viewfinder.
2. Rotate the focusing ring on the lens until your subject appears sharp in the split-image or microprism collar in the center of the viewfinder.

3.5 Viewfinder Information

The acute-matte viewfinder screen provides clear visibility and essential exposure information via LED readouts:

• Selected aperture
• Current camera mode (M, P, or A)
• Camera-recommended or selected shutter speed

Figure 3.3: Front-side view of the Minolta X-700, showing the viewfinder and lens.

3.6 Taking a Photo

Once the camera is set up and focused, press the shutter release button located on the top right of the camera body to capture your image. Ensure the film advance lever is fully wound before each shot.

4. Advanced Features

4.1 TTL OTF Flash Exposure Control

The Minolta X-700 features Through-The-Lens Off-The-Film (TTL OTF) flash exposure control. When using a compatible Minolta flash unit, the camera measures the light reflecting off the film plane during exposure to precisely control flash output, ensuring accurate flash exposures.

4.2 Automatic Exposure Lock (AEL)

The AEL button allows you to lock the exposure settings for a specific part of your scene. This is useful when your main subject is not in the center of the frame or when there are significant differences in lighting within the scene.

4.3 Depth of Field Preview

The depth of field preview button allows you to temporarily stop down the lens to the selected aperture, enabling you to visually check the depth of field in the viewfinder before taking the shot.

4.4 Motor Drive Compatibility

The X-700 is compatible with external motor drives for continuous shooting. It can be used with the Auto Winder G for sequences of up to 2 frames per second, or with the Motor Drive 1 for up to 3.5 frames per second.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

Regular cleaning helps maintain your camera's performance and longevity:

• Lens: Use a soft lens brush or air blower to remove dust. For smudges, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the lens surface with your fingers.
• Body: Wipe the camera body with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure no moisture enters the camera.
• Viewfinder: Use an air blower to remove dust. Avoid wiping the viewfinder glass directly to prevent scratches.

5.2 Storage

When not in use, store your Minolta X-700 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is advisable to remove the batteries if the camera will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Common Issues

• Film Not Advancing: Check if the film is correctly loaded and engaged with the take-up spool and sprocket teeth. Ensure the film advance lever is fully wound.
• Blank Frames: This can be caused by incorrect film loading, a faulty shutter, or improper film development. Verify film loading first.
• Metering Inaccuracies: Ensure the ISO/ASA setting matches your film. Check battery levels, as low power can affect the meter.
• Slow Speed Alert: The camera provides an audible and visual alert if the required shutter speed is 1/30 second or less, indicating potential blur from camera or subject movement. Consider using a tripod or flash in such situations.

7. Specifications

7.1 Technical Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

This Minolta X-700 camera comes with a 90-day limited warranty. Please refer to your purchase documentation for specific terms and conditions regarding warranty claims and service.

8.2 Further Assistance

For technical support, service, or additional information not covered in this manual, please contact your retailer or a qualified camera repair specialist. Always provide your camera's model number (X-700) and any relevant purchase details when seeking assistance.