Minolta Autowide Owner's Manual
You are now the owner of a Minolta Autowide. The camera patterned after the human eye – and like the human eye, it takes in more of what you actually see – a full 64°.
This wonderful, new, easy-to-use camera automatically makes you an authority on perfect exposure. You do not even have to know the meaning of F stops and shutter speeds to get perfect exposure every time. Read the instructions carefully, follow them religiously – and you will have more fun with a camera than you have ever had before.
Contents
- 8 Steps to Perfect Pictures: Pages 6 & 7
- Step 1 – Loading the Film: Pages 8 & 9
- Choosing the Right Film: Page 9
- Step 2 – Setting the Film Speed: Page 10
- Explanation of ASA Ratings: Page 10
- Step 3 – Lining-up the Arrows: Pages 11, 12, 13
- A Word about Exposure: Page 11
- Step 4 – Advancing the Film: Page 14
- Step 5 – Setting the P-G-S Scale: Pages 14 & 15
- Depth of Field Scale: Page 15
- Step 6 – Sighting: Page 16
- Step 7 – Pressing the Release: Page 17
- Step 8 – Taking the next picture: Page 17
- Unloading the Film: Page 18
- Using the Self-Timer: Page 19
- Intentional Double Exposures: Page 19
- Flash Photography: Page 20
- Accessories: Page 21
- Your Autowide Rokkor Lens: Page 22
- Other Famous Minolta Cameras: Pages 23 & 24
- Minolta Slide Projectors: Page 24
Camera Overview
Top/Side View
FILM SPEED (OR ASA) INDICATOR: Displays the film speed setting.
ASA DIAL KNOB: Used to adjust the film speed setting.
LIGHT VALUE SCALE: Eliminates the need for a separate light meter.
EXTENSION CORD RELEASE TERMINAL: For connecting an accessory release cord.
LENS OPENINGS (ALSO CALLED LENS APERTURE, AND F STOPS): Controls the amount of light entering the lens.
SHUTTER SPEEDS: Controls the duration the shutter remains open.
ZONE FOCUSING DIAL: For quick distance focusing.
ACCESSORY SHOE: For mounting accessories like flash units.
FULLY AUTOMATIC FILM COUNTER: Tracks the number of exposures made.
Front View
EXPOSURE METER: Measures light for exposure settings.
DEPTH OF FIELD SCALE: Indicates the range of acceptable sharpness.
VIEWFINDER WINDOW: For composing shots.
ILLUMINATING WINDOW FOR BRIGHT FRAME: Enhances viewfinder visibility.
FLASH SYNCHRONIZER CONNECTION: For connecting flash units (Bulb and Electronic).
ZONE FOCUSING DIAL: Used for focusing.
Bottom View
FILM ADVANCE AND SHUTTER COCKING LEVER: Advances film and cocks the shutter.
REWIND POP-OUT BUTTON: Releases the film rewind mechanism.
TRIPOD MOUNT: For attaching the camera to a tripod.
RAPID REWIND CRANK: Used to rewind the film.
FLASH SYNCHRO SELECTOR: 'M' for bulbs, 'X' for electronic flash.
FILM TRANSPORT INDICATOR: Shows that film is winding correctly.
Back View
VIEWFINDER WINDOW EYEPIECE: Where the photographer looks to compose the shot.
EXPOSURE SETTING WHEEL: Adjusts exposure settings.
FILM ADVANCE AND SHUTTER COCKING LEVER: (Also located on the bottom).
8 Steps to Perfect Pictures
Follow these steps to take pictures you'll be proud of. Each step is explained in detail.
Step 1: Loading the Film
- Pull down the back locking latch.
- Camera back will open.
- Insert roll of film.
- Pull out enough film to insert in slit (A). If slit is not on top, turn roller by hand until slit is on top.
- Advance film lever twice, releasing shutter each time. Advance film once more. Red arrow now points at '1'. Take your first picture by pressing release.
- Close back door, making sure it "clicks" into place.
- Take your first picture by pressing the release.
Step 2: Setting the ASA (Film Speed)
Film speeds, or ASA (American Standards Association) ratings, classify film according to its light sensitivity. A higher numerical rating means the film is more sensitive to light.
Finding the ASA Rating: The ASA rating is usually found inside the film box.
Setting the Dial: Turn the ASA dial knob (E) until the number appears in the opening marked ASA (F).
For intermediate ASA ratings: If using a film with an ASA not directly on the dial (e.g., ASA 50), set the dot between the nearest numbers (e.g., between 50 and 100).
Step 3: Lining up the Arrows to Automatically Set Exposure
The Minolta Autowide automatically sets F stops and shutter speeds. The exposure meter is used to determine the correct settings.
Exposure Basics: Exposure depends on lens opening (F stop) and shutter speed. Brighter light requires a smaller opening (higher F number) and/or faster shutter speed. Dimmer light requires a wider opening (lower F number) and/or slower shutter speed.
F Stops: Smaller F numbers (e.g., f/2.8) mean a wider lens opening and more light. Larger F numbers (e.g., f/22) mean a smaller opening and less light. The amount of light admitted doubles with each succeeding stop (e.g., f/4 admits twice the light of f/5.6).
Shutter Speeds: Determine how long the shutter stays open. Speeds range from 1 second to 1/500 second, plus 'B' (Bulb) for extended open times.
Using the Meter:
- Remove any incident light attachment.
- Point the exposure meter at the subject.
- For close subjects: Hold the camera 6-12 inches from the most important area (e.g., skin tone), keeping it level with the picture-taking angle. Avoid tilting towards the sky or casting shadows.
- For group pictures: Stand 6-10 feet away and follow the same procedure.
- For scenery: Point the camera downwards at an angle midway between the horizon and your feet.
- If the camera is held in hand, ensure the shutter speed is not slower than 1/30 sec. Use a tripod for slower speeds (marked yellow).
- If the initial setting is less than 1/30 sec. (e.g., 1/8 sec. at f/5.6), adjust the LVS wheel to achieve a faster speed (e.g., 1/30 sec. at f/2.8).
Incident Light Method: For extreme contrast, clip the incident light attachment to the meter. Stand next to the subject, face the camera toward where you will stand, and line up the arrows.
Step 4: Advancing the Film
This action automatically advances the film, cocks the shutter, and counts the exposure. The red-line Film Transport Indicator should turn as the lever advances.
Step 5: Setting the P-G-S Scale
The P-G-S (or Zone Focusing) scale provides a faster method for setting distance compared to a rangefinder.
Using the Scale:
- For hypercritical focusing, use the linear distance scale and depth of field scale.
- Estimate your distance to the subject (e.g., 10 feet) and set it on the scale.
- You are then in focus within the range indicated by matching F stops on the depth of field scale.
- For scenery, set the P-G-S dial to 'S'.
Depth of Field Table: This table shows the range of hypercritical focus for each F stop from f/2.8 to f/22.
| F. Stop | 2.8 | 4 | 5.6 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||||
| 10 ft | 7.6 - 15.5 | 5.5 - 25.1 | 3.9 - 42.9 | 2.8 - 59.9 | 2.0 - 98.2 | 1.4 - 198 | 1.0 - 444 |
| 8 ft | 6.1 - 11.0 | 4.3 - 15.5 | 3.1 - 21.5 | 2.2 - 30.1 | 1.5 - 44.4 | 1.0 - 81.2 | 0.7 - 155 |
| 6 ft | 4.7 - 7.7 | 3.3 - 10.1 | 2.4 - 12.6 | 1.7 - 15.5 | 1.2 - 22.8 | 0.8 - 37.1 | 0.6 - 70.3 |
| 5 ft | 3.9 - 5.9 | 2.7 - 7.2 | 1.9 - 8.7 | 1.4 - 10.1 | 1.0 - 12.9 | 0.7 - 18.3 | 0.5 - 30.1 |
| 4 ft | 3.1 - 4.3 | 2.2 - 5.3 | 1.5 - 6.2 | 1.1 - 7.4 | 0.8 - 9.0 | 0.6 - 11.0 | 0.4 - 15.5 |
| 3 ft | 2.4 - 3.4 | 1.7 - 3.9 | 1.2 - 4.7 | 0.9 - 5.5 | 0.6 - 6.7 | 0.5 - 8.3 | 0.3 - 10.3 |
| 2 ft | 1.7 - 2.7 | 1.2 - 2.9 | 0.8 - 3.4 | 0.6 - 3.9 | 0.4 - 4.7 | 0.3 - 5.5 | 0.2 - 7.0 |
| 1.5 ft | 1.3 - 2.0 | 0.9 - 2.1 | 0.6 - 2.5 | 0.5 - 2.8 | 0.3 - 3.4 | 0.2 - 4.1 | 0.2 - 5.3 |
Step 6: Sighting & Composing
Look through the viewfinder eyepiece to see your subject as it will appear in the picture. Use the ultra-brilliant Lumi-Frame to compose your shot. As long as the subject is within the bright yellow lines, there is no danger of cutting off parts of the image. The Lumi-Frame remains visible even in low light.
Everything outlined by the outer lines of the Lumi-Frame will appear in the picture.
When taking close-ups, frame the subject within the smaller frame. This automatically compensates for parallax (out of view because the camera is too close).
Step 7: Press Release
Hold the camera steady, either vertically or horizontally. Brace the camera against your forehead if possible. Squeeze the shutter release gently rather than jerking it. For speeds slower than 1/30 sec., use a tripod for stability.
Step 8: Advance Film to Take Next Picture
Use the film advance lever to advance the film and cock the shutter. This can be done in one motion or a series of short strokes for convenience.
Unloading Film
After taking your last picture, the red arrow will point to the film counter (e.g., 26 or 36). Turn the rewind crank clockwise until you feel all pressure is gone and it turns freely.
Disengage the lock tab by pulling it down. This opens the camera back.
Carefully remove the film magazine from the camera.
Using the Self-Timer
The self-timer wheel on the front of the camera delays the shutter release by approximately 5 or 9 seconds after you press the release. This allows you to get into the picture yourself or to hold the camera steadier.
- For 5-second delay: Move the knurled wheel clockwise until the red dot is just visible. Rotate the film advance lever and press the release.
- For 9-second delay: Move the knurled wheel clockwise as far as it will go. Rotate the film advance lever and press the release.
Intentional Double Exposure
To create special effects, you can intentionally expose the same frame multiple times. Lift the rewind crank and hold it down. Simultaneously, advance the film lever one complete turn. This cocks the shutter without advancing the film, allowing for a second exposure on the same frame. Continue taking pictures as usual.
Flash Photography
Your Minolta Autowide is internally synchronized for use with electronic flash and flash bulbs.
- Insert a Minolta BC flash gun or electronic flash unit into the accessory shoe.
- For Class M (foil-filled) flash bulbs, slide the selector to the red "M".
- For electronic flash, slide the selector to the black "X".
Accessories
Minolta BC Flash: A compact, pocket-sized unit with a collapsible reflector and a BC capacitor that extends battery life. Works with regular flash batteries.
Minolta Lens Shade: Prevents extraneous light (glare, light flare) from entering the lens during exposure, which can ruin a picture.
Minolta Filters: Used to control color and haze. Filters can convert indoor film to outdoor use and vice versa.
- Yellow Filter: Increases outdoor scene contrast, darkens blues, and brings out skies and water.
- Orange Filter: Provides greater contrast than the yellow filter.
- Red Filter: Offers dramatic effects, heightens outdoor contrast, and is ideal for snow scenes, architecture, and special effects.
- Green Filter: Primarily for landscapes with foliage to lighten them and bring out pink tones in skin, preventing a "chalky" flesh effect.
A Word About World Famous Rokkor Lenses
The Rokkor lens is the heart of the Minolta Autowide. Minolta lenses are crafted with precision, from glass making to final polishing. The Autowide features a Rokkor 6-element, f/2.8, 35mm lens made with rare earth, offering extreme depth of field and a wide 64° field of view.
Other Famous Minolta Cameras
Minolta "A": Features a single-stroke lever, Rokkor 45mm f/3.5 lens, single window range/viewfinder, and shutter speeds up to 1/300 sec. plus Bulb and MX flash synchronization.
Minolta "A2": Similar to the "A" but with a 5-element Rokkor f/2.8 lens, brilliant viewfinder, shutter speeds up to 1/400 sec., and a built-in self-timer.
Minolta Super "A": Coupled exposure meter system, interchangeable lenses, ultra-brilliant viewfinder, shutter speeds from 1 sec. to 1/400 sec. plus Bulb, and rapid film rewind.
Minolta Cameras
Minolta Autocord: Fully automatic film advance, Rokkor coated f/3.5 lens, 75mm lens, direct reading light value scale.
Minolta "16": A palm-sized automatic camera for color and black and white. Features a 25mm f/3.5 Rokkor lens, automatic film advance, and synched flash.
Mini-Projector: Compact and lightweight unit with a 75mm Rokkor f/2.5 lens.
Mini "44": Similar to the Mini-Projector but can handle "super slides" as well as 35mm slides.
Manufactured by Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko K.K., Osaka, Japan.
