Minolta "16" Owner's Manual
Introduction
For every man, woman, and youngster who has ever said, "Oh what I wouldn't give for a camera right now!"
Smaller than a pack of cigarettes, the Minolta "16" hides in your pocket—snuggles in your purse—always ready to extend the fun of picture taking from an occasional prepared pleasure, to an on-the-impulse delight. Easier to use than a box camera, Minolta "16" provides the versatility demanded by professionals. For regular black and white photos or color slides—indoors or out—you just can't beat the fun of taking pictures with a Minolta "16".
Camera Identification
Key Components (Front/Top View)
- Flash Terminal
- Shutter Release
- Lens Openings (F Stops)
- Shutter Speed
- Lens
- Life-Size Viewfinder
Key Components (Rear/Side View)
- Cover Release
- Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko - Japan (Manufacturer inscription)
- Lens Rokkor SE/25 (Lens model inscription)
- Camera (Label indicating the main camera unit)
- Automatic Film Counter
- Built-in Case
Operating the Minolta "16"
Getting Started (For Beginners)
Practice the following before putting in film:
- Set F-Stop and Speed: Set the lens openings (A) and shutter speed (B) as shown on the exposure table enclosed with each roll of film. This is done by rolling the red dot on the wheel opposite the desired speed and opening.
- Sight: Pull camera (C) out of the built-in case (D) as far as it will go and look through the viewfinder (E).
- Compose: Looking through the viewfinder shows the subject as it will appear on film. Keep the camera at least 6.5 feet from the subject.
- Press Release: Press the shutter release button (F). This is all there is to taking a picture.
- Advance Film: Pull the camera out of the case as far as it will go (as in step 2). This advances the film, cocks the shutter, and counts the film automatically.
- Return Camera: Push the camera back into the built-in case as far as it will go.
- Take Your Next Picture: To snap your next picture, simply repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.
Additional Hints for Beginners
Hold the camera either horizontally or vertically, anchoring it to your brow. The important thing is to hold the camera absolutely steady at the moment you press the release button. Never tip or jerk your finger on the release. Instead, squeeze it gently.
Indoor Pictures and Flash Photography
The Flash Gun
The Minolta "16" is completely synchronized for flash pictures. When used with the Minolta Baby Flash described on Page 18, there are almost no limitations. This compact flash gun can be attached to the camera or held in your hand.
Shutter speed should be set at 1/25 or 1/50 depending on the type of flash bulb. Lens opening or F stop is determined by referring to the guide number of the flash bulb type. You can also use any Electronic Flash unit with a compur-type terminal.
Film Usage
Where you have fairly good light, you can use TRI-X Film. TRI-X is a very fast film that can be used under minimum lighting conditions. Like all Minolta "16" film, it comes in a 20-exposure cartridge, but should be loaded and unloaded only in subdued light. Suggested lens and shutter settings are included with every roll of film.
Advisable Speeds for Flash Bulbs and Electronic Flash Units
| Type | Shutter Speed |
|---|---|
| F Class Bulb | 1/50 or 1/25 sec. |
| M Class Bulb | 1/25 sec. |
| Electronic Flash | 1/200 or 1/50 or 1/25 sec. |
Color Picture Slides
Yes, you can take color picture slides with your Minolta "16". These slides will come back mounted, to fit any 35 mm projector. These slides can project to fill an entire screen and be enjoyed by your entire family, or group of friends at one time.
If you don't own a projector, or are thinking of a new one, consider the Minolta Mini-Projector described on Page 20. It is a compact, precision-made, economically priced projector featuring the world-famous Rokkor lens.
Loading the Camera
Follow these steps to load film into your Minolta "16":
- Pull camera (A) out of built-in case (B) as far as it will go.
- Depress clasp (C) so that the camera can be pulled entirely out of the case.
- Lift the film door on the other side of the camera.
- Drop in the film magazine.
- Close the film door. If the door does not close, it is because the magazine has not gone all the way in.
- Turn the number dial (D) counter-clockwise until the letter "S" lines up with the red line.
- Slide the camera back into the built-in case, depressing the clasp (C).
- The catch (G) (which moves up and down when the clasp is pressed) should be seated in the opening to the right of the Film Counter Window.
- Move the camera out and in twice. Number 20 will now appear in the Counter Dial Window, showing you have 20 pictures to take. Pull the camera out a third time and take your first picture.
Removing the Exposed Magazine
Follow these steps to remove the film magazine:
- Keep taking pictures until the "O" appears in the Counter Dial Window.
- Push the camera in and out of the case three times—until an "E" appears in the Counter Dial Window.
- Depress clasp (A) and pull the camera out of the built-in cover, as you did when loading.
- Open the film door and remove the magazine.
Further Information for Advanced Photographers
Close-up Lenses
The f:3.5 Rokkor 25 mm lens provides extreme depth of field. You are in sharp focus from 6 feet to infinity. For close-ups, two lens attachments are included with your camera. They enable you to close in to 21 inches.
Depth of Field Scale
| Lens Opening | Without Close-up Lens | With No. 1 Close-up Lens | With No. 2 Close-up Lens |
|---|---|---|---|
| F 3.5 | 11 Ft. to 34 Ft. | 3.38 Ft. to 4.43 Ft. | 1.77 Ft. to 2.2 Ft. |
| F 4 | 10.5 Ft. to 40 Ft. | 3.3 Ft. to 4.46 Ft. | 1.74 Ft. to 2.23 Ft. |
| F 5.6 | 9 Ft. to 90 Ft. | 3.2 Ft. to 4.70 Ft. | 1.67 Ft. to 2.4 Ft. |
| F 8 | 7.5 Ft. to Infin. | 2.98 Ft. to 5.18 Ft. | 1.57 Ft. to 2.62 Ft. |
| F 11 | 6.2 Ft. to Infin. | 2.82 Ft. to 6 Ft. | 1.37 Ft. to 3.5 Ft. |
Loading Your Own Bulk Film
Follow these instructions to load bulk film into the Minolta "16" magazine (if you so desire), in total darkness or dim light:
In Total Darkness
Before starting, arrange all parts of the magazine so that you can locate them in the dark. Also practice loading, with your eyes closed, until you know it to the last detail.
- Cut an 18" strip of film. Wind it into a small roll with the emulsion side in. Do not touch either side with your fingers.
- Place the 18" film roll in the smaller chamber of the magazine (A), threading about an inch through slit (B) so that the end of the film protrudes.
- Put the cover tightly over the smaller chamber. At this point, it should look like the drawing.
In Dim Light
- Secure the cover to the magazine with a piece of pressure-sensitive tape.
- Stick a piece of pressure-sensitive tape on the film so that half of the adhesive part hangs off as shown.
- Hold the film winding drum (C) on your forefinger, like a thimble. Place it on a flat surface, line it up with the film, and fix the hanging end of the tape.
- Wind 1.5 times around the drum, making sure it rolls straight, and place it in the larger chamber, threading through the slit.
- It should now look like the illustration.
- Fit the remaining cap over the large chamber and secure with pressure-sensitive tape. Label the magazine as to film type. If you do not immediately load into your camera, wrap the magazine in light-proof paper for storage.
Accessories
Minolta Baby Flashgun
The Minolta Baby Flashgun is engineered for indoor photos. It is conveniently carried in an attractive vinyl zippered carrying case. The Minolta Baby Flashgun is an extremely compact unit with the modern B-C (long-life battery) design and a fan-type, collapsible reflector. When folded into its case, the Baby Flashgun is just about the same size as the tiny Minolta "16".
Flash and Tripod Adapter Clamp
The Minolta Clamp secures the Baby Minolta Flashgun or any tripod to your Minolta "16". This unique "wraparound" clamp safely locks the camera and accessories together.
Minolta Filter Bank
To bring out truer tones and give you better looking pictures. There are 4 filters in this unique, handy pack:
- 1. Ultra-violet Filter: For daylight photographs, to improve distant scenes by eliminating haze effects.
- 2. No. 80 A Filter: Converts daylight type Kodachrome or Anscochrome for use with photoflood lights indoors.
- 3. Yellow Filter: To deepen sky tones, bring out cloud effects, and for better tonal rendition of bright outdoor scenes—particularly on sea, snow, or sand.
- 4. Filter 81 A: To be used with electronic flash.
Minolta Mini 16 Projector
The Minolta Mini 16 Projector is a compact, lightweight projector of unique design. Like the tiny Minolta "16" which provides "big camera" performance in subminiature size, the Mini Projector is engineered to give "big projector" performance. It casts unusually brilliant on-screen images with its short focal-length f:2.5 lens. Its projection rivals many 500-watt machines of much greater size. Complete with Carrier for Minolta 16 slides. Accessory automatic slide-changers make the Minolta Mini Projector a versatile instrument for both amateur and professional.
Minolta Mini Enlarger
For use with Minolta "16" film. It will provide excellent enlargements up to 5x7 inches on the baseboard. Complete with f:3.5-25 mm coated Rokkor lens. Diaphragm stops down to f:11. The enlarger comes complete with a 16 mm film carrier and 100-watt bulb.
Note: This enlarger can also be used with 35mm film (with 50mm enlarging lens) and 9.5mm film. Special negative carriers are available.
Other Famous Minolta Cameras
Minolta Super 'A'
Fully automatic: Single-stroke lever advances film, counts exposure, resets shutter. Rokkor 45 mm, 4-element f:3.5 lens, completely coated and color corrected for color film. Single window range/viewfinder. Shutter speeds from 1 sec. to 1/300 and bulb. MX flash synchronization.
Minolta 'A'
Coupled exposure meter system (automatically sets shutter speed); interchangeable lenses; fully synchronized at all shutter speeds; ultra-brilliant "Lumi-Frame" viewfinder; single window range/viewfinder; shutter speed from 1 sec. to 1/400 & bulb; automatic film counter resets itself; single-stroke lever advances film, counts exposure and resets shutter; rapid film rewind; with Rokkor 50 mm f:1.8 lens, completely coated and color corrected.
Minolta 'A 2'
Same automatic features as the 'A', plus a 5-element Rokkor f:2.8 lens; brilliant "Lumi-Frame" range/viewfinder; shutter speed to 1/400 and built-in self-timer.
Minolta Autocord
Fully automatic film advance and shutter cocking. 4-element Rokkor coated f:3.5, 75 mm lens and matching f:3.2 viewing lens. Shutter speeds from 1 sec. to 1/500 and bulb. One-hand operation with helicoid focusing from 3.3 ft. to infinity. Direct reading light value scale.
Minolta Autocord "L"
Same exceptional features as the Autocord, plus built-in exposure meter correlates with simple light value scale.
Minolta Manufacturing
Factory Locations
This is where your "Minolta" comes from:
- Head Office & Osaka Factory
- Itami Factory
- Sakai Factory
- Toyokawa Factory
Manufacturer Information
Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko K.K. Osaka, Japan. Printed in Japan.
