Introduction to the Minolta XK
The Minolta XK is a wide-scope electronic system camera that accepts all Minolta SLR lenses and accessories, as well as XK interchangeable finders and focusing screens. It is engineered and built to provide the greatest precision, easiest, most convenient operation, and maximum versatility. It offers full information and complete control of all camera exposure variables. In automatic operation, the XK adjusts exposure with utmost accuracy electronically, freeing the user for more enjoyment or greater creativity.
Getting Started with Your Camera
Before using your camera for the first time, it is recommended to study this manual carefully, or at least the sections relevant to your photographic needs. As you read, assemble the screen, finder, lens, and body as described in the chapters. This includes loading batteries and familiarizing yourself with the XK's parts and features. Then, load it with film and proceed to actual picture-taking. This approach will help you take good photos and realize the great potential of your XK from the start. A significant portion of this resource is based on the operational manual of the XK camera to ensure accurate information and instructions for daily operations and maintenance, providing high collective value.
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Camera Components and Features
The Minolta XK and XM series cameras feature a comprehensive array of controls and components designed for professional and advanced amateur photographers. Below is a description of key parts identified in the provided diagrams:
Front and Top View Components:
- Shutter-speed index: A marker indicating the selected shutter speed.
- Shutter-speed/function selector: A dial or lever used to set the shutter speed and potentially other camera functions.
- Shutter-release button: The primary button pressed to take a photograph.
- Long-exposure selector lever: A lever used to set the camera for long exposures, such as 'B' (Bulb) mode.
- Neck-strap lug: An attachment point for a camera neck strap.
- Auto "Senswitch": Likely an automatic sensor switch, possibly related to exposure or flash functions.
- Stop-down/lock-up button: A button that stops down the lens aperture for depth-of-field preview and may also lock up the camera's mirror.
- Self-timer lever: A lever used to activate the camera's self-timer mechanism.
- Focusing ring: Located on the lens, this ring is used to achieve sharp focus on the subject.
- Aperture scale: Marked on the lens or camera body, indicating the selected aperture (f-stop).
- Sync. terminal: A connector for external flash units to synchronize with the shutter.
- Lens-release button: A button used to detach the lens from the camera body.
- Aperture ring: Located on the lens, this ring is used to set the lens aperture.
- Sync. selector switch: A switch to select the flash synchronization mode (e.g., X-sync, FP sync).
- Distance scale: Marked on the lens, indicating the focus distance to the subject.
- Film-plane Indicator: A symbol indicating the exact plane of the film within the camera body.
- Infrared index: A mark used for focusing when shooting with infrared film.
- Depth-of-field scale: Marked on the lens, showing the range of distances that will appear acceptably sharp at a given aperture.
- Film-speed selector: A dial or control to set the ISO/ASA film speed for accurate exposure metering.
- Compensation-factor window: A window displaying the exposure compensation factor set by the user.
- Exposure counter: A counter that tracks the number of exposures made on the film roll.
- Mount-lock release button: A button used to release the lens or accessory mount lock.
- Serial number: The unique identification number of the camera.
- Auto-exposure override control: A control to adjust or override the camera's automatic exposure settings.
- Long-exposure scale: A scale related to setting long exposure times.
- Film-advance lever: A lever used to advance the film to the next frame after each shot.
Back View and Back Cover Components:
- Finder-release button: A button to detach the viewfinder or eyepiece from the camera body.
- Film Rewind Fork: A pronged mechanism that engages the film spool to rewind the film back into its canister.
- Loaded-film reminder: An indicator that shows whether film is currently loaded in the camera.
- Titanium shutter curtain: The material used for the camera's shutter mechanism, known for durability.
- Battery chamber: The compartment where the camera's batteries are housed.
- Tripod socket: A threaded hole on the camera base for mounting the camera onto a tripod.
- Film-advance release button: A button that disengages the film advance mechanism, allowing the film to be rewound.
- Finder power switch: A switch to turn on or off power to the viewfinder, potentially for illumination.
- Finder eyepiece: The window through which the photographer looks to compose and focus the image.
- Eyepiece shutter control: A cover or shutter for the viewfinder eyepiece to prevent light from entering the camera during long exposures, which could fog the film.
- Sprocket: Toothed wheels that engage the film perforations to ensure accurate film advancement.
- Take-up spool: The spool onto which the film is wound as it is advanced from the canister.
- Film Stabiliser: A mechanism designed to keep the film flat in the focal plane for optimal sharpness.
- Back cover: The removable panel that encloses the film chamber.
- Pressure plate: A metal plate that presses the film flat against the film gate, ensuring consistent focus.
Resources and Downloads
For users who wish to keep a local copy of the information, download links are provided:
- Download this page: HTML | PDF (20k)
- Main Reference Map: HTML | PDF (250k)
A message board is available for users to discuss the Minolta XD-7, XD-11, XK, and XM cameras.
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Copyright and Credits
Copyright © 1999 leofoo® MIR Web Development Team.
Credit is given to Mir Poon of Foto Poon, Ipoh, for his untiring effort in developing and maintaining this site. The site is dedicated to a friend, 'JB', whom the author has never met but who remains a constant source of motivation. It is also dedicated to all Minolta fans.
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