[. . . ] When you are ready for full control, move on to Level III and the ASM exposure modes. The information in this manual is relevant for products introduced before March, 1999. Contact the nearest authorized Minolta Service facility to obtain compatibility information for products released after this date. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. [. . . ] Press the function button and turn the control dial until A appears in the data panel. Page 39 42 45 3. Turn the control dial to select the aperture. If 2000 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. 39 A-MODE ­ APERTURE PRIORITY A-Mode Flash When the built-in flash is up or an attached accessory flash is on, it will fire each time a picture is taken. The camera's TTL automatic flash metering system will ensure proper exposure. A-MODE ­ APERTURE PRIORITY Aperture Control Press the flash-mode button to pop-up the built-in flash. · will appear in the data panel. · A smaller aperture (larger f-number) will result in a shorter flash range. Refer to Flash Range (p25) to determine the range of the built-in flash at the selected aperture. Large Aperture (small f-number) Small Aperture (large f-number) If 90 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. The size of the aperture (lens opening) determines the depth-of-field in the final image as well as the intensity of the light falling on the 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 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. When bulb is selected, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is pressed. TAKING TIME EXPOSURES (buLb) 5. Firmly press the eyepiece cap into the eyepiece. · The eyepiece cap prevents light from entering thru the viewfinder and affecting the metered exposure. 1. Set the camera to M-mode, then turn the control dial until appears in the data panel. 6. Press and hold the shutterrelease button to take the picture. · The shutter remains open as long as the button is pressed. Attaching the Remote Cord To reduce image blur, attach either the Remote Cord RC-1000S or RC-1000L (sold separately). 3. Press the exposurecompensation button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 1. Compose the scene and focus on your subject. · If the scene is too dark for autofocus to operate, press the focus-mode button and focus the lens manually (p51). 48 49 FOCUS ­ Manual Focus Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not possible. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame is in focus. 1. Turn the focusing ring until your subject appears sharp and focused. appears in the viewfinder when the subject in the focus frame is in focus. · Press the focus-mode button again to return to the autofocus mode. · AF Power Zoom and xi-Series Lenses Pull and turn the control ring until your subject appears sharp. 51 FOCUS ­ AF Illuminator The AF Illuminator is a secondary function of the built-in flash. When the scene is too dark for the camera to focus accurately, the built-in flash fires a few short bursts when the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down to provide the illumination necessary for the camera to focus on your subject. EXPOSURE ­ 8 Segment Metering Eight-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering is the camera's standard metering mode and is appropriate for most photographic situations. · The range of the AF Illuminator flash is approximately one to five meters. [. . . ] · Never touch the interior of the camera, especially the shutter and mirror, doing so may impair their alignment and movement. · Dust on the mirror will not affect the exposure but may affect the focus, Use a blower brush to remove dust from or around the mirror. · Never use compressed air to clean the camera's interior, it may cause damage to sensitive interior parts. · Never touch the lens surface with your fingers. Storage When storing your camera for extended periods, · Always attach the protective caps. [. . . ]