Minolta SR-T 303 User manual

SR-T303
OWNER’S MANUAL

Your Minolta SR-T 303 is designed and built to give
you greater speed and ease of operation and handling.
Both F-number and shutter speed set are visible in the
viewfinder. A new-type "micro-split" finder screen aids
rapid, accurate focusing. Besides the recognized advan¬
tages of full-aperture, through-the-lens metering, this
camera features the exclusive Minolta CLC ("Contrast
Light Compensator") system for most satisfactory
exposure in virtually all lighting situations.
In addition to this better exposure-metering and
viewing system, the Minolta SR-T 303 has features that
make it handle easier and more responsively.
Multiple exposure capability and a direct-contact "hot
shoe" are among the other advanced features of this new
camera.
Before using your SR-T 303 for the first time, read
this manual carefully all the way through — or at least all
the sections needed to cover your own photographic
requirements. In this way, you can take good pictures and
begin to realize the full potential of your Minolta right
from the start.

CONTENTS
NAMES OF PARTS.2
MAJOR FEATURES .4
SPECIFICATIONS .5
PREPARATIONS BEFORE TAKING PICTURES
Inserting the mercury battery .7
Checking the battery power .9
Loading film .10
Setting the ASA number (film speed) .14
ASA/DIN converting scale.14
TAKING PICTURES
TTL with CLC: A new exposure
measuring system .15
Setting the correct exposure .16
Shutter speed and aperture settings.18
Focusing the camera .20
Holding the camera .21
TAKING FLASH PICTURES .22
Attaching flash unit.23
Setting correct exposure .24
MORE ADVANCED GUIDES
Depth of field
Lens aperture controls
depth of field .^25
Depth-of-field table of MC Rokkor
50mm F1.4 and F1.7 lens (in feet) .27
Depth-of-field table of MC Rokkor
50mm F1.4 and F1.7 lens (in meters) .28
Depth-of-field table of MC Rokkor
58mm FI .2 lens (in feet) .29
Depth-of-field table of MC Rokkor
58mm FI .2 lens (in meters) .30
Checking the effects of depth of field.31
Mirror lock-up control .32
Self-timer.33
Infrared index.34
Film plane index .34
MULTIPLE EXPOSURES .35
UNLOADING EXPOSED FILM .35
CHANGING LENSES.37
USING INTERCHANGEABLE ROKKOR
LENSES OTHER THAN MC LENSES
Auto Rokkor Lenses.39
Manual preset Rokkor Lenses.40
CARE AND STORAGE .41

NAMES OF PARTS
Hot shoe
Film rewind crank and
back cover release knob
Pentaprism
Shutter and ASA speed dial
Film advance lever
Shutter release button
Exposure counter
Lens release button
Meter coupler
Depth-of-field scale
Mirror lock-up button
Diaphragm ring
Distance scale
Self-timer lever
Focusing ring
Rokkor lens
Diaphragm stop-down button

Rewind shaft
Film cartridge chamber
Finder eyepiece
Battery switch
Focal plane shutter
Tripod socket
Sprocket
Battery cover
Film-advance release button
Film take-up spool
Film pressure plate

MAJOR FEATURES OF THE MINOLTA SR-T303
1. Better Through-the-Lens Exposure System
a) Exposure readings are taken with the lens at
full aperture for greatest metering accuracy
and best viewing and focusing.
b) Since only the light to strike the film is
measured, there is no need to compensate for
filters, greater-than-normal lens extension,
etc.
c) The exclusive CLC metering system combines
advantages of spot and averaging types to
yeild optimum exposure even In high-
contrast lighting situations.
2. ''Information-Center" Viewfinder
a) Meter and follower needles in the viewfinder
show correct exposure setting at a glance.
b) Both shutter speed and F-number set are
visible without taking your eye from the
finder.
c) Focusing virtually any kind of subject is
facilitated by the new focusing aid that
employs a split-image spot and a microprism
band.
3. Multiple-Exposure Capability
Creative possibilities are greatly expanded
by the 303's ability to make multiple
exposures simply and positively.
4. Direct-Contact "Hot Shoe"
This accepts either cordless units or conven¬
tional ones with cords.
5. World-Renowned Rokkor Lenses
MC Rokkor Lenses permit full-aperture TTL
operation, while any other interchangeable
Rokkor ever made can be used with the
stop-down method. Either way you benefit
from top Rokkor quality, computer design,
and exclusive Achromatic coating.
6. Complete System Accessories
A full line of quality Minolta and adapted
Leitz accessories makes for maximum versa¬
tility with the 303.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MINOLTA SR-T303
—35mm single-lens-reflex camera with through-the-lens exposure metering—
Standard lens MC Rokkor 50mm F1.4 (F 1.7 or 58mm F 1.2) equipped with meter coupler
Composition:
Coating:
Angle of iver:
Diaphragm:
Diaphragm scale:
Filter/shade mount:
Lens mount:
7 elements in 5 groups
Achromatic coating
47° with 50mm lens (41° with 58mm lens)
Fully automatic
(1 . 2 ) , 1.4, (1.7), 2,2.8,4,5.6,8,11,16 with equal-space and intermediate click F-stops
055mm, screw-in
Minolta bayonet mount
Shutter Focal-plane type
Speeds: B,1,1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500,and 1/1000 sec.
Selector dial: Single, non-spinning, equal-space, click stop dial
Sync, terminal: Single terminal with X/FP selector switch
Self-timer: Time adjustable, 10 sec. maximum delay
Film advance Lever type, quick advance winding with shutter cocking and double exposure prevention
Winding method: Single-or multiple-stroke, with 20° free clearance
Winding angle: 150°
Frame counter: Automatic resetting counter showing number of exposed frames
Film rewinding: Rapid rewinding with crank
Frame size: 36 x 24mm
Film: Standard 35mm film, 12,20, or 36 exposures

Viewfinder Real-image type through fixed, eye-level pentaprism; exposure-control needles (follower system),
battery check mark, shutter speed scale, and F-number visible in finder
Focusing screen: Mat Fresnel with a 02.5mm central horizontally oriented split-image spot surrounded
by a microprism band 1.5mm wide
Exposure meter Through-the-lens metering system
Exposure meter: Contrast light compensator (CLC) with two CdS cells on the pentaprism
Measurement: Measuring at full aperture coupled to shutter speed, aperture and film speed setting
Control: Follower-needle system viewed in the finder
Working range: EV 3 to EV 17 with ASA 100 film
Diaphragm button: Depth-of-field preview button for MC Rokkor Lenses;measuring (stop-down) button for
other than MC Rokkor lenses
Film speed range: ASA 6 — 6400, DIN 9 — 39
ASA setting: On shutter speed dial; built-in ASA/DIN conversion scale on camera back
Battery: 1.35v mercury battery, Mallory PX-625 or equivalent
Switch: ON, OFF, and battery check switch on base of camera
Focusing Bright-screen with micro-split and fine ground glass
Focusing distance: 50cm (1.75 ft.) to infinity
Focusing method: Direct helicoid focusing with infrared index
Mirror Oversize quick-return mirror with lock-up device
Others Built-in accessory hot shoe
Size and weight Body only
Width 145mm (5-3/4”); Depth 47.5mm (1-7/8”); Height 95mm (3-3/4”); 710g (25 oz.)
(All illustrations in this manual are with the FI.4 standard lens. There is, however, no
fundamental difference in use between this and the other interchangeable MC Rokkor Lenses.)

PREPARATIONS BEFORE TAKING PICTURES
Inserting the mercury battery
1. The Minolta SR-T 303 uses a 1.35 , button-
shape mercury battery for photographic
applications (Mallory PX-625, PX-13, Eve-
ready EXP-625, EPX-13 or equivalent).
2. To install, remove the battery chamber cover
with your thumb by turning it
counterclockwise. Place the battery in the
chamber with its plus side out and replace the
cover.
7

8
CAUTION:
• Do not touch the battery terminals with
moist or dirty hands, as this can cause them to
deteriorate and make the battery inoperative.
• Do not discard a mercury battery in a fire or
break it up.
• When the camera is not being used, it is
advisable to turn the battery switch on the
base of the camera to the "OFF” position.
• If the camera is not to be used for over a
month, remove the battery and store it in a
dry, cool place.
• Before putting the battery back in the
camera, clean both sides of the battery and
the contact lead of the battery chamber with
dry cloth.

9
Checking the battery power
The battery checker is designed to check the
output of the mercury battery. By taking a few
seconds to check battery output before starting
each new roll of film, and particulary when using
the camera after it has been stored for an
extended period of time or a new battery has
been inserted, you can avoid poor exposure due
to insufficient electric power.
1. Turn the battery switch on the base of the
camera to the "B.C." position.
2. If the indicator needle points to the battery
check mark as shown in the picture, the
battery can be regarded as functioning
properly.
CAUTION;
• Do not leave switch setting at battery check
position as the continuous high battery drain
will cause the battery to go "dead” in a few
l.:'

10
Loading film
1. Raise the back cover release knob
(which also incorporates the film rewind
knob) until some resistance is felt. With a
slight additional pull, the back cover will
automatically "pop” open.
2. Insert the film leader into a slot in the film
take-up spool as shown.
r

3. Place the film cartridge into the film cartridge
chamber and push the back cover release
knob all the way down. (When inserting the
film cartridge, its projecting center drum
must be placed in a downward position.)
4. Operate the film advance lever in several
short strokes until the film has begun to
wind firmly around the take-up drum and
both sides of the film perforations are
securely engaged with the teeth of the
sprocket gear. If the film advance lever locks
during this procedure, press the shutter
release button and then continue.

12
5. Close the camera back once you are certain
that the film is winding securely on the
take-up spool and engaged with on both
sprockets.
Rotate the film rewind crank gently in the
direction of the arrow to make sure that the
film is flat against the pressure plate.
6. Advance the film and press the shutter release
button. Repeat this action until the number
"1" appears at the arrow mark in the
exposure counter window.

NOTE:
• The frame counter indicates the number of
pictures taken from 1 to 36.
• The film advance lever has a total "throw" of
170°; of this distance, the first 20 have no
effect on the film but are intended to provide
a "free play" range through which the lever
may be "offset" from the body for rapid
shooting.
• When the camera back is opened, the counter
automatically resets Itself to the start (S)
position.
13

14
Setting ASA number (film speed)
ASA/DIN conversion scale
To convert DIN film speed to the corres¬
ponding ASA value, use the conversion scale
located on the back cover of the camera. (The
inner numbers are DIN.)
Lift and rotate the shutter speed dial until the
figure (6 to 6400) which corresponds with the
ASA rating of your film is visible in the ASA
window.
On the ASA dial the following figures are
printed: 6 • 10 • 16 *25 -50 •• 100 ••200 ••400
••800 --lOOO --3200 -6400.
The dots (•) denote ASA 8, 12, 20, 32, 40, 64,
80, 125, 160, 250, 320, 500,640, 1000, 1300,
2000, 2600,4000, and 5200, respectively.

TAKING PICTURES
15
TTLwithCLC: A new exposure
measuring system
The Minolta SR-T 303 camera has a
through-the-lens measuring system with CLC
meter.
Minolta's exclusive, revolutionary CLC
"Contrast Light Compensator" promises better
photographic results with multiple split expo¬
sure measuring system.
Linder normal photo-taking conditions this
new system gives excellent results; under other
conditions, such as in high-contrast scenes, the
CLC feature prevents possible photo failures.

16
Setting the correct exposure
When aiming the camera at your subject
through the viewfinder, you will see the indicator
needle moving. Once the indicator needle has
stopped moving, turn the shutter speed dial
and/or the diaphragm ring to align the follower
needle (circle-tipped needle) with the indicator
needle.
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The shutter speed set is indicated in the
viewfinder beneath the frame, while the F-
number of the aperture set appears above the
frame.

When the proper combination of aperture
and shutter speed setting is made for correct
exposure, the follower needle (which is coupled
to the aperture, shutter speed, and ASA speed
settings) will align with the indicator needle over
a range of EV 3 through EV 17 at ASA 100. The
EV range will vary with film speed.
It is a recommended procedure to set the
shutter speed first (depending on the motion or
lack of motion of your subject or the overall
lighting) and to then adjust the aperture.
If the needle fails to move when the
diaphragm ring is rotated, this signals a need to
adjust your shutter speed setting.
Since F-number and shutter-speed indi¬
cations as well as meter and follower needles are
continuously visible in the viewfinder, you can
make all exposure adjustments and know exactly
the settings you are making without taking the
camera away from your eye.
CAUTION:
• When setting the aperture first, be sure not to
set the shutter speed between click stops.
• When the shutter speed is set slower than
1/30th sec., be extremely careful of camera
motion while releasing the shutter. It is
recommended that a tripod be used at speeds
of 1 /30th sec. or slower. For "Bulb" setting, a
cable release should also be used.
• When using high-speed film, a shutter speed
of 1/250th sec. is recommended for outdoor
photography, and 1 /30th sec. for indoor use.
• When photographing a group of people or a
building requiring great depth of field, close
down the diaphragm as much as possible. See
the "depth of field" on page 25 for details.
• All metering should be done In horizontal
position.

Shutter speed and aperture settings
The shutter speed (the period of time during
which the shutter remains open) works in
conjunction with the lens opening (aperture) to
determine the amount of light striking the film.
The higher the shutter speed, the more effec¬
tively it will momentarily "stop” the action of
your subject.
To set shutter speed, simply rotate the
shutter speed dial until the desired speed
indication is aligned with the index on the
camera body, or until it is centered between
indicators on the shutter speed scale in the
viewfinder.
The figure of B and 1 through 1000 on the
shutter speed dial respectively indicate bulb
action and shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000th
second. (At "B" the shutter will remain open
until pressure is removed from the release
button.)
The aperture setting controls the light reach¬
ing the film at any given shutter speed. In
addition, it determines the "depth of field." (See
page 25.)