Minolta XG-A User manual

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MINOLTA
. . .
XG-A
OWNER'S MANUAL

Your light, compact XG-A is a top-quality single-lens reflex camera whose
electronic systems will control exposure for you automatically, which makes taking
beautiful pictures as easy as focusing and pressing a button. You can also override the
automatic meter setting up to 2 full stops for complete creative control. Electro-
magnetic
shutter release, unique "touch switch" metering, and an Acute Matte
focusing screen making viewing brighter and focusing easier are just a few of the
XG -A's many features. Attaching the accessory Auto Winder G enables single/
continuous motor film advance up to 2 frames-per-second. Minolta's X-series Auto
Electroflashes electronically switch t. he XG-A's shutter over for strobe exposures when
charged and signal flash-ready in the finder; the 320X and 200X also enable
continuous-sequence flash with the winder. Besides Minolta MD lenses, your XG-A is
compatible with virtually all Minolta interchangeable lenses made to date and all
applicable Minolta
SLR system accessories.
Before using
your camera for the first time, study this manual all the way through.
In this way, you can take good photos and realize the full potential of your XG-A right
from
the start. Be sure to keep th is manual for later reference.

2 CONTENTS
MAIN FEATURES
NAMES OF PARTS
.... . ... . ........ .. 4
6
SUMMARY OF OPERATION . . ... . .... . 8
STRAP AND CASE ... .. ..... . .. ...... 10
ATTACHING AND REMOVING
LENSES .. . ...... . .. . ..... . ... .. . 11
BATTERIES AND POWER ....... . .. . . 12
Installing batteries .
....... . ... . ..... 12
Battery
holder .... .. . . .. ... .. . .... . 13
Testi
ng batter i es .. . ........... . .. . . 13
Main switch . . ...... .. . .. . . .. .. .. . . 14
Touch switch/operating button .. . ..... 14
Cold-weather operati on ..... . ...... . . 15
LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM .. . . 15
Film-advance lever and frame counter .
.. 19
FILM SPEED .. . ... . . ...... . .. . . .. . . 20
Setting film speed . .. ... .. . .... . .. .. 20
(ASA/DIN conversion scale) ..... .. .... 20
EXPOSURE-CONTROL
FUNDAMENTALS .. . . . .. . . .. .... . . 21
METERING WITH THE XG-A .. . . .. .. " 22
VIEWFINDER . .. . . ... . ........ . . . . . 23
AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL '" 24
Automatic operation .. . .. . .. .... . ... 24
Eyepiece cap
........ . .. . ... ..... . . 25
WAYS OF USING AUTO MODE ........ 26
General
use .. ....... .. ... ...... .. . 26
Creati
ve aperture control .. . ......... 27
Creative
shutter control ...... . ... . . . 28
AUTOMATIC -EXPOSURE
ADJ USTMENT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
WHEN
AND HOW MUCH TO ADJUST
EXPOSURE ..... . . .. : .... .. . . .. . . 30
"B " SETTING . .. . ....... .. . . ... . .... 33
HOLDING THE CAMERA ... . .. . . . ... 34

3
FOCUSING .... ... .... . .. . . . . . ... . . 35 XG-A SYSTEM ACCESSORIES .... ..... 45
Depth of field . . . ...... . .... .. . . ... 36
Auto Winder G . ...... .. . . ..... . . .. 46
Depth-of-field scale ... .. ....... . ... . 36
X~eries Auto Electroflashes .... .. . ... 47
Infrared index :. .. . ... .. .... . .. . . .. 37
Remote Cord Sand L .. . . ... .. . . . . . . 48
RELEASING THE SHUTTER . .. ... .... 38
Wireless Controller IR-1 Set ........... 49
SELF-TIMER .. .... .. . .... . ... .. . . .. 40
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS . ... . ..... 50
CARE AND STORAGE ...... .. .. ..... 52
REWINDING AND UNLOADING
FILM .. . . . . .... ...... ... .. . .... . 41
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY .. . ... ..... . . 43
Synchronization ........... .... ... . 43
Connecting flash units . . ... . ... .. . ... 43
USING OTHER THAN MD OR
MC LENSES . . . . .... ... ..... . . .. .. 44
Auto Rokkor lenses . .. ... ... ...... . 44
RF (mirror-type) and manual-preset
lenses .
.. . . . . ... . ..... . ...... ... 44

4
MAIN FEATURES
Fail-safe electronic exposure system
Incorporating
many of the features devel-
oped for Minolta's top electronic cameras, the
XG-A covers a wide range of photographic
conditions. Its electronic shutter wnich auto-
matically locks to prevent overexposure and
electromagnetic shutter release with unique
touch switch metering add to the handling ease
of the camera.
XG-A's system features:
• Full
automatic exposure by stepless shutter
speeds from 1/1000 to 1 sec.
•
Electromagnetic shutter release.
• Unique
"Touch switch" metering.
• Shutter-release lock prevents
overexposure
when light is over meter's range or battery
power is low.
• Piezoelectric audible signals
for low shutter-
speed settings and self-timer operation.
Solid-state information viewfinder
• Special focusing screen has split-image
and
microprism focusing aids, plus scientifically
developed new
type of matte field that is up
to 50% brighter than conventional matte
screens.
•
Automatic shutter-speeds, indicated by
LEO's, are visible in viewfinder.
• LED
at "60" position blinks as flash-ready
signal when X-series
Auto Electroflashes are
attached and charged.
Easy handling
controls
Lightweight and compact, the X-7 is human
engineered
to fit the user's hands for smooth
operation :
•
Smooth short stroke film advance.
• Large, easy-to-adjust
shutter-function dial.
•
"Soft-touch" electromagnetic shutter re-
lease.
• Curve
formed body with cushioned body
grip.
• Minolta
bayonet lens mount with large
release
button.
• Balanced winder operation.

Quick attach auto winder
The XG- A's accessory auto winder attaches
quic
kly without access caps to remove or store,
freeing
the user from advancing film in single-
frame
or continuous operation up to two
frames per second: Its strong, efficient coreless
micromotor winds as many as 150 or more
cartridges per set or charge of batteries. At the
end of each cartridge the motor automatically
shuts off .
Special dedicated flash
units
When attached to the XG-A and ready to
fire, the X-series Auto Electroflashes start a
flash-ready signal
blinking in the viewfinder and
automatically set the shutter for X~ynchroniza
tion (1/60 sec .) when the shutter is released.
Other individual features include thy r istor cir-
cuitry for winder synchronization and maxi-
mum battery life, tiltable head for bounce
flash, filters for special effects, multiple aper-
ture settings and full manual operation. From
the compact and economical 118X to the 320X
with its exclusive Variable Guide-Number/
Power Control, there is an X-series flash to
meet any need.
User
oriented features
•
Up to two stops' continuous adjustment
over or under the normal electronic setting.
• X-
type flash synchronization through the
hot shoe.
•
Electronic self-timer with blinking indicator
light .
• Eyepiece cap
for unmanned or similar oper -
ation .
• Exclusive Safe Load Signal
monitors film
alignment and advance.
• Release
terminal for tripod shots with elec-
tronic or standard release cord.
•
Shutter not operative when operation
switch off.
• Virtually all existing Minolta interchange-
able lenses and applicable system accessories
can be used.
operation .
5

6 NAMES OF PARTS
Film-advance
Touch switch/operating button
Frame-counter window - --r ~l- '- ' ~ -' "
..... r- --..::
Auto-setting rt"'''''''' - -::ii!: :1o
Film-speed w,nnDW' -./
nction
X sync.
term inal

Auto-winder coupler
'---- Tripod socket
'------ Winder terminal
'--~----- BattElry-chamber cover
Guide-pin socket
--------'
7
Finder eyepiece

8 SUMMARY OF OPERATION
The steps pictured pn this page outline use
of your X6-A on automatic mode . They give a
general idea
of how very easy it is to get
perfectly exposed pictures with this camera and
are keyed to correspond ing sections of the
manual for ready reference. This brief guide
7. Set selector dial to "AUTO" 8. Set lens aperture (p. 24).
(p .2 4).
9. Adjust focus (p. 35).

may a"lso be useful for good results after you
have not used the camera for some time . It is
not, however, a substitute for the detailed
instructions in the rest of th is manual, which
should be thoroughly studied for best results.
4. Load film properly ; close
cover (p.
15).
5. Advance film to "1" (p. 16). 6. Set film speed (p. 18).
10. Release shutter (p. 38).
11. Tu rn power off (p. 13). 12. Rewi nd and remove fi 1m
(p.41).
9

10
STRAP AND CASE
The strap (provided with
camera) and case (sold sepa-
rately) should be attached as
shown to keep your camera
handy from use and to protect
it from being dropped or
bumped.
Shoulder pad

ATTACHING AND REMOVING LENSES
To Attach
1. Remove the body cap from the camera lens
mount and the rear cap from the lens
bayonet, each' by turning the cap counter -
clockwise.
2. Align
the red mounting index on the lens
barrel with
the red index above the camera
lens
mount; insert the lens bayonet into the
mount ; and turn the lens clockwise until it
locks
into place with a click.
To Remove
While pushing the lens-release button, turn
the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go;
then lift the lens bayonet out of the mount.
CAUTION
If it becomes necessary to set the lens down
without a rear lens cap attached, be sure to set
the lens only on its front end (except for
fisheye lenses) as damage to the diaphragm
control pin could result from rear lens contact
with a hard surface.
11

12
BATTERIES AND POWER
Two 1.5v al kaline-manganese (Eveready A-76
or equivalent) or 1.55v silver- oxide (Eveready
EPX-76/S-76
or equivalent) batteries supply the
power for the meter, electronic exposure con-
trol, electromagnetic release, electronic shutter
settings, and LED indication.
CAUTION
•
The shutter wi II not release when the
operating button is pushed if : battery power
is too low; the operating switch is at
"OF F ," exposure conditions exceed the
range of the automatic exposure system.
• Do not use 1. 35v mercury batteries
(Eveready EPX-675 or equivalent), which
have a similar stiape.
NOTE
•
If the camera is not be used for more than
two weeks, it is advisable to remove the
batteries.
• Fresh spare batteries may
be stored in the
battery holder provided with the camera
strap.
Installing
batteries
1. Using a coin or similar object, turn the
battery - chamber cover counterclockwise
and remove it.
2.
After wiping terminals with a clean dry
cloth and handling only by the edges, insert
two of the specified batteries plus (+) side
out into the sleeve on the inside of the
cover. (If batteries are inserted improperly,
they wi II not make contact, and no current
will flow.)
3. Replace
the cover and screw it in clockwise
as far as it will go.
,-----,

Battery holder
A holder for carrying spare batteries is
provided with this camera strap. To install
batteries, follow tile steps illustrated. Slide
the
holder off the strap to remove batteries.
Testing
batteries
Move the main switch to align the index
with
"B.C." If the red battery·check indicator
on the front of the camera lights, batteries are
serviceable. When released, the main switch will
automatically move to the "ON" position.
Test batteries immediately
after installing
them. If the indicator does not light, make sure
that they are fresh and have been inserted
correctly.
Batteries
should be tested from time to time
thereafter, preferably before starting each new
roll
of film and particularly before starting
picture-taking sessions
or trips.
13

14
Main switch
To operate the camera, move the main
switch
to "ON." This allows current to flow to
the touch switch/operating button. The mian
switch also serves as
the self-timer and battery
check switch.
To prevent accidental exposures and need-
less
battery drain, always be sure to move the
main switch to "OFF" when not using the
camera.
Touch switch/operating button
Finger contact with the touch switch/oper -
ating
button activates the camera's electronic
shutter and, when the shutter-function selector
is set at "AUTO", powers the electronic ex·
posure control and LED circuits. If proper
contact with the touch switch is not possible
(i.e., while wearing gloves
or when fingers are
dry), slight pressure on the button will also
activate
the camera.

NOTE
Wipe off any dust or dirt that might
accumulate on the touch switch with a clean
dry cloth (make sure main switch is turned off
first). This will insure good contact and proper
operation.
Cold-weather
operation
Batteries by nature tend to lose power as
temperatures drop. While alkaline-manganese
batteries
will meet all requirements under
normal conditions, for heavy sustained cold-
weather operation (approx. _10
D
e) it is recom-
mended
that silver-oxide type batteries
be used.
Regardless of battery type used, remember
to always use fresh batteries and keep a spare
set
with you when using your camera in cold
weat.her.
LOADING AND ADVANCING FILM
After you have not used your camera for
some time, check the Safe Load Signal and
to be sure that there is no film in the camera. If
the camera is unloaded, proceed as follows:
1. Pull up on the back-cover release knob until
the camera back springs open.
15

16
2. Leaving the knob pulled out, position a film
cartridge in the chamber with the project-
ing-spool end toward the bottom of the
camera. Then push the back-cover release
knob all the way in, rotating it slightly to do
so if necessary, and pullout enough film
leader to just reach the take-up spool.
3. Insert the end of the film leader as shown
into one of the slots in the take- up spool so
that the tooth is engaged with a sprocket
hole near the end of the leader. Make sure
that the end of the leader does not project
from another slot between tabs on the
spool.

4. Operate the film·advance lever slowly until
the film has begun to wind firmly around
the take-up spool, the sprocket teeth are
engaged
with holes on both edges of the
film, and the slack in the film is taken up. If
the advance lever stops at the end of a full
stroke during this procedure, release the
shutter and continue .
17

18
5. After making sure the film is taut, close the
camera back and push in on it until it clicks
locked.
6. A red "S" should now appear opposite the
index in the frame-counter window. Ad-
vance film and release the shutter until the
index points to "1" on the frame-counter
dial.
7. A red bar should also now appear at the
extreme left in the Safe Load Signal
window. This indicates that the film is
loaded and winding properly on the take-up
spool. If the Safe Load Signal does not
appear or swings far to the right in the
window, repeat steps 1 through 6 to assure
that fi 1m is properly engaged on the spool.
As
you continue to take pictures, the red
signal will move gradually toward the right
in the window, indicating that film is
advancing properly.