TIPS & TRICKS

6.1 How Do I leave the Film Leader out on my Dynax/Maxxum??

6.1.1 How do I leave the film leader out on my 9000?

6.2 Can I use non AF lenses on my Dynax/Maxxum body.

This is all well and good except if you want to connect to a telescope or a lens not available in AF mount such as a perspective control lens.

6.2.1 How to disable the lens mount check.

If you planning to use your Maxxum camera with a lens which does not have electronic connection to the camera, microscope or telescope adapter, you must switch off this function. Follow the steps below to switch off the safety feature.

Note: There is no way to switch off the safety feature with Maxxum 2xi, 3xi and SPxi cameras. Therefore, they cannot be use with other than a Maxxum AF or similar lens.

Discussions on the MML have indicated that exposure adjustments may be needed when using certain manual focus lenses on AF bodies.

Additions 22 Aug 2003 from Peter Blaise Monahon via Minolta Mailing List
Minolta AF camera models are variously named Alpha (Japan and China), Dynax (Asia, Europe, Africa), and Maxxum (the Americas).

Minolta xi and si cameras, and most later models, have a shutter lock, which prevents the shutter from being released if anything other than an AF lens is fifted (e.g. slide copier, T-mount manual mount lens, telescope, et cetera). To over-ride this:

Minolta 35mm film SLR cameras:
Minolta 9 or 7 camera = Select Custom Function 16 and set to 2
Minolta 5 camera = Select Custom Function 14 and set to 2
Minolta 4 camera = Select Custom Function 12 and set to 2
XTsi/HTsi Plus/HTsi = Press and hold the Selftimer-Drive Mode button and Spot/AE button while sliding the Main Switch to ON. (OFF appears in LCD panel)
STsi/404si = Move the function Dial to Multiple Exposure. Press and hold the Program Reset and Selftimer-Drive Mode button while sliding the Main Switch to ON. (OFF appears in LCD panel)
QTsi = Press and hold the Selftimer-Drive Mode button and Subject Program button while sliding the Main Switch to ON. (OFF appears in LCD panel)

To re-instate the shutter lock, on Dynax 9, 7, 5, and 4 set Custom Function back to option 1.

On other Minolta AF camera models (not listed above), press and hold the following buttons, while turning the main switch to ON:
Minolta 3L camera = press and hold SUBJECT PROG and DRIVE while turning the main switch to ON
Minolta 404si camera = P and SELF TIMER (with Function Dial at ME position)
Minolta 303si camera = MODE and SELF TIMER

Digital SLR:
Minolta RD-175 camera = SELFTIMER and AV

Vectis APS cameras (adapter needed to use Minolta A mount lenses): Minolta RD-3000 DRIVE and SPOT (while switching to REC)

On the Vectis models, press the following buttons. There is no need to 'press and hold'
Vectis S-1 MODE + SELF TIMER = 'on' appears on display; SEL = 'off appears on display. Press any other button to confirm.
Vectis S-100 SUBJECT PROGRAM and = 'on' on display. +/- = 'off' on display. Press any other button to confirm.

To re-instate the shutter lock, repeat the some procedure.

6.2.2 How do I mount a non AF lens.

6.2.3 ADAPTERS TO USE MD & ADAPTALL ON Minolta AF cameras.

This probably isn't as valid since Minolta have had high quality AF SLR's for 10 + years.

Subject: RE: 700si-MD adapter-Popular Photography June'94
>From Jarvis:

In this issue on page 52, it is stated that  "You can use non-Maxxum mount lenses.....     
you can use many Minolta  MD lenses and other makes with proper non-Minolta adapters...."

    If you have tried to use a MD lens on your 700si or 7000, what was your
    experience?  What adapter did you use?  Is the image quality degrade
    sufficiently by the adapter?  Why does the article say many Minolta
    MD lenses instead ofall?

ANSWER

I have used the adapter on my 7xi with MC W-Rokkor 35mm f/1.8, MD 24-35 zoom,
and Tamron 90mm f/2.5 Macro, with the MD adapter.  I am very pleased with the
results.  It is well worth the money, if you some old MC and MD lenses you want
to keep and yet take advantage of the new metering systems, auto bracketing,
etc, etc.  I highly recommend it.

I don't know why the author wrote "many MD lenses."  I don't know what the
restrictions are. I would have assumed all MD lenses would work. Someone else
will have to answer that question.  Regards.

The adapter is a Soligor 7000/9000 + MD.  There is no other marking. Yes, there
is a minute optic but I see no differences in focal length so it is not a
teleconverter.  The Tamron adapter is simply the Maxxum adapter for Tamron
lenses.

6.3 EXTENSION TUBES

>>Phil Bradon at Minolta USA uses a Kenko, which has been indicated is
>>available from B&H, as I recall.  It is a 25mm tube.  There also is a
>>set for the original Maxxum and "i" series cameras, and I believe one
>>was 8mm and another was 13mm.  They don't, however, AF.
>
>I don't expect any extension tube to AF, especially when dealing with
>macrophotography.  I'll talk to B&H and see what I can come up with.
>Thanks.

On the bright side, extension tubes are available.  They are made in Japan by
"Kenko".  Apparently there are two made, one (non-AF) set for the original and
"i" series Maxxums, that will give 1x capability to a standard 50mm lens.  The
other supports AF, for the "xi" and "si" series.  This tube is 25mm long.  Mr.
Bradon notes that he uses one of the 25mm tubes, and that they are stackable.
It is NOT recommended that the "i" series tube be used on the "xi" or "si"
bodies, as the bodies could be damaged.

- Dennis

> I look in the Adorama's catalog, I don't see any extention tube for
> Minolta AF camera.
>     So what what type of extention tube do you use ? Can you still do
> AF and the metering still work ?
>

B&H I was told by the folks at Minolta carry the "Kenko" AF extension tube for
the Maxxum. It is labeled for the "xi", but should be useable on the earlier
Maxxums as well. It is 25mm long.

Kenko also makes a set of non-AF extension tubes. The folks at Minolta
expressly said NOT to use it on the "xi" and later series cameras, as it could
damage the camera. This set is shorter than the AF version.

        Both sets are stackable.
  Bruce Burden            bruceb@mpd.tandem.com         Tandem Computers Inc.

6.4 A SOURCE OF SPECIAL ADAPTERS

From: Bob Easton 
Subject: SRB address (was Re: adaptors)

| > If all else fails there is a company in the UK (called SRB) who will make
| > custom adaptors to fit anything to anything.  The only caveat is that some
| > conversions lose infinity focus.  I haven't taken them up on it yet, but I
| > did get a quote from them to make a Minolta/Contax adaptor so I can fit my
| > 7xi to a Contax bellows.
|
|       I would definitely be interested in the address for SRB. Please
|     post the address to this list,

The address is :

       SRB Film Service
       286 Leagrave Road
       Luton
       Bedfordshire
       LU3 1RB
       UK

and the phone number is (+44) 1582 572471
                    fax (+44) 1582 572535

Here's some extra information on the adaptor SRB make (August 2001):

The Manual Focus lens to Auto Focus camera adapter works, but DON'T expect anything special. Your Manual Focus lenses will also be manual stop-down metering - be prepared for a DARK viewfinder, an unusually uncomfortable experience for an otherwise wonderfully bright viewfinder camera!!!.

And the thick adapter has a magnifying element in it to allow the lens to focus on the deeper film plane of the Minolta Auto Focus cameras, so it's like a teleconverter resulting in ~1.6x their focal length, so my lovely 16mm f/3.5 became a mediocre 26mm f/5 - OUCH!!! (Plus the additional light grabbing and light dispersing and contrast/detail/sharpening losses of the additional glass between the lens and the film!).

Finally, almost all Minolta Auto Focus cameras require resetting their programming so they will operate without an Auto Focus lens attached - usually a double button on/off setting easily performed on the outside of the camera body in the field.

6.5 MAKING YOUR OWN REMOTE RELEASE CORD.

The meaning of each pin is :

 Back of the camera               Front of the camera

                      o   o   o
                      C   F   S

        C for Common
        F for Focus
        S for Shutter release.

The way to activate focus is to connect C and F, and for the release, C and S.

But there is still a problem : The question of the switch is not so trivial :
The Minolta remote cord allow, on the same switch, to focus, and if pushed a
bit more, to release the shutter. And to lock the switch with shutter released
for long pause. It's possible to implement this with 2 switches, but what
appens if the focus switch is held when the release switch is pushed ? Or if
the focus switch is held while the shutter is released in pause mode ? I don't
want to try this sort of experimentation on my camera.

Scott, did you find a switch with all these functions ? or do you have 2
switches ?

Anyway, for the connector, I had another solution from the news : It's to buy
the cord which connect the camera to the IC R1 infrared remote device. The only
problem is that this device only deal with the shutter release and I'm afraid
that this cord only have two pins connected.

The question was asked, Did I find a switch like Minolta uses, or did I use 2 switches.

The answer: I used 2 switches in the following way:

A push-on, push-off single pole, single throw switch enables focus. A momentary single pole, double throw switch de- activates focus and activates the shutter with one push.

 (Pins are drawn in          F    C    S
  incorrect order            |    |    |
  for ease of          |--/--|    |    |
  drawing --     (foc) |SPST      | ___|
  C F S is the         |--------|_|_|
  correct order)                SPDT
                                (shutter)

In a way, I like a 2 button setup better than a 1 button setup, because there is less chance of accidently firing off a shot. The only thing this doesn't have is a locking feature to lock the shutter open, but it shouldn't be hard to come up with a mechanical method of locking the button down.

As far as experimenting with this and the possibility of damaging the camera, as long as you don't introduce any current into the circuit there won't be a problem. The only other damage you could do is bending or breaking a pin in the camera socket if you make a connector that doesn't fit well and try to force it.

(Using an audio cable for the internal connection of CD-ROM drives...)

First cut che cd-rom connctor on the cd-rom side, to have a 20-30cm wire for the RC: on this side you'll mount the button or the switch (or both). On the audio card side you'll find a 4 pin plastic connector made like this:

1 2 3 4
r - w s

You'll work to obtain:

1 2 3
r - w

Your next step is to file down the plastic connector to make it fit the camera hole. First of all you can cut away the old shield contact with a sharp knife (I don't know the English for the knife I mean), then use a file or sandpaper to reduce the size of the connector; I started with a grindstone, but be VERY careful: if you exaggerate you'll have to start over with a new connector. Here there is little to say: file a bit and try whether it fits; then file another bit. You'll have to file a lot on the long side that holds the thin strips of the metal contacts. You'll also pay attention to a little notch in the camera hole: try to file the connector to fit it.

Once you have the connector, I suggest you to strengthen the wires (red and white) that come from it: I used a glue gun (I hope the English is correct here) to create a "shell" for the wires.

Nothing more. This RC works properly on my 700si, even as a bulb switch.

6.6 REPLACEMENT MANUALS

On Mon, 22 Aug 1994, Kent Anderson wrote:

>       Welcome to the list!  Minolta manuals are available for $5-8 each
> directly from Minolta.  Call Minolta and tell the operator/receptionist

I recieved a free photocopy of the manual for my XG7 after writing a letter to
the parts dept. I had just asked for the availability of a manual, and they
sent me the copy. Though it might be because that's all they had.

The address is:

Minolta Corporation
c/o Parts Department
101 Williams Drive
Ramsey, NJ 07446

6.7 CUSTOM CARD FUNCTIONS

From: "James B. Laird" 
Subject: Custom function card settings

1. Selectable exposure modes
        You can decide whether aperture-priority, shutter priority,
        and/or metered manual exposure modes should be selectable
        or not.
2. Focus-hold button on 70-210mm and 100-300mm zoom lenses
        You can decide whether the function of the focus-hold
        button should be to hold focus, to select center-area focus-
        ing, or to select continuous autofocus.
3. Shutter speed (M and S exposure modes)
        You can decide whether shutter speeds should be selectable
        in 1-EV steps or 1/2-EV steps.
4. Slow shutter speed warning (P and A exposure modes)
        You can cancel the slow shutter speed alarm so that it will
        not sound even if the camera's main switch is set to do so.
5. Film counter
        You can decide whether film counter should count normal-
        ly or should count down frames remaining.
6. Film rewind start
        You can decide whether film rewinding should be started
        automatically or manually.
7. Film leader
        You can decide whether or not the leader of the film should
        be completely rewound into the film cartridge.

The 700si and *xi* work with the same card - in fact the non-xi card will not
work at all with the 700si.

On Friday, Oct 7 I inadvertently listed the functions of the plain vanilla
Custom Function card instead of the Custom Function Card xi.

Here are the xi card function settings:

1.  Film counter:
        Setting 1: Displays number of frames shot.
        Setting 2: Displays frames remaining.

2.  Start of film rewind:
        Setting 1: Automatic.
        Setting 2: Manual.

3.  Film tip:
        Setting 1: Rewound into cartridge.
        Setting 2: Left out of cartridge.

4.  DX memory:
        Setting 1: Off.
        Setting 2: On.

5.  Program flash control:
        Setting 1: Autoswitchover.
        Setting 2: Manual switchover.

6.  Focus-hold button:
        Setting 1: Focus hold.
        Setting 2: Center-area select.
        Setting 3: Continuous AF.

7.  Eyepiece sensor activation:
        Setting 1: By grip switch.
        Setting 2: By main switch.

6.8 PORTRAIT CARD SETTINGS

(For use with Dynax/Maxxum 5000i/7000i/8000i) This Creative Expansion Card uses a special exposure program to provide the appropriate depth of field for portraits. The program automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed so that the subject stands out from the background.

[ info on loading card in to camera and turning it on deleted ]

TAKING PICTURES
To take pictures, aim the camera at the subject and press the shutter-release button. Exposure will be adjusted automatically to provide the appropriate depth of field for the subject distance and the focal length of the lens in use.

• Exposure mode will automatically set to program mode and cannot be changed. Program shift is not possible.
• Focus mode will be set to autofocus mode and focus will be set to infinity. For best results do not use manual focus.
• When the card is inserted after a Program/Maxxum Flash 2000i/3200i has been attached to the camera, the flash will automatically switch on and start charging. The flash can be turned off if not desired.
• Many photographers find that a medium telephoto lens (more than 75 mm) offer the most pleasing results for taking portraits.

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