Minolta MF FAQ: Flashes

4.1 The Range

The Minolta flash range consisted of at least the following models:

Electroflash: Electroflash (external link), 20 - launched for the SRT body range
Auto Electroflash: 25, 32, 128, 320, 450 (external link)
Auto Electroflash with X-sync: 30FX, 118X, 132X, 200X, 220X, 320X
Models 128, 320 and 320x offered a bounce head.
These flashes featured an extra contact on the shoe which set the correct sync speed on suitably equipped bodies (XG- XD- onwards).
Auto Electroflash PX: 80PX, 132PX, 280PX, 360PX (external links)
Designed for X- series bodies, specifically the X-570 & X-700 SLRs, PX series flashes set the camera to X-sync speed and offered TTL flash metering. All but the 80PX could also be used with the CLE rangefinder, both on- and off-camera, with TTL metering.
Some models have bounce / tilt heads and multiple output power.
The 360PX program flash is identical to the 320 and 320X flash models, with the addition of a switch and circuit for TTL control, and a new sync connector. The 320[X] has in addition a removable thyristor sensor that can be remotely placed using the Minolta Remote Sensor Adaptor. The 360PX also had an accessory for its fixed sensor, but I've never seen one [Justin "RED" Bailey (red_bailey@hotmail.com)]. This sensor connected to the 4-pin remote terminal on the flash's foot and was intended when using the flash off-camera with non-TTL equipped bodies.

4.2 Features of the -PX series

Specific features of the -PX series
Model	Type	GN at 100ASA in m	Bounce ?	Swivel ?	Thyristor ?	Variable power ?
80PX	ringflash	8	No	No	Yes	Yes
132PX	normal	32	Yes	No	No	?
280PX	normal	28	No	No	Yes	2
360PX	normal	36	Yes	Yes	Yes	9

4.3 Filter Sets

Both 280PX and 360PX could use simple clip-on wide angle diffuser panels to broaded their coverage when in use with wide angle lenses down to 28mm. Additionally, models 320, 320X and 360PX were capable of taking an optional filter panel set. The kit consists of the following [Stephen D'Arcy-Evans]:

Plastic box with old style MINOLTA logo
Clip on panel holder, with oversize front window.
Panel holder has two slots: foremost slot for focal length adaptor panel, rear slot for coloured filter

Panels included in kit:

	T  fresnel panel optimised for 100mm lense
	W1 wide angle panel - 28mm
	W2 wide angel panel - 24mm
	(These designations match those on the computer on the 360PX flash unit itself)
	Red 
	Orange (85B tungsten)
	Yellow
	Green
	Blue
	ND

4.4 AC Adaptors

A pair of AC Adaptors, 4 and 5, were available for powering certain flashes in the range from AC outlets. Note that use of these was not possible in combination with the Powergrip II. The following is taken from the operating "manual" of one of these adaptors [Mike Nobbs (viking01@globalnet.co.uk )].

AC Adaptor 5

...for use with Minolta Auto Electroflash 360PX, 320X, 320 or Macro 80PX.

[Photo here showing lead plugging into the 3-pin connector above the hot shoe on the front of the flash.]

AC Adaptor 5 connects Auto Electroflash 360PX, 320X, 320 or Macro 80PX to an alternating current power supply to provide virtually unlimited number of flashes and consistent recycle times.

OPERATION

Turn flash off.
With cord pointing to right, insert rectangular plug completely into flash's external power input.
ø Do not force or reverse plug; it fits in only one way.
Plug adaptor into nominal 230V (50/60Hz) power outlet. Acceptable range is 198 to 264V [obviously this differed for other markets].
CAUTION: Never connect adaptor to outlet of higer voltage than indicated, sice doing so may damage adaptor and/or flash and result in personal injury.
ø If adaptor is connected to outlet of lower voltage than indicated, current will be insufficient for normal operation of flash.
Turn power switch on to charge flash. Furthur operation is the same as with batteries.
CAUTION: Never insert metal objects into rectangular plug when adaptor is connected to power outlet.

Recycle Times*

     360PX: approx. 12 seconds
 320X, 320: approx. 9 seconds
Macro 80PX: approx. 7 seconds

* at designated nominal voltage when flash fired at full power and range, as determined by standard Minolta test method; recycle times may vary with actual range and flash usage.

Notes:
Significantly reduced recycle times than those listed above are possible when combining 280PX or 360PX with the PowerGrip II, which uses 6 AA batteries or a dedicated NiCad pack to produce 9v DC instead of the 7v at 30mA this adaptor produces.
Although the 280PX has the same 3-pin power connector as the 320/320X/360PX, there is no mention of the ability to use these AC adaptors with the 280PX.
The AC Adaptor-3 and Power Grip 1, both marketed with the 320[X], use the same power connector as the newer accessories [Justin "RED" Bailey (red_bailey@hotmail.com)].

4.5 Fill Flash with the 360PX

Paraphrasing the 360PX Owner's Manual.

Fill flash can be used to balance of fill in shadows in daylight or with other bright light sources. General procedures are described, for differing exposure modes, below. Use the camera's built-in meter with the flash turned off, or a separate light meter, to measure highlights. This procedure is not applicable to P exposure mode.
A Mode, TTL metered
To completely fill shadows:

Meter highlights and select aperture to give desired exposure at the camera's sync speed.
Compose the photo making sure the shadow area is within the flash coverage range at the chosen aperture and film speed
Charge flash then release shutter
For a more natural exposure (ie: with some contrast retained between highlights and shadows)

Set camera to negative exposure adjustment (eg: -1 stop)
Meter highlights and set aperture such that that shutter speed reads 1/125 [I take this to mean 'one stop faster than sync speed']
Compose the photo making sure the shadow area is within the flash coverage range at the chosen aperture and film speed
Charge flash then release shutter
The highlights will thus be exposed normally for the set aperture and 1/60 but the shadows will only be partially filled in since the flash will fire to give one stop (in this example) under exposure.
Manual Mode, non-TTL metering

Meter highlights and select aperture to give desired exposure at the camera's sync speed
Compose the photo; determine the distance from the camera to the shadow area
Move the variable GN/power control to the left until that distance lines up with the selected aperture

If it lines up between clickstops, use the first clickstop to the left
To retain some contrast between highlight and shadow, move control one or two clickstops further to the left so the fill flash will be reduced

Charge flash then release shutter

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