Difference between revisions of "Minolta XD series"

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In 1977, Minolta was the first to combine both TTL aperture-priority and shutter-priority automation in one [[SLR]] camera body, this was the '''[[Minolta]] XD-7 / XD-11'''. The mode switch next to the shutter-speed dial has three positions: "M" (manual), "Auto - A" and "Auto - S". The "A" indicates Aperture-priority mode and the "S" Shutter-priority mode. There is also a hidden Program-mode, securing correct exposure whenever the available aperture-range is insufficient, in which case the shutter speed is adjusted. In fact, this function is always active, checking the exposure immediately before the shutter is fired, by MEASURING the TTL light intensity AFTER the lens aperture is set automatically. Based on this reading, it ADJUSTS the required shutter speed. To obtain full advantage of the Shutter-priority mode, the lens must be set to it's minimum aperutre. On the new MD-range of lenses, this setting can be locked by a small switch. Failing to do this, limits the range of available aperutres to the automatic mode. There is a "Green line" assisting the correct use of the shutter priority mode, comprising green symbols on the aperture ring and lock, the "S" mode switch position, and the 1/125 sec. on the shutter speed dial. However the green 1/125 sec. is just a suggestion, not mandatory.
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In 1977, Minolta was the first to combine both TTL aperture-priority and shutter-priority automation in one [[SLR]] camera body, this was the '''[[Minolta]] XD-7 / XD-11'''. The mode switch next to the shutter-speed dial has three positions: "M" (manual), "Auto - A" and "Auto - S". The "A" indicates Aperture-priority mode and the "S" Shutter-priority mode. There is also a hidden Program-mode, securing correct exposure whenever the available aperture-range is insufficient, in which case the shutter speed is adjusted. In fact, this function is always active, checking the exposure immediately before the shutter is fired, by MEASURING the TTL light intensity AFTER the lens aperture is set automatically. Based on this reading, it ADJUSTS the required shutter speed. To obtain full advantage of the Shutter-priority mode, the lens must be set to it's minimum aperutre. On the new MD-range of lenses, this setting can be locked by a small switch. Failing to do this, limits the range of available apertures to the automatic mode. There is a "Green line" assisting the correct use of the shutter priority mode, comprising green symbols on the aperture ring and lock, the "S" mode switch position, and the 1/125 sec. on the shutter speed dial. However the green 1/125 sec. is just a suggestion, not mandatory.
  
 
===viewfinder===
 
===viewfinder===

Revision as of 09:01, 26 February 2009

130977201_30af4091fe.jpg

In 1977, Minolta was the first to combine both TTL aperture-priority and shutter-priority automation in one SLR camera body, this was the Minolta XD-7 / XD-11. The mode switch next to the shutter-speed dial has three positions: "M" (manual), "Auto - A" and "Auto - S". The "A" indicates Aperture-priority mode and the "S" Shutter-priority mode. There is also a hidden Program-mode, securing correct exposure whenever the available aperture-range is insufficient, in which case the shutter speed is adjusted. In fact, this function is always active, checking the exposure immediately before the shutter is fired, by MEASURING the TTL light intensity AFTER the lens aperture is set automatically. Based on this reading, it ADJUSTS the required shutter speed. To obtain full advantage of the Shutter-priority mode, the lens must be set to it's minimum aperutre. On the new MD-range of lenses, this setting can be locked by a small switch. Failing to do this, limits the range of available apertures to the automatic mode. There is a "Green line" assisting the correct use of the shutter priority mode, comprising green symbols on the aperture ring and lock, the "S" mode switch position, and the 1/125 sec. on the shutter speed dial. However the green 1/125 sec. is just a suggestion, not mandatory.

viewfinder

The versatility of having both automatic exposure modes is supported by the viewfinder, in which both shutter and aperture settings are prominently displayed. The presentation of this data depends on the exposure mode: when in aperture-priority, the aperture value appears at the bottom of the viewfinder and the shutter speed appears on the right, where a marker points to the derived value appropriate for correct exposure. When in shutter-priority mode, the film speed appears in a box in the lower-right corner of the viewfinder, and the aperture appears on the right -- again marked according to the correct exposure. The viewfinder image itself, meanwhile, is a beautifully crisp and large image thanks to the Minolta Acute-Matte focusing screen, the 94% view coverage, and 0.87 magnification.

meter

The camera also features a robust meter that covers EV 1 through EV 18, with off-the-film metering for precise measurement of the amount of light striking the film during exposure. This type of metering was one of the more sophisticated varieties available at the time of the camera's release, and remains extremely precise despite three decades of advances in film.

shutter

The shutter is of the vertical-travel Copal variety and is particularly quiet. The shutter has a 1/100s mechanical mode that operates independently of battery power (O).

Leica tie-in

The Leica R4 is based on this camera body. A new series of Rokkor lenses had been offered by Minolta for this exciting new pioneer product, some of these were also made available and sold by Leica, like the 35-70mm/3.5 zoom.

variants

Several versions was produced:

  • the original XD model, which was named XD-11 in USA and Canada and XD-7 in Europe and elsewhere
  • the export model XD-5 which lacked the pre-set aperture and pre-set shutter time info in the viewfinder and the eyepiece shutter
  • the Japan only XD-s which was a XD, where the eyepiece shutter was swapped against a diopter adjustment
  • a Medical model of XD and XD-s was available as a specialized body for scientific and medial applications. This camera was laid out for flash use with a microscope or alike. It lacked the shutter speeds, the automatic modes and the ASA setting. The shutter time was fixed to flash sync at 1/100s.


146265902_6c54ed0028_m.jpg

Pre-set aperture and shutter speed visible
below the viewfinder image. At the right side
the meter's LEDs showing chosen aperture
(in shutter priority mode S , in A mode the

LEDs show the chosen exposure time).

Links

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