MINOLTN

Your Minolta X-300 is an easy-to-usemicrocomputerized single-lens-reflex(SLR) camera with

quartz control of mechanical sequencesand shutter speed, providing lasting accuracy and years of
enjoyment.
In its aperture-priority auto-exposure (AE) mode ("AUTO" on the camera), the X-300 automatically sets the precise shutter speed for correct exposure according to the in-camera meter at
the aperture you selected. An AE lock can be used to hold a meter reading and then readjust the
f r a m i n g b e f o r e r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r . A u t o c o n t r o l i s m a i n t a i n e de v e n w h e n u s i n g m i r r o r l e n s e sa n d
close-upaccessoriessuch as bellows-not possiblewith shutter-priority AE systems.
C r e a t i v ef l e x i b i l i t y e x i s t s i n t h e X - 3 0 0 ' s m a t c h - L E D / f u l l - m e t e r e dm a n u a l m o d e : F o r c o r r e c t
e x p o s u r ea t t h e m e t e r e d v a l u e , s i m p l y a d j u s t a p e r t u r e a n d / p r s h u t t e r s p e e d t o a l i g n b l i n k i n g a n d
glowing LEDs in the viewfinder. Or you can merely refer to these LEDs-or totally disregard
them-when making your own settings.
F l a s h p h o t o g r a p h y i s a l s o s i m p l e : j u s t a t t a c h a M i n o l t a X - s e r i e s A u t o E l e c t r o f l a s h ,a d j u s t
a p e r t u r e , a n d s h o o t . F l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i s g i v e n i n t h e v i e w f i n d e r ,a n d t h e s h u t t e r i s a u t o m a t i c a l l y
set for proper sync at 1/60 sec.
The X-300 can be used with Minolta's wide range of accessories,
such as wideangle,telephoto,
, o t o r D r i v e 1 , A u t o W i n d e r G , W i r e l e s sC o n t r o l l e r l R - l , a n d m u c h m o r e .
and zoom lensesM

Before using lenses,flashes, or other accessoriesmade by companies other than Minolta,

attach them to the camera and make sure they function properly by taking test photographs.

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..

CONTENTS
NAMESOFPARTS...
|'. .2
S T R A PA N D C A S E
. . .5
SUMMARY OF OPERATION (automode}...6
PREPARING TO TAKE PICTURES . . .
8
A T T A c H I N GA N D R E M o V I N G L E N s
. . .B
BATTERTESANDpOWER
......9
Batterycheck
....1'l
C o l d - w e a t h e r o p e r a t i .o n
....11
FILMAND FILM SpEED
. .12
LOADTNGFTLM
...lf,
SafeLoadSignal/Framecounter.....15
vtEWFtNDER
.....16
PREsHooTlNGcHEcK...
....'t7
T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E . . . . 1 8
CAMERASETTINGS
.....18
FOCUSTNG
. . .20
H O L D I N GC A M E R AA N D R E L E A S I N G
SHUTTER
......21
Mountingcameraontripod
....22
Seff-timer
. . .22
Eyepiececap
...22
R E W I N D I N GA N D U N L O A D I N GF I L M . . . . . 2 3

CREATIVECONTROL..
AE LOCK
M A N U A LE X P O S U RM
EODE
L o n se x p o s u r e
at "8" settins
D E P T HO F F I E L D
SHUTTERSPEED
O T H E RF O C U S I N G M E T H O D S
Distancescale
Infrared
index
Film-planeindex
FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY
ACCESSORIES.
T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S . .
CARE AND STORAGE

.....24
. . . .24
...26
. . .27
. . 28
...29
..30
....30
. . . . 30
..30
......31
....32
.....34
...36

,r

N A M E SO F P A R T S
Mo u nti ng i ndex

Minimum-aperture lock (Disengagefor use on X-300)

Focusing gr
Distance
Depth-of-fie!d soale

Aperture ring
Main sruitch

Safe Load Signal

Moni tors correct f ilm advance

Back-cover release knob

Re w i n d c r ank
F ilm-speed
Operating button

Film-speed window
F ilm-speed ring release
Hot shoe

M ode/shu tter-speed window

A U TO: automati c mode
1 - 1000: shutter speeds
B : " b u l b " ( l o n g )e x p o s u r e

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Fr am e count er

Fingerrest
Film-advance lever

AE lock/self-timer switch
. A E l o c k f o r h o l d i n g c l o s e - u po r
ad j u ste d - v iewingm et er re a d in g s
. S e l f - t i m e rw i t h t r i p l e - r a t e
b l i n k i n gL E D

MC coupler

Lens-mounti ng index

LTA

Mode/shu tter-speed
s ele cto r
q\"F
,
tlii i
:lliirli

Self-ti me r L E D

a.r

d\L*&.J

Lens-releasebutton

Shu tter- releasesocket

F ro n t g ri p

rrror

Bay o n e t l e ns m ount

Diaphragm-control lever

,ffi

F ilm-cartridge cham ber

Take-up spool

Pressureplate

Eyepiece
Back cover
Eyepiece frame
Me m o holder

IS O (D IN. ASA) t able

Rewind release

Winder contact

der/motor-drive gu ide socket

W inder/m otor-drive cou p ler
Tripod socket

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STRAP AND CASE

Attach the strap (provided) and case (optional) as shown. The strap includes a battery holder used for storing
fresh spare batteries.

SUMMARY

O P ER A T I O N ( A u t o m a t i cm o d e )

4. Openbackcover (p. 13).

2. Check battery power

( p . 1 1) .

3 . S e t f i l m s p e e d( p . 1 2 ) .

5. Load film properly and

c l o s ec o v e r ( p . 1 4 ) .

6. Advance film to frame "1"

and check Safe Load Signal
(p. 15).

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9. Adjust focus (p. 20).

and remove film

P R E P A RI N G T O T A K E P I C T U R E S
ATTACHING
AND REMOVING
LENS
Body and lens caps
Remove body
and
shown.

lens

caps

as

To attach
Align the red mounting index on
the lens barrel with the red index
'lnsert
on the camera'slens mount.
the lens bayonet into the mount,
t h e n t u r n t h e l e n sc l o c k w i s eu n t i l i t
l o c k s i n t o p l a c ew i t h a c l i c k .

To remove
W h i l e p r e s s i n gt h e l e n s - r e l e a s b
eutt o n , t u r n t h e l e n sc o u n t e r c l o c k w i s e
as far asit will go,then lift it out of
the mount.

o N e v e r s e t a l e n s w i t h i t s r e a r e n d d o w n u n l e s sa r e a r l e n s c a p i s o n ,
or its control pins may be damaged.
o B e c a r e f u l n o t t o t o u c h a n y t h i n g i n s i d et h e c a m e r a ,e s p e c i a l l yt h e
mirror, when attachingor removinglenses.

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B A T T E R I E SA N D P O W E R

2 . W i p e t h e t e r m i n a l sw i t h a c l e a n ,
1. Using a coin or similar object,
Batteries
u n s c r e w t h e b a t t e r y - c h a m b e rc o v e r
dry cloth. Hold the batteries by
Use one of the followi ng types of
a n d r e m o v ei t .
t h e i r e d g e sa n d i n s e r tt h e m p l u s ( + )
counterclockwise
batteries:
side up into the sleeve on the
r T w o 1 . 5 5 v s i l v e r - o x i d e( S R - 4 4 :
i n s i d eo f t h e c o v e r .
E v e r e a d y5 - 7 6 , E P X - 7 6 ,o r e q u i v . )
o Two
1. 5 v a l k a l i n e - m a n g a n e s e
( L R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y, 4 - 7 6o r e q u i v . )
o O n e3 v l i t h i u m ( C R - 1 / 3 N )
o D o n o t u s e 1 . 3 5 v m e r c u r y b a t t e r i e s( M R 4 4 : E v e r e a d yE P X - 6 7 5 o r
e q u i v . ) , w h i c h a r e t h e s a m e s h a p ea n d s i z e , b e c a u s et h e i r v o l t a g e i s
too low.
o To avoid battery leakageor bursting, do not mix batteries of
d i f f e r e n t t y p e s , b r a n d s ,o' r a g e s .
o K e e p b a t t e r i e sa w a y f r o m y o u n g c h i l d r e n .

3. Replace the cover and screw it

i n c l o c k w i s ea s f a r a s i t w i l l g o .

Main wvitch
To operate the camera, slide the
main switchto "ON".
When you have finished taking
pictures, move the main switch to
"OFF" to prevent accidentalexpos u r e s a n d b a t t er y d r a i n . ( t t t h e
switch is left on, however, battery
drain occurs only when the operating button is touched, so you may
want to leaveit on to avoid missing
u n e x p e c t e ds h o t s . )

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Operating button
Touching the operation button
(with the main switch on) activates
t h e c a m e r a ' sm e t e r , v i e w f i n d e r L E D
display, and exposure-control system. lf proper contact is not
p o s s i b l e ( e . 9 . ,w h e n w e a r i n g g l o v e s ) ,
pressthe operating button slightly.
T h e s h u t t e r i s r e l e a s e dw h e n t h e
b u t t o n i s p r e s s e da l l t h e w a y d o w n .
The viewfinder LED display will
remain on for 15 sec. after you
remove your f inger.

Battery check
The camera automatically checks
battery power when the operating
button is touched or pressed.
o When batteries are nearly exhausted, the mode LED l" A"
o r " M " ) i n t h e v i e w f i n d e rb l i n k s t o
warn that fresh batteries will soon
be needed.
o W h e n b a t t e r i es a r e c o m p l e t e l y
exhausted (or not correctly installed), no LEDs light and the
shutterlocks.

C old-weather operation
S i n c e b a t t e r i e st e n d t o l o s ep o w e r
as temperature drops, always use
f r e s h b a t t e r i e sw h e n p h o t o g r a p h i n g
in cold weather and keep a spare set
with you, preferably in a warm
pocket close to your body. Battery
capacity will be restored when
temperaturereturnsto normal.
F o r p r o l o n g e d c o l d - w e a t h e ru s e a t
approx. 0"C (32"F) or lower, it Ls
recommended to use silver-oxide
batteries; if a lithium battery is
usedbelow approx. 0"C (32"F), the
camera may not operate.

FILM AND FILM SPEED

The camera uses standard 35mm

c a r t r i d g ef i l m . E a c h f i l m h a sa n I S O
film-speed number (incorporating
ASA and DIN numbers) which
indicates the film's sensitivity to
light. The first part of the ISO
n u m b e r ( e q u i v a l e ntto A S A n u m b e r )
is marked on the camera'sfilms p e e dr i n g .
For proper exposure, the came r a ' s f i l m - s p e e dr i n g m u s t b e s e t t o
the correct f ilm speed.

Setting f ilm speed

While pressing the film-speed
r i n g r e l e a s et,u r n t h e f i l m - s p e e dr i n g
until the desired number lines up
with the index and locks in place
when you remove your finger from
the release.

Memo holder
An
ISO (DIN.ASA) table is
located on the camera back. lt is
surrounded by a handy memo
holder where you can insert the
f i l m b o x e n d a s a r e m i n d e ro f t h e
film type in use.

Intermediate settings and DIN equivalents

DIN ]
L

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L O A D I N GF I L M

Before opening the camera back,

make sure there is no film inside
the camera by checking the Safe
L o a d S i g n a l( p . 1 5 ) .

1. Unfold the rewind crank and

pull up on it to lift the back-cover
r e l e a s ek n o b . P u l l u p o n t h e k n o b
u n t i l t h e c a m e r a b a c k s p r i n g so p e n .

2. Leaving the knob pulled out,

position a 35mm film cartridge in
the chamber with its projecting
spool down. Then push the backc o v e r r e l e a s ek n o b a l l t h e w a y i n ,
rotating it slightly if necessary.

o Always handle and load film in subdued light-at leastshaded

from direct light by your body.
NOTE
o When loading film in a dark place
or with the lens cap on, loading
w i l l b e e a s i e ri f t h e m o d e s e l e c t o ri s
not set at "AUTO".

o Do not touch any parts or areas

i n s i d et h e c a m e r as h o w n i n b l u e .

3 . P u l l o u t j u s t e n o u g hf i l m l e a d e r
to reach the take-up spool. Insert
the end of the film into a slot on
the left side of the take-up spool,
makingsurethat a hole in the film
is lined up with the tooth on the
take-up spool. The sprocket teeth
s h o u l d b e e n g a g e dw i t h h o l e sa t t h e
bottom of the film.

4. With the film held against the

sprocket by your left hand, slowly
o p e r a t e t h e f i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r u n t i l
the f ilm is wound firmly aroundthe
take-up spool, the sprocket teeth
are engaged with holes on both
e d g e so f t h e f i l m , a n d t h e s l a c k i n
the film is taken up. lf the filmadvance lever stops at the end of a
full stroke during this procedure,
release the shutter and continue
( m a i ns w i t c h m u s t b e o n ) .

14

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5. After making surethat the film

is taut, close the camera back by
p r e s s i n gi t u n t i l i t l o c k s s h u t w i t h a
click. A red "S" shouldnow appear
opposite the index in the frame
c o un t e r .

3 . P u l l o u t j u s t e n o u g hf i l m l e a d e r
to reach the take-up spool. Insert
the end of the film into a slot on
the left side of the take-up spool,
m a k i n gs u r et h a t a h o l e i n t h e f i l m
is lined up with the tooth on the
take-up spool. The sprocket teeth
s h o u l d b e e n g a g e dw i t h h o l e sa t t h e
bottom of the film.

4. With the film held agairist the

sprocket by your left hand, slowly
o p e r a t e t h e f i l m - a d v a n c el e v e ru n t i l
the f ilm is wound firmly aroundthe
take-up spool, the sprocket teeth
are engaged with holes on both
e d g e so f t h e f i l m , a n d t h e s l a c k i n
the film is taken up. lf the filmadvance lever stops at the end of a
f u l l s t r o k e d u r i n g t h i s p r o c e d ur e ,
r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r a n d c o n t i n u e
( m a i ns w i t c h m u s t b e o n ) .

5. After making sure that the film

is taut, close the camera back by
p r e s s i n gi t u n t i l i t l o c k s s h u t w i t h a
click. A red "S" shouldnow appear
opposite the index in the frame
c o un t e r .

6 . A d v a n c e t h e f i l m a n d r e l e a s et h e
shutter until the index points to
" 1 " . A r e d b a r s h o u l d a p p e a ra t t h e
f a r l e f t i n t h e S a fe L o a d S i g n a l
indicatingthat film is loaded and
advancing proper,ly. lf it does not
appear or swings far to the right,
repeat steps 3 to 6.
The camera is now ready for taki ng
the f irst picture, provided f ilm
speed is set.

F i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r
Safe Load Signal/Frame counter
As you take pictures and advance
The lever has 30" of unengaged
the film. the red bar in the Safe
m o v e m e n t t o a l l o w s w i n g i n gi t o u t
Load Signal gradually moves to the
from the camera body so the right
thumb will fit comfortably behind right and the rewind crank rotates
it. As the lever is moved an addi- counterclockwise, i ndicating proper
t i o n a l 1 3 0 ' u n t i l i t s t o p s ,t h e f i l m
film advance.
f orce
f ilm-advance
Never
the
a n d f r a m e c o u n t e r a d v a n c ea n d t h e
shutter is cocked for the next lever when it stops and resists
further movement at the end of the
e x p o s ur e .
may
be somewhat
which
f ilm lengths
the common
n2, 20, 24, 36 exposures) shown in
red in the f rame counter. The frame
counter stops advancing after 36

f ilm,
after

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exposu res.

15

VIEWF IN DE R

Shu tter-speed scale/LE Ds

Glowing LED(s) indicate:(1) in "A" (auto)
mode, shutter speed set by camera (if two
LEDs glow, camera sets stepless speed
between the two), and (2) in "M" (manual)
mode, the metered speed
Blinking LED (at 4Hzl indicates user-set
shutter speed in manual mode
"60" LED blinks at 2Hz as flash-ready
signal with X-series Minolta Auto Electrof lashes

@ 1 - 4 sec./under-range LED
Glows if metered speed is between 1 and 4
sec.
Blinks ht 4Hz) if outsiderange
Mode indicators
M : M a n u a lm o d e
A: Auto mode
Over-range LED
Blinksat 4Hz (4 times per second)

B-setting indicator
Focusing screen
Split-image spot, microprism band, and
Acute Matte field

P R E S H O O T I NC
GH E C K

Self-timer of.f?

Check the following items to

make sure your camera is readY for
p i c t ur e - t ak i n g :

M i n i m u m - a p e r t u r el o c k r e l e a s e d ?
( o n n e w - t y p e M D l e n so n l y )

Film inside?

Main switch at "ON"?

Film speedset?

ffi
M o d e / s h u t t e r s P e e ds e t ?

B a tte ri e sO K ?
( D o e sm o d e L E D g l o w - n o t b l i n k - w h e n
operating button is touched or pressed?)

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T A K I N G P I C T U R E SI N A U T O M O D E
CAME
RA SETTINGS
In aperture-priority auto mode,
all you need to do is set the desired
aperture-the camerawill automatically select the shutter speed
n e e d e df o r p r o p e r e x p o s u r e .

S e t m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e l e c t o r
to "AUTO".

S e t l e n sa t d e s i r e da p e r t u r e .

18

Viewf inder display

B e f o r e r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r , c o m pose your picture, focus, and check
t h e v i e w f i n d e rf o r t h e f o l l o w i n g :
. l s t h e u n d e r - r a n g eL E D b l i n k i n g ?
lf so, turn the aperture ring
toward the largestaperture (i.e.,
f 1 2 , t 1 1 . 7 , o r f 1 1 . 4 ,e t c . ) u n t i l t h e
L E D s t o p sb l i n k i n g , o r i n c r e a s et h e
l i g h t l e v e li f p o s s i b l e .
. l s t h e o v e r - r a n g eL E D b l i n k i n g ? l f
so, turn the aperture ring toward
t h e s m a l l e s ta p e r t u r e ( i . e . ,f / 1 6 o r
t l 2 2 l u n t i l t h e L E D s t o p sb l i n k i n g .
lf it does not stop, use a neutrald e n s i t y ( N D ) f i l t e r , o r r e d u c et h e
l i g h t l e v e li f p o s s i b l e .
. l s a n L E D o n i n d i c a t i n g1 / 3 0 s e c .
or slower shutter speed? Using
s l o w s h u t t e r s p e e d sm a y r e s u l t i n

blurred pictures due to camera

movement. To correct, turn the
aperture ring toward the largest
aperture (i.e., f 12, f 11.7, tl'l.4,
e t c . , ) u n t i l t h e l l 1 6 0s e c . L E D
, s ea t r i p o d
l i g h t s . l f n o t p o s s i b l eu
$ . 2 2 1 o r f l a s h( p . 3 1 ) .
NOTE
o I n s o m e s i t u a t i o n sy o u s h o u l d u s e
the AE lock (p. 24)
o l f y o u r h e a d i s n o t s h i e l d i n gt h e
eyepiece f rom light when the
picture is ta ken (as when using
s e l f - t i m e r o r a c a b l e r e l e a s e ) a, t t a c h
t h e e y e p i e c ec a p l p . 2 2 l

Selectingaperture
ln auto mode, your camera will automatically set the
preciseshutter speed for proper exposure at the set
a p e r t u r e . E v e n s o , y o u h a v e c o n s i d e r a b l ec o n t r o l o v e r
r e s u l t sa n d c a n a d j u s t a p e r t u r e a n d s h u t t e r s p e e d o v e r
s i z a b l er a n g e s .
For good pictures where no particular effect is desired,
simply set the aperture as indicated in the table. These
s e t t i n g sw i l l p r o v i d e a s m u c h d e p t h o f f i e l d a s p o s s i b l e
w h i l e p r o d u c i n g a s h u t t e r s p e e df a s t e n o u g h t o s t o p t h e
motion of most subjects.
There may be times, however, when you want to
obtain a particular effect, such as rendering a certain
r a n g e i n s h a r p f o c u s , e m p h a s i z i n g a s u b j e c t a g a i n s ta n
o u t - o f - f o c u s b a c k g r o u n d , o r s e l e c t i n ga s p e c i f i c s h u t t e r
speed. ln these cases, you must select the appropriate
a p e r t u r e t o g i v e t h e d e s i r e d d e p t h o f f i e l d ( s e ep . 2 8 1 o r
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d ( p . 2 9 ) .

G u i d e l i n e sf o r t y p i c a l p i c t u r e - t a k i n gs i t u a t i o n s

rso

Sunny

?#

Heavy
Overcast

lndoors

:b

*
25115"

fl8

fl4

64119"

fl8

tl4

10012't"

t 111

160123"

r 111

il1.4

r11.4

ft5.6

fl4

t11.4

il8

f/5.6

fl8

il5.6

fl2

f18

ft2.8

f 111

rlq

200124"

f 111

400127"

f 116

| 111

1000/31'

f 122

il16

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il2
f 12.8

tl2

19

F O C U SNI G

In focus

Out of focus

The camera'sfocusing screenhas

a f ocusing aid consisting of a
split-image spot surrounded bY a
band of microPrisms in the center
of an Acute Matte field.
T o f o c u s t h e c a m e r av i s u a l l Y ,l o o k
t h r o u g h t h e v i e w f i n d e ra n d t u r n t h e
l e n s 'f o c u s i n gg r i P u n t i l :
. U p p e r a n d l o w e r s u b j e c t i m a g e si n
t h e s p o t a r e e x a c t l Y a l i g n e dw i t h
n o b r o k e n l i n e sb e t w e e n t h e m .
. Subject image in the band does
n o t s h i m m e r o r a p p e a rb r o k e n u P .
At this point, the subject image
w i t h i n t h e v i e w fi n d e r ' s c e n t e r
focusing aid appears clearest and
seems to blend with that on the
m a t t e f i e l d s u r r o u n d i n gi t .
You will Probably f ind that
f o c u s i n g i s e a s i e s it f :
. Split-image spot is used for
s u b j e c t sh a v i n g v e r t i c a l l i n e s .

. M i c r o p r i s m b a n d i s u s e df o r l e n s e s
f r o m m e d i u m w i d e a n g l et h r o u g h
t e l e P h o t o , e s P e c i lal Y
m e d i um
with subjects not having vertical
Ii n e s .
. Matte field is used for longer
f o c a l - l e n g t hl e n s e so r f o r m a c r o o r
o t h e r w o r k i n v o l v i n gc o n s i d e r a b l e
l e n se x t e n s i o n .

H O L D I N G C A M E R A A N D R E L E A S I N GS H U T T E R
Holding the camera as shown lets you operate most controls while viewing through the camera's eyepiece.

itffi,-t'*#f$iffifi' I, t
;i,.:,.::,::,i';"-i
":'r':
"*.iut,.
LEFT HAN D
Thumb: focusinggrip, aperture
rlng
f o c u s i n gg r i p
Index:
M i d d l e : a p e r t u r er i n g
RIGHTHAND
T h u m b : f i l m - a d v a n c el e v e r
mode/shutter-speed
Index:
s e l e c t o ro r o p e r a t i n g
button
Middle: AE lock

T o o b t a i n s h a r p ,b l u r - f r e e P h o t o s ,
hold the cameraas still as possible
and press the operating button
g e n t l y t o r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r . T h e
camera should be steadied against
your face or body. Always Pressthe
button with a slow, steady squeeze
t o r e l e a s et h e s h u t t e r - n e v e r a q u i c k
jab.
Some ways of holding the camera
are shown here. lf You grasp the
c a m e r af i r m l y w i t h y o u r r i g h t h a n d
on its front grip, you can shift it

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back and forth for horizontal (a)

and vertical (b) pictures without
removing you r hand f rom its
controls. By cradling the camera in
y o u r l e f t h a n d , y o u c a n e a s i l yf o c u s
and set the aperture, then shoot.
Photo (c) shows an alternative for
h o l d i n g t h e c a m e r av e r t i c a l l Y .

Self-timer LED blinks as follows:

F i r s t 8 s e c . : t w i c e P e rs e c .
N e x t s e c . : e i g h tt i m e s P e r s e c .
continuouslY
Lastsec.:

M o u n t i n g c a m e r ao n t r i p o d
For maximum sharPness when
m a k i n g e x p o s u r e st o o l o n g t o P e r mit handholding of the camera
(1/30 sec. or slower), mount the
c a m e r a o n a t r i p o d u s i n gt h e s o c k e t
o n t h e c a m e r ab o t t o m .
Screw the Remote Cord into the
shutter release socket and release
the shutter.
o D o n o t u s e e x c e s s i v ef o r c e w h e n
a t t a c h i n gt h e c a m e r at o a t r i P o d .
o The mounting screw should be
5 . 4 m m 1 1l a i n . l o r s h o r t e r .
22

NOTE
o You may cancel the self-timer
after it has been started by pushing
the self-timer switch down or bY
s l i d i n gt h e m a i n s w i t c h t o " O F F " '
Self-timer
o After taking the picture, switch
T h e c a m e r a ' se l e c t r o n i c s e l f - t i m e r o f f t h e s e l f - t i m e r , o r t h e n e x t P i c can be used to delay shutter release ture will be taken after a 1O-sec.
for 10 sec.
delay.
1. Mount the camera on a sturdy
(
s
u
c
h
Eyepiece cap
c
o
m
p
o
s
e
asa tripod),
support
When using the camera in auto
your picture, and focus.
2. Set the mode/shutter-speed se- m o d e o r a t " 8 " a n d Y o u r h e a d d o e s
lector at any setting other than not shield the eyepiece from light
"8", and make sure that the film is (self-timer operation or Remote
Cable release),slide the eyepiece
advanced.
c a p o n t o t h e e Y e P i e c ef r a m e ' T h i s
3 . P u l l t h e s e l f - t i m e rs w i t c h u p .
4 . T o s t a r t t h e t i m e r , p r e s s t h e p r e v e n t su n w a n t e d l i g h t f r o m a f f e c t lng exposure.
o p e r a t i n gb u t t o n .
To keep it handy, the eYePiece
A v i s u a l s i g n a lw i l l i n d i c a t e h o w
m u c h t i m e i s l e f t b e f o r e t h e s e l f - c a p t h r e a d s o n t o t h e c a m e r as t r a p .
timer releases the shutter.

R E W I N D I N GA N D U N L O A D I N GF I L M

ffi

1 . P r e s st h e r e w i n d r e l e a s eo n t h e
c a m e r ab o t t o m .

2. Unfold

the

:"*":ff

rewind

crank

-and

t u r n i t i n t h e d i r e c t i o no f t h e a r r o w
until the red bar in the Safe Load
Signalmoves out of the window to
the left. Near the end, you will feel
t e n s i o n o f t h e f i l m i n c r e a s et h e n
completely disappear, and the
crankwill then turn freely.

3. When you are certain that the

e x p o s e df i l m i s c o m p l e t e l y r e w o u n d
i n t o t h e c a r t r i d g e ,p u l l u p o n t h e
b a c k - c o v e rr e l e a s ek n o b t o o p e n t h e
back, then remove the film cartridge.

o Never open the camera back when there is any red still visible
in the SafeLoad Signal.

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23

CREATIVE CONTROL
AE LOCK
When to use
center-weighted
Your
X-300's
averaging meter system is designed
so that light from all parts of the
viewfinder is measured, but influ'
ence from a large central area is
greatest. Thus, when
the main
subject fills most of the frame's
center, the meter reading should
give satisfactory exposure. However,
when there is a great brlghtness
between the subject and
background where the main subject
does not fill the center of the
frame, the AE lock should be used
(with camera in auto mode).
difference

Use the AE lock in situations

where subjects appear dark against
strong backlighting, such as windows, or against a light background
of snow or sand; or where subjects
appear very light against a dark
background, as when standing in a
spo.tlightor shaft of sunlight.

How to use
To obtain proper exposure in
high-contrast
lighting
situations
where your subject is on the edge
of the frame or occupies only a
small portion in the center, use the
AE lock as follows:

1. Shift the camera'sposition so

t h e s u b j e c tf i l l s m o s t o f t h e f r a m e .
For small subjects,you may need
t o m o v e c l o s e r( o r z o o m c l o s e r ) .

2 . P r e s st h e A E l o c k a l l t h e w a y
down and hold it.

3. While still holdingthe AE lock

down, recompose your Picture as
desired and press the oPerating
button all the way down to release
the shutter.

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NOTE
o The AE lock cannot be used in
m a n u a lm o d e o r w i t h t h e s e l f - t i m e r .
o lf you wish to change the apert u r e , d o s o b e f o r e p r e s s i n gt h e A E
lock.
o For precise exposure control
when using the AE lock with a
zoom
v a r i a b l e - e fef c t i v e - a p e r t ur e
lens (such as Minolta 35-105mm
f13.5-4.5 MD Zooml, slightlY
adjust the aperture after engaging
t h e A E l o c k t o c o m p e n s a t ef o r t h e
changewhen zooming (or do not
z o o m a f t e r e n g a g i n gt h e l o c k ) . F o r
exact compensation value, please
refer to the zoom lens' owner's
manual.
o When using an R60 (red) f ilter,
a d j u s t e x p o s u r e+ 1 s t o p .

25

M A N U A L E X P O S U R EM O D E
Basic setting

Taking a picture
I n t h e c a m e r a ' sm a t c h - L E D m a n u -../anual mode in use
al mode, the manually set shutter
speedis indicated in the viewfinder
b y a n L E D b l i n k i ng a t 4 H z ( 4 t i m e s
Manually set speed
per sec.), and the metered speed
( L E D b l i n k i n ga t 4 H z )
(for the aperture and film speed
set) is indicated by a glowing LED.
To obtain normal exposure as
Metered speed
metered by your camera, simply
( g l o w i n gL E D )
adjust the aperture and/or shutter
speeduntil the blinking and glowing LEDs match up.

Viewf inder shows:

Set mode/shutter-speedselector
at desired click-stop from "1" (1
s e c . ) t o " 1 0 0 0 " ( 1 / 1 0 0 0s e c . ) .

L i g h t e np i c t u r e

Darken picture
-2

-1.5

f-stops 16

(13)

-0.5

NORMAL
(at EV13)

+0.5

+1

+1.5

+2

ffiffiffiffiffi
8

(o.z)

5.6

(4.8)

Long exposure at "8"

T h e r ea r e t w o w a y s t o d o t h i s :
, F i r s t s e t t h e s h u t t e r s p e e ds e l e c t o r
at the desired c lick-stop, then
turn the aperture ring until no
LEDs light up other than the LED
blinking next to the selected
speed.
. First set the aperture as desired,
t h e n t u r n t h e s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e l e c tor so that the blinking LED
matches up with the glowing
L E D . l f t w o L E D s a r e g lo w i n g ,
a d j u s t t h e a p e r t u r er i n g s l i g h t l y s o
only one glows. Do not set the
s h u t t e r s p e e db e t w e e n c l i c k - s t o p s .

setting

Minolta Remote Cord. The eyepiece cap b. 22) should be used to

p r e v e n t s t r a y l i g h t f r o m a f fe c t i n g
the exposure.

W h e n t h e m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e ds e fector is set at " 8", the shutterwill

o p e n w h e n y o u p r e s st h e o P e r a t i n g
button and remain open until you
release the button. This makes
exposure longer than one second
possible. A tripod or other firm
support should generally be used.
To avoid shakingthe camerawhen
pressing the operating button or
r e l e a s i n gt h e s h u t t e r , u s e a s t a n d a r d
c a b l e r e l e a s e( p r e f e r a b l y a l o c k a b l e
type for longer exposures) or a

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NOTE
o T h e s e l f - t i m e rd o e s n o t o p e r a t e a t
the "8" setting.
o With fresh batteries at moderate
temperatures,the maximum long
exposure is approx. 10 hours. At
l o w e r t e m p e r a t u r e s ,e x p o s u r e t i m e
may be shorter.

D E P T HO F F I E L D

-A-

28

-B-

When a lens is focused on a given

subject, there is a certain range
behind and in front of the subjqct
which appearssharp. This range is
c a l l e d" d e p t h o f f i e l d " , a n d i t v a r i e s
accordingto the aperture set: large
a p e r t u r e s ( e . g . , f l 1 . 7| y i e l d a
s h a l l o w d e p t h o f f i e l d r e n d e r i n gt h e
background out of focus (example
A ) ; s m a l f a p e r t u r e s l e . g . ,f l 2 2 l g i v e
greater depth of field with sharper
b a c k g r o u n d ( e x a m p l eB ) . T f r e d e p t h
o f f i e l d c a n b e c h e c k e do n t h e l e n s '
d e p t h - o f - f i e l d s c a l ea s s h o w n .
Depth of field also varies with
subject distance: when the lens is
focused on a close subject, the
depth of field is shallow; when
focused on a distant subject, the
depth of f ield is greater.

SHUTTE R SPEED

-B-

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Sometimes the subject or the

e f fe c t t h a t y o u w a n t m a k e s t h e
shutter speed more imPortant. To
set a desired shutter sPeed when
using auto mode, turn the lens'
aperturering until the LED next to
t h e d e s i r e ds h u t t e r s p e e d l i g h t s .
F a s t s h u t t e r s p e e d ss u c h a s 1 / 5 0 0
o r 1 / 1 0 0 0 s e c .c a n " f r e e z e " a c t i o n
(example A ). Slow shutter speeds
s u c h a s 1 1 2 o r 1 s e c .c a n b e u s e d t o
e m p h a s i z es u b j e c t f l o w o r m o t i o n
( e x a m p l eB ) .

O T H E R F O C U S I N GM E T H O D S

Distance scale
You may find that in certain
s i t u a t i o n s i t i s e a s i e rt o f o c u s b y
estimating the distance to your
subject, then aligning the corresponding f igure on the distance
s c a l ew i t h t h e i n d e x , s u c h a s :
. When taking long exposures or
f l a s h p i c t u r e sw h e n i t i s t o o d a r k
to focusthrough the lens
. l f y o u w a n t t o P r e f o c u so n Y o u r
s u b j e c t ,a s i n q u i c k l y s h o t c a n d i d
photos

Infrared index
For proper f ocus when using
infrared film, first focus your
subject as usual with visible light.
Attach a red f ilter and tu rn the
focusing ring to the right to align
the point of proper focus on the
distance scale with the small red
dot (or red "R" on MC and oldtype MD lenses)on the depth-offield scale. Set exposure according
to the fi lm manufacturer's recommendations.

Film-plane index
The symbol beneath the f ilma d v a n c e l e v e r i n d i c a t e st h e p o s i t i o n
o f t h e f i l m i n s i d e t h e c a m e r a .T h i s
m a r k c a n b e u s e d f o r m e a s u r i n gt h e
distancef rom subject to film when
t a k i n g c l o s e - u p sp, h o t o m a c r o g r a p h s ,
and photomicrographs, where the
exact distance is sometimesimportant.

F L A S H P H O T O GR A P H Y
C o n n e c t i n gf l a s h u n i t s
C o r d l e s sc l i p - o n f l a s h u n i t s , s u c h a s t h e M i n o l t a A u t o
E l e c t r o f l a s h2 0 0 X a n d 1 1 8 X , a r e a t t a c h e d a n d e l e c t r i cally connected by simply sliding them into the
c a m e r a ' sh o t s h o e .
Synchronization
W h e n a M i n o l t a X - s e r i e sA u t o E l e c t r o f l a s hi s u s e d o n
t h e c a m e r a w i t h i t s m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e sd e l e c t o ra t a n y
position other than "8", the "60" LED in the viewfinder
w i l l b l i n k a s a f l a s h - r e a d sy i g n a lw h e n t h e f l a s h i s t u r n e d
o n a n d f u l l y c h a r g e d ,a n d t h e s h u t t e r w i l l b e a u t o m a t i cally switched over to 1160 sec. when the shutter is
released.
l f y o u u s e a n e l e c t r o n i cf l a s h o t h e r t h a n a M i n o l t a
X - s e r i e s A u t o E l e c t r o fl a s h , t h e m o d e / s h u t t e r - s p e e d
s e l e c t o rm u s t b e s e t a t " 6 0 " t o a s s u r ec o m p l e t e e x p o s u r e
o f t h e f i l m f r a m e . S l o w e r s p e e d sc a n a l s o b e u s e d u n d e r
certain conditions if desiredfor particular effects. Do
n o t u s e s p e e d sf a s t e r t h a n 1 1 6 0 s e c . ( i . e . , 1 1 1 2 5 a n d
u p w a r d) .
NOTE
o For more detailed instructions,please refer to the
f l a s hu n i t ' s o w n e r ' sm a n u a l .

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IES
ACCESSOR
MOTOR DRIVE 1 and AUTO WINDER G
With Motor Drive 1 attached, you can capture the action with single-frame
o r c o n t i n u o u s o p e r a t i o n a t e i t h e r 2 o r 3 . 5 f r a m e s p e r s e c o n d .T h e c o m f o r t a b l e
handgrip has two operating buttons, each with a Minolta "touch switch",
e n a b l i n gf u l l v i e w f i n d e r r e a d o u t f o r e i t h e r h o r i z o n t a l o r v e r t i c a l f r a m i n g .
Auto Winder G lets you focus full attention on the creative aspects of
photography by freeing you from winding the film after each picture.
C o n t i n u o u s s e q u e n c e su p t o 2 f r a m e s p e r s e c o n d a r e a l s o p o s s i b l eb y h o l d i n g
d o w n t h e c a m e r a ' so p e r a t i n g b u t t o n .
B o t h u n i t s a r e d e s i g n e dt o a t t a c h q u i c k l y a n d e a s i l y t o y o u r X - 3 0 0 w i t h o u t
access caps to remove or store. Their film-advance mechanisms stop automatically at the end of the roll, and film can be easily loaded and unloaded
w i t h o u t r e m o v i n gt h e u n i t s .

AUTO ELECTROFLASHES
Taking flash pictures is as simple and easy as taking normal shots with your
c a m e r a w h e n y o u u s e M i n o l t a X - s e r i e sA u t o E l e c t r o fl a s h e s ,s u c h a s t h e 1 1 8 X
a n d 2 0 0 X . T h e s ea u t o m a t i c e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h u n i t s a r e d e s i g n e df o r y o u r c a m e r a ,
f e a t u r i n g d e d i c a t e d - f l a s hf u n c t i o n s t h a t e l e c t r o n i c a l l ys e t t h e c a m e r af o r p r o p e r
X - s y n c , a n d a c t i v a t e a b l i n k i n g f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i n t h e v i e w f i n d e r w h e n t h e
f l a s h i s c h a r g e da n d r e a d y t o f i r e .
O t h e r f e a t u r e sa r e m u l t i p l e a u t o - a p e r t u r es e t t i n g s ,m a n u a l m o d e , a n d N i - C d
battery power supply.
W I R E L E S SC O N T R O L L E R I R . l S E T
T h e l R - 1 i n f r a r e d t r a n s m i t t e r / r e c e i v e rs e t l e t s y o u t r i g g e r y o u r c a m e r af r o m
u p t o 6 0 m ( a b o u t 2 O Of t . ) a w a y f o r r e m o t e - c o n t r o l l e ds i n g l e - f r a m ee x p o s u r e s ,
continuous sequenceso
, r l o n g e x p o s u r e s .W h e n u s e d w i t h e x t r a r e c e i v e r s t, h e
three-channel transmitter enables independent operation of up to three
c a m e r a s o r g r o u p s o f c a m e r a s ,o r s i m u l t a n e o u s o p e r a t i o n o f a n u n l i m i t e d
number of cameras.

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T E C H N I C A LD E T A I L S
T y p e : O u a r t z / e l e c t r o n i c a l l y g o v e r n e d 3 b m m s i n g l e - l e n s Metering: TTL center-weighted averaging type, by
r e f l e x a u t o - e x p o s u r e( A E ) c a m e r a
silicon photocell mounted at rear of pentaprism
E x p o s u r e - c o n t r o l m o d e s : A p e r t u r e - p r i o r i t y a u t o m a t i c Film-speed range: ISO 12112" to 320O136" set by film("AUTO") and match-LED/full-metered
manual("M")
s p e e dd i a l t h a t l o c k s a t 1 / 3 - E V i n c r e m e n t s
Lens mount: Minolta SLR bayonet (54' rotating angle); Mirror: Triple-coated oversize instant-return slide-up
c o u p l i n g f o r f u l l - a p e r t u r e m e t e r i n g a n d a u t o m a t i c type
d i a p h r a g mc o n t r o l w i t h M i n o l t a M D a n d M C l e n s e s
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing
Exposure control and functions: Low-voltage, low9 5 o / oo f 2 4 x 3 6 m m f i l m - f r a m e a r e a ;m a g n i f i c a t i o n : O . g X
c u r r e n t c o m p u t e r c i r c u i t v a r i e ss h u t t e r s p e e d s t e p l e s s l y w i t h 5 0 m r n s t a n d a r d l e n s f o c u s e d a t i n f i n i t y ; p o w e r :
- 1 D , a d j u s t a b l e w i t h a c c e s s o r ys n a p - o n e y e p i e c e l e n s e s ;
according to aperture set in AUTO mode, to yield
proper exposure for film speed set; auto-exposure Acute Matte focusing screen with central horizontally
r a n g e : E V 1 t o E V 1 8 ( e . 9 . , 1 s e c . a t f 1 1 . 4t o 1 / 1 0 0 0
o r i e n t e d s p l i t - i m a g ef o c u s i n g s p o t s u r r o u n d e d b y m i c r o s e c . a t t l 1 6 l a t I S O 1 0 0 / 2 1 " w i t h f 1 1 . 4 t e n s ;A E t o c k
p r i s m b a n d ; v i s i b l ea r o u n d f r a m e : m o d e i n d i c a t i o n ( " A , ,
enabling holding meter reading for exposure at that
o r " M " ) , s h u t t e r s p e e ds c a l ew i t h L E D s e t t i n g i n d i c a t i o n
value
f o r m e t e r e d s p e e da n d m a n u a l l y s e t s p e e d , 1 4 s e c . a u t o s p e e d i n d i c a t i o n , o v e r - / u n d e r - r a n g eL E D i n d i c a t o r s , , , B , ,
Shutter: Quartz-controlled horizontal-traverse focals e t t i n g i n d i c a t i o n , f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l , a u t o m a t i c b a t t e r y
p l a n e t y p e ; s t e p l e s ss p e e d s1 / 1 0 0 0 t o 4 s e c .s e t a u t o m a t c h e c k d i s p l a y a n d m e t e r i n g a c t i v a t e db y n o r m a l f i n g e r
ically with selector dial at "AUTO" setting or fixed
contact, or slight pressing of operating button or by
s p e e d s1 t o 1 / 1 0 0 0 s e c . o r " B " ( b u l b ) s e t m a n u a l l y a t
detented indications; electromagnetic shutter release engaging AE lock, continue for 15 sec. after finger
removed
l o c k s w h e n v o l t a g et o o l o w f o r p r o p e r o p e r a t i o n

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sE.

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. elay, with operation

Flash sync and control: Hot shoe for X sync; camera- S e l f - t i m e r : E l e c t r o n i c f o r 1 O - s e c d
indicated by camera-front LED that blinks at 2Hz for 8
control contact on hot shoe for automatic setting of
shutter at 1/60 sec. (except when mode/shutter-speed s e c . , t h e n 8 H z f o r 1 s e c . , t h e n r e m a i n s o n u n t i l s h u t t e r
s e l e c t o r a t " B " ) a n d f l a s h - r e a d ys i g n a l i n gw i t h X - s e r i e s r e l e a s e sc, a n c e l a b l ea n y t i m e b e f o r e r e l e a s e
A u t o E l e c t r o f l a s h e so; t h e r e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h e ss y n c h r o n i z e O t h e r : I n t e g r a l f r o n t h a n d g r i p ; b a c k w i t h m e m o h o l d e r ,
a t 1 / 6 0 s e c . a n d s l o w e r m a n u a l s p e e d so r " 8 " s e t t i n g ; a n d I S O ( D l N ' A S A ) t a b l e ; p o s i t i v e4 - s l o t t a k e - u ps p o o l ;
C l a s sM F , M , a n d F P f l a s h b u l b s ,a t 1 / 1 5 s e c . o r s l o w e r remote shutter-releasesocket
setting
Size and weight: 137 x 90 x 51.Smm (5-3/8 x 3-9/16 x
Film advance:Manaul: by lever with single 130" stroke 2 in.l, 47Og (16-9/16 oz.) without lens and power
a f t e r 3 0 " u n e n g a g e dm o v e m e n t ; m o t o r i z e d w i t h a c c e s - c e l l ( s )
sory Motor Drive 1 or Auto \Ninder G: release button
strap with slide-on battery
f o r r e w i n d o n c a m e r a b o t t o m ; a d v a n c i n g - t y p e f r a m e Standard accessories:Carrying
cap
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counter; Safe Load Signal
Optional accessories:Minolta Auto Electroflashes;Motor
a d v a n c i n gc o n d i t i o n
(
L
R
4
4
:
Eveready Drive 1, Auto Winder G; Wireless Controller lR-l
Power: Two 1.5v alkaline-manganese
M D , M C , a n d o t h e r M i n o l t a i n t e r c h a n g e a b l el e n s e s
4 - 7 6 o r e o u i v . ) , t w o 1 . 5 5 v s i l v e r - o x i d e( S R 4 4 : E v e r e a d y S e t ;
a n d a p p l i c a b l eM i n o l t a s L R s y s t e m a c c e s s o r i e s
5-76, EPX-76 or equiv.),or one 3v lithium (CR-l/3N)
cell(s) power both auto exposure control and manual
notice
o p e r a t i o n ; m a i n s w i t c h w i t h i n d i c a t i o n f o r o f f o r o n ; Specifications subject to change without
mode LED blinks when cells approach exhaustion; no
L E D s l i g h t a n d s h u t t e r w i l l n o t r e l e a s ew h e n v o l t a g e i s
too low for proper operation

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