EnglishOwnersManualVF.pdf

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AUTO METER VFInstruction ManualManuel dinstructions

The essentials of imagingLessentiel de limage

Thank you for purchasing the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF.The MINOLTA AUTO METER VF offers the following features: Exposure meter with a built-in microprocessor for flash light and ambient

light measurements for a broad range of shooting conditions

Analyze function for calculating and displaying the ratio of flash light toambient light.

Memory function for storing two measurement values, Averagingfunction to calculate the average of two stored measurement values, anda Brightness Difference function to display a measurement value interms of its difference to a specified reference value.

Calculation functions for shadow-based exposure and highlight-basedexposure readings for reflected-light readings with attachments such asa Viewfinder.

(Alt) mode for custom settings to allow users to customize specialsettings, such exposure correction value and number of shutter speedstops.

Measurement values are displayed both in analog and digital format onthe display of the meter, for easy-to-read, error-free visually reading.

Safety-related IconsThe following icons are used in this manual to alert you toimportant information for preventing accidents due to improperhandling of equipment.

This denotes a safety-related caution. Read the cautioncarefully to ensure safe use of the product.

This denotes actions to be strictly avoided. Make sure toavoid these actions.

This denotes actions to be avoided. Do not attempt todisassemble the product

Safety Warnings and CautionsTo ensure proper use of the instrument, take special care toobserve the following handling instructions when using thisinstrument. Read this instruction manual carefully and keep itsecurely in a place where you can refer to it readily.

WARNINGindicates a danger that improper useof the instrument will lead to thedeath or serious injury of the user

Do not use the instrument in a place where inflammableor combustible vapors (e.g. gasoline) are present.Otherwise there is a risk of causing a fire.

Do not throw batteries into fire. Do not recharge (non-rechargeable batteries), short circuit, heat or disassemblebatteries. Otherwise, there is a risk of causing fire orinjury due to an explosion or fluid leakage.Never attempt to disassemble or modify the instrumentyourself. Otherwise there is a risk of causing fire orelectric shock.

The instrument should not be operated if it is damaged,or smoke or odd smells occur. Doing so may result in afire. In such situations turn off the power immediately,disconnect the AC adapter, and contact the nearestauthorized service facility.

E1

Table of ContentsNames of Parts and Displays 2

Data panel displays 4

Preparations 8 Battery 8

1. Preparing 82. Inserting 83. Checking 10

Setting film speed 11 Selecting the measuring method 12

1. Incident-light readings 132. Reflected-light readings 14

* Difference between incident-light and reflected-light readings 15

Basic Operation 19 Select a measuring method 19 Measuring ambient light 20

1. With a still camera 202. With a cine camera 24

Measuring flash light 271. With a sync cord 272. Without a sync cord 32

* Analyze function for calculating ratio of flash light to ambient light 36

Special Functions 38 Memory function 38 S/A/H (Shadow/Average/Highlight) calculations 40 Brightness difference function 46* Measuring lighting ratio using the Flat Diffuser 51* Using as a simplified illuminance meter 56 Custom settings mode (Alt mode) 58

1. Alt mode 58

Accessories 61

Care and Storage 631. Care 632. Storage 63

Handling Instructions 64 After service 65

Specifications 66

CAUTION indicates a danger that improper useof the instrument will lead to injury tothe user or to property damage

Do not use any batteries other than those designated foruse with the instrument. Do not mix new batteries and oldbatteries, or batteries of different types. When fittingbatteries, make sure to align them according to thepolarity shown on the instrument (plus + and minus -).Otherwise there is a risk that the batteries may leak orbecome damaged, leading to fire, injury or pollution of thesurrounding environment.

STATEMENT OF FCC COMPLIANCE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limitsare designed to provide reasonable protection against harmfulinterference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, usesand can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used inaccordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radiocommunications. However, there is no guarantee that interference willnot occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmfulinterference to radio or television reception, which can be determined byturning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correctthe interference by one or more of the following measures:- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

E2 E3

Names of Parts and DisplaysNames of Parts and Displays

A (S/A/Hcalculation)button

Diffusermounting index

Receptormounting index

Accessory-receptor jack(with cap)

POWER button

ISO button

M (Memory)buttonMeasuringbuttonData panel

MODE buttonFNo./Ev button

Sync terminal

Up/down control

Batterychamber cover

Strap eyelet

21

5

43

Pointers

E4 E5


Data panel displaysFor the purpose of explanation, the diagram below shows all indicators thatlight up on the LCD.

1. Analog scale / PointersPointers mark FNo. (f-number) values. Pointers light up to indicate measurement values (f-number) on ananalog scale. When using the memory function or other functions, up tofour pointers can be lit up at the same time, indicating two readings inmemory (two pointers), the average of these two values, and the latestmeasurement value. The small digit to the right of the two-digit reading (f-number) on thedigital readout indicates a fractional value between stops. The valueshown on the analog display is rounded down or up to the nearest 0.5stops (0.2 stops is rounded down to 0, 0.3 and 0.7 stops are rounded to0.5, and 0.8 stops is rounded up to 1, i.e. the next full stop).

lights up if a reading is under the meters display range.lights up if a reading is over the meters display range.

2. Shutter speed/framing-rate displayDisplays the current shutter speed or framing-rate, which is set with theup/down control.When shutter speed is between 0.6 to 50 sec, s is displayed; between 1min. and 30 min., m is displayed.Setting range: Shutter speed: 30 min. to 1/8000 sec. (1, 1/2, 1/3 stops)

Framing-rate: 8 to 128 f/s

3. Film speed displayDisplays the film speed, which is set using the ISO button and up/downcontrol. Alt is displayed when the meter is in mode.Setting range: ISO 3 to 8000

4. Over-/under-range indicatorsor blinks if the reading is out of the meters measurement range

or display range.

5. Digital readoutDisplays the f-number (when display units are set to FNo.) or exposurevalue (when display units are set to Ev), in increments of 0.1 stops.When measuring flash light, only the f-number (FNo.) is displayed.When measuring brightness difference, readings are displayed in Ev.Display range: f-number (FNo.) 1.0 to 90+0.9 stops

Exposure value (Ev) -17 to 40.8

E6 E7


8. Measuring mode displayPress the MODE button repeatedly to select and display one of thethree measuring modes: AMBI, CORD or NON CORD. The measuringmode changes in the following order each time the MODE button ispressed: AMBI CORD NON CORD AMBI ...

9. Reflected-light indicatorThis indicator lights up when you use a reflected-light attachment orViewfinder 5.

10. Analyze scaleThis indicates the approximate proportion of flash light in the totalexposure when measuring flash light.

11. Flash light measuring indicatorThis indicator lights up during measurement in CORD mode and NONCORD mode.

12. Brightness difference function indicatorThis indicator lights up when you press the A (S/A/H calculation)button. For details of the brightness difference function, see page 46.

7

12

6

109 8

11

6. Memory indicatorWhen you press the M button to store a reading in memory, one ofthese dots lights up. If one reading is stored in memory, one dot isdisplayed; if two readings are in memory, two dots are displayed.

7. S/A/H (Calculation mode) indicators: This lights up when you press the A (S/A/H calculation)

button.

/ : S or H can be selected by using the up/down control whileholding down the A (S/A/H calculation) button duringreflected-light readings.Select to measure the exposure of shadow areas; select to measure highlight areas.

Battery

The instrument uses a singlealkaline dry cell (LR-6/1.5 V).

Preparations

E8 E9

Preparations

3 Replace the batterychamber cover.

The meter will not work if thebattery is inserted in the wrongdirection.

1 Remove the batterychamber cover by slidingit lightly in the direction ofthe arrow.

2 Insert the battery with theplus (+) and minus (-)ends oriented according tothe diagram in the batterychamber.

1. Preparing

2. Inserting

E11

Preparations

Setting film speed

To set the film speed, use the up/down control while holdingdown the ISO button. Each time you press , the film speed increases by 1/3-stop. Holding

down the button increases the value continuously. Even if you continuepressing , the maximum setting is ISO 8000.

Each time you press , the film speed decreases by 1/3-stop. Holdingdown the button decreases the value continuously. Even if you continuepressing , the minimum setting is ISO 3.

Be sure to set film speed to the correct setting, since all measurementresults are based on the set value.

If you change the film speed after you take a measurement, the readingwill be recalculated and displayed accordingly.

The instrument automaticallychecks the battery when power ison.After a new battery is installed, thedisplay appears as shown belowafter the power is turned on.

If you turn on the meter when thebattery power is running low, bcand a battery level indicator willappear on the display for approx.0.5 sec. before the normal displayappears.

Preparations

E10

To conserve battery power, themeter automatically switchesitself off if no operation hasbeen performed forapproximately 10 minutes.To commence measurementwhen the display is switched off,press the POWER button. (At this time, all settings for filmspeed, shutter speed,measuring mode and displayunits are saved, but the lastreading and values in memoryare lost.)

3. Checking

If you turn the power on whenthere is not enough battery powerto take measurements, or if thebattery runs low duringmeasurement, a blinking bo willdisplay for approx. 1 min. and thenthe display will switch off. If thishappens, replace the battery witha new one.

E13E12

Preparations

Align the white dot on the diffuserwith the index on the meterreceptor head, push the diffuserinto the receptor head, and turnthe diffuser clockwise until it stops.(To connect the Mini receptor,insert its plug into the accessory-receptor jack.)

Rotate the diffuser anticlockwiseuntil it stops, and pull the diffuserto detach it.

To take an incident-light reading, position the meter near the subjectand aim the Spherical Diffuser directly at the camera. The receptor can rotate through a range of 270 degrees, so that you

can use the meter in an almost any photographic configuration.

Attaching the SphericalDiffuser

Removing the SphericalDiffuser

Preparations

Selecting a measuring methodYou can choose between two measuring methodsincident-lightreading and reflected-light reading, according to the shootingconditions or purpose of the image.When used with its various accessories, the MINOLTA AUTO METER VFcan perform exposure measurements in either of these two ways. Toperform an incident-light reading, the AUTO METER VF is used with theSpherical Diffuser, Mini receptor or Flat Diffuser. To perform a reflected-light reading, the meter is used with the Viewfinder 5 (acceptance angle of5) or reflected-light attachment (acceptance angle 40). The Spherical Diffuser for incident-light readings is supplied as a

standard accessory with the AUTO METER VF. Accessories other than the Spherical Diffuser are sold separately. (See

page 61.)

1. Incident-light readingsWhen performing incident-light readings, use the Spherical Diffuser forthree-dimensional subjects such as portraits, and architectural orlandscape photographs. Use the Flat Diffuser when you photograph flatsurfaces such as documents or paintings, or when you want to measurelighting ratio (See page 51.). When you want to photograph small three-dimensional objects, use the Mini receptor, which enables readings ofminute objects.

Preparations

E15E14

Exposure can be measured in two basic ways. One way is to measure thelight incident on the subject, i.e. the brightness of light illuminating thesubject (illuminance) (see Fig. 1); the other is to measure the light reflectedby the subject, i.e. the intensity of the light reflected from the subject in thedirection of the camera (luminance) (see Fig. 2).Fig. 1 Incident-light method Fig. 2 Reflected-light method

Before selecting the most suitable measuring method, you need to fullyunderstand the different sources of light you are working with, as well asthe influence of the positions and direction of receptors duringmeasurement.

Incident-light readingsIn general photography, light from the illuminating light source reflects offthe subject and passes through the lens to form an image on the film, andto expose the film.To accurately calculate exposure in incident-light readings, you need toknow how much of the illuminating light is actually reflected from the objectto the camera. To do this, you need to know how light or how dark thesubject is, i.e. the reflectance of the subject.Since a typical value of reflectance for many scenes is 18%*, this value isused to calculate the light intensity reflected from the subject towards thecamera. The exposure reading (f-number and shutter speed) are thencalculated to reproduce the metered area as a midtone with 18%reflectance.

Difference between incident-light and reflected-light readings

Incident-lightLight source

CameraReflected-light

Light source

Camera

Preparations

To use a meter for reflected-light measurements, you need to use one ofthe reflected-light attachment II (40 acceptance angle). The exposure isbased on the average of the light reflected from all subjects within themeter's field of view (approximately 40). If you need to do selectivemetering or take spot measurements of specific parts of a subject, use theViewfinder 5 (5 acceptance angle). (See page 17.) To attach and detach these accessories, follow the same procedure as

described for the Spherical Diffuser. (Attach and detach devices byrotating the holder (ring).)

2. Reflected-light readings

Vertical mounting Horizontal mounting

To take a reflected-light reading, aim the meter's receptor head fromthe camera position so that it reads the area you want to measure. The receptor can rotate through a range of 270 degrees, so that you

can use the meter in an almost any photographic configuration.

Preparations

E17E16

Preparations

Reflected-light readingsReflected-light exposure readings directly measure the amount of light(luminance) reflected from the subject to the camera. Unlike the case ofincident-light readings, this method does not rely on the assumption of astandard subject reflectance of 18%. Based on the measured amount oflight falling on the subject, the meter calculates the appropriate exposurevalue for reproducing the subject on film at a suitable medium density(midtone). This means that in reflected-light readings, all subjects,regardless of their reflectance, i.e. regardless of whether they are bright ordark (white or black), will be reproduced at the same tonal density(midtone). For this reason, when making reflected-light exposure readings,it is important to decide which area of the subject to measure, since thereflectance will generally vary quite widely over the composition underdifferent conditions.There are two basic methods for making reflected-light exposure readings.These methods use different distances and angles between exposuremeter and subject. One method is averaging metering, where theexposure of the entire composition is measured (Fig. 4). The other isselective metering, where illumination is measured only for a specific partof the composition (Fig. 5).

Fig. 4 Averaging metering Fig. 5 Selective metering

Thus, incident-light readings are based on this standard value of 18%reflectance. This means that areas of subjects having a reflectance higherthan 18% will turn out brighter (e.g. white), while areas of reflectance lowerthan 18% will turn out darker (e.g. black). This will produce a clear contrastin the picture of the subject. From this, we can see that this measuringmethod provides for natural tonal range over the entire composition.* The value of 18% has been determined to be a typical reflectance

value for many different subjects.

Fig. 3

To make effective incident-light exposure readings, you must use theSpherical Diffuser and Flat Diffuser creatively.When photographing three-dimensional objects such as people, thehighlights and shadow areas of a composition depend on the direction ofthe main illuminating light source. Exposure is also influenced by any lightreflected towards the camera from the sides or rear of the subject (Fig. 3(a)). In these situations, the Spherical Diffuser captures the illuminatinglight coming from different directions at the position of the subject, so thatthe exposure reading takes into account the contribution of this light onilluminating the subject.On the other hand, with flat subjects such as pictures and documents, lightfrom the sides or rear of the subject generally make little or no contributionto illuminating the subject (Fig. 3 (b)). So, for these situations, accurateexposure readings are made using a Flat Diffuser to capture only theilluminating light from the front of the subject.

(a) (b)

Three-dimensional

subjectsFlat subjects

E19E18

Preparations Basic OperationHere we explain the basics of using the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF totake exposure readings.

Select a measuring method Flash light refers to artificial momentary lighting from light sources such

as electronic flashes, strobe flashes, and speed lights. Ambient light refers to continuous lighting from sources such as natural

light (sunlight) and electric lights (including fluorescent lights). In either case, both incident-light exposure readings and reflected-light

exposure readings can be made.

Are you using a still camera?Are you using a cine camera?

With a stillcamera

With a cinecamera

Alt mode Alt mode

Select TIME Select CINE

Type of light source tomeasure

Ambient light Flash light(mixedlight)

Are you using a sync cord?

With a synccord

Without async cord

AMBI mode (p. 20)

CORDmode (p. 27)

NON CORDmode (p. 32)

AMBI mode (p. 20)

In averaging metering, all the reflected light from the entire subject that fitswithin the field of view of the meter is measured using a receptor with arelatively wide acceptance angle. If the average reflectance of the entiresubject is close to 18%, the exposure reading will be close to the valueproduced by an incident-light reading. For this kind of situation, this is thefastest and easiest kind of reflective-light reading to make.However, if there is a large bright or dark area within the camera's field ofview, or if there is any backlighting, these factors may cause the exposurereading to be too high or too low. So, caution is needed in these situations.In selective metering, measurements are taken so that only light reflectedfrom a specific, selected part of the subject falls within the acceptanceangle of the meter. This is achieved by using a receptor with a narrowacceptance angle, or by placing the receptor sufficiently close to thesubject. Since the meter is not affected by light from other parts of thecomposition, the selected part of the subject is reproduced on film at asuitable tonal density. When the measured part has a normal reflectance,e.g. human skin, then, as in the case of averaging metering, the exposurereading will give a very similar result to incident-light reading. Thus, forphotographing subjects of normal reflectance, such as people, this methodoffers highly accurate exposure readings. However, this method can causeproblems if you selectively measure very bright (high reflectance) or verydark (low reflectance) subjects, because the meter assumes that the wholeimage should have the same tonal density as the selected area. So takespecial care about which part of a subject you select to measure whenusing selective metering.

There are various advanced selective area metering methods, such asthe highlight standard exposure method, where an exposure reading istaken of a bright (white) part of the composition; the shadow standardexposure method, where a dark (black) part of the composition ismeasured; and a method for determining exposure by evaluating thecontrast of the subject and then forecasting how it will come out on film.To make full use of selective metering, refer to specialist books andphoto magazines. You will find that selective metering can give youvery precise control over exposure.

E21E20

Basic Operation

3 Use the up/down controlto set the desired shutterspeed.

Shutter speed can be set withinthe range of 30 min. to 1/8000sec.

Each time you press , theshutter speed increases.Holding down increases thevalue continuously. The shutterspeed cannot be increased toabove 1/8000 sec., even if youcontinue pressing.

Each time you press , theshutter speed decreases.Holding down decreasesthe value continuously. Theshutter speed cannot bedecreased to below 30 min.,even if you continue pressing.

The shutter speed can also bechanged after meter readings.

4 Press the display-selectorbutton to set the exposuredisplay units to FNo. orEv.

Basic Operation

Battery (p. 8)

Film speed (p. 11)

Incident-light reading andreflected-light reading (p. 12)

1. With a still camera

Measuring ambient light

2 Press the MODE button toswitch the mode display toAMBI.

When the measuring mode ischanged, previous readings andvalues in memory are deleted.

1 Prepare the meter to starttaking readings.

Display units are Ev

The exposure is displayed in unitsof Ev (exposure value), regardlessof the shutter speed setting.Shutter speed, the analog scaleand the pointers along the analogscale are shown in the same wayas when the meter is set to FNo.display.Ex.: The display shows a reading

of 11.2 (Ev). The shutter speed and FNo.corresponding to the shutterspeed are displayed on the analogscale.

If the reading is outside themeasurement range of this meter,E (error) will be displayed on thedigital readout, and (over) or

(under) will blink to indicatethat the measurement is out ofrange.

Display exampleDispaly units are FNo.

If you set your desired shutterspeed, the f-number required forproper exposure at that shutterspeed is displayed on the digitalreadout. The reading is alsodisplayed on the analog scale by apointer ( ).Ex.: The display shows a reading

of F4.0+0.2-stops.

If the exposure reading is outsidethe display range of the meter, thef-number is not displayed. Instead,FNo. and (over) or (under)will blink to indicate that thereading is out of range. The or

indicator on the analogscale will light. If the reading isover the display range, reset theshutter speed to a faster value; ifit's under the display range, resetto a slower shutter speed. In thisway, you will be able to determinean appropriate combination ofshutter speed and f-number.

E23E22

Basic Operation

If the reading is outside themeasurement range of this meter,E (error) will be displayed on thedigital readout, and (over) or (under) will blink to indicate thatthe measurement is out of range.

Basic Operation

5 Press the measuringbutton to take readings.

The meter will continue to takereadings as long as themeasuring button is held down.As readings are taken, theresults are displayed on thedigital readout in the units set instep 4.

When you release themeasuring button, the meterstops taking measurements andthe last reading will remain onthe digital readout.

E25E24

Basic Operation

3 Use the up/down controlto set the framing-rate ofthe camera you are using.

Eight framing-rates can be set:8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 64,and 128 frames/sec. (Theappropriate shutter speed,corresponding to a shutteropening of 180, is setautomatically by the exposuremeter.)

If the opening of your camerasshutter is not 180, the film speedshould be adjusted as follows.

Shutter opening and film speedadjustment

Shutter opening Film-speed adjustment

160 -1/3220 +1/3

-1/3: Set the film speed to 1/3-stop slower than the filmspeed you are using.(Ex.: ISO 400 to 320)

+1/3: Set the film speed to 1/3-stop faster than the filmspeed you are using.(Ex.: ISO 400 to 500)

Battery (p. 8)

Film speed (p. 11)


Basic Operation

2. With a cine camera

2 In CINE mode, themeasuring mode is fixedto AMBI.

Measuring mode cannot bechanged.


E27E26

Basic Operation

Battery (p. 8)

Film speed (p. 11)



1. With a sync cord

Measuring flash light

2 Press the MODE button toswitch the mode display toCORD.


Settings for shutter speed anddisplay units are automaticallyadjusted as follows.1/640 to 1/8000 sec.:

adjusted to 1/500 sec.1.3 sec. to 30 min.:

adjusted to 1 sec.Ev: adjusted to FNo.

Basic Operation

4 Press the display-selectorbutton to set the exposuredisplay units to FNo. orEv.

When the meter is set to displayin Ev, FNo. is also displayed onthe analog scale.

5 Press the measuringbutton to take readings.

The meter will continue to takereadings as long as themeasuring button is held down.As readings are taken, theresults are displayed on thedigital readout in the units set instep 4. Readings are displayedon the analog scale at the sametime.

* Display example is the same as the case of a still camera. (Refer topage 22.)

Display example

The f-number corresponding to theshutter speed set in step 4 isdisplayed on the digital readout aswell as on the analog scale.The proportion of flash lightilluminating the composition isshown on the analyze scale.Ex.: The display shows an f-

number reading of F8.0+0.9-stops.

If the exposure reading is outsidethe display range of the meter, thef-number is not displayed. Instead,FNo. and (over) or (under)will blink to indicate the reading isout of range. The or indicatoron the analog scale will light.

E29E28

Basic Operation

5 Press the measuringbutton to take a reading.

The flash light is released andthe meter takes a single readingand displays the result on thedigital readout. The reading isalso displayed on the analogscale. The proportion of flashlight illuminating thecomposition is shown on theanalyze scale.

If there is no flash connected tothe sync terminal, the metermeasures and displays theexposure for ambient light only.

After confirming that the flashis completely recharged, takea reading.

If you change the shutterspeed setting after taking aflash light reading, the FNo.and analyze scale will changeaccordingly.

Basic Operation

3 Attach the flash sync cordto the meters syncterminal.

Take care when connectingthe flash to the meter, as theflash may fire.

4 Use the up/down controlto select the shutter speedof your camera.

Shutter speeds can be setwithin the range of 1 sec. to1/500 sec. (The speed can beset within the flash sync speedrange of your camera.)

Each time you press , theshutter speed increases.Holding down increases thevalue continuously. The valuecannot be increased above1/500 sec. even if you continuepressing.

Each time you press , theshutter speed decreases.Holding down decreasesthe value continuously. Thevalue cannot be decreasedbelow 1 sec. even if youcontinue pressing.

E31E30

Basic Operation

When measuring flash light using a sync cord (CORD mode), the flashmay fail to fire (e.g. if the trigger voltage of the flash is too low). In thiscase, take a reading without sync firing the flash (NON CORD mode).

Basic Operation

If the reading is outside themeasurement range of the meter,E (error) will be displayed on thedigital readout, and (over) or


E33E32

Basic Operation


Shutter speeds can be setwithin the range of 1 sec. to1/500 sec. (The speed shouldbe within the flash sync speedrange of your camera.)

Each time you press , theshutter speed increases.Holding down increases thevalue continuously. The valuecannot be increased above1/500 sec. even if you continuepressing.

Each time you press , theshutter speed decreases.Holding down decreasesthe value continuously. Thevalue cannot be decreasedbelow 1 sec. even if youcontinue pressing.

4 Press the measuringbutton and release it.

The NON CORD mode symbolblinks to indicate that the meteris waiting for the flash to take areading.

5 Fire the flash to take areading.

The meter detects the light ofthe flash and reads anddisplays the exposure on thedigital readout. The reading isalso displayed on the analogscale.

To take further readings, repeatthe process from step 4.

Basic Operation

Battery (p. 8)

Film speed (p. 11)



2. Without a sync cord

2 Set the mode display toNON CORD using theMODE button.


Settings for shutter speed anddisplay units will beautomatically adjusted asfollows.1/640 to 1/8000 sec.:

adjusted to 1/500 sec.1.3 sec. to 30 min.:

adjusted to 1 sec.Ev: adjusted to FNo.

Display example

The f-number corresponding to theshutter speed set in step 3 isdisplayed on the digital readout aswell as on the analog scale.Ex.: The display shows an f-

number reading of F8.0+0.9-stops

If the exposure reading is outsidethe display range of the meter, thef-number is not displayed. Instead,FNo. and (over) or (under)will blink to indicate the reading isout of range. The or indicatoron the analog scale will light.

E35E34

Basic Operation

If the reading is outside themeasurement range of this meter,E (error) will be displayed on thedigital readout, and (over) or


Basic Operation

If the flash does not fire within approx. one minute after the meter goesinto flash waiting mode, or if you press any button other than themeasuring button during this time, the NON CORD mode symbol willstop blinking (stay on). Then, even if you fire the flash, no reading will bemade. To change back to flash waiting mode, press the measuringbutton again.

When in NON CORD waiting mode, there is a slight risk that the metermakes an incorrect reading, by mistaking an intermittent light source,e.g. fluorescent light, as flash light.To avoid this risk, take readings in CORD mode using a synch cord.

Fire the flash according to the directions given in the users manualfor the flash.

If you change the shutter speed setting after taking a flash lightreading, the FNo. and analyze scale will change accordingly.

E37E36

Basic Operation

Using the up/down control to change the shutter speed to 1/15, we cansee how this change will affect the mix of ambient and flash light.

The aperture has changed to F4.03 andnow, only one quadrant is lit up. Thisindicates that the proportion of flash light isnow only 25% (ambient:flash ratio = 3:1).

A photograph taken under these conditions will be influenced more stronglyby the tungsten light (orange) and less strongly by the flash light (white).

On the other hand, increasing the shutter speed (within the range of sync)will have the opposite effect-photos will be more strongly influenced byflash light (white) than ambient light.

This simulation is based on controlling the ambient light by varying theshutter speed. The proportions of ambient light and flash light can also beadjusted by changing the intensity of the flash light.The intensity of flash light can be controlled either by varying the distancebetween the subject and the flash, or by changing the power (light output)of the flash.When you are controlling flash light intensity, you must take a new readingeach time one of these two factors is changed.

Basic Operation

When making flash light readings, the MINOLTA AUTO METER VF is ableto calculate the proportion of ambient light and flash light in the totalillumination.The proportion of ambient light and flash light can be checked on theanalyze scale of the display.

How to read the flash/ambient light ratioWhenever you take a flash light reading, theanalyze scale is displayed on the LCD datapanel. After a reading, you can also do asimulation to see how changes to the shutterspeed affect the proportions of ambient light andflash light.The analyze scale shows the proportion of flashlight in the total exposure reading as one of fivelevels .

Example of reading, display and simulationAssume that a tungsten lamp is used as the ambient light source. Reading of F2.80 at a shutter speed of 1/60 sec.

Two quadrants are lit up on the display,indicating that the proportion of flash lightis approx. 50% (ambient:flash ratio = 1:1).

A photograph taken under these conditions will not be strongly influencedby either the tungsten light (orange) or the flash light (white).

Analyze function for calculatingratio of flash light to ambient light

E39E38

Special Functions

3 Press the M button tostore the secondmeasurement value inmemory.

The value is stored in memory.Now a second pointer appearsat the right of the analog scaleto indicate that two values arestored in memory.

Up to two values can be storedin memory at one time. If younow take a third reading, thisvalue will also be displayed onthe analog scale with theprevious two values (twomemory values and the latestmeasurement value).

When there are two valuesalready in memory, pressing theM button deletes the oldest ofthe two values, so that the twonewest measurement valuesare stored in memory.

If you change film speed orshutter speed after pressing theM button, the stored values arechanged accordance to the newsetting. (These changes arealso reflected on the analogscale.)

If there is no reading on thedigital readout, or if the currentreading is out of the meter'smeasurement range, pressingthe M button does not have anyeffect.

To delete all values frommemory, turn the power off.

Special FunctionsHere we explain how to use the special functions of the MINOLTA AUTOMETER VF.

Memory functionUsing the M button, you can store up to two measurement values in themeter.The stored measurement values are displayed on the analog scale bypointers. As an example, you can use the meters memory function tovisually confirm the lighting ratio on the analog scale. This is a very handyfeature for tuning lighting conditions. (See page 51.)

1 Press the M button aftertaking a reading.

The measurement value isstored in memory. One pointerappears at the right of theanalog scale to indicate thatone value is stored in memory.

2 Take a second reading.

The measurement value isdisplayed on the digital readout.Now, the analog scale showsboth the current reading, asdisplayed on the digital readout,as well as the measurementvalue stored in memory in step1.

E41E40

Special Functions

Display example

When you press the A button, the average value of the two memoryvalues is displayed on the digital readout, and both the memory valuesand the average value will be displayed on the analog scale for FNo. Ifyou press the A button again, the values will be erased from thedisplay.

Apertures for measurementsin memoryNumber of values in memory

Aperture for averaged exposure

Special Functions

S/A/H (Shadow/Average/Highlight)calculationsAverage exposureThis function calculates the average of two measurement values inmemory. (This can be used with both incident-light readings and reflected-light method.) For example, if there is a wide difference in brightness withina composition, the meter stores the readings of two points in memory andthen calculates the average exposure value from these two values.

2 Use the up/down controlwhile pressing the Abutton to set the meter toA mode.

Attaching a receptor forincident-light readingsautomatically sets the meter toA mode. (In this case, themeter cannot be set to S or Hmode.)Measurement values that arenot stored in memory cannot beused in average exposurecalculations.

1 Take two readings of asubject (e.g. highlight andshadow area) and storethe two measurementvalues in memory.

If you press the A button when there are not two values stored inmemory, the following will occur: If there is one value in memory.

blinks and the value in memory is displayed. If there is no value in memory and the current measurement value is

displayed on the digital readout:blinks and the measurement value is stored in memory and

displayed. If there is no value in memory and no reading on the digital readout:

Nothing changes. After you finish averaging, press the A button again to return to

normal measuring mode. (The values in memory will remainunchanged.)

E43E42

Special Functions

When you press the A button, the aperture required for properexposure of the shadow area will be calculated, and the result will bedisplayed on the digital readout and on the analog scale for FNo. If youpress the A button again, all values will be erased from the display.

If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, themeter will determine the exposure for the darkest area measured andstored in memory. The meter can only make shadow exposurecalculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are nomeasurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriateexposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).

If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the shadowexposure calculation, the shadow areas will be accurately reproducedon film as shadows.

Display example

In the above example, the shadow exposure for the darkest measured area(aperture: F2.0+0.0) was determined.

Apertures for measurementsin memoryAperture for shadow exposure

Aperture for shadow exposure

Special Functions

Shadow calculations (for reflected-light readingsonly)When you want to reproduce some detail in the darkest areas of acomposition (shadow areas) without blocking them out, take a reflected-light reading of the shadow area and use the meters shadow exposurecalculation function to determine the appropriate exposure for the shot.

1 Take a reading of theshadow area of thesubject.

2 Use the up/down controlwhile pressing the Abutton to set the meter toS mode.

Unless an accessory forreflected-light readings(Viewfinder 5, reflected-lightattachment II) is attached, it isnot possible to set the meter toS mode.

E45E44

Special Functions

When you press the A button, the aperture required for properexposure of the highlight area will be calculated, and the result will bedisplayed on the digital readout and on the analog scale for FNo. If youpress the A button again, all values will be erased from the display.

If there are any measurement values already stored in memory, themeter will determine the exposure for the brightest area measured andstored in memory. The meter can only make highlight exposurecalculations with measurements stored in memory. If there are nomeasurements stored in memory, the meter determines the appropriateexposure based on the latest measurement (displayed reading).

If you take photographs according to the aperture given by the highlightexposure calculation, the highlight areas will be accurately reproducedon film as highlights.

Display example

In the above example, the highlight exposure for the brightest areameasured (aperture: F16+0.5 stops) was determined.

Aperture for highlight exposureApertures formeasurements in memoryAperture for highlight exposure

Special Functions

Highlight calculations (for reflected-lightreadings only)When you want to reproduce some detail in the brightest areas of acomposition (highlight area), without washing them out, take a reflected-light reading of the highlight area and use the meters highlight exposurecalculation function to determine the appropriate exposure.

1 Take a reading of thehighlight area of thesubject.

2 Use the up/down controlwhile pressing the Abutton to set the meter toH mode.

Unless an accessory forreflected-light readings(Viewfinder 5, reflected-lightattachment II) is attached, it isnot possible to set the meter toH mode.

E47E46

Special Functions

Measuring brightnessdifference relative toan exposure reading

1 Take a reading and thenpress the A button.

turns on to indicate themeasurement value is fixed.(In this case, the fixedmeasurement value isF8.0+0.9-stops.)

2 Press the measuringbutton to take a reading ofthe area whose brightnessyou want to compare withthe fixed value.

In AMBI mode Pressing the measuring button

takes continuous readings. Aseach reading is taken, theexposure difference betweenthe current measurement valueand the fixed measurementvalue of step 1 is displayed.When you release themeasuring button, the fixedreference value of step 1 isdisplayed.

In CORD mode Each time you press the

measuring button, the flash isfired and a single exposurereading is taken. While themeasuring button is pressed,the exposure differencebetween the currentmeasurement value and thefixed measurement value ofstep 1 is displayed. When yourelease the measuring button,the fixed measurement value ofstep 1 is displayed again. (Thedata panel display is the samein AMBI mode.)

If you press the A button, thedisplay reverts to normal displaymode. (The value measured instep 1 is stored in memory.)

Fixed measurement value

Special Functions

Brightness difference functionPressing the A button after a normal measurement, or after performingan averaging calculation, fixes the current reading or calculated average asa reference value for difference calculations. Thus, when the next readingis made, the measurement value is displayed on the digital readout of themeter in terms of its difference relative to the fixed reference value oraveraged reference value.This function is useful for various photography or motion film situations. Itallows you to quickly check the brightness differences between one part ofa composition and another, (e.g. front and background), or to measure theunevenness of illumination over a scene, by directly showing exposuredifferences between the current reading and a reference exposure value(previous measurement value or averaged reference value fixed using theA button).This function can also be used for directly measuring the lighting ratio of ascene, by showing the exposure difference between the shadow andhighlight areas of a composition, for highly precise lighting designs.

The brightness difference function can be used in AMBI mode andCORD mode. Exposure differences cannot be displayed in NON CORDmode, even if you take readings.

Displayable range of exposure differences is 10.0Ev (0.1Ev steps).

E49E48

Special Functions

Measuring brightnessdifference after anaveraging calculation

1 Take two readings andstore them in memory,then press the A button.

turns on and the averagedvalue is displayed on the digitalreadout and fixed. (In this case,the fixed average value isF8.0+0.0-stops.)

2 Press the measuringbutton to take a reading ofthe area whose brightnessyou want to compare withthe fixed value.

In AMBI mode Pressing the measuring button

takes continuous readings. Aseach reading is taken, theexposure difference betweenthe current measurement valueand the fixed averaged value ofstep 1 is displayed. When yourelease the measuring button,the averaged reference value ofstep 1 is displayed.

In CORD mode Each time you press the

measuring button, the flash isfired and a single exposurereading is taken. While themeasuring button is pressed,the exposure differencebetween the currentmeasurement value and thefixed averaged value of step 1is displayed. When you releasethe measuring button, the fixedaveraged value of step 1 isdisplayed again. (The datapanel display is the same inAMBI mode.)

Fixed average value(average of F5.6 and F11)

Special Functions

Current measurement value(In AMBI mode, measurementsare made continuously while themeasuring button is pressed. Thepositions of the pointers changeaccordingly.)

Fixed measurement value

This shows that the currentlymeasured area is 1.5 stops darkerthan the fixed measurementvalue.(In AMBI mode, measurementsare made continuously while themeasuring button is pressed. Thereading on the digital readoutchanges accordingly.)

Current measurement value(Measurement value whenmeasuring button is released)Fixed measurement value

The display reverts to the fixedmeasurement value.

When you release the measuring button:

E51

Special Functions

E50

The lighting ratio is the brightness ratio between the highlight and shadowareas of a composition. For example, if the difference in measurementvalues (exposure difference) obtained by an incident-light reading is onestop, the lighting ratio is 2:1; if its two stops, the ratio is 4:1. In general,lighting ratios from 4:1 to 8:1 (exposure difference of 2 to 3 stops) areconsidered best when using color films, since these ratios allow colors tobe reproduced naturally.

By adjusting the lighting ratio, you can control the subjects highlight-to-shadow relationship or the relationship between the main subject and thebackground when photographing people or objects in a studio.To check lighting characteristics such as the brightness difference betweena main subject and background, a Spherical Diffuser can be used in mostcases. However if a subject is receiving light from different directions, it isnecessary to measure the brightness of the individual light sourcesilluminating it, using a Flat Diffuser (incident-light reading, see page 15).

This allows control over the shadow areas of the main subject.By replacing a Spherical Diffuser with a Flat Diffuser, the brightness of lightsources illuminating a subject can be measured individually, and thelighting ratio can be checked easily. In addition, you can use the metersmemory function and brightness difference function to read these valueseasily.

Measuring lighting ratio using theFlat Diffuser

Special Functions

Fixed averaged value

Current measurement value(In AMBI mode, measurementsare made continuously while themeasuring button is pressed. Thepositions of the pointers changeaccordingly.)

This shows that the currentlymeasured area is 0.5 stopsbrighter than the fixed averagedvalue.(In AMBI mode, measurementsare made continuously while themeasuring button is pressed. Thereading on the digital readoutchanges accordingly.)

Current measurement value(Measurement value whenmeasuring button is released)Fixed averaged value

The display reverts to the fixedaveraged value.

When you release the measuring button:

Special Functions

E53

Special Functions

E52

5 Set the display units toFNo.

6 Position the meter by thesubject, and take areading with the FlatDiffuser facing towardsthe main (key) lightsource.

Battery (p. 8)

Film speed (p. 11)1 Attach a Flat Diffuser to

the receptor of theinstrument. See page 13for details on how toattach a Flat Diffuser.

3 Set the measuring modeaccording to the lightsource to be measured.


2 Prepare the meter fortaking a reading.

E55

Special FunctionsSpecial Functions

E54

Using the brightness difference function of the instrument, the lighting ratiocan be read with an accuracy of 0.1 stops.

Alternatively, instead of storing the readings in memory, as explained instep 7 on the previous page, the following method can be used:

7 Press the A button. A is displayed on the data panel, andthe exposure reading for the main light source is fixed.

8 Take a reading with the Flat Diffuser facing towards the filllight source. While holding down the measuring button, thedifference (or lighting ratio) between the fill light sourceexposure and main light source exposure, which was fixed instep 7, is displayed directly on the digital readout. Read thevalue.

The lighting ratio of main light source to fill light source can be calculatedfrom the following table.

Table for determining lighting ratioBrightness differences Brightness ratio between main light source (exposure differences) and fill light source (lighting ratio)

+1.0 (1 stop) 2:1+2.0 (2 stops) 4:1+3.0 (3 stops) 8:1+4.0 (4 stops) 16:1+5.0 (5 stops) 32:1+6.0 (6 stops) 64:1+7.0 (7 stops) 128:1

The formula for calculating the lighting ratio is:

Main light:Fill light = 2Difference:1

Difference can be either brightness difference in EV or difference instops between apertures.

7 Press the M button tostore the measurementvalue.

8 Next, position the meterby the subject and take areading with the FlatDiffuser facing the fill lightsource. When taking thisreading, block out all lightfrom the main light sourcewith your hands or othermeans, so that it does notdirectly fall on the FlatDiffuser, or if possible,turn off the main lightsource.

The two pointers on the analogscale indicate the brightness ofthe main light source and thebrightness of the fill light source.

Read the difference in exposureof the two values.

The reading accuracy of theanalog scale is 0.5 stops.

E57E56

Special Functions Special Functions

Ev-lx conversion table (with Flat Diffuser attached)

.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9

-2 0.63 -1 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7-0 2.5 2.3 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.3+0 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.4 4.71 5.0 5.4 5.7 6.2 6.6 7.1 7.6 8.1 8.7 9.32 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 193 20 21 23 25 26 28 30 33 35 374 40 43 46 49 53 57 61 65 70 755 80 86 92 99 110 110 120 130 140 1506 160 170 180 200 210 230 240 260 280 3007 320 340 370 390 420 450 490 520 560 6008 640 690 740 790 840 910 970 1000 1100 12009 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2100 2200 2400

10 2600 2700 2900 3200 3400 3600 3900 4200 4500 480011 5100 5500 5900 6300 6800 7200 7800 8300 8900 1000012 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 15000 16000 17000 18000 1900013 21000 22000 24000 25000 27000 29000 31000 33000 36000 3800014 41000 44000 47000 50000 54000 58000 62000 67000 71000 7600015 82000 88000 94000 100000 110000 120000 120000 130000 140000 15000016 160000 180000 190000 200000 220000 230000 250000 270000 290000 31000017 330000 350000 380000 400000 430000 460000 500000 530000 570000 61000018 660000 700000 750000 810000 860000 930000 990000 1100000 1100000 1200000

Decimal

Integeral

Using as a simplified illuminancemeterAttach the Flat Diffuser (optional accessory), to the meter. Take a readingof ambient light in AMBI mode by holding the Flat Diffuser parallel to thesurface you want to measure, then read the Ev value from the meter. Now,look up the approximate illuminance from the Ev-lx conversion table on thenext page. Film speed is set to ISO100 and display units are set to Ev. If the instrument has been recalibrated, set it back to the standard

setting of 0 using Alt mode.

If you need to measure illuminance precisely, use the MINOLTADIGITAL ILLUMINANCE METER T-10, which is designed specifically forthis function.

How to read the Ev-lx conversion tableThe Ev-lx conversion table lists the integer component of Ev valuesvertically and the decimal fraction components of Ev values horizontally.For example, if the meter displays a reading of Ev 10.2, the row for theinteger 10 and the column for the decimal 0.2 intersect at 2900 lx, thecorresponding illuminance value.

E59

Special Functions

display display

1 Turn the power on whilepressing the ISO button,or press the ISO button inAlt mode.

2 Use the up/down controlto set the step value.

Choose from values of 1.0 (1),0.5 (1/2) and 0.3 (1/3).

Displays intermediate readingsbetween f-numbers as FNo. + 1/10stops

1 Turn the power on whilepressing the display-selector button, or pressthe display-selector buttonin Alt mode.

For quickly reading valuesbetween f-numbers (e.g F3.5,F4.5)2 Use the up/down control

to select FNo. display. Choose your preferred display

method from the two optionsabove.

3) FNo. display Specifies FNo. display

2) Shutter speed incrementsChoose between increments of 1/2-stop, 1/3-stop and 1-stop,according to the shutter speed settings your camera.

E58

Special Functions

Custom settings mode (Alt mode)1. Alt mode

To adjust the meter's operation settings to your preferences, set the meterto Alt mode by pressing the POWER button while holding down either theISO button, display-selector button, MODE button, or measuring button.Once in Alt mode, you can switch setting modes by using the ISO button,display-selector button, MODE button or measuring button, and you canchange setting values using the up/down control.After specifying your desired value, confirm the setting by turning thepower off and then on.

Setting & InitialSetting item Operation selection value

valuesExposure correction value Measuring button + power on -10.0 to +10.0 0Shutter speed increments ISO button + power on 1, 1/2, 1/3 1FNo. display FNo./Ev button + power on 00.000 000TIME/CINE setting MODE button + power on TIME, CINE TIME

1) Exposure correction valueThis sets the exposure correction value. The set value is displayedwhen you turn the power on.You can adjust this setting to recalibrate the meter to your choice ofexposure values, or when you want to calibration more than oneexposure meter to the same exposure range.

1 Turn the power on whilepressing the measuringbutton, or press themeasuring button in Altmode.

Alt is displayed bottom left andEv0.0 is displayed.

2 Use the up/down controlto set the correction value.

Display changes in incrementsof 0.1Ev. You can set the valueup to 10.0Ev.

E61

Accessories

Flat Diffuser

With this diffuser attached, theAUTO METER VF can be used tomeasure lighting contrast (ratio ofbrightness) and exposure for flatsubjects.

Mini Receptor

This small remote receptorprovides 12 mm-diametermeasurement of incident light inotherwise inaccessible positions. Itis particularly useful for close-upsand photomicrography. When using the Mini Receptor,

attach the Spherical Diffuser(supplied as standard) to themeter.

Reflected-light attachment II

This is a receptor for use inreflected-light readings. With anangle of acceptance ofapproximately 40, this attachmentis used for making reflected-lightreadings corresponding to the fieldof view of most normal lenses.

Viewfinder 5

This is a reflected-light receptorwith a 5 angle of acceptance. Byattaching this to the AUTO METERVF instead of a Spherical Diffuser,the meter can perform spotmeasurements. A close-rangecorrection index is employed formeasurements of subjects atdistances of around 1m.

E60

Special Functions

4) TIME/CINE settingSwitches between shutter speed and framing-rate in AMBI modeNote that it is not possible to switch to another measuring mode(CORD or NON CORD) while the framing-rate setting is active.

1 Turn the power on whilepressing the MODEbutton, or press theMODE button while in Altmode.

2 Use the up/down controlto set the shutter-speed orframing-rate value youdesire.

TIME display CINE display

Reference: How to reset to initial settingsYou can reset various settings changed in custom setting mode to theirinitial values (default factory settings).1. Turn the power on.2. Hold down the POWER button for approx. 2 sec. while pressing the M

button. Power turns off and custom settings are reset to their initial values.

E63

Care and Storage

1. Care1) If the meter gets dirty, it can be wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use

solvents such as thinners or benzene at all.2) If the Spherical Diffuser becomes stained, remove it from the meter,

wash the diffuser carefully in water with a mild detergent, and rinse anddry the diffuser thoroughly before reattaching it to the meter.

3) Never attempt to disassemble the meter if it becomes damaged orfaulty. Please contact a Minolta Service Facility.

2. Storage1) The meter should not be stored in areas where it may be subject to

temperatures higher than 55C (131F) or lower than -20C (-4F), or inareas subject to high humidity. It is recommended that the meter bestored in an airtight container together with a drying agent such assilica gel.

2) Do not leave the meter in places such as the rear window or trunk of acar, otherwise it will get extremely hot, resulting in damage. Removethe battery whenever the meter is left unused for more than 2 weeks, toavoid the risk of damage due to battery leakage.

E62

Accessories

Sync. Cord III

This is a 5-meter long cord thatconnects together the Auto MeterVF, flash unit and cameras syncterminal. Using this cord, you cantake flash exposure readings bysimply releasing the shutter,without changing any connections.

Common accessoriesItem Condition

Viewfinder10II Set exposure correction to +3.2Ev.Reflected-light attachment Set exposure correction to +3.2EvBooster II Nothing particular4X Spherical ND Diffuser Set exposure correction to +2.0Ev.8X Spherical ND Diffuser Set exposure correction to +3.0Ev.Spot Mask Nothing particular

E65

Handling Instructions

After Service1) Parts for repair of this product shall be available for at least seven years

from the time of purchase.2) For further details regarding After Service, please contact a Minolta

Service Facility.

E64

1) Do not remove the cap from the accessory receptor jack, except whenusing the Mini Receptor.

2) If the accessory receptor jack is touched while measurements are beingtaken, static electricity or induction may result in faulty measurements.

3) If the meter is used in the rain, at the seashore, or near a volcano, itmay become rusty or corroded due to water or corrosive gas. In suchsituations, be careful to protect the meter as much as possible.

4) Do not subject the meter to shock or vibration. For protection, store themeter in its case when carrying it.

5) Do not allow the diffuser to become scratched or stained.6) Do not press on or damage the data panel.7) Avoid using the meter under the following temperature conditions or

under the following situations, since it is composed of precisionelectronic parts such as LSIs and LCD elements. A) Do not use the meter in areas subject to temperatures higher than

50C (122F) or lower than -10C (14F).B) When the temperature of the meter falls below -10C (14F), the

display response becomes very slow and the display may becomevery difficult to read.

* At temperatures between 0 (0F) and -10C (14F), the displayresponse is relatively slow, but there is no risk to the meter in suchenvironmentsC) When the temperature of the meter rises above 50C (122F), the

display may become very difficult to read and the data panel will turnblack.

* If the meter is left under direct sunlight in the summer or near a heater,the temperature of the meter may get much hotter than thesurroundings. So avoid this situation.

This instrument contains a microprocessor. If it is affected byelectromagnetic interference or other influences, it may fail to functionproperly. If this happens, remove the battery and replace it.

Handling Instructions

E67

Specifications

Display range ISO: 3 to 8000 (1/3 stop increments)Shutter speed (ambient): 30 min. to 1/8000 sec. (1, 1/2, 1/3 stop increments)

Shutter speed (flash): 1 sec. to 1/500 sec. (1, 1/2, 1/3 stop increments)

Framing-rate: 8 to 128 f/sExposure: F1.0 to 90+0.9 stop (0.1 stop increments)Ev: -17 to 40.8 (0.1 stop increments)Exposure difference: -10 to +10

(0.1 stop increments)Analog scale: FNO. 1.0 to 90 (1/2 stop increments)Analyze scale: Flash light proportion 0 to 100%

(25% increments)Other functions Memory, S/A/H calculation, brightness difference

Analyze function for calculating ratio of flash light toambient light

Power One AA alkaline dry cell (LR-6/1.5 V)Battery life Approx. 50 hours: continuous reading in AMBI

mode using alkaline dry cellsOperation -10C to 50C (14F to 122F)temperature and Relative humidity 85% max. [at 35C (95F)], relative humidity no condensationrangeStorage -20C to 55C (-4F to 131F)temperature range Relative humidity 85% max. [at 35C (95F)],

no condensationOthers Accessory-receptor jack (with cap)

Display correction function -10.0 to +10.0Ev Sync terminal

Dimensions 59 (W) x 147 (H) x 26 (D) mmWeight 125 gStandard accessories Spherical Diffuser, neck strap, case*Optional accessories Viewfinder 5, reflected-light attachment II, Mini

Receptor, Sync. Cord III Specifications and external appearances described herein are subject to

change without notice.

E66

Type Hand-held exposure meter for measuring ambientand flash light

Reception method Incident-light and reflected-light readingsReceptors * optional accessory.

Incident: Spherical Diffuser, Flat Diffuser*Reflected: Viewfinder 5 (angle 5)*

Reflected-light attachment II (angle 40)*External receptor: Mini Receptor* Light-reception speed automatic switching function

for incident-light and reflected-light readings 270 rotating receptor head

Receptor element Silicon photocellMeasuring modes AMBI: Ambient light

CORD: Flash light and flash bulb light using a synccord

NON CORD: Flash light without a sync cordMeasuring range Ambient light Incident: Ev-2.0 to 19.9(ISO100) Reflected-light attachment II:

Ev2.5 to 24.4Viewfinder 5: Ev2.5 to 24.4

Flash light Incident-light readings: FNO. 1.0 to 90+0.9 stopReflected-light attachment II: FNO. 1.0 to 90+0.9 stopViewfinder 5: FNO. 1.0 to 90+0.9 stop

Repeatability 0.1 stopCalibration Incident: C=330 (Spherical Diffuser), coefficient C=250 (Flat Diffuser)

Reflected: K=14

Specifications

Minolta Co., Ltd.3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan2002 Minolta Co., Ltd.ACMBPA(4) Printed in Japan9222-8058-11

Documents

EnglishOwnersManualVF.pdf