Minolta 7Hi Using the BUILT-IN Flash, Flash Range Automatic Operation, Handling the Camera

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

In low-light conditions or indoors, the flash is needed to illuminate the subject and reduce blurring through camera shake. The flash can also be used as a fill light in direct sunlight to soften harsh shadows. Always remove the lens hood when using the built-in flash; the hood may cast a shadow if mounted.

To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on each side. The flash position must be set manually, and once up, the flash unit will always fire regardless of the amount of ambient light. The following indicators will appear in the upper left corner of the EVF and LCD monitors to show the flash status.

When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the red flash icon indicates the flash is charging.

When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the white flash icon indicates the flash is ready to fire.

After taking a picture, a blue flash icon appears if the flash properly exposed the subject.

Flash warning. In backlit situations, the icon appears to recommend the use of the flash.

FLASH RANGE - AUTOMATIC OPERATION

The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.

Wide-angle position	0.5m	~ 3.8m	(1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.)
Telephoto position	0.5m	~ 3.0m	(1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)

HANDLING THE CAMERA

While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with the palm of your left hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.

The electronic viewfinder can be tilted between 0° to 90°. Simply grip the finder between your fingers and move it to the position desired. Always store the camera with finder down against the body.

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT

The EVF has a built-in diopter that can be adjusted between –5.0 to +0.5. While looking through the EVF, turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the viewfinder image is sharp.

CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING

If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely, the camera-shake warning will appear on the monitors; the shutter can still be released. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto setting of the lens than at the wide-angle. The warning appears at approximately the reciprocal of the focal length used; if the lens is set at 100mm, the camera shake warning will appear at 1/100 second. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken:

•Place the camera on a tripod.

•Use the built-in flash.

•Increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) (p. 70).

•Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position.

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