MINOLTA WEATHERMATIC 35-DL
1987

Serial Nr.91503949
Minolta Code 0488

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Weathermatic 35-DL was introduced in 1987. This is the first underwaterbifocal 35mm camera for Minolta. The Weathermatic 35-DL is nothing more than an
AF 35-DL suitably equipped to withstand dives up to 5m. depth. In normal shooting
the camera is “Autofocus” while in immersion it is “Focus Free” - fixed focus with aminimum shooting distance of 1.2m. (from 1.2 to 5m. with 35mm. lens and from 1.2to 3.3 with 50mm. lens. The body of the Weathermatic 35-DL is yellow and black withgray rubber parts. On the upper side we find, on the far left, the black selector for
turning on the camera with the indications "ON" and "OFF" silk-screened in black.
Proceeding to the right we find “Weathermatic” and “35DL” silk-screened in blue on a
black background. Then we find the porthole of the additive frame counter, the word
"Lens Select" followed by the corresponding focal setting button. This selector has acyclic function to switch alternately from 35mm. to 50mm. of focal length. The shutterbutton, yellow in color and rubberized material, is located on the far right in a circularyellow frame placed in the gray rubber part that serves as a handle and battery
compartment. The shutter button has a double function: if pressed partially it locks
the focus (AF) and the exposure (AE) if pressed fully it releases the shutter andadvances the motor preparing the film and shutter for the next shot . On the left sideof the camera there is the large frame with a back opening slider. The cursor should
be moved down about 3mm. to release the block; when the back is closed, the parts
must be brought closer and the slider returned to an elevated position to lock thedoor again. On the right side of the camera there is the black frame with two rings ofrectangular section where to attach the shoulder strap for carrying the W.35-DL. On
the right side there is also the back zipper. The rear side is entirely occupied by theback door. In the upper part there is a cantilevered frame with protective glass for theviewfinder. Beyond the glass you can see the viewfinder eyepiece with a bright framecomplete with parallax indications in close-up shots and a focus area with cancelable
memory. As the set focal length changes, the frame in the viewfinder also changes(motorized variation, instantaneous), to show the correct field of view. To its right is
the red standby LED: if the flash is not fully charged, the LED lights up and thecamera freezes. To the right of the viewfinder window is the button for “Close-Upunderwater” shooting; by pressing this button the camera shoots at distances
between 0.52m and 1.3m. with the 35mm lens. and between 0.62 and 1m. with the50mm lens. On the front of the camera we find the automatic electronic flash on theleft, on its right side the porthole of the exposure meter cell. The programmed
automatic exposure ranges from EV 9 (1/40 "with f./3.5) to EV 16.2 (1/150" with f./22)
with the 35mm lens, while with the 50mm lens. the exposure is programmed from EV
10.4 (1/40" with f./5.6) to EV 17.1 (1/50" with f./30). Proceeding to the right you willfind the window of the autofocus system with the window of the viewfinder in thecenter. The word "Minolta" surmounted by the "Rising Sun" Minolta is silkscreened, inblack, just before the gray rubber grip positioned at the far right of the front. Under
the flash there is a yellow frame that protrudes from the front and which allows thetouch of the index finger of the left hand not to interfere with the flash during shooting.
The stylized abbreviation “AF” is silk-screened in black underneath. The large central
yellow and black protuberance covered by a protective glass contains the lens. On
the back we find, on the far left, a sticker with important instructions to avoid flooding
and short circuits to the camera [Important: always make sure that the battery
compartment cover is always hermetically closed ("CLOSE" position)]. Proceeding tothe right you will find the writing "Malaysia" and further to the right the serial number
silk-screened in white on a black plastic label embedded flush with the caseback. On
the far right is the battery compartment cap (4x AAA 1.5v batteries or 1 DL 223A 6vbattery) with the indications "Open and" Things "and in the center, in a recess, thereis a frame with slot to be rotated with the help of a small coin. Opening and closing
the door are not easy as it is necessary to overcome the resistance of the O-ringgasket. The sports viewfinder is available which is essential for shooting when using
the diving mask.
Weight 400g. batteries excluded.
Length 147.5mm. Height 77.5mm. Depth 65mm.

La Minolta Weathermatic 35-DL
priva dello scafandro subacqueo