MINOLTA VECTISWEATHERMATIC ZOOM
1998

Serial Nr.C4903071
Minolta Code 2208

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom was introduced in 1998. This is the first APS(Advanced Photo System) underwater zoom camera for Minolta. The Vectis
Weathermatic Zoom is suitably suited to withstand dives up to 10m. depth. The 3550mm zoom lens. f.1/4-6.4 is the equivalent of a 38-63 in the 35mm format. It ismade up of 7 lenses placed in 7 groups. Focusing is ensured by an external passive
AF system with a working range of 40cm. endlessly out of the water and from 53cm.
The lens is located inside a protective glass, in the large front protuberance. The
body of the Vectis Weathermatic is yellow with gray rubber parts. On the upper side
we find, on the far left, the display window where you can see the indications of thedate window, the state of charge of the batteries, the activated self-timer signal, theinserted film and the frame counter which is of the subtractive type, i.e. whichhighlights the number of missing shots at the end of the film. Proceeding to the rightyou will first encounter the identification "Vectis Weathermatic Zoom" silkscreened inblack on two lines, then, the circular selector for settings: (OFF), [AUTO], (Anti-RedEye flash system), (intentional insertion (Flash Off), and [Night Portraits with Flashand Balanced Background]. At the right end of the upper side, in the rubberized graypart, we find: the silver colored shutter button, with double function: if pressed
partially, it locks the focus (AF) and exposure (AE) if pressed fully releases theshutter and advances the motor preparing the film and shutter for the next shot. The
shutter button is placed in an advanced position while, in the rear position, theselector (silver) for setting the focal length is positioned, which must be used bypushing it with the index finger of the right hand. If pushed to the right the selector
rotates to the left in the TELE position, vice versa when it rotates to the right it goesto the WIDE position. On the right side there is the housing for the zipper of thecarrying strap. On the rear side there is the eyepiece window, placed under aprotective glass, in the upper left corner. Immediately to its right is the black selector
for setting the C, H and P formats which return 10x15, 10x18 and 10x24cm. prints,respectively. Rotating this selector you can see how the image in the viewfinder ismasked differently in order to present the actual area that will be recorded on theprint. This system is certainly more comfortable than the one that simultaneously
shows the three bright frames of the frame limits. With reference to the choice of theframe, it is good to remember that the negative is always impressed in the maximum
format (H) and that the settings C, H, P determine only the choice of the first print. In
the upper part of the viewfinder there are references for close-up shooting while in
the upper left corner there is the LED that flashes when the flash capacitor is fully
charged. Below the viewfinder window are the two black rubber buttons that are used
to set and activate the date window and to activate the self-timer (to activate the selftimer, press the two black buttons at the same time). The Self Timer function can becanceled by turning the camera off. On the back there are also the connection for themini tripod and the battery compartment door. The large central yellow and grayprotuberance covered by a protective glass contains the lens. Above it are placed theilluminator of the Anti-Red-Eye system / self-timer signal, the window of the AF
system / of the exposure meter and the window of the viewfinder. Proceeding
towards the left side you will find the flash which is positioned in the gray rubber parton the left. Under the zip there is the wording IX-DATE. Further below, almost at thelower limit, there is the symbol of the APS system, while the wording MINOLTA withthe Rising Sun in the "O" is placed vertically on the rubberized cheek of the handle,
along the far right. On the bottom there are the threads for using the stand, the film
compartment door with the red plastic opening system (lift the left side and rotate therelease mechanism towards the OPEN position). The engraved serial number andthe words Minolta Camera Co. - Made in China, on two lines, are positioned on thefar right of the caseback. Available as optional accessories are 4 types of carrying
straps, a camera attachment system on the backpack and an adjustable strap for
positioning the camera on the waist/arm.
Powered by a 3v lithium battery. type CR2.
Weight 340g. batteries and strap excluded.
Length 128mm. Height 74.5mm. Depth 66mm.