Focus Assist Light on Minolta TC-1

[furcafe]

Recently picked up 1 of these used off the 'Bay. On mine, the red focus assist light comes on even when the camera is in non-flash mode, which is contrary to a statement in the instruction manual. Is the camera malfunctioning or is the manual wrong?

I would think that the instruction manual is correct if only because having the focus assist light blinking away would be rather distracting when trying to take available light candids, etc., but I would like to hear from others who may have personal experience w/the TC-1.

Thanks in advance.

 

[muf]

I just tested mine. In my bedroom at night with the main light on to light up the room. Flash switched 'off'. The red light at the front blinks as I half depress the shutter release button. Sometimes it doesn't. I would say it blinks about 7 or 8 times out of 10 presses. No idea if mine is malfunctioning...

muf

 

[furcafe]

Thanks for adding your observation. It appears that I'll be returning mine to the seller because of another problem (w/the lens cover/door). It doesn't look like it would be difficult to repair, but, unfortunately, there's apparently no one in the U.S. who fixes them since Konica-Minolta's demise.

 

[furcafe]

Mystery solved. The manual that came w/my camera is dated 1996. I found a manual on-line that is dated 2001 & on the relevant page (42) the more recent version omits the statement that "The AF Illuminator will not function if the flash is turned off."