Got a new RF-baby...

[Kent]

Actually, this cam is not the one I was looking for, but I could not turn down the offer.
What a nice little cam!
Feels really good when shooting with it! So small, really what a street RF should look like.

It's a Minolta Hi-Matic F.

The first roll is being processed, will get it back on Wednesday...
Then I see, if the Rokkor 2.7/38 is any good!

 

[Kent]

Ahmm...I forgot...

Next to the focus ring there is another ring that says (m/ft 7/22 10/32 14/45 ...).
I guess it has to do with flash control.

What do I set there if I do not use a flash gun?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[raid]

Kent: Congratulations on the camera. The lens of the Highmatic has a good reputation, so hopefully your photos will come out sharp.

Raid

 

[Jeremy Z]

Hi Kent. Congratulations on the "new" Minolta. I think that is a guide number flash system, but can't be sure without seeing a close-up. Can you post a close-up of the control in question?

If it is a guide number flash setting, you set the guide number of your fixed-output flash. Then, when you focus, the aperture changes with the focus so that you always have the right exposure. This is nice, if you have a the right guide number flash, because unlike an auto thyristor flash, it won't give false readings if your subject is backlit, or if it contains a lot of highlight or shadow areas.

However, to have the exact right guide number, you would probably need the Minolta flash that was offered with the camera.

Be sure to post some scans in this thread when you can.

 

[Kent]

Thanks, Raid and Jeremy!

I was looking for a Hi-Matic 7 SII, but I've been offered this "F"-model (which is the "cheaper" sister of th 7 SII) for a very good price in a very good condition.
So that's why I bought this instead of the 7SII.

I will get back the first pictures on Wednesday and then show some scans (if the camera worked properly!)

@Jeremy: Please have a look at the attached photo. The red arrow points at the focus ring and the green arrow points at what?
I'm also pretty sure that has to do with the flash distance. But I won't use a flash gun on this cam.
Which setting do I have to choose? Or doesn't play this any role?

Thanks!

 

[Kent]

BTW, thanks for moving this post to the correct category...

 

[Jeremy Z]

@Jeremy: Please have a look at the attached photo. The red arrow points at the focus ring and the green arrow points at what?
I'm also pretty sure that has to do with the flash distance. But I won't use a flash gun on this cam.
Which setting do I have to choose? Or doesn't play this any role?

Yes, that is the guide number of the flash you're using. Is there a setting elsewhere on the camera for any type of mode? Usually, the Guide number flash thing is activated when you set the camera to flash mode.

If there isn't a switch, maybe the camera "senses" when a flash is being used by an extra pin on the hot shoe?

If you're not using a flash, it shouldn't matter where it is set.

Here's how you can test it:

1) Unload the camera, ensure there's a good battery making good contact installed.

2) Set the Guide No. to 56, set focus to infinity, look at the lens and fire a shot. Where was the aperture? Wide open or stopped down? Set focus to its closest and repeat. Same result? (if the guide number flash thing is working, the lens aperture will be smaller at closer distances, because it is coupled to the focus.

3) Set the Guide No. to 7 and repeat. Does it look the same as it was before, or different?

I'm glad to see they gave you a generous range of Guide numbers. My Canonet only has 3 guide numbers that correspond to the Canon flashes of the day.

 

[Kent]

@Whisper: Thanks! That's what I hoped.

@Jeremy: Thanks a lot for your detailed information. I will do that...

You know what the best thing yout this cam is?
Apart from that I liked it a lot from the first time I held it in my hands, I got it for € 12,- (which is about $ 18,-).

 

[Kent]

Phots: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=540401