Minolta Announces the AUTO METER VF

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September 25, 2002 – Minolta Canada will launch the AUTO METER VF (5F) as the succeeding model of the AUTO METER IV F photographic-use exposure meter that has earned wide support from amateurs to professionals.

For professional and high-level amateur photographers, shutter speed and f-number settings are very important. The illumination light received by a subject, including flash light, will have a significant influence on photographs. In view of these conditions, the photographic-use exposure meter that measures exposure at the shooting scene is an “essential” tool.

In the market of exposure meters, the AUTO METER IV F has earned a favorable reputation since it was launched in 1992, because of its operability and price. The newly available AUTO METER VF is a succeeding model of the AUTO METER IV F. In addition to the excellent operability and functionality, the AUTO METER VF provides the flash light/ambient light ratio separate display (analyze) function, shadow-based/highlight-based exposure calculation function for reflected light measurement, and the custom settings mode that allows users to specify a desired exposure correction value and shutter speed increment according to the users’ preference. Among the AUTO METER series, the AUTO METER VF is the first model providing these functions. Using these functions, users can more easily achieve the desired photographic images.

In the field of photographic-use exposure meters, which is the base of our measuring instrument business, Minolta has provided high-precision and highly-reliable products continuously for about 40 years as a leading company in this industry. We will continue to actively strive to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from amateurs to professionals.

Major Features

Intensified function for flash light measurement

The AUTO METER VF measures the flash light (momentary light) and ambient light (continuous light) exposure separately with a single measurement operation. (Flash light/ambient light portion measurement method*) The ratio of the flash light exposure in the total exposure is displayed on the quadrant analyze scale along with the measured value. (Flash light proportion display) After measurement, you can simulate the ratios of the flash light and ambient light by changing the shutter speed setting on the AUTO METER VF. This function is useful for taking a photograph with or without the influence of the ambient light on the shooting scene (e.g. modeling lamp, natural light).
* Flash light/ambient light portion measurement method: After taking flash light reading (1), the meter automatically takes ambient light reading (2) with a single measurement operation, and determines the exposure of the flash light through (1) – (2) calculation.
For flash light measurement, the CORD and NON. CORD modes are available.
The shutter speed can be specified in the range of 1 sec. to 1/500 sec.

Wide display range

For ambient light measurement, the display range is 30 min. to 1/8000 sec. For flash light measurement, the display range is1 sec. to 1/500 sec.
The display mode can be customized according to the user’s preference. The selectable shutter speed increment setting is “1-stop”, “1/2-stop” or “1/3-stop” increments. The selectable FNo. display mode is the conventional “intermediate stop display (1/10-stop increments)” or the “f-number direct-reading”** mode.
** The f-number direct-reading mode is useful for cameras providing intermediate f-number settings (e.g. F3.5, F6.5.

Versatile exposure calculation functions

In addition to the averaging function that determines an average exposure reading at any two points, the AUTO METER VF provides the shadow-based and highlight-based exposure calculation functions in reflect light measurement***. For example, if you wish to express the details of a black point on a subject, the meter can calculate the optimum exposure from standard exposure on the shadow point through reflected light measurement. On the contrary, to prevent a white subject from being saturated with white, the meter takes the exposure reading on the highlight point, and calculates the optimum exposure from the standard exposure.
*** ( when using optional accessories Reflected light Attachment II or View finder 5o)
With the memory function, the AUTO METER VF can store up to two measured values in the memory, enabling lighting ratio and contrast on a subject to be easily confirmed.

Compact, light-weight body and simple operations