A high quality original TTL auto flash for several Minolta and Leica manual focus SLR cameras (see below)

• Genuine Minolta flashgun
• Guide no 28m 80ft ISO 100
• Dedicated to Minolta SLRs
• TTL with X-500 X-570 X-700
• TTL with the Minolta CLE
• Program flash with X-700
• TTL with Leica R5 and R7
• Includes instruction manual
• Includes 4x AA batteries

This is a genuine Minolta flash, with dedicated TTL auto exposure control on the X-500, X-570, X-700 and CLE, and TTL Program flash on the X-700. It also works with TTL on the related Leica R5 and R7, and on other Minolta and Leica models with restrictions - see the Compatibility section below for more details. This one's in good condition and comes with instructions and batteries.

Guide number is a useful 28m (90 feet) with ISO 100 film. In TTL Auto and Manual modes, the range depends on the film speed and lens aperture. With an f/2.8 lens and ISO 400 film (or f/1.4 and ISO 100) the theoretical range is from 0.7 to 20m (2.3 to 65 feet). As usual, actual range will depend on the conditions. The flash gives sufficient coverage for lenses down to 35mm.

Full TTL (Through The Lens), OTF (Off The Film) flash metering is available on the Minolta X-500 (X-570) and X-700 SLR cameras, plus the CLE rangefinder and selected Leica R models. This is the most accurate flash system available, with readings taken directly from the film during the exposure. It works with any aperture, and automatically allows for filters and close up accessories. The camera's exposure compensation control can be used to give more or less exposure if desired, up to +/- 2 stops. With the X-700 and MD lenses, you can also use Program TTL mode, where the camera sets both shutter speed and aperture automatically. Flash range in Program TTL mode is 0.7 to 7m (2.3 to 23 feet) with ISO 100 film, and 1.4 to 10m (4.6 to 33 feet) with ISO 400.

Comprehensive scales on the rear of the flash include apertures from f/2.8 to f/16, distances from 0.7 to 20m (3 to 50 feet) and film speeds from ISO 25 to 400. An Auto OK (FDC) indicator on the rear of the flash confirms correct exposure in TTL mode. High and Low power settings are available, with thyristor circuitry for fast recycling and more flashes per set of batteries. The flash is very nicely made (in Japan), yet only weighs 220g without batteries, and has firm controls and clear scales. A locking wheel allows the flash to be fixed tightly to the camera's hot shoe. Power is supplied by 4x standard AA batteries, and Alkaline disposable (supplied) or NiCd and NiMH rechargeables can be used. The unit has contacts for the Minolta Power Grip 2 (not included), for bounce flash and even faster recycling with extra batteries.

An excellent TTL flashgun for Minolta and Leica users and collectors!

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in fully working order, and all features have been tested on suitable cameras. Cosmetically it shows just the usual signs of use with some surface scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish, mainly on the rear and around the hot shoe. The battery contacts are clean with no signs of corrosion. The JCII "Passed" quality control sticker is still in place.

No dents, dings or deep scratches, and overall it's in good shape!
At the time of listing we have more than one of this item, but the pictures and description here are representative of all of them.

Includes original instruction manual, plus new Alkaline AA batteries

Compatibility
This flash will work with Minolta TTL manual focus SLR cameras, the CLE rangefinder, and suitable Leica manual focus SLRs, plus other models with restrictions as follows:

Full TTL (Through The Lens) OTF (Off The Film) auto flash operation on the X-500 (X-570), X-700 and the CLE rangefinder camera, for the most accurate exposures possible. This system was originally invented by Minolta, and since licensed to many other manufacturers. Auto daylight fill-in flash with the X-500 (X-570) using the exposure lock. Fully auto program flash operation on the X-700. Also works on the original Minolta AF SLR cameras (the 5000AF, 7000 AF and 9000 AF) with standard hot shoe fitting. Any flash should be switched off and discharged before fitting to the CLE.

Usable with manual exposure control and dedicated automatic setting of shutter speed in appropriate modes, with flash ready signal in the viewfinder on the XG-1, XG-2, XG-7, XG-9, XG-A, XG-M, X-300 (X-370), X-300s (X-370N), X-7A, X-9 and other XG and X models, the XD, XD-5, XD-7 and XD-11, the 110 Zoom SLR Mark II, plus the Centon DF-300 and some recent Soligor and Seagull Minolta-mount cameras, which are clones of the Minolta X models.

Also works on some Leica R series manual focus SLR cameras, which were originally developed in association with Minolta. Fully dedicated operation including TTL flash, auto setting of shutter speed and viewfinder flash ready indication on the Leica R5 and R7. Manual exposure with dedicated operation including auto setting of shutter speed and viewfinder flash ready indication on the Leica R4, R4MOT, R4s and RE. TTL auto flash control and viewfinder indication of flash ready on the Leica R6 and R6.2. The shutter speed is set manually, as these are mechanical cameras. Can be used on non-dedicated SLRs (such as the SL2, SL2MOT, R3 and R3MOT) plus other cameras with a hot shoe fitting, in manual flash mode with shutter speed and aperture set manually.

This flash is not suitable for Minolta Dynax/Maxxum AF, Vectis, Dimage, Konica Minolta or Sony digital cameras with the new type of flash shoe.