Minolta Weathermatic Dual 35

MINOLTA WEATHERMATIC DUAL 35 

Minolta Corporation presents the Weathermatic Dual 35 -- the world's first weather/waterproof camera with dual-lens selection. This ruggedly designed compact camera lets you enjoy taking pictures anytime, anywhere and in any weather.

The Weathermatic Dual 35 is O-Ring sealed against moisture, sand and dust. This design makes the camera ideal for use on snowy hillsides, sandy beaches, in the rain, or even 16.5 feet underwater. In addition, the camera floats and has high visibility yellow-and-gray surfaces. This makes the camera easy to retrieve if it is dropped in a swimming pool or overboard while boating.

Underwater Versatility

The Weathermatic Dual 35 is designed so that you can enjoy taking pictures anywhere you go, even underwater. The back cover and battery chamber are sealed to permit operation to depths of 16.5 feet. This makes the Weathermatic Dual 35 ideal for snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports.

When used underwater, the Weathermatic Dual 35 automatically switches from autofocusing to Focus-Free (fixed-focus) operation. The glass plate in front of the lens forms a positive meniscus lens that sets the focus for sharp pictures of subjects from 3.96 to 11.5 feet (with the 35mm lens). The user can also select the 5Omm lens, and the viewfinder magnification will change accordingly.

By pressing the underwater close-up button, the user can set the focus for sharp pictures from 1.7 to 4.3 feet with the 35mm lens, and the flash will fire automatically for proper exposure. Now, beautiful pictures of fish, coral, and other marine life are possible without using special lenses or attachments.

Rugged All-Weather Styling

A comfortable, molded rubber handgrip and convenient controls permit camera operation even when wearing gloves. To seal out water, sand, and dust, the camera has a rubber gasket on the back cover and a rubber O-Ring on the battery chamber cover. Because the camera is completely sealed against water, it can be cleaned by rinsing it in fresh water.

Dual Lens Selection

The Weathermatic Dual 35 is the first waterproof camera that lets the user choose between 35mm standard and 50mm tele lens --even underwater. At the touch of a button, the camera instantly changes the lens from standard to tele, and the viewfinder magnification changes simultaneously to match the lens' angle of view.

Autofocus with Focus Hold

The Weathermatic Dual 35 active-infrared autofocus produces sharply focused pictures, even in the dark. By maintaining slight pressure on the shutter-release button, you can hold the focus setting an decompose the picture with the subject anywhere in the frame.

An auto close-up function enables users to get sharp picture of flowers and other small subjects. Whenever the subject is about 30 inches or closer, the flash fires automatically for proper exposure. With the 35mm lens, users can take pictures as close as 20.8 inches.

Fully Automatic Exposure

Fully automatic programmed exposure with subject-weighted metering assures accurate exposures even when the subject is backlit or spotlighted. No manual exposure settings are required at any time. You can just aim the camera and shoot.

Auto Switchover Flash

For proper exposures in low light, the camera automatically fires its built-in flash. The camera is always ready to take flash pictures because flash charging starts the moment the camera is switched on. A convenient "flash-wait" red LED glows if the flash is not charged. To prevent taking an underexposed picture, the shutter locks until the flash is ready to fire. Between exposures, flash charging is extremely fast, just 1.2 seconds when a Duracell-lithium battery pack is used.

Fully Automatic Film Transport

With the Weathermatic Dual 35, film handling is virtually mistake-proof. Film speeds for DX-coded ISO 100 and 400 films are automatically set by the camera. After loading the film and closing the back cover, the film is advanced automatically to the first frame. The film is advanced automatically after each exposure, and rewinding starts automatically at the end of the roll.

Dual Power Source

The Weathermatic Dual 35 is powered by either a 6-volt lithium battery pack or four AAA-size alkaline batteries. For longer life and shorter flash-recycle times, lithium batteries are recommended.

Accessories

A wide neck strap is supplied with the camera. The length of the strap can be adjusted to match the camera's minimum focus distance for close-up pictures.

Optional accessories include a carrying case for the camera, a Sportsfinder, and a Sportscase. The carrying case is designed to keep the Weathermatic Dual 35 handy for active travelers. The case is made of bright yellow material and has a wide belt loop for attachment to your belt. The Sportsfinder attaches quickly to the camera and permits fast, easier framing for moving subjects. The Sportsfinder is specially designed for underwater use and indicates the angle of both 35mm and 50mm lens.

The Sportscase is also made of bright yellow material that matches the camera body. The Sportscase holds the camera and Sportsfinder and has room for spare film and batteries.

MINOLTA CORPORATION
www.minoltausa.com