Minolta announce the Flash Meter VI

Minolta have announced the Flash Meter VI high performance exposure meter. The Flash Meter VI newly incorporates a spot meter function into the top end model of the MINOLTA range which has earned a reputation for excellence.

The MINOLTA FLASH METER series has earned the support of professional and amateur photographers as multifunctional tools for professional use. The Flash Meter VI features a compact and stylish design using a dioptric system and newly incorporates a high performance spot meter function in addition to the conventional analyse function, brightness difference function, exposure calculation function and other functions. Furthermore, the large size LCD can display a film latitude together with a measured value, enabling users to simulate how the subject is reproduced on the film instantaneously, while displaying the incident light measurement result and reflected light measurement result (spot meter reading) simultaneously.

In the field of photographic 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.

Main Features

Integration of high performance spot meter
The Flash Meter VI incorporates a high performance spot meter function with an acceptance angle of 1, in addition to the conventional functions of the Flash Meter series. The
Flash Meter VI not only functions as two different meters in a single unit, but also displays the incident light and reflected light measurement results simultaneously and compares them by using the latitude display function. (See Item 3)

Compact and stylish design
The built-in spot meter uses a high precision dioptric unit based on MINOLTA's advanced optical technology, providing a compact and stylish body.

Exposure decision process navigation using latitude display function
The latitude range based on the standard exposure measured by the flash meter (incident light measurement) is displayed on the dot indicator of the analogue scale. Simultaneously, the spot meter reading (reflected light measurement) is displayed on the dot indicator of another analogue scale. The user can visually check how each part of the subject is reproduced on the film by confirming the difference between the measured values for highlight and shadow areas of a subject and the standard exposure. Conventionally, the exposure decision process significantly depends on the photographer's experience and know-how. With the Flash Meter VI, however, the user can easily determine the most suitable exposure for the intended photographic image, because the exposure decision process can be instantaneously confirmed on the LCD.

Multifunctional meter providing analyse function, brightness difference function, etc.
Analyse function: With a single flash light measurement operation, the Flash Meter VI can display the ratios of the flash light and ambient light on the LCD. The user can control the ratio of the flash light by changing the shutter speed setting, to produce the desired lighting effect. The analyse function uses a new quadrant scale for improved legibility.

Memory function: With a push of the MEMORY key, the Flash Meter VI can store measurement data on up to 10 points.

Brightness difference function: The Flash Meter VI displays the exposure difference between a predetermined standard value and the measured value on target points on the EV value display and the dot indicator of the analogue scale.

Exposure calculation (S/A/H) functions: According to the intended photographic image, the Flash Meter VI provides three types of exposure calculations (Shadow based exposure, Average exposure and Highlight based exposure).

Custom settings mode: The display mode can be customised 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 digital cameras providing intermediate f-number settings (e.g. F3.5, F6.5) that cannot be selected with conventional film cameras.

Technical Specifications

Type: Digital exposure meter for measuring flash light and ambient light

Reception methods: Incident light and reflected light (spot)

Receptors: Incident light: Spherical Diffuser/Flat Diffuser*, 270 rotating receptor head
(* Optional accessory)

Reflected light (spot): Acceptance angle of 1

Receptor element: Silicon photocell

Measuring modes: AMBI mode: Ambient light measurement
CORD mode: Flash light measurement with sync cord
NON.C mode: Flash light measurement without sync cord (for incident light only)
Measuring range
(ISO 100)

Ambient light: Incident light: Ev -2.0 to 19.9
Reflected light (spot): Ev 2.0 to 24.4

Flash light: Incident light: FNo.1.0 to 128 + 0.9 stops
Reflected light (spot): FNo.2.8 to 128 + 0.9 stops

Measuring distance: 1.3 m to infinity () (for spot measurement)

Viewfinder: Single lens reflective type with fixed focal point
Magnification: 1.2x
Viewing angle: 12 (vertical) x 17 (horizontal)
Dioptric adjustment range: -3.0 to +1.0

Repeatability: 0.1 Ev

Calibration coefficients: Incident light: C = 330 (Spherical Diffuser),
C = 250 (Flat Diffuser)
Reflected light (spot): K = 14

Display range: f-number (FNo.): F1.0 to F128 + 0.9 stops
(0.1-stop increments)
Exposure value (Ev): -17 to 40.9 (0.1-stop increments)
Shutter speed: Ambient light: 30 min. to 1/16000 sec., Flash light: 30 min. to 1/1000 sec. (1-, 1/2- or 1/3-stop increments)
Frame rate (Opening angle of 180) 8, 12, 16, 18, 24, 25, 30, 32, 64, 128
ISO: 3 to 8000 (1/3-stop increments)
Exposure difference: -10.0 to +10.0 (0.1-stop
increments)
Analog scale: FNo.1.0 to F90 (1/2-stop increments)
Analyse scale: Flash light proportion 0 to 100% (25% increments)

Other functions: Latitude display function, Analyse function, Memory function (10 measured values), Exposure calculation function (S/A/H), Brightness difference function,
Exposure correcting function: -10.0 to +10.0 stops
(0.1-stop increments)

Power source: Single AA alkaline dry cell

Battery service life: Approx. 30 hours (for ambient light/incident light
continuous measurement using alkaline battery)

Operating temperature/ Temperature: -10 to 50C (14 to 122F)
humidity range: Relative humidity: 85% max. [at 35C (95F)]/no
condensation

Storage temperature Temperature: -20 to 55C (-4 to 131F)
& humidity: Relative humidity: 85% max. [at 35C (95F)]/no
condensation

Other: Sync terminal

Dimensions: 63 (W) x 175 (H) x 30 (D) mm

Weight: 170 g (excluding battery)

Standard accessories: Spherical Receptor, Neck strap, Case,
Single AA dry cell
Flat Diffuser, Sync Cord III