Posted by W. Miles on August 02, 2003 at 17:42:10:
I bought a used Minolta X-370 with a flash labled "Albinar 87 TTL / Dedicated TTL", (60 bucks/yardsale). The rear panel is missing, as well as the manual, but it is otherwise fully functional, (camera triggers flash). One switch selects the corresponding film speed (ASA), which in turn aligns two numbers with a 12-1.1 M scale. For example, when the speed is set to 200, a red color "2.8" and blue "5.6" are indicated below the 200. This cannot be altered. Furthermore, the red number corresponds with a red line running to both ends of the scale (12M/40 ft, 1.1M/3.5 ft). The route of the red line does not change, only the value of the red number according to the speed. The blue line/number runs on one end to 1.1m (unchanging), and on the other, runs to "5.6", which is a value place on the side of the switch and is variable to the position of the switch, as well. It is also noted that the place where "5.6" is indicated aligns with 6m on the scale. At 400 speed, red value is 4, and blue is 8, and there is no value for the variable blue value, only the 6m/20ft alignment/value. One red dot and one blue dot lies on each respective line. The panel in question surrounds 4 buttons. One is a test button, another is a power switch. There are two mysterious slide switches, each with 3 detents. I am thinking each switch might correspond to the red and blue values (dots?). Also, there is a led light with the words AUTO OK printed above. Is there anyone out there who can tell me, a lowly beginner, how to use this flash? Is it worth it? Thanks in advance for anyone who can give an insight.
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