Does the Minolta XD-11 have metered low light auto exposure like the Nikon FE?

[68degrees]

On a Nikon FE when you put it into A mode (automatic aperture priority) the camera selects the shutter speed. In very low light it will select a shutter speed many minutes long if need be to get the correct exposure. I dont think it states this in the owners manual but it is true nonetheless.

My question is, will the Minolta XD-11 do the same thing in its automatic aperture priority mode?

 

[BMbikerider]

As far as I am aware the meter will work on the XD11 but not for as long as 'several minutes', but there again non of the manufacturers would claim any long exposures would be accurate. Especially for exposures over say 60 seconds reciprocity failure would throw the exposures out anyway.

 

[Les Sarile]

From what I recall, all manufacturers manuals for aperture priority capable cameras list a short exposure time but most of the cameras that I tested react differently. Of these cameras, only the Canons actually limit their exposure times to 30 seconds. Minolta varies model to model randomly and never had one go past a minute or two. The Nikons tend to go well over a few minutes but not repeatable and varies randomly. My FM3A has managed to get over 10 minutes but given the same controlled lighting, it varies randomly, The Olympus OM2 can go to 19 minutes subject to settings -> http://zuiko.com/web_5__20150924_032.htm.
Pentax varies according to models but I have found the only camera that can go for hours repeatably to be the Pentax LX. I have tested both of mine to aperture priority autoexpose a scene lasting hours long.

Here's one showing 15 minutes on Kodak Gold 100 under controlled lighting.

This one was > 40 minutes on Kodak Ektar 100

I even made a "long shutter indicator" by using the LX's flash port with a battery and LED that stays on while the exposure is being made and turns off when done. This way I didn't have to look through the viewfinder every so many minutes just to see if the mirror had returned. Comes in really handy for exposure lasting hours.

 

[68degrees]

so the minolta will do it but the time is inconsistent even under the exact same lighting conditions right? what model pentax is that? and thats a great rig you made. So the white thing is the battery and the flash socket closes when the shutter is open?

 

[Les Sarile]

That's a Pentax LX.
Correct, the flash contact closes at the start of the exposure and opens when completed.
BTW, only the LX and Olympus OM series will monitor the scene for lighting changes - adjusting accordingly, during exposure.
Also, all color negatives I've tried have no reciprocity failure. That is just the generic caveat to let you know to test it yourself.

 

[GRHazelton]

I like that LED shutter open indicator! I've made some moonlight exposures with my LX, and wondered whether the shutter was still open after many minutes. The pix were excellent, if a little strange looking, with the smearing of shadows because of the Moon's movement. I was using C-41 film; I presume the film's latitude took care of reciprocity failure.

 

[68degrees]

That's a Pentax LX.
Correct, the flash contact closes at the start of the exposure and opens when completed.
BTW, only the LX and Olympus OM series will monitor the scene for lighting changes - adjusting accordingly, during exposure.
Also, all color negatives I've tried have no reciprocity failure. That is just the generic caveat to let you know to test it yourself.

does that include the OM-1? and does the OM-1 do well with long metered exposures? Consistent under controlled lighting conditions? This is getting interesting.

 

[MattKing]

The OM-1 just does match needle manual metering.
Les is referring to those various OM bodies that offer off-the-film automatic metering - OM-2 and others.

 

[68degrees]

oh my bad. im not familiar with olympus

 

[Les Sarile]

The OM-1 just does match needle manual metering.
Les is referring to those various OM bodies that offer off-the-film automatic metering - OM-2 and others.

Matt is right that I am referring to the single digit Olympus models that offer off the film metering and aperture priority autoexposure - OM2 & 4.

 

[68degrees]

at the risk of hijacking my own thread, wow, just checked the prices on Pentax LX!!! more than Nikon F system!!! Dang.

 

[68degrees]

Im ashamed Ive never heard of the Pentax LX. Just finished reading the wiki. Now Im reading MIR. Great camera!!

 

[Les Sarile]

Im ashamed Ive never heard of the Pentax LX. Just finished reading the wiki. Now Im reading MIR. Great camera!!

MIR is an evil site, back out of it before it's too late . . .

 

[GRHazelton]

Im ashamed Ive never heard of the Pentax LX. Just finished reading the wiki. Now Im reading MIR. Great camera!!

Do be aware that, in common with other professional level cameras, a CLA can get expensive, and parts from Pentax are perhaps unavailable.