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The world’s first underwater autofocusing compact zoom camera.
Minolta’s Vectis Weathermatic Zoom is the world’s first underwater autofocusing compact zoom camera. It is submersible down to 33 feet, and features rugged, all-weather styling, a long eye relief viewfinder, and the mistake-proof ease of the Advanced Photo System. In addition, the Weathermatic Zoom is compatible with a full selection of Vectis action accessories, so it can go where you go, do what you do, and never ever weigh you down.
Price new 250EUR
Ebay 2005/04/24 81.01EUR (box), 2005/06/05 61EUR (box), 2005/07/30 66.99USD, 2005/08/14 86USD (box), 2005/08/14 37GBP, 2005/08/17 39USD, 2005/08/17 43GBP, 2006/03/26 102.50USD, 2006/04/08 89USD (box), 2006/06/18 130AUD (51.97GBP), 2006/08/06 46USD (plus attaché case yellow plastic), 2006/11/04 49.99AUD (20.24GBP), 2007/03/03 51USD, 2007.93.97 25.96GBP, 2007/06/17 27.49EUR (box), 2007/06/20 30EUR (box), 2008/01/14 50AUD (22.43GBP), 2008/01/23 42.89USD, 2008/02/03 38AUD (17.44GBP), 2008/07/02 12.47GBP
Submersible Down
to 33 Feet
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom’s watertight
construction makes it ideal for a wide range of activities including
snorkeling, skin diving, boating, pool games, waterparks, and more.
Advanced Photo System technology eliminates the need for a back cover
release, giving the camera body increased resistance to hydro-static
pressure. Because of this new design, the Vectis Weathermatic Zoom can
be taken to a maximum depth of 33 feet.
Versatile, 30-50mm (1.7x) Zoom Lens
Equivalent to approximately 38-63mm in the 35mm format, the 1.7x
zoom lens provides greater freedom of composition underwater and in
outdoor activities. The lens and housing are kept watertight by the
protective outer shell.
Underwater/Above Water Autofocusing
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom features a passive, phase-detection
autofocusing system which determines its focus based on subject contrast
as opposed to systems that use infrared beams which can get lost in the
water. Since there are no projected beams, this type of AF system can
focus accurately underwater, through a windowpane, or on mirror images.
Additionally, the focus can be locked by pressing the shutter-release
button partway down, allowing the photographer to creatively position
the subject anywhere in the viewfinder frame.
Rugged, All-Weather Styling
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom is designed for high visibility and outdoor
use. To make the camera more durable, it was crafted with
shock-resistant materials including a tough, polycarbonate body with a
double-thick (3mm) outer shell and 4mm front and rear covers. Each
corner of the camera body is rubber armoured for extra protection.
Additionally, this bright yellow camera floats - making it very easy to
spot and retrieve if it falls overboard.
Sure Grip
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom is well-equipped for activities
where the user cannot always hold a camera with two hands, such as skin
diving, snorkelling, skiing, etc. To provide a comfortably-sure grip in
situations like these, the camera features moulded rubber handgrips on
the front surface, rear surface, and top.
Long Eye-Relief Viewfinder
The long eye relief of 26mm allows the user to see the full image
with his or her eye an inch away from the viewfinder eyepiece. This
makes it easy to compose the picture while wearing eyeglasses, goggles,
or even a diving mask.
Drop-In Film Loading
Film loading is quick and completely mistake-free. Simply open the
bottom of the Vectis Weathermatic Zoom and drop in the Advanced Photo
System film cassette. There are no guides to find or film leaders to
stretch. Just pop it in, close the film chamber door, and the film will
automatically thread itself to the first frame, and advance to the next
frame after each shot. After the last exposure has been taken, the film
rewinds automatically. The power rewind function can be activated at any
time during the roll.
Film Chamber Lock
This unique Vectis feature ensures that the film chamber door
stays securely shut as long as there is usable film in the camera,
thereby eliminating the risk of water damage or exposing frames by
accidentally opening the film door in mid roll.
Selectable Print Aspect Ratios
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom allows the user to select C (Classic
2:3), H (High Definition TV 9:16), and P (Panorama 1:3) print formats.
The viewfinder masks the image frame appropriately for accurate picture
composition. A single roll of film can contain mixed formats.
Double Exposure Prevention (DEP)
DEP optically detects if an exposed film cassette has been
inserted into the camera, and prevents the film from being
unintentionally exposed again.
IX Print Quality Improvement
PQI magnetically records date & time, print format, film
orientation, flash/no flash, scene brightness value, artificial
illumination, and magnification onto the edge of the film for automatic
communication to the photofinisher.
Date/Time Imprinting
This feature is ideal for cataloguing photographs or keeping photo
records of important events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations,
etc. Date/time imprinting is available in year, month, date (mth., dt.,
yr./dt., mth., yr.)/Hour, minute/No imprinting formats. Data imprinting
is available for the front or the back of the photograph, depending on
the photofinisher’s equipment.
Self-Timer
The convenient self-timer delays shutter release for 10 seconds,
allowing the user to set up the shot and appear in the photo.
Versatile, Built-In Flash
The versatile, built-in flash features full auto, manual fill,
cancel, and night portrait modes, plus a selectable red-eye reduction
lamp.
Action Accessories
The Vectis Weathermatic Zoom accepts the same optional accessories that
are available for Minolta’s Xtreem cameras. These include the Handy
Tripod, Belt/Arm Band, Spiral Strap, Tube Strap, Hand Straps, and
Backpack Clip. A Net Case is also available.
Type: |
IX 240 Advanced Photo System lens-shutter zoom camera. |
Lens: |
30-50mm, f/4.0-6.4 (equivalent to 38-63mm in the 35mm format); 7 elements, 7 groups. |
Autofocusing: |
External, passive type; SPD line sensor. |
AF Range: |
1.3 ft. to infinity; underwater 1.7 ft. to infinity. |
AF Illuminator: |
Lamp. |
Focusing Steps: |
37. |
Exposure Control: |
Programmed AE with centre-weighted average metering. |
Metering Cell: |
CdS. |
Control Range (ISO 200): |
Wide – EV 6.0 - 16.0; Telephoto – EV 7.4 - 16.0. |
Film Speed: |
Automatic setting for Advanced Photo System film cassettes ISO 100 - 3200, in 1 EV-step increments. |
AF/AE Lock: |
Available by pressing shutter-release button halfway down. |
Shutter: |
Electronically-controlled program type. |
Shutter Speeds: |
1/4 - 1/250 sec. |
Film Transport: |
Drop-in loading, auto threading, auto advance, auto rewind. Manual start of rewind possible. |
DEP: |
Optical. |
Film Chamber Lock: |
Yes. |
Self-Timer: |
10-second shutter-release delay. |
Flash: |
Built-in, fixed type with electronic, flash-matic control. |
Flash Modes: |
Auto flash in low light, manual fill-flash, flash cancel, night portrait. |
Red-Eye Reduction: |
Lamp. |
Guide Number (ISO 200): |
52 feet. |
Flash Range: |
Wide – 1.8 - 16.7 ft.; Tele – 1.3 - 10.4 ft. |
Recycling Time: |
Approx. 5 sec. |
Viewfinder: |
Real-image, zoom type. |
Field of View: |
85%. |
Magnification: |
0.44 - 0.67X. |
Diopter: |
-1 diopter (for subject at 9.8 ft.). |
Eye Relief: |
26mm. |
C/H/P Selection: |
Magnetic IX; externally selectable. |
IX Information: |
Magnetic IX. Date/Time Imprinting available in year, month, date/time/no imprinting (Year, month, date/time imprinting on back). Selectable from Year, month, date / Month, date, year / Date, month, year. |
PQI Data: |
Print type, film orientation, flash/no flash, scene brightness value, artificial illuminant flag, magnification. |
Underwater Capability: |
Down to 33 feet. |
Power: |
One CR2 lithium battery; battery condition indicated in three stages. |
Battery Performance: |
Approx. 10 rolls (based on Minolta’s standard test method with flash on 50% of exposures). |
Dimensions: |
5 x 2.9 x 2.5 in. |
Weight: |
11.9 oz. |
Last Updated on 7th July 2008