Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom APS Camera

by Konica-Minolta

Product Details

Product Manual [1.14mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004TJ7P
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,731 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #42 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Cameras > APS Cameras
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 6, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Take Minolta's Vectis Weathermatic Zoom snorkeling, skin diving, boating, or to the pool. This camera is completely watertight and durable. Shock-resistant materials and a double-thick outer shell, front cover, and rear cover make it ideal for outdoor use. It is also bright yellow, making it easy to spot and retrieve if it falls overboard.

The above- and underwater auto focusing system features passive phase detection which determines its focus based on subject contrast. Since there are no infrared beams to get lost in the water, this type of auto focusing system can focus accurately underwater. The Vectis Weathermatic also offers 26mm long eye relief that allows the user to view the whole image an inch away from the viewfinder eyepiece. This is especially useful if you are wearing goggles or eyeglasses.

The Vectis Weathermatic features all you've come to expect from an Advanced Photo System camera: drop-in film loading, three print options, and date/time imprinting. It also detects whether an exposed film cassette has been inserted into the camera, preventing double exposure. The built-in flash features full auto, manual fill, cancel, and night portrait modes, plus a selectable red-eye reduction lamp.

From the Manufacturer

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.

Features:

Submersible Down to 33 Feet
The Vectis Weathermatic’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 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 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 armored 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 is well-equipped for activities where the user cannot always hold a camera with two hands, such as skin diving, snorkeling, skiing, etc. To provide a comfortably-sure grip in situations like these, the camera features molded 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 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 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 cataloging 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 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camera, June 19, 2000

By 

T. Harkins - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom APS Camera (Electronics)

I bought this camera while on a trip to St. Maarten. I have since used it while skiing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, etc. and have found it to take great pictures. Due to its construction and watertight casing, I don't have to worry about it being broken when getting wet or banged against something. The APS 3 picture size feature is great. Also, the accessories available make it much easier to carry and keep accessible.

I would highly recommend this camera for anyone who is active, or just like to take great pictures easily.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Always a surprise, August 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom APS Camera (Electronics)

I have bought it 4 months ago and I never no if the pictures will be good or bad. The flash seems very weak (or it may be a problem with the light reader) and indoor pictures are usually so dark they are not worthy. Outdoor pictures with good light are usually very good !

Underwater pictures also need good light. Indoor pools are not an option for UW pictures as flash is really weak.

I bought this Vectis Weathermatic after being an [other brand] user for 7 years. I work as an agricultural consultant and most pictures I take are outdoors. My [other camera] finally fell into an irrigation canal and I decided to replace it with a waterproof, shock resistant camera. But with my [other camera] I always new what to expect, with my Minolta I never now if the pictures will come out with good light or not.

Another CON: can't take pictures if object is moving (no matter if ASA 400) as it can't focus correctly.

Conclusion: this camera will probably last longer than my [other camera] but I will probably replace it before as I am not satisfied with the quality of the pictures.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great camera for parents, October 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom APS Camera (Electronics)

I bought this Minolta Weathermatic Vectis to replace the 20 yr old Weathermatic 110 style I had used for so long after realizing this APS would withstand the beach visits with a toddler and develop wonderful beach /play photos as well as the dipping into the ocean capturing photos of the child.I have no complaints, having used the camera for 2 yrs now and highly recommend it. I am considering buying the Vectis deluxe for 249. as it goes into a pocket easier in winter/fall. I have used the Weathermatic to take great snow shots too and as it is a point and shoot with a timer you can get anyone to take a group photo or set the timer. Get serious we are real families taking real photos. Buy this you will not regret it, loading the film is easy too.