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.