Minolta A2 Macro Switch

[evotwo]

Can someone explain what effect the Macro switch has when used on the Minolta bridge camera.

Mine has stopped showing the tulip in the view finder when I select it and I haven't really been able to tell if its making a real difference as I haven't used it for Macro shooting.

Any help would be appreciated.

[spannerdude]

I'm not familiar with your camera but I suspect that the macro function may not work in certain modes. I'd suggest a trawl through the manual and perhaps a reset to default settings.

[evotwo]

Thanks for that :thumbs: Went back through manual and re set back to factory defaults but still no "tulip" to indicate macro mode.

Does anyone know what the switch would actually do internally. Does it alter magnification or change electronics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/worthy/LinkAlbum/macro.jpg

Trouble is I hadn't really used the macro function when it was working and now when I want to use it I don't know if the switch is making any difference, or what difference it should make if its not working.

Sorry if I am not getting this across very well I am new at all this :help: Plus Mods if this is in the wrong place please could you move it.

Thanks
Paul

[Ajophotog]

I would imagine it enables you to focus closer, try this: in normal mode see how close you can get something in focus then switch to macro and see if it lets you get even closer.

[scraggs]

From a quick search it appears the macro switch will only work with the lens at its wide and long ends.
Paste:
Macro focus mode
This lever enables the cameras macro focus mode. The DiMAGE A2 has two different macro focus positions, one at full wide angle and one at telephoto. You can only engage the macro lever when the arrow on the barrel is aligned with the arrow on the zoom ring. Note that at the telephoto end there is a small amount of movement available.

[evotwo]

Thanks both. The switch is engaging at both focal lengths but it isn't making any difference. I tried what you suggested ajophotog and it made no difference so the switch must be faulty.

Guess it needs to go in for repair :'(

Thanks
Paul

[PapaLazarou]

I had an A2 some years back and mine did the same your macro switch needs a repair.
Sony are doing the work for Minolta stuff now, so give them a call.
The A2 is a camera with live view long before any other maker put it on there cameras.
Wish I still had my A2 it's a great camera, dont you think.

[evotwo]

Don't suppose you can remember how much it cost to fix can you.

Just getting to grips with it and really liking it but focus is annoying and its very different to my old pentax slr, but I'll get there.

Cheers

Paul

[PapaLazarou]

Mine was done under a 5 year warranty so I dont know what it will cost.

[PapaLazarou]

Focus is fine just get used to using the flex focus point and it's so easy.

[Slipper-one]

The macro function should only engage at both ends of the zoom range if it engages any where between it's faulty.:(

For service,repairs and advice http://www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk/Contact%20Us_3.php

Btw the A1 & A2 can be used tethered to a computer.:thumbs:

http://www.dgrin.com/archive/index.php/t-13081.html

Any probs I have the sw.

[evotwo]

Thanks for all the info very much appreciated :thumbs: I am going to try the flex focus over the next few days.

Remote capture software downloaded useful link thanks for that. Macro switch will have to wait a wee while so I can save a few pennies and get her fixed.

Cheers
Paul