Editorial Product Review:Item Description:The VECTIS WEATHERMATIC incorporates powerful features to support outdoor activities. This new model has a 1.7X zoom with a 30-50mm focal length range (approx. 38-63 mm in the 35mm format) that can be used even underwater. The camera also offers underwater autofocus. Whether shooting on land or underwater, the images captured by the VECTIS WEATHERMATIC are sharp and beautiful. In addition, the VECTIS WEATHERMATIC is submersible to 10m deep and can be used carefree for snorkeling and other marine sports. Moreover, the shock-resistant performance of the VECTIS WEATHERMATIC is higher than conventional cameras for worry-free use during skiing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. Thanks to the Advanced Photo System, the print size can be selected from three options. In addition, the Drop-in Loading feature offers simplified film loading. Finally, the camera provides a positive grip to secure good focus on unstable footholds.
Amazon.com Item 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.
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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Best underwater camera around
My Vectis has been through thick and thin with me and never let me down. It was expensive at the time I bought it (1999) but the pictures it has taken are priceless and it still performs like a champ. I've decided to retire mine and take the plunge with a digital but would replace it if I could find one for a reasonable price. They seem to be hard to come by anymore. Im guessing people like myself just keep them until they fall apart.
Customer Rating: 
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Good service
I have had my Minolta Vectis Weathermatic for about 4 years and have used it mainly when sailing and around boats and beaches. It always produces good shots and has never let me down. I am on my 3rd battery which I think is pretty reasonable. I like it because it is chunky and solid and can take the knocks and drops. I have never used it underwater but it shrugs off immersion in waves and sitting on (and in) a hot, sandy beach.
I am looking at a digital camera (maybe the Olympus waterproof/shockproof) for the convenience and smallness of digital but am not sure that it will match my Vectis.
Bill Giles
Customer Rating: -
Highly recommended
I have owned this camera for 5 years now and it's been through the ringer and is still in great shape. The key is to rinse it off and keep it clean especially after salt-water use. The picture quality is great underwater as well as land use.
Customer Rating: 
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Caveat emptor
This camera has had a recurring problem wherein the "replace battery" icon flashes and the camera will not allow us to take any more photos - even after replacing the battery. This camera was purchased for vacation photos and three times now it has malfunctioned and needed repairs during the vacation, effectively making it useless. The zoom feature was previously repaired under warranty after minimal use. It took 3 months for Minolta to return the camera on that occasion. Our experience may or may not be rare, but it was bad enough to dissuade another purchase from Minolta.