I'm having trouble getting the self timer to work to self portraits. I'm following the manual instructions by pressing the shutter-release button partway to focus then pressing the button all the way down to start the count down. I don't see the count down lamp flashing. The camera takes the picture right away.

I'm assuming you mean the IXY 2000 IS.

Press cursor-down (marked with a one-handed clock) to bring up the shutter release menu, then use cursor-up/down to select the desired self-timer mode. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button as usual.

The IXY 2000 IS is called the SD950 IS in some parts of the world. You may download the SD950 IS manual from here. The self-timer instructions begin on page 73.

Press cursor-down (marked with a one-handed clock) to bring up the self-timer menu, use cursor-left/right to select the desired delay, then press the MENU/OK button. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button as usual.

Full details are in the "Using the Self-Timer" section of the manual (page 39 in my copy). If you need a manual you may download a copy here.

To start the self-timer, press the shutter release button as usual.

In the shooting mode, press cursor-right (marked with a one-handed clock). Each press of the button cycles through the different self-timer modes. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

The full details are in the "Self-timer/Right button" section of the manual (page 31 in my copy). If you need a manual, you can download one from the manufacturer's web site at
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/200802/20080221092928218_L830_L730_English.pdf

In Shooting mode, press the MENU button to bring up the Recording menu. Select Drive Mode. Choose the two-second or ten-second delay as desired. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

Full details are in the manual under "Self-Timer" (page 58 in my copy).

In the Recording menu, select [Drive Mode]. Select one of the delay modes, 2-second or 10-second, then press the MENU button. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

It's all in the "Self-Timer" section of the manual (page 58 in my copy).

Press right on the multiselector (marked with a one-handed clock) to cycle through the self-timer modes. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

After winding the film, press the self-timer lever down all the way. The camera will take the picture about ten seconds after you press the shutter release button.

The self-timer lever is on the front of the camera on the left (looking from the front).

Yes there is .......page 47 of the manual shows you how .... its an option on the drive mode in the startup menus.

http://safemanuals.com/user-guide-instructions-owner-manual/KONICA%20MINOLTA/DIMAGE%20Z1-_E

Self-timer
Used for self-portraits, the self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for approximately ten seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. The self-timer is set on section 1 of the recording menus (p. 44).

With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture so the subject is within the focus frames. Press the shutter-release button partway down to lock the exposure and focus (1). Press the shutter-release button all the way down to begin the countdown (2).

Because focus and exposure are determined when the shutter-release button is pressed, do not stand in front of the camera when taking a self-timer image. Always confirm the focus with the focus signals before beginning the countdown
(p. 25).

The self-timer is counted down on the monitor. During the countdown, the self-timer lamp on the front of the camera (3) will start to blink and is accompanied by an audio signal. A few seconds before the exposure, the self-timer lamp will blink rapidly. The lamp will glow steadily just before the shutter fires.

To stop the countdown, slide the zoom lever to the left or right. The self-timer drive mode is reset to single-frame advance after the exposure. The audio signal can be turned off in section 2 of the setup
menu (p. 83).

Press the self-timer button (left of OK).

Press up or down to choose either two second or ten second delay.

Frame the picture and press the shutter release halfway to set focus and exposure.

Press the shutter button the rest of the way. The self-timer starts, the remaining number of seconds shows on the display, and the self-timer lamp blinks.

After the picture is taken, the self-timer reverts to OFF.

To cancel the self-timer, press the shutter release button again.

Fuller details can be found in the manual under "Taking Pictures with the Self-timer."