Film cameras
Chinon Auto 357z User manual
User manual for Chinon Auto 357z. 15 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Chinon
- Model / document
- Chinon Auto 357z
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 0.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Nomenclature 1
8. Focus Lock System , 11
Specifications 3
9. Power Zooming 12
SIMPLIFIED GUIDE FOR BASIC
10. Flash Photography . I 13
OPERATION 4
11. Effective Flash Range 14
1. Battery Installation 6
12. Self-timer Photography 14
2. Automatic Film Speed Setting 7
13. Automatic Film Rewinding , 15
3. Automatic Film Loading 7
14. Manual Power Film Rewinding , 15
4. Film Cartridge Window 8
15. Optional Accessories (AUTO DATE)
5. Holding the Camera 9
16. Attaching the Neckstrap . 20 : 20
6. Viewfinder Indications 9
17. Care of the Camera
7. Autofocus Shooting 10View original page 2Page 4 · Read text
SPECIFICATIONS MAIN FEATURES: -35 mm compact zoom camera -Auto DX sensing programmed AE -Fully motorized film transport -Built-in sensor flash -Built-in electronic self-timer -Long life lithium battery FILM TYPE: 135 size film PICTURE SIZE: 24x36 mm LENS: Aperture ratio: F/3.7-6.9 Focal length: f/35 mm-70 mm Zooming: Power zoom FINDER: Type: Actual image zoom finder Magnification: 0.41-0.78x Coverage: 82% Diopter: -1.0 Diopter Finder indications: Auto focus frame, parallax compensation mark, LED Indication: OK monitor (Green LED) FOCUSING SYSTEM: Type: Infrared auto focusing system: AF effective range: 1.0 (35.4")--inf. Prefocus and cancelable: Yes SHUTTER: Type: Stepping motor controlled changeless shutter Type of shutter release: Electromagnetic release Shutter speed range: Approx. 1/50 sec.-1/500 sec.View original page 4
Page 5 · Read text
EXPOSURE METER: Type: Programmed AE
Photo cell: CdS
Exposure range: W: EV 9.5-17.0, T: EV 11.3-18.8
Film speed sensing: Automatic for ISO 100, 200,
400 and 1000. ISO 100 setting for non DX films.
TRANSPORTATION: Film loading: Auto loading First frame setting: Automatic setting by closing film door
Film winding: Motorized winding Rewinding stop: Automatic
Film rewinding: Motorized rewinding Mid-roll rewind button: Yes
Rewinding actuation: Automatic Frame counter: Built-in
FLASH: Type: Sensor flash
Flashmatic: Yes Effective range: W: 1.0-5 m (35.4"-16.4'),
Auto recharging: Yes T: 1.0-2.7 m (35.4"-8.9')
Recycle time: Approx. 3 seconds
OTHER FEATURES: Power source: Lithium battery pack (2CR5x1): replaceable
Battery checker: Yes
Strap: Attachable
Film door window: Built-in
Size: 137(L)x77(H)x61(W) mm (53x3.0x2.4") /
Tripod screw: Built-in: U-1/4"
AUTO DATE: 137(L)x77(H)x64(H) mm /5-
3X3.0X2.5")
Self-timer: Built-in: approx. 10 sec. /
Weight: 350 grams. (12.3 ounces) /3
Auto power shut off: Yes /
AUTO DATE: 360 grams. (12.6 ounces) /View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
Simplified guide for basic operation
2. Slide the main switch to the "POWER"
1. Install lithium battery.
position.
3. Load the film correctly and close the 4. Be sure the frame counter shows "1" in
back door the frame counter window.
6. Release the shutter by pressing the
5. Direct the AF mark toward your subject.
shutter release button gently.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
7. Automatic film rewinding starts at the
end of the roll. The frame counter will 8. Remove the exposed film.
show "S" upon completion.
1. Battery installation
(1 ) Use a coin and turn it toward the arrow mark to unlock
the battery cover. Open the battery cover by sliding it away
from the camera (Fig. 1).
(2) Place a 6 volt lithium battery (2CR5) in the battery
compartment in accordance with the positive (+) and the
negative (-) marks shown inside (Fig. 2).
(3) Slide the battery cover back to its closed position and
lock the battery cover (Fig. 3).
Note:
* When the shutter release is locked or when winding/
rewinding becomes extremely slow, replace the battery with
a new one.
* Battery performance declines in cold temperatures. Keep
the camera as warm as possible in cold weather.
* The lithium battery will last about three years when used at
a frequency of one roll of film of 24 exposures with 50% use
of flash on a monthly basis, at room temperature. (Chinon
Laboratory Testing)View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
2. Automatic film speed setting The film speed is automatically set when using a DX coded film of ISO 100 to ISO 1000 (Fig. 4). Non DX film will be set to ISO 100. When using reversal film (Slide Film), use films of ISO 100, 200, 400, or 1000. 3. Automatic film loading Always load and unload your camera in subdued light and never in direct sunlight. This will greatly minimize the possibility of fogging the film. (1 ) Open the back cover by sliding the back cover release button downwards (Fig. 5). (2) Insert the film cartridge into the film chamber (Fig. 6). (3) Place the trimmed end of the film on the take-up spool up to the film tip mark. Make sure that the film lies flat between the film guides and that the film perforations engage the sprocket teeth (Fig. 7). (4) Close the back cover. The film will automatically advance to the first frame and the frame counter will show "1 " in the frame counter window (Fig. 8). Note: * If the frame counter does not show "1 " after the film is loaded, open the back cover and reload the film. * When placing the trimmed end of the film on the take-up spool, the length of the film pulled out from the film cartridge should not be too long or too short relative to the film tip mark. If too much film is pulled out from the cartridge, adjust the film length by pushing the film back into its cartridge so that the trimmed end of the film will be precisely placed at the film tip mark. 4. Film cartridge window This camera is equipped with a convenient film cartridge window so that you can confirm what type of film is being used (Fig. 9).View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
5. Holding the camera
* Hold your camera firmly in both hands with at least one elbow at your side to ensure camera steadiness when
taking a picture.
* Do not cover the lens, flash unit, exposure metering window or auto focus windows with your fingers.
* Always press the shutter release button gently to pre- vent blurred pictures caused by camera shake.
6. View finder
1. AF mark
2. Parallax marks
3. AF indicator LED (Green)
Note:
* When taking a picture closer than 1.2 meters
(3.9 ft) the image area is indicated by the two
parallax marks in the top left and right of the
viewfinder. Compose the photograph within
the imaginary zone extending from the corner
of the parallax marks.
7. Auto focus shooting
(1 ) Direct the center of the AF mark toward the subject (Fig. 10).
(2) Gently press the shutter release button halfway. The AF indication
LED (Green) in the viewfinder frame will light up (Fig. 11).
(3) Fully press the shutter release button to take the photograph
Note:
* If the AF indication LED blinks continuously, the subject is too close to
the camera to be focused properly.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
8. Focus lock system
This feature may be used when the main subject is
located "OFF CENTER" in the viewfinder.
(1 ) Focus on the main subject by placing the subject
within the auto-focus mark and partially depress the
shutter release button until the AF indication LED lights
up (Fig. 12).
(2) While holding the shutter release button in this
position, recompose the subject within the viewfinder
and fully depress the shutter release to take the picture
(Fig. 13).
(3) The locked focus setting will be held only as long as
you partially depress the shutter release button and the
AF indication LED remains lighted. This focus lock
feature can be cancelled by removing your finger from
the release button.
9. power zooming
This camera is equipped with a power zoom to enable
you to select the zoom range to compose the picture.
(1 ) Turn the power zoom lever to the right (TELE) or to
the left (WIDE) to change the zoom range (Fig. 14).
(2) Select the ideal composition by turning the power
zoom lever while looking at the subject through the
viewfinder.
(3) Press the shutter release button completely to take the
photograph.
Note:
* When the camera is not in use, the main switch should be turned to the "OFF" position in order to protect the
lens system from accidental damage.
* Never push or twist the lens barrel as this may cause damage to the zoom lens.
* The zoom system will not function while the shutter release button is depressed.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
10. Flash photography
This camera automatically senses the scene brightness
and fires the flash when needed.
(1 ) When the shutter release button is pressed halfway
and the AF indication LED blinks once and then
disappears, it means the flash is being charged. You must
wait until it glows steadily before you take a picture. If it
does not blink during the flash charging cycle or does not
glow at all, the battery is too weak and battery
replacement is required.
(2) The flash will be fully charged in about three seconds
when using a fresh battery.
Note:
* The shutter cannot be released until the flash is completely charged.
* The flash will be charged even if the shutter release is kept fully depressed. The shutter will be released
immediately upon the completion of the flash charging cycle.
11. Effective flash range
Wide TELE
ISO 100 3.3 to 16.4 ft ISO 100 3.3 to 8.9 ft
ISO 200 3.3 to 23.3 ft ISO 200 3.3 to 12.5 ft
ISO 400 3.3 to 33.1 ft ISO 400 3.3 to 17.4 ft
ISO 1000 3.3 to 46.9 ft ISO 1000 3.3 to 24.9 ft
12. Self-timer
The self-timer feature allows the photographer to be in the picture.
(1 ) Place the camera on a tripod or other firm support, and direct the multi
AF mark toward the subject (Fig. 15).
(2) Press and hold the self-timer button on the top of the camera and then
press the shutter release button completely to start the self-timer operation
(Fig. 16).
(3) The self-timer indication LED will light up and the picture will be
taken in approximately 10 seconds. The self-timer indication LED will
initially glow and then will blink for two seconds before the shutter is
released.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Note:
* To cancel the self-timer during its "count down", press the self-timer button once or slide the main switch to
the "OFF" position.
13. Automatic film rewind
(1 ) When the roll of film is completed, a delay of from two to three
seconds will occur before the camera automatically starts rewinding
the film. During the rewinding, the frame counter will count
backwards.
(2) When the rewinding is completed, the motor will stop
automatically and the frame counter will reset to the start "S" position
(Fig. 17).
(3) Push the back cover release button down to open the back cover
and remove the cartridge from the film chamber. Be sure the frame
counter shows "S" before opening the back cover.
14. Manual rewind
If you want to rewind the film before it has been fully exposed, push
the rewind button on the top of the camera. Use a ball-point pen or a
similar object which is not too sharp. The camera will then perform as
it did under the "FILM REWINDING" section (Fig. 18).View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
15. Optional Accessories (AUTO DATE)
(1) YEAR/MONTH/DAY, DAY/HOUR/MINUTES SETTINGS
(A) Year/month/day setting
Example: 24 December, 1990
1. With a ball point pen or similar object (fingernail), press the MODE button
for the year/month/day setting.
2. With a ball point pen or similar object (fingernail), press the SELECT
button to locate the "year" position. A blinking number will appear.
3. With a ball point pen or similar object (fingernail), press the SET button to
set "90".
4. Press the SELECT button to locate the "month" position above whose
number the "M" (month) indication always appears and whose number
appears blinking. Then, press the SET button until "12" appears.
5. Press the SELECT button to locate the "day" position. The blinking "day"
indicating number will appear. Then, press the SET button until "24" appears.
Note:
* Every time you press SET button, the number shown on the display window proceeds consecutively. When
you press and hold the SET button for more than a second, the numbers will change continuously.
B) Hour/minute setting
Example: 19:58 (7:58 PM)
1. With a ball point pen or similar object (fingernail), press
the MODE button for day/hour/minute setting.
2. With a ball point pen or similar object (fingernail), press
the SELECT button until a blinking "!" appears. Press the
SET button to start "00" second.
3. Press the SELECT button to locate the blinking
"minute" position. Press the SET button to set "58".
4. Press the SELECT button to locate the blinking "hour"
position. Press the SET button to set "19".View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
(2) DATA IMPRINTING
When the above procedure (1) is completed, select, by
depression of the MODE button, the year/month/day,
month/day/year, day/month/year mode, day/hour/
minute mode or non imprinting mode that is desired.
Note:
* The data will not be sharply defined if the picture content on the bottom right hand corner of a horizontal
picture is white or yellow.
* Imprint display "-" in the upper right corner of the LCD will blink until the completion of the imprinting.
Make sure that the "-" appears lit on the LCD before releasing the shutter during imprinting.
· The Auto Date back is powered by the camera's battery. The following steps should be taken as soon as
possible to avoid any loss of date.
1. When replacing the battery, do so as quickly as possible. If the Auto Date back is left without a battery for
two to three hours, the time and date readings may be incorrect even after a replacement battery has been
installed.
2. If an incorrect LCD indication appears after the installation of a new battery, reinstall the battery in the
battery compartment or "reset" it by releasing the shutter.
3. Always check for the correct time and date indications after replacing the battery.
IMPORTANT
1. To clean the unit, use a dry cloth without any cleaning agent
2. Do not depress the buttons with sharp or pointed object such as a knife.
3. Rough handling may result in damage to the unit.
4. Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
LCD Information 1. Use the unit at temperatures between -1 0°C and +50°C (14°F-122°F) for normal operation of the liquid crystal. 2. Do not expose the unit to the direct rays of the sun for a long time since the LCD may turn black at temperatures above 60°C (1 40°F). 3. Performance of the LCD declines as the temperature becomes low. 16. Attaching the neck strap. The strap goes alongside the body. 17. Care of the Camera This camera is a precision photographic instrument. When used with care it will provide years of trouble-free service. Protect your camera from dirt, rain, dampness and excessive heat. Avoid touching the lens. To clean the lens, wipe it gently with a soft lintless cloth or tissue. Do not use eyeglass tissues as they might damage the lens coating. Do not open and touch the inside of the camera as possible high voltage in the flash circuitry can be dangerous. When the camera will not be in use for a long period of time, turn off the Main Power Switch and store in a well ventilated, cool, dry place. Due to the sensitive characteristics of the micro computer built into the camera, the camera may not operate properly even when a fresh battery is installed. It is not a malfunction. If this should occur, turn the Main Power Switch "ON" and "OFF" or reinstall the battery again.View original page 15
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.