Chinon LED Promaster User manual

INDEX

Nomenclature

Specifications

BASIC PROCEDURE

Installing Batteries

Loading the Camera

Using the Memo holder/Advancing the film

Film Speed Setting/Shutter Speed Setting

Aperture Setting

Focusing

Determining Correct Exposure

Unloading the Camera

Changing the Lens

ADVANCED TECHNIQUE

Depth of Field

Self-Timer

Electronic Flash

Infra-Red Film

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Macro Photography

POWER WINDER

Power Winder

Chinon Lenses

Accessories for the Camera


NOMENCLATURE

(Please refer to figures A & B in Illustrated Guide.)

1. Shoulder strap eyelet

2 Frame counter

3 Shutter release / exposure meter
switch

4 Shutter release lock lever
                                         12. Aperture ring
5 Film advance lever
                                        13. Depth of field scale
6. Shutter speed dial
                                        14. Focusing ring
7. Accessory shoe (hot shoe)
                                        15. X synchro-flash socket
8. Battery test button

9. Film rewind knob / back cover
opener

10. Film speed dial (ASA/DIN)

11. Self timer

24. Battery compartment cover
 16. Film chamber
                                          25. Power Winder electrical contacts
17. Battery check lamp
                                          26. Film guide rail
18. Viewfinder eyepiece
                                          27. Film rail
19. Exposure indicator LED's
                                          28. Tripod socket
20. Sprocket teeth
                                          29. Shutter
21. Take-up Spool
                                          30. Rewind button
22. Film pressure plate
                                          31. Power Winder coupling cover
23. Film chamber cover
                                          32. Power Winder guide pin receptacle

SPECIFICATIONS

* Type: 35 mm SLR (single lens reflex) compact camera with Seiko focal plane shutter and L.E.D.
type light measuring system

* Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm

* Film: 35 mm cartridge film

* Lens Mount: Pentax/Praktica M-42 Mount (thread mount)

* Viewfinder Visibility: 95% of negative size

* Mirror: Quick return, shockless system

* Shutter: New Seiko MFC-M (metal focal plane shutter, vertical path)

* Shutter Speeds: I sec. ~ 1/1000 sec., "B", "X" (X = 1/100 sec.)

* Exposure Meter: TTL, centre weighted measuring system employing two silicon blue
   cells, 3 step exposure indicator with 3 LEDs, Exposure range of EV 1 ~ 18 at ASA 100 F/1 A

* ASA Range: 25-1600 (DIN 15-33)

* Film Wind: Single stroke in an arc of 135° with 20° stand off

* Film Counter: Automatically indicates number of exposures and resets to zero
  when the camera is opened.

* Self Timer: 7 - 12 seconds

* Film Rewind: Folding crank type

* Accessory Shoe: Built-in hot shoe

* Synchronization: "X~ terminal (X = 1/100 sec.)

* Power Source: Two silver oxide G-13 type batteries (Eveready S-76 or equivalent)

* Battery Test: Indication by green signal lamp (LED) in viewfinder frame - push button

* Accessory: Chinon Power Winder, Chinon Interchangeable lenses, various accessories

* Dimensions: (Body only) 140.50 mm (w) x 88 mm (h) x 50 mm (d) (5.53" x 3.46" x 1.96~)

* Weight: (Body only) 610 g (21.51 oz.)

Outline Procedure of Shooting





Installing the Batteries:

       1. By using a coin, unlock the battery chamber cover by turning it counter clockwise (Fig. 1).

       2. Place the two 1.5V silver oxide G-13 type batteries (Eveready S76 or equivalent) with the
      minus ( - ) side facing upwards (Fig. 2).

       3. Replace the battery chamber cover by turning fully clockwise (Fig. 3).

NOTE: CLEAN THE BATTERIES WITH A DRY CLOTH OR PAPER BEFORE INSERTING AND
THEREAFTER AT REGULAR INTERVALS. MAKE SURE THAT THE BATTERIES ARE INSERTED
CORRECTLY
i.e. CHECK POLARITY.

TESTING THE BATTERIES:

Test the Batteries When: — A new battery is installed

    —The camera has not been used for a long period of time.

   — The camera is being used continuously for many hours.

To test the batteries, press the battery test button located next to the film speed dial (ASA / DIN). If
the batteries are in good condition, the center lamp (green LED) located at the right side of the
viewfinder frame will illuminate (Figs 4). When the green lamp does not illuminate, replace the
batteries.

LOADING THE CAMERA:

Use 20 or 36 exposure 35mm film

       1. Pull out the film rewind knob until the camera back is released (Fig. 5). Then pull the camera
      back fully open.

       2. Keep the film rewind knob pulled all the way out, insert the film cartridge into the film
     chamber with the protruding end into the chamber at the bottom of the camera (Fig. 6). Push in
      the film retinal knob. It may be found necessary to turn the knob slightly so that the rewind
      catch engages the film cartridge spool. Insert the trimmed end of the film into the slot of the
      take-up spool. Holding the film lightly down on the film sprocket, operate the film advance
       lever. Having checked that the upper and lower film perforations have engaged the transport
       sprockets, close the camera back firmly until a click.


NOTE: DO NOT LOAD OR UNLOAD THE CAMERA IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT.





MEMO HOLDER/ADVANCING THE FILM:

USING THE MEMO HOLDER:

Your new compact SIR camera has a built-in memo holder feature.

To utilize the memo holder feature, simply cut off the top of the film box and insert it into the memo
holder located on the back cover of your camera so that you can quickly and easily identify the type of
film and ASA speed used in the camera. Your calling card can also be inserted in the memo holder
(Fig. 8).

ADVANCING THE FILM:

Make sure the film has been loaded properly. Operate the film advance lever through a full stroke
(Fig. 9).

Now turn the rewind knob clockwise until resistance is felt. DO NOT FORCE IT. Keep observing the
film rewind knob, it should turn counter clockwise every time the film is advanced. Operate the film
advance lever and shutter release until Figure 1 is opposite the pointer in the frame counter window.
Your camera is now ready for the first exposure (Fig. 10).

NOTE: WHEN THE SHUTTER RELEASE LOCK IS ENGAGED (Fig. 11) THE SHUTTER CANNOT
BE RELEASED, TURN THE LEVER TO THE LEFT TO UNLOCK. (19)





FILM SPEED/SHUTTER SPEED:

THE FILM SPEED SETTING:

The ASA / DIN speed of the film is specified on the box or in the instruction sheet packed with the
film. Set the ASA / DIN speed opposite the white index mark on the camera top cover by turning the
ASA / DIN speed dial (Fig. l 3 ). Each time you use a different type of film, the ASA / DIN speed dial
must be reset accordingly.

SHUTTER SPEED SETTING:

Rotate the shutter speed dial to the left or right and select a suitable shutter speed from the band of
"B", "X", 1 to 1 / 1000. "X" speed is 1/100 (Fig. 14).

APERTURE SETTING/FOCUSING:

APERTURE SETTING:

The aperture is set in the usual way by rotating the lens diaphragm ring until the desired F stop is set
against the red diamond index mark on the lens barrel (Fig. 15 & 16 ). For further explanation see
"Determining Correct Exposure".





FOCUSING:

Set the auto / manual switch on the lens to the auto position (Fig. 17 ). Observe the subject through
the viewfinder. Turn the focusing ring on the lens until the upper and lower split images in the
microprism are coincident in the center of the viewfinder (Fig 18 ).

The focus can also be adjusted by the microprism which surrounds the split image disk by turning the
focusing ring on the lens back and forth until the image is perfectly sharp. This procedure ensures
without a doubt that the image is at its sharpest setting.





Scale Focusing

You may also focus by utilizing the engraved distance scale on the lens. Estimate or measure the
camera to subject distance in feet or meters and then set the focusing ring to appropriate setting (Fig.
19).

DETERMINING CORRECT EXPOSURE:

Your new compact SLR camera has a Through The Lens (TTL) exposure metering system. Also
called an instant aperture closed measuring system. To determine the correct exposure, operate the
film advance lever, observing the subject through the viewfinder in the center of the microprism area.
Depress the shutter release button slightly until one or two of the exposure indicator lamps (LED's)
located on the right side of the viewfinder frame illuminate (Fig. 20). Should the green lamp (LED) not
illuminate, you must turn either the shutter speed dial or the lens aperture ring until the green lamp
illuminates. By doing so, you will be assured of a correct exposure.

THE EXPOSURE INDICATOR:

Your new compact SLR camera has three exposure indicator lamps (LED's) located at the right side
of the viewfinder. These three lamps control the condition of exposure of the camera. The conditions
of exposures can be confirmed in the following three ways.

A. Over exposure

B. Correct exposure

C. Under exposure

When rotating the shutter speed dial or the lens aperture ring, you must operate them slowly since
the exposure indicator lamps are very sensitive. Generally you should select a shutter speed first then
operate the lens aperture ring until the proper exposure is obtained. A tripod should be used for
shutter speeds longer than 1/30 sec.

NOTE: ONLY THE TOP RED EXPOSURE INDICATOR LAME WILL ILLUMINATE REGARD LESS
OF THE LIGHTING CONDITION WHEN THE SHUTTER SPEED DIAL IS SET AT THE "X" OR "B"
POSITION.





UNLOADING THE CAMERA:

When the red figure "20" or "36" (20 or 36 exposure) appears opposite the index mark in the frame
counter window the end of the film has been reached.

Steps for Unloading the Camera:

       1. Press in the rewind release button on the camera bottom (Fig. 21).

2. Fold out the rewind crank on the rewind knob (Fig. 22).

       3. Turn the rewind crank in a clockwise direction.

Tension will be felt as the film is being rewound into the cartridge. Stop rewinding when the tension
ceases. Open the camera back by pulling the camera back all the way and lift out the film cartridge
(Fig. 23).

The rewind button on the camera bottom will snap back into position when the film advance lever is
next operated. Have the film processed without delay.





CHANGING THE LENS:

Your new compact SLR is equipped with a thread mount which accepts all interchangeable lenses
with Pentax/Praktica thread mounts. To remove the lens turn the lens counter clockwise until it is
separated from the camera body (Fig. 24 & 25).

NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE OR REPLACE THE LENS WHILE THE CAMERA IS FUNCTIONING


DEPTH OF FIELD:

Depth of Field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in the scene that will be sharp
in the finished picture. In practical terms this means that when you bring an object into sharp focus,
objects behind and in front of this will be rendered more or less sharply as well. For more Depth of
Field use a smaller aperture (for example, fill instead of 05.6). For less Depth of Field, use a larger
aperture (for example' f/4.0 instead of f/8) (Fig. 26 & 27).

Visible Check in the Viewfinder;

Set the lens at the selected lens opening on the f stop ring. Depress the shutter release button half
way and observe the subject through the

viewfinder. By doing so this will enable you to preview the area of sharpness in the picture before
shooting. In addition Depth of Field viewing can be accomplished by setting the automatic / manual
lever on the lens to the "M" position. By doing so you will preview the scene without activating the
exposure system.

NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU RETURN THE AUTOMATIC / MANUAL LEVER TO THE "A" POSITION.

Depth of Field Scale

The depth of field scale indicates (after focusing) the approximate area that will be sharp in the
picture. Locate on the depth of held scale the corresponding pair of f stop figures. The distance
between these two f stop figures on the focusing ring will be the area of sharpness in your picture





SELF-TIMER:

This device, when set, trips the shutter release mechanism after a delay of 7-12 seconds. It is
necessary if the photographer wishes to be in the picture and is useful for tripping the shutter at slow
shutter speeds if a cable release is not available.

When using the self-timer the camera must of course be mounted on a tripod or a solid support of
some kind.

To operate, move the self-timer lever counter clockwise as far as it will go. Advance the film transport
lever. Upon pressing the shutter release button, the self-timer mechanism will start to operate (Fig. 29
- 30).





USING ELECTRONIC FLASH:

It is advisable to use flash when the exposure indicators detect that the light level is too low, such as
indoors, at nigh time, or in daylight when the subject is too dark to provide adequate exposure.

Electronic flash units as well as conventional flash units using flash bulbs may be utilized. Your new
camera has a hot shoe. (Accessory shoe with built-in flash contact), together with a standard PC
outlet for "X" synchronization (Fig. 31 & 32).

Electronic flash units having a foot with built-in contact may be used without a connecting cord. As the
hot shoe has "X" type synchronization it can be used with electronic flash at "X" (1/100) or at slower
shutter speeds. The lens aperture is determined by the calculation table indicated on the flash unit.

NOTE: WHEN THE "FP" OR "M" FLASH BULBS ARE USED THE PC CONNECTING CORD
SHOULD BE INSERTED INTO THE "X" TERMINAL AND THE SHUTTER SPEED SET AT 1/ 15 OR
AT SLOWER SHUTTER SPEEDS. IT IS ADVISABLE TO USE A TRIPOD FOR SLOW SHUTTER
SPEED PHOTOGRAPHY. (Webmaster: This is for the very old flash bulbs, not a common item
anymore)


USING INFRA-RED FILM:

To use infra-red film an extra focusing adjustment must be made. After focusing note the figure that is
adjacent to the red diamond on the distance scale, then move that figure over to the red "R" marked
on the right side of the red diamond (Fig. 33). This adjustment is only required for black and white
infra-red film. When using color infra-red film, focus in the normal manner.
<<< If you are interested in IR photos, try digital >>>>

Macro Photography

The world of close-up photography has always been a complicated extension of normal photography.
Now for the first time with your Chinon compact SLR, equipped with Chinon's unique 55mm f/1.7
macro lens, you can explore this fantastic world of photography without the costly addition of special
equipment. Whether you are photographing an industrial application such as an ultra close-up of a
printed circuit, or even an esoteric whim such as photographing a beautiful close-up of a dew drop on
a flower petal, you can, without the addition of any accessories, open up new vistas in photographic
applications. The only limit is your imagination.

The science of macro photography revolves around a close-up reproduction ratio which is not
normally obtainable with standard focal length lenses. Since more and more photographers are
exploring this highly creative world of macro-photography, Chinon has developed through extensive
optical research, this unique ultra fast 55mm f/1.7 macro lens. It is available as a standard lens on
both new SLR models.

Selection of the subject

Macro photography can cover the entire gamut but your subject should be relatively shallow in depth
since depth of field becomes more critical in most macro situations. Particular emphasis should be
placed on steadying the camera. Therefore, a tripod is almost an absolute necessity in all macro
applications because the subject matter is being highly magnified.

Under many macro situations, where lighting is not an important factor it is highly recommended that
you use a low speed film such as Panatomic X*, Kodachrome 25* and Kodacolor II*. In most
instances your macro photograph will be more impressive when it is enlarged to a minimum of an 8" x
10" print. Accordingly you should keep the grain of the film "super fine" by using the recommended
films. However, when lighting conditions necessitate a high speed film such as Tri-X * or Kodacolor
400 * it should not be regarded as a critical deterrent. Your Chinon 55mm f/1.7 macro lens is of the
highest resolving power and the results will be acceptable with any type of film. Couple the fantastic
features of your new camera with the Chinon Power Winder and the 55mm f/1.7 Chinon macro lens
and creative capabilities are virtually endless. In addition to the 55mm f/1.7 macro lens your new SLR
accepts an entire "system" of top quality lenses:

MACRO LENSES:

50mm f/1.7MC Macro

55mm f/1.7 Macro

40-105mm f/3.5 MC Macro

85-210mm f/4.5 MC Macro

        * Panatomic X, Kodachrome 25, and Kodacolor 11 and Tri-X and Kodacolor 400 are registered
      trademarks of Eastman-Kodak.





Chinon Power Winder:

Your Chinon compact single lens reflex camera can also be used with the new Chinon Power Winder
when motorized photography is desired. This sophisticated accessory enhances the versatility of your
new camera and opens up new horizons for creative photography (Fig. 34).

The Power Winder, designed with the latest electronic technology, employs a special computer
"memory" chip which monitors key functions essential to motorized photography (Fig. 3 5 ).

Single Frame Mode:

As in normal photography however the Power Winder can be coupled with an accessory remote
control device (Fig. 36).

Continuous Mode:

Outstanding "hi-speed" (2 fps.) effects such as a subject moving or changing expressions can be
caught on film. Couple this feature with the unique pre-set counter and electronic interval timer
features and you can do almost anything photographically with your new Chinon camera (Fig. 37).

Pre-Set Counter:

The special "memory" chip monitors a preselected amount of exposures up to 24 frames - at a push
of a button (Fig. 38).

Interval Timer:

Time lapse photography at your fingertips. By means of the "unique" memory chip it is now possible
to make exposures up to 30 seconds apart.

It is possible to photograph just the same as in normal photography even when your Power Winder is
attached to your new Chinon Camera (Fig. 39).





       1. Remove the film winder coupler cover located on the bottom of the camera by
         turning it counter clockwise and it should be stored in the storage socket of
         the Power Winder (Fig. 40).

       2. The C/S dial of the Power Winder should be turned to the off position so that
        frames are not accidentally exposed when the winder is installed to the camera body.

       3. Insert the guide pin of the winder into the pin receptacle located on the bottom
          of the camera and rotate the winder attachment screw clockwise until the
        winder is securely fastened to the camera body (Fig. 41).

NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGED WITH YOUR
POWER WINDER FOR MORE OPERATING DETAILS AND OPERATING TECHNIQUES.

Care of the Camera:

Your Chinon compact single lens reflex camera is a precision instrument built with the latest
technologies. When used with care it will provide years of trouble free service.

Protect your camera from dirt, rain, dampness, and extreme heat. Avoid touching the lens. To clean
the lens wipe it gently with a soft lintless cloth or tissue. Do not use eyeglass tissue as this might
damage the lens coating.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure always the shutter release lock lever is set at the "L" (locked) position
when your camera is not used. This avoids a waste of battery and an accidental miss shot.

CHINON INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES

STANDARD LENSES:

50mm f/2.8
         f/1.7 MC Macro
55mm f/ 1.7, f/ 1.7 MC, f/1.7 Macro f/ 1.4, f/1.4 MC

WIDE ANGLE LENSES: 24mm f/2.5 MC, 28mm f/2.8, f/2.8 MC, 35mm f/2.8, f/2.8 MC

TELEPHOTO LENSES:

135mm f/2.8, f/2.8 MC

200mm f/3.5, f/3.5 MC

300mm f/5.6 MC

500mm f/8.0 (mirror)

ZOOM LENSES:

75 - 205mm f/3.5

85 - 210mm f/4.5 MC

85 - 21Omm f/4.5 MC Macro

90- 190mm f/5.6

*With a single control ring for zooming and focusing.

CHINON ACCESSORIES

Power Winder

Remote Control Unit

Auto-Extension Rings

Bellows

Table Tripod

Mini- Copy stand

Spare Ring for Mini-Copy stand

Cable Release (13 inch)

Angle Finder

Eyepiece Adapter ( - 3, +1, +3)

Rubber Eyepiece

Filter (52mm/55mm)

IA, UV, Y2, ND4, PL

Rubber Lens Hood (52mm/55mm)

Neck Strap

Wrist Strap

Standard Lens Cap

(52mm/55mm/62mm)

Lens Cap with 2 clips (52mm/55mm) Lens Mount Cap Body Cap

Because we continually strive to improve our products, we may change specifications without prior
notice.