Film cameras
EXA User manual
User manual for EXA. 16 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Exa
- Model / document
- EXA
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 1.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
1 = camera back catch
2 = film chamber for feeder cartridge 19 --: back wall of finder-hood with frame-finder
(unexposed film) rear sight
D = cassette guide with film roller 20 = protecting cover for hinged focusing
magnifier
3 =film chamber for take-up spool or take-up
cartridge 21 = button for folding magnifier up and down
4 = film transport knob 22 = finder-hood catch
5 = take-up spool for exposed film 23 --- lens
6 = film rewinding knob 24 = lens bayonet catch
7 = pivot of film rewinding knob No. 6 25 = distance ringView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
8 = image frame 26 = stop ring
9 = film guide 27 = shutter release knob
10 = film transport sprockets 27a= movable release lock
l I = hinged camera bade 28 = milled knob for interchange of finder-hood
and Special Prism
13 = film pressure plate
29 = contact nipple "F" regular flash
14 = shutter speed lever
30 = contact nipple "X" electronic and regular
15 = exposure counter flash
16 = rewind button (Push button before 31 = red mark on camera
rewinding film!)
32 = red mark on lens
17 = reversing lever
33 = Special Prism (delivered as accessory
18 = reflex finder-hood
35 = Loops for carryingView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
There may be slight deviations between the camera models and the illustrations in this booklet
The 35 mm EXA
is yours now and we wish you good luck with it. The camera will give you much pleasure, for it is handy, easy
to operate, and ready for use at a moment's notice. So it is well suited to be your constant companion.
We would advise you, however, to read this instruction booklet attentively before setting out to make
photographs with your new camera. Having acquired sufficient experience in correctly manipulating all parts
that eventually lead to taking pictures, you will obtain better results in every case and avoid damaging the
camera mechanism.
You are, no doubt, well aware of the unique advantages of the EXA which is a single-lens reflex camera. In its
interior there is a small mirror which reflects the image taken by the lens on to the ground-glass focusing screen.
For that reason the future picture is always strictly the same as the reflex image. This image permits critical
focusing and composition of the picture on the ground-glass screen to an unexcelled degree of precision.
We hope and wish you will obtain excellent results with the EXA and are at your disposal for all questions
concerning your camera.
Before loading the camera
it is advisable to get thoroughly acquainted with the camera without film. To begin with, one should train
oneself to master all the movements: to release the shutter, to open and shut the camera, to use the finder-hood,
to compose and focus the picture, always handling the camera as though it where loaded with film. It is only
when a complete mastery of the camera has been achieved that it should be loaded with film. To start with, the
use of an old exposed film is recommended.
A. How to open and shut the camera back
Press camera back catch (1) to the Left (111. 3), and
open hinged back (11) completely. When closing the
camera, care must be taken that the camera back
engages correctly in the groove on the body of the
camera. Press back (11) lightly towards camera body
until the catch (1) snaps into position.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
B. How to open and shut the finder-hood
When the catch (22) is pressed inward, the finder-hood
automatically opens into working position llll. 4). A detailed
description of the various possibilities which it offers for
composition and observation of the image, will be found in
section E of this booklet. For the present let us stress the most
important feet only: The ground-glass image is always strictly
the same as the future photograph. That is the reason why the
ground-glass image is the decisive factor for all operations
which lead to taking a picture: composition, choice of frame,
critical focusing, stopping down. The degree of brightness of
the ground-glass image even permits of determining the
exposure time fairly accurately. - If there is no image visible
in the finder-hood, wind the film transport knob 14) once in
the direction of the arrow as far as it will go.
Before shutting the finder-hood make sure that the focusing
magnifier is in its neutral (vertical) position (Section E).
Then, beginning at either side, fold down the side walls, the
back wall (19), and finally the front part until it snaps into
position (111. 5b)
C. Shutter and film transport
The EXA camera possesses a very simple and sturdy shutter.
In order to observe how it works, open the back of the
unloaded camera or remove the lens (see Section D). With the
release of the shutter for exposure the mirror swings upwards
into a position parallel with the focusing screen so that no
stray light can get into the camera. Therefore no image is
visible when a picture has been taken and the shutter has not
been wound up again. The shutter speeds are set by means of
the lever (14), it does not matter, weather this is done before
or after winding up the shutter. The mark on the lever must
come to lie against the mark of the speed required (Ill. 6). 6).
The figures engraved on the camera top plate indicate
fractions of seconds, so that e. g. 25 stands for l/25 sec.
Release by pressing the shutter release knob (27) gently
(111.7). A cable release can be screwed into the release
button screw thread. The movable release lock (27a) acts as a
guard against unintentional tripping of the shutter (important
for storing and carrying the camera). The locking lever has to
be swung up in order to disengage the release knob. If the
speed-setting lever (14) is set to "B", the shutter will open
upon pressure on the release knob (27) and remain so as long
as the knob (27) is pressed.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
It will close as soon as the pressure ceases. For "T" setting (after pressure on the release knob (27) the shutter
will remain open, until a second pressure will close it again) a special cable release is available. Long exposure
times can be easily measured by counting the seconds or checked by a watch. In this case it is absolutely
necessary to use a tripod (tripod bush in camera base) or to place the camera on a stable support (a table, a wall,
etc.). Handheld instantaneous exposures, however, are unconditionally possible. After exposure wind the film
transport knob (4) in the direction of the arrow` as far as it will go. With this action the shutter is wound up, the
film advanced one frame, the mirror swung into focusing position (the reflex image is visible again), and the
exposure counter (15) advanced one mark.
Film advance and shutter winder being coupled, double exposure of one section of film is impossible.
D. How to focus the EXA
The lens (23) of the EXA is interchangeable, but the camera
should always be kept with the lens or it will be spoilt by
dust. The front element of the lens should be protected by a
lens cover which must be taken off before making an
exposure. To remove the lens press the lens catch (24) lightly
towards the lens (Ill. 8) 8) and, holding the lens by the back
ring, turn it to the left, until the red mark on the camera (31)
comes to lie opposite the red dot on the lens (32), and the lens
can be lifted from the camera body. To insert a lens this
procedure is reversed: Insert lens (23) into the bayonet mount
so that the red mark on the lens (31) comes to lie against the
red mark on the camera body (32). Now the lens is turned to
the right until it is heard to slip into the catch (24) on the
camera.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
The best way to arrive at critical sharpness is to turn the
distance ring (25) to and fro until the main subject appears
absolutely sharp on the focusing screen in the finder hood.
The figure on the distance ring (25) that comes to lie opposite
the red mark, indicates to which distance the lens is set (lens-
to-subject distance) (111. 9-11).The diaphragm is adjusted by
turning the knurled stop ring (26) until the stop required is
opposite the red mark. The figures on the ring indicate the
effective lens opening, i. e
low figures (2.9, 4, etc.) = large aperture = short exposure
time
high figures (22, 16, etc.) = small aperture = long exposure
time
When increasing (or decreasing) the lens aperture, (or longer) exposure time is required, namely for one stop
double (or half) the normal exposure time; e. g. if the normal exposure is 1/50 sec. for an aperture of f/8, it will
be 1/25 sec. for f/11 or 1/100 sec. for f/5.6. A reduction of lens aperture (higher figures) produces an increase in
depth of field, that is to say, also points some distance in front of and behind the main subject focused at appear
to be sharp. For further details see the following table. For instance: lens set at 5 m, stop 8: extent of depth of
field from 3.02 m to 15.08 m, but lens set at 5 m, stop 4: extent of depth of field from 3.76 m to 7.47 m.
The lenses of the EXA have the distance ring (25) behind the front stop ring (26)(111.9-11). The depth of field
scale engraved in the back ring of the lens mount tells practically the same as the table.
The aperture figures diverge from either side of the red
index mark. The index lines on the left hand side indicate
the distance in meters from which sufficient sharpness can
be expected, those on the right hand side the distance in
meters up to which sharpness can be expected (= range of
depth of field). The respective distances are opposite the
figures of the aperture chosen. If the aperture figure on the
right hand side comes to lie to the right of the infinity sign
(00) sharpness will extend to infinity. Taking Illustration 9
as an example: lens set at 5 m., stop 8: range of sharpness
form about 3 m to nearly 15m.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
EXA Depth of Field The Meritar (111.11) lens for the EXA has recently become available with pre-set iris diaphragm as an optional extra. These lenses may be recognized by the ad adjustable stop ring R. Having decided the aperture to use for your picture, press back the knurled stop ring towards the camera body. Now turn the normal iris ring until the required stop number is set against the red mark and release the stop ring which will spring back to its original position. For critical focusing use the lens at full aperture and immediately before releasing the shutter turn the diaphragm ring up to the stop, an operation which is carried out by "feel" alone and without the necessity to move the camera from the sighting position.View original page 9
Page 10 · Read text
E. How to use and exchange the finder-hood and Special Prism
A bright ground-glass image is visible in the
EXA finder-hood. It is magnified by the
ground glass (a piano-convex lens) to such a
degree that accurate focusing is possible. For
more critical focusing the built in magnifier is
employed: To bring it into position move the
button (21) upward along the guide in the
finder-hood front wall (111.12) while holding
the index finger along top of finder-hood front
wall. To bring the magnifier back to its
neutral (vertical) position move button (21)
downwards again.
The sharp outline of the ground-glass image facilities composition and determination of picture frame. While
turning the stop ring (26) the varying extent of depth of field can be observed. Focusing should always be done
at full aperture and the lens stopped down afterwards.
Normally the camera is held at chest level (111.13). Illustration 14 shows how to hold it when the magnifier is
used.
When using the finder-hood vertical pictures can be taken at right angles to the object to be photographed, so
that the photographer can work without being hindered or observed (111.15).View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
The Special Prism (see Section F)
permits vertical pictures in direct vision
and shows an upright and laterally
correct image. Control of the ground-
glass image is also possible when
turning the camera upside down and
looking up into the finder-hood (111.16),
as it is necessary when shooting from
behind a wall, over a crowd, etc. In order
to use the finder-hood (18) as a frame-
finder (111. 18), bring magnifier into
working position by moving button (21)
upwards and swing protective cover (20)
forward. The rectangular opening in the
finder-hood back wall (19) serves as
frame-finder rear sight (111. 17). The
use of the frame-finder is particularly
indicated for sports shots etc.
The EXA is a two-system camera: the finder-hood is interchangeable and can be replaced by a Special Prism
(111.19 and 20). This Special Prism (see also 111. 1 and 2) is delivered separately as a camera accessory and
specially designed for snapshots. The camera is raised to eye level position (111. 21) and the object to be
photographed is viewed in direct vision through the finder. The Special Prism shows an upright and laterally
correct reflex image which corresponds to nature in all details for both vertical and horizontal pictures ([11. 22).
The image in the Special Prism moves in the same direction as the object. Holding the camera at eye level it is
easy to follow moving subjects.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Interchange of finder-hood
Close finder-hood (18). Push milled knob (28) downwards and lift closed finder-hood (18) from camera body
(111.19). When replacing the finder-hood insert finder-hood carefully in perpendicular direction into the
opening and press it down until it snaps in audibly. The Special Prism (33) is inserted into and removed from
the camera in exactly the same way as the finder-hood (18).
Never use forcer
F. How to load the EXA
The EXA uses perforated miniature cine-film of 35 mm, width for
36 exposures 1 1/2 x 1 in. (=24x36 mm.) on a strip of the usual
length of 1.60m. The film is supplied either in factory filled
cartridges or an empty cartridge is loaded with refill film or with
bulk film. For further details apply to your photo dealer. When
using bulk film no special trimming of the film end is necessary
except rounding off the angles.
Open camera back (see Section A). The film chamber (2) of the
EXA is provided with a cassette guide (D) (see legend in margin of
illustration). The loaded film cartridge should therefore be inserted
from beneath the camera so that the mouth of the cartridge lies
against the edge of the guide. The film is then led over the rollers
and sprockets to the transport spool (10). Insert pivot (7) of
rewinding knob (6) into hollow part of cartridge so that the groove
of the pivot (7) engages in the bar of the center spool. The cartridge
must not be larger than the chamber(2) or else it will not be
possible to shut the camera.
Make sure that the free end of the film runs straight into the
film track (9, film guide), the emulsion (mat) side of the film
showing towards the lens. Take care not to pull more than 10
cm. of film from the cartridge. Remove take-up spool from film
chamber (3) and push free end of film under spring of take-up
spool until film keeps fast (111.24) The film is wound into the
take-up spool with the emulsion side outwards (See Diagram
25). Insert take-up spool (5) again and make sure that the
groove of the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the
bar of the center spool. The strip of film must run perfectly
straight from film track to film transport sprockets [ 10) and
take-up spool (111. 26).
When closing camera back (11) make sure that cartridge, film,
and spool are kept in their proper positions. Now two "blind"
exposures must be made: Open finder-hood (18) as described in
Section B.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
If there is no image visible in the finder-hood, wind film
transport knob (4) up to the stop in the direction of the arrow.
Release by pressing shutter release knob (27): first "blind"
exposure. Wind knob (4) again up to the stop and release again:
second "blind" exposure. (webmaster: these are the typical
"blank" shots to move exposed film out of shutter area) Wind
film transport knob a third time as far as it will go: an
unexposed piece of film is brought into position in the image
frame (8).
Now set picture counter (15) by turning the milled knob with the right hand forefinger in the direction of the
(Ill. 27) until No. 1 points to the picture counting mark, and the camera is ready for the first "real" exposure.
If one does not wish to rewind the exposed film after 36 exposures into the cartridge, but to remove it from the
camera in a second cartridge, the procedure is strictly the same as described above. Simply remove take-up
spool (5) and replace it by a second cartridge. Spare cartridges are on sale for this purpose, or used ones may
be employed. In order to load the cartridge, open it and fix film on its center spool. Place it into film chamber
and make sure that the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the bar of the center spool and that the
film is wound up emulsion side outwards. Illustration 28 shows the path the film must take.
G. How to change films
If the film is wound on the take-up spool belonging to the
camera, one length of film will take more than 36 exposures.
Even if the picture counter points to "36' already, one or two
more exposures can be made, until the film transport knob (4)
cannot be wound any more. Now the film must be rewound in
the following manner: Holding the camera in your left hand,
press down the button (16) with the thumb, while the other hand
turns the rewinding knob (6) in the direction of the arrow (111.
29). As long as the film is being rewound, the film transport
knob (4) will rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. Once the
film is rewound into the cartridge, the transport knob (4) will
stop. Now open the camera (see Section A) and remove the
cartridge containing the exposed film. To make the camera
ready for loading and regular film transport again, make sure
that the small reversing lever (17) is pushed at once towards the
camera back and springs back again (111. 30)View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
If, on the other hand, the film is wound into an empty cartridge
instead of into the take-up spool, only 36 exposures can be
made. As soon as the counter (15) points to "36", make two
more "blind" exposures, so that all 36 exposed frames will
disappear into the cartridge. Open camera back, take out feeder
cartridge, open the latter and detach the film end from the
center spool. This done, remove the take-up cartridge and wind
up the rest of the film by turning the top of the center spool.
H. Flashlight
For flash exposures, the EXA has two synchronized contacts:
the X-contact and the F-contact.
The X-contact is closed as soon as light falls on the entire
picture gate. The lower contact nipple (30) belongs to the X-
contact. This is where the contact plugs of flashtube equipment
(111. 31) (electronic flash units) are inserted. The shutter
setting in connection with electronic flashes has to be l/60 sec.
The flash duration is equal to the burning period of the flash
tube which, as a rule, is 1/500 to l/6000 sec. This is sufficiently
short to capture the quickest movement. Literature on electronic
flash units is available at the special dealers or straight from the
manufacturers.
With the shutter set at "B" the X-contact also synchronizes all regular flash units according to the open flash
method.
In this case, the Ihagee flash unit (111. 32), or. any other
flash equipment, has to be used with its connecting plug
inserted into the X-contact of the EXA (details are given in
the Instruction Booklet for "The Ihagee Flashgun").
The F-contact, closes 11 to 13 ms. sooner than the X-contact,
which means, a moment before the entire picture gate is
illuminated. The upper contact nipple (29) belongs to the F-
contact and is designed to accept the contact plug of the
Ihagee Flashgun (111. 32) or of any other regular flash
equipment.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
The EXA F-contact permits employing such lamps as the small, moderately priced F 19 of RET Elektroteeknik
Eisenach, the Osram XM 1, and A XM 5 and the Philips PF 1, and PF 5, (or American flash bulbs: Amplex No.
5, Dura Flash No. 5, General Electric Ph 5, Westinghouse No. 5), shutter speed: 1/25 sec. The actual flash
duration is equal to the burning period of the flash bulb and may range from l/260 to l/l00 sec. For further
particulars, please refer to the slips enclosed with the flash bulbs.
I. Treatment and care of camera and lens
The camera with lens should always be kept in the ever ready case or wrapped in a piece of cloth that will not
ravel out. All easily accessible parts should be kept clean and, if necessary, dusted with a soft brush. Above all
the film track with the film guide (9), the film chambers (2 and 3), the camera back (11), the two springs (12),
and the film pressure plate (13) should always be kept clean.
The reflex mirror of the EXA is surface-silvered and extremely liable to suffer from careless handling. A very
soft hair-brush should be used when cleaning it a long intervals. The EXA must be carefully protected against
dust, sand, etc. as well as against moisture in any form. Never touch the glass surfaces of the lens with the
fingers 1 If necessary, the lens surfaces may be cleaned with a soft chamois leather or a piece of soft linen that
will not ravel out.
We would advise against tampering with the camera mechanism under any circumstances Only expert
mechanics being able to do repairs properly, our advice to you is to have repairs done in our works whenever
that is possible.
K. EXA accessories
The EXA takes practically all EXAKTA accessories with the
exception of the ever ready case of the EXAKTA. Special lenses
with focal lengths exceeding 100 mm. cannot be used
unconditionally in the EXA (vignette).
The EXA Everready Case has been designed to protect the camera
without impairing its operative speed. All mechanical parts which
are important for picture taking, can be operated even if the camera
is in the case. A camera retaining screw with tripod socket secures
the camera in the carrying case for safety (111. 33).View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Other accessories:
The Giant Release button (111. 34) is screwed into the
shutter release knob (27) whose effective surface it
increases. It allows of releasing the shutter with ease
and security when wearing gloves or when the fingers
are numb with cold.. Color Filters. The purpose of
filters in black-and-white photography is to render the
colors of the object to be photographed in the grey tone
values that correspond to the impression received by
the human eye, as the film registers several colors
otherwise than the human eye. All filters are corrective
filters: they lighten objects of their own color, while
darkening those of their complementary color; e. g. a
yellow filter ill produce tones of a lighter gray for the
yellow areas, and darker gray tones for the blue areas of
the object, for, to the human eye, yellow appears to be
the lightest, and blue the darkest color. Consequently,
the blue sky will appear darker in the picture and the
white clouds will offer a good contrast. The results
obtained when using filters, further depend upon the
light conditions and the color sensitivity of the film
used. For more detailed information consult the
technical literature.
The filters are pushed on to the lens front mount. The filter mounts will take, if required, a lens hood or a soft-focus disc.
As the color filters cut out certain parts of the light, an increase in exposure time is necessary when using them:
Yellow filters, light and medium 2-3 times the normal exposure time
Green filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time
Blue filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time
Red filters, light 8 times the normal exposure time
The Lens Hood [III. 34) is far more important than is generally believed. It protects the lens not only against frontal stray
light when photographing against the sun, but in every case against side stray light and glares, enhancing thereby the
contrasts in the picture. The lens hood is pushed on to the lens front mount or the front ring of the filter mount.
Soft - Focus Discs are widely used to catch 'atmosphere". Causing the bright areas to appear
slightly over-emphasized towards the darker areas it is their purpose to register sunny atmosphere
in a picture. The soft-focus discs are also pushed on to the lens front mount.View original page 16Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus Camera Manual Library. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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