Film cameras
Exakta EXA IIa User manual
User manual for Exakta EXA IIa. 43 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Exakta
- Model / document
- Exakta EXA IIa
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 43
- File size
- 16.0 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
The rnost importcnt operoting
controls of the EXA llo
1 Lens
2 Red dot on lens
3 Release rocker/ release knob on lenses with
automatic diaphragm
4 Diaphragm setting ring
5 Distance setting ring
6 Depth of field scale
7 Red dot on camera
8 Flash contact
9 Frame counterView original page 5Page 7 · Read text
As you start working with your new EXA ll a, it using an old film. When you can perform
be thatwe would like to congratulate you on your all these operations perfectll, Iou will
choice and wish you lasting enjoyment and much more certain of obtaining successful re-
successful results with your new camera. sults. And now fold out t he opposite page of
this manual to the left so that you can alwaysYou have invested in a photographic instru-
keep the illustrations in front of you whilstment of amazing versatility in the EXA ll a,
reading the text.which, despite its simplicity of operation, will
provide all the facilities you need to master Obviously there is little need for us to point
every field of miniature photography as your out all the major advantages of the EXA ll a,
own requirements become more ambitious. In since it was these which led you to select this
return, this camera makes only one demand camera in the first place. The single-lens reflex
upon you, that in your own interests you should focusing system, which ensures that you can
learn all about its operation to get the best always see a brilliant, erect, laterally-correct
performance out of it. Do not hesitate, there- and magnified image in the pentaprism view-
fore, to read these instructions carefully before finder of the EXA ll a, will solve almost all your
using the camera; begin by practising the photographic problems: with the sole assistance
operation of the controls with the camera of the parallax-free image you can select
empty, and then learn how to load and unload your subject, focus the image and check theView original page 7Page 9 · Read text
Removing ond replocing
the comero bock
Turn milled ring (30) in the base of the camera www.butkus.us
until red dots are oppogite each other. Grip
the camera with both hands, wirh the back 129)
faging upwards and the pentaprism viewfiniei
(12) po_inting towards you. press gentl), bn the
back (29) with both thumbs and slide it out
frpm under the chrome-plated top capping,
until the red dot abovl: the film gati-p5)
becomes visible (Fig. 1). Then lift the Uack (Zfi
out of its guide channels.
To replace the camera back (29), insert it from
above into the guide chani-els on either side
oJ the camera body-pg{ dots mUs,t- bp gppo-
site each other-so that the top edge of itre
back is in line with the red dot (iu1t as for
removing.the back). Then push the"back right
home, and turn milled ring (30) until the i*o
red dots are no longer oppoiitl each other.
Fig.'lView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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has to release the shutter before the filmShutter ond film odvqnce been wound on completely and the shutter
tensioned. Do not attemPt to force the lever'
in be seen image cannot the Penta- reflex coupled in orderare to Prevent double ex' The has shutter the (12) until prism viewfinder frames. and blankposures Leen tensioned. When you stoP taking Pictures
as set the shutter release lock (1 3) to the verticalMove shutter release lock (13) to the right
shown in Fig. 2; the shutter can then be releas- position, so that the red dot is visible.
ed, either d-irectly by pressing on the shutter
release button (17) or indirectly by.a pressure
on the release iock"r (3) or the release knob
on the lens.
Fig.2
When the shutter release lock (13) points verti-
cally upwards (with the red dot visible) the
shutter' cannot be released; this ensures that
the shutter cannot be released accidentally
when carrying the camera or putting it away'
The shutter is tensioned and the film wound
on by means of the rapid-wind lever (11)' This
tevei 1fig. 3) should always be swung right up
to its'st-op in a single movement after releas- ing the shutter. The lever will return to its
initial position by itself. lt is not possible to
operat; the rapid-wind lever. (1.1) before
.Jt""iing the shutter, neither is it possible
4View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Operoting the shutter 30. : 1/uo sec, 125 : 1/12x -Shuttersec. lntermediate values cannot be selected. speeds from
tlzl,o , . . 1/u6 sec can safely be used with a hand-
Instantaneous exposures: turn the shurter- held camera, without using a tripod; with ex-
speed setting ring (16) in either direction until perience in holding the camera steady, you can
the desired speed is in line with the black even go down to l/,,, sec if necessary^ Slower
triangle (4), (fig. 4). The figures represent shutter speeds should only be used with the
f ractions of seconds: for example 2 : i72sec, camera. on. a tripod or other firm su.pport. The
tripod bush (31) is in the base of the camera.
Fig.4View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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Ti me exposures: set the sh utter-speed setting details see the section on lenses, pages 9 . . .14.
ring (16) to B. Upon depressing the release The B and T settings are particularly useful for
button 1tt) or the release mechanism of the lens, night and indoor pictures.
the shuiter will remain open for as long as the
pressure is maintained. For longer time expo- A cable release is recommended for use when
iur"s, the shutter can be locked open as with taking time exposures, (particularly with the
a "T" setting: set t,he shutter-speed setting B setiing); the release may be screwed into the
ring (16) to B, open the shutter by pressing shutter release button (17) or into the release
thJrilease button (17) or the release mecha- mechanism of the lens.
nism of the lens and whilst maintaining the
pressure set the shutter release lock (13) to For all forms of time exPosure the camerathe upright position. The shutter will then should be attached to a triPod or placed on
remain open without any need to touch the cam- a firm support (table, wall etc).era, until the shutter release lock (13) is
way cam- in this right; again to the oncemoved
Lenses with The shutter speeds may be selected both be- pl etely. com be avoided can shake era fore and after tensioning the shutter. f ully-automatic diaphragms should be adlusted
for manual stopping-down, since otherwise the diaphragm will open prematurely. When using Any o{ the standard types of delayed-action rs deale photographic f rom available release tim_e long lens for f 2.8 Domiplanthe / 50 mm either lla; these are EXA with the may be used B the either employ should you exposurei, f itted tothe cable release, or else screwed directly setting and if necessary a cable release with a a into the release button (17)or into the release locking device, or the "T setting" with
locking knob for the release rocker. Forfurther mechanism of the lens.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Operoting the lens distance of the subject in feet and metres will
be shown on the distance-setting scale against
the red setting mark. The distantes in metresThe lens (1) is interchangeable; press the lock-
ing lever (18) towards the fens, turn the lens to Fig. 5the left (Fig. 5) until the red dots (2 and T) are
opposite one another and then lift off the lens
towards the front. For inserting the lens, pro-
ceed in the reverse sequence; position the lens
with the red dots i line, then turn the lens
to the right until the catch engages. All types of kitsNlfespecial lenses from those with the shorcest
thg longest focal lengths may be employed. www.butkus.us!gThe lens is focused by turning the distance
setting ring (5), which is scaled in both merres(lower scale) and feet (upper scale). Whilst sturning the ring, look into the eyepiece (19)
o.f tle pentaprism viewfinder (12) and adjusithe focus by means of the constantl), upright, i,ll$ l$-\L:
laterally-correct and highly magnif ied reilex t-'
image (when employing the Fresnel Lens screen,it is best to use the broad ground-glass ring in r;r
the centre image of the field, sinie this does i;;li possessnot the fine line structure in visible
the rest of the viewfinder field). When the
definition of the subject as seen in the reflex
image appears at its sharpest, then the actual
ffiffiView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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T or feet are measured from the camera back to and end. lf the aperture figure on one side is
the subject. lf the camera is fitted with a Dist- opposite the infinity symbol (oo) or even be-
ance Meter or Fresnel Lens focusing screen, yond it (reading from the centre), then the
then the image can also be focused by means depth of field extends to infinity. See page 14
of a split-image rangefinder, which provides a regarding the automatic depth-of-field indicator
two-fold check on the accuracy of focusing. on the Jena Pancolar | 2150 mm lens.
For further details see page 17. Three examples: distance scale set to oo (in-
The lens aperture is set by means of the dia- finity), aperture | 11 : depth of field from ap-
phragm setting ring (4). The smaller figures, prox. 5 metres (17 feet) to infinity ; see Fig.6. e.g.2.8,4, indicate the larger lens apertures; Distance scale set to 5 metres (17 feet), aper-these permit the use of fast shutter speeds, ture f 8: depth of field from barely 3 metresbut provide only slight depth of field. The (10 feet) to well beyond 15 metres (approx. I'l farger figures, e.g. 16,22, indicate small lens 23 metres or 75 feet) ; see Fig. 7.apertures, reguiring longer exposure times aper- scale (6%feet), Distance 2 metres set to(slower speeds), but provide great depth of me- Ij 1.6 of field from approx. depth ture f 5.6: field.
; see Fig. 8.The expression "depth of field" means that tres (5t/s feet) to 2.5 metres (8 feet)
subjects at widely differing distances from the Use a large diaphragm aperture for focusing
camera will be recorded sharply on the film. in the reflex viewfinder in order to obtain a f
The extent of this depth of field zone is shown brillant image and then stop down just before
by the depth of field scale (6) on the lenses; the exposure. lt is not necessary to move the 1
on either side of the red focusing mark will be camera from eye level in order to do this,
seen a series of aperture values; by reading since the lenses are provided either with click- 1 off the distance figures opposite the aperture stop diaphragms, with a device for pre-select-
value corresponding to the diaphragm setting ing the desired diaphragm setting or with
intended for taking the picture, it is possible to completely automatic pressure or spring dia-
see where the depth of field zone will begin phragms.
IView original page 14Page 17 · Read text
release rockerand by propping up the lower part stopped-down according to the position of the of the rocker will disengage the automatic dia- ring; this method of aperture-setting is re- phragm mechan ism. The d iaphragm is then stop- quired for time exposures). The diaphragm ped down by turningthediaphragm sefting ring ; the d iaph ragm will remain stopped down acco rd- Fig.9 ing to the amount by which the setting ring is rotated and the exposure can then be made using the "T" setting of the shutter. In order to check the depth of field during focusing, depress the release rocker just far enough to close the diaphragm down to the selected stop, without releasing the shutter. Operating the fully-automatic diaphragm www.butkus.us of the Meyer f 2 | 50 mm standard lens(Fig. 9):- Focusing is performed by turning the broad, polished distance-seming ring. Set the diaphragm mechanism for either fully- automatic pressure-diaphragm operation or for normal diaphragm setting as follows: red dot on the front control ring pointing up- wards - pressure diaphragm operation. Whiiedot pointing upwards : noimat diaphragm s€tting (lens aperture adjusted by rotating the diaphragm serting ring immediately in front of the camera body. The diaphragm remainsView original page 17
Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us T
I
setting ring has click stops at all aperture set- wards); screw the cable release into the re-
tings, even at intermediate values which are lease rocker.
not engraved on the ring. The desired aPerture For checking the depth of field during focusing
value must be set opposite the red setting when the lens is set for pressure-diaphragm
stroke. operation, only depress the release rocker
When using the fully-automatic Pressure dia- sufficiently to close the diaphragm down to
phragm (red dot on the control ring pointing the selected aperture; the shutter must not,
upwards) the lens diaphragm is opened to its however, be released.
and observing aperture for focusingmaximum has still lens standard Meyer The t2 | 50 mm stopped then it is finder image; reflexthe focusing advantage: long helical another itsdown to the pre-selected smaller aPerture thread permits close-up focusing down to 0.34(: working apert,ure) iust by pressing the metres (approximately 14 in.) without requir' ielease. The working aperture which is to be ing additional extension accessories'used for taking the picture is pre-selected by
By ring. setting diaphragmmeans of the Press-
picture' Operating the fully-automatic spring dia' -',1-t the release rocker to take theing on
Ithe diaphragm first closes down to the pre- phragm of thef ena T f 2.8 / 50 mm and f ena
selected smaller aperture and then the camera Pancolarf 2 /50 mm lenses (Fig. l0): Focusing I
shutter is released. Upon letting go of the re- is performed by turning the front, distance I
lease rocker the diaphragm oPens uP automa- setting, ring.
tically to its maximum aPerture; therefore, do Set the lens either for fully-automatic spring
not release the rocker until the shutter has diaphragm or normal diaphragm setting. When
closed completely (this is especially important using the fully-automatic sPring diaphragm, the
when using the siower instantaneous speed release knob on the lens must project, to-
settings). When taking time exposures, the lens gether with its mount, by about 1 cm or r/a in.
should be set for normal diaphragm oPeration in front of the black housing. lf necessary Press
(white dot on the control ring pointing up- the mount of the release knob gently in the
12
,t/'View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
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When using the fully-automatic spring dia- the diaphragm down to the desired aperture
phragm the lens is always used at its full without releasing the shutter.
aperture for focusing and observing the reflex
finder image. lt can then be stopped down to The f 2/50 mm Jena Pancolar lens is provided
the pre-selected smaller aperture (: working wit,h automatic depth-of-field indicators; once
aperture) just by pressing the release. The the aperture and focus distance have been se-
working aperture at which the exposure is to lected, the two red pointers indicate the extent
be made is selected by means of the diaphragm of the depth offield orsharp zone. By observ-
setting ring. By pressing the release knob on ing the black or white guide sectors in which
the lens, first the diaphragm closes down to the red pointers are positioned and following
the pre-selected smaller aperture and then the them along the edge or down the centre as
camera shutter is released. By taking your appropriate, the near limit of the depth-of-field'
finger off the lens release knob, the diaphragm zone can be read off on the left-hand side of
automatically opens up to its maximum aper- the distance scale and the far limit on the
ture; the knob should, therefore, not be relea- right-hand side of the scale. For example, if
sed until the shutter has closed completely you set your lens to f 8. distance 5 metres
(this is particularly important, when using the (approx. 15 feet), you will see that the depth:
slower instantaneous speed settings). For tak- of-field zone extends from barely 3 m (10 ft)
ing time exposures the lens should besetfor to more than 15 m (actually to 23 mor 76lt). t'
normal-diaphragm operation ; the cable release
can be screwed into the release knob on the lens. Focusing when using infra-red film:
When using infra-red-sensitive f ilm, f irst focus
For checking the depth of field during focu- the image on the ground-glass screen. Then note
sing when the lens is set for automatic dia- the indicated subiect distance (in metres or
phragm operation, the release knob on the lens feet, or infinity) and move it from the normal
should be depressed just far enough to close red setting mark to the red dot either on the
14
1.*"4View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
right or the left of it. By doing this the image formed by the invisible infra-red rays, which has its focal plane slightly further away from the lens than the image produced by visible light rays, will be brought into the film plane of the camera and so will appear sharp on the negative. Using the pentqprism viewfinder The pentaprism viewfinder (12) has several advantages : the camera can always be used at eye level. lt is possible to look into the view- finder eyepiece (19) with either the left or the right eye. The reflex image will always be up- right and laterally-correct no matter whether the camera is held horizontally or vertically; this is particularly useful when taking Pictures of moving objects since the image in the view- finder will move in the same direction as the subject itself. With subjects moving at great speeds, e. g. racing cars, the camera can thus beView original page 21
Page 22 · Read text
www.butkus.us Fie.Fie. 1'l1'l Fig.12 Fig.13 "panned" by swinging it gently in the direction EXA llaagainstyour forehead to prevent camera in which the subject is moving. shake (Fig. 13). For normal horizontal and vertical pictures the Persons who normally wear spectacles should EXA ll a is best held in the right hand, using use their distance glasses for focusing in the the right thumb and forefinger, for focusing. pentaprism viewf inder. Additional support can be provided with the left hand, employing the left forefinger for re- An invaluable accessory for the pentaprism leasing the shutter (Figs. 11 and 12). When viewfinder is the flexible eyepiece cup (Fig. 14) : taking horizontal pictures the camera can also this is fitted on to the eyepiece (19) of the be held upside down; press the back of the pentaprism viewfinder and shields it from dis- 16 IlView original page 22
Page 24 · Read text
! t!::::! :r::
":t:.
,:!tilit,g!: ii,) www.butkus.us
tt t: l
Looding the film .lititjdtl tt!) &jltui)iq).tl4iijt,+t+
r qileia
The EXA lla uses perforat,ed miniature film
35 mm in width. 1.6 metres (5 ft 4in.) of film
give 36 exposures, each f rame being 24 ' 36 mm(approx. 1 x 1rl2 in.) in size. To ensure trouble-
free film transport it is essential to use only
laultless film cassettes. When using film on
daylight loading spools, these should only be
inserted into cassettes made by the same manu-
factu rers.
't{emove the camera back (29) in the manner
already described. Slide the cassette containing
the unexposed film into the chamber (21) from
below (Fig. 16), if necessary swinging out the
rewind crank (14) and turning it slightly so
that, the coupling dog (20) grips the bar in the Fig.16
core of the cassette spool. The mouth of the
cassette with the protruding leader tongue of
the film must lie against the guide plate (21).
Remove the take-up spool (27) from the op- film around the core of the spool. Replace the
posite film chamber (28), push the beginning take-up spool (27) in the film chamber (28)
of the film beneath the retaining spring in the and turn it slightly in t,he wind-on direction
take-up spool (Fig. 17) and wind half a turn of so that the coupling dog (32) engages the bar
18View original page 24Page 26 · Read text
www.butkus.us In place of the take-up spool (27), an empty When using a take-up cassette proceed as fol- standard film cassette may be used in the take- lows: attach the leader tongue of the film to up chamber (28). Take care to check the con- the core of the cassette spool so that it winds dition of this take-up cassette thoroughly: the on to the spool with the bar across the end core should move easily within the shell of the of the core on the left as you Iook along the cassette and must not iam (if necessary the film, i. e. facing in the opposite direction to friction points of the cassette core may be that of the cassette containing the unexposed lubricated by rubbing them with paraffin wax). film. Replace the spool in the cassette and in- Fig.'l 8 Fig.19 20View original page 26
Page 28 · Read text
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,N :iN
Fig.22 Fis,.73 Fig.25
lf the film is being advanced correctly the DIN speed-ratings of black-and-white films, the
retracted rewind crank (14) will begin to rotate figures 25-400 forASA speeds; the black let-
as the filqr is wound on after taking about ters are for daylight-type colour films (C:
6 exposures. reversal films, NC: negative films), the red
lmmediately after loading the film, set the film letters for artificial-light colour films (C : f€-
speed and type indicator (15) to remind you versal, NC: negative). Here are four examp-
what kind of film is in the camera; turn the les: Fig. 22:.18DlN black-and-whitefilm; Fig. 23 :
ring in either direction until the appropriate 200 ASA black-and-white film; Fig. 242 day-
indicator is opposite the red mark. The figures light-type colou r negative fi lm ; Fi8. 25 : co-
lrom 12 to 30 should be used to denote the lour reversal film for artifical light.
22View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
Chonging the film
When using a take-up spool it may bepossibleto
take one or two more pictures aftei exposing'be the 36th frame before the film cannot ad--
va-nced any further. (Occasionally the rapid-
wind.lever (11) will stop part-waythrough its
travel.)The film should now be rewound: fi.st
depress the rewind declutching button (10)
into its mount: the button will remain locked
in this position in order to make it possible
to rewind the film, but will spring back to its
original position as soon as the rapid-wind
lever (11) is operated. Now swing out the re-
wind crank-(14) and continue turning it in the
direction of the arrow (Fig. 26) until you can
distinctly feel the crank begin'to tuin more
easily,.ind-icating that the film is completely re-
wound..lf the rapid-wind lever (11j has been
arrested mid-way through its travel, it can now
be swung right up to its stop to tension the
shutter completely. Remove the camera back
(29) and withdraw the cassette containing the
exposed film from the feed chamber (21).
When using a take-up cassette, expose one
more blank frame after the 36th exposure, but Fis.26
23View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
www.butkus.us do not use this frame for photographing any i mportant subject. Then operate the rapid-wind lever (11) to advance the 36th exposure into the take-up cassette. Remove the camera back and cut or tear off the end of the film. Remove the take-up cassette from the film chamber (21) and wind the end of the film right into the cas- selte. Flosh pictures The EXA lla has a flash contact (8) and the shutter speeds required for taking flash pictu- Fig.27 |res are marked with distinctive symbols: when Fig.28 ! using flash bulbs turn the shutter-speed setting ring (16) so that the red dot is alongside the flash bulb symbol ( o ) (FiS. 27) and when working with electronic flash set the ring so that the red dot is alongside the lightning- ffash symbol (t ) (Fig. 28). This will set the shutter speed to the correct settings, which are: 1115 sec for flashbulbs and 1/30 sec for electronic flash (when using electronic flash units without storage condensers, designed 24View original page 30
Page 34 · Read text
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Accessories
Accessories increase the versatility of the
EXA lla and are absolutely indispensable for
many types of work.
Leather ever-readY case
This ensures complete Protection for the cam-
era whilst it is stored away or being carried,
without affecting its readiness for immediate
use. The tripod screw enables the camera to
be mounted on a triPod whilst in its case.
Lens Hood (Fig.30)
Indispensable for protecting the lens against
side light and also often against light shining
:l straight into the lens, particularly when taking :i:]N:T colou r pictu res. lt also serves to keep raind rops
and snowflakes off the surface of the lenses. The
Fig.30 lhagee lens hoods are of the latest rectangular
28View original page 34Page 37 · Read text
Long-focus lenses include both those of normal
construction and also true telephoto lenses;
they have a long focal length and make distant
objects appear nearer; they therefore record
a relatively narrow section of the subiect on
a larger scale (Fig. 32). They also tend to re-
duce the effects of perspective. These lenses
are frequently used for taking portraits, in
child photography, for photographing sporting
events, wild animals and also for landscape
yrork, and many other types of photography.
Fig.33 shows the EXA lla fitted with the
popular Trioplan N f 2.8 / 100 mm lens with
fully-automatic pressure diaphragm.
lf an ultra-high-speed lens is required, theJena
B f 1.5 / 75mm lens is also obtainable.
The standard lens is removed in the manner
already described and the special-purpose lens
fitted in its place. For certain lenses of very
long focal length the outer bayoner of the
EXA ll a is employed. The disrance-seting sca- 'lles of these special lenses are also graduated - :"l
in metres and feet, indicating the distance from , ":tithe camera back to the subiect. Fig. 32
3lView original page 37From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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