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Exakta Guide - Later Models Reference guide
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- Exakta
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- Exakta Guide - Later Models
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- Reference guide
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- English
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- 85
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- Film cameras
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CONTENTS
Page Page
The 35 mn. Exakta Models 4 Wide-angle Lenses 48 Long-focus knses 48
Exakta Lenses Handling the Exakta 13 Compared 66 Loading 13
Carrying 16
Viewing 18 The Technique ofFocus 68 Holding 27 Depth of Field 68 Shooting 26 Control of Depth of Field 70 Unloading 30 Limits of Depth of Field 7l Unloading without The Hyperfocal Distance 72 Rewinding 32 Safety-zone Focusing 72 Changing Partly-Exposed
Film 32 HyperfocalDepth of DistanceField Tablesand 73 Cutting OffExposed Film
Parts 33 HyperfocalDepth of FieldDistancefor 73 Standard Lenses 74
Exahta Films 34 Depth of Field for 75 Safelight 34 Wide-angle Lenses
Handling, Winding and Depth of Field for
c us Le ns es 7 6-7 9 Trimming the Film 34 Lo ng-fo
Length of Film Required
for any Number of Exposures 36 The Technique of Exposwe 80 Loading Cassettes 37 Examat TTL Meter Cassettes with Bulk Film or Attachment 8l
Exposure Meter Attachm€nt 82 Darkroom Refills 37 Cassettes with Daylight The TTL Pentaprism for
Refills 39 the Exakta RTLI000 82 The Choice of Black-and- Fitting the TTL prism 84
White Material 39 Using the TTL Pentaprism 35 mm. Blnck-and-White Meter 84
Films 40 Open aperture measuring U
Conversion of Film Speed Stop down measurement 86
Systems 4l Fitting and changing Colour Film 42 battery 87 35 mm. Colour Films 43 Using an Exposure Meter 87
Exakta Lenses 45 Thc Technique of Tonc 90
Setting and Changing Isses 45 The Use of Filters 90
The Choice of Lenses 46 Filter Factors 9l Standard Lenses 47 Polarizing Filter 92View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Page Page
Coc of the Canuru 93 Flash with thc Exakta 100
Storage 93 How to Use Flash 100
Exercise 93 Flash Exposures l0l Running test after storage 93
Keeping the interior clean 94
Treating the camera with
care 94 Exakta Accessories
Coping with tropical
conditions 94
Contersion of Feet and Inches
into Mefiic anits 106
96
96
Close-up Focusing Table Shttcr Speeds to An* for Supplementary Lenses 98 Movement 107 Extension Tubes 98
Close-up Focusing Table
for Extension Tubes 99 How to . . . Whot is wherc? 108View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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THE 35 mm. EXAKTA MODELS
The 35 mm. Exakta is a singleJens reflex camera. The
actual taking lens serves both for focusing and taking the
picture and is used to form the image on the film as well as
to reflect the picture to be taken on to a ground-glass
focusing screen. Film and focusing screen are for all intents
and purposes at the same distance from the lens, but in
different positions and at right angles to each other. The
film runs along the back of the camera while the focusing
screen is on the top of it. Thus, the light entering through
the lens has to go alternately in two directions: once to the
focusing screen and once to the film. This two-way traffic is
controlled by a mirror on point-duty. By setting the shutter,
the mirror is introduced into the path of the light-rays
between lens and f,lm, thus reflecting the image on to the
focusing screen, showing exactly the same outlines, defini-
tion, depth of field and relative brightness of the subject as
will appear on the negative. The screen is a plano-convex
lens ground on the underside, and shows the image magnified
and brilliant all over. It is the right way up and permits
critical focusing (aided by a built-in maguifier), as well as
adjustment of the extent of definition towards both the
foreground and background and, lastly, composition of the
photograph before the negative is exposed. With the release
of the shutter for exposure, the mirror first snaps upwards
and covers the focusing screen. Then the shutter goes across
and the image is recorded on the film.
The shutter of the Exakta is a self-capping focal plane
shutter (except RTL1000, see page l0) travelling from right
to left. "Self-capping" means that it remains closed while
being wound up; "focal plane" means that it moves right
in front of the negative material, thus ensuring full protec-
tion to it. With this type of shutter, lenses can be changed
while the camera is loaded. The Exakta shutter has the
widest possible range of speeds. Besides the instantaneous
speeds from li30 (early 1125) to l/1000 sec., automatic time
exposures from 1/8 (early 1/10) to 12 secs. can be set.
4 ,l
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A delayed-action release (self-timer) is built-in and coupled to the shutter, allowing all speeds from l/1000 to 6 secs. to be released with a delaying time of about 12 secs. This very wide choice of longer automatic shutter speeds is unique for miniature cameras and is useful for certain specialised work. On the other hand, this shutter is more complicated than those of most of the other miniature cameras and needs careful handling. Shutter winding is automatically coupled with film transport and the swing of the mirror into the focusing position. Exakta lenses include the well-known Domiplan, Jena Tessar, Pancolar, Domiron, Orestegon as standard lenses, besides a wide range of more specialised lenses by other manufacturers. The lenses are inter changeabl e, allowing the use of telephoto, wide-angle and particularly fast lenses from 20 to 1000 mm. and apertures up to/I.8. One unique feature ofthe single-lens reflex type is that, whatever lens is used, no special finders are required, as the reflex finder shows in every case the correct image with the lens employed. The interchangeability of the lens permits the straight- forward use of extension tubes for close-uos without the least complication of focusing. The same goes for using the camera in photomicrography, etc. The reflex-finder hoodpermits normal reflex image viewing and focusing as well as eye-level viewing and focusing by means of a pentaprism in the Exakta V, VX, IIa, IIb, VX500, VXl000. RTL1000 and Exa L It has a direct vision frame finder to be used for viewing only A magnifying glass permits critical focusing. The waistlevel reflex finder is interchangeable in Exakta models V, VX,IIa,IIb, VX500, VX1000 and RTLl00O-as well as on the Exa I-against an eye-level pentaprism reflex finder. The body ofthe Exaktas (except RTLI000) is oftrapezoid shape, approximately 6x3f x3 in.It is die-cast aluminium alloy in one piece with the negative aperture, leather- covered, and has a hinged back. It is comparatively smallView original page 7
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A delayed-action release (self-timer) is built-in and coupled
to the shutter, allowing all speeds from 1/1000 to 6 secs. to
be released with a delaying time of about 12 secs. This very
wide choice of longer automatic shutter speeds is unique for
miniature cameras and is useful for certain specialised work.
On the other hand, this shutter is more complicated than
those of most of the other miniature cameras and needs
careful handling. Shutter winding is automatically coupled
with film transport and the swing of the mirror into the
focusing position.
I '1 Exakta lenses include the well-known Domiplan, Jena
I Tessar, Pancolar, Domiron, Orestegon as standard lenses,
besides a wide range of more specialised lenses by other
{ manufacturers. The lenses are interchangeable, allowing the
i use of telephoto, wide-angle and particularly fast lenses
from 20 to 1000 mm. and apertures up to/I.8. One unique
1 feature of the singleJens reflex type is that, whatever lens is
used, no special finders are required, as the reflex finder
shows in every case the correct image with the lens employed.i i The interchangeability of the lens permits the straight-
$ forward use of extension tubes for close-ups without the
least complication of focusing. The same goes for using the
q'tJr cameraThe reflex-finderin photomicrography,hoodpermits etc.normal reflex image viewing
A,il and focusing as well as eye-level viewing and focusing by means of a pentaprism in the Exakta V, VX, IIa, IIb, VX500,
VX1000, RTLI000 and Exa I. It has a direct vision frame
finder to be used for viewing only A magnifying glass
permits critical focusing.
The waist-level reflex finder is interchangeable in Exakta
models V, VX, IIa, IIb, VX500, VX1000 and RTLl0Ofas
well as on the Exa I-against an eye-level pentaprism reflex
finder.{t
The body of the Exaktas (except RTLI000) is of trapezoid
/i shape, approximately 6 x 3f x 3 in. It is die-cast aluminium
II alloy in one piece with the negative aperture, leather-
ili covered, and has a hinged back. It is comparatively small
iltl 5
ri
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THE EXA MODELS
The Exa 1, introduced in 1963 (below), is basically
the same as the models current up to 1961 (right).
Its styling was improved, however, and the
shutter speeds changed.
The 1964 Exa lla (left) is similar to the Exa ll
(obove), but has a detachable back and- improved
film tiansport. lt can be supplied with standard
ground gliss screen or with a ground glasl with
iresnel sireen and split-image rangefinder in the
centre. The Exa llb is as lla, but with instant return
mirror.
The 1967 Exa 500 (similar in aPPearance to the
Exa lla) is fitted with pentaprism and microprism
rangefinder, extended shutter speed range and
fully automatic diaphragm lens.
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EARLIER 35 mm. EXAKTA MODELS
Right: Model l, the original
Kine Exakta, has non-
interchangeable focusing
screen and is synchronized
for bulbs only.
[eft: Model ll is similar to
Model l, but has a different
hood and film counter.
Right: Models V and VX
have interchangeable
screens and are M- and X-
synchronized, having two
sets of sockets. The 1956
model of the VX has e
single concentric socket at
each side.View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
EXAKTA VAREX IIa (1957). This model follows in general the
above description. Its main differences compared with the earlier
models are tliree co-arial flash sockets (X, M and F), a specially silent
shutter mechanism and an improved film indicator. The 1961 model of
the Varex IIa is fitted with an improved reflex hood (with one-finger
closing) which also accepts the interchangeable^ ground-glass screens
for sp6id purposes, e.g. with split image rangefinder (up to.now only
available for the pentaprism). This hood has no direct vision frame
finder. The standard lenses have fully automatic preset iris.
EXAKTA IIb (1964) is similar to the model IIa of 1961, but has
geometrical speed'scales (l/30, I I 60, I I 125, | 1250, 1 /5W, ! /1000. sec.).
The rewind linob has a crank. The catch to secure the finder is not
needed.
D(AKTA VX1000 (1967\ is as the Exakta IIb, but with instant
return mirror and minor mechanical improvements.
EXAKTA VAREX VX500 (1969) is a scaled-down version of the
VX1000, with shutter speeds of 1/30 to U500 sec. and-B -o-nly. EXAKTA VAREX VX (tgSe) is similar to the model IIa, but has
only two flash sockets.
ExArrn VAREX Vx (1951) has flash sockets for a two-pin flash
sockets. concentric instead ofplug^ the predecessor of the VX is similar to V (1950), VAREX EXAKTA
it except that it has no film type or transport indicators, it does not
the back is not hinged. and io cassette from cassetteoermifworking' reflex has no interchangeable V but is as Exakta EXAKTA If (1949)
finder, so that the pehtaprism attachment is not u-sable-(but a special
prismltic attachment can be placed on top of the reflex hood, see
bage 100). The flash contact is fbr flash bulbs on^lY, and there is a minor
change iir the mechanical construction of the. film transport.
EXAKTA I (1936), the original pre-war Kine Exakta, is similar to
Exakta II with duite-minor mechanical differences which do not affect
its manipulation.
The Elakta cameras using 35 mm. film were originally called "Kine
Exakta" to distinguish them from the roll film Exaktas then also
produced. The prefix "Kine" was dropped in 1950' however'
Exa Models
The Exas are simplified versions of the Exakta. They retain maqy-of
its features, in partlcular the reflex focusing-vierying system and the
interchangeable-lens system. In addition to the lenses listed for the
Exakta, ai inexpensivd standard lens,/2.9 50 mm. M-eritar, 3 element
with pre-set diaphragm, is available for the Exa models.
nXA n (195i) ha-s shutter speeds from !12 to ll210-sec. and. B,
single flash contict, but no delayed action. The eye-leve! ngnlaprism
finder is permanenily fitted. Most Exakta accessories, including all
lenses, may be used in it. \
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EXA IIa (1963), similar to II, but has detachable back and improved
film transport.
EXA IIb (1965), similar to IIa, but with instant return mirror (the
image can be viewed before and after exposure), a warning signal in
the viewfinder when the film has not been advanced, and general
mechanical improvements.
EXA 500 (1967) is an improved version of the Exa IIb with fully
automatic diaphragm lens, pentaprism with fresnel screen and micro-
prism rangefinder, shutter speeds ll2 se,c. and U500 sec. and B, and
XM flash synchronization.
EXA I (1953) has a shutter of different design with speeds of 1/25,
1/50, U100, 1/150 sec. and B only, two flash contacts, no delayed
action. Film wind is by a transport knob; the film cutting device is
omitted. Long focus lenses beyond 100 mm. are not usable (without
undue cut-off) and similarly close-ups with longer extension tubes than
2 in. (5 cm.) cannot be made.
EXA I (1961), as I 1953 with improved reflex hood.
EXA I (1963) has improved styling, shutter speeds ll30,1160,lll25,
l/175 sec., B, single flash contact with symbol setting for electronic
flash and bulbs.
EXA Ia (1965), similar to EXA I (1963), but with lever film transport.
In handling, the Exa cameras are substantially the same as the
Exakta. Where differences occur which are not self-evident, these are
pointed out in the text.
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HAI\DLING THE EXAKTA
To start with, we take it for granted that we have our
Exakta, together with a cassette of film, in front of us. Our
first task is to load the camera with film.
Loading
The film should be loaded into the camera in subdued
daylight, or at least in the shadow of your body. The
procedure is as follows:
1. Open camera-back.
2. fnsgfi film.
3. Fix film on take-up spool.
4. Close camera.
5. Open finder hood.
6. Transport film twice and release.
7. Wind fitn-winder once more and set picture-counter.
8. Set film indicator.
1. Open camera back by pulling downwards and turning the milled
camera opening knob on the camera base. On earlier models and
some Exa models, pJess camera back lock. On RTLI000, pull up
the rewind knob as far as it will go.
2. !-he rewind key is pulled out as far as it will go, the,n place loaded I
film cassette into right-hand side film chamGr @elow slow speed
agd delayed action knob) with its hollow part towards rewind-key.
The mouth of the cassette with the film end has to point towariis
the. take-up The rewind knob is now fully pushed back, I -spool. taking care that its centre plate is not pushed upwaids.
The film chamber of the Exa has a cassette guide (a metal sheath I
which plojgcts from the roller towards the c[amber). The loaded
cassette is inserted from beneath the carnera, so that the mouth of
the cassette lies against the edge of the guide.
3. Hold the cassette in position with the left thumb, while pulling
with the right hand 4 to 4l in. (10 to 11 cm.) film from it. The free
end of the film is pushed under the spring tongue of the take-up
spoo-l of the -camera (below the film winder). The takoup spool can be tumed on its axis to bring the spring tongue into the most
con-venient position for inserting the film.-While fixing the film
under the tongue the spool should be prevented from turning by
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holding it still with one finger. Before closing the camera bac\
make sure that the perforations of the film engage in the teeth of
the film transport sprockets.
On RTL1000, pull the beginning of the film to the green mark
and push it with its lower perforation from above under the film
rest and over the film transport sprocket. The wire frame on the
take-up spool must not point upwards (but in any other position).
On the Exa I (1961) camera, remove the take-up spool from its
chamber and push the film end under the spring of the take-up
spool. The film is wound on to the take-up spool with the emulsion
side outwards except on Exa I (1963) and later, where it winds
inwards. Now insert the take-up spool into its chamber, ensuring
that its top engages in the shaft of the film transport knob, and the
perforation of the film in the film transport sprockets.
When working with two cassettes with the Exakta VX, IIa, b,
VX500 and VX1000, trim the free film end square. Open the take-up
cassette Gage 37), remove any cut-off film end from the centre
spool and attach the end of the fresh film to the centre spool of the
take-up cassette (No. 4, page 37). Assemble the take-up cassette,
and insert it in the take-up chamber. The slit of the take-up cassette
must point towards the film aperture of the camera. Make sure that
the perforations of the film engage in the teeth of the film transport
sprockets, and close the camera back.
To work from cassette to cassette on Exa I (1961) cameras, simply
replace the take-up spool by an empty cassette and adopt otherwise
the same loading procedure as described for use of the take-up spool.
4. Close the camera back. With the Kine Exakta I and II, take care iI that the circular peg inside the camera connected to the rewind key
is pushed firmly into the interior of the camera, This is best done with lt
the ball of the left thumb. The camera back, held in the right hand I
with its locking-key upwards, is hooked with its lower end into the groove on the body of the camera, and the back itself pressed lightly II towards the body until the locking-key snaps into position. The
rewind key must be allowed to catch in the camera back so that it A
is clamped to the qrmera and cannot be pulled out when the back
is closed.
On RTL1000 just press back gently home; it will lock automatic-
ally. Transport and release the film transport lever and repeat until
the automatic frame counter points to No. 1. Ignore the points
5, 6,7 below.
5. Ihe finder-hood springs open by prcssing its catch in the middle of
the back base of the hood.
6. Wind and release the film transport twice with the shutter set to
any speed except T (:Z). This action implies that the film has been
moved forward the first two frames, which have been exposed to
light while inserting the film into the camera. These two wasted 1 leader-frames do ,tot count as part of the 36 exposures. i
)
t4 i
I
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LOADING THE EXAKTA
L
lop row: Opgn camera back (on RTL 1000, pull up rewind knob fulty) and insert film casserte.
Second row: Attach leader to take-up spool(on RTL 1000, lay leadeiacross spool after passing under
fifm guide). Close camerl back.
T-hird row: Open finder hood, where applicable. Make two 'blindt exposures. Wind on tgain and set
film counter (except on RTL 1000).
Bottom row; Set film speed indicator on earlier models (teft), on RTL 1000 (centre). Set film type
indicator.
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7. The thinl fitm-wind brings the first unexposed piece of film into
position, at the same time pulling the film tight. After wilding on,
t^he exposure counting disc is set to No. 1 by moving its setting knob
(in eailier models th-e disc itself) in the direction of the e{r-gravel
arrow until No. 1 points to the picture counting mark (small black
triangle). On no aciount must the counting disc be turned backwards
(againsi the arrow), as the subsequent exposure numbers would not
be indicated correctly.
The Exa I (1961) film counter is a segment cut out in the top of
the camera beside ihe film transport knob. Turn the knob in front
of the segment (while pressing the top of one fi1ge1 against it) in
the direction of the arrow untilNo. I points to the index mark of the
segment. On the subtractive counter of Exa I (1963) and Exa 500,
set to 36 or 20 respectively.
On the Exakta VX, IIa, b, VX500 and VX1000 the film control
disc, seen in the circular cut-out on the outside of the slow-speed
knob, will rotate when the film is being transported.
8. The film indicator around the base of the slow-speed knob of the
Exakta VX and IIa, b (on VX500, 1000 in its centre, on RTL1000
on the base of the transport lever) should be set in accordance
with the speed of film loaded into the camera as a reminder.-Early
models have instead a film type indicator with the symbols S:black-
and-white; black C:colour,-daylight type; red C,:colour, artificial
light type. The Exa 500 has both types of reminder.
Carrying
However elegant it may be to carry the camera on a long
strap hanging-from the shoulder, this position is quite
unsuitablCfoi quick action. Many a good shot has been
lost in this way.-A better method is to carry the Exakta on
a short strap round the neck, so that it lies on one's chest-
in the right position ready for work. Opening the case and
finder hood-or, when working with the pentaprism lifting
the camera up to eye level, is then a matter of a split-second.
There are a number of different t)'pes of cases available for the
Eraktas:
The ever-ready case carries the Exakta ready for qs9, and there is
a holding scre\{t which prevents the camera from falling out of the
opened- case. Outfit cases in several variations are available to take the Exakta,
together with auxiliary lenses, filters, films, etc. Also, separate cases for
onl lens or any of the other Exakta accessories are also on the market.
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Generally, it is of foremost importanc,e to acquire sfficient
experience in manipulating all parts that eventually lead to
toking the picture by getting thoroughly acquainted with the
ways in which to work them before actually setting out to
make photographs. Surely one should try the gears, the
accelerator, the brakes and even the horn of a new car
before going "all out" with it. Going all out with a new
camera without being able to do the "right thing" almost
automatically is not less dangerous. It may be less wasteful
of lives-but it is not less wasteful of live pictures, if not
of the camera itself.
be The following are the mechanical points that must particularly watched when using the earlier Exakta: (l) Open-
ing and closing the finder hood. (2) Winding the film and
setting the shutter. (3) Releasing.
Yiewing
The reflex finder and the eye-level pentaprism are viewing-
focusing devices. The frame finder is purely a viewing device.
' REFLEX FINDER. To bring the finder hood of the Exakta into
the working position, the catch on the back of the finder hood has to be
pressed down, when the hood automatically opens up, permitting
observation of the ground-glass screen image up to the moment of
exposure. The screen of the Exakta is actually one side of the plano-
convex lens, the lower side of which is matted to form a ground-glass
screen; the lens also acts as a powerful magnifier. Therefore, the reflex
image seen in the finder hood is bigger than the actual image on the
negative, while-natural ly-the outlines and definition remain identical.
Fol more critical focusing a built-in magnifier may be employed in
addition to the magnifying ground glass. The magnifier is erect in the
front wall of the finder hood; to bring it into position, it is simply
pressed inward towards the reflex image, where it will be automatically
held by a catch. Looking down, the reflex image appqlrs further
enlarged, so that it may be focused with ease and accuracy. While the
first e-dition of the 35 mm. Exakta was fitted with a circular magpifier,
showing only a comparatively small circular central section of the field,
the latei models have a bigger, rectangular-shaped magnifier, allowing
almost the whole field to be viewed. The magnifier is released from its
horizontal position by pressing the small stud on the right-hand bottom
corner of the back of the finder hood.
The magnifier has a protecting cover (except Exakta I) and shows the
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whole image, so that the camera can be used without lowering it after
critical focusing.
The reflex finder image seen is the picture produced by-the. camera
lens and reflected by the mirror on to the screen. I'he retlex rmage lS
btttu uisiUte ifter thl film has been wound on, and it disappe.ars once
itte"sttutter is ieleased. It has a twofold purp-ose: first t9 show the
iiti.n^-iTliipiiii,Ji*onaiopermitthefiestdefi nitiontobeobtained.
The reilex finder oiExakta IIa (1961) and IIb accepts also the special
condenser bases with split-image range finder, etc'
There should be no difficulty in getting the outlines as exact as
red.iiiia. lTiJadvisabte to view the piclure rtrst yit!fyll'qOened aperture
i;lffi;;iir;brdit*i possible reflix-imale. The firider hood extension
6d;t?i, Gpi"?itruv tigt lfro^m the screen, giv.es additional brilliancyto the prcture. r" sirii"e-oTt4" fact that 9ne i9 likelv a.utoTa!i9!I-!9
irof{ tfie camera qiite level, one should make sure that the vertical the sides of the ground-glass iinii liittri pict.r.J p paiallel with
frame, if inteitional tilting is not aimed at.
The second purpose of the reflex finder, obtaining.the best definition,
is ai-itteia*e-timibnJof the most imfortant factors ensuring good
il*tti. ftte-iisi e*perienced user of.the reflex scr@n is.apt to accept' ;li-d 6;ity, a ie"-ingty sharp_ impression oflhe image as best CLnt itioo. Thlie are, horiever, dilffbrent degr_ees of sharpness even at use of in determining.the.best dll ;;;G: wnicn bne shoutd make ili"rl5fi'lGfiitiliA. ffi6eit way to arrive at critical definition is to
i;;;';i; hrlt to-andfro while observing how the main acculatgly,bryom-e; more and 1,bffffi;nil[i."6"l?;ii'tii-iiirtT"tinas to foctis *6ii-rttu.p up to-a certiin ,p-oint, be-yond which it,will definition. it is at this "beyond" stage that we reverse the movement"guin_l^o:?oI
theil;;ing mount. ttrlfeg.ee of irovement of the focusing mo9lt is Jiowtv nirr?wed down unti-i one unmistakably- arrive-s- aJ the point of
A;;il 6;rt Orn"i1i"". fi is a case of "encirilement" fr9n1 the-slurp ii'rriiiailrrs i"-iii sho,rp point;I! mgst be repeated that, before t!r9 iqage-still appears il.i-t"i"tiC thJ point"iiiiiiof maxinium.dgfinitiop, ffi"#illi tttitp, but no one should be deceived by this fact: it is not
good enough for enlarging.
The built-in mapifi'ing glass swung into position will assist in
aet"r-ini"g itt"iittfl"-iffos1 Having found thi-s, the magnifier should
b;-ftft;dE""t una--itrJ l"ttote ima{e on the screen surveyed before ielease. The camera, which had to G raised when using t\e magnifier'
;lilid- r.t UJ rofirea-again. otherwise-with -the magnifier in front Aennition, but are bound tb lose sight of g"i of us-we -"V picture whole."icettint as a the
The picture on the ground-glass scncen -appgFrs upright but reversed
lefi ti'.igiit.-Si-iiarli, moveirents. are also- shown reversed and the ;;;;i" ;ili nout to [ri irinra against the apparent movement of thc
object to follow it.
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PENTAPRISM FINDER. This is for the Exakta RTL 1000, VX500,
1000, IIa, b, YX, V and EXA I; it is interchangeable against the normal
reflex finder and is an extremely valuable alternative focusing-viewing
method. To change from the reflex to the eye-level finder, the finder
housing is [fted up bodily and replaced by the other finder housing,
while on EXAKTA VX1000, IIa, VX or V the sliding catch on the
front plate is depressed.
With the pe,ntaprism in position, the image is viewed and focused at
eye level and seen upriebt and the right way round. The bright image
makes accurate focusing easy, and changing from the horizontal to the
vertical position is straightforward.
The base of the pentaprism finder consists of a plano-convex lens,
the flat side of which is a ground screen. This base is interchangeable
for special ones, with split-image rangefinders available either on a
normal ground-glass screen or on an extra-bright fresnel lens screen
giving uniform brightness edge to edge. They give split-image range-
finder focusing, in addition to normal screen focusing. Two small
prisms are mounted in a clear spot in the centre of the screen, and the
image in the spot appears disrupted; on turning the focusing ring, the
two disrupted halves are brought into line so that one continuous
image is seen, and in this position one has focused accurately.
For more specialised types of work, in particular for macrophoto-
graphy and photomicrography, the ground-glass condenser may be
changed for clear glass (to permit focusing on the more brilliant aerial
image), or for ground-glass with a centre spot of 3 or l0 mm.
Prism finders combined with exposure meter are available: see
page 81.
FRAME FINDER. The Exakta models prior to 1961 were fitted with
a direct vision frame finder. This is brought into position by pressing
inwards the magnifying glass in front of the finder hood. The rectangular
aperture in the back wall of the finder hood, together with the open
frame in the front wall, form a direct vision frame finder for eye level.
To use the frame finder of Exakta IIa, VX, V, U, lift up the magnifier
and also the protective cover. The frame when viewed through the
sight will define the outlines of the picture aimed at. When using the
frame finder, one must not attempt to turn the camera to the right or
the left, away from the eye, nor must the eye be moved from the centre
of the back frame to find the limitations of the field of view. This spytng
"round the corner" is deceptive, as only the section seen in the finder,
when holding the eye close to and in the centre of the opening while
looking straight ahead, will appear on the negative. The frame finder
gives the correct field only for the standard 5 cm. lenses, and it cannot
be expected to be free ofparallax.
The frame finder eannot be usedfor focusing, apart from guessing the
distance of the subject as based on the size of its appearance within
the frame and then setting the focusing scale of the lens mount accord-
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FI N DER
HOLDING-REFLEX K
The standard reflex screen shows an
image, but it is reversed right-to-left.
Using the reflex finder, the Exakta is held firmly against the chest; !h9 right handoperires the helical focusing while the left hand F-rips the cameg, t!e. index finger onrhe release button (left). The magnifier in the hood is used to obtain criticafocus (centre).
To obtain vertical-pictures, the operator may stand sideways and hold the camera at
eye level (right); in this position the image is upside down.
22View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
HOLDING-FRAME FINDER AND PENTAPRISM
left: Pictures can be taken round acorner'
using the reflex finder; or over the heads
of a irowd by holding the camera inverted
and looking upwards on to the focusing
screen.
Right: The hood incorporates a frame
finder which can be used for normal
eye-level work, in particular action shots.
The reflex finder of Models V-VX, lla and VXl000 is removed by depressing the catch
on the front plate and then lifting it off(left). On Model RTL 1000 the two.locking knobs
on either sicie of the Exakta engraved front plate are Pressed down. The pentaprism
finder may then be fitted in its place(left centre), and the camera used.at_gye.level' held
firmty agiinst the face (right dentre). The camera is turned throug.h.9O degrees for
vertiial lictures, the imlgE still remaining upright on the screen (right).
23View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
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ingly; only very experienced photographers will be safe from serious I
errors when applying this method. It is safer first to use the reflex
finder for focusing and then to change over to the frame finder for
viewing. Both these procedures are unsuitable for photographing
moving objects. The frame finder will more efficiently be used for
distant photography where infinity setting only is required; or, with
subjects nearer to the camera, by using "zone focusing" methods,
which, by presetting the lens, ensure that a certain depth of field-
within the limits of which the action is expected-will be recorded sharp
all over (see page 68). This last method of viewing and focusing is, in
fact, preferable to any other when dealing with rapidly moving subjects
in front of a reflex camera. It is almost impossible to catch and shoot
fast motion when one is looking down with one's attention fixed
to the mirror that shows the direction of motion laterally reversed.
With the frame finder it is easier to follow movement and keep the
(other) eye on it, even before it becomes visible within the finder frame.
Eolding
It is obvious that the camera should be held as steady as
possible, as the slightest shake, even if not seen in the
original negative, will become visible in the enlargement. It
is advisable to stand always with your legs apart.
A particularly steady hold of the camera is necessary
when working with long-focus lenses (page 68). In this case
the centre of gravity is further forward and therefore it is
desirable to hold the camera by grasping the helical focusing
mount with the right hand, while the left hand steadies the
camera and operates the shutter-release.
As the Exakta is horizontally built, it obviously lends
itself most simply and naturally to photographs in this
position.
When working with the reflex flnder at chest level, the
camera should be firmly held with the left hand, the index
finger of which should be in position on the release knob,
while the right hand supports the camera from underneath
the camera-body, which should rest against the palm of the
hand, while thumb and index finger support and handle
the focusing mount.
Vertical photographs cannot be taken at chest level. The normal
procedure is: hold and focus the camera horizontally, as described
before, then raise it to eyeJevel position, tuming it at the same time,
24View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
SFIOOTING WITH THE EXAKTA
Top left: Wind film.
Top centre: Set speed.
Top right: Focus.
Bottom left: Set stop.
Bottom centre: Release.
bgw\il.liutkus.us
sHooTrNG wrTH THE EXA | (t96t)
Top left: Advance the film (with knob or winding lever). Top right: Set the shutter
speed. Bottom left: Focus. Bottom centre: Pre-set the aperture. Bottom right: Release.
25View original page 29From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.