Exakta RTL 1000 User manual

EXAKTA RTL TTL Penta Prism





          EXAKTA RTL1000

The EXAKTA RTL 1000, maintaining the use of the world-renowned quick-change bayonet and offering
plenty of valuable innovations to up-to-date miniature photography, continues the great traditions of this high-
performance camera. These innovations are based on the well-approved principle of the true single-lens reflex
camera with its always parallax-free correspondence of reflex image and photograph. These are the most
important features of your EXAKTA RTL 1000:

Simple arrangement of all operating controls. Interchangeable viewfinder systems: Finder Hood, Penta Prism,
one TTL Penta Prism for the automatic exposure timing with internal measurement, the lens being stopped
down or fully opened. Focal-plane shutter made of metal laminate and destined for the complete series of
shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second, 1 second to 1/1000 second with built-in delayed-action release.
B setting for any long shutter speeds. Right-hand and left-hand release. Quick tensioning with a 30°
preliminary elevation for series of photographs. Instant return mirror. Synchronizing switch for electronic flash
units and flashbulbs: electronic flash units being synchronized with approximately 1/125 second, fast-burning
flashbulbs with 1/30 second. Automatic film loading system with free selection of film. Frame counter
automatically returning to its initial position. Rewind release catching in interchangeable lenses with original
EXAKTA quick change bayonet and automatic diaphragm mechanism with internal release. On the left-hand
release there can be employed any earlier EXAKTA lenses with automatic diaphragm mechanism. Accessories
for any field of application.




We are delighted that you have chosen an

EXAKTA RTL 1000 and we wish you every   Contents                      Page

success with your new camera. We would      Operating controls of the
                            EXAKTA RTL 1000            4
like to advise you, however, to read this
                                              Preparations for use             6
instruction manual carefully before you start
                                         Film loading                  7
using your camera. In this way you will
                                           Operating the shutter            11
obtain the greatest possible service from it,
                                           Operating the lens              15
since you will eliminate from the outset the
                                        Using the Finder Hood           22
possibility of operating it incorrectly, and
                                        Using the Penta Prism           24
possibly damaging the mechanism. The
                                        Using the TTL Penta Prism       26
EXAKTA RTL 1000 is a high-quality
                                             Interchanging the viewfinder
precision instrument which can naturally       systems                      27

only be expected to answer all your           Exchanging the focusing screen    27

requirements when it is always hand led       Changing the film               28

correctly.                                    Flash photography              30

                                         Care of the camera and its
                                               accessories                    32

                                             Accessories                      cover

Operating controls of the EXAKTA
RTL 1000                            6 = Eyelets for carrying strap or cord

1 = Tensioning lever of mechanism for low  7 = Frame counter
shutter speeds
                                     8 = Film-type reminder disc
2 = Shutter-speed setting knob for 2
seconds to 8 seconds                    9 = Rapid-wind lever
    (mechanism for low shutter speeds)
                                     10 = Shutter-speed setting knob for second to 1 second
3 = Release knob of preset timing          and B setting
   mechanism (relayed-action release)
                                     11 = Finder hood
4 = Release lock on the right-hand
    release                            12 = Red aligning dot on the camera
                                                       (for lens changing)
5 = Right-hand release

21 = Distance-setting ring
13 = Red aligning dot on the lens
      (for lens changing)
                                     22 = Lens

14 = Rewind crank with knob and fixture
                                     23 = Knob for stopping down the lens
      for attaching the accessory shoe

                                     24 = Knob for opening the finder hood
15 = Film-sensitivity reminder ring

                                     25 = (Swing-up) focusing magnifier
16 = Left-hand release (with connection
     for cable release)
                                     26 = Cover of finder hood

17 = Aperture-setting ring
                                     27 = Rewind arbor (with carrier)

18 = Depth-of-field scale
                                     28 = Cassette chamber

19 = Lens locking lever
                                     29 = Film channel

20 = Flash nipple
                                     30 = Film gate

31 = Film-guide runners

32 = Film-wind sprocket

33 = Film rest

34 = Take-up spool (with catch bows)

35 = Mark

36 = Film-pressure plate

37 Camera back (hinged)

38 = Rewind declutching button

39 = Tripod thread

40 = Diaphragm switch (for disengaging
     the automatic diaphragm mechanism)

41 = Penta Prism

42 = Eyepiece of Penta Prism

43 = Unlocking knobs for the viewfinder
    system

44 = Driver pin for the coupling of the
   TTL Penta Prism (page 26)

Preparations for use

                              The Finder Hood (11) is opened by pressing on the knob (24).
                            To close the hood, press the cover of the Finder Hood (26)
                                backwards until it locks in position. The focusing magnifier (25)
                                 can be swung either forward into the position of rest in the cover
                                     of the Finder Hood (26) or backwards into the working position.
                                 For further information on the use of the Finder Hood see page
                                     22.

                              Swing the release lock (4) to the stop on the right (marking dots
                                    ore staggered): the shutter can be released by pressing on the
                                     right-hand release (5). When you have finished taking pictures,
                                swing the release lock (4) to the stop on the left (the marking
                                     dots are opposite each other) : now it will be impossible to
                                       release the shutter, which means protection against unintentional
                                    exposures. (No locking in case of the left-hand release (16))





Film loading

Loading and changing the film must not take
place in direct sunlight! -- The EXAKTA RTL
1000 uses standard 35 mm miniature film, in
standardized, commercial cassettes of 12, 20 or
36 exposures, to make negatives 24 mm x 36
mm the beginning of the film having a shape
according to the illustration. Perfect film
transport requires faultless film cassettes.
Daylight loading spools should only be inserted
in capsules made by the same manufacturers.

1. Pull out the knob of the rewind crank (14) as
far as the second stop: now the camera back (37)
will open.

2. Place the cassette containing the unexposed film in the
                                        cassette chamber (28). Push the knob of the rewind crank (14)
                                   backwards, twisting it gently: the carrier of the rewind arbor
                                      (27) must engage with the cassette core.

                                          3. Pull the beginning of the film (29) as far as the green mark
                                         (35), and push it with its (lower) perforation from above under
                                       the film rest (33) and, accordingly, over the film-wind sprocket
                                         (32). The catch bow of the take-up spool (34) must not stand
                                  upwards!





4. Closing camera back (37) by
pressing it lightly home, the locking
taking place automatically.

5. Now swing the rapid-wind lever
(9) right up to its stop and let it
return. Release the shutter by means
of the right-hand release (5) or by
means of the left-hand release (16).
Repeat these operations until the
figure "1" in the automatic frame
counter (7) will be below the mark.





                                          6. A special setting of the frame counter is not necessary since= black-and-white film
                                       the latter, springing automatically back as soon as the camera
                                  back is opened, will begin to operate when the camera back is
= reversible color film for daylight
                                        closed. -- Afterwards the frame counter will indicate the
                               number of photographs already taken on the film placed in the
= reversible color film for artificial
                                    camera.
light

                                          7. When film is loaded, set the film-type reminder disc (8) and
= negative color film for daylight
                                       the film-sensitivity reminder ring (15) as reminders of the type
                                 and sensitivity of the film that is in the camera. Turn the disc
= negative color film for artificial                                 and the ring in either direction until the appropriate references

light                                    will be opposite the orange-colored triangles. On the film-
                                          sensitivity reminder disc (15) the figures from 9 to 33 are DIN
                                        values, whereas the figures from 6 to 1600 denote ASA
                                        values. The film-type symbols on the reminder disc (8) have
                                       the following meaning:



                               The EXAKTA RTL 1000 is now ready for action!





Operating the shutter

1. The shutter is tensioned and the film wound on
by operating the rapid-wind lever (9). This lever
should always be swung right up to its stop, and
will then spring back of its own accord. -- The
tensioning of the shutter and the transportation of
the film are coupled (avoiding unintentional
double exposures and blank frames). It is
impossible to release the shutter before it has
been fully tensioned and the film wound on. It is
also impossible to release the shutter in
intermediate positions of the rapid-wind lever
(9).

In order to enable users to work in quick
succession e.. g. in case of series of photographs)
the rapid wind lever (9) can be employed with
preliminary elevation: intermediate position at
approximately 30" after the position of rest.

2. The image in any of the viewfinder systems (Finder
                                     Hood, Penta Prism, and TTL Penta Prism) will be visible
                                       even after the shutter has been released (instant return
                                               mirror). The red warning signal in the image in the
                                           viewfinder system indicates that the camera is not yet
                                         ready for action, and that the rapid-wind lever (9) must
                                       be wound before the shutter is ready for release (See
                                                    illustration: image seen through the Penta Prism).

                                                 3. Setting the shutter speeds.
                                You will safely succeed in taking photographs with
                                               shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to 1/30 second (white
                                               figures on the shutter-speed setting knob (10) "by hand",
                                                            i.e. without the use of a tripod. For any exposure times
                                      from 1/15 second to 1 second (orange-colored figures on
                                             the shutter-speed setting knob (10) and for still longer
                                         exposure times with the B setting, the camera should be
                                       screwed on to a tripod and a cable release be employed.


Tripod thread (39) at the bottom of the EXAKTA RTL 1000, thread for the cable release in the left-hand release
(16). All setting operations can be effected before and after tensioning the shutter.




Selection of exposure times from '/1000, sec. to
1 second and B setting

Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the
desired figure or the B will be at the orange-
colored triangle. The figures from 2 to 1000
represent fractions of seconds (e. g. 1/125 sec.).
Intermediate speeds cannot be set. In case of the
B setting the shutter will remain opened as long
as the pressure on the right-hand release (5), on
the left-hand release (16) or on a cable release
screwed into the left-hand release (16) (important
for exposure times longer than 8 seconds)
continues. Accordingly, the B setting will permit
any exposure times you like (e. g. for taking
night and indoor exposures).




For working with the B setting a cable release with time-exposure lock can be recommended: After depressing
the cable release, operate the time exposure lock. The shutter will remain opened without having to keep ones
finger constantly on the release (also eliminating camera shake) until the time-exposure lock is disengaged.

Selection of exposure times from 2 seconds to 8 seconds

                                    Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the B is in
                                              line with the orange-colored triangle. Swing the tensioning
                                           lever of the mechanism for low shutter speeds (1) in the
                                       clockwise direction to the stop. (This operation may be
                                      performed before or after tensioning the shutter). Turn the
                                          shutter-speed setting knob (2) of the mechanism for low
                                            shutter speeds until the desired exposure time (2 sec., 4 sec..
                                          or 8 sec.) will be opposite the mark on the tensioning lever
                                          of the mechanism for low shutter speeds (1). Release the
                                            shutter by means of the right-hand release (5) or of the left-
                                    hand release (16).

                                         Selection of exposure times from 1/1000 sec. to 1 sec.
                                     with delayed-action release

                                    Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the desired
                                      exposure time will be opposite the orange-colored triangle
                                  Swing the tensioning lever of the mechanism for low shutter
                                       speeds (1) in the clockwise direction to the stop ( tension
                                           the preset timing mechanism; this operation may be
                                      performed before or after tensioning the shutter).

                                       Release the shutter only with the release knob of the preset
                                        timing mechanism (3). Exposure will take place after 8
                                         seconds.




Operating the lens

1. The lenses of the EXAKTA RTL 1000 are
equipped with internal release of the fully-
automatic pressure diaphragm. Select the
desired aperture number by turning the
aperture-setting ring (17): the desired aperture
number must be opposite the orange-colored
triangle.

The smaller aperture numbers, e. g. f 1.8. 2,
2.8, 4 indicate relatively large diaphragm
openings: these permit brief exposures, but
give only shallow depth of field. The larger
aperture numbers, e. g. 16, 22, indicate
relatively small diaphragm openings requiring
longer exposure times, but giving great depth
of field, Further information on the depth of
field will be found on page 19.

2. For critical focusing according to the image in the
viewfinder system the lenses with internal release of the
fully-automatic pressure diaphragm are fully opened. Owing
to an energy store incorporated in the camera the automatic
pressure diaphragm becomes the higher value "automatic
spring diaphragm". The lens is stopped down automatically
as soon as the shutter is released. In case of all the longer
exposure times and of exposures taken by means of the
delayed-action release the lens is also fully opened only after
exposure. For focusing trials and in order to check the depth
of field stop the lens down by way of trial by means of the
stop-down knob (23). The automatic diaphragm mechanism
is disengaged by means of the diaphragm switch (40) (white
mark = engaged, orange-colored mark = disengaged). Then
the lens is stopped down manually by operating the aperture-
setting ring (17). This is important for the use of the TTL
Penta Prism and for close-ups by means of extension-
increasing accessories.

The lens is focused by turning the distance-
setting ring (21) and by checking the definition
of the image in the viewfinder system. After
focusing, the correct camera-subject distance
will be in line with the orange-colored triangle.
The lower values on the distance scale indicate
meters, whilst the larger values possibly
arranged above them represent feet. All
distance are measured from the back of the
camera to the subject.

Focusing for infra-red photography: When
using infra-red film, first focus the image in the
view-finder system normally, then note the
distance indicated by the orange-colored
triangle (either in feet or in meters or the
infinity symbol), and turn the focusing ring to
set this distance against the orange-colored dot,
the so-called infra-red setting mark which is to
the right of the normal setting mark. By doing
this, the image produced by the infra-red rays
will be brought into sharp focus in the film
plane of the camera and consequently will
appear sharp in the negative.

Focusing with focusing system (Fresnel screen):

                                      Image-brightening Fresnel screen Circular mark Pointer of
                                    measuring device Annular field in the ground-glass screen
                                    Microprism

                                The EXAKTA RTL 1000 may optionally be supplied with
                                      a focusing system in all its viewfinder units. With this
                                       focusing system, a sharp image is mainly obtained using
                                         the annular field in the ground-glass screen (for moving
                                            subjects, photographs taken with a magnifier, and
                                      photomicrographs). To increase the accuracy of focusing or
                                         In case of slowly moving and stationary subjects focusing
                                                  is performed by means of a microprism field. In case of
                                           incorrect focusing the microprism field will show an image
                                  which in blurred to a greater degree (the blurred image
                                              "flickers"). The lens will be correctly focused when the
                                  image in the microprism Is at its sharpest (i.e. no flicker
                                               effect). It is however, absolutely necessary to focus with a
                                          large diaphragm opening (small aperture number) (this is
                                       important above all in case of lenses without internal
                                             release).




With apertures of 5.6 and
smaller, the image in the
microprism field will
appear relatively sharp,
even with the lens
incorrectly focused. This,
of course, will lead to
unsatisfactory results. For
extreme close-ups of
magnifications greater
than 1: 1 and for
photomicrogrophy, the
microprism cannot be

used. The rest of the
image in the viewfinder
(Fresnel field) does not
serve for focusing the
lens.

Reading off the depth of
field: When the depth of
field is great, objects at
widely varying distances
from the camera will form
a sharp image. After
focusing the precise extent
of this sharp zone will be
indicated by the depth-of-
field scale (18) on the
lens: on either side of the
orange-colored setting
mark (triangle) you can
read off from the distance
scale where the depth-of-
field zone begins and ends
for any specific aperture
setting. If the relevant
aperture number on one
side of the central
distance-setting mark is in
line with the infinity
symbol (oo) or --
beginning from the center
-- even beyond it, then the
depth of field will extend
right up to infinity.

On the right above one
example:

Distance setting 3 meters,
aperture f 8 depth of field
extends from something
more than 2 meters to 5
meters.

Changing the lens (22) : Press the locking lever (19)
towards the lens. Then turn the lens to the left until the
orange-colored dots (12 and 13) ore in line. Lift the lens
out towards the front, -- To insert a lens, proceed in the
reverse sequence: line up the orange-colored dots, and
turn the lens to the right until it locks in place.

In the EXAKTA RTL 1000 there can be used special
purpose lenses with focal lengths ranging from the
shortest to the longest. All lenses for the earlier
EXAKTA and EXA models can be used. However, in
order to be able to operate their automatic diaphragm
mechanism (external release), you have to screw an
adapter into the left-hand release (16).

Using the Finder Hood
The image in the Finder Hood (11) of the EXAKTA RTL 1000
may be used both for selecting or framing the subject, and also
for focusing and checking the depth of field, by provisionally
stopping down the lens. Generally, a large enough image for
normal view finding purposes will be obtained when using the
image field; for critical focusing, however, we recommend the
additional use of the Swing-up Focusing Magnifier (25), The
latter will spring into its working position when the Finder
Hood is opened, but can be folded back out of the way when
operated as described at page 6,

Normally, the EXAKTA RTL 1000 is held at chest or shoulder level when
using the Finder Hood. When the pivoted supplementary Focusing
Magnifier (25) is also used, the camera must be held close to the eye. When
taking vertical pictures with the Finder Hood it is possible to shoot at right
angles. This is particularly useful for working inconspicuously since the
photographer can remain in concealment.

The image in the Finder Hood (11) can
also be observed from below when the       Users who normally wear spectacles should use their
camera is held above the head. This will      distance glasses for focusing with the Finder Hood. For
prove very useful when taking pictures       interchanging the Finder Hood, see page 27.
over walls or over the heads of crowds.




Using the Penta Prism
The Penta Prism (41) serves the same purpose as the
Finder Hood, with the exception, that the image in
the viewfinder will invariably be upright and
laterally-correct no matter whether the camera is held
horizontally or vertically; this is particularly useful
when taking pictures of moving subjects, since the
image in the viewfinder will move in the same
direction as the subject itself. With very rapidly-
moving subjects the camera can thus be ,,panned" by
swinging it gently in the direction of motion of the
subject, as for example, with racing cars.

When employing the Penta Prism (41) the camera
should always be held at eye level. Viewing the
image through the eyepiece (42) may be effected
with either eye. This is the most advantageous way to
use the EXAKTA RTL 1000 with Penta Prism: The
camera should be focused with the thumb and index
finger of the left hand, the right index finger being
used for releasing the shutter.

Photographers who normally wear spectacles should use their distance
glasses for focusing with the Penta Prism. For fitting and removing
the Penta Prism see page 27.

An invaluable accessory for use with the Penta Prism is the flexible
eyepiece cup:
this is fitted on to the eyepiece (42) of the Penta Prism and shields it
from distracting stray light. It is also helpful for spectacle wearers
since vision-correction senses made by ones optician can be inserted
into the revolving mount, making it possible to focus without wearing
glasses.





 TTL Penta Prism

 (Automatic exposure timing with internal measurement)

 The TTL Penta Prism provides the EXAKTA RTL 1000 with an
 automatic exposure timing on the basis of internal measurement
 through the lens (Through The Lens = TTL). This automatic system,
 taking into account film sensitivity, exposure time, and aperture
 number, will always measure only the light being effective for the
 photograph to be taken, This method of measurement is of greatest
 importance above all when employing special-purpose lenses (angle
 of view equal to the angle of measurement) as well as when working
 with extension-increasing accessories and filters (the exposure
 factors are automatically included in the measurements).

 The use as a viewfinder unit is identical to that of the Penta Prism:
 always upright and laterally-correct image in the viewfinder.
 Photographers who normally wear spectacles should use their
 distance glasses. For fitting and removing the TTL Penta Prism as
 well as for exchanging its image field screens, see next page. -- For
 the use of the automatic exposure timing (internal measurement) a
 detailed instruction leaflet is joined to the Penta Prism.

Interchanging the viewfinder systems

Each of the viewfinder systems of the EXAKTA
RTL 1000 (Finder Hood, Penta Prism, and III Penta
Prism) can be exchanged. -- When any of the
viewfinder units is being removed from the camera,
the two unlocking knobs (43) must be pressed
downwards with thumb and index finger of the left
hand, and the viewfinder unit withdrawn upwards
with the right hand without tilting. On replacing a
viewfinder unit, it must be inserted squarely and
vertically and be pressed downwards until it clicks
into position. Never use force!

Exchanging the focusing screens

The focusing screen of the viewfinder units of the
EXAKTA RTL 1000 can be exchanged so that, if
desired, one of the special focusing screens can be
used. -- Remove the viewfinder unit from the
camera. The focusing screen should be gripped by
the long sides, and withdrawn frame the viewfinder
unit. To refit the focusing screen it should again be
held by the long sides (do not touch the mat surface)
and pressed Into the frame of the viewfinder unit.




                        Changing the film

                        When the frame counter (7) indicates the maximum of exposures
                                     to be taken with the film with which the camera is loaded (12, 20
                                  or 36), the film should now be rewound into its cassette.

                                      1. Press the rewind declutching button (38) into the camera.

                                      2. Swing the rewind crank (14) out, and turn it with the right hand
                                evenly and slowly in the direction of the arrow (clockwise
                                     direction) until it is felt that it turns more easily, which means that
                                   the film has now been rewound. (If the film is rewound at too
                                    great a speed, static electricity will cause discharge marks to
                                appear on the negatives.)

3. Swing the rewind crank (14) inwards
and withdraw the knob of the rewind
crank to the stop.

4. Open the camera back (37). Remove
the cassette containing the rewound film
from the camera. Depress the knob of the
rewind crank (14) back. On the next
tensioning of the shutter the rewind
declutching button (38) will automatically
return into its normal position.





                           Flash Photography

                            The EXAKTA RTL 1000 is equipped with an X synchronization
                                     for electronic flash units and flashbulbs. The synchronizing cable of
                                  standard or electronic flashguns should be connected to the flash
                                  nipple (20). By means of an accessory shoe which has to be
                                  attached below the knob of the rewind crank (14), flashguns can be
                                  fastened directly to the camera.

                            The accessory shoe is also adapted for flashguns with central
                                   contact except that in this case the flash nipples of the camera and
                                  of the accessory shoe must be connected by means of the special
                                  cable delivered with the flashgun.