Film cameras
GAF L-14 User manual
User manual for GAF L-14. 17 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Gaf
- Model / document
- GAF L-14
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 17
- File size
- 4.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Digitally signed by Mike ButkusMike DN: cn=Mike Butkus, o=Butkus
camera manuals, ou=butkus.org,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=USButkus Date: 2021.07.26 00:06:35 -04'00'View original page 2Page 5 · Read text
r
For detar led
CONDENSED INSTRUCTIONS rnformat on
l.lnsertbattery ....4
2. Load camera
3. Set ASA film speed 8
4. Advance film to f irst f rame , o
meter switch, 5. Push down exoosure set shutter I ring untll needle speed, and adjust f /stop
is centered I vt'o 6. Observe subject through viewfinder 11
7. Focus 1l
I llcnrcqq shrtter rclpase 12
READ ENTIRE BOOKLET FOR DETAILS
LOADING BATTERY
A mercury battery (Mallory PX-625 or equivalent)
powers the built-in exposure meter. lt is supplied
with the camera, either installed or packed sepa-
rately in the canrera box
To inslall battery:
Using a coin, unlock battery cornpartment cover by
turning rt counterclockwise 9O degrees (Fig 1) Re- Fig.3 Fig. 4
move cover. Place battery in conrpartment wlth plus
side up (Fig 2) Replace cover. to remove deposits. Average battery life is about one
Clean battery bef ore irse't ng and thcreafter at regu- year. Since the battery rnay develop a leal^., remove
lar intervals. Wipe both sides with a rough material it before the camera is stored.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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TESTING BATTERY
To test battery, look into viewf inder eyepiece and de-
press battery test button* (Fig.3). lf the battery is in
good condition, a green light will appear above the
viewfinder image (Fig. 4). Replace the battery if
green light does not appear or if it is very dim.
*To prevent excessive battery drain, hold button de-
pressed lor only a second or two.
LOADING CAMERA
Use 20- or 36-exposure 35mm film in standard mag-
azine. GAFe films are available for making color Fis. 6
slides, color prints, or black-and-white prints.
To load camera:
1. Pull out film rewind knob (Fig. 5) until camera
back is released, then swing camera back open all
the way.
2. Keep film rewind knob pulled all the way out, in-
sert magazine into chamber with protruding end
towards bottom of camera (Fig. 6). Push in film re-
wind knob. lf it does not go back all the way, turn
knob until it does.
3. Insert end of film into slot in take-up spool (Fig.
' 7). Place thumb lightly over film on bottom sprocket
wheel and operate film advance lever until upper Fig.7 Fig. I
sprocket wheel also engages film perforations and
filnr is securely wrapped around take-up spool (Fig.
8). When the film advance lever locks, free it by de-
pressing the shutter release. Close camera back.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
4. To make sure film has been loaded properly, op-
erate film advance lever (Fig. 9) until it locks. Now
turn rewind knob clockwise until a resistance is felt.
Do not force it. Keep observing film rewind knob; ll
should turn counterclockwise every time the film is
arlvanr:orl uvv,f)pnrpqqvuJ qhUtterv' ' release whenever the
film advance lever locks. Operate f ilm advance lever
until figure "1" is opposite the pointer in the expo-
sure counter window (Fig. 10). Do not press shu/ler
release when the figure "1" ls opposile the index
mark.
Camera is now ready for the first exposure. Fig.9
lf the film rewind knob does not turn while lhe film
advance lever is being operated, the camera was The next higher f igure moves to the index line every
not loaded properly Either the film became de- time the f ilm advance lever is operated.
lached from the take-up spool, or the sprockets did When the camera back is opened to remove film, thenot engage the perforations. Open camera back, re- counter automatically returns to "S" (start).move and reload film; follow steps 2,3, and 4
caref ully. UNLOADING THE CAMERA
Unload camera when (with a 20-exposure roll of lilm)EXPOSURE COUNTER the red figure "20". is opposite the index line in the
The number of exposures already made is indicated exposure counler wrnoow.
by the numbers in the exposure counter window ad- Unload a 36 exposure roll of f ilm when the red figure
jacent to the film advance lever. As there is no space "36"* is oooosite the index line.to show every number, some ligures are indicated
by dots. Each dot represents the figure following the Do not open camera back unlil the unloading pro-
one before it. ln Fig. 11 for example, the dot next to cedure has been completed.
the figure "-l" stands for figure "2", the following dot Steps for unloading camera:
(adjacent to index line) for iigure "3" 1. Unfold rewind crank.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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2. Depress rewjnd button on camera boltom all the
way.
3. Turn rewind crank clockwise. A tension is felt as
the film is being rewound into the magazine. Stop
turning the rewind crank when the tension is re-
lieved, indicating that all the f ilm has been returned
to the magazine.
4. Open camera back by pulling out rewind knob all
the way.
5. Lift out film cartridge.
Have film processed without delay.
'Afler the 20th or 36lh prclure one or more frames maV sl ll be Fig. 12
availab e. These frames may be ul lrzed by operating the f ilm
advance lever after the red f gure 20 or 36 has been" I ned up
with lhe ndex I ne in the exposure counler. Piclures may then
be laken unl I a res stance during the operalion of lhe film ad-
vance lever nd cales thal the end of lhe lilm has been reached.
Do not lorce lilm advance lever bcyond thal point.
While th s procedure provides one or more additional exposures
per roll, it is nol recommended as the film may become sepa-
rated from the spool. The separated film cannot be rewound.
jts removal from the camera requires a darkroom operatton.
SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED
The figures on the shutter speed dial indicate frac- To set the shutter speed, turn dial until the desired
tions of a second. The figure 125, for example, in- {igure is lined up with the black line adjacent to the
dicates a shutter speed of 1 /1251h of a second. shutter speed dial on lhe camera body. In Fig. 12,
The "B" setting is used when a longer than one for example, the shutter is set for a 1/125th of a
qccond cxnnsrrrc is rporrircd Thp shrtlpr will re- second exoosure.
main open as long as the shutter release is held
depressed.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
FILM SPEED SETTING
The ASA speed of the film is specified on the box or
in the instruction sheet packed with the film'
Pull up ring around shutter speed dial and rotate it
until the ASA* index of the film is aligned wlth the
line at the center of the ASA wlndow on the shutter
speed dial. In Fig. 12 for example, ASA 100 has
been set at the index line. When the ring is released,
the selected ASA speed automatically locks into
place.
Due to the lack of space on the dial, some film speed
numbers are represented by dots. The following chart Fig. 13
showsthe ASA and DIN numbers represented by dots.
ASA Speed
r600 . . 8oo a a nnn a a 2nna a 100 a5ar 40|2ia 16O 0
t tfll Ill f-"-tlllllllllt'-f r t I t I r250 r000 640 soc 320 250 160 125 80 50 32 20 t2
DIN Speeo
30a a 27a a 24a a 21. 19a |] o t5 o t3 a ll
I rrlll l 16 14 l2 'The same inslructions apply to tilms calibrated accordlng to 33a.tl32 3l 29il28 26il?5 2ill22 20l 18
the European DIN speed ratrng system. Line up the DIN frgure
with the index line under the window marked "DlN".
RView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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AUTOMATIC/ MANUAL SWITCH
Theswitch shown in Fig. 13 is used to select auto-
matie or manual f/stop operation. For automatic
operation, push switch down all the way. Now the
letter "A" is visible above the switch (as in Fig. 13).
1 With the switch in this position, the lens is open at
its widest f /stop to provide a bright viewf inder image.
I At the instant of exposure, the automatic mechanism
closes the diaphragm to the opening set on the f /stop
flng.
For manual operation, pull switch up all the way.
Now the letter "M" is visible below the switch (Fig.
14). With the switch in this position the diaphragm
is always set at the opening indicated by the f /stop
ring.
EXPOSURE
The camera features a match-needle type semi-auto-
matic CdS exposure system. For accurate exposures
the user has only to center the needle in the view-
I finder, as shown in Fig. 15.
To cenler needle:
) 1. Set Automatic/Manual switch on the lens at "A"
(as described above). Fig. 16
2. Push down switch shown in Fio. 16to turn on ex-
posure meter. 5. Turn f/stop ring, first clockwise, then counter-
3. Set desired shutter soeed. clockwise, until needle is centered, as shown in
4. Observe subject through the viewfinder. Fig. 15.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
6. Push up exposure meter switch to return lens
diaphragm to automatic operation.
Exposures will now be accurate. Turn on exposure
meter and re-center needle whenever a change oc- {
curs in subject brightness or illumination. T
lf the needle stays above the horizontal position (Fig' II
1 17) even after the f/stop ring is set at the sma//est
to dial shutter turn opening, lens af aster speed. This II needle. permit of the centering the will l
When the needle remains below the horizontal posi-
tion (Fig.'18) even after the f/stop ring is set at
17 Fig. 18 the /argesf lens opening, turn the shutter dial to a Fig.
slower speed to allow the centering of the needle' provide adequate exposure. Change to a faster film
For example, if at a 1/125 second shutter speed and (with a higher ASA number) or use flash.
an t/16 lens opening the needle is above the hori- Since the CdS electric eye measures the entire
zontal position (as in Fig. 17), resetting the shutter image area, a background that is much brighter or
speed to a 1 /2501h of a second or faster speed will darker than the principal subiect may cause an ex-
bring the needle below the horizontal position. The posure error. A close-up reading will minimize the
needle can then be centered by turning the f/stop effect of such backgrounds. Aim the camera at the
ring. most important part of the subject (the face in the
lf at a 1/1251h of a second shutter speed and the case of a portrait) from a distance of about six inches
largest lens opening the needle remains below the and center the needle; then return to the original
horizontal position (as shown in Fig. 1B), resetting camera position and make the exposure.
a!L the shutter to a 1/60th of a second or slower speed When the pictures are consislently over- or under-
will raise the needle above the horizontal position; it exposed, the film may be more or less sensitive than
can then be centered by turning the f/stop ring. its rated speed. This can be easily corrected by us-
lf even at the largest lens opening and the slowest ing a higher or lower ASA (or DIN) speed than the ! practical shutter speed the needle remains below one printed on the film box or in the instruction i
the horizontal position, the light level is too low to sheet. Use a higher ASA number to correct for over-
10 lJ
--lView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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exoosure and a lower ASA number to correct for
underexposure. For example, if pictures made on a
ASA 100 film are consistently overexposed, set ASA
'1 60, depending on the degree ofspeed at 125 or
overexposure. lf films are underexposed, set ASA at
80 or 64.
EXPOSURE METER RANGE
Virtually all situations encountered in average use
lall within the operating range of the exposure meter.
When the few seldom used film speed/shutter speed
combinations that are outside this range are set on
19 Fig. 20the camera, a red flag appears in the viewfinder
(Fig. 19). The appearance of the red flag indicates
that the meter is not operating, necessitating the use FOCUSING
of a separate exposure meter. Observe subject through viewfinder. Turn focusing
The following table shows the ASA film index and ring first in one direction, then in the opposite direc-
shutter speed combinationS that are within the op- tion, until image is sharpest-, The brighter micro-
erating range of the exposure meter: prism area in the center of the viewfinder is provided
to facilitate focusing.
Film Speed Shulter Speed Range The distance scale may also be used for focusing.
Estimate or measure the camera-to-subject distance up io ASA 25 From 1 secto1/1000sec in feet or meters, then turn the focusing ring until the
ASA 50 Fromlsectol/1000sec figure representing that distance is aligned with the
ASA 1OO From1sectoI/1000sec red diamond. In Fig. 2C for example the camera is
focused for subjects at a distance of 4 feet from ASA 2OO From l l2 sec to 1 / l000 sec tne camera.
ASA 4OO From 1 / 4 sec to 1 /1000 sec *Users of infrared film must adjust the distance setting:
Note the figure that after focusing is adjacent to the red dia-
ASA BOO From 1 /B sec to 1 / 1 000 sec mond on the distance scale then move that figure over to the
red "R" found to the right ol the red diamond. ASA 1 6OO From 1 /1 5 sec to 1 /1000 sec
11View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
DEPTH OF FIELD
"Depth of field" designates the near and far limits
of the area that will be sharp in the picture (in front
of and beyond the subject). Depth of field is con-
trolled by the f/stop. The larger the lens opening
(f/stop), the shallower is the depth of field. The
smaller the lens opening, the greater the depth of
field will become.
The depth of field may be checked visually or it can
be arrived at with the use of the depth of field scale.
For a visual check in the viewfinder, push down ex-
posure meter swilch. This closes the diaphragm to Fig.21 Fig.22
the lens openlng set previously with the f /stop ring.
lmage sharpness can now be observed.
The depth of field scale indicates (after focusing)
the approximate area that will be sharp in the pic-
ture. Note on the f/stop ring the figure lined up with
the red diamond. Locate on the depth of field scale
the corresponding palr of figures. Their position on finder is centered, take the picture by depressing the
the adjacent distance scale indicates the extent of shutter release. To prevent camera motion, press re-
the area that will be sharp in front of and beyond the lease softly, with an even pressure of the finger.
subject. In Fig. 21 for example, the lens is focused for Wherever feasible, use a tripod when the shutter
subjects at a distance of 15 feet from the camera speed is set at 1 /30 second or slower.
and f / 1 1 is lined up with the red diamond. Checking SELF.TIMERthe distance scale over the pair of 11's. it is found
that objects from about 1O feet to 30 feet will be The self-timer enables the photographer to get into
charn in lho nielrrro the picture. Use a tripod or place camera on a firm
support. Get camera ready for exposure. Move self-
TAKING THE PICTURE timer lever counterclockwise, as far as it will go
After the lens is focused and the needle in lhe view- (Fig.22).
lzView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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Start self-timer by depressing shutter release, then
take position in front of the camera. Exposure will
take place approximately 8 seconds after shutter re-
lease has been depressed.
USING FLASH
Use flash when the exoosure meter indicates that
the existing light level is too low for providing ade-
quate exposure (when the meter needle cannot be
brought to the horizontal position even by using the
largest lens opening and the slowest practical shut-
ter speed).
Electronic flash and conventional flash units using Fig. 23
flashbulbs or flashcubes may be used.
The camera has a hot shoe (accessory shoe with
built-in flash contact) and two standard P.C. out-
lets: one marked "M", the other "X".
For AG-1, AG-18, M-2, M-28 flashbulbs and allElectronic and conventional flash units having a foot flashcubes, plug flash unit into outlet marked "X"with built-in contact may be used without a connect-
ing cord. Just slide the foot of the flash unit into the and use 1/30 second or slower shutter speed.
accessory shoe all the way. As the hot shoe has "X" For 6, 68,.26, and 268 flashbulbs, plug the P.C.
type synchronization, it can be used with electronic cord into the "M" outlet and use any shutter speed
1 /125 second.flash at a 1/125 second or slower shutter speed. between 'l /30 and
With AG-1, AG-18, AG-38, M-2, M-28 flashbulbs Use the guide number system to establish flash ex-and flashcubes in conventional flash units, use a'll30 second or slower shutter speed. The two P.C. posure*. Find guide number for speed of film being used in the instructions supplied with flash unit or
outlets on the camera (Fig. 23) accept the P.C. cord f lashbulb.plug or flash units. -So
Plug electronic flash units into outlet marked "X'' exposurecalledwithout"automatic"calculations.electronicFollowflashinstructionsunits orovideprovidedcorreclwith
and use 1/125 second or slower shutter speed. the unit.
13View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
To arrive at the f/stop to be used, divide the guide exoosure switch to the left once more, operate film
number by the distance in feet between subject and advance lever to wind shutter, then depress shutter
flash. For example, with a film having ASA 64 speed, release. This can be repeated any number of times,
a flash unit with a guide number of 32 for that film, When the required number of exposures have been
and a flash-to-subject distance of B feet, a lens made, transport film for the next exposure by oper-
opening oI f /4 will provide correct exposure be- ating film advance lever (without moving the multiple
exoosure switch), /A\ cause: 32 (guide number) _ aa *\r/'+/' B (drstance m feet) - lf after moving the multiple exposure switch to the
lefI, but before operating the film advance /ever, it is
decided that a double exposure is not wanted, it
may be canceled by moving the switch back to its
original position (to the right). MULTIPLE EXPOSURES *When the multiple exposure switch is in that position, the area
When desired, the shutter can be rewound without adjacent to it on the right is red to warn the user that the camera
transporting the film. This feature permits making is set for double exposure.
double or multiple exposures on a single frame of
film.
Place camera on a rigid tripod. Take first picture FILTER SIZE the usual way. Betore operating film advance lever,
slide multiple exposure switch to the left (towards The f/1.7 lens accepts Series Vll filters in 52mm
release button), as far as it will go". Operating the diameter x .75mm pitch screw-in mounts. or 54mm
film advance lever will now wind the shutter without slip-on mounts.
advancing the film. Be careful not to move the cam- Thef /1.4 lens accepts Series Vll filters in 55mm di-
era while the shutter is being rewound. ameter x .75mm pitch screw-in mounts, or 57mm
Deoress the shutter release to make a second ex- slio-on mounts.,lt| posure on the same frame. Operating the shutter FILM PLANE INDICATOR release returns the multipl0 exposure switch auto-
matically to its originat position (to prevent acci- In certain types of work it ls necessary to know ex-
dental double exposures). lf a third exposure is actly the location of the film plane. The mark -+- desired on the same frame. iust move the multiole on the camera top indicates film position.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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CHANGING THE LENS
Before lens is removed always disconnect exposure
meter by pulling up switch (Fig. 2a). Keep turning
lens counterclockwise (shov,rn in Fig. 24) until it is
separated from the camera body.
To replace lens, insert threaded end into opening in
camera body and keep turning lens clockwise until
It is firmly seated. Do not force it.
The camera is equipped with a Pentax-type mounr,
It accepts a great variety of wide angle and telephoto
tenses.
CAMERA CARE Ftg.24
The GAF Single Lens Reflex Camera is a precision
instrument. Used with care, it will provide years of
servrce. IMPORTANT: The original bill of sale (dated sales
slip with name and address of dealer) is novr ac- Protect the camera from dirt, rain, dampness, and
excessive heat. Avoid touching the lens. To clean cepted as proof of purchase for establishing the
lens, breathe on it, then wipe it gen|y with a soft, warranty period. No warranty card is provided. To
lintless cloth or tissue. Do not use eyeglass tissues help identification in case of loss or theft, keep
as they might damage the lens coating. among your personal records the camera model and
lf anything goes wrong, do not try to repair it. Take it serial numbers.
to a dealer or send it to the nearest GAF photo
Equipment Repair Center shown in the list on the
back cover.
1Ftc
'-\^ |View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
-ulF-
Corporation WARRANTY GAF Photo Equipmenl RePair Cenier GAF
G A F Corporation warrants the G A Fo Single Lens Ref lex Camera to be Emma Street
free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve Binghamton, N.Y. 13902
(12) months f rom the date of original purchase. The camera will be re- 3500Chicago,Northlll.Kostner60641 Ave.
paired or replaced, at GAF's option, without additional charge to the 16217 Kittridge Street
purchaser, if returned prepaid to the nearest GAF Photo Equipment Van Nuys, Calilornia 91406 39-22 30th Street Repair Center shown in the adjacent list, specifying the difficulty en- Long lsland City, N.Y. 11101
countered and attaching a copy of your bill of sale showing date and P.O. Box 490
Ore.97207 Portland, place of purchase. Remove battery when camera is stored and return Chapel Road 4601 Winlers
camera well packed and insured, as GAF is not responsible for dam- P.O. Box 47999
age caused by a leaky or defective battery and for damage that oc- Atlanta, Ga. 30340
curred during shipment. Cost of work performed at repair shops not IN CANADA
authorized by GAF shall not be reimbursed. GAF DOES NOT MAKE, GAF (Canada) Lld. GAF Photo Equipment RePair Center
AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR 70 Alexdon Road A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER Downsview, Ontario
WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OB IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT 941 1 Cote De Liesse
TO THE GAF SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERA EXCEPT AS HEREIN- Dorval,1 1 95 WeslQuebecI Ave.
ABOVE SPECIFIED. Vancouver 9. Brit, Col.
I@
TIt t! ll
Consumer PhotolDivision | 140 West 51 Street
Consumer Photo Products I New York, N.Y. 10020
10681Printed in Japan 33 B
. n.lr-View original page 17From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
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