Film cameras
KONI-OMEGA RAPID User manual
User manual for KONI-OMEGA RAPID. 25 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Koni-Omega
- Model / document
- KONI-OMEGA RAPID
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 25
- File size
- 3.3 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
..RAPID'' THE STORYBEHINDTHE KONI.OMEGA@
The original Omega I20 was developed at the suggestion of the U. S.
Navy in the 40ts. There was a need for an all-around, lightweight
rugged and reliable professional camera which was as convenient to
use as a Bbmm cam e:la, but which would offer the advantages of larg6
I20 size negatives. :
The original Omega 120 was a technical success but a commercial disappointment. Strangely enough,
when it was discontinued in 1958, the increasing popularity of Kodacolor and other color films. created
a continuous demand for this very camera because.SSmrhcolor negative justwas not satisfactory for
many types of professionaJ. work. True, there w€re and are many gobd single and twin lens reflex
cameras using 120 film, but reflex cameras are not the best answer for many tlpes of photography.
Ever-increasing Iabor costs and ever-higher lens and shutter prices made it impossible to manufacture
the camera aga.in competitively in the U. S. A,, |n looking for a manu-fachrrer abroad, we were fortunate
to get together with Konishiroku Photo Industry Co. , Ltd. (a company which started making cameras
in 1882), one of Japants oldest and most prestigious photographic manufacturers. With over 4000 em-
ployees, Konishiroku not only manufactures the famous Konica cameras' but also the equally famous
Hexanon lenses, as i,iell as sensitized products.
Thus, Konishiroku could suppty our mechanical and optical needs, and in addition, could contribute
much experienee ag a carneta manufacturer.View original page 4Page 7 · Read text
, PRETOADEDQUICK.CHANGEBACKS +
Instead of loading the roll film into the camera as it is done vrith most other cameras, it is loaded into
the detachable back. This permits the photographer to carry extra loaded backs along and quickly I
interchange them when inaction(forinstanceatweddings!). Duringperiodsof lult, hecanleisurely
reload the extra backs.
Removing Back: Make sure rtLOAD" is visible in counter window. Lift the latch and turn the lock
counterclockwise from L (locked) to O (open) and the back will lift off. Do not lift off on latch wing, but
take entire back into your hand. Be certain that the film transport lever is pushed into the back fufly.
Attaching Back: With camera in teft hand and fucing downward, hold back with right hand either on
pl'nger handle or by spreading fingers across its widest dimension, and drop genily into place. Turn
lock clockwise until 'Lt is next to the red dot. The back witl only fit if properly located. put latch lock
onrrOrr. DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING!
IMPORTANT: Make sure counter window reads "LOAD" when attaching back.
TOADING
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fr
Make sure that paper is perfectly centered between spool flanges. Also make sure that the Paper on the
take-up spool is rolling up nice and tight. If necessary, you can tighten the started ro11 by turning the
take-up spool with the right thumb, while braking the feed spool with the left thumb. (See Illustration)
(N9!E, particular care regarding centering must be taken wi.th Kodak film, because of its "skived'l
frp"" t"ra"r and trailer. go*"u"", we understand that Kodak will soon discontinue skived paper on
120 film and use straight paper instead. )
Now the back is loaded and is either locked onto the cameta or ontoonto thethe p:Protective (which
supplied with each spare back) for later use'
The above routine takes onIY a few moments after you have done it a few times.
6View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
SPECIAL ATTENTION paid should be to have the fitm start tightly onto the take-qp spool. This * ttmushy't prevent will looseness the film of on the take-up spool, which could part cause the last
of the paper trailer to "spill" over the rim of the take-up spool at the end.
Tight winding can easily be achieved by holding a finger on the feed spool flange causing the paper
Ieader to release slowly onto the take up spool, and enabling a degree of tension to exist between
feed spool and take up spool.
The film advance lever should be operated at moderate speed. Excessive speed in pulling the ad-
vance lever out can give a slight extra rtspin" to the take up spool. This will increase the spacing
between exposures and could cause partial loss of the 10th frame.
Using a tight wind-up and moderate motion of the film advance lever.assures you of even spacing
and ten good exposures. ,
HOW TO HOID CAIIERA It is very important to hold camera properly in order to enjoy the
"human engineering" that has been incorporated into it.
Left lland: The left hand holds the camera grip, with the thumb pressing against the thumb rest, the
index finger over the shutter release, and the other three fingers encircling the grip. It is even de-
sirable to have the little finger below the grip with the nose of the grip sticking out between the fingers.
(See illustration) It is very important to have the left hand low enough on the grip to have the index
finger on the release button. Do not use the middle finger to release shutter under any condition, but
force yourself to get used to the recommended way. A camera is only a tool and the ,rfeelr of every
tool must be acquired through use.
7
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Securitv Strap: The purpose of the security strap is not to tighten
the hand to the camera, but only to protect against accidental
dropping and to permit the fingers to relax when carrying the
camera downward when not in use. The strap must be very loose
to permit the hand and the wrist complete freedom of movement
in regard to grip and release button.
Adiustabte Grip: By opening the coin-slotted screw, the angle of
the grip ca$ be varied to suit individual hands. (Because the size
of hands and the tength of fingers differ so widely between indi-
viduals, it is impossible to design a grip which is "perfect" for
everybody. The grip and its bracket can also be completely re-
moved if desired.)
Right Hand: The right hand supports the camera by having the tapered head of the film transport
pt"og"r press against the heel of the palm. Thumb, index and middle finger hold focusing knob. In this
fashion, the camera weight is nicely distributed, well balanced and ready to focus and shoot.
(See illustration #2)
The film can easily be transported wii;hout removing camera from eye and losing sight of subject. The
right hand slides down conveniently to engage thetransport lever and goesback i:otoholding and focusing
position after film is transported.
When flash gun with battery case is attached to camera, the right hand may also support the camera by
holding onto battery case. \
Third point of Support is the right cheek. Ttre camera is designed for right eye sighting. The nose
cte"r" ttte fi"der trou-ing and rests against left thumb. (When sighting through wide angle or sports
finder, the right side of chin presses against back of camera. )View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
a TRANSPORTINGFILftT
The film counter makes the following cycle: (on L20 Back)
Taking up leader Talsipg up trailer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
ILoAplO O ooormApt
Blue dots Red dots How to Wotk the Film Transport Lev'er
Properly: With the first three fingers
of the right hand holding plqnger head, puII out lever in an even, fast stroke until it hits the end stop,
then push back as far as it witl go. (See illustration) Note: the plunger position varies with the counter
cycle. It goes all the way in on #1, 2, and.3; it stays a little further out at 3, 4, and 5; still further on
6, 7, 8, and 9, and all the way back on #10.
This is normal and is related to negative spacing. The rapid transport
mechanism cannot give identical spacing between all negatives, which.
varies depending on frame number.
10th Exposure Warning Signal: After the 10th exposure, the transport
lever automatically locks and cannot be pulled out until override button
in top center of the back is pushed upward while pulling transport lever.
9 www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Thus, the photographer who works under pressure and forgets to look at the exposure counter is re-
minded that he is out of film and prevented from shooting blanks.
Maximum Flatness of Film p]anre: One of the greatest problems with roII film is maintaining maximum
fl.rh""" df* pfu"u i" th" camera. The KONI-OMEGA@ "Rapid'r uses an exclusive pressure plate
"f was proven in the original Omega 120'system which
The film is pulled from feed spool to take-up spool inastraightline without tension and without touching
anything. The film pressure plate stays retracted during the transport cycle. Only shortly before the
exposure is made i" it pushed firmly against the film and holds it with maximum flatness against
th[ camera film plane. This is accomplished by having the shutter release stroke linked to the pressu.re
plate. It is so adjusted that the initial travel of the shutter release tensions the pressure plate and only
at the end of the stroke fires the shutter. ,i .
Automatic Shutter Cocking: Actuating the transport lever automatically cocks the shutter of all inter-
Ienses. Thus it is impossible to double expose accidentally. (However, it is possible to
"fru"g*Ui"make double exposures by cocking the shutter itself manually. )
How to Operate Shutter Release: Itisimportant totrigger the shutter release with slow, firm pressure'
similar to firing an aimed rifle.
It can also be used with a special cable release (available as accessory) which attaches to it"
The shutter release is automatically blocked when interchanging lenses to prevent blank exposures.
I'Interlocks" under'rChanging Lensesrt. DO NOT FORCE IT!See
l 0View original page 12Page 14 · Read text
I
SPECIAL ATTENTION: The 1uminous frame lines are positioned nearest the center axis of the
teqs ana itrto.the single range-viewfinder window. By positioning your eye in the direct
"uflu"tud as the cameraf s lens is pointed, all four lines will appear equally bright and the range- Iine
"rfi" rbctangle will be clearly defined in the center. finder
If your eye is notfrin,linen withthe lens, the r4ngefinder rectangle will disappear,'theframe lines'
will ody be partially visible and the image area seen by your eye will not correspond to the image
f feye to camera position" so that your eye area on the film. Thus, you will be alerted to adjust
is aimed exactl11,the same way as you are aiming your camerars lens.
To increase contrast of the rangefinder rectangle, &trV grey transparent cellophane inserted over
the viewfinder will give heightened contrast to the rangefinder, when desired, and can be removed
when viewfinder brilliance is of primary importance.
AUXILIARY FINDERS
Wide Angle Finder: This is an optical finder of the Atbada type which shows the wide angle field within
a luminous frarne. It is always Cttached to the center finder shoe, eliminating aII horizontal parallax.
A vertical parallax adjusting mark is visible in the upper corners of the finder. It applies for distances
closer than 6 feet.
t2View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
The rvide angle finder has a red color coding ring to tie it to the wide angle i"rr.. This finder comes
complete with protective case, and being a fine optical instrument, it should always be kept there when
not in use.
Universal Sports Finder: This finder is collapsible to fit conveniently in any cauying case. It is
attached to the center and right camera shoes simultaneously in order to give it a secure hold. Be sure
to lockthumb screwtoright shoe. The eyepiece features vertical parallax adjustments with clickstops.
The finder shows the field of view of all three lenses. The various frames are again color coded and
are visible through the eyepiece. For best results, center eye through eyepiece against blue telephoto
frame, regardless of which lens is used. (see illustration)
Three Accessory Shoes;' The camera features three accessory shoes to permit simultaneous mounting
o s u r e m e t e r a n d ' / o r f . l a s h u n i t . : - p r r r r g w u v v q p l r t L
FOCUSINGKNOB
The focusing knob is extra large to permit convenient use even with
gloved hand. The focusing movement is forward and baekward in
the same direction as the lens movement.
The distance scale for the normal lens is visible from the top.
. Telephoto and wide angle scales are on the side. The scales are
again color coded to correspond with their respective lenses. The
secondary dots near the respective infinity marks refer to infinity
if infra-red film is used. (See illustration)
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TENSESAND SHUTTERS
AII three interchangeable lenses have identical shutters with these features:
o Shutter speeds are B, 1, L/2, r/4, L/8, L/L', L/go, L/60, L/r25, L/250, t/s00 see.
o Recesded MX synchronization lever cannot slip accidentally because it requires penci'l tip
to be moved.
O Reinforced flash post with outside thread accepts lock-on flash cord.
o AII controls are visible fror.n the top so that camera need not be turned during use.
o The shutter speed scale and aperture scale are engraved in contrasting colors. Both scales
are against a common index mark and have click stops. The.scale rings are wide and
knurled for easy setting. The fingers can bridge bottr scale rings simultaneously in
order to change to another setting while maintaining sbme exposure value.
Cocking Lever: On the bottom of each.shutter is the cocking lever, which, when lens is attached to the
camera, is automatically engaged by film transport lever, so that the shutter gets cocked everytime
the film is transported. However, this cocking lever can also be actr.rated by hand, if necessary. (For
instance, if lens is changed on loaded camera with film already transported. )
Camera Connections: Each lens-mounted shutter has two locating pins at 6 and 12 orclock and one
shutter r"Iur"" Iirrkag" at g otclock. These engage corresponding cavities on the camera body'
In addition, there are the rangefinder coupling pins which automatically connect with the camera when
the other three pins are p"opu"ty in place. The normal lens has one rangefinder pin, the telephoto lens
two, the wide angle lens none. (See also under "Changing Lensesrr) ,_,
Built-in Lens Shades - Standard Series Filte_rs: A11 lens mounts also feature built-in retractable lens
P"tt trt"rn out for use, push them in for storage.
"h"d"". l 4View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Use of lens shade increases lens performance considerably. Yet separate accessory lens shades are
generally considered a nuisance by the busy professionals. On the KONI-OMEGA@ 'rllapid" the lens
shade is always in place and cannot get lost.
It was again with the professional in mind that atl lens mounts were designed to accept standard
'rseries typstt filters, which ate held in place by standard Itseries t5rpe'rretaining rings. Thus the
photographer need not wastefully duplicate existing filter equipment.'
HEXANON LENSES
Konica is justly famous for its lens quality ("The lens alone is
worth the price") and these three lenses were especially designed
for the KONI-OMEGA@ and its critical professional use. AII
lenses are antireflection coated and utilize the latest rare earth
glasses.
H e x q n o n 6 0 M M f : 5 , 6
$ormal Lens: Hexanon 90mm f:3.5. Stops down to f:32. 4 ele-
ments in 3 groups. Accepts Series 6 filters and
accessories. Angle of view 42o 20'.
Wide Angle Lens: Hexanon 60mm f:5.6. Stops down to f.:32.
H c x o n o n 9 0 M M f : 3 . 5 6 elements in 4 groups. Accepts Series 7 filters and
accessories. Angle of view 600 20t.
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Telephoto Lens: Hexanon L80mm f:4.5. Stops down to f:32. 5 elements
in 4 groups. Accepts Series 8 filters and accessories. (See
lens diagrams urith "depth of field" tables). Angle of view
21050r.
About Protecting Lenses: The normal lens is mounted on the camera.
The wide angle lens and telephoto lens come in protective, velvet-lined
leather cases. When intercbanging lenses, always protect the lens not
H e x o n o n l 8 0 M M f : 4 . 5 in use by placing it in the empty case, even if the case is over-sized
(normal lens into telephoto case).
Each lens is also supplied with a .front lens cap. There is no rear lens cap because the case protects
the rear.
When placlng the telephoto lens into its case, be sure to watch the position of the rangefinder coupling
*, pins and do not damage them.
Color Coding: o Normal Lens - Black o Wide Angle - Red O Telephoto - Blue
*
This code is used on each lens proper, on the distance scales and on the auriliary finders.
InterchanginE Lenses: Place camera on its back and have focusing knob at infinity. turn knurled lanob
'tO'? moves from 12 of clock position to 2 otclock. Slide nearby on right side of camera clockryise, so that
r?lock r', upwards. Now you can lift out lens. Iever on side of lens, which is marked >
l 6LfrView original page 18Page 19 · Read text
To attach lens, proceed in reverse fashion, but make sure that it is prop""fy o"i"nted over the camera
mounting surface, so that all pins fit properly into their respective cavities. When the lens is properly
seated, push down lock lever in the direction of the arrow as far as it will go and turn the safety shutter
Iarob back to L2 orclock position.
Safety Interlock Mechanism: In order to prevent the lens lock from being opened accidentally, the safet5r.
shutter lmob must first be turned. This closes a light tight shutter which protects the film from expo-
sure while changing lenses.
If you should forget to return this control to normal, the shutter release is blocked automatically until
the light shutter is again opened. The shutter release block acts only on the plunger. If a cable release
is used, its release pin will not be blocked. Therefore, when using a cable release, be sure to put
safety shutter lcrob to rforr after lens has been locked on.
FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY
{ * Flash equipment can be attached to the camera in two ways:
By means of the aceessory flash bracket which in turn accepts
either a Heiland or Graflex battery case clip. The flash bracket
(cat. #706-115) is first inSerted by its notch under the focusing
knob. Then it is serewed into the tripod socket. The bracket
in turn has two tripod sockets. (See illustration)
A flash head with the proper foot can also be slipped directly
into one of the accessory.shoes on top of the camera.
1 7
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A special 3 ft. coiled flash cable with lock (cat. #7 06-LL4l is
avatlable as accessory. This cable locks firmly to the flash post
of all KONI-OMEGA@ lenses, and prevents accidental disconneet.
It has a standard hvo-prong polarized plug to fit professional
battery cases.
NECK STRAPAND NECK STRAP EYETETS
Our adjustable nylon neck strap (cat. #706-113) is recommended
to protect the carr'er:a from falling when n rotographing in exposed
position or in crowds.
To attach, push loop without clip through eyelet first and then pull
clip through. To detach, proceed in reverse order.
(See illustration)
ffTAINTENANCEAND CAREOF CAfiIERA AND IENSES
Treat your KONI-OMEGA@ "Rapid'? like you would any fine
camera. If exposed to moisture or dust, clean immediately after
use. Lens surfaces and range-finder windows must be kept clean at aII times. Do not touch with
fingers. If cleaning is necessary, use good qual$ lens cleaning fluid and lens tissue, camelrs hair
lens brush, or soft, well-laundered handkerchief.
Words of Caution: 1. ) Keep Viewfinder and Rangefinder windows clean.
2. ) Aim your eye straight - all four frame lines must appear equally bright to keep
rangefinder rectangle in sight.
3 . ) Press shutter release with single firm stroke to grve maximum pressure on
film just before shutter trips.
4 . ) Always pick up your Koni-O-"g"@ on grip, never on advance lever.
r8View original page 20Page 24 · Read text
I SIMMON
ry ^L
KONI-OMEGA@ is the combineddevelopmentond product of
SIMMON BROTHERS,fomedAmericon moker of SimmonOmego
equipment.. . qnd KONISHIROKU, Jopon'srespectedmokerof
Konico comerosond Hexonon lenses.
.TRADEI,AARKOF AND LICENSEDBY SIMMON BROS.,L.I.C., N'Y.
I
l. IView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
K01{l-0MEoA
SYSTEM
bignegativeguality,
withthefeaturesand
operatingspeedof an '35' adYanced
41\ KONTCA CAMERA CORPORATTON i#"i
UyY;z 257 ParkAAve.BERKEvSouth,pHoToNewcoMpANyyork, N. y. l00t0 fojliltwww.orphancameras.comView original page 25Related documents and language editions
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