Film cameras
Mamiya FAMILY User manual
User manual for Mamiya FAMILY. 16 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
16 pagesEnglish1.7 MB PDF

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Document details
- Brand
- Mamiya
- Model / document
- Mamiya FAMILY
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 1.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
NOMENCLATURE
1. Cocking Lever 7. Aperture Lever
2. Shutter Button 8. Film Counter
3. Eyepiece 9. Distance Scale
4. Shutterspeed Dial 1.0. Depth of Field Scale
5. Aperture Ring 11. Backlid Catch
6. Focusing Ring 12. Rewind Crank
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13. Cartridge Chamber 19. Exposure Meter Needle
L4. Sprocket 20. Sprocket Release Button
15. Take-Up Spool 2L. Synchroflash Socket
16. Photocell Window 22. Strap Eyelets
L7. Filmspeed (ASA) Dial 23. Accessory Mount Socket
18. Exposure Meter Dial 24. Tripod Socket
25. Focal Plane MarkView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
BEFORELOADING WITH FIIM FOR PICTURE-TAKING
Read these instructions carefully so that you know the special features offered by the
single-lens reflex construction of your camera.
PICTURESEXACTTYAS SEENIN THEVIEWFINDER,
By use of a special pentaprism in conjunction with the picture-taking lens, the image
seen in the viewfinder is identical with the negative reproduction of the subject on the film.
Although there is a brief black-out of the viewfinder image for a fraction of a second +
during shutter action, you can always see exactly what you are taking.
PRECISEFOGUSING
The light rays reflected by your subject pass through the main lens, and are deflected a
quick-return mirror to form by the an image on the viewing-focusingupward screen. This I pentaprism is and through seen in correct orientation size the viewfinderimage eyepieceand the
which reflects the rays three times. When the focusing ring (6) is turned the image of the
subject, formed on the viewing-focusing screen, can be adjusted to maximum sharpness.
With the subject thus brought into correct focus, precisely as it will register on the film,
the shutter button (2) can be pressedfor actual shooting. Becausethe focusing and viewing
l
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are done through the same lens as for picture-taking, there is no sighting error (parallax), while you are enabled to ascertain visually theextent of blurring of the areas in front of and behind the main subject which is in sharp focus. With the focus set at infinity (oo), the viewfinder image is x0.8 magnification. OUIGK.RETURN}IIRROR, When the shutter button (2) is pressed to release the shutter mechanism, the reflex mirror flicks up to return to its original position the instant the action of the shutter is completed. Consequently, the subject is always clearly visible in the viewfinder except during the movement of the shutter. FULI-APERTUREVIEWINGAND FOGUSING This camera is provided with a fully automatic aperture mechanism which closes down to pre-set aperture size only during shutter action. This means that maximum aperture size is always available for viewing and for utmost precision in focusing. APERTURETEVER For checking the effects of pre-selected aperture size, there is provided a manual aperture lever (7) which permits viewing at any f/ stop desired. Releasing this lever immediately gives full aperture for viewing or focusing.View original page 6
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COCKINGLEVER
This lever (l) simultaneously cocks the shutter and advances the flm one frame in one
stroke. It remains locked until the shutter button (2) is operated and the shutter mechanism
is released. This arrangement positively prevents double exposures.
SHUITERSPEEDDIAL
This dial (4) can be set at any time, either before or after cocking. Click stops are
provided at each setting. When position " B " (bulb-manual shutterspeed control) is used,
the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter button (2) is kept depressed,and during
this time the viewfinder rvill remain blacked out,
FILM TOADING
This camera will take any 3S-millimeter film
preloaded in saf ety cartridge. Monochrome or color in
20- or 36-exposure lengths may be used. When loading or
unloading film, always avoid direct lighting. Work in
the shade, using your own body as a shield if no other
protection is available.
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1. Pull out the backlid catch (11), swing open the backlid on its hinge, and pull out the rewind crank (Lz) fully. (Fig. 1) 2. Place safety cartridge containing unexposed film in the cartridge chamber (13). Secure by pushing back the rewind crank (r2) seeing that it is tulry seated. pull out about four inches of fllm, fold inward about a quarter inch of the end, and secure to take-up spool (15). Wind a turn. of film on to the take.up spool. (Figs. 2 & 3) 3. Turn rewind crank (Lz) clockwise in the direction indicated by the arrow mark to take up the slack in the safety cartridge. (Fig. 4) Check fit of film perforations on the lower side with the sprocket teeth, and turn the take- up spool (15) slightly to make sure that the film plays out properly. Close backlid, and secure by pushing in the backlid catch (11). 4. Cover the lens with the lens cap. operate cocking lever (1) and the shutter button, making blank shots, untilView original page 8
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exposure of your film for the brightness of your subject-matter. 1. Make sure that the filmspeed (ASA) dial (17) is set at the ASA rating of the film you have in use. 2, Turn the exposure meter dial (18) so that the shutterspeed setting you wish to use appears in the dial window " TIME " 3. Point your camera toward your subject, then by noting the position of the exposure meter needle (19) obtain the proper aperture value for correct exposure. Adjust the aperture ring (5) to set at the indicated value. CAUTIONS 1) When using the exposure meter, be sure that the photocell window (16) is not obstructed in anY waY. .ili Z) When, with shutterspeedat 15 (1/15 second), the exposure meter needle (19) is not r Il deflectedsufficiently to indicate aperture setting 2.8 (f 12.8) or beyond, your subject is not bright enough for good exposure. Either the lighting must be improved or film of higher speed rating will have to be used. 3) When, with shutterspeedat 250 (I1250 second), the exposure meter needle (19) moves beyond 22 (f./22), the subject is tqo bright, and overexposure will result. Use a filter toView original page 10
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reduce the intensity of the light entering the lens. Proceed with caution however since
extraneous light (from the sun or the sky) may be causing the exposure meter to indicate
light value higher than that actually pertains to your subject.
4) When using a filter, change the filmspeed (ASA) setting of dial (17) according to the
exposure factor of the filter. For instance, if you are using film of ASA 100 in conjunc-
tion with a filter with a factor of X 3, you are in effect reducing your filmspeed to one-
third of its rating, namely ASA 33. In this case set the filmspeed dial (L7) at a position
between 50 and 25.
HOTDING YOUR CAMERAFOR PICTURE.TAKING
Supporting the camera on the palm of your left hand, the thumb and forefinger should
rest lightly on. the focusing ring (6), ready to make focusing adjustments. The right hand
should lightly grip the right side of the camera, with the index finger free to rest lightly
on the shutter button (2). The thumb may be lightly hooked on the end of the cocking
lever (1).
Raise the camera to eye level, and sight through the eyepiece (3). You will then have a
stable grip and stance. The left hand is used mainly for steady support, while the right
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. Jl.**s;ra; ' , IView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
hand gives added stability. When using the vertical position, the cocking lever side may be either raised or lowered. If raised, use a modification of the horizontal grip, supporting the left end of the camera in the palm of the left hand, keeping your left elbow in firm contact with your boCy. If the cocl<ing lever side is lowered, firmly clamp the camera between the base of your right thumb and your fingers. The shutter button is operated by the right thumb, while your right elbow should be kept tight against your body. You left hand steadiesthe camera from above, with the index or middle finger turning the focusing ring (6).View original page 12
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FOCUSING
Focusing is done by turning the focusing ring (6) while sighting your subject through
the eyepiece (3). While it is easier to sight and focus at full aperture, you may wish to
know how much focusing tolerance (depth of field) you have at the aperture setting you
have selected. Actual picture-taking conditions can be immediately checked merely by
pressing the aperture lever (7) to close down the iris diaphragm to the pre-setaperture size.
When the subject-matter is too dark for accurate focusing by sight through the viewfinder,
set measured or judged distance on the distance scale (9), and note available depth of field
(focusing tolerance) by means of the color-codeddepth of field scale (10). The colorscor.
respond to those of the aperture scale on the aperture ring (5). For precise depth of field
computations,consult the depth of field table.
NOTE
Color-coding of the aperture scale (5), depth of field scale (10) and the exposure meter
dial (18) is as follows:
red-orange..........:................2.8(f/ ) orange-yellolv............,.................4
yellow-green........................5.6 green .........8
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UNTOADINGFITM i
When you have taken the number (either 20 or 36) of pictures available on your film, i
stop trying to squeeze in any more. Rewind your exposed film into its safety cartridge i
ibefore opening your camera.
1. Press sprocket release button (20), making sure it remains depressed. Erect rewind
crank (L2), and turn clockwise in the direction indicated.
2 . W h e n t h e e n d o f t h e f i l m s e p a r a t e s f r o m t h e t a k e - u p s p o o l ( 1 5 ) , y o u w i l l s e n s e t h i s
by feel. Do not wind film fully into the safety cartridge. Open backlid, pull out rewind
crank (12) and remove safety cartridge. The depressed sprocket release button (20) will
return to normal position automatically upon operation of the cocking lever (1). i
GAUTIONS
1) If at the end of your film (sometimes before the film counter (8) indicates the full
number of frames available) the cocking lever (1) :ams part way through its stroke, do
not force. Press the sprocket release bution (20), and complete cocking action. Rewind
film into safety cartridge.
2) If jammed cocking lever is forced, the film may be stripped or the end may come
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lgose out of the safety cartridge making it impossible to rewind. If this happens,and
you wish to save your film, open camera only in complete darkness.
SVNCI{ROFIASH PHOTOGRAPHY
This camera iS provided with a synchronizing mechanism for setting off photoflash
simultaneously with the action of the shutter. Since there is no provision made for
time lag, accurats synchronizationis possiblewith electronic flash (strobo) at all shutterspeeds,
and with class M and class F flashbulbsup to speedsof 1i30 and 1/60 secondrespectively.
On the front of the camera, there is provided a synchroflash socket (21) of. the JIS-B
type (German type)
To mount flashgun on your camera, screw adaptor into the accessorymount socket (23).
SPECIAL ACCESSORIES
Lens Hood (with leather carrying case) ; Filters (Toshiba screw-in type, 40.5mm diameter) ;
MAMIYA BC III flashgun.
In preparation: PROXAR auxiliary lens for close-rangephotography (.55 to 1 meter range) ;
ConversionLens for portraiture (focal length increasedto 65mm, magnification x1.36).View original page 16From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.