Mamiya ZE-X User manual

(posted 3-26-02)

Additional info I received 10-'05
In an added note, I have found that the "ZE" P adapter designed for use with the ZE and
ZE-2 Mamiya cameras will not work on the Mamiya ZE-X camera. Most references for
the "ZE" P adapter give the perception that it can be used on all ZE series cameras. This is
not the case for the ZE-X. If you attempt to use the "ZE" P adapter on the ZE-X camera
the adapter will stop cold at the gold dedicated EF camera/lens contacts of the ZE-X and if
you force the installation of the "ZE" P adapter onto the ZE-X it will damage those gold
contact pins.

I have not seen a reference to this effect in any description of the ZE-X. Furthermore, I
have seen no references for the Mamiya ZM camera allowing adapters that permit the use
of lenses from the DSX, MSX, DTL and TL series of cameras. The ZM does allow 645
series lenses to be used on "ZE" and "ZE-2" cameras utilizing their "645 adapter ZE". I
have however installed the Mamiya "ZE" P adapter to an Auto Mamiya-Sekor 1:1.8
f=55mm M42 mount lens with it's f-stop aperture switch set in manual mode on the
Mamiya ZM in auto shutter mode with good operational results.

Even more info on the adaptor -
One way to use the Mamiya ZE "P" adapter with the Mamiya ZE-X without
damaging the ZE-X is to first attach an Osawa MC-4 ZE 2x teleconverter to the
ZE-X camera body. Then you can attach the ZE "P" adapter to the teleconverter in
order to use lenses from the DSX, MSX, DTL and TL series of cameras. Of course
you will have then doubled your focal length by two but at least you have the
ability to use those M42 lenses with the ZE-X.



Welcome to the Wonderful World of Mamiya Crossover Photography

Congratulation on your choice of a Mamiya ZE-X Crossover single lens reflex camera. This highly
versatile multimode automatic exposure (AK) camera not only offers you shutter speed priority
AK, aperture priority AK, programmed AK, and electronic flash AE (with Mamiyalite MZ flash
units), but is also equipped for crossover between all four modes. A full manual override is
provided for advanced amateur and professional photographers.

The Mamiya ZE-X is simplicity itself to use. Whichever AE mode, shutter speed, or aperture you
select, the Crossover capability guarantees perfectly exposed, camera shake free pictures under all
but the very darkest conditions. And even with, extremely dark subjects, if you attach a Mamiya
dedicated flash to your camera, you can be sure of beautifully exposed pictures every time.

This manual is designed to help you get the best out of your Mamiya ZE-X. Please read it carefully
and completely familiarize yourself with the remarkable features of this super camera. And, to
make photography with your ZE-X even more" convenient, please note that a full range of systems
accessories is available, including an automatic film winder, a complete range of interchangeable
lenses, electronic" flash units, close-up accessories and many, many others. Build up your systems
as your skills and requirements grow!

Features of the Crossover System       Flash Photography
and the AE Modes 3
                                         (A) Flash AE Crossover with EF Lenses
Basic Operation Steps
                                           (B) Flash AE Crossover with E Lenses
Description of Parts
                                           (C) Flash Photography with Mamiyalite
Standard Camera Operation             ZE

Loading the Batteries                         Additional Features :

Lens Mounting/Removal                   Exposure Compensation

Loading the Film                          (A) Exposure Variation Dial

Setting the ASA Film Speed                 (B) Exposure Memory Button

Selecting the AE Mode                   Manual Exposures

(A) Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE    B (Bulb) for Long Exposures

(B) Aperture Priority Crossover AE           Self-Timer

(C) Programmed AE                        Eyepiece Blind

Focusing                                    Multiple Exposures

Holding the Camera                          Depth-of-Field Control

Rewinding the Film                            Infrared Photography

ZE-X's Electronic Mechanism             Mamiya Sekor EF/E Lenses

Viewfinder Display                          Accessories

Features of the Crossover System             Precautions on Batteries

Camera Shake Prevention                   Handling Cautions

Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE           Specifications
Variation

Aperture Priority Crossover AE Variation

Programmed AE Variation



Features of the Crossover System and the AE (Auto Exposure) Mode

The Crossover System
The ZE-X Crossover System enables the camera to cross over automatically between the various
AE modes in the following circumstances:

1) Used with the shutter speed priority AE or aperture priority AE modes, it allows the camera to
automatically correct exposure settings in unforeseen situations when conditions are such that your
pre-selected shutter speed or aperture will not give you a correct exposure.

2) With the two modes mentioned above and in the programmed AE mode, it allows the camera to
open the aperture automatically and maintain a safe shutter speed, that is, a speed which is above
the "camera shake" limit for the lens in use. This ensures blur-free hand-held photography in all but
the most extreme exposure conditions.

3) When the Mamiyalite MZ 36R and MZ 18R dedicated auto electronic flash units are used with
the camera, the Crossover System acts to prevent the flash discharging in exposure situations where
correct exposure can be obtained without flash, but automatically switches the camera back to the
flash AE mode if the shutter speed drops below the handheld "camera shake" limit.

Shutter Speed Priority AE
In this mode, the camera sets the correct aperture for you, leaving you free to control the shutter
speed. This type of auto exposure is especially useful when you wish to deliberately blur your
subject or the background by using a slow shutter speed, or when you need to use a fast shutter
speed to freeze the action. If you are a beginner without much knowledge of photography, we
suggest that you set the shutter speed to 1/125 second until you get the feel of it; with the Crossover
switch on, there will be no need to change shutter speeds for different lighting conditions.

Aperture Priority AE
Use of this mode allows you to select any aperture freer while the camera automatically matches it
with the appropriate shutter speed. This permits you to take full advantage of the different focusing
characteristics of the lens in us to create different effects with your pictures. Large apertures for
example, can be used to highlight your subject again an out-of-focus background, while small
apertures will give greater overall sharpness to the entire photo.

Programmed AE (Total Auto)
With this mode, the camera's microprocessor selects both the shutter speed and the aperture
according to the prevailing light conditions. Since the camera sets up the exposure for you entirely,
this mode is highly suitable for candid photography and snapshots where there is no time or it is too
much trouble for you to set the exposure controls yourself. Naturally, it is also ideal for beginners,
since there is little danger of exposure failure. In fact, we recommend that you keep the camera in
this mode while carrying it, so that you will always be ready for those once-in-a-life time shots.
This will also give you the option of switching directly to the shutter speed or aperture Priority AE
modes as needed.

Electronic Flash AE
When used in combination with the dedicated Mamiyalite MZ flash units, the ZE-X will
automatically set the aperture and synchronize for flash on charging, thereby making auto flash
exposures as easy as normal auto exposures. In addition, the Crossover System makes flash
override possible in all of the AE modes.

Basic operations steps

1. Load the batteries. Make sure polarity is correct!





2. Load the film and advance to the first frame.

3. Set the ASA film speed.





Make sure the crossover switch (A) is at its normal position (flush with the camera body).

4. Select the AE mode. (See previous pane for general description).

A) Shutter Speed Priority AE.





B) Aperture Priority AE.

C) Programmed AE.





·Before settee the dial away from the "A" setting, press the lock-release button (B) and turn
simultaneously.
·To lock and unlock aperture ring, press the white button and simultaneously rotate.





5. Viewfinder Check.





Press shutter button partway. Depending upon AE mode in use, shutter speed and aperture or "P"
will appear in the viewfinder.

Compose the picture and focus. Press shutter button gently to take photo. (Page 19)

Rewind the film when all frames are exposed. (Page 21)

Loading the Batteries

1. Press the battery chamber cover in the direction of the arrow until it swings open.





2. Before inserting the batteries, wipe both sides with a dry cloth to ensure that contacts are clean.
Place both batteries into the battery chamber as shown, making sure the (+) (-) polarity markings
match those on the chamber cover.

Your ZE-X will not function if batteries are improperly inserted or batteries are not loaded.

Battery Check/Low Battery Warning
After loading the batteries, press the shutter button partway to see if the data display inside the
viewfinder lights. If the display fails to light, batteries may be depleted or improperly inserted.

Low Battery Warning:
When the entire I display begins to flicker at a fast rate (8 flashes per second) batteries are low and
should be replaced promptly to ensure uninterrupted operation. The slow pulsation of the displays
warns you of over and underexposures.

Lens Mounting/Removal





Match the red dots on the lens and Press the lens release button and turn camera body, seat the lens
in the mount lens counterclockwise until it stops. and turn clockwise until lens locks in Unseat lens
from mount. place with a click.

Note on White Button: The white button serves as an auto aperture lock for shutter speed priority
AE and programmed AE operation with both E and EF lenses. To lock the ring at the index mark,
press the button and simultaneously rotate until it locks in place. To unlock the ring press button
and rotate to desired aperture setting.

Caution: When not mounted, always cover both ends of lenses with lens caps to protect from dust
and scratches. Do not put lens down on its uncovered mount. Wipe electrical contacts gently with
clean cloth periodically to maintain proper contact.


Loading the Film





1. Open the back cover of the camera by pulling up on the rewind knob. (Avoid direct sunlight
when loading or unloading film.) Load the film cartridge into the film chamber of the camera and
reset the rewind knob to its original position.

2. Insert the end of the film into the slot of the film take-up spool.

3. First advance the film by operating the film advance lever; then rotate the film rewind knob in
the direction of the arrow to take up film slack. Make sure that both the upper and lower teeth of
the sprocket are engaged in the perforations of the film.

· To avoid unnecessary delays when loading the film, set the shutter speed dial to one of the faster
manual settings, e.g., 1/1000 sec. If you load the film with the dial set at "A", remove the lens cap
and point the camera toward a bright light source to prevent long exposures.

· As a reminder of the type and number of exposures of the film loaded in the camera, tear off the
end of the film box and insert it in the memo holder on the back cover.

Setting the ASA Film Speed





4. Close the back cover of the camera and advance the film by alternately operating the film
advance lever and releasing the shutter until the numeral "1" appears in the exposure counter.
While performing this operation, make sure that the film is advancing properly by checking if the
rewind knob rotates when the film advance lever is Operated.

Set the ASA film speed of the film being used by lifting up the outer rim of the film speed dial and
rotating the dial until the index indicates the correct ASA value on the film speed scale (the film
speed is noted on the film cartridge or box). Intermediate film speeds can be set as follows when
necessary.

After setting the ASA film speed, check to make sure that the exposure variation dial is set to "0"
before shooting.

Selecting the AE Mode

Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE - With this exposure mode, you set the shutter speed
and the camera selects the correct aperture for you.

1. Set the crossover switch (A) at its normal position (flush against the camera body).

2. Press the white button on the lens aperture ring and rotate the ring until it locks at the index
mark.

3. Select the shutter speed desired according to the type of subject you are photographing and the
effect you wish to create. CAUTION: If the dial is locked at "A" beforehand, press the lock release
button (B) and turn. Do not force the dial.

· The shutter will not operate at the B (Bulb) setting in the shutter priority mode.

4. Press the shutter button partway and look into the viewfinder. The aperture selected by the
camera to give proper exposure appears in the viewfinder





· For exposures requiring a shutter speed slower than 1/30 sec., mount the camera on a sturdy
tripod or switch to flash photography to prevent camera shake.

· For lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.7, the viewfinder displays either "1.4" or "2.0" as the
maximum aperture setting; for those with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the maximum aperture
setting in the viewfinder is either "2.8" or"4.0".

Shutter Priority AE without Crossover
When you desire the camera not to alter the shutter speed you initially set for certain purpose,
disengage the crossover system by sliding the crossover switch (A) out over the camera body. If the
setting in use is not proper, the minimum aperture of the lens in use will flash to indicate
overexposure; the maximum aperture will flash for underexposure. When proper exposure is
desired, turn the shutter speed dial until the flashing ceases.

Selecting the AE Mode
Aperture Priority Crossover AE - With this exposure mode, you set the shutter speed and the
camera selects the correct aperture for you.





1. Set the crossover switch (A) at its normal position (flush with camera body).

2. Set the shutter speed dial at "A" (dial locks at "A" to prevent accidental movement).

3. Set the aperture on the lens aperture ring in accordance with the effects desired or lighting
conditions of the subject.

NOTE: If the aperture ring is locked at the white button (C), press the button and simultaneously
rotate the ring to your desired aperture setting.





4. Press the shutter button partway, then your preselected aperture and the shutter speed selected by
the camera for the proper exposure will appear in the viewfinder.

·For lenses with a maximum aperture of F1.7, the viewfinder displays either "1.4" or "2.0" as the
maximum aperture setting; for those with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the maximum aperture
setting in the viewfinder is either "2.8" or "4.0".

·Always use a tripod for slow shutter speed to prevent picture blur.





When you desire the camera not to alter the aperture you initially set for certain purpose, disengage
the crossover system by sliding the crossover switch (A) out over the camera body. If the setting in
use is not proper, the fastest shutter speed (1000) indication will flash to indicate overexposure. The
slowest speed (16 ) will flash for underexposure. When proper exposure is desired, turn the
aperture ring until the flashing ceases.

Selecting the AE Mode
C. Programmed AE - With this mode, the camera sets both the shutter speed and aperture
accordance with lighting conditions.





1. Set the shutter speed dial at the ·"A" setting. :'

2. Press the white button and lock the aperture ring by rotating the ring until the button locks at the
index mark.

3. Press the shutter button partway. "P" appears in the viewfinder to indicate proper exposure at a
hand-holdable fast shutter speed selected by the camera.

* Slow Shutter Speed Warning





Often when you are shooting in poor lighting conditions and selected shutter speed is too slow for
hand-held shooting, the speed indication will appear alongside the "P" to warn you. When slow
shutter speed warning is given, mount the camera on a tripod or hold the camera steady on a firm
support.
The slow speed warning varies by the focal length of the lens in use. With a 50mm lens, the
warning appears when shutter speeds drop below 1/30 sec.

·With programmed AK, the position of the crossover switch has no effect on exposures except for
flash photography.

* Over/Underexposure Warning





When the scene is too bright for the proper exposure, the fastest shutter speed indication (1000)
appears in the viewfinder and flashes. If the scene is too dark for the proper exposure, the slowest
shutter speed indication (16) appears in the viewfinder and flashes.

Focusing
Focus sharply on the subject by rotating the focusing ring of the lens. Correct focus can be checked
as follows;
Using the Split-lmage Rangefinder: Turn the focusing ring until the split images in the central spot
appears straight. Using the Microprism Collar: Turn the focusing ring until the image in the
microprism collar appears sharply defined.





Using the Matte Field: Turn the focusing ring until the image in the matte field clear and sharp.

Holding the camera
Press the elbow firmly against the side of your body for a steadier hold, whether using the camera
horizontally or vertically. It is also recommended that you press the camera against your forehead
for extra steadiness.





Most blurred photographs are due to camera shake caused by not holding the camera steady.
Improve the sharpness of your pictures by holding your camera steady. Depress the release button
gently with a squeezing motion, without jerking.

Rewinding the film
After the last exposure, the film must be rewound completely into its cartridge before opening the
back cover.





1. Press the film rewind release button.

2. Fold out the film rewind crank and rotate the knob in the direction of the arrow until resistance
ceases and the knob turns freely.

3. Open the back cover by pulling up on the rewind knob and remove the film.

                                   Electronic Mechanism ZE-X

* Viewfinder Display


                                         Your ZE-X features a bright, full-frame
                                                viewfinder which gives all the necessary
                                              exposure information for the exposure mode in
                                               use via an easy to-read LED digital display
                                                system. The brightness of the LED read-out is
                                                  automatically regulated to match the brightness
                                                  of the subject. The viewing of the LED read-out
                                                      therefore, is always comfortable under any
                                                 circumstances.





                                             For lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.7, the
                                                viewfinder displays either "1.4" or "2.0" as the
                                    maximum aperture setting, for those with a
                                    maximum aperture of f/3.5, the maximum
                                                   aperture setting in the viewfinder is either "2.8"
                                                  or "4.0"

Programmed AE mode


                       Crossover system in effect

                     manual exposure operation

                      Exposure variation in effect (warns dial is no t set at "0")

                        Flash ready indication for Mamiya dedicated flash units.

                          Indicates maximum flash distance in meters with E lenses (and EF
                          lenses with focusing distance priority switch OFF)





·Features of the Crossover System

The ZE-X's Crossover System permits automatic "crossover" between the various AE modes to
assure exposure-perfect photos at all times.

1. Used with the shutter speed priority or aperture priority AE modes, the Crossover System
automatically comes into effect to correct exposure settings, when your preselected shutter speed or
aperture will not give you correct exposure, thus enabling you to obtain the best exposure possible
under the prevailing lighting conditions.

2. With hand-held photography in both the shutter speed priority and aperture priority AE modes,
and at all times with the programmed AE mode, the ZE-Xis designed to maintain a shutter speed
which is safe, i.e., above the "camera shake" limit for the lens in use. So long as exposure
conditions permit, you are sure of blurfree photographs.

3. If a Mamiyalite MZ 36R or MZ 18R auto electronic flash in) is used with this camera, it will not
operate unless the shutter speed in any AE mode drops below the "camera shake" limit.


· "Camera Shake" Prevention

It is the rule of thumb among professional photographers that the slowest shutter speed at which
sharp pictures can be taken with a hand-held camera is the speed closest to the reciprocal of the
focal length of the lens in use counted in seconds. Below this speed, "camera shake" is likely to
occur blurring the photograph. The ZE-X is designed to operate within the following "camera
shake" limits depending on the focal length of the lenses as follows.

In the programmed AE mode, "60" will appear in the viewfinder as the "camera shake" warning for
1/80 sec., while "250" warns you that the speed has actually dropped below 1/200 second.



(A) Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE Variation


This chart shows the pattern used by the
camera's microprocessor to maintain the
selected shutter speed for as long as
possible in relation to the lens aperture
and the lighting conditions.

When shooting bright scenes at 1/125
sec., for example, the camera maintains
the preset shutter speed until the
minimum aperture (f/16) is reached, then
shifts to a faster shutter speed. For dark
scenes, it holds the set shutter speed until
the lens opens to maximum aperture, and
then shifts to a slower one to ensure a
proper exposure.

The Crossover System also corrects any
mistakes you might make in setting the
shutter speed. If the shutter speed is set
at 1/15 sec., which is too slow for a
50mm lens, the Crossover System
automatically alters the speed to 1/30
sec., the "camera shake" limit for a
50mm lens, and maintains the exposure
pattern indicated by the thin broken line.



(B) Aperture Priority Crossover AE Variation

This chart shows the pattern
used by the camera's
microprocessor to maintain
the selected aperture for as
long as possible in relation to
the shutter speed, the lighting
conditions and the "camera
shake" limit of the lens in
use.

When shooting bright scenes
with the 50mm lens at f/8, for
example, the camera
maintains the preset aperture
until the fastest shutter speed
of 1/1000 sec. is reached, and
then varies to ensure proper
exposure as shown. For dark
scenes it holds to f/8 until the
shutter speed reaches 1 i30
sec. (the "camera shake" limit
for a 50mm lens). At this
point, it varies the aperture to
stay above the "camera
shake" limit until the
maximum aperture is
reached, then shifts the
shutter speed to the next
slowest speed in order to
assure a proper exposure.
(For exposures slower than
1/30 sec., a tripod is required
to prevent picture blur).

The broken line indicates the
exposure pattern in the
aperture priority AE mode
without Crossover.

(C) Programmed AE Variation



This chart shows the aperture
and shutter speed
combinations automatically
chosen by the camera in the
programmed AE mode.

With bright scenes, the
program automatically select
a combination of a fast
shutter speed and a small
aperture, while for dark
scenes, it automatically keeps
the shutter speed above the
"camera shake" limit of the
lens in use (1/30 sec. with
50mm lens) until the
maximum aperture is
reached. -At that point, the
shutter speed again shifts to
the next slowest speed to
ensure a proper exposure.





                                  Flash Photography ZE-X


Flash Photography

Flash units are indispensable system accessories.
When using the Mamiyalight MZ auto electronic flash with the ZE-X, the camera automatically
controls the aperture according to the ASA film speed which you set when loading the film in the
cameral and synchronizes the shutter at 1/60 sec. on charging. Moreover, when an EF Series lens is
used, the revolutionary Distance Priority Flash AE system automatically selects the aperture
according to the focusing distance. This eliminates all your worries about correct exposures and
does away with troublesome exposure setting.

Crossover Performance

When the Crossover System is on, the flash will not discharge unless it is necessary and the regular
crossover AE mode takes priority. The flash will operate only when the shutter speed in any AE
mode drops below the "camera shake" limit and the flash has been recharged. If, in a bright
situation, you wish to use flash for daylight synchronization or any other purpose, either disengage
the Crossover System or switch to the manual mode.

Selecting the Base Mode for Flash

The following instructions for Flash AE Crossover operations are divided into two main sections:
(A) Flash AE with EF Lenses and (B) Flash AE with E Lenses. With both types of lenses, all three
regular AE modes may be used for flash AE photography. With EF lenses, however, the aperture
priority AE mode is preferable to the others since it saves flash energy. While basic operating
methods are explained here using the Mamiyalite MZ 36R as an example, procedures for the MZ
18R are similar. For detailed operating instructions, refer to the instructions accompanying the flash
unit.


(A) Flash AE Crossover with EF Lenses

Procedures in the aperture priority AE mode:

1. Attach the flash unit to the camera and the crossover switch to its normal position (flush with
camera).





2. Set the aperture ring to the desired aperture setting, f/4 for instance.

3. Set the shutter speed dial to "A".