Mecaflex OCR translation User manual

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20 Head cap with grip grooves                   26 Retaining pin
21 Flash contact                              27 Synchro lever for M and X positions
22 Filter screw-in thread                       28 Cutout flap as a sports viewfinder
23 Lens lock lever                             29 Rewind lock
24 Lens Kilar 1: 2.8/40 mm                      30 Tripod thread
25 Spring-loaded aperture lock lever              31 Rear cap lock
                                           32 Rear cap

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For your enjoyment, this small, yet great masterpiece was created as a work of masters and
equipped with essential advantages: the Mecaflex single-lens reflex camera is the only one with a
spring-loaded diaphragm with true aperture priority and a central shutter; it's surprisingly quick
to fire and, despite its 24 x 24 mm format, doesn't require any special film. (this different film sie
gives 50 images on a 36 exposure roll) And so, we sincerely congratulate you on your fortunate
choice of the Mecaflex and wish you many happy and productive hours with it! Of course, you
want to take good pictures right from the start. So, heed this little piece of advice: Please read
these instructions carefully and thoroughly.  It's worth it! Don't attempt the most difficult shots
right away, but gradually increase your standards. And: don't worry, dear Mecaflex owner,
everything on your camera is incredibly easy!

Where to find
Opening and closing
Side of the light shaft 3
Holding the camera 4
Quick wind 5
Shutter release 6
Now things are getting serious:
Shutter 7
Aperture 8
Distance 9
Depth of field 10

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What sets the Mecaflex apart:
1) Interchangeable lens       11
2) Spring diaphragm   12
3) Fully synchronized flash contact     14
4) Sports viewfinder   15
5) Film indicator       16
Brief summary of the settings  16
Now the film goes in .  17
and now the exposed film comes out .  19
The rapid winder again and the shutter button  20
And what about color? .       21
Even more versatile with accessories   22
Exposure time table   23
Exposure time table for flash bulbs .    24
Depth of field table    25





Opening the light hood
The camera is held with one hand, the thumb of the other hand grasps the head cover (20) by
the grip grooves and pushes it upward. The head cover rotates, releasing the light hood (14)

and the rapid winder (13). At the same time, the large viewfinder magnifier (15) automatically
jumps into standby mode and allows the image (after activating the rapid winder) to be clearly
seen on the already very bright, fine-grained ground glass screen (16). Opening can be done in
two different ways, each with a different effect:

1. Quickly open the head cover to the stop in the vertical position; or slowly open to the stop in
the vertical position while simultaneously pressing in the rear light hood wall: The light hood is
fully open, the viewfinder magnifier remains in the rest position. With this effect, the
viewfinder magnifier swivels into standby mode when you tilt the vertical head cover back and
let it snap back into its original position.





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2. Slowly open the head cover to the first stop: the light shaft is not fully open; by opening it
further to the second stop in the vertical position: the light shaft is fully open, the viewfinder
magnifier is ready for use.
Closing the light shaft
The vertical head cover is simply tilted inward – not too quickly, so that the viewfinder
magnifier can swing in – until the cover is firmly seated on the body.

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How to hold the Mecaflex
Thanks to the square image format and its handy, rounded shape, there will always be only one
basic position for the Mecaflex: the most natural one.  It rests firmly and securely in the palms
of your hands, the fingers serve as support, the thumbs hold it from above , with the right hand
resting quite naturally on the body release button (10). which he has to operate once all
settings have been made: rapid winder (13), shutter speed (8), aperture (5), and distance (1).
You look down into the light shaft at the ground glass and can simultaneously check all settings.

Rapid winder and shutter release
The Mecaflex is a single-lens reflex camera: this means that you actually see on the ground
glass exactly the image that your lens draws on the film, at any distance. The viewfinder lens
and the taking lens are one and the same, although they serve two purposes. This is a great
advantage, because a misalignment of the viewfinder image (called parallax) can always lead to
inaccuracies. The Mecaflex's unique design means that searching and taking pictures always
remain separate processes. In the viewfinder, you observe the subject until the very last
moment, but at the moment of the shot, the focus is automatically removed.





The viewfinder mirror is still up, allowing the light to pass through to the film. If you now look
into the viewfinder, you will not see an image on the focusing screen. Only when you re-cock
the rapid winder will the mirror lower, and you will have a clear view again. After opening the
head cover, the rapid winder must be activated first. This is how it is done: Use your thumb to
press the rapid winder (13) in one go by turning it clockwise until it stops. Be sure to press it all
the way, otherwise the shutter release will not operate. When released, it immediately springs

back to its original position. You can check whether you have properly cocked the camera: it
was not properly cocked if the lever starts to move very slightly from its original position – so
press it all the way back; it was properly cocked if the lever already offers strong resistance in
the initial position. If a shot isn't taken, it certainly doesn't hurt to leave the rapid winder
tensioned for a while. The shutter button is protected by the closed cover; film loss is
impossible. The shutter button (10) is located directly next to the rapid winder and can only be
operated when the rapid winder is tensioned. The shutter is released by gently and swiftly
pressing it down until it reaches the "pressure point" and then until it stops. It is used to release
the shutter for instantaneous and long-exposure ("B"" settings); for long exposures, the shutter
remains open long as your finger presses the shutter button. It works better with a cable
release, which you simply screw into the shutter release's screw thread. Use a tripod for
long exposures! Now, let's get serious! Just pressing the shutter button won't produce a
perfect picture. We first need to make a few adjustments and take the subject into account.
Is it near or far, bright or dark, stationary or moving? We first determine this and then
adjust the exposure time (shutter), aperture, distance, and depth of field. The light falls
through the lens onto the film and exposes it. For the same amount of time, there will
naturally be more light under a bright sky than under cloudy weather. But since there can
always be a certain amount, we regulate the amount of incoming light and have these tools
for this: shutter and aperture. The Mecaflex shutter is a Gauthier-Prontor reflex – a central
shutter - with shutter speeds from 1 sec to 1/300 sec and . B· , the setting with unlimited
duration. These times can be found on the knurled setting ring (8), which you turn until
the black dot above the desired exposure time is exactly opposite the red setting mark (6).
For longer exposure times – from 1/25 sec onwards – a tripod is recommended to avoid
blurry images. A tripod thread (30) is provided on the bottom of the camera for this
purpose. For exposure times over one second – the B setting – it is best to use a cable
release.

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And the correct exposure time?
Some say it's a matter of gut feeling; the wise ones stick to the table, or even better: a good
light meter. So, use the small table (page 23), which will give you information. In special cases,
vary the exposure, and please remember that an overexposed negative is still more usable than
an underexposed one. For color photography, however, an electronic light meter is highly
recommended. The aperture is the second tool for regulating the amount of light entering the
camera. The larger the aperture you choose, the more light you let in falls on the film and vice
versa. It's just like a window and a curtain: the further you close the curtain, the dimmer the
light enters. (There are Smart Phone Apps – some free, some for a few bucks)





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The aperture is set as follows: the aperture index is located on a movable ring (3).  If you press
in the aperture lever (5), the ring can be turned from value to value. When you release the
lever, you will feel the ring immediately click into place as soon as an aperture value is exactly
opposite the aperture setting mark (4). This is marked by a red dot. The aperture is therefore
fully open (greatest light) when the smallest value is set: 2.8; it is almost closed (least light!)
when the largest value is set: 22.
This means that by constantly reducing the aperture (= increasing the aperture value), you have
to double the exposure time. For example, if you want to expose at 1/100 sec at f/5.6, the
exposure time at f/8 is 1/50 sec, at f/11 it is 1/25 sec. And so on. Why? Well, from f/stop to
f/stop, the light intensity doubles or increases, so the same amount of light always falls on the
film.

Setting the distance is as if by itself. With the Mecaflex, there's no guessing or measuring:
because you Thanks to the viewfinder screen, you have a continuously variable focusing range
from 50 cm to 0 cm. This is how it works: Open the head cover, engage the quick-action
winder, and move the distance setting lever (1) until you have a razor-sharp image on the
screen. The large viewfinder magnifier offers the best control. The aperture can be used to
greatly increase the depth of field.
Depth of field: The aperture, as mentioned, has another function: it prevents the areas in front
of and behind the subject from becoming blurred. Imagine you have two people in front of
you: one at a distance of 4 m, the other at a distance of 6 m. With your eyes fully open, you are
unable to see both people equally "sharply." You can do this immediately if you close your
eyelids slightly and blink. The same thing happens to your camera. You focus on the person 4
meters away, stop down to f/5.6, and now everything within the range of 2.77 meters to 7.29
meters is "automatically" in focus, including the person 6 meters away. This depth of field is
called depth of field. It increases the more you stop down or the further you are from the
subject.

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To ensure you always have control over the depth of field, two tools are provided: one is always
in front of your camera – the depth of field ring (7), and the other is quickly at hand – the table
on page 25. You've probably already noticed the red numbers and dots on your Mecaflex to
the right and left of the red setting mark (6): the depth of field index.  If you set the distance
index (2), for example, to 1.5, you have a fairly minimal depth of field at f/2.8. At f/5.6,
however, it extends from 1.3 to 1.78 m, at f/11 from 1.15 m to 2.19 m, and so on. The great
advantage of a large depth of field becomes apparent when you want to take snapshots of
moving objects in quick succession.  If you set your distance index to 8 m, the depth of field at
f/8 reaches almost 3 m. to oo! Instead of constantly re-measuring the distance, set your
Mecaflex only once – 4 m, f/11 (or between 4 m and 8 m, f/8) – and still have everything razor-
sharp on film. You owe this advantage of maneuverability to the lens with the ideal focal length
of 40 mm, which gives you a great depth of field.





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What sets the Mecaflex apart:
1. The interchangeable lens
The Mecaflex's interchangeable mount allows you to swap lenses and thus increase the
versatility of your shooting options.

It's very easy to use: the locking lever (23) is moved down, this releases the bayonet mount,
releases the lens carrier, and can be removed along with the lens. (Do not change in bright
sunlight when a film is loaded!) When inserting the lens, make sure that the focusing mark (6)
is exactly on the red dot (top center, below the shutter speed ring 8) and that the lug on the
lens carrier engages the small hole inside. Push the locking lever back up until it stops.

2. The Spring-Loaded Aperture
Since the viewfinder lens and the taking lens are only one part, it could happen that when
adjusting the aperture, you no longer see a bright image on the focusing screen, but a dark one,
because stopping down removes light. In fact, even at f/22, you still see the image as bright as
when the aperture is fully open. Here's the secret: the spring-loaded diaphragm with genuine
aperture priority – an extremely useful and unique feature; and it's also incredibly easy to use.
First, you wind the rapid winder again so that the mirror image onto the ground glass. Using
the aperture setting lever (5), turn the aperture index ring (3) upwards until it stops, so that the
two red dots are opposite each other (4 and f/2.8). This automatically pops up the retaining pin
(26) and locks the aperture lock lever (25). Now turn the aperture index ring back until the
desired aperture clicks into place at the red dot (4). When you now press the shutter release,
the retaining pin is retracted, the lock lever is released, and the aperture jumps to the
previously set value. A look through the lens shows you the aperture opening.  If you operate
the aperture priority before rapid winding, you will naturally have a stopped-down, dark image
on the ground glass after cocking. You can correct this by turning the aperture ring again until
Turn it back to the stop and now let the desired aperture click into place. The image remains
bright. If, in the heat of the moment, you forgot to set the aperture to the spring mechanism,
it's no problem. The aperture remains in the old position, which you would have chosen again
anyway – when shooting continuously.

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3. The fully synchronized flash contact allows you to use all flash units: bulb flash or electronic
flash. The term "fully synchronized" means that the shutter is fully open at the moment the
flash bulb reaches its highest brightness. This is very important if you want to use the shortest
exposure time (1/300 sec), because some flash bulbs require a certain warm-up time.

A basic distinction is made between delayed flash = setting M and instantaneous flash = setting
X.  If you want to use a flash, you can find the flash type and settings in the table on page 24.
The flash unit is firmly connected to the camera using the tripod thread (30). Then set the sync
lever to M or X. Connect the flash lamp to the shutter using the connecting cable by inserting it
into the flash contact (21). The flash is fired when the shutter release button is pressed.
(Any electronic flash can be used in X mode IF it has a separate wire to this connector)

4. The sports viewfinder is used when you want to take pictures of fast-moving objects. The
head cover must be vertical and the viewfinder magnifier swung out. Now simply push the
square cutout (28) inward, hold the camera at eye level, and look through the square cutout of
the light shaft. The image is limited by the front cutout. Make sure that the two lower edges of
the square cutouts align.  If you tilt the head cover slightly, the cutout flap will spring back to its
original position.





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5. The Film Indicator Dial
It's all too easy to forget what type of film the camera is loaded with. Therefore, it's advisable
to set the film indicator dial (18) before loading a new film.  It's located next to the rewind knob
(17). Hold the black knurled ring firmly and turn the dial with the serrated edge until the

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desired number (= film speed expressed in DIN and ASA degrees) is aligned with the marking in
the knurled ring. Black numbers indicate black-and-white film, red numbers indicate color film.

Let's summarize: What needs to be done to get the Mecaflex ready for recording?

    1. Open the head cover
        2. Adjust the film indicator dial
        3. Load the film
        4. Wind the rapid winder
        5. Set the frame counter
        6. Turn the aperture ring to the left until it stops.
        7. Select the aperture and click it into place.
        8. Focus (distance).
        9. Set the shutter speed.





Now it's time to insert the film.
Which film are you using? For the 24 x 24 mm format, use the standard, perforated 35 mm film
with 20 or 36 exposures (for black and white or color). However, instead of just 20 or 36
exposures per film, you get a full 30 or 54. To load the film: First, open the head cover, then the
back cover. While doing so, press the button (31), and the back cover will pop open and can be
lifted off. Make sure that the red dot on the rewind lock (29) is set to "A", because in the "R"

position, the film rewinds! Set the film indicator dial (18) to the film type, pull out the rewind
knob (17) as far as it will go, and turn the built-in take-up spool until the slot appears. Insert
the film cartridge (left) and pull out the cut film end. Insert it (right) into the slot so that the
second perforation of the film engages with the small pin on the slot.
It is important that:
1. the film lies taut on the film path and
2. the teeth of the gear engage through the perforation.

Otherwise, the film may tear if you operate the rapid winder. Wind the rapid winder twice and
release it twice. Replace the back cover by precisely aligning it with the notches and pressing
firmly (you'll hear it click). Now push the protruding rewind knob back in and turn it carefully in
the direction of the arrow until you feel slight resistance (this means the film is taut). Now wind
the rapid winder and release it. Repeat this step; now wind the rapid winder again. Please pay
attention to the rewind knob!  If the film has been loaded correctly, it will rotate in the opposite
direction to the arrow. Now set the black knurled ring (12) on the exposure counter (11) with
the mark to the red .o·, and your Mecaflex is ready to shoot the first exposure!





When the entire film is exposed and you want to remove it, please note: Open the head cover,
set the rewind lock (29) with the red dot to .R·, turn the rewind knob (17) in the direction of the
arrow until you feel resistance. Now the film is rewound into the cartridge. Press in the back
cover lock (31) and lift off the back cover. Pull out the rewind knob, remove the cartridge,
unhook the film leader from the mandrel and slot of the take-up spool on the right. Never
change film in bright sunlight, always in your body's shadow! What you can't avoid is having
double exposures and blank shots on your film, because the shutter can only be released once
when it is tensioned. Tensioning, however, means that the film is immediately advanced.

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This prevents double exposures.  It also avoids empty shots because the rapid winder (which
advances the film) cannot be activated twice in succession if the shutter has not been released
beforehand.

The quick winder and the shutter release again: To truly familiarize you with all the processes—
even those not visible—in your Mecaflex, the following summary shows the actions of the quick
winder and the shutter release when you operate them. ·

When you have wound the rapid winder exactly to the stop,
1. the shutter is cocked,
2. the mirror is positioned in the lens's light path, blocking the light from reaching the film and
the image appears on the focusing screen,
3. the shutter is opened,
4. the film advances,
5. the exposure counter continues to rotate.

When you press the shutter release button,
1. the mirror flips up, allowing the light from the lens to reach the film,
2. the locking pin is retracted, causing the aperture to automatically jump to the set value and
take effect,
3. the shutter is closed and, when the mirror hits, runs for the set exposure time,
4. the flash contact is triggered.

And what about color?
That's no problem for the Mecaflex either. It has a 4-element high-performance lens, the Kilfitt
Kilar 40 mm f/2.8, with excellent features: fast, color-corrected, and anti-reflective. This makes
it ideal for color photography. Feel free to load your camera with color film every now and
then, and you'll experience even more pleasure. This also applies to costs, because the square
format helps you save valuable film material, and it also makes projection easier, because you
only need to move the film in one direction. And a few more tips for color film: Favor large
areas of color. Be careful of shadowy areas, which always have an "unnatural" color cast – so
avoid them. And be careful with backlighting: it can lead to flare and color distortion. Color
film is less light-sensitive than black-and-white film, so expose for longer and stop down less.
You don't need the lens hood that's commonly used when photographing with color film; the
lens sits deep enough in the mount to replace the lens hood.

Even more versatile with accessories
Small things become big (macro shots) Although you can already get as close as 46 cm to the
subject with your Mecaflex, there is the option of taking shots at even shorter distances.

To do this, you use extension rings of 4.7 mm (1) and 6.5 mm (2) length, which are screwed
between the body and the lens and allow you to get close to the subject as close as 14 cm (1 +
2) with the standard lens. Bringing distant objects closer (telephoto shots) You can give your
camera even greater maneuverability with telephoto lenses for long-distance shots, cropped
shots, and portrait shots. Lenses with 95 mm and 105 mm focal lengths are available. A wide-
angle lens is in development.

Filter Tricks
Color filters help achieve tonal accuracy and enhance certain effects: night shots during the
day, cloud formations, removing haze in the mountains, protection against ultraviolet rays, and
so on. Your camera dealer has suitable screw-in filters. The value of an ever-ready case is
undisputed: it protects your high-quality camera against knocks and bumps, against weather
and drifting sand, while still allowing your Mecaflex to be ready for shooting at all times. And
now: Good luck with your photography and the best of success with your Mecaflex!

Recommended apertures and exposure times (black and white film)
See chart . . . .





These times apply from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for May to August. Double the exposure time: for March/April,
September/October, and for the daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Quadruple
the exposure time for November to February.
There are smartphone apps for light metering. Some free (with ads) other for a few bucks.  Still
remember, don’t point to sky when checking exposure. You will get an exposure for a sky, check the
meter pointing at different locations. Not sure if you can zoom in, when a person is in the shade.

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Depth of field – in meters





A few general tips: Valuable cameras easily find unwanted "lovers."
Protect yourself! Write down your camera and lens number so that you can assert your rights
in case of loss. (Camera number beneath the film path, lens number on the mount.) Always
keep your camera clean...:... it will thank you. The best protection is a case; but every now and
then, take a fine bristle brush and wipe away dust particles, especially in the film storage area.
Pay particular attention to the lens: even a fingerprint can cause blurry images, so always wipe
it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not wipe fogged lenses, but wait until the moisture has
evaporated. Never use force! Your Mecaflex is a precision instrument of the highest quality
that deserves to be treated with care. Consult the instruction manual or your camera dealer if
you are unsure about anything.