Film cameras
Miranda DR 1.9 User manual
User manual for Miranda DR 1.9. 31 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
31 pagesEnglish3.6 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Miranda
- Model / document
- Miranda DR 1.9
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 31
- File size
- 3.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
/-
A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR MIRANDA
In cameras with coupled rangefinders, the lens, and rangefinder are operated simultane-
ously but are optically entirely separate entities, and the viewfinder is another separate
entity. The rangefinder is mechanically complex with many moving parts which rarely stay
in perfect adjustment in relation to the lens. Accordingly, the photographer who uses such
a rangefinder frequently finds his pictures are not as sharp as he had hoped. The view-
finder, on the other hand, usually contains no moving parts to get out of adjustment, but
it is optically so imperfect that the photographer cannot tell with reasonable assurance what
will be included, and what will be excluded, from his picture. In ordinary snapshooting
the inconvenience rr:ay not be great. Ffowever, nowadays photographers are becoming
increasingly demanding.
More and more photographers are demanding that their cameras give them black and
white negatives good enough to make very large prints and color transparencies good enough
to project onto a large screen. Interest in fine pictures, artistically composed, is increasing
and many photograpners are demanding 35 mm. cameras which will enable them to compose
and take pictures formerly thought to require the use of large ground-glass-back cameras.
Increasing numbers of photographers have discovered that small subjects-a single flower
taken closeup-often make beautiful pictures. Technical, medical, and scientific workers are
rnaking photographs, frequently under extreme and exacting conditions.
These are the basic reasons why the single lens reflex carr,era is today coming into
increasing popularity conrpared to the coupled rangefiirder rype.
\View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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In the first place, the single lens reflex carnera) such as the MIRANDA, offers the
advantages of ground glass focusing. This is simplest and surest system, the only one
which uses the lens itself, has no moving parts other than the lens, and never gets out of
adjustment. It works equally well at all distances from infinity tb extreme close up, with
all lenses from telephoto to wide angle and even when taking pictures through a microscope..
The ground glass by which the focus is adjusted is also the viewfinder. As a viewfinder,
it is far superior to the type used on coupled rangefinder cameras since it gives you the
exact edges of your picture, works equally well with all lenses at all distances, . and when
using a microscope. This is not surprising when you consider that the view that you see
on your sround glass is the view which the lens sees. It is merely being reflected up to
you by a mirror. When you take a picture the mirror flicks out of the way, letting the
same light rays go straight on back to the film. The result is a picture corresponding
exactly to the scene which you saw in the viewfinder. In most cases the final picture will
be even sharper than the scene as viewed. When the exposure is made, the lens auto-
matically closes down to the preselected opening, providing increased depth of field. The
c^rnera is focused with the lens wide open, when the depth of field is at its minimum, but
the picture is taken with the diaphragm. shut down, and increases the depth of field.
wE HOPE THAT YOUR MIRANDA I,VILL BE A GOOD COMPANION TO yoti
FOR A LONG TIME TO COME, THAT YOU WILL ENJOY USING IT, AND THAT
THE PICTURES YOU TAKE WITH IT \VILL GIVE YOU MUCH PLEASURE AND
SATISFACTION.
r r,:ifih#,.'.View original page 3Page 5 · Read text
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l. The Eye-Level Vlewffnder offers a view-finding image which is brilliant, evenly illu-.
minated, full life size, has no parallax, is precisely defined at the edges, is grainless,
can be seen with glasses on, and is not reversed from right to left, as it is in the case
of all twin lens reflex cameras and some single_lens reflexes.
2. Multi Split Range Finder is located in the center of the focusing screen and permits
the exact distance from camera to subject to be determined. This focusing is accom-
plished optically without moving parts, as is normal in RF cameras.
3. Vierrfinder fnterchangeability permits the substitution of the chest-level collapsible
viewfinder (VF l) or chest-level critical focuser (VF 3) in place of the standard penta-
prism viewfinder.
4. The Miranda Lenses utilize a new design made possible by recently improved rare
earth glass with remarkable properties. They will make pictures of extraordinary sharp-
ness and brilliance. The lenses are quickly removed permitting the use of other lenses.
with a wide range of focal lengths. Instead of interchanging merely the front element
of a lens, the MIRANDA offers the much superior sharpness and quality of true wide )
angle and telephoto lenses.
!i:.r.j;:;')ii;;";i : ::.t. .1.: , -.;i-1{is.}a".-:i;i:-., -gView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
5. The Fully Autornatic Diaphragrn stops dor,vn to whatever opening is desired. when
a picture is taken and then returns automatically to .its wide open losition after each
picture. A brilliant view and accurate focusing are assured because the lens is always
wide open at f 1.9, when viewing. Unlike other systems, which are really semi-auto-
matic, there is no lever which must be pushed after each picture to get the diaphragm
open again.
6. The Lens Mount Opening is larger than any other 35 mm. camera. This makes it
nossible with adapters to use lenses made for other carreras. Some of these lenseswill
focus normally at any distance but others can be used only close-up. The large lens
mount opening makes possible the use of improved high-speed lenses without restric-
tions imposed by the size of the mount. It eliminates vignetting when the lens is-
extended for taking close-ups, and when a fast lens of long focal Lngth is used.
7. Close-Up Photography is Convenient because the standard 50 mm. lens can be
focused as close as 17 inches without any attachment. Still closer pictures can be
made easily by further extending the lens using extension tubes or the Focabell. Close-
up pictures made by extending MIRANDA stand.ard or teleph-oto lens out from the
camera are sharpr:t than pictures taken with add-on lenses. I; addition, ultra close-
ups can be taken, which is not possible with add-on lenses. Pictures can also be
taken through a microscope by using an adapter.View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
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8. The Instant-Return Mirror is one of the advanced features of the MIRANDA DR.
When the shutter release button is pressed, the mirror swings up permitting the light
rays from the lens to reach the film as the focal plane shutter opens. lmmediately
after the film is exposed the mirror returns to the veiwing position. When the mirror
is up, the view through the viewfinder is momentarily blacked out, but, at speeds
of l/15 second and faster, the mirror returns to the viewing position so quickly that
the photographer hardly notices the interruption. This is an important aid in
following fast action, and when fleeting expressions are important to the successof
the picture.
The Rapid Filnil-Winding Lever has a short convenient stroke. The purpgse of
such a lever is defeated if the stroke is very long and inconvenient. Only light pres-
sure is required to operate the MIRANDA lever.
lo. Quietr Vibration-Free Operation is a result of the precision quality and. superiorf
design of the MIRANDA shutter and mirror mechanism
ll. MIRANDA Ca"tnera Quality means that in the concept of this carnera, in its design,
and in the making of each component part, only one principle has been observed and
that is that the MIRANDA must be the finest 35 mm. carnera in the world. The
MIRANDA is the first camera of its type to be made in Japan. It incorporares many
original design features, some of which are still unique. Its maker offers it to you
with confidence and pride.View original page 8Page 10 · Read text
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@ ASA speed indicator
@ Ey. level pentaprism finder
@ High shutter speed dial
@ High shutter speed index
@ Slow shutter speed dial
@ Slow shutter speed index
@ Rapid film winding lever
@ F.P. flash socket
@ Electronic flash socket
@ Instant return mirror
@ Screw thread mount
@ Bayonet mount flange
@ Eyepiece
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aa
@ Back hinge
@ Tripod socket
@ Rewind release button
@ Sprocket wheel
@ Film take-up spool
@ Film pressure plate
a9 a9 @ @ Film cartridge guideView original page 10Page 12 · Read text
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If necessary, turn the take-up spool (the flange is serrated for this purpose) until a slot is
on top. Then gently draw the film leader farther out of the cartridge and insert it into the slot.
Turn the take-up spool toward the center of the camera, for ll2 revolution or more.
Hold the lip of the cartridge (where the film comes out) down against the camera and
turn the rewind knob on top of the camera in the direction of the arrow. Continue turn-
ing until there is resistance and all of the slack in the cartridge has been taken up and
the film is taut across the back of the camera. You will notice that a 20-exposure cartridge
will require several turns to absorb all of the slack while a 36-exposure cartridge will have
very little slack. Be sure the perforations in the film have caught in the sprockets of the
sprocket wheel. If not, turn the take-up spool until they catch. Close the back cover and
push the sliding back lock down.
Release the shutter, and advance the film with a full stroke of the film winding lever,
while watching the rewind knob to see that it turns, then release the shutter a second time.
If the rewind knob turns, it shows that the film is moving properly through the camera.
If it does not turn, either the slack was not fully taken up in the cartridge or the film is
not properlv attached to the take-up spool.
4. I{ow to Set the Ex-
posure Counter
Set the exposure counter
dial to 0 by turning it
counter ' clockwise, after
the carrrefa has been
cocked.
The carnera is now ready
for taking the first picture.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
After tlu full roll of -lrtm has been exl,osed the _fit* winding
krnb cantnt be turnzd. Do not tr2 io fora oith* turn, but
reuid the film back into the cartridge and remoae it from the &mera,.
Unloading Fikn l . Flip up the rewi'd crank on the rervind knob to a
horizontal position and r,vind in the direction of the
2r ro\A/, while depressing the film rewind button located
at thc bottom of the camera.
, At the end of the roll you r,viil feer the resistance in-
cre ase and then suddenry cease. Turn the rewind
crank several more turns to make certain the film has
been cntirely rer,vouncl.
o
J . open the back cover, pu[ up the rewind knob and
remove the film cart.idge. put the cartridge back inro
its container. This roil is now ready for dlveropment.View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED
To Set the High Shutter Speed Dial
For speeds between 1130 and l/500 second, lift the high speed dial and set the desired
speed opposite the red index arrow on the center post. The setting can be made either
before or after the shutter is cocked. The shutter speed index arrow also shows whether
or not the shutter is cocked. When the shutter is cocked, the arrow points directly to the
left. If the arrow points in the other direction, the shutter is not yet cocked. By noting
these positions, you will be able to tell at any time whether or not your shutter is cocked.
www.butkus.usView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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When using the speeds on the high speed dialr it is necessary that the black
arrow on the slow speed control be set opposite the inde:r rrrark. The red X set-
ting on the dial, half-way between the l/30 and the l/60 setting, is especially provided to
synchronize with electronic flash. Time exposure are also set on this dial by setting B
opposite the red arrow. In this case a cable release should be used and the shutter will
remain open as long as the cable release is pressed. Use a cable release with a Leica type
fitting. For extremely long exposures, a cable release which can be locked with a set screw
is recommended.
To Set the Slow Shutter Speed Dial ii,;;lallfi;t, , , ,
For speeds between I second and
I / 15 second, the desired speed can
be selected by rotating the slow speed
control. When using one of the slow
speeds, the high speed dial carr be
left at any setting. The position of
the high speed dial does not influence
the exposure when a slow speed is
set.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
SETTING Set the desired aperture opposite the red
dot on the top of the lens by rotating the
rine. Click stops are pro- TI{E diaphraem setting
vided at the full stops.
DIAPHRAGM automaticThe diaphragmin operationof thewhenMIRANDAtl-re automais fullytic
diaphragm control button is in its position farthest awa\/ from the lens. Whcn the cont- t
rol button is closest to the lens, the diaphraem
is controlled rnanually.
Under all ordinary circumstances, use of
the automatic diaphraem will rnake picture
tahing much easier and fastcr. Wher-r the
control button is set for automatic operation.
t}-re diaphragm will rernairr wide opcn to faci-
litate viewing and locusing until the shutter
release button is pressed. The diapliia.qm u,ill
then close down to the desired opcr-ring for the
time the picture is beins taken, and r,r'ill then
automatically reoDen to its rvide open position
;?S soon aS pressure on the shutter button is
released
When the diaphraem control button is set
lor manual operation, the automatic mecha-
fifr$,fff#$$tIrF$$$$f'9$ riism is disconnected and the diaphragm open
and closes as the diaphr agm settinq rins is
turned.
{nr}View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
DEPTH OF FIELD: This is the range that is in sharp focus for any particular
distance and diaphragm setting There is relatively very little
depth of field where close-up subjects are focused on, and a
great deal of depth of field in the case of more distant subjects.
Closing the diaphragm down increases the depth of field, and
opening the diaphragm up reduces the depth of field. The
ffi:';:i?iffi:?1':,J*1':T*':$i;#"
of field is much reduced. If your picture is such that you want
both nearby and distant objects to be in sharp focus, then the
smallest possible diaphragm should be used. However, very
frequently the composition of a picture can be improved. by :
having the principal subject in sharp focus while other objects
in the scene are soft and out of focus. This will de-emphasize i
clistracting background objects, and concentrate the viewer's *
attention on the principal subject. If you want to preview the
depth of field prior to exposure, you can readily do so by slid-
ing the preview button towards the lens barrel. To restore
automatic operation, slide button back to original position.
bee!d-tu"a-+----*. &,--' . r !id{*.*i&,*}dir*i***:,i;;;View original page 19Page 22 · Read text
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EXPOSURE
'l'he^
follorving. table applies to commonly used black & rvhite 6lm IASA 100) at lll2s
second' from two hours alier sunrise to two hours before sunset. Wtreri tat i"g dU.t urJ
$'hite picturcs under unusual light conditions or when using aoto. frf-,-u "photoelectric
exposure meter is strongly recommened.
Clear Sun Hazy Sun Cloudy Bright Cloudy Rain
I-ight Subject f l 2 2 f l t 6 f l n f l }
Averase Subject f l 1 6 f l r r f l B f 5 . 6
Dark Subject f I t l f l B f / s . 6 f 1 1
MIRANDA ACCESSORIESView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
USING ACCESSORIES WITH THE MIRANDA DR 1.9
The Chest-Level View'finder A chest-level collapsible viewfinder (VF l) and
a critical focuser (VF 3) are available as acces-
sories and be substituted for the standard
\"y pentaprism viewfinder when so desired.
The VF I viewfinder opens and closeswith a touch. A hinged magni-
fier is quickly raised for accurate focusing.
The critical focuser (VF 3) is of unique design and efficiency. It has
two positions, one giving a five-times magnification of the entire field of
; IIi;J?1,T:1TJ1?,:.11;"#J'ffi"?1T,'3
This viewfinder will be found convenient wherever it is desired to look
into the top of the carnera, rather than the back, for viewing and
focusing. This may frequently be the case when taking pictures of very
small subjects, -for example in nature photography. With this viewfinder,
the image is reversed from right to left'
To remove the viewfinder on the camera, pull the viewfinder release
to the left and at the same time gently draw the viewfinder to the rear. .
To replace with the other viewfinder, insert the finder's rail into the
groove of the c^rnera and push it gently forward. It will automatically
lock into place.
*i*l;P&rd.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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VF I Viewfinder VF 3 Viewfinder
(magnification X l5)View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
Extension The 50 mm. standard lens r,vill focus at distances as close
as 17 inches without accessories. By adding an extension
Adapter adapter between the carrrera and the lens, pictures carr be
and taken from l7 inches to l0 inches. To take pictures at still
closer distances, extension tubes are added betlveen the ex-
Extension tension adapter and the camera. The tubes are supplied in
Tubes lengths of B, 16 and 32 mm. and enable the photographer to
take full frame pictures of subjects the size of postage stamps,
and even smaller.
In addition to the regular extension tubes, a special helical
focusing tube is available. This tube is used between the
carnera and the lens either alone, or in combination with onew^ or more regular extension tubes. The purpose of the focusing
tube is to make focusing in close-up photography more flexible
than it is when using only the focusing range which is afforded by the lens. The focusing
tube is 16 mm. long when fully telescoped and 24 rnm. long when fully extended'
When using extension tubes the automatic lens will not couple with the shutter release.
In this case, it is suggested the two cable releases be used, one on the lens to close the
diaphragm and one on the carnera to trip the shutter. This will preserve the advantages of
the automatic lens for close-up photography. The shutter can be tripped by using a regular
cable release with a Leica-type fitting at the shutter release button in front; in this case it
will be more convenient if the lens is mounted with the red dot on the lens lined up with
the blue (instead of the red) dot on the extension adapter.
,--.-:,r, , .-. ., r;u ^ &View original page 25Page 28 · Read text
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The Focabell The Focabell
is a bellows-type
focusing device
intended prima-
rily for taking
close-up pictures. It focuses over an ex-
treme range very quickly and conveniently.
There are two provisions for changing
the focus, one for rapid
shifts and one for critical
adjustments. The Foca-
bell is made with fine
precision, is very rigid,
and will be found to
satisfy the most exact-
ing re,quirements. In ad-
dition to MIRANDA
lenses, lenses of other
makes car. be used with
adapters. Telephoto
lenses in short mounts
can be focused from in-
finity; other lenses only
for close-up photography.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
List of MIRANDA Accessories
MIRANDA Everready Case Helical Focusing Mount for critical close-up
Leather Case for all MIRANDA lenses focusing
Waist Level Finder with built-in magnifier Extension Tube Set incl. 3 tubes & Adapter
(vF-l) Microscope Adapter with bayonet Eye Piece
Critical Focuser with variable magnifier mount
(vF-3) Flash Bracket fit flash gun on the side of the
Case for waist level finder and critical focuser finder
Front Lens CapRubber Eye Cup with diopter mounting for Rear Lens Cap for Miranda bayonet mount Prism and Critical Focuser lenses
Prescription Eye Piece Mounting for Finders: Rear Lens Cap for Miranda sclew mount
Model "A" for near and farsightedness renses
Model "8" for astigmatism Miranda Body Cap
Focabell Bellows Extension with double track Pistol Grip for all models
and micro focusing adjustment Double Release for close up attachment in
Bellox Single track bellows extension coniunction with Automatic lenses
Lens Adapters 'P-M
udapt., (with this adapter any lens made for the Praktica, Pentacon or Pentax
cameras may be used from close-up to infinity)
X-M adapter (with this adapter any lens made for the Exakta camera may be used
from close-up to infinitv)
AXM adapter (for Automatic Exakta lenses (Couples to release))
AU adapter (for all Automatic Miranda lenses to fit tubes & focusing devices)
L-F adapter (with this adapter any lens with standard Leica threads can be used for
close-up photography)
cS-Fadapter (ili't,lf'r;.0?iJs_,iJH:Tg:i3riicarrengthcontaxor Nikonrenscan
CT-F adapter (with this adapter Contax and Nikon wide angle and telephoto lensescan
be used for close-up photographv)
dEde.;...,'q, &.View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
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List of MIRANDA Lenses
28 mm f : 2.8 Wide Angle Fully Automatic 8 element ultra rvide angle
35 mm f : 2.8 Wide Angle Fully Automatic 7 elenrent
35 mm f : 2.8 Wide Angle Preset 6 element
50 mm f : 2.8 Normal 5 element Preset
50mm f : 1.9 Normal Fully Automatic 6 element
105 mm f : 2.8 General Purpose Telephoto 5 element
135 mm f : 3.5 Short Barrel Telephoto to be used with auxiliary focusinp' devices
135 mm f : 3.5 True Telephoto 5 element Preset
135 mm f : 2.8 Preset High Speed Telephoto 5 element
I35mm f :3.5 Telephoto Fully Automitic 5 element
135 mm f : 2.8 Telephoto Fully Automatic 6 element
180 mm f : 3.5 Telephoto Preset
-- f : 4.5 Telephoto preset with tripod socket at center of gravity?19
400 mm f : 5.5 Preset Telephoto in de luxe leather case with oriinting tripod sockct at
center of gravity and filter slot with holder for Series VView original page 30Page 31 · Read text
CARE OF YOUR CAMERA
Storage
Keep your MIRANDA in a cool, dry, ventilated place' (If possible, keep it in an air-
conditioned room.)
Do not store in a'closed cabinet under humid conditions'
N.".r ,t".. in a humid place' such as a basemen-t, particularlv during rainy seasons'
If it is to be stored fo. .o-.'ti-.,- r.t""" yorrt lithAnDA from thi everieady case, and
;";"ia i;;.."1.d container al,on! with a drying a,gent such as_silica gel. Do not permit
ihe drying agent to come into direct contact with the camera body'
nd SaIt SPraY
it will in tirrG picl up a certain arnount of
a soft brush and air blower'
{NDA should be protected from contact with
tt"if,tt,'ir'?i.,.ll;'" the metal and leather
tirror surface should never be touched' They
should be cleaned only with an air blower, which can be ,purchased,qu,ite. re^asonably.
ii-;; ;l""t.i or eth;r is available, wat;r can be used if the cloth is first vigorously
wrung out.
The flass surface of the lens should never be touched with a.finger since the slighte-st
,.""n"i,iif f1.". n".e.l p.i"tr *tti"tt *ill in time may seriously injurethelens. Dust should
L. r.-o".a from the lens with an air blower (an ear syringe purchasable,at drug-stores
i.- *""a1. Finger p.ints- and stubborn dirt ihould be removed with a photographic lens
cleaner and lens cleaning PaPer.
The mirror is front su.faced-and the reflective coating is very delicate. It should never be
touched. It should be cleaned only with an air blower'View original page 31From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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