Film cameras
No. 1 A Ansco Super Speedex User manual
User manual for No. 1 A Ansco Super Speedex. 17 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Ansco
- Model / document
- No. 1 A Ansco Super Speedex
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 17
- File size
- 2.1 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 6 · Read text
N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X , S . P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
9etting &cquainted ntith the Gamera tion of the focusing lever (4, page 4) will
then move, it forward or back. Focusing
HF, first thing to do with a nev/ is explained farther on.
camera is not to take pictures with
it but to become familiar with its parts and IrrponteNr-Before you
features and to see how it works. Therefore return front standard to
look first at the illustration on page 4, with camera,racked backtrachall mustthe wayb e
explanations opposite, and then with the (to 100-foot focus). Oth-
camera open before you, read through the erwisebrake. frontNeverwill pullstop outat
instructions that follow here, going through front unless track is back
the various motions until you understand at 100-foot focus.
the camera fully. You will then be ready
to load and use the camera. To close up platform,
If you have purchased the camera in an- f,rstpressingreleaseinwardsside-armstowardsby
ticipation of a trip or vacation tour, let us back of cAmera.
recommend here that before you start you
expose a roll or two around home on famil-
iar subjects. The negatives and prints thus Go Glose the Gamera
obtained will give you a practical check on
To close the camera, simply reverse thethe operation of the cafi:'era, at the same above operation. First rack'focus pointertime suggesting ideas for pictures when
back to 100-foot point ro rerire track. Thenaway on your trip.
hold the carnera in your left hand, your palm
Go (9pen the Gamera across the back, release the front standard
by pressing together the finger-clamps (2, To open the camera, push in the button page 4) with thumb and finger of rightwhich releasesthe platform (1, pages 4 and I, hand, and push front standard gently clear
t ) . The platform may now be lowerecl, back into rhe camera. Then tuch in theand when it is at right angles with the body wire release and, ho,lding the camera asof the camera the side-arms will catch and shown in the cur on this page, releaseside-hold it firmly in position. arms by pressing inwards-that is, towards Now grasp the two finger levers (2, 2, back of camera. Now press rhe platformpage 4), press together, and pull out front gextly against the chest to fold it up, afteralong track as far as it will come. Opera- which you can snap ir shut in a jifry.
l*II.,:.=,,View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
N O . l A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X , S P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
Repeat the operation of opening and clos- Always have the focus at 100 feet wlren
ing until you can do it easily and deftly, pulling out front or retiring it to its recess
never focusing the camerl at any point. If within the carrtera. This is necessary to
any obstruction is encountered, stop at once make the track inside the camera and the
and see what is in the way. track on the platform bed come together.
Do not release side-arm braces until the See cut and explanation on page 7.
front standard has been returned to its recess For correct focusing it is clearly import-
within the camera. anr that the front be fully extended in the
first place, for the function of the focusing
device is to vary the position of the lens
9/n HE focusing scale is shown at 3 from this forward point on the track.
\7 (page a). Note the two rows of The above is sufficient here to explain the
figures. Qver the one at the left is the operation of the focusing device, but before
letter M, sianding for Meters; over the one you actually take pictures read the section
at the right is the letter F, standing for Feet. "Points on Focusing." pase 21. which will '6fE; (The meter figures are given becauseAnsco simplify this subje;; a,'cl increase
cameras are also popular in foreign countries your skill in getting the desired sharpness
where the metric system is in use). quickly where you want it.
Just above the focusing scale is the focus- I
ing lever (4, page 4) . To focus, pressdown II Ghe Ehutter
on this thumb-l,ever and move it forward or .- _t! 9lar^ HE shutter is the part of the cameraback until it rests at the distance on the 1-7 that holds the lens. It determinesscale which corresponds with the distance ( 1) the speed with which the picture isfrom the lens to the obfect or view to be taken and (2) the size of the openingphotographed. through which light is admitted to the film
For example, to focus the camera for a through the lens.
standing figure 10 feet awtft move the
lever to the lO-foot point on the scale.
Ghe Ehutter on {our GameraProceed likewise for other distances.
It will be noticed that the focusing device The shutter on your camera is either the
is so made that it will lock at the distances Acme Speedex or the lJniversal. The op-
indicated. Intermediate settings may of eration of each is explained separately below,
course be used. and both shutters are shown on page 1 1. -l
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N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X T S P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
exposures-exposures just a little longer than opposite the number for it. In the illustra-
the slowest automatic speed. The camera # tion the shutter:g"-s*et for Stop Fll
must of course be on a tripod or other sup- snapshots in bright sunshine q'ith shrrtte"
port. This is true of all exposures longer soeed 1 /2i the standard stop is F15. Fll
than 1/2I second.
If the speedused is indicated by the letter
T, one pi.rrrrt. on the trigger or plunger
opens thl shutter and a second closes it' T be found in the accompanying booklet, "Ex-
is used for longer time exposures' and for pert Camera Operation Made EasY.
ground-glass focusin g, Ior which it is neces- tl ' -
rary to keep the lens oPen. frngulatete thetheEhutternshutterosoeedorEp, rbe\ [tC" u \ nlniversalEhutter I U Go fi'egulate the Eize of (9Pening t The operation of the universal shutter is
At the bottom of the shutter, just below explained in the cuts on page 1 l. The
. thg4ens, is a plate on the Acme Shutter numbering system is the same as for the
I .*hto-i"g. .o*^ of figures' Reading from Acme shutter (see page 12) but the shutter " on the Super Speedex, these are works differently. To obtain ?1ny desireclV right to l.ftr + l s , , . 6 , 8 , 1 1 , 7 6 , i z , 3 2 , 4 t . o n t h e speed (Time, Bulb, 1/loo, 7/ 50, 1/2t,
Speedex the numbers start at 6'3' These 7/70, 7/r, 1/2, 1 second) simply revolve
figures indicate the various opcnings or' the j[r-ont- is
"s"tops" of the lens, and the "f" indicates - : - : ' , oooosite- - + the white mark€ - - - at the top. The
that they are o'n the F or Focal system used Unrversal shutter rs selt-cocKlng (made pos-
with highgrade anastigmat lenses' sible by the fact that the high tension of
The shutter may be set fot any of these the faster Acme speeds is not required).
openings by the oPeration -of the iris dia- Release the same as with the Acme shutter
p^h.rgti, -hi.h is inside the shutter' To to take the pictures (see page 10).
ru. tio* this works' set the speed for Time The different stops or openings are ob-
and open the lens. Then move the pointcr tained with k. A ftot" side to side as you look into the thc diaphragm lever on theiE
lens. You will see how the hole or opening the shutte can be made larger or smaller at will' To l
get any desired opening, place the pointer ;or'.t$'
L 2
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N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E , E D E X , S P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
the lever. To get less sky and more fore-
ground, drop the lens-plate instead of raising
i r.
Llnless the focusing back is used (prg.
22) , it will be necessaryto estimare the dif outI n atr e mtopo v i n g first,b a c kas, herep u l l
r e p l a c i n g b a c k ,ference in the angle of view, as the fincler s h o w n . I n
image will not change except ro a slighr at ol wma, y s t h ecna t cchl o s ef i r satn d x tb u t bt ooltl -
''*l f a s t e n e r a t t o p .extent.
When the carnera is held for horizonrrrl
pictures, the proportions of sky and fore-
ground can likewise be varied by releasing ..r*,
the set-screw 1 1, page 4, and moving tl-rc :
f ront standard as desired, tightening scr-
screw again at point selected.
These actions are easy and very conven- first, then ^is,pushed together at. the end whereient, but they would not be safe on cameras the handle after -tri.h the .tt.h is but-
supplied to careless or inexperiencecl pho- toned over. If the back is not caught ^t
tographers, as the lauer mighr omit ro re- the bottom first it will not close properly.
turn the actions to original center posirion
after using, and thereby j^^ or injr-rre rhc: gnsertingthe ffiilm
front or bellows in closing the camera.
Vith the back off you are now readY to
Soading the Samera load the camera with film. Note that the
fresh roll goesinto the lower chamber, which O load the camera,it is first neces-
is at the opposite end of the car.r..erafrom sary to remove the back, which is
the winding k.y. In the chamber at theheld by ^ catch at the top under the handle.
key end you will find an empty spool. It is Having thrown the catch, pull out the
onto this spool that the film is wound asback at the top, whereupon it will come
loose at the bottom also and can be laid aside used, so that when all exPosures are taken
it is this spool which is removed from thewhile the camera is loaded. See illustration
camera for finishing.at top of opposite page.
Note that in replacing the back it should To load, first spring out the spool-pins for
always be caught firmly at the lower end the lower or empty chamber. One of the
t 6 T 7
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N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X , S P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
spool-pins is indicated by 1 t in the illustra-
tion on page 4, and there is anorher on the
other side of the camera. Now drop the
fresh spool into place as shown in the illus-
tration above, taking care that yoLl ger it
the right end around. In other -otdr, in-
sert it so that the paper will roll over, nor
under, and only orang€ side of paper will
show, black side being toward the inrerior
of the camera. After inserting the roll, ii'
snap the spool-pinsback inro place to hold it. . i -
Vith the new roll inserted and the sticker
which sealsir broken, carry the end of the
paper across the back of the camere and
thread it into the slot in the empry spool as
shown at the rop of nexr page. Be careful
to center it on spool so that it will wind
evenly. Now give the winding k.y a few
turns to bind the paper as shown, and then
replace the back of rhe camera. f n doing Vith the back replaced and fastened, con-
this, be sure ro catch at bottom first, aftei tinue winding until figure 1 apPears in the
which the back will slip nearly into position peepholeon the back of the cam era, as shown
and catch can be fastened without difficulty. irr the final illustration. The carrrerais now
Seeillustration on page 17. ready for the first picture.
1 8 r9View original page 12Page 14 · Read text
\
N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X , S P E E D E X , A N D A D V A N C E D
focus is especially recommended to owners foreground and sky, €tc. The picture will
of this carnera. This is parricularly so in of course be upside down.
the case of the Super Speedex. The reason Vhen the picture is as you want it, first
is that becauseof the extra-large lens aperr- close the shutter and set it f or the proper
ures available greater precision is required- speed, then insert the loaded cut film holder
unless stops as small as on other cameras (the illustration shows this in place), with-
are used. Ve find that when the principles draw the slide, make the exposure, and re-
of depth-of-focus are rightly undersrood, place the slide. To make a second exposure,
ditficulty in this respect is very seldom en- reverse the holder and repeat the operation.coLlntered.
Soading the Ttolders
The method of loadin g the holders is
shown in the illustrations. This operation
must of course be performed in the dark
room. It may readily be done in absolute
h o l d e r i n s e r t e d . darkness if you will first practice with a
%he Q-[seof the 9round-9lassSack
- -
9 (a HIS attachment is provided for the
\7 convenience of those who wish ro
see the picture f ull-size before it is raken,
which is helpful in certain classesof work,
particularly scientific work, also in arrar.g-
irg certain outdoor compositions.
To use, replace the regular back with the
ground-glass back, set the ca:meraon a tri-
pod, focus with the lens wide open, reducing
the size of stop until you sharpen rhe differ-
ent parts of the picrure as desired. To vary
the field, make use of the movable frant ac-
tions so as to change the proportions of
2 3 22View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
l
N O . I A A N S C O S U P E R S P E E D E X , S P E E D E , X , A N D A D V A N C E D
piece of cardboard cut to the right size.
Simply draw out the slide enough to release
the end and allow room for sliding the film
under the rabbets, then close end and lock
by pushing in slide.
It is important to get the film in emulsion
side out. You can tell the difference under
a dark-room light by the fact that the emul-
sion side is dull, the back shiny. All manu- Ghe &,nsco Sight fl[eter
facturers of cut film also place a distingtrish-
.- A x INGENIOUS little device whrch does yourirg notch or cut of some kind in one end, (J L thinking for you whenever you are uncertain
the position showing by "feel" which way how much exposure to give. Especially desirable with
the film is held. Also, the emulsion side a camer a of this wide range.
tends to be slightly concave, and if you Operation is extremely simple. Just point the neck
the f alls on light from which source thehave sensitive fingers you can tell by touch towards or sun (that is, towards photographed be subject to
which is which, but photographers with sky), then turn the milled edge until you obtain in
moist hands should not test in this way or lower disk B the tint which matches the tint of up-
they will leave smear marks on the film. per disk A. Tint at A will vary according to strength
<rf light. Tints obtainable at. B as milled edge is
The holders call for 2+ x 4* cut film. turned are connected with the exposure scale belou',
This size is as yet supplied only by Agfa so that when the two tints match you merely read
Ansco, which is the first manuf acturer to off the correct shutter settings for light conditions as they are. Illustration shows tints matching to
offer a No. 1A carr'era adapted to the use indicrte t/zs second with stop 16 as correct shutter
of cut film. In emergencies, larger film setting, optional settings giving the same amount of
rnay be cut down to size on a trimmer under exposure with different stops and speeds being shown
a ruby safelight. at left and right.
The use of the Ansco Light Meter will keep your
negatives running of standard density and printing
strength, and will prevent loss of pictures through
T o f o c u s b y s c a l e w i t h c u t - f i l m setting the shutter wrong or misjudging the light.
in s t e a d o f r o l l - f i I m , d r a w o u t Supplied in neat leather pouch for watch pocket
fr o n t o n l y t o m a r k o n t r a c k i n - or k.y ring. Price $ 1. t 0.
di c a t e d b y a r r o w a n d d o t t e d l r n e s . gSfu &nsco Gorporation
Singhamton, n[ -y.
24 2 t
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.