Camera accessories
Pentax Motor Drive LX User manual
User manual for Pentax Motor Drive LX. 40 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Pentax
- Model / document
- Pentax Motor Drive LX
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 40
- File size
- 3.3 MB
- Category
- Camera accessories
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
www.butkus.us Motor Drive LX is an extremely versatile motor drive unit which operates in conjunction with a wide range of LX system accessories, enabling it to handle the toughest professional assignments. Relatively compact and lightweight,itattaches quickly to the bottom of the camera and is designed to handle well in both horizontal and vertical shooting formats. lt features both single-frame and consecutive operation with a variable film advance rate in the consecutive mode all the way from 5 frames-per-second down to 0.5 frames per second, synchronizing with all shutter speeds except "B". In addition, a choice of three power sou?ce units is available, each offering specific advantages for different types of photography. For handy shooting in the field, there's a choice of two battery-powered units (one utilizes penlight batteries, the other is a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery pack) which attach directly to the motor drive. For long hours of continuous operation oi extended applications in remote control and time-lapse photography, there's Power Pack M, a portable AC/DC power unit which features a built-in timer system and operates wherever there's a household outlet and from portable DC power sources such as a car or boat battery. All three power source units feature built-in shutter releases which not only permit remote control release via remote control cord, but may be set differently from the camera release button, enabling simultaneous single- frame or consecutive shutter release capability.View original page 4
Page 5 · Read text
Other convenient features of Motor Drive LX include an automatic" film
rewind system, which lets you rewind a full 36-exposure film cartridge in
just seconds, plus a built-in LED function indicator that also lets you know
when you've reached the end of the film. In addition, the motor drive
works in conjunction with a full range up of LX system accessories to extend
applications even further. For heavy-duty professional shooting, it operates
with the Bulk Film Magazine LX which holds up to 250-exposures at one
tir.ne for consecutive shooting. For scientific, industrial and time-lapse
photography, it may be used in conjunction with data recording equipment
such as Dial Data LX and Watch Data LX to record avariety of information
directly onto your negatives.
This manual provides instructions for the Motor Drive unit itself, as well
as the optional accessories directly related to motor drive operation (the
power sources, remote control equipment, etc.). Be sure to read the sections
of the manual that apply to operation with the particular accessories used
in your system. Moreover, since separate instructions are not provided for
the motor drive accessories explained in this manual, keep it on hand for
future reference when you add to your motor drive system. As new
accessories are constantly being added to the LX camera system, also be sure
to consult your Pentax dealer from time to time so as to keep abreast of
the latest equipment available.
l"View original page 5Page 8 · Read text
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BATTERY GRIP M NOTE: All three power source units are optional accessories.
Power plug
Attachment screw
Trigger release button
C/S dial
Remote control terminal
Battery cartri
Battery cartridge
lock releaseView original page 8Page 11 · Read text
POWER SOURCE OPTIONS
The Motor Drive LX may be used in conjunction BATTERY GRIP M A
with any of three power source units, thus permit- A highly reliable power source unit that operates via
ting you to tailor your motor drive system to meet disposable alkaline or manganese penlight batteries.
individual shooting requirements. Each power source Battery Grip M attaches directly to the base of the
is available as a separate purchase and offers the motor drive, and is convenient for hand-held
f ollowing features. shooting in the field. The disposable batteries used
as a power source are easily obtained and may be
replaced with new batteries in a few moments time
(whereas the Ni-Cd Battery Pack requires 6 hours
for a complete recharge). ln addition, the penlight
batteries allow you to shoot 2.5X longer than with
a single charge of the Ni-Cd Battery Pack. Battery
Grip M also operates via remote control cord, and
features a convenient trigger release button on the
neck of the unit. Transports and rewinds a minimum
of thirty 36-exposure f ilm cartridges with alkaline
batte ries.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
www.butkus.us Ni-cd BATTERY PACK M @ POWER PACK M G) This unit also attaches quickly to the bottom of the The AC/DC Power Pack M unit is the most camera. As the smallest battery-powered power economical choice for the photographer doing a lot. source unit it offers maximum maneuverability and of studio or set work, stadium coverage of sporting handles well when shooti ng in the vertical format. lt and news events, work with the Bulk Film Magazine, also fits easily into gadget bags and its lightness and other types of shooting requiring prolonged makes it convenient for situations reguiring pro- operation. longed use. The pack can be recharged up to 300 As an AC power unit, it operates wherever a house- times and has the capacity to transport 1000's of hold electrical outlet is available, assuring stable f ilm rolls. The cost of the pack itself represents voltage output and eliminating interruptions due to only a fraction of the cost of the batteries it battery failure. lt is also capable of prolonged replaces. Photographers who used the Ni-Cd Battery operation as a DC power source when operated on Pack a lot, even find it economical to work with two current supplied from a car or boat battery. packs, (one to continue shooting while the other is Additional features of the Power Pack include being recharged). a built-in timer for unmanned remote control Like Battery Grip M, the Ni-Cd Battery Pack may operation, and remote control terminals for remote be hooked up for remote control operation via operation at extended distances. lt also serves as a choice of optional remote control cords and a recharger unit for the Ni-Cd Battery Pack M (thus features a built-in shutter release button. The pack eliminating the need to purchase Charge Pack M for transports and rewinds a minimum of 20 rolls of photographers who also work with the Ni-Cd 36-exposure film per full charge. (The special Battery Pack M). Charge Pack M or Power Pack M unit is required for rechargi ng.)View original page 12
Page 13 · Read text
CAUTION: lf you attach the motor drive
with the film in mid-roll, always hold the
base of the camera away from sunlight or
other bright lighting sources. Until the wind-
er is fully coupled with the camera, there is
possibility that bright lighting seeping
through the auto rewind coupling could
adversely affect exposures. Likewise, when
detaching the motor drive in mid-roll, avoid
direct light and replace the auto rewind
coupling cap on the camera immediately.
Attaching the Motor Drive
The Motor Drive attaches directly to the base of the
camera via the camera tripod socket.
r Hold the base of the camera away from the light
and remove the caps covering the camera f ilm
transport and auto rewind couplings. Screw both
caps into the cap holders on top of the motor drive
to prevent loosening them.
10LView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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r Set the motor drive C/S dial to OFF by aligning
the index mark with the green button (see page 19).
Attach the motor drive to the camera by lining up
the attachment screw with the tripod socket at the
base of the camera. Making sure that all contact
points line up properly, secure the motor drive
to the camera by turning the thumbscrew
clockwise. Tighten the screw firmly to ensure
proper electrical contact.
To Remove the Motor Drive
I Loosen the screw and separate the motor drive
unit f rom the camera. Replace the coupling caps
over the couplings at the base of the camera
immediately. lf you do not replace the auto rewind
cap there is danger of ruining future exposures when
using the camera without the motor drive.
11View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
EATTERY GRIP M Inserting the Batteries Battery Care When using Battery Grip M as the power source, Battery performance tends to vary in accordance insert the batteries as follows before attaching the with the brand and type of batteries used. When grip to the motor drive. doing a lot of shooting with the motor drive high r Set the Battery Grip C/S dial to the OFF position performance al kaline batteries are recommended. by aligning the green dot with the white dot. Motor drive operation will become sluggish when r Slide the battery cartridge release at the base of replacement is required. Replace all twelve the grip in the direction of the arrow and remove batteries with equivalent 1 .S-volt AA-size batteries. the cartridge. Protect the grip housing from battery leakage by r Insert twelve 1.5V alkaline or manganese AA-size removing the batteries whenever thq motor drive batteries in the battery cartridge, making sure to will not be used for long periods of time. match up the contacts with the (+) (-) markings on the clips of the battery cartridge. 12View original page 15
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NOTE: The Battery Grip may be attached
and removed from the Motor Drive before
or after the motor drive is attached or re-
moved from the camera. However, always
set the battery grip C/S dial to the OFF
position on removal. When the grip is not
used for long periods of time, remove bat-
teries. Remote control hook up is possible
via a choice of optional remote control
cords (See page 26).
Attaching the Battery Grip IMPORTANT! NEVER THROW USED BATTERI ES
r Keep the battery grip C/S dial set at the OFF INTO FIRE OR EXCESSIVE HEAT AS
position and hold the battery grip with the C/S dial PR ECAUTION AGAI NST EXPLOSION. ALWAYS
facing you. Line up the power plug of the battery KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF
grip with the power socket of the motor drive and CHI LDREN.
insert the attachment screw into the motor drive
tripod socket. Secure the grip to the motor drive
by turning the thumbscrew clockwise until firmly
attached.
13View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
::: :!r ri::r !!lr!:r 1u i:litr irli:: iia t:tr: l:r lll ! ' ,., rlt ry,CdnRIf URV'PACK. M., The Ni-Cd Battery Pack is charged before leaving the factory and should perform suff iciently for the first rolls of film. However, it should be given a full charge at the earliest opportunity to ensure maximum performance and avoid inconvenience. Moreover, some packs may require charging before initial use. The standard means of charging the Ni-Cd Pack is with the Charge Pack M as described on page 15 (ln addition, it can also be charged with Power Pack M, see page 33). Attaching the Ni-Cd Battery Pack r Set the battery pack C/S dial to the OFF position. Recharging with Charge Pack M With the C/S dial facing you, line the Battery Pack r Set the Battery Pack C/S dial to either C or S. up with the base of the motor drive. r Insert the small connector plug of the Charge r Fit the power plug of the battery pack into the Pack into the Batterv Pack's remote control socket power socket of the motor drive and insert the with the groove facing upward. Secure the plug in attachment screw into the motor drive tripod place by tightening the collar ring @. socket. Secure the Battery Pack to the motor drive r Insert the A/C plug of the Charge Pack into by inserting a coin into the head of the screw. a household outlet. The red charge lamp @ on the Tighten firmly by turning clockwise. back of the charger unit will illuminate to indicate * The Ni-Cd Battery Pack may be attached and that the Battery Pack is being charged. A minimum removed f rom the motor drive before or after the of 6 hours is required to recharge a fully discharged motor drive is attached or removed from the camera. Ni-Cd Battery Pack. Do not recharge the pack for Always set the battery pack C/S dial to OFF on more than eight hours (overcharging shortens removal. battery life). 14View original page 17
Page 18 · Read text
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* Only,use Charge Pack M or Power Pack M for
recharging the Ni-Cd Battery Pack. Best results are
obtained when recharging at temperatures between
o"-40"C (32" -1o4" F ), with room temperatures
being the ideal. Performance will falter if charged at
excessively high temperatures; charging at
temperatures below or above those specif ied above
will also shorten battery life.
* Avoid high temperatures and humidity when
storing the Battery Pack. Best results are obtained
when stored at temperatures between 10"-25"C
(50" -77" F).
Ni-Cd Battery Pack M Precautions * When the pack no longer recharges adequately, it
* Whether used or not, the life of the Ni-Cd Battery is exhausted. In certain countries, however, environ-
Pack is three years, or approximately 300 charges mental protection laws place restrictions on the
within this period. When not used for long periods disposal of cadmium containing products. Check
of time, even a fully charged pack will discharge of with the proper procedure for disposal in your
its own accord; consequently, test the pack after country or bring to an authorized Pentax Service
prolonged periods of non-use. Make it a point to Center or dealer for disposal.
charge and discharge the pack at least once every
other month and always use the pack as soon as
possible after recharging to ensure maximum battery Never disassemble the Ni-Cd Battery Packlife and performance (battery life tends to shorten and never throw a used pack into fire orif the pack is not used regularly). excessive heat, keep out of the reach of
ch ildren.
15 IView original page 18Page 19 · Read text
I Film Loading/Blank Exposures (with unloaded your exposures, follow the instructions given in cameras) : Load the f ilm in the normal manner by "Motor Drive Operation" on the next page. setting the camera shutter dial to a manual shutter speed. Extending the f ilm leader and insert it Preparation with Loaded Cameras: lf the shutter is between the needles of the take-up spool. At this uncocked when you attach the motor drive with point, you may continue to make blank exposures the f ilm in mid-roll, temporarily set both the motor with the rapid wind lever, which is probably the drive and powe!r source C/S dials to S and press the most convenient way the first time you use the shutter button once to cock the shutter (the shutter motor drive. To release the shutter in this instance, cocked indicator will turn red). Proceed as described however, set the motor drive C/S dial to OFF. (see in "Basic Shooting" on Page 18. page 1 9) Blank exposuies with the motor drive: You can also make the blank exposures using the motor drive. The procedure is basically the same as for single- frame film advance (see page 18). After inserting the f ilm leader into the needles of the take-up spool, set both the motor drive and the power source C/S dial to S, then, press the shutter button once so that the f ilm wraps around the take-up spool. Press the shutter button again if necessary until the film perforations engage both sides of the sprocket. Close the back cover and take up f ilm slack with the f ilm rewind crank. Continue pressing the shutter button successively until the dot representing "1" registers in the exposure counter window. To make 16View original page 19
Page 20 · Read text
www.butkus.us MOTOR DRIVE OPERATION Motor Drive LX offers both single-f rame f ilm The film advance rate may be varied f rom 5 frames- advance and consecutive or sequential f ilm-advance per-second down to 0.5 f rames-per-second via the featuring a variable film advance rate for the utmost special "fps dial" on the back of the motor drive. versatility in f ilm speed control. In the single-f rame In addition to shooting with the camera shutter (S) mode, the motor drive advances the f ilm release button, auxiliary shutter release buttons immediately after the exposure and cocks the shutter built into the respective power source units facilitate for the next exposure. In the consecutive (C) mode, remote control operation and give added convenience the f ilm advances continuously until you let go of for a wide variety of shooting situations. the shutter release button or it reaches the end of the roll.View original page 20
Page 21 · Read text
depending upon the mode of film advance
desired for the camera shutter release button.
r Set the C/S dial of the power source @to either C
or S, depending upon how you wish the auxiliary
shutter release built into the power source to operate.
Note: Although both the motor drive and power
source C/S dial may be used at either C or S in any
combination, both dials must be set to either C or S
for the motor drive to operate.
r lf you set one of the dials to operate in the C
mode, also set the fps dial @ at the hub of the
C/S dial for the desired f ilm advance rate.
Basic Shooting r Compose the picture, focus and check the exposure
The f ilm advance mode for Motor Drive LX is if required. Take the photo with the shutter release
controlled by the respective settings of the motor that proves most convenient for the situation.
drive and power sourcsC/S dials. The motor drive IMPORTANT: When the shutter isn't cocked
C/S dial controls the f ilm advance mode with the beforehand (sgch as when attaching the motor drive
camera shutter release button, the C/S dial of the in mid-roll), it will be necessary to press the shutter
power source controls the mode for the power source button twice to take the picture; once to cock the
shutter release button. By setting the dials differently shutter and again to release it. lf the dial is set to "C"
a ilelay-one to C and the other to S - the film advance while the shutter is uncocked, there will bemode for shooting with the motor drive may be when you press the shutter release button for
varied merely by switching shutter release buttons, the film to advance and the shutter to cock. To
instead of resetting the controls each time. avoid this delay, press the shutter button once
r Press the green button of the motor drive C/S quickly and let go (the shutter cocked indicator
dial @ and rotate the dial to either C or S, turns red when the shutter cocks).
1BView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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Motor Drive C/S Dial
This is the outer dial of the cluster on the back of
I the motor drive and features four lockable click-
stop settings (only the lockable settings may be used).
I GREEN BUTTON: This button serves as a dial lock
release and also indices the OFF position. When the
white index line is aligned with the green dot, the
automatic f ilm advance system disengages from
the camera. To set the dial, press the button and
rotate the dial until the white index mark aligns with
the desired setting.
R: This setting gears the camera for film rewind
and engages the motor driveis automatic film rewinC a maximum operating speed of 5 fps is possible at
system. Only set the dial to R for film rewind. H (High) setting and 0.5 fps at L (Low). Intermittent
S: Sets the camera shutter release for single- speeds are obtained at the in-between settings.
frame operation H-L
C: Sets the camera shutter release for consecutive 5 fps 3 fps 1 fps 0.5 fps
To set the dial: Place your thumb or f inger on theI film advance at the rate indexed with the fps dial.
hub and rotate the dial until the desired settino fps Dial
aligns with the white index mark.I This is the inner dial of the cluster on the back of
the motor drive, it controls the film advance rate.
The f ilm advance speeds outlined below are possible
at the respective dial settings, depending upon the
shutter speed used and battery condition. provided
shutter speeds in excess of 1/60 second are used,
19View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
The Power Source C/S Dials S: Sets the power source release button for single- Except for the method of designating the OFF frame operation. oosition (a GREEN DOT for the Battery Grip M, C: Sets the power source release button for "OFF" for the Ni-Cd Battery Pack M), the C/S dials consecutive f ilm advance in accordance with the rate for the direct-mount type power sources are indexed at C with the motor drive's fps dial. identical and function in the exact same manner. The OFF Position: When the Battery Grip M C/S dial is set to the GREEN DOT (in the case of the Ni-Cd Battery Grip, to either of the OFF settings), power to the motor drive is cut off and the auto- matic film advance system does not function. In this instance, the camera does not operate manually either, unless the motor drive C/S dial is also set to OF F. 20View original page 23
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SHOOTING PRECAUTIONS
The C/S Dials Using the Self-Timer
,f Both the power source and motor drive C/S dials The self-timer will not function whjle the automatic
should be set at either C or S while shooting with f ilm advance system is engaged. To use the self-timer
the motor drive so as not to miss the opportunity with the motor drive attached, set the motor drive
I for a good shot. Be sure to set the dials to OFF, C/S dial to the OFF position and use it in the
however, in the following situations. normal manner.
Set the porver source C/S dial to OFF:
l]J When not using the motor drive for long periods Multiple Exposures
of time (in the case of Battery Grip M, also remove To make a multiple exposure on the frame in use:
the battery cartridge to guard against leakage). Set the motor drive C/S dial to OFF and make the
llJ When not rewinding the f ilm immediately at the first exposure. Then, set the dial temporarily to R
end of the f ilm, promptly set the dial to OFF. (to disengage the film advance system) and cock the
(batteries will deplete with the power source C/S shutter with the rapid wind lever. Set the dial back
dial set at C or S while the LED indicator is to OFF to release the shutter (if no additional
continuously lit at the end of the film) exposures are desired on the same frame, it may also
Set the motor drive C/S dial to OFF: be set to S or C).
When it becomes necessary to operate the camera
manually with the motor drive attached, such as
using the self-timer to release the shutter during
multiple exposures, etc. (the shutter does not release
manually unless the motor drive C/S dial is at OFF).
21l--View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
For a multiple exposure on a previous frame: Do not
use the automatic f ilm rewind system. lf you are on NOTE: You may find it easier to remove
frame 15 and wish to make a multiple exposure on the motor drive for multiple exposures,
Itu-" 10, for example: especially random access multiple expo- f ilm back to sures. lf so, be sure to hold the base of[_l Set the C/S dial to R and wind the f rom bright light andframe 9 with the f ilm rewind crank. the camera away
p Cover the lens with the lens cap, set the C/S dial replace the f ilm rewind coupling cap.
to OFF, and trip the shutter. Keeping the lens cap
on, wind the film on to frame 10 with the rapid
wind lever and trip the shutter again.
@ Remove the lens cap, set the C/S dial to R, and
cock the shutter with the rapid wind lever. When
ready to release the shutter, set the C/S dial back to
OFF. Repeat this step for all additional exposures
on the same f rame.
the original f rame without exposingE fo return to
the images already on the film, cover the lens with
the lens cap, set the C/S dials to S or C, and advance
the f ilm with the shutter release until the 15 index
appears in the exposure counter window.
@ tt you wish to make double exposures on any of
the remaining f rames, replace the lens cap and
advance the f ilm with the rapid wind lever to the
frame desired; repeat steP 3 above.
22View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
www.butkus.us Shooting in Cold Climates Low Batteries Battery performance tends to deteriorate when Batteries are low when the film advance rate temperatures drop to near or below freezing. becomes sluggish. When battery voltage drops while Although performance returns to normal when working with the Battery Grip M, promptly replace batteries are subjected to warm temperatures again all twelve batteries. (Do not mix old and new for some time, the following will help you avoid batteries as this may result in leakage and is more inconvenience when shooting in cold climates. costly in the long run). When voltage drops while * When using the Battery Grip M or Ni-Cd Battery working with the Ni-Cd Battery Pack M, its time for Pack M, connect the power source via Remote a full recharge. Follow the instructions on page 14 Control Cord (see page 26). Keep it in your coat (if recharging with the Charge Pack M Unit, on pocket or wrapped warmly to protect the batteries page 33 if recharging with Power Pack M). Because from the cold. lf using the Battery Grip unit, best several hours are required to recharge the Ni-Cd result are obtained when new batteries are used. Battery Pack, it is helpful to have a spare f ully Likewise, if using the Ni-Cd Battery Pack, the pack charged Ni-Cd Battery Pack or other power source should be fully charged. on hand if you wish to continue shooting without * lf you do not have a remote control cord, you interru ption. can minimize inconvenience by carrying a spare set of batteries (kept warm) if working with the Battery Grip, or a back-up battery pack if working with the Ni-cd Battery pack. CAUTION: When batteries become too weak to pack). lf film advance should cease and you are advance the film, the motor drive will stop in- caught without spares, set the motor drive and between f rames and the LED indicator will glow power source C/S dials to OFF and wind the film continuously. Normal operation will resume when with the camera's rapid wind lever for the rest of you change the batteries, (or recharge the battery the f rames.View original page 26
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AUTOMATIC FILM REWIND The convenient automatic film rewind feature of Motor Drive LX allows you to rewind a complete 36-exposure f ilm roll in just seconds. When you reach the end of the film, the motor drive will cease to operate and the LED indicator on the back of the unit will glow continuously. (NOTE: The indicator also glows continuously when batteries are exhausted, so before attempting to rewind the film, also glance at the exposure counter to make sure you are on the last f rame). r Press the motor drive C/S dial lock button and set the dial to the R setting. I Slide the f ilm rewind lever clockwise. The LED system for random access multiple exposures as indicator will go out and the f ilm will begin to described in the LX instruction manual, as the rewind. When the f ilm is fully rewound, the motor exposure counter doesn't synchronize precisely will stop and the f ilm rewind lever will disengage of during automatic f ilm rewind. (Use the procedure its own accord. described on page 22.1 r Glance at the exposure counter once again to * The film may be rewound manually during make sure the film is rewound all the way; then open emergencies such as battery failure and you are the camera back and remove the cartridge. Set the caught without spares. After completing the motor drive and power source CiS dials back to OFF. remaining exposures manually with the C/S dial set Film Rewind Precautions to OFF, if necessary, set the dial to R and rewind * The automatic f ilm rewind system can be stopped the f ilm with the film rewind crank. Set both the before the f ilm is completely rewound by sliding motor drive C/S and Power Source dials back to the f ilm rewind lever back to its original position. OFF and replace or recharge batteries (whichever However, avoid using the automatic f ilm rewind applies) as soon as possible. 24View original page 27
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