Camera accessories
Pentax MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM User manual
User manual for Pentax MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM. 38 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
38 pagesEnglish3.1 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Pentax
- Model / document
- Pentax MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 38
- File size
- 3.1 MB
- Category
- Camera accessories
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 5 · Read text
MAJOR OPERATINGPARTS AND ACCESSORIES
O M a g a z i n e b a c k c o v e r l o c k
@ F i l m c a r t r i d g e l o c k i n g k n o b
( t a k e - u p s i d e )
G ) g u l k f i l m m a g a z i n e
@ Set button
€) Set lever
@ Motor drive camera
@ F i l m c a r t r i d g e l o c k i n g k n o b
( r e w i n d s i d e )
@ Camera bodY retainer Plate
I M o t o r d r i v e u n i t
@ Trigger button
@ Battery grip
@ Remote control socket
@ M a g a z i n e b a c k c o v e r
(E e,rtb switch dial
@ M o t o t d r i v e u n i t
e x p o s u r e c o u n t e r
@ f i t m r e w i n d b u t t o n
@ r i t m m a g a z i n e e x p o s u r e
cou nter
(D C/S (consecutive/single)
d i a l
(D rit bag for Set 36
(pu rchased separatel Y)
@ Sott case for Set 36
@ Attache case for Set 250
( pu rchased separatel Y)
2 .
www.butkus.usView original page 5Page 7 · Read text
ASAHI PENTAX MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM
Your Asahi Pentax motor drive system is the
fruit of extensive researchand development
work by Asahi Pentax engineers work that
has been underway since as far back as 1960.
The system has been designed and built for
professionalsand advanced amateurs alike,
with capabilitiesfor both automatic and
remote control operation of the camera.
Retaining the traditional ease of operation,
precision, compact size, and light weight of the
world-renowned Asahi Pentax cameras, the
Asahi Pentax motor drive system is ideally
suited for fast sequence photography, remote
control photography, continuous copying,
multiple simultaneousphotography using two
or more motor drive cameras,and f or many
industrialand scientific applications.
The Set 36 consistsof one of the three camera
types (Asahi Pentax ES II Motor Drive, Asahi
Pentax Spotmatic F Motor Drive, or Asahi
Pentax KX Motor Drive) plus an Asahi Pentax
motor drive unit II, power cable (3m), battery
grip II (with terminal cap), NiCad battery type
10/500 FZ, charge pack, and battery checker.
Optional accessoriesinclude a relay pack,
power pack, and timer.
4 o
www.butkus.usView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
<- ' Pt:: |'J I AX
-,- .J
For cases where the capacity of
36 frames (of Set 36) is
insuff icient, Set 25O with its
25O-f rame capacity is available.
I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e m o t o r d r i v e
and assorted equipment, Set 25O
i n c l u d e s t h e s p e c i a l b u l k f i l m
magazine, a cartridge loader SET 250a n d a c o u p l e r . B y a t t a c h i n g o n l y
t h e b u l k f i l m m a g a z i n e ( b u t n o t
the motor drive) to the camera,
up to 25O f rames can be shot
with manual f ilm advance.
T h e b u l k f i l m m a g a z i n e c o m e s
in two versions:
Model IIF ...for Asahi Pentax
K X, S potmatic F
Model IIE ...for Asahi Pentax
ES II
Please note that the two models
are not interchangeable.
o 5View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
i. specrFrcAnoNs':;,i1ii1i.i1i|ii|',,j
Camera Single-frame exposures:
Asahi Pentax KX Motor Drive (Note 1) KX, Spotmatic F - 1 to 1/1000sec, B
or ES II - Auto: 8 to 1/1000 sec, B
Asahi PentaxSpotmatic F Motor Drive (Note 2) Manual:1160to 111000sec,B
or Consecutiveexposures:
, Asahi Pentax ES II Motor Drive (Note 2) KX, Spotmatic F - 1/60 to 111000sec
Lens ES II - Auto: 1/30 to 1/1000 sec
Note 1 - SMC Pentaxlens and all Takuma; Manual: 1/60to 1/1000sec
lenses Film counter
Note 2 - SMC Takumar and all other Takumar Shows number of frames remaining;stops
lenses motor drive unit automatically at zero
Film Dimensions
35mm film (12,20, and 36 exposurerolls) (Equippedwith 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Motor KX Motor Drive - Width 143mm (5.6") x
High performance micromotor, 12Y DC height 2-l6mm (10.9") x depth 99mm
Power sources 3.9")
Type 10/500 FZ NiCad battery (housed in Spotmatic F Motor Drive - Width 143mm
grip), provides 2,000 exposuresat normal (5.6") x height 276mm (10.9") x
shooting speed. Use of battery loader enables depth 99mm (3.9")
use of standard penlight batteries (8 of them) ES II Motor Drive - Width 143mm (5.6")
which provide l,50Oexposuresat normal x height 280mm (11") x depth 99mm
shooting speed. (3.9")
Other 12V DC batteries providing 0.4.amperes Weight
may be used. KX Motor Drive - 1,799 grams (3.96lbs)
With power pack, may also be operated on Spotmatic F Motor Drive - 1,792 grams
standard house current. (3.95 lbs)
Exposures ES II Motor Drive - 1,836 grams
Standard single-frameexposuresor consecutive (4.04 lbs)
exposures12.5 - 3 frames per second)
6 o
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
ASSEMBLINGSET 36 Motordrive unit 1 . Removethe threaded cover by turning it clockwise, in the direction of the arrow. 2. Fit the upper end of the motor d r i v e u n i t i n t o t h e baseof the camera,and secure it to the cameraby the knob. 3. Tur n t he ra p i d w i n d l e v e r o f t h e ca me ra slo wly to assu re t hat t h e d r i v e u n i t a n d f ilm ta ke u p m ec hanis m ar e p r o p e r l y e n g a g ed . Th is will a lso cock t he s h u t t e r r e l e a s e b u t t o n , so th e b u tto n should b e d e p r e s s e d t o r e l e a s e t h e sh u tte r.View original page 10
Page 11 · Read text
Battery grip on the take-up spool. Now set the exposure
When attaching the battery grip to the motor drive counter. You may either set it to the number of
unit, the C/S (Consecutive/Single)switch MUST exposuresyou wish to take (that is, at any
ALWAYS BE AT THE OFF POSITION, which is number lessthan the total number of exposures
the position indicated with a green dot. possiblewith the film you are using) or to the
Fit the top of the battery grip againstthe baseof total number of exposurespossiblewith the
the motor drive unit. lnsert the threaded portion film. In the former case,the motor drive unit
of the knob into the tripod receptacleand insert will automatically stop when the preset number of
the electricalcontact point into its socket. exposures have been made. In the latter case,
Securethe grip to the motor drive unit by the motor drive unit will automatically stop when
screwingin the knob. the entire roll of film has been exposed. To set '14lorSee page instructions on how to f it the the exposure counter, turn the disc in the baseof
battery loader or a NiCad battery into the the motor drive unit so that desired number is
battery grip. indicated on the counter.
Exposure counter Shutter rslease
Load the camera in the usual manner and make To releasethe shutter, f irst set the C/S switch at
two blank exposures.When you cock the rapid either the C {for consecutive)or S (for single)
wind lever to make these blank exposures,make positions,and depressthe trigger button of the
sure that the f ilm rewind knob of the camera is battery grip. With the C/S switch set at the S
turning in a counter-clockwisedirection; this position, when you depressthe trigger button,
indicatesthat the film is being taken up properly the motor drive unit will releasethe shutter,
8 .
www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
S I NGLE.FRAMEEXPOSURES
when you remove your f inger f rom the trigger For single-frame exposures,f irst set the two
button, the motor drive unit will automatically switcheson the rear (the bulb switch on the
advancethe f ilm one f rame in preparationfor the rear of the motor drive unit and the C/S switch
next exposureand will automaticallycock the on the rear of the battery grip) to the positions
shutter. indicatedon the charts which follow, in
Seepage 11 for operatingthe camerawith the accordancewith the shutter speed to be
C/S switch at the C position. employed.
As statedearlier,with a motor drive unit, the
Film rewind camerais alwayscocked,so for single-frame
After the film has been exposed completely, exposures,all you have to do is keep your
depressthe f ilm rewind releasebutton of the eyes open for a good shot. When the trigger
motor drive unit and rewind the f ilm in the usual button is depressed,one frame is exposed;
manner,using the rewind knob of the camera. when you remove your f inger f rom the trigger
Although this f ilm rewind releasebutton on the button, the motor drive unit advancesthe f ilm
motor drive unit will pop out again when you to the next frame and cocks the shutter.
releasethe button, the rewind releasebutton of The trigger button should be depressedgently,
the camerawill stay down in the rewind release just as you would depressthe shutter button of
position, and so there is no need to keep on any camera.
holdingthe button down. Pleasenote that when shooting with either the
Spotmatic F Motor Drive or KX Motor Drive at
slow shutter speeds,you must keep your f inger on
the trigger button until the exposure is completed.
lf you releasethe triggerbutton while the shutter
is still open, the f ilm will be advanced.
When shootingon Automatic with the ES II,
when the triggerbutton is depressedslightly, the
exposure meter needle will be activated. When
the trigger button is depressedall the way, the
exposure will be made at the shutter speed
indicated by the needle. Usableshutter speeds
rangefrom 8 to 1 /1 000 sec.
o 9View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
B (Bulb) exposures
ES II dial combinations When the trigger button is depressedwith the
switchesset as shown in the above chart, the
shutter will remain open as long as the trigger
Automatic Manual button is depressed,and close when it is released.Shutter speed
8 to 1/1000 sec 1/60 to 1 11000sec
Shutter dial 1/60 to 111000sec Spotmatic F, KX dial combinations
Bulb switch a sYmbol a symbol
Shutter speed 1 to 1 /1000 sec
C/S switch
Shutter dial 1 to 1/1000 sec
When usingthe ES II at either Bulb (g) or Time (T) Bulb switch a symbol
settings,the dial combinationsare the same as
those for the Spotmatic F. C/S switch S + . * S
C = consecutive S = single
Time (Time) exposures
lf the shutter is f irst opened at the B setting a.nd
then the C/S switch is moved to the OFF position,
the shutter will remain open even if the finger is
removed from the trigger button. Returning the
C/S switch from the OFF position to the S
position will close the shutter and complete
the exposure.When returning the C/S switch to
the S position from the OFF position, there is no
need to depressthe trigger button.
1 0 0
www.butkus.usView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
CONSECUTIVEEXPOSURES
In consecutiveshooting, the film will be
exposed and advanced,f rame by f rame,
automaticallyas long as the trigger button is held Shutter dial of ES II
down. When the trigger button is released,the
film will be advancedto the next f rame and the
motor drive unit will then come to a stop with
the shutter cocked for the next exposure.lf you
do not anticipateusing the camerafor a number
of days after completing a day's shooting, release
S h u t t e r d i a l o f K X the cocked shutter by depressingthe shutter
button of the cameraproper. This will relieve
pressureon the shutter mechanismcomponents
and protect the springs.
The speed at which exposuresare made in
consecutiveshooting is 2.5 to 3 f rames per second.
However, if the voltage of the power source has
S h u t t e r d i a l o f S p o t m a t i c F dropped below 12 volts, consecutiveshooting
speed will be slowed down somewhat.
The mirror of the camera viewf inder f unctions
normally even during consecutiveshooting.
Therefore, regardlessof the type of lens you are
using-and even if shooting moving objects -
exposurescan be made while observingthe subject
B u l b s w i t c h through the viewfinder. When shooting on
Automatic with the ES II Motor Drive, any shutter
speedf rom 1l3O to 111000sec may be used. On
Manual,speedsof 1/60 to 1/1000 sec may be
used.The two switcheson the rear of the mtor
drive unit and shutter dial are set as indicatedin
C/S switch the following chart.
o 1 1View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
ES II dial combinations
Shutter dial of ES II
AUTOMATIC Manual
shutter diar
Bulb switch a symbol a symbol
C/S switch C Shutter dial of KX
W h e n u s i n g e i t h e r t h e S p o t m a t i c F o r K X c a m e r a s , > Shutter dial of Spotmatic F
you may use only those speedsbetween 1/60 and
1/1000 sec.The two switcheson the rear of the
motor drive unit and shutter dial are set as
indicated in the following chart.
Spotmatic F, KX dial combinations B u l b s w i t c h
Shutter dial 1/60 - 111000sec
Bulb switch a symbol
C/S switch C/S switch
12o
www.butkus.usView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
When using the KX Motor Drive, when the black needle of the exposure meter (seen in the view- f i n d e r ) i s a l i g n e d w i t h t h e b l u e n e e d l e w h i c h indicates shutter speed, the camera is set for the correct exposure. In consecutive shooting, the black needle will move each time a f rame is exposed, but when the rapid wind lever of the camera is fully closed, the needle will cease to move. Closing the rapid wind lever serves to switch off the exposure meter; once the correct exposure has been obtained and the camera set accordingly, it is better to switch of f the exposure meter in this manner to protect it from undue wear. With the KX Motor Drive, consecutive shooting is possible even with the viewf inder mirror locked in the raised position. o 1 3View original page 16
Page 17 · Read text
BATTERY
Battery loader
The battery loader takes 8 standard penlight
batteries(sizeAA or UM-3) which are readily
availablein most countriesaround the world.
Fit the batteriesinto the loader in the manner
indicatedon the loader,taking care not to get the
positive and negativeends of the batteries mixed
up. Insert the loader into the battery grip; secure
the loader by turning it clockwise until it stops.
Subiect to the characteristicsof the batteries used,
one set of batterieswill last for about 1,500
exposures.However, this can be affected by
shooting speeds,so it is advisableto carry a set of
spare batterieswith you.
NiCad battery
lf you use a Nicad battery, it should be inserted
into the battery grip with the (+) or positiveend
facing downwards,that is, with the (-) or negative
end in contact with the end cap of the battery grip.
A fully-chargedNiCad battery will normally
provide around 2,000 exposures,but again, this
figure is affected by the shooting speed. Bear in
mind that a NiCad battery can lose its chargeby
spontaneousdischarge.The motor drive unit may
not function properly when the battery voltage
drops below 1OV. The battery should then be
rechargedas describedin the section on battery
charging (page 17t-.
14o
www.butkus.usView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Any of the following NiCad batteriesor their
Note: equivalentsmay be used with your motor drive
The end cap for the battery grip for use with a unit: YUASA 10/500 FZ (Japan);EVEREADY
NiCad battery is supplied separately. 10/ B H -500 (U .S.A.); D E AC 1O/SOODKz
(Germany).View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
In extremely cold weather, the battery grip
should be detachedfrom the motor drive unit
and kept warm in your pocket. By use of the
extensioncable shown, the camera,with the motor
drive unit attached, ffiav be mounted on a tripod
and operated from a distance of up to 33 feet
(10m). The use of a longercable is not
recommended,becauseof the possibility of a
drop in voltagewhich might result from the
increasedresistanceof a longer cable. lf you wish
to control the motor drive unit f rom distances
exceeding33 feet (10m), use the relay pack or
power pack. (pages29 to 31 ).
Becauseof its temperaturesensitivitythe capacity
of a NiCad battery will drop when the temperature
faffs below 0"C 132"F). In extremely cold weather,
detach the battery grip from the motor drive unit,
connect it with the motor drive unit with a
connector cable,and keep the grip containing the
battery in your pocket to keep it warm.
When the battery has been exposed to a low Always keep your NiCad battery dry. Before
temperaturefor a considerablelength of time, the insertingit into the battery grip, wipe it
motor drive unit may not function properly; thoroughly usinga clean,dry cloth. Do not throw
however,when it is warmed up, it will be restored a worn-out NiCad battery into a fire - it may
to its normal capacity.When warming up the explode. Remove the battery from the battery
battery, do so slowly, do not warm it up rapidly. grip wheneveryou do not anticipate using the unit
lf its temperatureis changedrapidly, i.e.,by for some time.
taking it from the cold outdoors into a warm Keep mercury batteries used in the Spotmatic F
room, condensationcould form on the components cameraout of the reach of small children. And be
of the motor drive unit, and this might result in sure to read the cautions noted in the Spotmatic
rust. Try to keep all componentsdry. F operatingman ua| .
1 6 0
www.butkus.usView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Battery checker Battery charging
Insert the plug of the battery checker into the A NiCad battery may be chargedwithout removing
socket on the side of the battery grip with the C/S it from the battery grip. Set the C/S switch of the
switch set to the C position. lf the pointer of the battery grip to the OFF position, i.e., to the green
checkerswings to the black section of the scale,the dot. Screw the fastening knob of the battery grip
battery is still usable. into the threaded hole of the chargerpack, making
lf the pointer does not swing as far as the black sure that the electricalcontacts of the battery grip
section,replaceor rechargethe batteries. Do not are properly connected to the receptacleof the
keep the battery checker plugged in f or more than charger pack. Now, plug the charger pack cord into
10 seconds- this would causeit to overheat. an AC outlet and turn the C/S switch to the C
position. The chargerpack pilot lamp will go on
and the pack will start chargingthe battery.
About 14 hours is required for a full charge.
Chargingmay continue for more than 14 hours
without any damageto the battery, but must not
continue for more than 24 hours. The voltage of
a fuf ly charged battery may exceed 12V. This is
quite in order; the motor drive unit will not be
harmed. A NiCad battery of the type used in this
system is capable of going through 100 f ull-charge/
dischargecycles. The battery may be used even
o17View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Other power sourcos
before it is fully charged;however, the operating As mentioned earlier, the standard operating DC
speed of the motor drive unit may then be power source of the motor drive unit is 12V, 0.4A.
somewhat slower. Whereverpossible,the battery In addition to the battery loader with pe6rlight
should be charged under normal temperature batteriesor the NiCad battery, it may also be
conditions - never below freezing temperatures, operated on other 1 2V DC sources- such as an
nor above40"C (104"F). automobile battery - through the relay pack or
the power pack. lt may also be operated off your
AC house current through the power pack.
1 8 .
www.butkus.usView original page 21Page 23 · Read text
ASSEMBLING SET 250
Back cover removal
1 . 2.
Fully open the back of the Motor Drive camera. After detachingthe top portionof the backcover
Insertthe small screwdriver(suppliedwith the as shown in the photograph, detach the bottom
bulk film magazine)betweenthe back cover portion by sliding it toward the camera'sbase plate.
hinge and the light sealat the spot indicatedwith (When re-installingthe back cover, reversethe
a dot in the photograph.Push the screwdriver above procedure.)
towards the camera'sbase plate to disengagethe
front shaft of the hinge.
2Oo
www.butkus.usView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Attachingbulk film magazine
3. 4.
Fullyturn the film cartridgelockingknobto the Placethe film take-up side of the camera to the
OPENposition.Whiledepressingthe setbutton, film take-upside of the magazine,making sure that
pushthe set lever(with white plasticroller),and the light seal edgesof the magazineare properly
erectthe camerabody retainerplate. set in the groovesof the camera body.
WARNING!
Do not touch the thin film guide plate located
over the film roller.
o21View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
5. 6.
Push the film rewind side of the camera body to lf you wish to use the film magazineand the
the other side of the magazine- the camera body Motor Drive camera without the Motor Drive Unit,
will lock onto with the magazinewith a snap. attach the coupler to the baseof the camera body.
Finally return the locking knob to the CLOSE
position to completely lock the magazineto the Insert the threaded portion of the coupler into the
camera body. receptacle,properly meshing the coupler's small
When removing the camera body from the magazine, gear with the gear of the magazine.Fasten the
reversethe above operation. coupler by turning its knurled knob counter-
1- Open the f ilm cartridgelocking knobs. clockwise. Use the camera'srapid wind lever for
2- Push the set lever while depressingthe set shutter cocking and film transport:
button to erect the camera body retainer plate.
3- Lift the film rewind knob of the camera body (lt is unnecessaryto use the coupler when using
and disengagethe film rewind side of thecamera the Motor Drive Unit.)
body from the magazine.
/\/^OTOR DRIV
22o
www.butkus.usView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
Film cartridgo-removal, disassembly and insertion Turn the locking knobs to the OPEN position, For disassembly,depressthe round releasebutton, pull out the magazineback lock with a fingernail and turn the inner tube until the cut edge comes and pull the back cover away with the nipple. under the protrusion. You can then disassemble Pleasebe careful not to drop the magazineback the cartridge into three parts: film take-up spool, cover as it is completely detachable.Pull out the inner tube and outer tube. releaseknobs and remove the film cartridgesfrom the film chambers. o23View original page 26
Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.