Film cameras
Pentax S1 - S3 User manual
User manual for Pentax S1 - S3. 51 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 S1 - S3
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 51
- File size
- 6.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Focus only after cocking the rapid wind lever. (Because of the instant return
mirror of the PENTAX, the position of the mirror varies slightly before and
after winding the film and cocking the shutter.)
When advancing the film, be sure to stroke the rapid wind lever all the u.tay
runtil it stops.
Do not touch,the surface of the mirror. If the mirror gets dusty, use a blower
to dust it off, or dust lightly with a good camel's hair brush"
If yr:rur PENTAX should need repair, don't try to fix it yourself. Have your
dealer send it to your Asahi PENTAX dealer from whom you purchased it, or
to the representatives of Asahi Optical Co. Ltd. in your country. Further refer
to the Warranty Policy described on the last page.
www.orphancameras.com
\ t.-View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
rnajor working parts of tlee
AE|AHI.PENTAX
| 3 llack lock t l)istance index 4 Distance scale
| 4 I)rcview lever 2 f)epth of field guide 5 Distance scale ring
l 5 I ) - r i n g l t o o k 3 Diaphragm cocking 5 Diaphragm ring
t 6 F'ilm type remineler lever 7 Diaphragm index
d i : r I Other major working'l-he parts of S-1 are same as
l 7 R e w i n d k n o b those of S-lt. parts numbers appearing in
l 8 l { t : w i n d e r a n k tht' followirrg pages are those of S-3 shown at
left of this page, unless otherwise specified.View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
I{OW TO USE YOUR SOFT CASE
Attach the leather strap furnished to the I)-rings on
'fhe the carnera. camera may then be carried around
your neck or over your shoulder with or r,r'ithout the
case. A lenshood rn:ry be inverted over the lens, and the
carner:t with lenshood carriecl in the soft leather case.
L"{di",View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
When holding the camera verticallv, sorne people release the shutter
with the thumb tPhoto A ), while ot,hers release it with the index finger
(Photo R). Position FJ is nrore desirable for fast focusing and shooting.
With the PENTAX, wherther held vertically or horizontallv, you can
see your sub.ject irnage through the t,zrking lens, and t,his ernables you
tr: cotnpose, foc'us and shoot l'aster l,han with anly othe-'r typer cantera.
rVe'rti<:al['osit ion Ff I
It,a ise v( )t l l'
righ t a rnl.
I)raw your
arrn closr: t,o
you r bod.v-
## tr)raw your
left arm to
head with your your body.
left hand.View original page 8Page 10 · Read text
F I L M L O A D I N G
Avoicl direct sunligtrt when loading your film.
position to insert t,he film leader,
1 Open the back by pulling out the lock ilq. turn the take-up spool with your
finger.
2 Pull out the film rewind knob [! com-
pletely, place the film cassette into the 3 Turn the rapid wind lever trl
cassette chamber Ed, and push back the and make sure that both sprockets
rewind knob. I)raw out the filnr leader EZ have properly engaged the film
and insert it into the slit [4] of the take-up perforations. Close the back and
spool ttl. If the slit is not in a proper and fasten the lock lrrl.
MView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
FILM vtIIND AND REVIIIND
'fo wind the film. . . knob automatically turns counter-
clockwise, indicating that the film
4 Before turning the rapid wind is moving from cassette to take-up
lever, slowly turn the film rewind spool. Trip the shutter and again
knob clockwise until a slight re- cock the rapid wind lever. Set the
sistance is felt. This prevents exposure counter @ to 0, and trip
loosening or warping of the film. the shutter again. Your camera
is now ready for the first picture.
5 ttre first portions of the film When cocking the rapid wind lever
cannot be used for picture taking for the first picture, the exposure
as they have already been ex- counter automatically turns to'1',
posed to light. Generally two blank indicating that the first picture is
exposures should be made before ready to be taken. ALWAYS
taking your first picture. Cock the COCK THE RAPID WIND LEVER
rapid wind lever until it stops. COMPLETELY WITH A FULL
Watch to see that the film rewind STROKE.
8
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
6 Turntheexposurecounterdial E in the direction indicated by the arrow. DON'T TURN IT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. After the final picture on the roll (20 or 36 exposures) has been taken, the rapid wind lever will not turn all the way as you stroke it. This indicates that the final picture has been taken on your film. 7 After the final picture has been taken, DON'T open the back or o/l exposed frames will be ruined.View original page 12
Page 13 · Read text
8 Unfold the film rewind crank @.
9 Depress the film rewind release button @ shown in photograph 7. Turn the rewind
crank to rewind the film into the film cassette. The film rewind crank permits re-
winding at a smooth, even rate. IJnder some atmospheric conditions, erratic or too
rapid rewinding will cause static electricity marks on the film. You will feel the
tension on the rewind crank lessen as the leader end of the film slips off take-up spool.
Stop rewinding when you feel this happen. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT WHEN
UNLOADING YOUR FILM. (The rewind release button E will return to normal
position as you load your next film and turn the rapid wind lever.)
10 Open the back, pull out the film rewind knob @ and remove the film cassette.
Bend the leader end of the the film to indicate that the film is exposed and ready
10 for development.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
BRIGIIT FIELD FOCUSING 11 Cock the rapid wind lever p, and set the diaphragm ring E at the desired f setting. On the S-1, cock the diaphragm cocking lever @ to fully open the diaphragm (when the preview Iever B on the S-3 is set on "A," the diaphragm is fully open except for the moment of exposure); then start viewing and focusing through the viewfinder. 12 Turn the distance scale ring (E'on the S-3; tr on the S-1) until your subject image is clearly in focus. It is not always necessary for you to view and focus with the diaphragm fully open. In bright sunlight, you can easily focus with the diaphragm closed to f /5.6 or f/8, and still observe the depth of field. It is easier, how- ever, to foeus with the diaphragm fully open as your subject image is much brighter.View original page 14
Page 16 · Read text
FILM LOADING
Avoirl direct. sunlight when loading your filrn.
position to insert bhe film leader,
1 Open the back by pulling out the lock i!!. turn the take-up spool with your
finger.
2 Pull out the film rewind knob FI corn-
pletely, place the film cassette into the I Turn the rapid wind lever tr
cassette chamber Eq, and push back the and make sure that both sprockets
rewind knob. Draw out the filnr leader @ have properly engaged the film
and insert it into the slit E4 of the take-up perforations. Close the back and
spool l-rfj. If the slit is not in a proper and f'asten the lock fiTl.
E ,:-
nView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
FILM vtIIND AND REWTND
'fo wind the film. . . knob automatically turns counter-
clockwise, indicating that the film
4 Before turning the rapid wind is moving from cassette to take-up
lever, slowly turn the film rewind spool. Trip the shutter and again
knob clockwise until a slight re- cock the rapid wind lever. Set the
sistance is felt. This prevents exposure counter @ to 0, and trip
loosening or warping of the film. the shutter again. Your camera
is now ready for the first picture.
5 The first portions of the film When cocking the rapid wind lever
cannot be used for picture taking for the first picture, the exposure
as they have already been ex- counter automatically turns to'1',
posed to light. Generally two blank indicating that the first picture is
exposures should be made before ready to be taken. ALWAYS
taking your first picture. Cock the COCK THE RAPID WIND LEVER
rapid wind lever until it stops. COMPLETELY WITH A FULL
Watch to see that the film rewind STROKE.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
I
6 Turn the exposure counter dial
lrl in the direction inclicated by
the arrow. DON'T'I'LIRN I'f IN
THF] OPPOSITF] DI RI'CTION .
After the final picture on the roll
(20 or 36 exposures t has been
tak€r, t he rapid wind lever will
nr:t t,urn all the way as you stroke
'fit. his ind ic:ates t hat the final
picture has been t,akernc)n .your
fil rrr.
7 Af ter t he final tr"ric:turehas been
takern,I)ON'T open t.he back or
rtll exl)osedf'rarrreswill be't'uined.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
ffi
$"-
a Unfold the film rewind crank lT8l.
9 Depress the film rewind release button @ shown in photograph 7. Turn the rewind
crank to rewind the film into the film cassette. The film rewind crank permits re-
winding at a smooth, even rate. Under some atmospheric conditions, erratic or too
rapid rewinding will cause static electricity marks on the film. You will feel the
tension on the rewind crank lessen as the leader end of the film slips off take-up spool.
Stop rewinding when you feel this happen. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT WHEN
UNLOADING YOUR FILM. (The rewind release button E will return to normal
position as you load your next film and turn the rapid wind lever. )
10 Open the back, pull out the film rewind knob @ and remove the film cassette.
Bend the leader end of the the film to indicate that the film is exposed and ready
10 for development.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
B I I I G H T F I E L D F O C U S I N G
11 Cock the rapid wind lever ,,i",,and set the
diaphragm ring tr at the desired f setting. On
the S - 1 '' cock the diaphragm cock ing lever fql
to fully open the diaphragm (when the prevjew -iJ
lever on the S-3 is set on "A," the diaphragm
is fully open except for the mornent <tf exposure );
then start vierving and focusing through the
viewfinderr.
LZ Turn the distance scale ring riu orl the
S -3; [_s-]on ttre S-1i until your subject inrage' is
c-learly in f ocus. I t is not always necessary for
you to l,iew and fc-rrruswith the diaphragnr f'ully
open. I n bright sunlight, you can easily focus
with t.he diaphragnr closed to f //S.Gor f ru8,and
still observe the depth of field. It is easier, how-
ever, t,o focus with the diaphragnr fully open as
.your subject inrase is nruch brighter.
1 1View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
AUTOMATIC DIAPIIRAGM
When the S-3's preview lever is set on "A" (Automatic), the fully automatic diaphragm
is at its largest aperture (t /1.8) at all times, except for the instant of exposure, no matter
what aperture is set on the diaphragm ring. When you release the shutter, the diaphragm
automatically stops down to the predetermined aperture and the shutter curtains start
traveling instantly. When the exposure is completed, the diaphragm reopens to maximum
aperture completely automatically, and you are ready to compose, focus, and shoot your
next picture. If you wish to visually check exact depth of field before making the exposure,
move the preview lever to "M" (Manual). This stops the diaphragm to the aperture
selected and shows you exactly how much depth of field will appear in your picture.
The preview lever may be moved back to "A" before or after making your exposure, or,
if you are making pictures in bright sunlight, it may be left on "M", which permits a
constant check of depth of field.
The diaphragm of the Pentax S -1 is semi-automatic, and is opened to its maximum
aperture by means of the diaphragm cocking lever. When the shutter is released, the
diaphragm automatically stops down to the preselected aperture. To fully open the dia-
phragm again, cock the diaphragm lever each time before you trip the shutter. You may
12
www.orphancameras.comView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
:::r;:::ti:::j:irri:4::
;:i,l:i:::I:ri::!';!:iriijiill!:i:,''
cock t he S - 1's diaphragm lever any tinre
-before or after cocking the rapid wind
lever, setting the shutter speed,, or f'octts-
i n g . T h e S - 1 i r a s a t w o - p o s i t i o n s h u t t c ' r
release which lets .you observe riepth of
field trefore making the exposure. With the
diaphragm fullv open and t,he rapicl wind
lever cocked, depress t he shutter release
\/ery genfly. A clefinite ste;p will be felt,
and the diaphragnr will .stop down. allow-
ing you to check depth <lf' field beifttre de-
pre*sing the shutter relr-'ils€rthe rt'rrtaincJt'r
of t,he distance.
You nlay turn the S - I's diaphragllt ring
and change the preselected aperture af'terr
<'ocking the diaphragm lever" For exantple, NOTE: When you, do not intettd to use ylur
you may change the diaphragnr ring set- Asahi Pentax for a lengthy period, turn the
ting frotn f 11 to f 5.6 after r:ocking the diaphragm ring to its smallest apertilre set'
diaphragm lc-rver;t,he diaphragrrr will auto- ting f ' 16 on the S-3; "f,22 on the S-/ , to
n r a t i c - " a l l vs t o p d o w n t o f ' 5 . 6 w h e n v ( ) u protect the spring mechanism.
t r i p t h e s h t r t t t , r .
1 3View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
SHUTTER
The Pentax S-:l is equipped with t,he following shutter
' f , s p e e d s : f J , 1 , 7 i 2 , 1 4 , I / 8 , | / L 5 , | 1 3 Q , 7i 6 O , 1 i 7 2 5 ,
| /250, 1 ,i500, and 1 11000 sec. T-he S -1 has identical
speeds with the exception of 1 i 1000 sec. On bot,h
cameras, only the figures 1, 2,, 4, 8, 15, et,c. appear on
the shutter speed dial.
Adjustment of shrrtter speeds
Turn the shutter dial [-rJclockwise or coLtnter-clockwise
as you like, to the desired shutter speed. The shutter
speed may be set either before or after cocking the
rapid wincl lever. As ynu cock the shutter by turning
'cockeel' the rapid wind lever, the indicator [!l becomes
red showing the shut.ter is cocked. (For the reason ex-
plained on the front cover flap, make sure the'cocked'
indicator shows red before you focus the lens. ) The
indicator window blacks out; as you trip t,he shutter
1 4
www.orphancameras.comView original page 23Page 24 · Read text
button. For use of the X setting on the shut- ter dial, refer to page 24. 15 With the shutter speed dial set on B (bulb) the shutter will stay open as long as you de- press the shutter button. As you release your finger from the shutter button, the shutter closes. When a long exposure is desired while using the B setting, attach a shutter release cable with a locking device to the shutter button. This will permit a"Time Exposure." With the shutter speed dial set on T (time), the shutter stays open after the shutter button is released. To close the shutter, turn the shutter speed dial in either direction, Unless you turn the shutter speed dial, the shutter will not close. CAUTIONS 1 At slow speeds-slower than 1/3O-support your camera rigidly or use a tripod to prevent movement of your camera. 2 To protect the shutter mechanism, trip the shutter release before putting the camera out of use for any extended period.View original page 24
Page 25 · Read text
I
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CAMERA Protect your camera from humidity, salty air and dust. Hot $1
temperatures above 120"f and low temperatures below-5$"f will
affect the shutter performance. In extremely hot weather, try to
keep your camera cool. Never put it in the glove compartment or
on the rear window sill of your car. When extremely cold, try to
keep the camera warm.
To remove grit or dirt from the camera body, use a soft brush
or a dry soft piece of cloth. For the lens, use only a spray of air, .|
soft lens tissue, or a camel hair brush. For the reflex mirror, use a I spray of air or a soft camel hair brush only. Never wipe the mirror
or lens surface with cloth 2
Never use oil in your camera and do not touch the shutter curtains. 3
16
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
C O M P L E T E S Y S T t r M O F P H O ' I ' O G R A P H Y f r o t t r
photornicrography to tnac:rophot() . . . f'nrtrr nra(:rophoto to <:lose-
up frotn close-up to infi nity . with a c:olllplete range
of accessories and lenses.
r7View original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.