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Pentax Super A User manual

User manual for Pentax Super A. 69 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.

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Pentax Super A manual cover
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Brand
Pentax
Model / document
Pentax Super A
Document type
User manual
Language
English
Pages
69
File size
12.4 MB
Category
Film cameras
Document date
Not specified in catalog

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Page 2 · Read text
Welcome to the World of Pentax Multi-mode Photography
Pentax Super A is an ultra-sophisticated 35mm SLR. Incorporating the latest electron-
ics technology, it invites you to explore the possibilities of six different exposure
modes. As the situation demands you can use Programmed AE (Automatic Exposure),
Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-priority AE, Metered Manual, TTL Automatic Flash or
Programmed Auto Flash. ln each mode, all the exposure information you need is dig-
itally displayed in the viewfinder by means of an LCD or Liquid Crystal Display.
You can enjoy the full versatility of the Super A with a wide range of Pentax acces-
sories including dedicated TTL automatic flash units, a motor drive that shoots up
to approx. 3.5 per second, a digital date back, etc.
Since the Super A has a great many special features and functions, take the time to
read this manual carefully.  lt will help you take full advantage of an extraordinary
camera.
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Page 5 · Read text
O Manual shutter speed select buttons
@ llluminating window
0 Hotshoe
@ Exposure compensation index mark
O Exposure compensation scale
@ Film rewind knob/Back cover release knob
(D ASA/ISO film speed scale
(E Film rewind crank
(D Fitm speed dial lock button
(E Fitm speed dial/Exposure compensation  dial
(D Grip Super A
@ Self-timer lever
(D Lens release lever
@ Preview lever
@ Lens information contacts
@ Lens alignment index
@ Instant return mirror
@ Lighting button for viewfinder LCDs
(D X-synch terminal
@ Distance scale
@ Lens alignment node
@ Aperture scale
@ "A" index on aperture scale
@ Focusing ring
@ Depth-of-field scale
@ Aperture/Distance   i ndex
@ Aperture ring
@ Aperture auto lock button
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Page 7 · Read text
f ree of charge according to this procedure and                              (D Fitm rewind shaft
warranty policy. ln any case, however, shipping              @ film guide rails
charges and customs clearance fees are to be                               (D Eyepiece accessory slots
borne by the sender. To prove the date of your               @ Viewfinder eyepiece
purchase when required, please keep the receipts              @ Viewfinder frame
or bills covering the purchase of your equipment               @ Sprocket
for at least a vear. Before sending your equipment                                      (l) Fitm take-up spool
for serriicing, please make sure that you are                @ Fitm advance/Rewind indicator
sending it to the manufacturer's authorized                                   (9 Back cover release pin
representatives or their accredited repair shops,                            (E Back cover
unless you are sending  it directly to the manu-                            (D f itm pressure plate
facturer. Always obtain a quotation of the                                    (D Connector
service charge, and only after you accept the                               (D Film chamber
quoted service charge, instruct the service station              @ Battery compartment cover
to proceed with the servicing.                                                  (D Tripod socket
                                       @ Cordless contact terminal
                                           O Shutter bladesThis warranty policy does not apply to Pentax                                       @ Fitm rewind buttonproducts purchased in the U.S.A., U.K., or                                       @ f ilm transport coupler
Canada. The local warranty policies available
from Pentax distributors in those countries
supersede this warranty policy.




                                                                            65o
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Page 9 · Read text
THE SUPER A IN 9 EASY STEPS


Follow the 9 steps below, and in a very short time
you'll be able to take pictures with the Super A in
its Programmed AE mode. For more details about
each step, consult the accompanying page numbers.
* Remove the cap from the viewfinder eyepiece.



                                                        www.butkus.us

                                                              1. Open the battery compartment with a coin and insert b6tteries.
                                                                        (p.6)


2. Open the camera back, put in a roll of tilm, close the back and advance the lilm to the first frame. (p, 16)
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Page 10 · Read text
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3. Set the ASA/ISO  lit m speed to the appropriate number, (p.  l S)   4. Rotate the aperture ring on your "A" series lens to the Auto
Set lhe exposure compenstion dial to 1 x. (p. 46)                     position {indexed in green). while depressing the aperture auto
                                                                   lock button. (p. 28)
                                                             6. Gently press the shutter release button. You will see both
5. Sel the shutter dial to Auto. With both lens and shutter on         shulter speed and aperture setting indicated on the viewfinder
Auto, the camera  is now in the Programmed AE mode. (p. 32)      LCO and on the external shurrer speed LCD. (p. 32)
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Page 11 · Read text
7. Focus the lens by rotating the focusing ring. {p. 2l  )              8. Make sure that the LCO shows a shutter speed faster than
                                                                  1/60 second. With slower speeds, camera shake may cause blurred
                                                                            pictures.  lf the speed is l/60 or laster, release the shutter.


9. Atter taking lhe last picture on the roll, push the tilm rewind button, rewind the tilm and remove  it from the camera. {p. 23)
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Page 12 · Read text
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 OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS


Please refer to pages 32 - 43 for detailed information on
the Super A's six exposure modes.
o Programmed AE mode
. Aperture-priority AE mode
o Shutter-priority AE mode
o Metered Manual mode
o TTL Auto Flash mode
o Programmed Auto Flash mode
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Page 13 · Read text
INSERTING BATTERIES


Your Super A doesn't operate without batteries, Use two 1,5V
silver or alkaline batteries, or a 3V lithium battery. Before inserting
bafteries in the battery compartment, wipe them with a clean dry
cloth.

. Open the battery compartment cover with a coin or similar object.

o Place the two batteries in the comoartment with '+'marks
downward, and close the cover.





Battery check
To confirm battery status, set the shutter dial to AUTO and slightly
depress the shutter release button to activate the metering system.
lf the LCDs on the camera top and in the viewfinder indicate
shutter speed information. the batteries are properly inserted and
suff icient in voltage for normal camera functioning.
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Page 14 · Read text
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i::r,ie: The shutter speed LCD will indicate "1000" until the exposure
counter registers "0". This fast speed saves time when advancing
film to the first frame. Starting with the first frame on the counter,
the LCD provides proper shutter speed and aperture value according
to the designated exposure mode.

Automatic power cut-off
As an energy-saving measure, a timer switch is integrated into the
exposure meter circuit. lt automatically shuts off power
approximately 30 sec. after you take your finger off the shutter
release button.


Low battery warning
                     weak,                              theWhen             become                                              both       batteries                                    display windows                                                             inside and         looo                                                  exposure        the camera                 warn                                              displaying                    you by                                  alternatelyoutside
information and a row of 000 's.
tFl?F-l tFa_l-[-  """-l F;-_l
This alternate LCD indication tells you that both batteries should
be replaced promptly to restore the camera to normal functioning.


                                                                            7o
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Page 15 · Read text
Using batteries correctly
o Incorrect usage of batteries causes such hazards     o Never break, recharge, or throw used batteries
as leakage, heating or explosions. Polarity markings     into  f ire as a precaution against explosions.
should be caref ully checked while inserting          o Batteries should be kept warm in cold climates
 batteries.  lf either battery is erroneously inserted,      to prevent lowering of performance.
unexpected mishap may occur.                   o Keep spare batteries on hand for convenience
o Replaceloth batteries at the same time. Do not      in photographing outdoors or while travel ing, etc.
mix battery brands and types, or old batteries        o When keeping the camera in a bag or case, lock
with new batteries.                                     the shutter release button to avoid the unnecessary
. Battery life is approximately six months for        consumption of battery power that may result
alkaline and approximately one year for silver or      from accidentally releasing the shutter.
lithium batteries.
o When not using the camera for long periods of
time, you should remove batteries from the
camera. Old batteries are apt to leak and damage
the battery compartment. Always keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
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Page 16 · Read text
. ACCESSORY GRIP SUPER A                       www.butkus.us

 . As illustrated,  fit the grip mount socket (on the rear side of the
 Grip Super A) to the grip lug on the side of the camera,



r Push down the grip in the direction of the arrow. Confirm that
the mount screw of the Grip Super A is aligned with the grip mount
 receptacle of the camera.



. Tighten the grip mount screw with a coin. This accessory grip
makes the camera even easier to handle.



   rte: The Grip Super A should be removed from the camera body
when using the Motor Drive A or the Winder ME II.
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Page 17 · Read text
STRAP AND CASE

                                         o First strip the clasp and belt ring from either end
                                                       of the strap.
                                         o Let the strap end go through the neck strap ring
                                              and then the belt ring, and further through neck
                                                          strap ring of the camera. The strap is then folded
                                                          back.
                                         o Let the strap end run through the belt ring and
                                                     then clasp as illustrated. Now the end is tightly
                                                    caught by the clasp. The strap end may be passed
                                                  through the inside or outside of the clasp.


                                         o Insert the camera body into the back case and
                                                 put both case hooks around the camera's strap
                                                            eyelets. The camera body is now held securely in
                                                        the case.
                                              o The standard soft case comes complete with
                                                      a front cover.
                                              o To remove the front cover, turn the cover a full
                                                180" while pulling  it slightly towards you and the
                                                         fastener of the cover unlocks.




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Page 18 · Read text
LENS MOUNTING                              www.butkus.us

To mount or interchange Pentax K. Kn and Kf mount tenses
follow the steps below. (For screw mount lenses, see p. 57).
. Remove the body mount cap and the rear lens cap. lf the finder
cap is still on the eyepiece, remove it. (For the finder cap. see p. 531.
. Align the red dot on the camera body with the red dot on the
lens (See0,@.). Seat the lens an the body mount and turn it
clockwise until the lens locks with a click. When mounting the lens
in dim light, method (O) is recommended. This method allows lens
mounting by touch. Align the raised node on lens barrel with
the lens release by touch. Then turn and lock as above.
. To remove the lens cap, press in on the notches at both sides.
. To remove the lens, press the lens release lever toward the camera
body while turning the lens counter-clockwise.
o After removing a lens from the camera body, replace the front
and rear lens caps to protect the lens from dust and stains.


                            Note: Don't damage or stain the
                                    electrical contact points on the
                        mount tace. When they become
                                 stained, wipe them with a clean,
                             dry cloth.

                                                                                     11.
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Page 19 · Read text
FILM WIND LEVER


                                                                                                  Fi lm-advance/shuttsr-cockod  indicator
                                                  When one frame is completely wound
www.butkus.us                                               and the shutter is cocked for the next
                                                                           shot, the -mark appears on the
                                                                          shutter speed LCD.

                                                              Exposure counter
                                                         The scale is indexed as follows:
                                                             o. O. 2. 4 ......  34  . 36,with 0,
                                                           20,34,36 coded in red. The counter,
                                                           which is interlocked with the  f ilm
                                                               winding mechanism, indicates the
                                                         number of exposed frames.




  Sotting tho wind lever for rapid shooting                Film advance stroke
  The film wind lever can be pulled out and set at the     The  f ilm wind lever should be thrown as far as it
  stand-off position for faster film advance. Even if         goes.
  you remove your thumb from the lever, it remains       Note: The wind lever may stop in the middle of
   at.the stand-off angle, ready for the next quick shot.     a stroke when the  f ilm comes to its end. Do not
  After completing a series of pictures, the lever            force the lever and rewind the  f ilm, leaving the
  should be pushed in to the original position.                lever as it is,
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Page 20 · Read text
SHUTTER DIAL, SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON AND RELEASEwww.butkus.usBUTTON L(rcK

 . The Shutter dial is automatically locked at the AUTO position.
To set the dial to other positions (L, M, 125X or B), rotate the
shutter dial while depressing the shutter auto lock button, and align
the index mark (red line) on the dial to the desired position.

 L = Shutter release button lock
AUTO = Automatic shutter speed control
M = Manual shutter speed selection
125X= 11125 sec. for synchronization with electronic flash unit
B = Bulb shutter speed setting for time exposures
. By lightly depressing the shutter release button, you activate the
exposure meter. Further pressure will release the shutter. The
exposure meter automatically switches off approx. 30 seconos
after you take your finger off the shutter release button.
.  lf you have finished shooting and the shutter is cocked, use the
shutter release button lock to avoid accidental release. Set the
shutter dial index to "L", and the shutter release will be locked
with the exposure meter switched off  .





                                                                                 13.
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Page 22 · Read text
SETTING ASA/ISO FILM SPEED, MEMO HOLDER/GRIP  www.butkus.us

Set the film speed dial to the film speed indicated
on your film package. Depress the film speed dial
 lock button, and set the desired ASA/ISO speed to
the red index mark. Make sure that the dial is
securely locked in position, by releasing the lock
button and slightly rotating the dial to either side.
The chart below represents the index markings on
the Super A ASA/lSO  f ilm speed scale. The midway
markings are not effective.




                                                                                                                     20002500                                160                                      320                                             640                                                    125.                                                                                                                    -;'-;'   a  a- 8.  10. a, 16. O 25.  a 40 50 a 80.  a                                                                 .  a 250.                                                                              .  a 500a                                                                                           .  a 10001250t   ;- a 6122032        04 100  200    400   800 1600 3200
Memo Holder/Grip
As a reminder of the type of film in your camera,
tear off the top of the film package and insert  it in
the memo holder frame on the grip at the right end
of the back cover. The grip is shaped to give your
thumb a  f irmer hold on the camera.




                                                                                 15.
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Page 23 · Read text
FILM LOADING

                               Load the camera with a 35mm film cartridge. Load or unload the
                                     film in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Set the shutter dial
                                  index (red line) to AUTO or M. This will automatically set the
                                     shutter speed to 1/1000 sec. so that you can advance film quickly
                                          until the counter registers "0,'.
                                             . The camera back opens when you lift up sharply on the film
                                 rewind knob.
                                             . Insert the film cartridge in the film chamber and lock the cartridge
                                             in place by returning the film rewind knob to its original position.
                                                          lf the knob does not fit tightly in to place, rotate the knob while
                                          lightly depressing  it.
                                            . Draw the film leader across the back and insert it between any
                                     of the white needles surrounding the film lake-up spool. Insert the
                                     film in the direction shown in the illustration.

                                            . Slightly wind the film by advancing the film wind lever to the
                                      position indicated in the photo, while making sure that both top
                               and bottom sprockets engage the film perforations.


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Page 24 · Read text
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. Lightly rotate the film rewinding knob until any slack is taken up,
and confirm that the film is properly fitted between both guide
rails. Close the back cover tightly.



. Advance the film wind lever to check that the red vertical stripes
of the  f ilm wind/rewind indicator flicker; this indicates that the
film  is advancing properly. Film advance can be also checked by
the rotation of the rewinding knob.



. Repeat shutter-tripping/film-advancing operation until the
exposure counter reaches to "O". The next frame is ready for
the first shot.




                                                                             17.
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Page 28 · Read text
www.butkus.us FOCUSING


You can focus in three ways, with the split-image,
microprism , and/or matte  f ield. To focus using the
split-image, turn the focusing ring until the two
images in the split-image circle at the center of
the focusing screen are perfectly aligned. When
using the microprism collar, focus until the glitter
disappears from inside the collar. With the matte
f ield, focus until the image on the matte  f ield
appears sharp and crisp.
          lf the maximum aperture of the attached
lens is smaller than f/5.6 (for example, f/8 as in
the case of a long telephoto),  it is easier to focus
on the matte  f ield since the split-image and
microprism collar areas become much too dark for
satisfactory focusi ng.

Diopter adiustment for viewfinder eyepiece
People who wear eyeglasses due to myopia,
hypermetropia  or presbyopia, sometimes  f ind it
diff icult to focus while wearing their glasses. In this
case, use the accessory diopter correction lenses
M (See pase 55).




                                                                                21o
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Page 29 · Read text
HOLDING THE CAMERA


 Proper holding of the camera is essential to           the shutter release button may cause blurred
minimize camera shake which causes blurred          photographs. Take a secure, wel l-balanced posture
pictures. Practice holding and operating your Super    without straining yourself . The portion marked O
A before inserting your first film cartridge.              in the illustration should be drawn to your body.
Generally there are three basic ways to hold the           It is a good idea to stabilize your body and the
camera. In any case, hold the camera tightly to your    camera using a tree, building wall, table, etc.
face with your hands. Accessory Grip Super A and    For long exposures or while using telephoto lenses,
the memo holder/grip will help you keep a steady         it is recommended to use a tripod and a cable
hold on your camera. Release the shutter gently        release in order to reduce camera shake to
while slowly breathing out. Strong pressure on        the minimum.





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PDF verified 2026-10-10.