PRINTEX Cameras User manual

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         GENENAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING PRINTEX CAMERAS
               Printex Cameras are of unique design and construction. Com-
         pact and liqht, they feature an absence of bellows. As a result,
           their all-metal construction makes them impervious to the degener-
          ating action of the eiements as well as wear. By the same token,
        they are always ready for instant use.
              All connecting or moving parts are buiit inside the camera
        where possible, thus providing maximum protection to such parts.
       Even range finder arms work internally and are never subject
           to accidental bendinq which may tend to cause unsharp pictures.
           ?he lens is mounted on a metal, movable sleeve which, in
          turn, is controlled by a precision rack-and-pinion arrangement
         with positive action focusinq lock.
            There are two sizes available in the Printex Cameras. The
          Printex Press uses 4x5 negative material and the Mini-Press uses
           2Yax3t/t negative material. The following pages concern them-
         seives to both models except where otherwise specified. In
         general the two cameras are simiiar except in size and negative
           rnaterial size accomodated. As to the choice between the two
         cameras and film sizes, little need be said as this is a matter of
          individual choice. Both sizes are extremely popular and are
         used in all kinds of photographic work.
                Printex Cameras are unconditionally guaranteed aqainst faulty
          materials and workmanship. The modern metals and sturdy con-
           struction used make them out-wear and out-last any other camera
          of conventional design and construction. However, like all other
           fine instruments, these cameras should be accorded ordinary care.
            'should                by any chance repairs or adjustments be required,
           Printex Products maintains a Service Department that will be qiad
         to place your Printex camera in firsfclass condition as well as
         answer any questions or problems you may have.
      TO USE
              Printex Cameras are essentially fast-action, hand-held cam-
          eras. While they can be tripod supported for more leisurely work,
           their desisn makes them ideally suited to beins hand-held. To
         quide the beqinner, here are a few of the elements that must be
         mastered before steady, crisp-sharp pictures can be consistently
        made with a camera that is hand-held.                                         o               r  r
               .   l.  Beginners instinctively grasp a cameta tishtly. This very
              tension develops shake or movement and defeats the very
             purpose they strive lor. The best method is to cradle the
             tu*".u loosely in both hands and let its weisht Iurnish the
              steadying affect desired. This method avoids body tension
            and permits the hands to be relaxed.





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            2. The second point is to watch the position of the arms.
I            While in a few isolated cases it may be necessary to spread"             the arms outward, the rule is to keep them braced closely                                                 ";
               to the body. in this way added support and steadiness for
             thecameraareachieved.This,afterall,willbefoundtobea
            comfortableposition,andimposesnohardshiponthepho-
           tographer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ::
              Press the shutter release slowly, do not jab or jerk.                           ;

                                                                                                                                                                                 a        FOCUSING
             There are three meihods that may be used Ior insuring sharp
           focus with a Printex Camera.
   -                l.  Measure the distance and set the footage indicator. The
               vernier scale has been set to the particuiar iens supplied or
                installed on the camera.
            2. Ground glass focusing is used for critical work and posi-
                 tive composition. To use the ground glass the camera should
           be tripod mounted and the following steps made in the se-
            quence listed.
                                                                                                         urrg,ll                        '              A. Put shutter on time and trip                                                                     crtr              B. Open the diaphram as wide as possible     v
             C. Keep ground glass screen as dark as possible.
      t' r            Your ground. glass wili now show the exact field as it will                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ;;             appear on the negative, as well as the degree of sharpness.                    -                   3.  Ranqe finders of conventional type can be installed and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .              are completeiy automatic in their function. Reference to the
             ground glass and footage indicator need not be made' Be-
                        rutiq. finders have their mechanism enclosed within the
            camera"ur".  case on a Printex, they remain in adjustment indel
                initely. However, as these devices must be extremely critical,
                      it is advisable to have them checked for accuracy from time                                                        :.
              to time.
              Great consideration should be given to Depth.of Field. For
         example, should you be photooraphino a group of people with
           the closest person ten feet dway and others as far back as twenty
           Iive feet, your focus should be on lifteen feet as there is always
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .:        more depth in back than in front of actual spot of focus. The
          smaller the diaphram openino the greater the depth of field.
         .        VIEWING AND COMPOSING
      ,Therearetwomethodsofviewing,theopticalviewfinder          'and               the ground glass. The optical view finder is by far the fastest
         method but it is impossible for any view finder to be as accurate
         as the ground glass focusing method as described above. The





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  optical vilew finder will be accurate enoush for all but the most
  critical composition. It must be remembered, however, that the
  optical view finder does not irrdicate focus. The view finder
  should be left in the upward position for all seneral shootinq but
 may be tipped {or shots closer than eiqht feet.
       Little more need be said about ground glass viewing excepl
  to be sure and place the shutter on proper speed and see that  it is opening and closing properly.
 LENS AND SHUTTERS
          impossible to describe all types of lens and shutters,  .     It is however, all require same care and ionsideration. The lens is
 the eye of your camera, do not stick your finger on it.  should your lens be dropped or damaged in Jny *uy do hot attempt to
  fix it yourself but take it to a capable repair rnu., fo, service. under
 no circumstances should a lens or shutter be forced. Never oil your shutter.
 EXPOSURE
    Due to the various types of filfr-G-vaiilHe, oiEoo. and flash
 exposures can be deternrined quite accurately by using the charts
 supplieci with film. Dial charts are also available at qny photo sup_
 ply'store. Inside and incandescent exposures are best qurJ.J uv
 exposure meters, of which there are many types and makes avail_
 able.
 FILM
    The Printex cameras will accomodate two kinds of film, cut film           film pack. Each has its advantase over the othe,.. The     -and
 cut film is cheaper to use and may be developed orr" ., a time. Due to the heavier base a more accurate registration can be obtained. cut {ilm can also be obtained i,n a greater variety of emulsions.
    The pack is decidedly more convenient and compact and_
 comes ready loaded with a dozen Iilms. Both holders and pack
 adapters are standard items on the markei and can be obtarned through any supply house





                  PRINTEX PRODUCTS
2I EAST VITLA STREET            PASADENA 3, CALIF.