Pritzflex cameras Reference guide

1's{s     THE PRINZFLEX SYSTEM
  The Prinzflexes are modern 35 mm. single-lens reflex
(SLR) cameras designed for accurate focusing, exact view-
ing and great versatilitY.
  itre Oil-cast body has a hinged-on back and is covered in
black wear-resistant material with metal parts black
anodised or satin chrome finished. The camera yields up
to 36 negatives lx 1$ in. (24x36 mm.) on perforated
35 mm. film.
   It has an eye-level reflex finder which shows the image in
almost natural size. The built-in pentagonal prism produces
an upright and right way round vi-ew. The image in the
Prinzhei 500 models is on a ground glass focusing screen.
The Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml use a fresnel viewing and
focusing screen containing a microprism rangefinder centre
surrourided by a ground glass ring clear of fresnel lines.
The screen iniage ls brilliant and evenly illuminated. right
into the corners. The exposure meter needle is visible in the
risht hand side in the viewfinder field, with centering claw
of"the through the lens (TTt) metering system.
  The taking lens forms the finder image; in consequence
the finder sliows the same field as will be obtained on the
film without any parallax error. The reflex image remains
fully correct at lny distance with any-_lens including close-
up iupplementary lenses, extension bellows, extension tubes
and other attachments.
  The screw-mounted standard lens is interchangeable with
a wide range of long-focus and wide-angle lenses. Lenses
designed foi some oiher cameras such as Praktica, Asahi
Pentax, Edixa, etc., will also fit the Prinzflex models.
  The Helios lens of the Prinzflex 500 has pre-set aperture,
the Industar has manual aperture. The Super TTL and
                                             wherebyChinon Ml have fully automatic aperture setting
an internal link between the shutter release and the lens
mount couples with the automatic iris lenses in such a way
 that the aperture is stopped down only during the actual
 exposure. At other times,-it is fully open to allow the image
                         4

on the reflex screen to be viewed with maximum brilliance
and minimum depth of field for greatest accuracy.
  The lens mount on the Prinzflex 500 carries a depth of
field indicator and a focusing scale in metres. On the
Super TTL and Ml the scale is in both feet and metres, there
is also an infra red mark. Focusing is effected by a helical
movement which is part of the lens mount. The automatic
aperture lenses of the Super TTL and Ml can be switched
to manual setting of the aperture, to allow the depth of
field to be checked.
  The shutter of the Prinzflex 500 models is a self-capping
focal plane type travelling across the film horizontally.
Self-capping means that the shutter remains closed while
being tensioned, ensuring full light protection of the film.
Focal plane means that it moves right in front of the
negative material. With this type of shutter, lenses can be
changed while the camera is loaded. The shutter speeds are
 1130, 1160, lll25, 11250, l/500 and B.
  The Super TTL and Ml also have the advantage of a
focal plane shutter, but it is a Copal Square type with an
eleven-speeds range from I sec. to l/1000 sec. It has metal
blades which move vertically and much faster than those of
the cloth type shutter; its speeds-particularly the high
ones-are likely to remain accurate for a very long time.
  The shutter is flash synchronised for flashbulbs and
electronic flash with standard 3 mm. co-axial socket. In
addition, the Ml has a direct (cable-less) contact in the
centre of the accessory shoe.
  The Prinzflex 500E has a photo-electric exposure meter
built into the camera top plate but it is not coupled to the
shutter or aperture controls. The Prinzflex Super TTL and
Ml cameras have a TTL (through the lens) meter with two
CdS cells. It is coupled to the shutter and aperture with
metermeter needle visiblevrsrble inln thetne vrewnnder.viewflnder.
  The camera takes standard 35 mm. cassettes. The film
runs from the cassette to the take-up spool and is rewound
after exposure. The film transport is effected by a lever
movement. One swing of the lever advances the film and

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          the film counter, which is around the centre shaft of the
           transport level on Super TTLr_nd in the cut-out window
            in the top plate of the SuPer TTL.
       A film speed indicator-is built into the rewind knob of
          the prinzfl6x 500 models and into the shutter speed knob
           of the Super TTL and Ml.
        A fllm iype reminder disc is fitted to the rewind knob of
              all models except Prinzflex 500E.
                                                                     the      A delayed aition release (self-timer) is built into
           front plate of the camera.
          The shutter release is on the top plate and has a cable
            release thread in its centre. A tripod bush is placed in the
          camera's base.
         The Super TTL and Ml have a focal plane indicator
         mark engrraved on the top plate, giving the precise position
           of the film so that, whenhecessary, accurate film-to-subject
          rneasurements can be made. These models also have lugs
            for the attachment of carrying straps.
                                                                    release          The Ml model has a sliding lever beside the
                                             the.same-negative.                                on                             exposures                      multiple           permitting-                                                            slightly varying, are                                            while                                 the cameras,                                of           The dimensions
          approximately 3.4x3.8 x 6.2 in. Weight with standard lens
         up to 2 lb.

           The Prinzflex Models
              Prinzflex 500 is as described above and fitted with either
           the 50 mm./3.5 Industar, four-element lens in three groups
          with focusiirg range from 0.65 metres to- infinity and an
                                                    a six-element           angle of view of 4f, or the 58 mm. /2 Helios,
            lens in four groups with focusing range from 0.5 metres to
             infinity and an angle of 40'.
              Priizflex 500E is as the Prinzflex 500 above, but with a
            built-in photo-electric exposure meter which is not coupledh.-           to the shutter or aperture controls of the camera.
              Prinzflex Super Tff, is as described above, with built-in
          through the lens metering by two cadmium sulphide (qds)
            cells coupled to shutter speed and aperture. It is fitted
            either wilh the 55 rnm. fl.I  Auto Reflecta, a six-element

.*
Iens in four groups focusing from 0.5 metres (19 in.) to
 infinity and has an angle of view of 43", or with the 55 mm.
                     seven-element lens in five groups.fl.4 Auto Reflecta, a  The Prinzflex Ml as described above is a mechanically
improved version of Prinzflex Super TTL with built-in
accessory shoe with direct flash contact, battery check,
multiple exposure facility and under-exposure warning
signal. It is available with chrome trim or in all black. The
lenses fitted are the Auto Chinon f1.7 or f1.4 of the same
data as those for the Super TTL.
  Some Ml cameras have been imported under the Chinon
name and are marked Chinon Ml. These are the same
camera and the instructions in this book apply to both
versions.





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    HANDLING THE PRINZFLEX
  In order to simptify the description and handling of these
cemeras without being confused by dffirent features of
individual models, this guide is divided into a general section
which applies to all Prinzflex models, u'hile the individual
requiremZnts and dffirent handling of each model are found
on the green pages.
  For convenience, a symbolic reference system is also used in the
                                                           begeneral section. Wherever the sign I  appears, furthgr details willfound in the camera pages of the green section for each camera.
The appropriate pages-are marked accordingly in the bottom left or
right-hand corner.
Holding
   It is obvious that the camera should be held as steady as
possible as the slightest shake, even if not seen in the
negative, will become visible in the enlargement.
 FOn HORIZONTAL PHOTOGRAPHS hold the
camera in the palm of both hands, the fingers gripping the
front of the body, the thumbs against the back. Use the
middle finger of the left hand to move the lens focusing
mount, and the index finger of the right hand to operate the
release button. Keep the elbows pressed against the body.
Either the right or the left eye may be used on the finder.
  Always stand with your legs apart.
 FOR VERTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS turn the camera
through 90o so that the left hand presses the camera against
your forehead from above. Use the thumb and the index
finger to move the focusing mount. The right hand holds the
camera from below with the thumb on the release button.
It is of no consequence if the position of the hands is
reversed; you can suit your own convenience.
  To release the shutter, press the release button with the
ball of the finger (or thumb). Use finger pressure only, and
keep the hand and its grip on the camera steady. The actual
pressing down will have to be done slowly and smoothly.
The slower the exposure time, the smoother must be the
release.

For slow exposures in the hand, it is advisable to rest the
 elbows or at least to lean the body against some support in
 order to avoid shake. In this way,ll15,ll8 and even ll4 sec.
 can be risked without incurring camera shake.
  Such a support is also desirable for faster exposures, as
 quite a lot of rnovements take place inside the camera after
 pressing the release button. A slightly unsteady hold rnay
 thus easily lead to blurred pictures.
  The use of a tripod is necessary when taking time
exposures and it is also recommended for speeds from l/15
to I sec. For upright photographs from the tripod use a
 ball-and-socket head to allow changing from horizontal to
 vertical position.

Carrying
  To be ready for quick action, it is best to carry the
camera on a short strap round ihe neck so that it lies on
your chest. Lifting it to the eye then takes a split second.
  For convenience and protection, the camera should
always be carried in its ever-ready case. This case is designed
to hold the camera ready for use. The flap of the case on
some models is removable when the camera is in continuous
use to enable quicker working.

 Yiewing ond Focusing
  Focus after cocking the rapid-wind lever to ensure that
the reflex mirror is in I00f correct position.
  The image reflected by the lens on to the screen is always-
visible with the exception of the actual instant of release.
  The brilliant image appears in natural size, free from
parallax. A viewing pentaprism shows the image upright
and right-way-round  at eye-level, and on models Supei TTL
and Ml a fresnel field lens ensures even illumination into
the very corners.
  The best way to arrive at critical definition is to turn the
focusing mount of the lens slowly to and fro while observing
on the ground glass the subject to be focused. As you turn
the mount, the image becomes more and more sharp up to
                            t0

-#
 a certain point, beyond which it will again lose definition.
 At this "b9yond" stage, turn the mount back again,
 narrowing down the degree of movement until you airiv6
 at the point of best definition. Prinzflex super TTL and Ml
 have a micro-split image centre showing distinctly fuzzy
 outlines while the lens is not accurately fdcused to Lecoml
 a clear one on setting the lens correctiy.
   This "becoming clear" is rather diiTerent in character
 from the normal ground glass image. Just before the image
 becomes                       it appe-ari broken ,rp by the superimposid             -r.hutp, diagonal line pattern of the micro-screen-somewhat  in the
 nature of a televiriog. screen image. The moment the image
 is really sh-arp, this-lile pattern becomes invisible. Alwals
 have the lens at full aperture when focusing with tfte
 micro-screen.

 Focasing Moving Subjects
  The orthodox way of focusing with the ground glass may
 be. adopted for              ?k!ng photographs of lubjects"that are fajrly stationary. A differ-ent meth6d of focusing is required
when taking subjects in motion. Set the lens to f distance at
which the subject will be in a given moment, or focus at
some spot which it actually has to pass, and press the
release button when the subject is reaching the pri-focused
point.
  with subjects liable to react self-consciously (e.g. children)
set the lens to a suitable distance, and then ipfroach th6
subject, expoling as soon as the screen image app'ears sharp.
   Alternatively, focus at some object whiJh is^ it  ttre satie  ,.
olstance trom the camera as the subject, but in a different
direction. when you have found the-range swing round to
prgqs the release button as soon as the viitim sfi[s into the
field of view of the finder.
Pre-viewing the Depth of Fietd
  You can examine the prec-ise depth of field you get with
the pre-select_ed aperture before tdking the pi6tur.] in th"
case of Prinzflex 500 by simply closing-the aperture'ring to
                            t2

the_stop yoq intend to use; in the case of prinzflex super
 TTL and Ml turn the serrated ring on the lens mount
 nearest to the camera body frgm A (:automatic aperture)
 to M (:manual aperture) when the lens will stoil dowri
 automatically to the_pre-selected value. The image^will, of
 course, become darker, but you can see the lxtent of
 sharpness to_ the foreground and the background from the
 sqblgcl.you have focused on. See also Apeiture and Depth
 of Field, page 51. After pre-viewing, re-set lens for normal
 working.

 Infra Red Film Indicator
   Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml have an infra-red focusing
 rnark indicated by a red R beside the distance indicatioi
 mark. when i'fra-recl film is used, focus in the ordinary
 way. Then read off the distance on the lens mount scale and
 turn this to the red letter R engraved on the distance scale.
 For example, if the focusing sclle points to 30 ft., turn the
 focusing ring so that the :o rt. mark comes to rie-opposite
 the R.

 Delayed Action Release
 A self timer, or delayed action release, is built into the -front of the camera body to the left of the lens. This timer
permits self-portraits and is also useful for hand-held
exposures with slow shutter speeds.
  To use the delayed action release, swing the lever down-
wards as far as it will go                        lefore or after the film transportlever has been advanced. To bring the timer into action on
Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml, "press the shutter release
bqltqn (on Prinzflex 500 press the button just above the
self-timer setting lever), and the shutter wili automaticallv
be released after about l0 sec.
  By tuniing the lever of Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml only
part of the way, the delay time is reduced. This method can
be used to enable the hands to be shifted to take a particularly
steady grip of the camera.
                            t4
                                                                                    -l I

.-.ra*11
 FiIm Plane Indicator
   If extremely critical focusing with a tape measure is
 necessary (not_-required for general photography) you can
 measure the distance from the subject to tht film plane,
 which is indicated by a line through a circle engravbd on
 top of the camera body of the Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml
cameras beside the pentaprism.
  On all other models measure from 3 mm. inside the rear
edge of the top plate of the carrera.
Shooting I
   Practise the followigg operations first with an empty-gamgl-a ynq you can do them practically automatically.
1. Work the film transport. This advances the film and hh
    counter and tensions the shutter ready for the next
    exposure.
2. Set the elpo9urg. Adjust the shutter for the right
   amount of light for the subject conditions (p. a5).
                  a_perture, smaller aperture for greater depth3.  Select -the    of field (p. 51).
4. Focus and determine the picture area to obtain a sharp
    picture and the view you want.
4a. Prinzflex 500 with f2 Helios lens. Close down pre-set    aperture ring.
5. Release the shutter gently.

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 THE PRINZFLEX, MODEL BY MODEL

  These green pages deal with the individual Prinzflex models
in detail.
  Self-contained sections for each model cover points of
loading, unloading, shooting and specific controls.
  For a fuller explanation of aspects common to all Prinzflex
cameras, compqre these sections with the some headings in
the main text.


The Prinzflex 5(N and 500E    2   The Prinzflex Saper TTL
                                  and MI                     5  Loading                    2
                                   Loading                    5  Unloading                  2
                                   Unloading                  5  Shooting                    2
  The Exposure Meter of the         Shooting                    6
     Prinzflex 500E            4     Changing Battery            6
  Special Controls             4      Special Controls              7

sOOE   THE PRINZFLEX 5OO AND
  These models as described on page- 4 tq 8, have .interchangeabler"^-'iniriii-evdievii-fentaprism  riflex finder yit! -grgPnd glqt                                                            1160, rlt25,ffi;ril;;;iL"n", r*ut p-lale ihutter with speeds of l/3p'
ili5O. fISOO second andn fot time exposure3 and are flash synchronised
i6; fl;#b;K;a;t."ironic flash. Adelayed action release (self-timer)
is'" built-in. T1iE-MODEL 500E has, in addition,_p Fhoto-electric exposure
-"t6i1"iii lnto its top pl'ate which indicaies shutter speeds and                                       o^.t ttt" shutter dial and aperture ring to give;;;;i.r.;;"lues  to UL sei
                   negatives.correctly-"fffg'I-ElifSexposed                                                     a.six-element lens in                 ntt"A-ii                               ttre Helios 4, 58 mm. f2,
fow g.o"ps- *iift an u"gl. of vieq of 40",.a.threadfocusingj?nge from 0'5i""tt"i- to-ffinity, 4td;.   screw-in fens        for fi|ters, etc., and                                      is fitted with a manual pre-set aperture if  iir-. p"itt-on diameter. It
f2 to f22.-plirrRr*               500 is also available with the Industar 50 mm. ,f3{,'-i;6
   io".iir-"ni  fins in ttr.ee groups^to .with an_angle of view of 45',                                             3.3.mm' screw-in thread"; f;;-ifi;;!;6;;b.ei      -ittes    ininitv,                                         is fitted with a manual aperture;;i-t#;:;;sh-o;     diameter. It
 f3.5-'ioilefusE-UPto f 16.             PHoToGRAPHY  tt ditttt.tt btl.rv th. .l...tt'
 fo""ii"-giuttg" otitt" Gni, extension tubes, close-up lenses and extension
              available. bellows"-btiiERare         ACCnSSORIES                               include ever rea{Y case, lens llgod, filters,                                       lenses from ultra wide angle to u"ir.o.V .h;  a"a-t *id" range of
 extra long focus.
 Loading (see Page 17)
 1. Open camera back.
 2. Insert fiIm cassette.
 3. Fix film to take-uP sPool.
 4. Close camera back.
 5. Make two blind exposures.
 6. Set film counter.
 7. Set fifm sPeed (on 500E).
 8. Set film remlnder disc.
 Unloading (see Page 17)
 1. Set for re-winding.
                                                                                                                                                                                    : 2. Rewind film.
 3. Open camera back and remove cassette'
 Shooting (see Page 16)  I ffi;fi"rtir,.drtti'Uy moving the transport lever as far as it will so.
  I 2 PRINZFLEX                Ij

2. Set the exposure. The shutter speeds may be set before or after
    cocking the shutter by lifting and turning the speed dial either way
     to bring the required speed opposite the dot in the centre of the diai.
      Forshorttime exposures, set the shutter speed to B; the shutter
     will remain open as long as the release is depressed.
     For long time exposures, you can press the release button and
    turn it anti-clockwise; the shutter will then remain open until you
    turn the release clockwise again.
 3. Focus and determine the picture area by looking through the finder
    eyepiece. Turn the focusing ring on the lens mount until the image
    in the viewfinder is clearly in focus.
 4. Set the aperture on Helios /2 lens by turning the lens front ring with    the aperture numbers engraved on it until the aperture required
    p,oinlq to the red indicator dot. It will click into position. After
    qhqgldqg,the picture field in finder, turn the milled aperture ring
    (behind the aperture scale) on the Helios lens mount t-o the left ai
    lar_as it will go. This action will set the lens to the pre-set stop. On
 _ Industar/3.5,  set the aperture ring to the appropriate figure. 5. Release the shutter gently.

 The Exposare Meter of the Prinzflex 5008
  The built-in photo electric exposure meter of the Prinzflex 500E
 allows _you to measure the light giving the correct aperture for any
 given shutter speed. To use the meter:
 1. Set-the_film speed either in ASA or DIN (according to the speed
    of the film you are using) by turning the top disc of ihe meter irntil
    the speed points to the index line in the cut-out segment.
 2. Point camena to subiect and turn the outer ring of the meter until
    in the cut-out meter window the needle cuts the movable circle
   through the middle.
 3. Read off on the outer rim of the meter opposite any shutter speed
    the corresponding aperture. To simplify matters pre-select and set
   on the shutter the speed you want to use (e.g. lll25 for general
   outdoor work) read off the aperture opposite 125 and set this on
    the lens mount.
    The shutter speeds engraved in black are those which you have
   on the shutter dial, the red ones are time exposures which require a
     rigid- suppo_rt of the camera and non-moving subjects and can only
   be obtained with B setting of the shutter.
 4. Make sure the shutter is set to the speed you want to use and set
    the aperture on the front of the lens mount.

 Special Controls
  Flash-the camera is synchronised for flashbulbs and electronic
 flash (see page 54).
   Delayed action (:self-timer). A self-timer is built in (see page 14).
.  4 PRINZFLEX

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 I  I    THE PRINZFLEX SUPER TTL AI\D Ml
  i         These models as described on pages 4 to 8 have interchangeable
          Iens mount, eye-level pentaprism ieflex finder with micro-split-i-mage
          focus_ing centre, fresnel screen. copal square focal plane shirtter wit-h
       spegs gf 1,. +, +,  l  l 8,  t l t 5, 1 1 30, 11 60, ll l25, 1 1250,' 1 1 500,  t /1000 sec.
        an4 E for time exposures. The shutter is synchronisdd for irashbulbs
        and electronic flash. A delayed action (self-timer) is built-in. Through
         the lens (TTL) metering by two cds cells with meter needle visibre'in
        the viewfinder. The meter is coupled to both aperture and shutter
         speed.
                                          a battery check, multiple exposure         The Prinzflex Ml -has, in addition,          facility _an{ qn under- ove_r-expostrre warning sighal. Ah accessory
        shoe is built into the top plate with direct flash contact. The shutter
         speed-setting djsc _ras been transferred to the top plate (as'   compared        wi!! S3pet_TTL where it is on the front of the camera).
       THE LENS fitted is either the 55 mm. f 1.7 six elem6nt lens in four
          groups^fo.crrsin_g from 0.5 metres (19 in.)-to infinity, with an angle of
       view of 43"-, 52 mm. diameter screw-in mount f6i filters, etc.l and
        14 T-. push-on mount diameter; or the 55 mm. f 1.4 seveneiementlens         in five                          from 0.5 metres (19 in.) to infinity, with an                ^groups ^foggsrng        angle of view of 43o, 55 mm. screw-in mount for filters, etc., arid 57 mm.
        push-on mount diameter.
        The aperture is fully automatic pre-set.
      FOR CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY  at distances below the closest
        focusing range of the lens, extension tubes, close-up lenses and exten-
        sion bellows are available.
      OTHER ACCESSORIES include ever ready case, lens hood,
           filters, accessory shoe (not required on Ml) and a wide ringe of lense6
       from ultra wide angle to extra long focus.

     Loading (see page 17)
        1. Open camera back.
        2. Insert film cassette.
        3. Fix film to take-up spool.
        4. Close camera back.
        5. Make two blind exposures.
        6. Set fiIm speed.
        7. Set film reminder disc.

      Unloading (see page 17)
          l. Set for re-winding.
       2. Rewind film.
       3. Open camera back and remove cassette.
                                             PRTNZFLEX 5 I

Shooting (see page 16)
1. Transport the fiIm by moving the transport lever as far as it will go.
2. Set the shutter speeds. This may be done before or after cocking
   the shutter by turning the speed dial either way to bring the required
   speed opposite the line to the left of the dial. For general photo-
   graphy outdoors the most useful speed to preset is l/125 sec.
    For short time exposures, set the shutter speed to B; the shutter
   will remain open as long as the release is depressed.
3. Focus and determine the picture area by looking through the finder
   eyepiece. Turn the-foc,using ring on- the lens mount until the micro-
   prism zone image in the centre of the viewfinder is clearly in focus.
4. Switch on light meter. Push up the switch button which is situated
  on the side wall of the front of the camera body. Observe through
   the viewfinder the movement of the meter's needle which is on the
   right hand side of the ground glass; and
5. Set diaphragm. As you rotate the diaphragm ring the needle moves
  up and down. When it comes to rest at the centre of the indicator
   claw you have set the correct exposure. If the needle does not reach        F
   the centre no matter how far you turn the diaphragm ring, that
   indicates that the shutter speed requires changing. With the needle                                     I   offcentre towards the "*" mark it means too much light and the
   shutter has to be set to a faster setting. If the needle is close to the
   "-"  p41ft that indicates under exposure and a slower shutter   speed setting has to be chosen. On model Ml a red warning signal
   will appear across the indicator claw when there is insufficient
    (or, less likely, too much) light to get a correct exposure. In case
   of poor available light use flash.
6. Release the shuffer. When the shutter is released the meter switch
    will automatically turn off and the needle remain fixed at the base.
  The diaphragm will re-open to its full aperture and the image will
   look brighter.

Changing Battery
  The CdS meter is powered by a mercury battery. The life of the
battery in normal use is in excess of one year. Its power declines
sharply towards the end of its life, resulting in sluggish movement of
the meter needle, which indicates the need for replacement.
   Prinzflex Ml has a battery tester built in. Press the small button in
the top plate in the 4 o'clock position of the rewind disc, and a light
circle will appear in the back of the viewfinder eyepiece ABOVE the
viewfinder field, to indicate that the battery is still good.
  To change the battery of the model TTL, unscrew the battery com-
partment lid in the base of the camera with a coin in the slot of the
lid, turning anti-clockwise, remove the old battery and replace by a
new one. The H.C. or Mallory 675 or equivalent battery only can be
I 6 PRTNZFLEX

used. The model Ml uses the H.O. or Mallory 625 battery or equivalent.
The battery compartment, being a bayonet fitting requires a quarter
turn to open. When inserting the battery, make certain that its * sign
points towards the lid and close the lid.
   It is important to keep both the battery and its contacts free from
fingermarks, perspiration,  dirt, etc., which can impair the function of
the meter. The battery should be removed and stored in a dry place if
the camera is not used for some time.

Special Controls
  Flash-the camera is synchronised for flash bulbs and electronic
flash (see page 54).
  Delay action (:self-timer). A selftimer is built in (see page 14).
  Multiple exposures on model Ml of several shots on one film can be
obtained (seepage22).





I   t  PRINZLEX





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    LOADING Al\D I.INLOADING    -.

  The Prinzflex cameras use standard perforated cine film,
35 mm. wide, as used in the majority of other 35 mm.
miniature cameras. It is available in various packings (see
also p. 23), the most convenient being staniard daylight
casseftes. fhese are light-tight containers with a ready cut
and trimmed length of film for 36 or 20 exposures and are
loaded into the camera in daylight.
  Avoid loading or unloading the camera in brilliant
sunlight, though; choose a shady spot or dg  i-t in the shadow
of your own Sody if nothing better is available.
Loading I
1. Open the camera back by pulling out-the _s!!di1g catch at
   th-e side of the camera body of Prinzflex 500, by pushing
   the recessed lever in the base of the Prinzflex Super TTL
   in the direction of the there engraved arrow and by
   pulling up fully the rewind knob on Model Ml.
                                                    a2. i'ull up tie re*ind knob as far as it w.ill gp, then place
   loaded film cassette into the empty film chamber (below
   the rervind knob) with its hollow part towards rewind key.
  The mouth of the cassette with the film end must point
   towards the take-up spool. Push the rewind knob back.
3. Attach the film teadei to the take-up spool. Hold the
   cassette in position with the left thumb, while-pulllng with
   the right hand 4 to 4$ in. (10 to 1l cm.) of film from it.
   Push ihe free end of the film into a slot in the take-up
   spool of the Prinzflex Super TTL or Ml camera' and under
    tire spring of the Prinzflex 500. The take--up spool can be
   turned on its axis by its serrated lower flange to bring a
   slot or the spring into the most convenient-position for
   inserting the film. Turn the serrated flange of t4-e takqyP
   spool in the direction of the film cassette until the film
   siack is taken up. Before closing the camera back, mak-e
   sure that the peiforations of the film engage in the teeth
   of the film transport sProckets.
                             17

4. Close the camera back by pressing the hinged back on to
               the body and slide the loCking latch back to secure it in
                this position.
            5. Wind on the film and release the shutter twice. This
              advances the first two frames which have been exposed to
               the light while inserting the film into the camera. These
            two iasted leader frames do not count as part of the
            number of exposures on the film.
           6. Set the film counter on top of the film transport lever of
                Prinzflex 500. Turn the disc in an anticlockwise direction
                 until the engraved arrow head on the rimpoints to "O".
         Now wind the lever once more and the first film frame
                  is ready. The film counter of Prinzflex Super-TTL and
          Ml is ielf setting. It reverts to S (start) when the camera            back is opened. Win0 and release until 'l'  is gPposite                          i:::
                indicator to be ready for the first exposure. When inserting
              the film, check it is properly loaded by observing the
              rewind knob (at the opposite end of the camera to the
               transport levei). When-you advance the film, the rewind
             knob should turn anticl6ckwise. This proves that the film
                     is being pulled out of the cassette on to the take-up sp.ogl.
              In thelise of films shorter than 36 exposures, it is advis-
               able to take up the possible film slack in the cassette.by
                  first turning the rewind knob in a clockwise direction
                 until a resistance is felt.
           7. Set film speed on models with built-in exposure meter.
         On Prinzflex 500E turn cut-out in top of rewind disc
             to the ASA or DIN speed of the film employed. On
                 Prinzflex Super TTL and Ml pull up the rim of the shutter
             speed knob- and turn it until the appropriate ASA or
          DIN value appears in the cut-out window.
            8. Set film type reminder on all models except Prinzflex 500E
           on or beiow the rewind knob to the type of film used;
                                                                                                                               Lc                  this acts as an aid to your memory and does not influence
               the working of the camera.                                                         ellnr
                                          18
Ari.;i                                                                              t

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                                       LOADING





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Loading the Prinzflex. Iop: Open the camera back (left.to r.ight, Prinzflex 500, Supet Tf-L,.Ml ). Middle:
Insert foaded cassette; thread film into take-up spool; close camera back. Bottom: Make two blind
exposures and set film counter on Prinzflex 500.
                                r9

Unloading I
   After all exposures have been made (the number of the
 exposures taken is automatically shown on the film counter
 disc), unload the camera.
 L. Set for rewinding. Depress rewinding knob in base of
   camera on PrilTex_ Super TTL and Ml and on top of
    the camera of Prinzflex 500, this disengages the transiort
   sprocket in the camera.
 2. Rewind the film. Rewind the film into its original cassette
  by turning the rewind disc or handle clockwise. On
    Prinzflex 500E turn the centre of the rewind disc anti-
   clockwise and the rewind knob will spring up. Winding
   becomes distinctly easier the moment thE film is fully
   wound back.
3. Open the camera back, remove the cassette, then close
   the camera back or reload with a new film.

 The Dowble and Blank Exposure Lock
  The Prinzflex cameras are fitted with a double and blank
exposure lock. This means that the same piece of film cannot
be exposed twice and, further, that the film cannot be wound
on by mistake before an exposure has been made.
   If, therefore, you cannot press the release button, you
qugt transport the film by means of the rapid winding lever.
If the rapid winding lever cannct be moved, the camera is
ready for use or you have come to the end of the film, and
you have to unload.
  Prinzflex cameras, except Ml, are not designed for
deliberate double exposures, but one can generally get a
reasonable double image on one film as follows. Make the
first exposure in the normal way. Then tighten the film with
the rewind knob, and keep hold of the rewind knob. Depress
t!e. reversing button and work the rapid winding lever.
This tensions the shutter without advancing ttie film.
Finally make the second exposure, and carry on in the
normal way.
                          20

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                                    UNTOADING





Unloading the^llin..flqt,  Iop: Depress re_wind button on Prinzflex 5O0 (left) and Super TTL and Mi                                              I
(centre). On 50OE (right), press c-ncre of exposure meter knob and tuin-inti-clockwise to release
rewind knob. Middle: Rewin_d-fi|.m. Open_camcra beck on Prinzflex 500 (r;ght). Bottom: Open camera
brck of Super TTL (left), or Ml (centre). Extract cass€tre.
                                2l                                                                                               l'
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