Film cameras
Sears KSX-P 35mm camera User manual
User manual for Sears KSX-P 35mm camera. 32 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Ricoh
- Model / document
- Sears KSX-P 35mm camera
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 32
- File size
- 1.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
The exposure compensation dial by the rewind knob that allows two
stops over and under exposure until until it is set to "0" again..
This camera can use any Chinon (to automatically set flash shutter
speed) flash or the specific Sears flash (listed in this manual) that will set
the shutter speed to 1/125.
Sears usually sold Ricoh made cameras. This was a departure for Sears,
having Chinon make the camera.
(KS brands: K for K-mount - S for Sears) which were clones of the
Ricoh KR (K for K-mount and R for Ricoh) but Ricoh flashes will only
set the shutter speed on their own cameras. I would not even use a
Ricoh dedicated flash on a Chinon or Chinon clone camera as the special
contact pins could damage the Chinon/Sears electronics.
CONTENTS
Items covered in this manual
15. AE lock system
Description of Parts
16. Exposure compensation system
1. Attaching the Viewfinder Cap and
Strap
17. B (Bulb) setting
2. Changing lenses
18. Flash photography
3. Inserting batteries
18. A - With automatic flashes
4. Battery testing
18. B - with manual flashesView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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5. Inserting film 18. C - with sync cord
6. Setting the film speed 19. Multiple exposure photography
7. Viewfinder information 20. Self-timer photography and use
of the viewfinder cap
8. I. Programmed Auto-Exposure
(AK) mode ("P" mode) 21. Depth of field
8. II. Two-stage programmed AE (for 22. Infrared photography
advanced use)
23. Multi-Sound system
9. AE (Automatic exposure)
photography 24. Special accessories
10. Manual photography 25. Proper care of your camera
11. Shutter release and release lock Specifications of a KSX-P
12. Holding the camera
13. Focusing
14. Rewinding the film
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have just purchased a fine camera that will give you many years of picture-taking pleasure. Your SEARS
KSX-P camera is one of the most sophisticated 35mm SLR cameras available today. The KSX-P is the world's
first two-stage programmed AE (Automatic Exposure) camera, aperture priority AE and full manual control.
The two-stage programmed AE allows you to shoot fast moving or slow moving subjects to allow maximum
versatility with your creative photographic needs. Employing a full information electronic viewfinder with
variable intensity LED's' the KSX-P program camera is extremely easy to operate even under the most adverse
lighting conditions.
Before using your KSX-P
Please read this instruction booklet carefully and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the equipment and its
features. The pleasure you receive from 35mm photography will be greatly increased with complete knowledge
of how your camera operates.View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS
1. Manual shutter speed select button/Exposure memory button
2. Program mode selector
3. Shutter release button
Digitally signed by Mike Butkus
DN: cn=Mike Butkus, o=Butkus camera manuals,
ou=butkus.org, email=mike@butkus.org, c=US Mike Butkus Date: 2023.05.17 13:58:23 -04'00'
4. Exposure mode select dial
15. Accessory flash shoe (hot shoe)
5. Film advance lever
16. Film rewind knob and back opening
6. Exposure counter knob
7. Multiple exposure lever 17. Film speed dial (ISO/ASA)
8. Self-timer LED 18. F stop window
9. Shoulder strap eyelet 19. Aperture ring
10. Auto-Focus electronic contacts 20. Depth of field scale
11. Self-timer/Audible signal on-off 21. X sync socket
switch
22. Focusing ring
12. Power grip attachment screw
23. Viewfinder eyepiece
13. Lens lock release lever
24. Metal focal plane shutter
14. Power grip (battery compartment)
25. Film chamberView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
www.butkus.us 26. Film rail 27. Film guide rail 33. Camera back 28. Power source contact (with power winder only) 34. Film pressure plate 29. Power winder electronic contacts 35. Power winder coupler 30. Tripod socket 36. Auto Date electronic contacts 31. Sprocket teeth 37. Rewind button 32. Multi-slotted film take-up spool 1. ATTACHING THE VIEWFINDER CAP AND STRAP Viewfinder Cap For instructions on how to use the Viewfinder Cap, read the section on Self-Timer Photography and Use of the Viewfinder Cap. 1. Attach the Viewfinder Cap to the strap. 2. Put the strap through the Strap Eyelets and adjust to the correct length. Place the end of the shoulder strap through the eyelet ring (Fig. l). Place the end of the strap through plastic holder and adjust the length of the strap (Fig. 2). Pass the strap through the metal adjustment buckle to secure (Fig. 3).View original page 5
Page 6 · Read text
2. CHANGING LENSES
Your SEARS KSX-P program camera is equipped with a standard "K"- type bayonet mount which accepts all
interchangeable lenses with the "K" bayonet mount. (Mike: to use any of the "program modes" you must use a
PKa or PK a/r lens)
To Remove the Lens from the Camera
1. Depress the Lens Release Lever, and turn the lens
in the direction of the arrow (Fig. 4).
To Mount the Lens on the Camera
1. Line up the red dot on the lens mount with the
matching red dot on the camera body (Fig. 5).
2. When the lens has engaged, turn it in the direction
of the arrow until it clicks into place (Fig. 6).
* Indicator (0) on the lens rim shows filter size. For
example, 49 (0) indicates a 49mm filter. Refer to this
filter size when purchasing SEARS accessory filters.
lView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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3. INSERTING THE BATTERIES
The automatic exposure metering and shutter operation of this camera are powered by batteries, so it is
important to insert the batteries correctly for proper operation.
1. Turn the screw on the side of the power grip
counterclockwise to remove the power grip from the
camera body
(Fig. 7).
2. Place three 1.5V "AAA" alkaline batteries in the
power grip as indicated (Fig. 8).
NOTE: Attach the power grip to the camera body by
turning the screw clockwise to secure it.
1. Make sure that the batteries are inserted correctly, i.e., check polarity (+ and -). The shutter will operate only
when batteries are correctly installed and not exhausted. When replacing batteries, replace all three batteries at
the same time.
2. When your camera is not used for a long period of time, remove the batteries. If batteries are dead or
improperly inserted, the shutter release button will not operate.
3. Generally, in cold conditions, the voltage of the batteries decreases, and this will impair the functioning of the
shutter and exposure meter. In these cases, either warm up the batteries or keep a spare set warm in your pocket
ready to insert just before shooting.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
4. BATTERY TESTING
1. Set the exposure mode select dial to the "P"
position (Fig. 9).
2. Look through the viewfinder and depress the
shutter release button halfway down to confirm that
at least one of the LED indicators in the viewfinder
illuminates (Fig. 1 0).
3. If nothing illuminates, replace the batteries with a
fresh set or check to ensure that batteries are correctly
installed.
NOTE: Battery testing cannot be accomplished with
the exposure mode select dial set at the "OFF" or "B"
position.
5. INSERTING FILM
(Always avoid direct sunlight when inserting film.)
1. Pull up the Film Rewind Knob until the Back cover
snaps open (Fig. 11).
2. Insert the film in the Film Chamber with the protruding
end of the cartridge positioned to the bottom of the
camera. Push the Film Rewind Knob down to its former
position (Fig. 12).
3. Insert the film leader into one of the slits on the Multi-
Slot Film Take-up Spool (Fig. 13).View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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(Just a warning, if the film is not inserted correctly,
the film numbers will advance but the film will
not. Always check that the rewind knob turns when
you advance the film)
4. Turn the Exposure Mode Select Dial to the "M" or
"X" setting. Then advance the film, making sure that
the sprocket holes on the film are fully engaged on
the Sprocket Teeth. Close and press the Back Cover
firmly to lock it (Fig. 14).
5. Pull up the Film Rewind Crank and turn it gently
in the direction of the arrow until the slack in the
film has been taken up and the rewind knob stops.
Do not force this knob (Fig. 15).
6. Advance the film and press the Shutter Release
Button a few times until the number "1" appears in
the Exposure Counter (Fig. 16). As you advance the
Film Advance Lever, the Film Rewind Knob rotates
indicating that the film is properly advancing. Turn
the Exposure Mode Select Dial to the desired
position.
* A convenient "Memo Holder" is provided on the
back of your camera. Whenever you load new film,
just cut off the top of the film box and put it in the
"Memo Holder" as a reminder of the type of film and
number of exposures you are using.
* When loading film, set your Exposure Mode Select Dial to "M" or "X" setting, rather than A or P. This
procedure will allow rapid advance to the number 1 position on the Exposure Counter. If A (auto) or P
(program) is used during the film loading process, and the lens cap is left on the camera, a delay of up to 30
seconds may occur between depressions of the Shutter Release Button in advancing to the number 1 position.
Be sure to set the Shutter Speed Dial back to A or P before taking pictures.
* When inserting film in cold conditions, the Film Leader may become hard and brittle. Consider warming the
leader in your hand prior to insertion to prevent leader breakage.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
6. SETTING THE FILM SPEED
The film speed is the basic element for
determining proper exposure, so please be
sure to set the film speed correctly. Film
speed can normally be found on the film
box or the film canister. Pull up the Film
Speed Dial and turn the dial to align the
appropriate ISO/ASA number with the red
index mark (Fig. 17). For example, if the
film speed is ISO/ASA 100, set "100" on
the Film Speed Dial to the red index mark.
Film speeds not appearing on the Film
Speed Dial may be set using the click-stop
setting between the indicated numbers.
7. VIEWFINDER INFORMATION
6. Slow shutter speed LED (yellow)
1. Aperture (It's a reflection of the F-stop
on the lens. Viewable only in bright light)
7. Under exposure LED (red)
2. Flash ready LED (red)
8. Shutter speed scale
3. Program AE indicator LED (green)
9. Split image rangefinder
4. Over exposure LED (red)
10. Microprism collar
5. Shutter speed LED (green)
11. Ground glassView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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8. I. Programmed Exposure mode ("P" mode)
Your SEARS KSX-P program camera
automatically selects the most suitable
combination of shutter speed and
aperture for the optimum exposure. The
program mode is ideal for general
picture taking and ease of operation,
eliminating I troublesome exposure
settings. The SEARS KSX-P program I
camera is also equipped with the
"DUAL" Program mode. I The "Pa"
mode or "ACTION" mode, which
selects the fastest practical shutter
speed, is recommended in most cases.
1. Set the Exposure Mode Select Dial to the Green "P"
position (Fig. 18).
2. Set the Program Mode Selector to the "Pa" position
(Fig. 19).
3. Set the lens at its minimum aperture (Fig. 20). This
setting is color coded green on your standard 50mm
lens to match the green "P" setting on the Exposure
Mode Select Dial. Accessory lenses should also be set
at their minimum aperture.
4. While looking at the shutter speed indicator scale in
the viewfinder, slightly depress the shutter release
button. The "PROG" LED and program selected shutter
speed LED indicators light up (Fig. 21). Further
pressure on the shutter button will release the shutter.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
* PROGRAM mode warning:
The "PROG" LED indicator (green) in the viewfinder
will "flicker" when the lens aperture is set within four
stops of the lens full aperture opening. This is to warn
you of the limited programmed exposure range.
Beyond four stops of full aperture opening, the
"PROG" LED indicator will remain illuminated at the
programmed mode. Thus, set the lens aperture, so as
not to cause the "Programmed AE mode warning LED"
to flicker.
8. II. Two-stage programmed AE (For advanced use)
The KSX-P camera is designed with a two-stage
program, which gives you greater photographic
versatility: select either program mode, based on your
photographic needs, with the one-touch lever (Fig.
22).
1. Program Pa (Table A)
The Pa mode selects maximum shutter speed to
minimize camera shake, and is designed to be used
when photographing "hi-speed" (moving) objects.
This program mode allows you to stop action.
2. Program Pc (Table B)
The Pc mode gives priority to the lens aperture, which affects the depth of field. This mode is convenient when
taking pictures of hard-to-focus objects and when using wide angle lenses. This program mode seeks out the
correct exposure with the smallest aperture (lens opening). Therefore you will achieve the greatest in-focus
depth to your photos.
3. Programmed AE mode warning and aperture setting.(Table C)
Unlike other program cameras, SEARS KSX-P camera accepts any existing "K" mount lens even in the
program mode. Generally, you should set the aperture at its minimum setting (largest number on f-stop aperture
ring). Although you can take a perfectly exposed picture at any aperture setting, the applicable programmed
range is limited in this connection, thus the program AE mode warning LED is useful to check the lens aperture
setting for program mode. The programmed AE Mode warning "PROG" LED will "flicker" when the lens
aperture is within four stops of the full opening aperture. Set the aperture within the range so that the warning
LED will not "flicker". Follow your own photographic needs; however, in such a case for instance, using the
50mm f/ l.4 lens with its f-stop set at 5.6, the camera is controlled by the program characteristics of f/1.4
through f/5.6, beyond f/5.6, the camera is controlled by the aperture priority automatic exposure mode (See
table C).View original page 12Page 14 · Read text
4. If the displayed speed is 1/30 or slower (yellow LED's with audible signal), use of a tripod is recommended, or you can increase the shutter speed by opening the lens diaphragm to a larger aperture. Use of a flash unit is also suggested. 5. When the Overexposure LED (third from the top of the scale with double audible signal) (Fig. 27) or the Underexposure LED (at the bottom of the scale with double audible signal) (Fig. 28) appears, you should select another f-stop number by turning the lens aperture ring, as the exposure is incorrect.View original page 14
Page 15 · Read text
www.butkus.us F-STOP NUMBER GUIDE The following f-stop settings are general guidelines for your use. However, you should remember to follow the LED indicators in your viewfinder for proper exposure. With ISO/ASA 100 Film Lighting Conditions F-Stop Number Range Indoors F/1.7 - 2.8 Outdoors, cloudy F/4. - 5.6 Outdoors, sunshine F/8 - 11 Beach in mid-summer and snow-scenes F/11 - 16 With ISO/ASA 400 Film Lighting Conditions F-Stop Number Range Indoors F/4 - 5.6 Outdoors, cloudy F/8 - 11 Outdoors, sunshine F/16 - 22 Beach in mid-summer and snow-scenes F/22View original page 15
Page 17 · Read text
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* There are two methods of selecting the correct exposure (M mode)
1. For shutter-priority selecting: Set the required
shutter speed. Rotate the lens aperture ring until the
selected shutter speed and the metered speed are
matched up (two dots converge into one dot) on the
scale in the viewfinder (Fig. 31).
2. For aperture-priority selecting: Set the required
aperture on the lens aperture ring. Change shutter
speed until both LED's are matched up (Fig. 32).
* Other features at M mode
1. Power-hold circuitry: A push of the Shutter Release Button halfway down, the camera circuitry stays on for
30 seconds.
2. S.C.S. (Shutter Speed Change Signal): An audible signal will be heard when the manual shutter speed
changes. When the correct exposure (shutter speed) is obtained, a double audible signal is heard. 3. M.E.S.
(Manual Exposure Signal): For shutter speed preference, an audible signal is heard when the correct exposure
aperture is obtained. NOTE:
At "M" mode, the camera-shake and over/under warning audible signals are not operative.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
11. SHUTTER RELEASE AND RELEASE LOCK
Your SEARS KSX-P program camera
features a two-stage electromagnetic
shutter release with safety lock. When
the Shutter Release Button is
depressed halfway, the electronic
circuitry starts functioning. When the
button is fully depressed, it will trigger
the shutter. Always hold the camera
steady and gently depress the Shutter
Release Button to make an exposure.
The position marked "OFF" on the
Exposure Mode Select Dial is the
shutter release safety lock position.
When this is aligned with the index
mark, the batteries are disconnected
from the circuitry and an exposure
cannot be made (Fig. 33). This
position is also used when the camera
is not to be used for a long time.
12. HOLDING THE CAMERA
Holding the camera correctly when shooting is
very important.
1. The camera should be positioned on the palm of
your left hand so that you can use your fingers to
turn the Focusing Ring of the lens easily.
2. The index finger of your right hand should rest
lightly on the Shutter Release Button, while your
right hand holds the camera body lightly.
3. Your right arm should be in a comfortable
position.
4. Keep your left arm resting lightly against your body, and the camera should just touch your forehead when
you look through the viewfinder.
* It is important to shoot with the correct body posture, to avoid blurred or tilted shots.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
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13. FOCUSING
When the split image in the Split-image Spot
forms a single image, the subject is in focus (Fig.
34). When not in focus, the top and bottom halves
of your subject will not be lined up properly --
they will be "split" a part. This type of focusing is
especially helpful if you have a straight vertical
line to focus upon.
Split-image Focusing
Look through the viewfinder to compose your
picture and focus by turning the Focusing Ring.
You can focus either by using the center Split-
image Spot or the Micro-prism Image Band that
surrounds the center circle.
Mircoprism Focusing
When the subject loses its "shimmering" effect
and becomes very sharp, the subject is in focus
(Fig. 35)View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
14. REWINDING THE FILM
(Always avoid direct sunlight when unloading
film).
After the last picture on the roll of film has been
taken, the Film Advance Lever will stop. Do not
attempt to force the lever.
1. Press the Film Rewind Release Button. It will
remain locked into position (Fig. 36).
2. Pull up the Film Rewind Crank (but do not
pull the entire knob up from its seated position)
and turn it in the direction of the arrow to rewind
the film. When the film has been completely
rewound, the tension of the Film Rewind Crank
is released and it will revolve freely (Fig. 37).
3. Now pull up the Film Rewind Knob fully and
the Back Cover will open. Remove the film,
push the Film Rewind Knob back into position
and close the Back Cover (Fig. 38).
* Never open the Back Cover during rewinding,
as light will get in and ruin your film.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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15. AE LOCK SYSTEM
This camera has an AE Lock system. Under
normal circumstances your SEARS KSX-P
program camera will produce perfectly exposed
photographs, due to the integrated automatic
exposure circuitry. However some lighting
conditions might occur that could misguide the
system, such as subjects with a very high
contrast or strongly back-lit scenes. In such
cases, the exposure memory feature should be
used.
1. Make sure that the Exposure Mode Select Dial
is set to the "A" position (Fig. 39).
2. Depress the Shutter Release Button halfway
and measure the light on the main part of the
subject you want to shoot. This should be done
up close to the subject to exclude all unnecessary
light from the side or background (Fig. 40). Then
press the Manual Shutter Speed Select Button
once, which will instantly memorize the light
value of the subject, giving an audible signal
(Fig. 41). Once the button is depressed, there is
no need to hold the Manual Shutter Speed Select
Button further as long as the Shutter Release
Button remains depressed halfway. The shutter
speed indicator (LED) in the viewfinder will stay
on, signaling the "memorized" shutter speed as
long as the Shutter Release Button is depressed
halfway.
3. Compose the picture and shoot by depressing
the Shutter Release Button the rest of the way
down. The AE lock system is then automatically
cancelled.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
16. EXPOSURE COMPENSATION SYSTEM
Depending on shooting conditions, the camera
exposure setting may be affected more by the
background light than the light of the subject
itself. This will result in under (or over) exposed
pictures. In these cases, you should use the
Exposure Compensation system. You can also
use the system when you wish to create a
deliberate effect of over (or under) exposure.
You can change the exposure factor up to one
full stop either plus or minus in 1/3 EV
increments. Pull out and turn the Film Speed
Dial to set your film speed to the desired
exposure compensation position (Fig. 42).
(1) l EV over (+)
(2) 2/3 EV over
(3) 1 /3 EV over
The above settings give you a larger aperture and will therefore lighten your pictures.
(4) Normal exposure
(5) 1/3 EV under
(6) 2/3 EV under
(7) 1 EV under (-)
The above settings give you a smaller aperture and will therefore darken your pictures.
* Be sure to set your film speed back to the normal position after use.
* Exposure compensation of + 1 = One additional f-stopView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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17. B (BULB) SETTING
The B setting is used for shooting night scenes or
long time exposures.
Set the Exposure Mode Select Dial to the "B"
position (Fig. 43). The shutter and mirror will
move to the open (up) position while the Shutter
Release Button is depressed. Use of a cable
release and a tripod is recommended for stability
to prevent vibration during time exposures. Your
SEARS KSX-P program camera is equipped
with a "B" Timer Signal system, which gives
audible signals as time passes.
B TIMER SIGNAL
For the first 60 seconds, an audible buzzer will
be heard every second. After 6C seconds, a
longer audible signal will then be heard at
intervals of 10 seconds.
18. FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SEARS DEDICATED FLASH (See next page if not using
dedicated flash).
Your Sears KSX-P camera is designed with a unique dedicated flash system making flash photography simple.
The Sears Auto/Thyristor Electronic Flashes
(8025, 8028 & 8032) are dedicated to the KSX-P
camera. These dedicated flashes will
automatically set the shutter speed on the camera
to 1/100 second (the correct shutter speed for
flash photography) when the exposure mode
select dial is set at "A", "M", or "X". Therefore,
you can leave the shutter speed set on "A" while
taking flash pictures. Also the Flash Ready red
LED light conveniently lights up in the
Viewfinder, so that you don't have to take your
eye away from the Viewfinder to ensure that the
flash is fully charged.
1. Attach the flash unit to the camera Hot Shoe.
2. Set the exposure mode select dial to "A" or "X" position (Fig. 44).View original page 23Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus Camera Manual Library. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.