Film cameras
Sears KS Auto User manual
User manual for Sears KS Auto. 45 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
45 pagesEnglish9.6 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Sears
- Model / document
- Sears KS Auto
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 45
- File size
- 9.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us
CO N G RATU LATIO NS !
You have just purchased a fine camera that will give you many years
of picture-taking pleasure. The KS Auto is a 35 mm SLR camera
which assures you of superb optics, outstanding mechanical
performance and reliability which will justify your choice for years to
come.
Before using your KS Auto .....
Please read this i*tr*t." bookl"t carefully and familiarize yourself
with the equipment and its features thoroughly. your pleasure in
using your KS Auto will be greater if you know your camera properry.View original page 3Page 6 · Read text
SPECIFICATIONS: Sears KS Auto
CAMERA TYPE...... ... 35 mm aperture-priority AE (automatic exposure) SLR
with electronic metal focal plane shutter
FILM FORMAT ...24 X 36 MM
Ff LM SIZE AND CAPAClTY..... .. 35 mm perforated film in 12,20,24 or 36 exposures
STANDARD LENS ...... 50 mm Auto Sears f/1.4 (multi-coated), 6 groups, 7
elements
5O mm Auto Sears f/1.7 (Multi-coated), 5 groups. 6
elements
Filter size: 52 mm screw-in type
LENS MOUNT.. . "K" type bayonet with 65o rotating angle
SHUTTER
Automatic electronic shutter: continuously variable
speeds from LT (approx. 8 sec.) to 1/1OO0 sec.
Manual electronic shutter: stepped speed from 4 to
1/10O0 sec,
Manual mechanical shutter without batteries: "8"
and "X" (1/90 sec.)
VIEWFINDER ...... Fixed eye-level pentaprism. F-stop, shutter speeds.
"A" (automatic), "8" (bulb), "X" 11l9O sec.). exposure
meter needle (also acts as battery checker), shutter
speed indicator and battery check zone visible.
Viewing magnification O.88X
Field of view covers 93% of actual picture area
4 Flash ready lamp (LED)View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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rocus,NGIIII
surrounded by Fresnel field
EXPOSURE METER .... Three CdS photocells TTL full open metering for
center-weighted average light reading coupled to
aperture-priority automatic exposure system
EXPOSURE COUPLING RANGE EV 0 to 17 (ASA 1OO film with 50 mm f/1.4 lens)
FILM SPEED RANGE..... .... ASA 12 to 3200 (DtN 12 to 36)
EXPOSURE METER POWER SUPPLY....... Two 1.5V silver-oxide batteries (Mallory MS76.
Eveready 576 or equivalent)
FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION .... . X synchronization for electronic flash unit at "8","X"
AUroMAnc FLASH speed diar at coNrRoL ill,T;".'J ilir-;"T nJl:T;";",
Auto and it will set shutter speed 1/9O sec,
automatically.
Manually set the aperture ring to the same aperture
set on flash.
FLASH TERMINAL ..... "X" flash terminal, "X" contact (witn electric shock
prevention mechanism) on hot shoe for cordless
FILM LoADTNG il",'',t'-TfJjiin,J,ll"n
FILM WIND Single stroke film advance lever with 135o winding
angle (4O" play)
possible by mountins Sears KS
il|;ffi,::vindingView original page 7Page 9 · Read text
www.butkus.usAND CHECKING1. INSERTING
THE BATTERIES
Remove battery compartment cover by unscrewing it counter-
clockwise with a coin.
Place two batteries into the compartment with the plus @ side down,
as illustrated in the battery holder of battery compartment cover.
Make sure that the batteries are correctly placed. lf incorrectly plac-
ed, the exposure meter needle in the viewfinder will not move it ail.
Replace battery compartment cover by screwing it clockwise until it
stops, but do not force.
Tips for Better Results:
* Before loading, wipe off the surfaces of the batteries with a clean
and dry cloth to ensure they are free of fingerprints or stains.
* Sh utter release button can be pressed without batteries.
However, the shutter will not open and the mirror will stay up.
To put the mirror back to its proper position, turn the shutter
speed dial to "X" or "8". lf you wish to take picture without
batteries, use "X" fi/9O sec.) or "B".
* When your camera is not used for a long period, remove the
batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.
* Replace the batteries about once a year.
* Do not dispose of batteries in fire-they may explode,View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Check the power of the batteries after loading them. Turn the battery
check ring clockwise until it stops.
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lf exposure meter needle in the viewfinder swings to battery power
check zone, the batteries have sufficient power.lf the needle does not
move or stays below the check zone, the batteries must be replaced.
For replacement use Mallory MS76, Eveready S76 or equivalent.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
2. LOADING THEwww.butkus.usFILM Pull up film rewind knob until back cover snaps open. Then, pull it out all the way to allow for insertion of the film cartridge. Swing open back cover and place a film cartridge into film chamber.View original page 11
Page 12 · Read text
Push down film rewind knob to its original position by turning film
rewind crank clockwise or counterclockwise so that film rewind shaft
engages film cartridge and locks it in place.
Insert the film leader into one of the slots in the film take-up spool'
To bring the slot into a convenient position. rotate film take-up spool
in the direction of arrow with your finger.
10View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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Rotate film take-up spool by advancing film advance lever to take up
any slack in the film. Be sure film tip is firmly hooked onto film take-
up spool and that the holes on both sides of the film are caught by the
teeth on the film transport sprockets.
NOTE: The film must pass under the take-up spool when advanced.
Close and press back cover firmly until it snaps shut. Advance film
advance lever two or three times, after depressing shutter release
button each time, until the number "l" isopposite in the index line in
exposure counter. As you advance film advance lever, film rewind
knob will simultaneously rotate counterclockwise indicating that the
film is properly advanced. Your camera is now ready to go.
Tips for Better Results:
* Always load your camera in the shade or in a poorly-lit place.
Never in direct sunlight or other bright light.
* When making blank exposures with shutter speed dial set at
"AUTO", set f-stop ring to the smallest f-stop (the largest lens
opening) so that you can make next blank exposure quickly.
Otherwise a slower shutter speed will be the result. 11View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
3. SETTING THE FILM SPEED
Each type of film, color or black and white, has its own sensitivity to
light. This sensitivity is assigned by a numerical value described as a
ASA rating (U.S.A. Standard) ora DIN rating (Europe and most other
countries). In most cases, both ASA and DIN ratings are imprinted
on the film cartridge itself. The higher the film speed rating, the more
sensitive the film is to light; that is, less light is required for a proper
exposure. The film speed, therefore, is an important element in in-
suring that the through-the-lens metering system of your camera
determines the correct shutter speed and f-stop combinations for a
given lighting situation.
Depress film speed lock button and rotate the outer ring of film speed
dial until the ASA (or DIN) number of your film is exactly opposite the
index line on the outer ring of film speed dial and click stops. For ex-
ample, if the film is ASA 1OO, make the correct setting at "100".
Take your finger off film speed lock button to lock the film setting in
the camera. The scale representing the relation between ASA and
DIN numbers is illustrated on the inside of back cover.
12View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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Tips for Better Results:
* Each time a film with a new film speed rating is loaded in your
camera, the film speed must be set to assure accurately exposed
photographs.
13View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
4. SELECTING THE SHUTTER SPEED
The shutter controls the length of time the light is allowed to strike
the film. The speed at which the shutter opens and closes is
measured in fractions of a second that correspond to the numbers on
shutter speed dial. For example, "1OO0" is 1/1000 sec., "125" is
1/ 125 sec., "4" is 1/4 sec., " 1 " is one full second and so on. The "2" www.butkus.us
and "4" marked in yellow green stands for two and four seconds
respectively. In automatic exposure operation, the correct shutter
speed is set automatically. For manual exposure operation, simply
turn shutter speed dial until the desired shutter speed is set opposite
shutter speed index line.
To operate shutter speed automatically, set shutter speed dial on
"AUTO" setting. Press the automatic exposure lock button to dis-
engage dial lock when changing from "AUTO" to a desired shutter
speed.
When selecting your own shutter speeds, we suggest the following:
When shooting outdoors in bright or hazy sunlight, "125" fi/125
sec.) is suitable for most pictures. When taking your subjects in mo-
tion "250" fi/25O sec.) to "1OOO" fi/lOOO sec.) shoutd be used.....
faster speed will "freeze" extremely fast moving subjects (sports, rac-
ing cars, etc.). When indoors in a well-lit room. "60" (1/60 sec.)
should be sufficient to take your subject, depending upon the film you
are using. When in poorly-lit places, or to achieve the maximum
depth of field, "3O" (1/30 sec.) to "1" (1 sec.) should be used. When
14View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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set at "B", the shutter will remain open as long as shutter release
button is depressed (preferably by a cable release). The "B" setting is
used for long night exposures using street lights or electric signs as a
light source, or under poor lighting conditions when flash cannot be
used. When set at "X", the shutter operates at 1/9Osec. This setting
is used when the batteries don't have sufficient power or when you
are taking pictures without batteries. Flash photography is also pos-
sible at this setting.
Tips for Better Results:
* When using slow speeds (below 1/3O sec.) and "B" setting. us-e
a tripod and cable release to minimize camera movement and
prevent blurred pictures. Be especially carefull to minimize
camera movement when using a telephoto lens.
* When shutter speed dial is set at "8" or "X", set the desired f-
stop and expose manually because metering with the built-in ex-
posure meter is not possible.
* Do not set shutter speed dial between marked speeds. but only
at a click stop in accordance with indicated speeds.
* Shutter speed dial does not revolve between "AUTO" and "B".
15View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
5. METER/SHUTTER "ON.OFF" CONTROL
Film advance lever controls exposure meter "ON-OFF" and shutter
release "LOCK-UNLOCK" to protect your camera from unnecessary
depletion of the batteries and accidental shutter release when not
taking pictures. 40o pre-advance with two click positions in 20o and
4Oo angle and 135o advance angle assure faster winding and permits
continuous operation for sequence photography. Choose your
suitable angle of 2Oo or 40o pre-advance position.
When film advance lever is moved to "ON" position, the electric
circuit is switched on and shutter release button is unlocked.
Whenever picture-taking is complete. be sure to move film advance
lever to "OFF" position. The electric circuit is switched off and
shutter release button is locked.
16View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
6. SETTI NG THwww.butkus.usE APE RTU R E
The lens opening determines the amount of light entering the lens and
exposing the film. The smaller the f-stop (t/2.O, f /2.8, etc.) the wider
the lens opening and the greater the amount of light entering the
lens. The larger the f-stop (t/16, f/11, etc.l, the smaller the lens
opening and the smaller the amount of light entering the lens. As the
lens opening is moved from f /16 to f /11,the amount of light entering
the lens is doubled. As the lens opening is moved from l/2.O to f /2.g
the amount of entering light is cut in half.
z6
F-stop oo@@@@@@
Amount of 1/8 1/16 1/32
light ratio
17View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Rotate f-stop ring until the desired f-stop is opposite the aperture
index line. Click stops are provided to prevent accidental movement
from the setting made. lf necessary, you may set f-stop ring between
two f-stops.
R ECT EXPOSU RE 7 . TH E COR
Automatic Exposure:
Your KS Auto has a built-in through-the-lens full aperture CdS
exposure meter coupled to aperture-priority automatic exposure
control system which selects and sets correct shutter speed
automatically for correct exposure.
Turn shutter speed dial until the "AUTO" is set opposite shutter
speed index line. Shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder indicates
"A", showing that the camera is set for automatic exposure control.
Pre-select the desired aperture by rotating f-stop ring. F-stop is
visible through the aperture readout window. For pre-selecting the
aperture, refer to the following rough guide when using ASA 100
film:
Outdoors in bright f/8.O to f/16
Cloudy weather or f/2.8 to f/5.6
lndoors f/1.4 to f/4.O
18View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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Now you should check the exposure before shooting. After moving
film advance lever to "ON" position, press shutter release button
lightly half way down until the exposure meter needle begins to
move. The exposure meter needle in the viewfinder indicates the
shutter speed you will be shooting at. lf the needle goes above
"1000", close down the aperture until the needle moves below
"1OO0". lf the needle goes below "B.X", open up the aperture until
the needle moves above "8.X".
Tips for Better Results:
* At slow speeds (below 1/30 sec.). use tripod or other firm
support to prevent camera movement and blurred pictures. In
shooting with a telephoto lens, be careful to minimize the camera
shake in particular, When using telephoto lenses, a good rule of
thumb is "use a shutter speed faster than 1/focal length of the
lens". For example, with a 135 mm lens. use a shutter speed
faster than 1/125 sec. Otherwise a tripod is suggested.
* The shutter speed is automatically determined at any speed
within the range of approximately 8 sec. to 1/1OOO sec.,
according to the lighting conditions of your subject.
19View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Manual Exposure:
The through-the-lens full aperture CdS exposure meter measures the
light coming through the lens and enables you to set the proper
exposure for a given lighting condition. The correct exposure is
obtained by setting the shutter speed and f-stop (aperture) in the
correct combination for the film subject and lighting conditions.
Press automatic exposure lock button and move shutter speed dial off
"AUTO". Set the desired shutter speed opposite shutter speed index
line by rotating shutter speed dial (Read "SELECTING THE SHUTTER
SPEED"). Shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder indicates the
shutter speed you just set.
Move film advance lever to "ON" position.
Hold your camera, look at your subject throuth viewfinder eyepiece,
press shutter release button lightly halfway down and check exposure
meter needle.
Rotate f-stop (lens opening) ring and align exposure meter needle
with shutter speed indicator. F-stop is visible through aperture
readout window. lf exposure meter needle goes above shutter speed
indicator, this means "over-exposure"; select a faster shutter speed
or a small lens opening. On the contrary, if the needle goes below
shutter speed indicator, this means "under-exposure"; choose a
slower shutter or a larger lens opening.20View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
lf you want to use a specific f-stop for depth of field control, you may
set the f-stop first and then the shutter speed, while other procedures
are the same as above. How your subject turns out in the picture
depends on the f-stop setting (Refer to "DEPTH OF FIELD"). The
chart shows the exposure value range (shutter speed and f-stop
combinations) of your camera's metering system for selected film
speeds.
Exposure Compensation Dial for Automatic Exposure:
The dial is used when exposure compensation (intentional over- or
under-exposure) is necessary in automatic exposure operation. In
unusual lighting conditions. for both automatic and manual exposure.
the desired effect or the correct exposure will not be obtained in the
final picture and exposure compensation is necessary.
Lift up the outer ring of exposure compensation dial and rotate it until
the index line on the ring is opposite the corresponding number you
stops.desire l+2, + 1, - 1, -2l, and click
Back-lit Subjects (when light is behind the subjects):
Set the dial at I 1 or 12.
Spot-lighted Subjects and Dark Backgrounds:
Set the dial at -1 or -2.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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Tips for Better Results:
* When exposure compensation is unnecessary, be sure to set
exposure compensation dial at "0".
I * Do not set exposure compensation dial between marked
accordance with indicatedI numbers, but at a click stop in numbers only.
Exposure Compensation for Manual Exposure:
Back-lit Subjects (when light is behind the subjects):
1. Move close to the subject for meter reading, then, move back.
focus and shoot.
2. lf it is impossible to approach the subject, adjust either shutter
speed or lens opening to over-exposure. When you adjust the
lens opening, open up the aperture by 1 or 2 stops.
Spot-lighted Subjects and Dark Backgrounds:
1. Move close to the subject for meter reading, then move back,
I focus and shoot.
2. n ft is impossible to approach the subject, adjust either shutter
speed or lens opening to under-exposure. When you adjust the I
lens opening, close down the aperture by 1 or 2 stops.
23View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
Tips for Better Results:
* When the shutter speed dial is set at "B". set the desired f-stop
and expose manually because metering with the built-in
exposure meter is not possible.
* Do not make an exposure setting by pressing depth of field
preview button or turning battery check ring because these will
incorrectly influence the meter's reading.
* Outside of the met€r's coupling range, the exposure meter will
not respond correctly. For example, coupling range for ASA 100
film is from2 sec. at t/1.4to 1/1000 sec. att/11 (EV O to 17).
See chart at left.
24View original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.