Film cameras
Wittnauer Captain - Commander User manual
User manual for Wittnauer Captain - Commander. 28 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
28 pagesEnglish11.5 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Wittnauer
- Model / document
- Wittnauer Captain - Commander
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 28
- File size
- 11.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
The Automatic W tttnauer
Captain and Comma,nder Cameras
1. Rapid wind lever 13. Exposure caleulator
(single stroke advances for time exposures
film. counts exposure (green numbers).
and winds shutter). 14. Diaphragm setting
lever. counter f. Exposure Focusing lever. (subtractinet type). 15.
rangefinder Combined 16. 3. Shutter release with viewfinder and
built-in cable release windows. socket. 17. Rewind knob (returns
4. Cover latch. film cartridge after
5. Focusing and depth all exposures have
of field scales. been made).
6. Shutter speed 18. Viewing and
setting ring. rangefinder eye piece. (Back of Camera)
Synchro 7. Flash lever 19. Accessory shoe. as (also serves
cocking lever for 2O. Photoelectric cell
self-timer). cover. 21. Exposure meter 8. Flash contact. indicator
9. Incident light 22. Exposure meter
attachment. calculator.
1O. Simplified light value 23. Dual range built-in
scale. exposure meter.
24. Exposure meter11. Tripod socket. "zero set" adjustment.
12. Rewind button. { Back of Camera)View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
0NGRATULATIoNS on your choice of the fully automatic Wittnauer
camera. Your new camera will repay you manyfold with years of
fine photography. For here, truly, is the perfect blend of optical and
engineering automation. Made with wATCHMAKER skill and precision,
the outstanding Wittnauer 35mm camera offers every advanced and useable
photographic feature.
The new Wittnauer "high definition" cHRoNoN and cnnoNosrAR lenses
have been computed with the most modern mathematical formulas and are
ground to exacting specifications to insure razor-sharp clarity and full color
fidelity. All glass-air surfaces are coated to reduce internal reflections and
assure brilliant pictures. Wittnauer quality cameras are versatile enough
to meet the most demanding photographic assignments.
On the following pages you will find a full description of the many features
designed to make Wittnauer picture-taking more successful. Please read
this booklet carefully before using the camera.
THE LONGINES-WITTNAUER 4 BUILDING
58O FrFTH AVENUE, NE\^/ YORK 36, N. Y.
www.butkus.usView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
These heading were printed in light green,
so they show up very light.
Ct(t?n,et'Q,Operation o.f the Fu"tt,y Aut,rtnt.ut,ic \I'itt,nouer ;JStnrn
1. Advance film and wind shutter by moving rapid wind lever once.
2. Measure light value with built-in meter (Captain, Commander and
Professional models onlY).
3. Set light value exposure-
thus automatically Provid-
ing correct combinations
of shutter speeds and dia-
phragm openings.
4. Choose most desirable shut-
ter speed (diaPhragm ad-
justs automaticallY).
5. Focus and view subject.
6. Release shutter-take Picture.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
To Open the Camera
Pull out the back panel cover latch located directly
below the rapid wind lever. When the locking bar
has been disengaged, the back panel will swing out-
wards. The back panel can then be fully opened and www.butkus.us
pivots on a hinge on the left side of the camera. Do
not put excessive strain on the back while open as it
has been carefully fitted at the factory and proper
alignment is important to correct closure and long
life.
a. fi.lm retai,ning c.oller (recessed, so metal
rollet' does not actually contact negatiue
area).
b. pressure plate holils fi,tm perf ectlg flat and,
in focal plane durtng exposure.
c. cartridge retaining spring.
d. rewind, post.
e. fiIm plane guid,e channels.
f. fi,lm aduance sprocket.
g. fi,lm take-up spool.
www.butkus.usView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
I n sr rt i.ti g
tite F.ilnt
Pull out the rewind knob as far as it will go and
insert a fresh cartridge into the empty chamber.
The cartridge is inserted so that the long projection
is towards the bottom of the camera. Push therewind knob back into its oliginal position, turning ':..
it gently at the same time so that the slot in the
rewind post engages the crossbar of the film spool.
Modern emulsions are extremely light sensitive and
even the most calefully constructed cartridge
should be protected flom the direct rays of the
the shadow camqra in the and unioad Loadsun. of ...-| shadow al'eas are avail- no or building. treea If ,-,/,-\able, turn your body so that your own shadow __--.----.-.r/r/>\.-_-___
will offer protection. ./r///lt
Pi'otect film cartridge fi'om physical damage or'
abuse. Rough usage may tend to distort the car'- \'//l11 \\ / ' litridge and destroy its light-ploofing ability. Tofurther protect film, do not allow loaded cartridges Dr) 'to be stored at high temperatures. l'li a) |View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
,ii lii :',: I
Pull out enough of the trimmed film leader so that
the end can be inser.ted into the slot of the take-up
spool. The notch in the take-up spool should catch
on a film sprocket hole. The take-up spool may be
freely lotated by tui.ning in the direction indicated.
At the same time, engage the perforations in the
film with the sprockets of the film advance wheel.
Continue to turn the take-up spool and draw film
out until the sprockets have engaged perforations
on both sides of the film. Enough extra film has
been supplied by the manufacturer to provide for
the leader used when loading. The correct number
of exposures still remain in the cartridge. Now,
close the camera back. A slight pressure will be felt
when the back is almost closed. This is normal and
{ is the result of the action of the pressur.e plate
which forces the film into the correct focal plane.
With the back held firmly closed, snap the cover
latch into position and the camet.a is made com-
pletely light tight.
www.butkus.usView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
i" y.;i,.\Ii,i {"tilttlt't' "
The exposure counter is located on the number 36 (or 20) is opposite the indicator
rapid wind lever and is of the SUBTRAC- mark. Advancing these two fi'ames removes
TION TYPE. It will count backwards to film that may have been "fogged" during
show, at a glance, the number of UNEX- the loading process.
POSED FRAMES still available. N ote : Champion, Constellation, Clmlleng er
Before taking the first picture, set the ex- and Continental models are prouided with a
posure counter by bringing the red dot built-in fi,Im speed reminder dial.
(near the number 36) into registel with When setting the exposure counter, also set
the black index mark on the rapid wind the film speed dial.
lever. (When using a 20-exposure caltridge, This handy indicator
register the green dot). This is accom- will r:emind you (after
plished by rotating the counter disc in di- the camera has been
rection of an'ow. Now, advance the t'apid put aside) of the type
wind lever fully and lelease. Pless the and speed rating of the
shutter release button. This operation is film currently loaded
repeated a total of two timei until the in the camela.
."!li:.;;.li ii.,l.e :.-rlir: .iI:' i
#*
,,iView original page 9Page 11 · Read text
{ ;; t r :i ,i t i
When the Iast frame has been exposed, the CHECKING THE REWIND ACTION
exposure counter will indicate the number' The lewinding action can be checked by
1. Do not continue to advance the film be- releasing plessule on the locking button
yond this point or it may be torn from its during the rewinding operation. If the
protective cartridge. mechanism is working properly, consider'-
able resistance to further i'ewinding will beExposed film should be rewound into the noticed. Do Nor ATTEMPT To FoRCE THE RE-cartridge so it may be taken flom the WIND KNOB, OR THD FILM PERFORATTONS WILLcamera in ordinary room or dayiight. To do BE ToRN. To continue the rewind operation,this, turn the camera over and depress the depress the rewind locking button oncerewind locking button. At the same time, more. If, during the above test, no resist- lift the rewind knob slightly and turn it in ance is noticed after the iocking button hasthe direction indicated by the engraved been released the film has been pulled from The been rewound. has all film al'r'ow until the cartridge and the camela should be be held down must button lockinglewind opened only in a darkloom. during the entire rewinding process. When
rewinding has been completed, you wili
"feel" a definite slacking in the resistance
of the rewind knob. In addition' you can
"hear" the film leader as it slips off the
take-up spool and returns to the cartridge.
When completeiy rewound, the camera's
back may lie opened and the film replaced
with an unexposed cartridge. 'View original page 11Page 13 · Read text
an d 1"'ie u'itr, g li' r t t'tt.siti ll
SHARP PICTURES ALWAYS
\^/ITH THE WITTNAUER
HIGH PRECISION COMBIN.
ATION RANGEFINDER AND
VIEWFINDER.
Your built-in coupled range-
finder is a precision optical de-
vice which wiII measure the
camera-to-subject distance with
, gleat accuracy. 4..r' r
Sight through the viewfindei'
window. In the center of the
field of view, you will see a
bright amber colored circle.
This is the rangefinder image
and since the rangefinder is in-
ternally coupled to the lens, set-
ting the finder automaticallY
adjusts the lens for perfect
focus.
10View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Focus the lens by turning the focusing lever
on the lens mount. At the same timJ sight
thlough the viewfinder.and notice that adouble
image of the subject will appeai.in the cilcular
bright spot in the center of thu field. By turn_
ing_the focusing lever., the two images can be
made to coincide pelfecily. When tfiis occur.s.
corlect focus has been attained and no fultheil
adjustment is necessar.y.
The exact camela-to-subject distance can be
lead (in feet) fi'om the scale on the lens mount' 1stuAfr.5^s, Focus so that the
-?.j ---il1,-+L i.ntltortunt paft of the su DJ ect
the t'angefinder.. An ar.ea in ?i,ont ofand behind
the subject will also be in focus (depending on
the_ diaphlagm opening selected)'. This ur.Ju i. called "depth of field',. Fot. morle infor.mation
on how to use youl built-in ,,depth of field"
scales, see page 18.
xorp: Always set focusing mount to
infinity before closing carrying case, :i,
www.butkus.us 11 fi
$ir
$i!
" " 4:itWL $dView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
The built-in liglt.t ualue erposure meter Setting the Filmspeed
prouides tuto scales of tneasurement-one Merely set the triangular mark opposite the filmspeed
scale for briglft sunligltt and additional TIONSrating.ARENo NECESSARY.FURTHER ADJI]STMENTS OR METER CALCUI.A-
sensitiuitE f or useak liglft-rea,dings. The letters ASA on the
Light can be measuled in two basic ways- dialican standStandardsfor the Associa-"Amer-
tion". l'ilm speed ratings
l. , ; -or the light actu- on most film purchased in ally REFLECTED from the subject the United States are cal-
to the camera lens. ibrated by ASA methods.
On the left side of the
This is the most commonlv used form meter ring are ratings
of measurement and-Wittnaueris unusually for the European or DIN well adapted to the cam- system. This scale may
lens and built-in meter be useful when tlaveling -r''\Y era since the are, for all practical purposes, at the abroad. Filrn speeds are
same point, and so receive the same marked on the carton or
EPi amount of reflected light. on the direction sheet of
each package of film you
i i" 1 I I 'i l; I 2.:, i : ,;'-orthelightfailing pulchase. Professional
A. Light Sourre on the subject. Your built-in meter workels often adjust the will also measure incident light, Sim- rated filmspeecls to coin-
B. Subject ply place the small opal adapter over cide with theil own par- C. Position of the honeycomb meter window. Note ticular processingi tech- ry.@ffii Lisht to you intend nitlues. If is measured at the incident light Meter that *co fi, Position X. processed your' have films position The meter subject. of the
fronr rhich should be pointed tou.nrds the position commercially, r'ely on the picture uiII from which the picture will be taken. pulrlished filmspeed data. be taken
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t2View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
' ,; ,
Hold the camera in taking position, with 7. Screen the meter from the influence of
the meter pointed towards the subject. The ercessiue skylight (beach, sno,u.) or land,-
needle will point to a black or white sector scape scenes) bE tilting the camera sliglLtly
associated with a LIcHT vALUE NUMBER. rloutrutsard when taking a reading.
2. To take an exposure reading d;irectlyNote that there ale Two light value scales against the sun, shade th.e honeEcomb cell(one engraved in black, the other in red). in tlrc salne uaA Aou would shade the lens.For bright light, keep the metet' cover .9. If in rktubt, take closeup meter readingsclosed and use the slacr scALE. For dim
light, open the meter cover and read the of tlte ntost important parts of the subject.
light value flom the noo scALE. Zeroing tlte Meter
The r,rcnr vALUE can be transferred di- If , with, the ltoneycomb uindou completely
rectly to the shutter and will automatically darkened, tlze indicator does not coincide
provide both shutter and diaphragm with eractly u;ith the 0 mark, it can be adjusted
th,eall information needed for perfect exposure. by turning tlze small reset screu) oru
back of tlrc camero. NorE: The zero adjust-
For further details, see page 16. ment is a del;icate one-use ertreme care.
www.butkus.usView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Thr {"iglu{ I"nlttru, S:,y*tent
The brilliant new light value system has L/250 of a sec. at, f :2.8; this is the same as
enormously simplified exposure calculation L/725 sec. at f :4.0; or 7/60 sec. at f :5.6; or without destroying the controls so neces- 1/30 sec. at f :8.0 ; or l/I5 sec. at f :11-and sary to creative photography. so on. In other words, each of the above com-
binations will admit the same amount of Whatis LIGHT VALUE? light and so, any one of them might be used
Light reaching the film is controlled by the to provide a correct exposure. It remains
shutter and the diaphragm of the camera. A only for the photographer to choose which
short shutter speed, for example l/250 sec., combination best suits his ar.tistic require-
aliows less light to reach the film than a ments, in terms of action-stopping ability or
longer exposure of 1/30 sec. In the same depth of field. The r,rcnr VALUE sysrulr sim-
way, when the diaphragm is "stopped" down, plifies and speeds exposure calculation-yet less light can reach the film than if the dia- phragm is opened "wide". From this, it can maintains control for the serious worker.
be seen that every combination of shut-
ter speed and diaphragm opening can be
represented in terms of the AMoUNT oF #11
LIGHT this combination admits to the film.
This amount of light has been called the
LIGHT vALUE. It can be seen, too, that sev-
eral combinations of openings and speeds
can have the same LrcHT vALUE.
Diaphragm f,/2.8
Shutter Speed For example, a light value of 11 represents 1,/250 sec.
I4 A giaen li,ght nalue nutnber repreeents a cbw stant erposure combi,nation-rega,rd,Ieas of
eh.utter speed, or diaphragm openi,ng selected.
jView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
'7"i, 'r{ 5r' t { li {' i,t,il li f I 11tr'
toAfter the pi'opel light value has been read away f lom housing - and then rotatedflom the exposure meter', (most modern bring desiled light value number into reg-
meters read directly in light values) it is istel with the engraved arrow above the
tlansferred to the shutter'. Light values are I/60th sec. mark on the shutter speed ring.
shown on the shuttei'speed setting ring and It is also possible to set half light values-are set by bringing the desired value into t.e., tk between 8 and 9. In the light ua"Iuelegister with the red dot on the diaphragm system, shutter and diaphragTn settings aresetting ring. Diaphragm setting and expo- coupied. Wlzen you adjust the ,sh,utter,sule time are thus automatically combined.To change the light value setting, pi'ess the th.e diaphragln opening is automatically changed to insure continued correct enpo-diaphragm setting lever inwar.d (towards sure. Conuersely, if the diapltragm settingthe camera housing) and r.otate the r.ing. is cltanged (to correct for depth. of fi,ekl,Note-In Continental and Pr.ofessional mod- etc.) then the shutter time adjusts to main-
els, the diaphragm setting r.ing is lifted tain perf ect erposure relationship.
Exposure constants can be set manually, as
with older cameras, by setting the shutter
speed first, and then selecting the desired
diaphragm opening. In this case, the
selected speed and opening are aligned with
the setting line on the depth of field ring
and the light value numbers may be ignored.
Set the shutter first by r.otating the shutter
speed ring. Then depress the diaphragm
lever and set the diaphragm.
www.butkus.us 15View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
f )t:1,tt lt o.i f" it,Itt'
When you focus on this point. . .
Sort o IIints
When your principal subject has
great depth-use a small opening
and achieve overall sharpness.
When the background is disturb-
large | <- DEPTH oF FrELD -+ ing-eliminate it by using a
I Picture toill be sharp !ront opening...offering a shallow depth
l<-Here ,to...Here1 of field-and allow the background
...you are actually in focus throughout an to become blurred and out of focus.
entire zone. This area is called the DEPTH
OF FIELD.
The Depth of Field varies according to the
diaphragm opening selected. A small dia-
phragm opening will provide great depth
of field. A large opening will offer a shallow
depth of field.
www.butkus.usView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
I)cyttlt rif'Iliclrl Sca{c'l'c{[,s.-l]'{'ft of li'ot:lt,s.l'or Iir'(t'!.! t'''itttt)'€
First focus on the most important subject.
Then the zone of sharpness may be read
from the scale englaved on the lens mount.
Example:
If the light value and shutter. speed selected
lesult in a diaphragm opening of f :8.0,
read the englaved footage markings oppo-
site f :8 on each side of the lens mount. One
side will plovide the closest, and the othei.
the farthest limit of sharpness. To adjust
the depth of field mei'ely change the dia-
phlagm opening and the shutter will adjust
automatically to maintain correct exposur.es
while changing the shalpness zone.
18View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
It' ryrtit ()u'It (r itr",lli' titi( i'{'r,iii tri* rrlr{ { t,i' t'ri",,l'l'r".r ittri{t{ ,1'{r,rlt:!
Your camela is equipped with the remark- When taking por.traits, a shallow depth of
able new AUTOMATIC DEPTH OF field may be used to advantage. Merely turn FIELD INDICATOR. Notice the two r.ed the shutter speed r,ing which changes the
pointers on top of the lens mount (on the depth of field automatically and makes cor'-
distance scale). These pointer.s automati- responding changes in diapht.agm and shut- cally desclibe the "neat" and "fat.', limits ter settings.
(depth of field) of per.fect focus for any
selected shuttet' speed and diaphragm com-
bination. By changing the LIGHT VALUE,
you change the DEPTH OF FIELD and the
red pointers adjust themselves accordingly.
With a little pr.actice, it will be possible to
tell at a glance the depth of field available
for any particular. pictui.e-taking situation.
Similai'ly, it is now possible to adjust the
diaphi'agm-shutter. combination to suit a
depth of field problem. When taking land-
scapes, etc., adjust foi'a great depth of field.
www.butkus.usView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
The built-in delayed action shuttei' r'elease IMroRTANT: If the self-timer is blought
will allow you to take a pictule of youlself. into position "v" while the shutter is wound
It is no longer necessaly fol the photog- (film advanced and leady to photoglaph),
i'aphel to be missing flom evely group he it should be allowed to run down as de-
photoglaphs-nor is it necessaly to ask a sclibed above. Do not folce the level back
strangel to take the pictule fol you. The to the "x" Dosition.
Synchlo-Compul and Compul Rapid shut-
tei's will wait a full ten seconds befoi'e mak-
ing the exposule when the self-timel is
actuated. Set and wind the camela in the
usual fashion. Then wind the delayed action
lelease level by moving it flom "x" to posi-
tion "v". View and focus the camela and
set it upon a fir'm table ol tlipod. Pless the
shutter release and take position in ft'ont of
Bff the camera. After apploximately ten sec- JI4Jr1 V XM onds have elapsed, the shutter will release --- E=---
itself, thus exposing the pictule. :
Aftel the pictui'e has been taken, the de-
layed action level will automatically leturn
to the "x" position.
20View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
J
Internul Synclaronizat,i,on Make.s expensive to use in the long run because
Wittnauer Flaslt Pictures Simple to there are no bulbs to replace.
T uke-M aintains Ac curate E rpo sur e To use electronic flash, plug the flash cable
The fine Compur shutter on your Wittnauer. into the contact on the front of the camera.
camera is fully synchlonized for both elec- Set the shutter lever to "x". Wind and set
tronic flash and flash bulbs. the camera in the normal way. When the
To use erpendable FIash Bulbs exposure button is released, and the shutter blades are fully open, an electric contact
Set the synchronizing lever to the "M" posi- within the camera is closed and the elec-tion. Plug the flash cord (flom flash gun) tlonic flash is fired. In this way, the expo-into the flash contact on the front of the sure is made at the propel'moment for high-camera. Once fir'ed, flash bulbs take from est efficiency.10 to 15 milliseconds to reach their "peak".
With the synchro lever set at "M", the Flash exposures are determined by "guide
shutter automatically closes the bulb's elec- numbers" and full instructions accompany
tlical contaet' approximately 15 millisec- your flash .unit, or can be found on every
onds befoi'e the shutter blades ale fully package of flash bulbs.
open-thus assuring utilization of the full
light output of the flash bulb. With the Note : Wittnauet' Cltampion models perform describedfully syncht'onized syNcHRo-coMpuR shut- the same basic flash functions
ter any speed may be used in combination above without the need for.the "M" setting.
with flash bulbs-even 1/500 sec. On these cameras, electlonic flash may be used at any shutter speed (even t/500 sec.).
To use Electronic Flaslt When using flash bulbs the best r.esults
Electronic flash gives a mot'e powerful and will be obtained with shutter speed of 7/30
a softer light than a flash bulb and is less sec. or slower.
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vView original page 24Page 25 · Read text
1l'lltriutt{'t'(irttititi''ititrl qnd Prc/r'ssittitrrl ,1l,tir'l-s F'(etitrr !tttrt'
ghatt qra{tlt' Lru,e1's II'irlr' ,-ln 1tl,t in' tllo;it'itp Itltittoylt'aplt ry. -.fo/'
All interchangeable Wittnauer lenses are with the RED Dor on the bayonet mount of
bayonet mounted; may be interchanged in the camera housing. Align the dots; then
a matter of seconds and are internally press lens and mount together and give the
coupled with the built-in rangefinder. Each lens a short turn to the right and it will -is equipped with the Automatic Depth of lock in position.
Field Indicator described on Page 19. To get the most out of your wrrrNAUER
To Remoue Lens CONTINENTAL or PROFESSIONAL Camera, in-
Press the catch on the underside of the vestigate the complete interchangeable lens
shutter; lift up the exposure value setting systems available. For example, a 135mm
ring by means of the lugs and by tui'ning telephoto lens will bring the image over two
the lens slightly to the left; r'elease it from and a half times closer than the standard
the bayonet mount. 50mm iens. All supplementary lenses are of
When inserting the lens, the npo oor on the cuRoNosr.Ln quality and are available com-
inner side of the lens mount must coincide plete with leather carrying pouches.View original page 25From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.