Film cameras
Wittnauier Champion / Constellation / Challenger User manual
User manual for Wittnauier Champion / Constellation / Challenger. 30 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Wittnauier
- Model / document
- Wittnauier Champion / Constellation / Challenger
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 30
- File size
- 8.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us
' The Automatic Wittnauer Champion,
Constellation & Challenger Models
1. Rapid wind lever lifiedLight
(single stroke
advances film, (Bottom )
counts exposut'e 1(). Tlipod socket.
and winds (Bottom)
shutter). 1 l. Rewind button.
2. Exposure counter (Bottom)
(subtracting 12. Diaphragm
tvpe). setting lever.
F ocusing lever. 3. Shutter release 13.
with built-in 14. Combined
cable release rangefinder and
socket. viewfinder
windows. 4. Cover latch. 15. Film speed
S-!''ocusing and reminder.
- depth of field 16. Rewind knob
scale. (returns film to
cartridge after 6. Shutter speed all exposures setting ling. have been made).
7. Flash Synchro 17. Viewing and
lever (also serves rangefinder eye
as cocking lever piece. (Back
for self-timer'). of Camera).
8. Flash contact. 18. Accessory shoe.View original page 3Page 5 · Read text
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oNcRATULATIoNS on your choice of the fully automatic Wittnauer
camera. Your new eamera 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 an'd precision,
the outstanding Wittnauer 35mm camera offers every advanced and useable
photographic feature
lllrr*., The new Wittnauef "high definition" cHRoNoN and cHRoNosrAR
have been computed with the most modern mathematical formulas and are
ground to exacting specifications to insure razor-sharp clarity and full color
and . fidelity. All glass-air surfaces are coated to reduce internal reflections
assure brilliant pictures. Wittnauer quality cameras are versatile enough
fl to meet the most demanding photographic assignments. .
On the following pages you will find a full description of the many features
gd.,f designed to make Wittnauer picture-taking more successful. Please read
l
. this booklet carefully before using the camera.
ao, @rr*. qiW-"rrt" @t rm @*o
THE LoNGtN Es-wtrrNAUER BUILDING
5Ao FTFTH AVENUE, NE\^/ YORK 3€t, N. Y.
\ t .1.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
Opet"ation o.f the Fully Automatic Withtauer ,JSmrn Camerct
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).
)t Set light value exposure-
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.
IView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
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To Open t,he Camera"
Pull out the back panel cover latch located directry
below the-rapid wind lever. When the locking bai
has been disengaged, the back panel will swing out-
war$s. The back panel can then be fully opened and
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 conect closure and long
life.
a. film retairaing roller (recessed so metal
roller does not actually contact negatiue
area).
www.butkus.us b. pressure plate holds film perf ectly flat and, in focal plane during enposure.
c. cartridge retaining spring.
d. reusind post.
e. film plane guide cltannels.
f. film aduance sprocket.
g. fi,lrn take-up spool.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Inserting
the Film
Pull out the rewind knob as far as it will go and
insert a fresh cartlidge into the empty chamber.
The cartridge is inserted so that the long projection
is towards the bottom of the camera. Push the
rewind knob back into its original 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 from the direct rays of the
sun. Load and unload the camera in the shadow of
la tree or building. If no shadow areas are avail-
able, turn your body so that your own shadow
will offer protection.
Protect film cartridge from physical damage ol' -/abuse. Rough usage may tend to distort the car'-
tridge and destroy its light-proofing ability. To
further protect film, do not allow loaded cartridgesto be stored at high temperatures. 4\ffir v,l llView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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To Attaclt, Film attd ComTtletei
il
I the Loa,di?Lg Operation
Pull out enough of the trimmed film leader so that
the end can be inse'ted into the slot of the take-up
spool. The notch in the take-up spool should catch
a film sprocket hole. The take-up spool may be 9n
freely'otated by tu'ning in the direction indi.at.d.
At the same time, engage the perforations in the
film with the sprockets of the film advance wheer.
continue to turn the take-up spool and draw film
out until the sprockets have engaged perforations
on both sides of the film. Enoug[ film has b-"ul supplied by the manufactuier "*i"uto provide for
the leader used when loading. The corrlct number
of exposures still remain in ttre cartridge. Now,
close the camera back. A slight pressure *IIl b" f"lt www.butkus.us
when the back is almost closed. This is normal and
is the result of the action of the pressure plate
which forces the film into the co""ect focal platt".
With the back held firmly closed, snap the cover
latch into position and the camel.a is made com_ pletely light tight.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
't , , t I lir l',',,'1tttr:lt r'( (',,1(ritt'i'
The exposule countel is located on the number'36 (or'20) is opposite the indicator
lapid u'ind level and is of the SUBTRAC- nralk. Advancing these two f larnes r.elltoves
TION TYPE. It will count backu'alds to film that rnay have been "fogged" during
show, at a glance, the numbel of UNEX- the loading ploccss.
POSED FRAMES still available. N ote : C lt ontpion, Constellation, Chnllenger
Refore taking the fir'st pictut'e, set the ex- utul Continental models ure prouirlecl uith a
posule counter by bringing the led dot butlt-in fi.lnt speetl rentintler dial.
(neal the number' 36) into register with When setting the exposule counter', also set
the black index mark on the lapid wind the film speed dial.
lever'. (When using a 20-exposule caltlidge, This handy indicator.
register the gl'een dot). This is accom- will lemind you (aftet,
plished by i'otating the counter disc in di- the canrela has been
lection of allor','. Now, aclvance the lapicl put aside) of the type
wind level fully and lelease. Pr.ess thc and speed i'ating of the
shutter lelease button. This oneration is film cullently loaded
repeated a total of two tinres until the in the cal-nel'a.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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The Rapid Wind Let)e?" and Film Transpor.t Mechanism
A single rotation of the rapid wind lever: the imaginative photographer.
1. Advances the film to the next unex- Using the thumb, push the lever to the
posed frame. right as far as it will go. Then allow it to
2. Winds the shutter. return to its original position. The exposure
3. Counts the exposure. can now be made by pressing the shutter
release button. The shutter release can be 4. Unlocks the double exposure preven- operated ONLY if the wind lever has been tion mechanism. FULLY advanced (thus preventing double
The high speed single stroke rapid advance exposures). If this action has not been
lever makes Wittnauer one of the fdstest properly completed, the lever will remain
handling of all 35mm cameras. With prac- stationary, and must NOT be forced backtice, a shooting speed of over one frame into its rest position. In this case, merely
per second can be achieved. Thus. action advance the lever to its fullest extent anisequences and complete picture stories it will once more disengage and automati-
can be captured with ease and precision by cally return to the rest position.
Rapid Wind Leaer:
A. Rest position
B. Partially
adaanced
position
C. Fully
adaanced
positionView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
To Unload When the last frame has been exposed, the CHECKING THE REWIND ACTION exposure counter will indicate the number The rewinding action can be checked by 1. Do not continue to advance the film be- releasing pressure 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- Exposed film should be rewound into the able resistance to further rewinding will be BE-cartridge so it may be taken from the noticed. Do Nor ATTEMpT ro FoRcE THE camera in ordinary room or daylight. To do wrND KNOB, OR THE FILM PERFORATIONS WrLL this, turn the camera over and depress the BE ToRN. To continue the rewind operation, rewind locking button. At the same time, depress the rewind locking button once If, during the above test no resist-lift the rewind knob slightly and turn it in more. the direction indicated by the engraved ance is noticed after the locking button has arrow until all film has been rewound. The been released the film has been pulled from rewind locking button must be held down the cartridge and the camera should be during the entire rewinding process. When opened only in a darkroom. rewinding has been completed, you will "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 completely rewound, the camera's back may be opened and the film replaced with an unexposed cartridge.View original page 12
Page 14 · Read text
[" ot'ttse n,(J (tizrl I - i( rt'ln.(J
SHARP PICTURES AL\^/AYS
WITH THE WITTNAUER
HIGH PRECISION COMBIN-
ATION RANGEFINDER AND
VIEWFINDER.
Your built-in coupled range-
finder is a precision optical de-
vice which will measure the
camera-to-subj ect di stance with
great accuracy.
Sight through the viewfindel
window. In the center of the
field of view, you will see a
bright amber cololed circle.
This is the rangefindet. image
and since the langefindel is in-
ternally coupled to the lens, set-
ting the findei' automatically
adjusts the lens foi' perfect
focus.
10View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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'1'(t {'*r, tltt, !'lttit.rlt'li ttdct'
Focus the lens by tulning the focusing levet'
on the lens mount. At the same time sight
thlough the viewfincler.and notice that a double
in-rage of the subject rvill appear in the cir.cular.
blight spot in the centei.of the field. By tui'n-
ing the focusing levet., the two images can be
made to coincide pelfectly. When this occuls,
corlect focus has been attained and no fur.ther.
adjustment is necessaly.
The exact camer.a-to-subject distance can be
read (in feet) fi'om the scale on the lens
mount' ril,s.aft.5rs,n .Focus so that the most ___rlrJ1!L- intlrcrtrtnt palt of the ---------i---5- subj ect is pelfectiy ali gned in
the i'angefinder'. An alea in fr.ont of and behind
the subject will also be in focus (depending on
the diaphlagm opening selected). This ar.ea is
called "depth of field". For. nrot'e infor,mation
on how to use your built-in "depth of field,'
scales, see page 18.
xore: Always set focusing mount to
infinity befole <'losing carrying ease.
11View original page 15Page 17 · Read text
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Reading the Meter Some Important Hints
Hold the camera in taking position, with 7. Screen the meter from the influ,erue of
the meter pointed towards the subject. The encessiae skgliglLt (beach, snou) or land-
needle will point to a black or white sector scape scenes) by tilting the camera skghtlg
associated with a LrcHT vALUE NUMBEB. downward when taki,ng a reading.
2. To take an erposure readi,ng directlgNote that there are Two light value scales against the sun, shade the honeycomb cell(one engtaved in black, the other in red). in the satne waA Aou would shade the lens.For bright light, keep the meter cover
closed and use the slAcr scALE. For dim 3. If in doubt, take closeup meter readings
light, open the meter cover and read the of the most important parts of the subject.
light value from the npo scALE. Zeroing thn Meter
The r,rcnr VALUE can be transferred di- If , with the honegcomb window completely
rectly to the shutter and will automatically darkened, th,e indicator does not coincide
provide both shutter and diaphragm with eractly with the 0 mnrk, it can be adjusted,
all information needed for perfect exposure. by turning th.e small reset screu) on the back of the camero. NorE: The zero adjust-
For further details, see page 16. ment is a delicate one-use entreme care.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Tlr,e Lisl?,t Value Systent,
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 I/L25 sec. at f :4.0; or L/60 sec. at f :5.6; or without destroying the controls so neces- 1/30 sec. at f :8.0; or l/t5 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 fol the photographer to choose which
short shutter speed, for example L/250 sec., combination best suits his altistic require-
allows less light to reach the film than a ments, in terms of action-stopping ability or
longer exposure of 1/30 sec. fn the same depth of field. The r,rcnr vALUE sysrnlr 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 worket.
be seen that every combination of shut-
ter speed and diaphragm opening can be
lepresented in telms of the AMoUNT oF LIGHT VALUE #11
LIGHT this combination admits to the film.
This amount of light has been called the
LrcHT vALUE. It can be seen, too, that sev-
eral combinations of openings and speeds
can have the same LIGHT vALUE. Diaphragm f/16 Diaphragm f/8 Diaphragm f/2.8
Shutter Speed Shutter Speed Shuttcr Speed
For example, a light value of 11 represents 1,/8 sec. .1/30 sec. t/250 ser,,.
t4 A ghten light oalue nuntber representa a c'orL stant enpoaure contbination-regordlesa of
shutter tpeed or diaphragm opening eelected,.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
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7'o Sct tlt( L,i.qltt I'rtIttc
After the ploper light value has been read away from housing-and then rotated to
from the exposure meter', (most modern bring desiled light value number into reg-
metels lead directly in light values) it is ister with the englaved allow above the
tlansferred to the shutter'. Light values are 7/60th sec. mark on the shutter speed ring.
shown on the shutter speed setting ling and It is also possible to set half light values-are set by bringing the desired value into i.e., l: between 8 and 9. In the liglft ualuelegister with the I'ed dot on the diaphragm systern., slrutter and diapltragTn settings aresetting ring. Diaphlagm setting and expo- coupied. When you adjust the sluutter,sure time are thus automatically combined. the rlia"pltragrn opening is automaticallyTo change the light value setting, pr.ess the changed to insure continued correct erpo-diaphragm setting lever inwat.d (towards sure. Conuersely, if the diaphragrn settingthe camera housing) and rotate the ring. is cltanged (to corcect for depth of field,Note-In Continental and Pr.ofessional mod- etc.) then the sltutter time arljusts to main-
els, the diaphlagm setting r.ing is lifted tain perf ect er'ltosure relationslip.
Exposule constants can be set manually, as
with older cameras, by setting the shutter
speed fir'st, and then selecting the desired
diaphragm opening. In this case, the
selected speed and opening ate aligned with
the setting line on the depth of field ring
and the light value numbels may be ignored.
Set the shutter'first by rotating the shutter
speed ling. Then depr.ess the diaphr.agm
level and set the diapht'agm.
15View original page 19Page 21 · Read text
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Deptlt ol Field
When vou focus on this poi
Some Hints
When your principal subject has
great depth-use a small opening
and achieve overall sharpness.
When the background is disturb-
ing-eliminate it by using a large +- DEPTH OF FIELD +
Picture uiII be sharp f ront opening...offering a shallow depth
gHere...to...Here+ of field-and allow the background
to become blurred and out of focus....you are actually in focus throughout an
entire zone. This area is called the DEPTH
OF FIELD.
The Depth of Field varies according to the
diaphragm open.ng selected. A small dia-
phragm opening will provide great depth
of field. A large opening rvill offer a shallow
depth of field.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Depth o.f Field Scale Tells Aree o.f Focus .f rtr Erery Picture
First focus on the most important subject.
Then the zone of sharpness may be r.ead
from the scale engraved 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 pt'ovide the closest, and the other,
the farthest limit of shar,pness. To adjust
the depth of field mer.ely change the dia-
phragm opening and the shutter will adjust
automatically to maintain correct exposur.es
while changing the shar.pness zone.
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18View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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If llou ott')t e lI'ittttau(t'Crttttittt'tttrtl rtt'Pt'rtt('ssirtnal Jlrtdal
Your camel'a is equipped with the remalk- When taking poltlaits, a shallow depth of
able new AUTOMATIC DEPTH OF field may be used to advantage. Merely tuln
FIELD INDICATOR. Notice the two led the shutter speed ring which changes the
pointers on top of the lens mount (on the depth of field automatically and makes cor'-
distance scale). These pointet's automati- lesponding changes in diaphragm and shut-
cally describe the "neal'" and "fat'" limits tel settings.
(depth of field) of perfect focus for any
selected shutter speed and diaphrag:m com-
bination. By changing the LIGHT VALUE,
you change the DEPTH OF FIELD and the
red pointers adjust themselves accordingly.
With a little practice, it will be possible to
tell at a glance the depth of field available
for any particular picture-taking situation.
Similally, it is now possible to adjust the
diaphlagm-shutter combination to suit a
depth of field problem. When taking land-
scapes, etc., adjust for a gleat depth of field.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
The Delayed Action Release
The built-in delayed action shutter release TMroRTANT: If the self-timer is brought
will allow you to take a picture of yourself. into position "v" while the shutter is wound It is no longer necessary for the photog- (film advanced and ready to photogaph),
rapher to be missing from every group he it should be allowed to run down as de- photographs-nor is it necessary to ask a scribed above. Do not force the lever back
stranger to take the picture for you. The to the "x" position. Synchro-Compur and Compur Rapid shut-
ters will wait a full ten seconds before mak- www.butkus.us
ing the exposure when the self-timer is
actuated. Set and wind the camera in the
usual fashion. Then wind the delayed action
release lever by moving it from "x" to posi-
tion "v". View and foeus the camera and
set it upon a firm table or tripod. Press the
shutter release and take position in front of
the camera. After approximately ten sec-
onds have elapsed, the shutter will release
itself, thus bxposing the picture.
After the picture has been taken, the de-
layed action lever will automatically return
to the "x" position.
20View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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Inte'rnal Synclr"ronization Makes expensive to use in the long run because
Wittnauer Flash Pictures Simple to thele al'e no bulbs to replace.
T uke-M aintains A c cw" ate E rp o sur e To use electronic flash, plug the flash cable
The fine Compur shutter on your Wittnauer into the contact on the flont 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
exposure button is released, and the shutter To use erpendable Flash Bulbs blades are fully open, an electric contact
Set the synchi'onizing 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 proper moment for high-
ffil camera. Once fir'ed, flash bulbs take flom 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 contact' approximately 15 millisec- your flash .unit, or can be found on every
onds before 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: Wittnauer Champion models perfor"rn the same basic flash functions desci'ibed fully synchronized syNCHRo-coMpuR shut-
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 camelas, electronic flash may be used at any shutter speed (even l/500 sec.).
To u.se Electronic Flash When using flash bulbs the best results
Electronic flash gives a mole powerful and will be obtained with shutter speed of t/30
a softer light than a flash bulb and is less sec. or slower.
2l
s! ... jl ,,; ,.View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
Wittnauer Continenta,I and Professional Models Feature Inter- changeable Lenses-for Wide Angle or Closeup Photograph,y. 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 wrrrNAUEB To Remoue Leni coNTTNENTAL or pBoFEssIoNAL 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 turning telephoto lens will bring the image over two the lens slightly to the left; release it from and a half times closer than the standard the bayonet mount. 50mm lens. All supplementary lenses are of When inserting the lens, the npn oor on the . cunoNost.l,n quality and are available com- inner side of the lens mount must coincide plete with leather carrying pouches.View original page 26
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