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Yashica FX-103 camera User manual

User manual for Yashica FX-103 camera. 25 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.

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Brand
Yashica
Model / document
Yashica FX-103 camera
Document type
User manual
Language
English
Pages
25
File size
2.1 MB
Category
Film cameras
Document date
Not specified in catalog

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Page 2 · Read text
Thank you for purchasing the Yashica FX-103 Program. It is an AE single lens reflex with capabilities for
Program AE modes, Aperture Priority AE mode, and Manual mode. Its two program AE modes are the Normal
Program and the High Speed Program AE modes.

This versatile camera incorporates diverse features such as a quartz/digital-controlled exposure system, a
viewfinder with a simplifier exposure data panel, an electronic self-timer, and a direct TTL metering system.
Before you attempt to sue the camera, please be sure to read the instruction manual carefully so as to ensure
yourself of proper operation and years of trouble free service.

The operating instructions in this manual are given with reference to the camera using a Yashica lens ML 50
mm f 1.9, but they are still applicable other interchangeable Yashica lenses.

Contents


                                       Using the Program AE Mode 48
Description of Parts 6

                                       Using the Aperture Priority AE Mode 54
Lens Changing 10

                                    Manual Exposures 58
Battery Installation 12

                                       Exposure Compensation 62
Film-Loading 16

                                         Quartz Self-Timer 68
Setting the Film Speed 22

                                         Viewfinder Eyepiece-Blind 72
Focusing 24

                                          Release Socket/interchangeable Camera
Inside the Viewfinder 28
                                    Back 74

Aperture Ring 30
                                              Infrared Compensation Mark 76

Shutter Control Dial 32
                                           Depth-of-Field 78

Holding the Camera 36
                                           Flash Photography 82

Film Rewinding 38
                                    Camera Accessories 88

Metering System 40
                                              Specifications 90

Exposure Mode Selection 44
                                    Camera Care 96
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When mounted correctly, the aperture/distance scale index on the lens will point toward the top of the camera.
When using a lens cap of the snap on type, attach or remove it from the lens by pressing in the two side-tabs

<Removing the Lens> While pressing the lens release button, turn the lens counterclockwise slightly and
remove it from the camera-body mount. Always keep caps on the camera-body mount and the lens mount when
the lens is left off the camera.

· Avoid touching camera interior or lens surface with your fingers.
· Avoid direct sunlight when removing or mounting the lens with film loaded in the camera.


Battery Installation


                                                              The electronic
                                                                                   shutter and
                                                                       exposure control
                                                                       systems of the FX-
                                                                103 program are of
                                                                               the battery powered
                                                                                  type. Thus, the
                                                                   camera will not
                                                                             function without
                                                                                         batteries.


Use two 1.55 V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 or equivalent) or two 1.5 V alkaline batteries (LA44 or equivalent).

(1) Open the battery compartment cover on camera base by unscrewing it counterclockwise with a coin edge.

(2) Stack two batteries into the battery holder with the (+) side facing up as shown by the battery polarity marks
molded on the holder. Then replace the holder in the battery compartment and firmly secure the cover.


               <Battery Check> Press the self-timer/battery check lever in direction of the
                 arrow. If the self-timer/battery check flasher glows steadily, it means the batteries
                  are good. When the battery output falls below the rated output, the flasher will
                 switch to a pulsating signal. In this case, replace the batteries with fresh ones.



<Battery Precautions>
· Battery life is approximately 1 year with silver-oxide batteries, and about 6 months with alkaline-manganese
batteries, but this may vary depending on frequency of camera use, the strength of batteries at time of purchase,
ambient temperature, etc.

· When changing batteries, replace both batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new batteries or those of
different types.

· Batteries are apt to perform poorly in sub-zero temperatures, causing picture taking difficulties. Keep the
camera as warm as possible and carry extra batteries just in case those in the camera should fail. Batteries
affected by such extreme temperatures will recover power after being kept warm for a while.
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· When installing batteries, wipe the cell cap and base clean. Oily residue on battery terminals could cause poor
electrical contact.

· When going on extended trips, take along a spare set of fresh batteries.

· Do not throw batteries into a fire or attempt to take them apart.

· Keep the batteries out of children's reach. If swallowed, immediately consult a physician for emergency
treatment.


Film Loading


                               Always use a standard 35 mm film cartridge (12, 20, 24 or 36
                                  exposure roll). Avoid direct sunlight when loading film.

                                        (1) Open the camera back by pulling the film rewind knob all
                                   the way out.

                                        (2) Place the film cartridge in the film chamber. Then, push
                                      the rewind knob back in, turning it slightly until it falls into
                                        position, if necessary.





                                          (3) Draw out the film leader and insert the tip into any slot
                                on the take-up spool.

                                          (4) Advance the film slightly with the film advance lever
                                            until the perforations on both sides of the film engage the
                                      sprocket teeth. If necessary, trip the shutter for blank shots
                                  and keep advancing the film until both rows of perforations
                                  engage the sprocket. Close the camera back and press until
                                                          it locks into place.
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                                              <Film Advance Lever> Use one full
                                                          stroke of the film advance lever to
                                                  advance the film. The electromagnetic
                                                            shutter release will not function unless
                                                          the lever is given a full stroke. The film
                                                  advance lever is easier to operate if it is
                                                       kept in the standoff position (20° arc).

                                                             (5) Unfold the rewind crank and turn it
                                                        gently in the direction of the arrow to
                                                         take up film slack.





                     (6) Wind the film advance lever and trip the shutter alternately until the
                  exposure counter reads "1". Now you can start taking pictures. If the film
                 rewind knob rotates in unison with the operation of the film advance lever, it
                means that the film is feeding properly.



When taking blank exposures in a dim area or the lens capped, set the shutter control dial at one of the faster
settings, preferably at 1/1000 sec. If the shutter is released with the dial set on "P" "HP" or "AK" it will result
in an excessively long exposure, during which time the film advance lever will remain inoperable.

<Exposure Counter>
The exposure counter moves each times the film advance lever is fully stroked, and automatically resets to "S"
(Start) when the camera back is opened, regardless of whether the camera is loaded or not. The exposure
counter starts with "S", then "1", followed by even numbers from "4" through "36". The odd numbers are
indicated by dots marked between the even numbers. The orange-colored numbers "12", "20", "24" and "36"
correspond to the number of exposures in standard 35 mm film cartridges.



Setting Film Speed


                                   Proper film speed setting is necessary to assure correct
                                          film exposure. The film speed number (ISO) is normally
                                        indicated on the film box.

                                 While pressing the film-speed dial release-button, rotate the
                                       film speed dial until the ISO film speed number for the film
                                     being used lines up with the exposure compensation index
                                mark "X1" (orange-colored). Then, release the button and
                                   check to see that the dial is set on the proper click stop.
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Page 8 · Read text
<Memo Holder>
                                       To remind yourself what type of film is loaded
                                                       in your camera insert the end of the film carton
                                                       into the memo holder. The holder is also handy
                                                       for holding notes on exposure data.

Film speed Values (ISO)



Focusing:
Focusing is done by using any element of its convenient three-way focusing system consisting of a split-image
spot, a microprism collar and an outer matte field.



                                                       <Horizontal Split-image Spot>
                                           When using the split-image spot to
                                                                 focus, turn the focusing ring until
                                                                the top and bottom halves of the
                                                     image merge. If the image is out of
                                                                 focus, the two halves will not
                                                         merge.


<Microprism Collar/Matte Field>
 To focus with the microprism collar, turn the focusing ring until the glittering effect disappears from the collar
area, giving you a sharp, clear image when in focus. To focus with the outer matte field, turn the focusing ring
until the image appears sharp and clear, free of any foggy effect.

· When using long focal-length lenses, or lenses with a relatively small maximum aperture (f4 or slower), or
when performing close-up photography at high magnification, the micro prism collar and split-image spot may
become dark, making focusing difficult. In this case, focus using the outer matte field.



                       <Diopter Lenses>
                          Special correction lenses are available for those who find it difficult to
                         focus with their eyeglasses on. There are 8 types available: -5D
                             (diopters), -4D, -3D, -2D, OD, + 1 D, + 2D, and + 3D. Choose the one
                           suited to your eyesight needs. These lenses should be used with an
                         accessory eyecup.
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Inside the Viewfinder

Touch the shutter release lightly and the viewfinder LEDs will light or flash to indicate the shutter speed in
effect and other essential exposure information.

· It should be noted that when print films are processed, standard service-size prints will show an area slightly
less than that seen on the negative.





                                                                       - Dedicated flash ready mark

                                                                       -- Program AE mode indicator



                                                                       -- Shutter speed LED

                                                            --Shutter speed scale




Aperture Ring


                                            The aperture ring regulates the amount of
                                                              light transmitted to the film plane. The
                                              amount of light transmission is halved
                                          when the aperture is changed to the next
                                                           larger f value (for example, when f/4 is
                                                changed to f/5.6), and doubled when it is
                                                changed to the next smaller f value. The
                                                        aperture also controls the depth-of-field, a
                                                         lens property giving you varying depth in
                                                        the plane of focus at different apertures.
                                                      (Refer to page 78)


To set the aperture turn the aperture ring until the desired aperture setting is aligned with the aperture/distance
index. The aperture ring can be used at in-between positions.
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Shutter Control Dial



                                 The function of the shutter is to control the length of time
                                          the film is exposed to light. On the FX-103 Program,
                                     whether set in the Program AK. Aperture priority AE, or
                                 Manual exposure mode, the shutter speed is controlled by
                                    an electronic circuit incorporating a high precision quartz
                                               oscillator.





<Shutter Control Dial Settings>
"OFF" For switching off power, causing all camera functions to cease. Set the dial to "OFF" when not using
the camera.

"P" (Normal Program Mode) For taking pictures in the general program AE mode.

"HP" (High-speed Program Mode) For taking pictures in the program AE mode that favors a shutter speed
slightly faster than that selected in the Normal Program Mode.

"AE" For taking pictures in the Aperture-priority AE mode.

"1000" ~ "1" For exposure settings using the Manual exposure mode. "1000," "500," "60," and "1" represent
usable shutter speed settings of 1/1000, 1/500, 1/60 and 1 second respectively. When the setting is shifted to a
next larger number For example, from 125 to 250), the exposure time is successively halved with each setting;
conversely, when shifted to a next smaller number, the exposure time is successively doubled with each setting.

"B" The shutter remains open during the time the shutter release button is kept pressed so it is used for taking
long exposure shots.

"X" For shooting flash when the camera is used with a non-dedicated flash unit. Operates camera at 1/100 sec.
synch speed.



                   <Setting the Shutter Control Dial>
                 A. Set the shutter control dial by turning it until the desired click-stopped
                 number aligns with the shutter speed index.
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Holding the Camera

In order to take a beautiful, in-focus photograph, it is necessary to hold the camera steadily. Since most blurred
pictures are caused by camera shake (moving the camera at the instant of exposure), you should practice with
the camera until you feel accustomed to holding it properly. Hold the camera in the palm of your left hand,
using your fingers to rotate the focusing ring. Hold the camera's handgrip firmly in your right hand, resting your
forefinger on the shutter release. With your left elbow against your body, hold the camera up to your face
firmly, and while looking through the viewfinder, press the shutter release lightly. Besides the horizontal
position, the camera can of course also be used , to take pictures in the vertical position In any event, practice
until you find the positions that best suit your own photographic style.

Depending on conditions, it may also be a good idea to stabilize the camera by leaning your body against a
building, resting the camera on a fence or other support, etc.



When all frames on a roll of film have been exposed, you will be unable to operate the film advance /ever. Do
not attempt to advance the film further, as torn film may result. Check the exposure counter, and when it shows
you have completed a roll of film, always be sure to rewind the film into its cartridge before opening the camera
back. After removing the film, have it processed as early as possible.





                                                       [2] Unfold the film rewind crank and turn it in
[1] Press the film rewind release button on the       the direction of the arrow. Keep turning until
base of the camera. Continuous pressing is         you feel a light resistance shortly before the
unnecessary as the button is an automatically        film comes off the take-up spool and continue
resetting type.                                      turning until the crank eventually rotates
                                                          freely.
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Metering System
The FX-103 Program features a TTL full-aperture metering system that measures the light coming through the
lens at its maximum aperture. It is of the "center-weighted" metering type which emphasizes the central portion
of the viewfinder image while taking into account the surrounding area seen in the viewfinder.



                                              <Built in Exposure Meter> When the shutter
                                                    release is pressed lightly, the switch for the built-
                                                     in exposure meter is turned ON, and shutter
                                             speed LEDs inside the viewfinder will indicate
                                                  the exposure in effect. Even after the finger has
                                           been removed from the shutter release, the
                                             exposure meter remains ON for 16 seconds
                                                before automatically turning itself OFF. Since the
                                              metering system is center-weighted, you can
                                                 obtain optimum correct exposure by framing and
                                              metering your subject in the center of the
                                                 viewfinder.



<Light Reading Range>





The table gives the EV Light reading range for various lenses, showing the inter-relationship between aperture,
shutter speed and EV (exposure values). For instance, when an f/1.4 lens at ISO 100 is used, the reading range
spanning the points that the vertical lines (EV) and the horizontal lines (shutter speed) intersect with the
diagonal lines extending from the f values of "1.4" to "16" (representing the minimum aperture of the Yashica
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ML Lens f/1.4 50 mm), denotes the reading range from EV 3 to 18.

* EV numbers, which are used to indicate the coupling range of the light meter, denote the aperture and shutter
speed combinations that yield the same exposure effect on the film for a given lighting condition.

For example, when using EV 13 from the scale as a guide, it can be seen that the same exposure effect is
attained using the combinations of f/16 at 1/30 sec and f/8 at 1/125 sec.
* The EV numbers from 3 through 18 and the shutter speed from 16 to 1/1000 sec. represent the range over
which the camera normally meters in the modes (P. HP and AE Modes).

* That part of the metering range which is shown in color denotes the light reading range when using an f/1.4
lens at ISO 100.

Exposure Mode Selection

With the FX-103 Program, the shutter control dial enables selection of any one of two program modes,
aperture priority AE mode, and manual exposure mode to suit any photographic objective or
requirement.

<Program AE Mode>
In the Program AE mode, the camera automatically selects the optimum combination of shutter speed and
aperture settings for correct exposure according to lighting condition by using its pre-programmed matching
shutter speed and lens aperture settings. This eliminates exposure worries, thus leaving you free to concentrate
on composition and making it a boon when it is top priority on capturing those fleeting, decisive moments. For
the desired objective, Program modes are available in Normal Program and High-speed Program.
(1) "P" (Normal Program AE Mode) ... In this mode, the camera selects the correct balance of shutter speed and
aperture settings, making it easy even for the beginning photographer to use the camera with confidence.
(2) "HP" (High-speed Program AE Mode) ... With this program mode, the camera sets apertures in combination
with shutter speeds that are slightly faster than those selected in the Normal Program mode. It minimizes
camera shake when using telephoto lenses.

<Aperture-Priority AE Mode>
You set the lens aperture, and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed according to the lighting
condition to give you the correct exposure combination. You will find it not only suitable for general
photography work but also for shots with depth of field considerations because you can freely control the
aperture setting.

<Manual Exposure Mode>
With this mode, you control the aperture and shutter speed settings in selecting the correct exposure
combination needed to obtain the intended results or effect. And aided by the exposure information displayed in
the viewfinder, you can easily take those intentional over or underexposed shots.
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Using the Program AE Mode





(1) Set the Shutter Control Dial to "P" This enables shooting in the Normal Program AE mode. To use the
High-speed Program AE mode, set the dial on "HP". The "P" mark will be displayed in the viewfinder,
indicating the camera is in the Program AE mode. (Provided the metering system is switched on.)

(2) Set Aperture at Minimum Aperture Setting Turn the aperture ring to its minimum setting. <Aperture
Warning> When the aperture setting is moved away from the minimum setting toward the maximum setting,
the "P" mark will pulsate at some settings. In this case, reset aperture to the minimum setting.

(3) Focus and Compose Focus on subject using the focusing ring, and compose your picture at the same time.



                                          [4] Confirm Exposure and Shoot Touch the shutter release
                                           lightly and a lighted viewfinder LED will indicate the
                                         correct shutter speed in effect. If the shutter speed LEDs
                                            light at any setting from "1000" through "B." it indicates
                                         correct exposure. A lighted LED at "B" indicates a long
                                    time exposure up to 16 sec. Press the shutter release all the
                             way to effect exposure



· When a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or slower is indicated, there is a danger of camera shake.
In this case, use auto flash or support the camera with a tripod.


                     <Overexposure Warning>
                  When the shutter speed LED pulsates at the "OVER" position, it
                           indicates overexposure. Since the ambient light is too intense, adjust for
                           correct exposure by using an ND (neutral density) filter to reduce light
                          transmission.

                     <Underexposure Warning>
                  When the shutter speed LED pulsates at the "B" position, it indicates
                         underexposure. Since the ambient light level is too low, compensate by
                         using auto flash or supplementary illumination.
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<Program AE Control Scale>




                                                                 -- Normal Program

                                                                 -- High-Speed Program


                                                                 --- When using 28mm 2.8 lens8





The aperture and shutter speed combinations available in the Normal Program and High-speed Program AE
modes are as shown in the accompanying scale. The scale shows the curves plotted for varying aperture and
shutter speed combinations when using a 50 mm f/1.9 lens. If a lens with a different maximum aperture is used,
such as a 28 mm f/2.8 lens for example, it will be as shown by the dotted line.

· When using a lens with a maximum aperture under f/5.6, or with the Auto Bellows, Microscope Adapter and
such other accessories which do not couple with the auto diaphragm mechanism, the program AE mode cannot
be used. In this case, use the Aperture priority AE mode or the manual mode to take your picture.


Using the Aperture Priority AE Mode



                                                                                   [1] Set the Shutter
                                                                   Control Dial at
                                                   "AE"

                                                              The camera is now
                                                                                   in the Aperture-
                                                                                     priority AE mode.



[2] Select the Aperture Setting Select the desired aperture by turning the lens aperture ring.

[3] Focus and Compose Compose the picture while focusing with a turn of the focusing ring.
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[4] Confirm Exposure
                                                                      Setting and Shoot
                                                                  Depress the shutter
                                                                            release lightly and the
                                                                             shutter speed LED will
                                                                                       light, indicating the
                                                                            correct exposure in
                                                                                    effect. If the LED lights
                                                                             steadily at any position
                                                              from "1000" through
                                                                      "B", it indicates correct
                                                                      exposure.


Then depress the shutter release the rest of way in to effect exposure. A lighted LED at "B" indicates a long
time exposure up to 16 sec. When two LEDs light up simultaneously, an intermediate shutter speed somewhere
between the two indicated speeds will be used.

· If a shutter speed of 1/30 second or slower is indicated, there is a danger of camera shake with hand held shots.
In this case, use auto flash, or support the camera with a tripod.

<When LED at "OVER" Pulsates> This indicates an overexposure setting because of excessive lighting on
subject. Stop down the aperture until a usable shutter speed is indicated. If the "OVER" LED still pulsates after
adjusting aperture, then use an optional neutral density filter.

<When LED at "B" Pulsates> This indicates an underexposure setting. Since your subject is too dimly lit,
select a wider aperture. If the "B" LED still pulsates after adjusting aperture fully, then use auto flash or
supplementary illumination.





Set the Shutter Speed. Turn the shutter control dial to the desired manual shutter speed setting.

Set the Lens Aperture. Turn the lens aperture ring to the desired aperture setting.
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[3] Check the Exposure and Shoot
Depress the shutter release lightly and the shutter speed LED will pulsate to indicate the user-selected shutter
speed, and will light up to indicate the correct shutter speed for the aperture setting in effect (Figure 1). For
correct exposure, adjust the shutter or aperture settings until the pulsating and steadily lit LEDs merge (Figure
2).

Now, depress the shutter release all the way to effect exposure.

· When two steadily lit LEDs appear at the same time, it will not be possible to merge the LEDs by turning the
shutter control dial. In this case, merge the LEDs by a fine adjustment of the aperture ring.




                             <"B" (Bulb) Photography> When making photographs
                                        of stars, or other photography at night requiring long
                                     exposure times (1 second or longer), set the shutter control
                                             dial to "B" (Bulb). In this mode, the shutter will remain
                                      open, and the film will be exposed for as long as the
                                           shutter release is held depressed.





                                 In this case, camera shake is inevitable with hand-held
                              photography, thus the camera should always be mounted on a
                                    tripod, or rested on a solid surface to keep it immobile. To further
                           remove any possibility of camera shake, the Cable Switch
                                  (optional accessory) should be connected to the camera.





Exposure Compensation



                                     In automatic exposure photography (P. HP and AE modes),
                                      there may be situations where correct exposure is unattainable
                                 because of strong backlighting or harsh contrast in lighting
                                    conditions between subject and background. In such cases, as
                                   well as when you wish to take intentional over or
                                underexposed shots, you will need to use the exposure
                                compensation function.
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Exposure compensation is accomplished using the film speed dial. Normally, the film speed value of the film in
use is set opposite the "X1" position on the exposure compensation index. For exposure compensation, depress
the film-speed-dial release, and turn the dial until the speed value of the film in use lines up with the desired
compensation index reading. The exposure compensation index can be used at intermediate settings and can be
click-stopped in 1/3 increments between index readings.

Always reset the ISO speed value for the film being used to "X1' when exposure compensation is no longer
needed.

· The usable compensation range varies with the speed rating of the film in use, so the following table has been
provided as a guide.


                                                     Values "2" and "4" Increase the
                                           Amount of Exposure
                                                              In situations such as shooting against
                                                              the light or where your subject is
                                                                   back-lit by a bright sky or beach
                                                              scene, or when you want to
                                                        overexpose intentionally, set the dial
                                                                       at "2" or "4". The "2" setting
                                                          corresponds to a change of one f-
                                                                  stop, and the "4" to two f-stops.





                                              Values "1/2" and "1/4" Decrease the
                                      Amount of Exposure
                                                      In situations where the background is dark
                                                 because of spotlighting of the subject or
                                              where you want to underexpose
                                                           intentionally, set the dial to "1/2" or "1/4".
                                           The "1/2 " setting corresponds to a change of
                                              one f-stop, and the "1/4" to two f-stops.



When you wish to include yourself in a group or special occasion picture, use the camera's quartz self-
timer. Once you press the self-timer button it double functions as a self-timer flasher (LED) to indicate
that the self-timer is in operation.
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                                                                          [1] First focus the camera
                                                            and advance the film. Then
                                                                            slide the self-timer/battery
                                                              check lever in the direction
                                                                     of the arrow until the white
                                                                 index mark aligns with the
                                                                 white mark above the self-
                                                                          timer.


[2] Once the self-timer button/flasher is pressed, it will begin flashing for about 10 seconds before the shutter is
automatically tripped. The flashing rate will accelerate about two seconds before end of countdown to let you
know that the shutter is about to be released. You can cancel the self-timer at any time during countdown by
repressing the button. After using the self-timer, reset the self-timer/battery check lever to its original position.

· The shutter can be activated by pressing the shutter release even in the midst of a self-timer countdown. When
this is done, the self-timer will cancel and the self-timer flasher will be turned off.

· Resetting of the self-timer/battery check lever to its original position will not cause the self-timer to cancel
during its countdown.

· During the self-timer countdown period, the LED display inside the viewfinder will be turned off.

· The self-timer will not function when the shutter control dial is set at "B".



                                                When shooting in the
                                                           Program Auto (P. HP) or
                                                                 Aperture Priority Auto
                                                       (AK) Modes using a self-
                                                                    timer or remote control
                                                                   system, the meter reading
                                                  may be thrown off by stray
                                                                               light entering via the
                                                                   viewfinder eyepiece as it is
                                                                    not being shielded by the
                                                                   nearness of your face.


In this case, attach an accessory eyecup to the viewfinder eyepiece as shown in the illustration, slide it up and
fold the rubber part against the viewfinder eyepiece to shield out stray light. Alternatively, you can use the stray
light prevention adapter supplied with the camera to shield the viewfinder eyepiece. For the use of the stray
light prevention adapter, see the enclosed instruction sheet.
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Release Socket/Interchangeable Camera Back



                                                             <Release Socket>
                                                                 This may be used to attach
                                                               remote control devices such
                                                                     as the Cable Switch,
                                                                        Infrared Controller S. Radio
                                                                         Controller, etc., or as a
                                                                      contact for connecting the
                                                          Auto Bellows or the RTF
                                                          540 flash unit. The socket
                                                                       receives electrical signals
                                                            from these accessories
                                                           which are used to operate
                                                                       the shutter.



· Do not connect an ordinary cable release (mechanically operated type) to this release socket as this can cause
damage to the socket device.

<Interchangeable Camera Rack>
The standard camera back can be interchanged with the cordless Yashica FX Data Back Quartz for imprinting
the date and/or time on the photographs. To remove the camera back, loosen it while pushing down on the
camera back release lug.


Infrared Compensation Mark




                           Since shooting with monochrome infrared film (and red filter) will
                                 result in focusing on a different film plane than when using the normal
                            focusing procedure, focusing must be compensated for this variance.
                         Both Yashica ML and Zeiss T. lenses have an infrared compensation
                       mark on the depth-of-field scale. First use the normal focusing
                           procedure with the red filter off, then mount the filter and turn the
                            focusing ring unit until the distance focused upon is opposite the
                          compensation mark.

                                    · Please refer to film guide sheet when using color infrared film.
                               <if you want IR, go with a digital IR camera>
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Depth-of-field
One property of lenses is that when they are focused on a certain object, not only the subject itself, but all
objects in a certain range in front and back of the subject will appear acceptably sharp in the picture. This range
is called the depth-of-field. The depth-of-field of a given lens varies, as follows.




                                                                           (1) If the aperture is
                                                                 stopped down, the depth-of-
                                                                               field increases; if the
                                                                       aperture is opened up the
                                                                         depth-of-field decreases.



(2) As the distance to the subject increases the depth-of-field increases; as the distance to the subject decreases
the depth-of-field decreases.

(3) The depth-of-field is greater behind the subject on which the lens is focused than in front of it. Different
lenses may have different depth-of-field limits. A lens of short focal length has greater depth-of-field at any set
distance than a lens of long focal length.





                    <Depth of-field Scale>
                     The actual depth-of-field of a lens is shown by a scale shown on the lens.
                       For example, when a 50 mm lens is focused at 5 m and the aperture
                            setting is f/16, objects at distances between the two "16" figures on the
                           depth-of-field scale, in this case from about 2.7 m and infinity will appear
                         acceptably sharp to the unaided eye.




Flash Photography
When shooting indoors or at night, the use of an electronic flash unit is recommended.
The FX-103 Program, when teamed with the Yashica CS-203 Auto flash unit, can be used for TTL metered flash
exposures.



                            <Flash Photography with the CS-203 Auto flash Unit> TTL
                             metered flash exposures with the CS-203 Auto flash unit can be
                         made with the camera merely set in, one of the AE modes (P. HP or
                    AE mode). The TTL flash metering system reads the through-the-
                                    lens-light reflected off the film surface and cuts off flash output
                         when proper exposure has been made. This allows the use of all
                                  apertures, and the easy execution of advanced flash techniques such
                                as bounce and diffused flash.
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Page 22 · Read text
· When used with the Contax TLA electronic flash system, the FX-103 Program can likewise be used for TTL
flash exposures.




                      <Flash Synch Speed>
                         Set the shutter control dial set at "P." "HP," "AK" or at any setting from
                      "1000" through "125." When the flash unit completes recycling, the synch
                       speed of 1/100 sec. is automatically set and the shutter speed LED in the
                        viewfinder will flash opposite the "125" mark on the shutter speed scale.

                 When the dial is set at settings "60" through "1," and at "X" or "B." the
                      synch speed will be at the respective shutter settings.



<Dedicated Flash Signal Mark>

When dedicated flash unit is used, a flash ready LED mark "    in the viewfinder will light upon recycling of
the flash unit. When undertaking TTL flash photography, the same LED mark will pulsate for two seconds
after exposure to indicate correct exposure; otherwise, the LED will remain unlit after exposure.


When the FX-103 Program is used with the Yashica flash system, the operating patterns of the LED display
upon recycling of the flash unit are as shown in accompanying

                                                           Automatic Setting of Synch
Flash Unit                     Dedicated Flash Mark Lights
                                                        Speed (LED Flashes)

CS-203 Auto                              *                           *

CS-202 Auto *                            *                           *

CD-201 Auto *                            *                           *

CS-14                                                     --                                        --

CS-10                                                     --                                        --


* Does not have TTL flash capability.



                        <Using Other Flash Units>
                       The synch contact of the FX-103 Program is an X contact (1/100 sec).
                            Set the shutter control dial to "X" (shutter speed LED will flash at the
                          "125" position) or at a shutter speed of 1/60 sec. or slower.
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Page 23 · Read text
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· When using other electronic flash or flash bulb unit, use one of the cordless type.

· With flash bulb units, use a shutter speed of 1/30 see, or slower.





<CS-203 Auto> This is a      <FX Data back Quartz> This   <139 Winder II>--Contax
compact TTL automatic          data back utilizes a cordless      Product-- This is a compact
electronic flash (guide number    link to the camera body. It        film auto-winder equipped with
20) designed for use with the     features a highly accurate        a release button for vertical
FX-103 Program. Since the        digital quartz clock allowing     format photography. Winding
light from the flash is           your choice of five recording     speed is two frames per second.
controlled within the camera,    modes: (1) Year/month/day;     Photography can be performed
you can enjoy flash               (2) Day/Hour/Minute; (3)         in the auto (P. HP and AK)
photography with very simple    Counter (4) Any 6 digit         mode, or manual, using any
operation.                   number desired; (5) No data.      shutter speeds desired.
                             Data is recorded in seven
                             segment numerals.



Specifications

Type: 35 mm focal-plane type A jingle lens reflex camera.

Image Size: 24 x 36 mm

Lens Mount: Contax/Yashica bayonet mount.

Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical travel, metal focal plane shutter (quartz-oscillator timed).

Shutter Speeds: Auto: 16 sec. to 1/1000 sec.; Manual: 1 sec. to 1/1000 sec. (11 steps); X synch; and B (Bulb).

Flash Synchronization: In direct X-synch only, automatically synchs at 1/100 sec. With dedicated flash unit,
automatically synchs at 1/100 sec. even with shutter speed settings at 1/1000 to 1/125 sec. in the P. PH or AE
modes. (Flash synchs at 1/30 sec. or slower with flash bulb units.)
View original page 23

From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.

PDF verified 2026-10-10.