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WIRGIN EDIXA

INSTRUCTIONS

Introduction:
The EDIXA is a precision 35 mm camera and available in two Models--Model 11 with coupled range finder Model I without rangefinder.

The rangefinder of the EDIXA 11 is designed to the highest precision so that the most accurate results will be obtained. It is coupled with the helical focussing mount of the lens in a new and simplified manner that guarantees smooth operation. This rangefinder can easily be adjusted in the event of the camera being dropped or if it should otherwise become necessary to do so.4.butkus.org

All models have a rapid lever which permits the taking of pictures in very fast sequence so that serial shots can be obtained with the greatest of ease. The transporting of the film and cocking of the shutter is carried out in two rapid movements, so that a separate operation is not necessary For the latter. This also serves to prevent double exposure.

The shutter is released smoothly with a knob located on the body of the camera convenient for operation with the right hand so that the shutter can be released immediately after winding it. In the same manner the camera does not have to be removed from the eye when setting the distance on the Model II with coupled rangefinder. Simply set the distance and wind the shutter while focusing - then release the shutter.4.butkus.org

Loading the camera Is simple and can be done extremely Fast. Detailed instructions are given in the corresponding chapters of this booklet. Since this is a precision instrument, we urge you to study the instructions carefully before using your camera. We recommend that You make a couple of tests with a roll of film First. DO NOT TRY TO RELEASE SHUTTER WITHOUT FILM, IT WILL NOT Work ! Should you encounter any difficulties in operating your camera, do not attempt to make repairs on your own, but contact the dealer from whom you have purchased the camera, or if preferred, write directly to the importers. Your EDIXA carries the usual guarantee.4.butkus.org

Loading:

Your EDIXA Camera is designed to take standard 35 mm cassettes for 20 or 36 exposures. The first step is to open the back of the camera. This is done by pushing up the latch of the camera back. Then the rewind knob has to be pulled up and the film cassette is inserted into the camera with the leader facing in the direction of the take-up-spool Turn take-up-spool (without using the lever) until two slots become visible. Bend the end of the film about l/2 inch and insert the tongue of the film into the slot in the take-up-spool. It does not matter whether the film tongue is on top or bottom or if there is no tongue at all (as in bulk film.)

It is advisable to move the film by hand until the perforations properly engage the sprockets. Close the back of the camera by pushing the latch down. To eliminate that portion of the film exposed by loading the camera and to bring fresh film into taking position, turn the winding lever three times. Be careful to move the lever each time as far as it will go. Push the body trigger release and repeat operation. Now the film is in taking position.4.butkus.org

The film counter indicates the number of pictures still remaining in the cassette and, therefore, must be set on "20" or "36" (depending on the film used). The film counter is set through the setting knob either with your finger nail or with a small coin. The film counter can be moved in either direction. You are now ready to take the first picture.


Distance Setting:

EDIXA I
Measure the distance from the camera to the object and set the corresponding distance on the distance setting ring. If there should be no corresponding figure on the ring to the measured distance, you have to move closer or back away from the object, or, if that is not possible, select a setting between the two closest figures.4.butkus.org

EDIXA II with coupled Rangefinder
Focus with your left eye through the rangefinder window while turning the distance setting knob of the lens with your left hand. You will notice that the image in the window consists of two parts. The camera is in focus when the two images are in a straight line (see picture).

Shutter Speeds:
By turning the outer ring the shutter speed selected will appear in the small cut off. The number "1" means 1 see, "2" however 1/2 sec., "5" 1/5 sec. and so on. "B" means time exposure - as long as you press the body release the shutter remains opened. Time exposures and all exposures longer than 1/25 sec. must be done with a cable release. In this case a tripod or another support must be used. For long exposures of a few seconds we recommend a locking cable release. Some shutters as the "Pronto" shutter are equipped with delaying action devices (self timers). To use the self timer you push the lever with the red button clockwise, release the shutter and move yourself into the taking position facing the camera. Distance, shutter speed and diaphragm setting as usual. The delay is about 13 seconds, which gives you ample time to get yourself into the picture.

For the shutter "Prontor SVS" a separate instruction is enclosed.4.butkus.org

Diaphragm settings:
Diaphragm opening - the shutter of the camera controls the amount of light permitted to enter and register on the negative. On the top of the shutter you will notice markings from f 2,8 or f 3,5 to f 16. These are diaphragm openings or stops. Open the back of the camera (when not loaded, of course) set the shutter speed on "B", wind the lever and advance the film sprocket as far as it will go to the right, once, by hand. Then press the body release and keep it down if desired with a locking cable release, while holding the camera up to your eye. The diaphragm can then be seen against the light. Please note that if the pointer is moved from f 2,8 to f 16 the opening behind the lens gets smaller. This variable diaphragm opening controls the amount of light that can enter the camera at any given shutter speed. When taking pictures indoors, when all the available light is required to enter the camera, use a larger diaphragm setting such as f 2,8 or f 3,5. When taking pictures in sunlight, when the prevention of too much light from entering the camera is desired, a small opening as f 8 should be used.4.butkus.org

Depth of Field:
An important characteristic of lens operations is worth noting. When a small diaphragm opening is used, the resulting snapshot has a large depth of field. Objects in front of and in back of the focussed distance will register sharply in focus. When a large diaphragm opening is used, only a short distance before and after the focused distance will also be in focus. On the shutter is engraved the depth of field table which indicates the depth of field for the given distance and diaphragm. The distances on the focussing ring opposite the diaphragm numbers give you the range of the sharpness, for example:

Diaphragm	Distance	Depth of Field
8	7 ft	5 1/2 ft to 10 ft
8	10 ft	7 ft to 18 ft

The amount of light which falls on the film can be controlled in two ways:

1. By regulating the diaphragm opening

2. Through the various shutter speeds.

The stopping down of the diaphragm opening gives you the advantage of a greater depth of field. In general use a speed of l/25 or l/60 sec. and regulate the diaphragm according to prevailing light conditions. However, when pictures of fast moving objects have to be taken, a faster speed, say 1/100 sec., must be selected. In this case, of course, a larger stop must be used.4.butkus.org

We recommend the use of one of the light meters sold by your photo dealer. If you are a colour enthusiast an electrical exposure meter is useful because of its accuracy.

To facilitate the facing of pictures for the beginner there is a so-called universal setting. Set your camera for the speed of 1/25 or l/50 sec. depending on the light, and set your distance on 20 ft. The diaphragm opening should be F :8. In this position, most of the objects in front of the camera will be sharp in the picture, and the exposure time will also be correct. However, this universal setting can be used only on certain days and only with black-and white film since there is a wider exposure latitude with black-and white film. Color pictures have to be exposed very accurately. If you use color film we suggest that you follow the instructions given by the film manufacturers. Also, if you want to take pictures of moving objects, you will have to use a faster speed and a large diaphragm opening. Follow rules about shutter speeds for moving objects. Color pictures should not be taken with a diaphragm opening slower than F. 6,3. Our lenses are therefore specially corrected for the diaphragm opening speed range from full opening to F. 8.

Taking the Picture:
Hold the camera with both hands so that the viewfinder window is in front of the right eye Trip the shutter with the forefinger of the right hand and wind the film with the thumb of the right hand. As pointed out in the introduction, it is in this way possible to take pictures in fast sequence without removing the camera from your eye, and on the model with coupled rangefinder, you can set the distance at the same time.4.butkus.org

After having made your exposure you move the film for the next picture by winding the lever twice. Our camera is designed for double winding of the lever, because it takes the same time as single winding (the way is the same) but it is more comfortable. The lever comes back into the original position automatically. While transporting the film the rewind knob turns and you can observe if the film is properly transported.

Unloading Camera:
After all the pictures have been taken the film must be rewound into the original cassette. Move the rewind button to rewind position (to the left). Then rewind the film into the cassette by turning the rewind knob clockwise. As long as there is still film in the camera you feel the effort of winding, which stops as soon as all of the film is back in the cassette. You can further control this operation by observing the numbers of the counter which moves backwards, and when the film is rewound it shows No. 36 or 20 again (depending on the film used).

Flash Pictures:
On the shutter there is a hash synchro nipple into which the plug of the hash cable is inserted. All of the shutters are synchronized for the speeds of 1/50 and slower for flash and bulbs and at all speeds for electronic flashguns. The Prontor SVS shutter however is full, synchronized, that means, hash pictures can be taken with all speeds using hash bulbs and electronic guns, provided the separate shutter instructions are followed.

Treatment of the Edixa:
It is advisable to keep the camera in the Eveready Case at all times since the case will protect it from dust. The case is designed so that it does not have to be removed when taking pictures.

Treat your EDIXA camera gently and carefully. From time to time the interior of the camera should be cleaned and the dust removed with a fine camel hair brush. Particularly when you take the camera to the beach, fine sand may enter and cause scratches on the lens and the film. The lens and different parts of the camera should be cleaned with a soft cotton clot (which has been washed several times without detergents) soaked in alcohol.

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