E. How to use and exchange the finder-hood and Special Prism
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A bright ground-glass image is visible in the EXA finder-hood. It is magnified by the ground glass (a piano-convex lens) to such a degree that accurate focusing is possible. For more critical focusing the built in magnifier is employed: To bring it into position move the button (21) upward along the guide in the finder-hood front wall (111.12) while holding the index finger along top of finder-hood front wall. To bring the magnifier back to its neutral (vertical) position move button (21) downwards again. |
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The sharp outline of the ground-glass image facilities composition and determination of picture frame. While turning the stop ring (26) the varying extent of depth of field can be observed. Focusing should always be done at full aperture and the lens stopped down afterwards.
Normally the camera is held at chest level (111.13). Illustration 14 shows how to hold it when the magnifier is used.
When using the finder-hood vertical pictures can be taken at right
angles to the object to be photographed, so that the photographer can
work without being hindered or observed (111.15).
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The Special Prism (see Section F) permits vertical pictures in direct vision and shows an upright and laterally correct image. Control of the ground-glass image is also possible when turning the camera upside down and looking up into the finder-hood (111.16), as it is necessary when shooting from behind a wall, over a crowd, etc. In order to use the finder-hood (18) as a frame-finder (111. 18), bring magnifier into working position by moving button (21) upwards and swing protective cover (20) forward. The rectangular opening in the finder-hood back wall (19) serves as frame-finder rear sight (111. 17). The use of the frame-finder is particularly indicated for sports shots etc. |
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REMOVAL OF THE EXA VIEWER
The EXA is a two-system camera: the finder-hood is
interchangeable and can be replaced by a Special Prism (111.19 and 20). This Special Prism (see also 111. 1 and 2) is delivered separately as a
camera accessory and specially designed for snapshots. The camera is raised to eye level position (111. 21) and the object to be photographed is viewed in direct vision through the finder.
The Special Prism shows an upright and laterally correct reflex image which corresponds to nature in all details for both vertical and horizontal
pictures ([11. 22). The image in the Special Prism moves in the same direction as the object. Holding the camera at eye level it is easy to follow
moving subjects.
Interchange of finder-hood
Close finder-hood (18). Push milled knob (28) downwards and lift closed finder-hood (18) from camera body (111.19). When replacing the finder-hood insert finder-hood carefully in perpendicular direction into the opening and press it down until it snaps in audibly. The Special Prism (33) is inserted into and removed from the camera in exactly the same way as the finder-hood (18).
Never use forcer
F. How to load the EXA
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The EXA uses perforated miniature cine-film of 35 mm, width for 36 exposures 1 1/2 x 1 in. (=24x36 mm.) on a strip of the usual length of
1.60m. The film is supplied either in factory filled cartridges or an empty cartridge is loaded with refill film or with bulk film. For further details
apply to your photo dealer. When using bulk film no special trimming of the film end is necessary except rounding off the angles.
Open camera back (see Section A). The film chamber (2) of the EXA is provided with a cassette guide (D) (see legend in margin of illustration). The loaded film cartridge should therefore be inserted from beneath the camera so that the mouth of the cartridge lies against the edge of the guide. The film is then led over the rollers and sprockets to the transport spool (10). Insert pivot (7) of rewinding knob (6) into hollow part of cartridge so that the groove of the pivot (7) engages in the bar of the center spool. The cartridge must not be larger than the chamber(2) or else it will not be possible to shut the camera. |
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Make sure that the free end of the film runs straight into the film track (9,
film guide), the emulsion (mat) side of the film showing towards the lens. Take care not to pull more than 10 cm. of film from the cartridge.
Remove take-up spool from film chamber (3) and push free end of film under spring of take-up spool until film keeps fast (111.24) The film is
wound into the take-up spool with the emulsion side outwards (See Diagram 25). Insert
take-up spool (5) again and make sure that the groove of
the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the bar of the center spool. The strip of film must run perfectly straight from film track to film
transport sprockets [ 10) and take-up spool (111. 26).
When closing camera back (11) make sure that cartridge, film, and spool are kept in their proper positions. Now two "blind" exposures must be made: Open finder-hood (18) as described in Section B. |
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If there is no image visible in the finder-hood, wind film transport knob (4) up to the stop in the direction of the arrow. Release by pressing shutter release knob (27): first "blind" exposure. Wind knob (4) again up to the stop and release again: second "blind" exposure. (webmaster: these are the typical "blank" shots to move exposed film out of shutter area) Wind film transport knob a third time as far as it will go: an unexposed piece of film is brought into position in the image frame (8). |
Now set picture counter (15) by
turning the milled knob with the right hand forefinger in the direction of the (Ill. 27) until No. 1 points to the
picture counting mark, and the camera is ready for the first "real" exposure.
If one does not wish to rewind the exposed film after 36 exposures into the cartridge, but to remove it from the camera in a second cartridge, the
procedure is strictly the same as described above. Simply remove take-up spool (5) and replace it by a second cartridge. Spare cartridges are on
sale for this purpose, or used ones may be employed. In order to load the cartridge, open it and fix film on its center spool. Place it into film
chamber and make sure that the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the bar of the center spool and that the film is wound up emulsion
side outwards. Illustration 28 shows the path the film must take.
G. How to change films
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If the film is wound on the take-up spool belonging to the camera, one length of film will take more than 36 exposures. Even if the picture counter points to "36' already, one or two more exposures can be made, until the film transport knob (4) cannot be wound any more. Now the film must be rewound in the following manner: Holding the camera in your left hand, press down the button (16) with the thumb, while the other hand turns the rewinding knob (6) in the direction of the arrow (111. 29). As long as the film is being rewound, the film transport knob (4) will rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. Once the film is rewound into the cartridge, the transport knob (4) will stop. Now open the camera (see Section A) and remove the cartridge containing the exposed film. To make the camera ready for loading and regular film transport again, make sure that the small reversing lever (17) is pushed at once towards the camera back and springs back again (111. 30) |
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If, on the other hand, the film is wound into an empty cartridge instead of into the take-up spool, only 36 exposures can be made. As soon as the counter (15) points to "36", make two more "blind" exposures, so that all 36 exposed frames will disappear into the cartridge. Open camera back, take out feeder cartridge, open the latter and detach the film end from the center spool. This done, remove the take-up cartridge and wind up the rest of the film by turning the top of the center spool. |
H. Flashlight
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For flash exposures, the EXA has two synchronized contacts: the X-contact and the F-contact. The X-contact is closed as soon as light falls on the entire picture gate. The lower contact nipple (30) belongs to the X-contact. This is where the contact plugs of flashtube equipment (111. 31) (electronic flash units) are inserted. The shutter setting in connection with electronic flashes has to be l/60 sec. The flash duration is equal to the burning period of the flash tube which, as a rule, is 1/500 to l/6000 sec. This is sufficiently short to capture the quickest movement. Literature on electronic flash units is available at the special dealers or straight from the manufacturers. |
With the shutter set at "B" the X-contact also synchronizes all regular flash units according to the open flash method.
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In this case, the Ihagee flash unit (111. 32), or. any other flash equipment, has to be used with its connecting plug inserted into the X-contact of
the EXA (details are given in the Instruction Booklet for "The Ihagee Flashgun"). The F-contact, closes 11 to 13 ms. sooner than the X-contact, which means, a moment before the entire picture gate is illuminated. The upper contact nipple (29) belongs to the F-contact and is designed to accept the contact plug of the Ihagee Flashgun (111. 32) or of any other regular flash equipment. |
The EXA F-contact permits employing such lamps as the small, moderately priced F 19 of RET Elektroteeknik Eisenach, the Osram
XM 1, and A XM 5 and the Philips PF 1, and PF 5, (or American flash bulbs: Amplex No. 5, Dura Flash No. 5, General Electric Ph 5,
Westinghouse No. 5), shutter speed: 1/25 sec. The actual flash duration is equal to the burning period of the flash bulb and may range from l/260
to l/l00 sec. For further particulars, please refer to the slips enclosed with the flash bulbs.
I. Treatment and care of camera and lens
The camera with lens should always be kept in the ever ready case or wrapped in a piece of cloth that will not ravel out. All easily accessible
parts should be kept clean and, if necessary, dusted with a soft brush. Above all the film track with the film guide (9), the film chambers (2 and
3), the camera back (11), the two springs (12), and the film pressure plate (13) should always be kept clean.
The reflex mirror of the EXA is surface-silvered and extremely liable to suffer from careless handling. A very soft hair-brush should be used
when cleaning it a long intervals. The EXA must be carefully protected against dust, sand, etc. as well as against moisture in any form. Never
touch the glass surfaces of the lens with the fingers 1 If necessary, the lens surfaces may be cleaned with a soft chamois leather or a piece of soft
linen that will not ravel out.
We would advise against tampering with the camera mechanism under any circumstances Only expert mechanics being able to do repairs
properly, our advice to you is to have repairs done in our works whenever that is possible.
K. EXA accessories
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The EXA takes practically all EXAKTA accessories with the exception of the ever ready case of the EXAKTA. Special lenses with focal
lengths exceeding 100 mm. cannot be used unconditionally in the EXA (vignette).
The EXA Everready Case has been designed to protect the camera without impairing its operative speed. All mechanical parts which are important for picture taking, can be operated even if the camera is in the case. A camera retaining screw with tripod socket secures the camera in the carrying case for safety (111. 33).
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Other accessories:
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The Giant Release button (111. 34) is screwed into the shutter release knob (27) whose effective surface it increases. It allows of releasing the shutter with ease and security when wearing gloves or when the fingers are numb with cold.. Color Filters. The purpose of filters in black-and-white photography is to render the colors of the object to be photographed in the grey tone values that correspond to the impression received by the human eye, as the film registers several colors otherwise than the human eye. All filters are corrective filters: they lighten objects of their own color, while darkening those of their complementary color; e. g. a yellow filter ill produce tones of a lighter gray for the yellow areas, and darker gray tones for the blue areas of the object, for, to the human eye, yellow appears to be the lightest, and blue the darkest color. Consequently, the blue sky will appear darker in the picture and the white clouds will offer a good contrast. The results obtained when using filters, further depend upon the light conditions and the color sensitivity of the film used. For more detailed information consult the technical literature. |
The filters are pushed on to the lens front mount. The filter mounts will take, if required, a lens hood or a soft-focus disc. As the color filters
cut out certain parts of the light, an increase in exposure time is necessary when using them:
Yellow filters, light and medium 2-3 times the normal exposure time
Green filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time
Blue filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time
Red filters, light 8 times the normal exposure time
The Lens Hood [III. 34) is far more important than is generally believed. It protects the lens not only against frontal stray light when
photographing against the sun, but in every case against side stray light and glares, enhancing thereby the contrasts in the picture. The lens
hood is pushed on to the lens front mount or the front ring of the filter mount.
Soft - Focus Discs are widely used to catch 'atmosphere". Causing the bright areas to appear slightly over-emphasized towards the
darker areas it is their purpose to register sunny atmosphere in a picture. The soft-focus discs are also pushed on to the lens front mount.
