EXAKTA VX IIb
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For, normal horizontal and vertical pictures the EXAKTA VX when fitted with the Penta Prism (45) is preferably held in the left hand, using the right thumb and forefinger for focusing. Additional support can be given with the left hand, employing the left forefinger for releasing the shutter (Figs. 18 and 19). For taking horizontal pictures the camera can also be used upside down: press the back of the EXAKTA VX against your forehead to prevent camera shake. Photographers who normally wear spectacles should use their distance glasses for focusing with the Penta Prism. For using the Fresnel Lens see page 16 in detail. |
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An invaluable accessory for use with the Penta Prism is the flexible eyepiece cup (Fig. 20): this is fitted to the eyepiece (46) of the Prism and shields it from distracting stray light. It is also helpful for spectacle-wearers since vision-correction lenses made by one's optician can be inserted into the mount, making it possible to focus without wearing glasses. |
Exchanging the Ground-Glass Screen and the use of the Fresnel Lens
The magnifying ground-glass screens for the EXAKTA VX viewfinder units are interchangeable. Before removing the screen
from the Finder Hood, the hood must be closed.
To remove the viewfinder unit from the camera, grasp the ground-glass screen by the longer sides and lift it out of the
viewfinder. When inserting the ground-glass screen, it should once again always be grasped by the long sides (never touch
the matted surface) and pushed home between the retaining springs in the viewfinder. When inserting the screen into the
Finder Hood, first close the hood.4.butkus.org
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Instead of the ground-glass magnifying screen, the Fresnel Lens screen can also be used in the Finder Hood, Penta Prism and Lens Magnifier. This screen contains a split-image rangefinder in the centre of the image field, which doubles the accuracy of focusing; they are, therefore, particularly useful for persons with defective vision and for taking pictures under unfavorable lighting conditions. |
When the lens is focused correctly the two half-images in the circular rangefinder field must be aligned accurately, without any
displacement, either above and below or alongside each other (Fig. 21). Do not use a smaller aperture than f 5.6 for focusing,
or otherwise one half of the rangefinder field will appear dark.
The eye used for viewing must be positioned exactly in the centre of the viewfinder eyepiece when using the Penta Prism,
and directly over the centre of the magnifying lens when using the Finder Hood or Lens Magnifier an oblique angle of view will
result in incorrect focusing and unsharp pictures.
Instructions for use of the Fresnel screen with microprism field see p. 37.
Loading the film
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Use perforated miniature film 35 mm in width. 1.6 meters (5 ft 4 in) of film gives 36 exposures, 24 mm x 36 mm in size. To ensure trouble-free film transport it is essential to use only faultless film cassettes When using film from daylight loading spools, these should only be inserted in cassettes made by the same manufacturers. Remove the camera back in the manner already described, and pull out the rewind crank (39) by means of its knob. 4.butkus.org |
Place the cassette containing the
unexposed film in the chamber (41), swing out the rewind crank (39) and push it back into the camera body by depressing
the knob; whilst doing so twist the knob gently in the direction of the arrow so as to make the dog (40) engage with the bar in
the cassette core. Then guide the film over the film guide runners (35) towards the take-up spool (32); the emulsion side of
the film must face the lens. It is advisable to lay the camera down if possible whilst securing the end of the film; as shown in
Fig. 22, the take-up spool (32) can be removed for attaching the film: it can be detached easily from the friction dog (11) of
the rapid-wind lever (8). Push the beginning of the film under the clamping spring of the take-up spool (32) and then
wrap one half turn round the core of the spool., Replace the take-up spool (32) in the film chamber (33) and turn it
slightly in the wind-on direction so that the friction dog (11) of the rapid-wind lever couples with the bar in
side the spool core and allows the spool to be pushed right home into the chamber (33). If you leave the take-up spool (32) in
the camera whilst attaching the beginning of the film, then turn it so that the clamping spring is facing upwards.
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Now swing the rapid-wind lever (8) right up to its stop (if necessary first releasing the shutter) so that the film is pulled as tightly as possible from the feed cassette, over the film guide runners (35), thence over the film wind sprocket (34) and on to the take-up spool (32). The teeth of the film-wind sprocket (34) must engage with the perforation holes on both sides of the film (Fig. 23). |
Close the camera back, and now expose two blank frames to wind on the fogged leader length at the beginning of the film:
swing the rapid-wind lever (8) as far as it will go (if necessary first releasing the shutter), allow it to
spring back, then press the shutter (to take the first blank frame); follow this by swinging the rapid-wind lever (8) up to its stop
once again, allow it to return and then press the release once again to take the second blank frame. Finally swing the rapid-wind lever (8) as far as it will go for a third time and let it spring back: an unexposed frame will then be positioned in the film
gate (36). In conclusion, set the frame counter (6) by turning the setting knob (7) in the direction of the arrow with your index finger until the stroke-mark immediately before "Fig. 1 " is in line with the
index mark. (The counter operates after each exposure.) The camera is now ready for action.
In place of the take-up spool (32) an empty standard-type film cassette may be placed in the take-up chamber. Take care to
check the condition of this take-up cassette thoroughly: the core should move easily within the shell of the cassette and must
not jam (if necessary the friction points of the cassette core may be lubricated by rubbing them with paraffin wax).
When using a take-up cassette proceed as follows: attach the leader tongue of the film to the core of the cassette spool, and insert the cassette so that the friction dog (11) of the rapid wind lever (8) engages with the bar in the core of the spool. Then check that the film is pulled taught between the two cassettes and is wound up with its emulsion side inwards (Fig. 24).
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It is not necessary to trim the beginning of the film specially. Any shape of leader can be used with the take-up spool of the EXAKTA VX, either the narrow tongue provided on standard commercial cassettes, or, even better, a straight cut-across end as obtained when cuffing lengths of film from bulk rolls. |
When employing a take-up cassette the film must be trimmed to suit the core of the cassette spool; for various trimming
patterns see Fig. 25.
In order to check that the film is being advanced correctly, observe the indicator disc (20): the disc with its red mark will rotate
when the spool of the feed cassette is turning. Immediately after loading the film, set the film-type reminder disc (19) so that
you do not forget what type of film is in the camera (Fig. 26). Turn the reminder disc in the direction of the arrow until the
appropriate reference is opposite the black triangular mark on the shutter speed setting knob (18). Use the figures from 12 to
30 for black-and-white films rated in DIN values, the figures from 25 to 400 for black-and
white ASA ratings, the black letters
for daylight type color films (C = reversal film, NC for negative films) and the red letters for artificial light color films (as before,
C = reversal, NC = negative). The example shown in Fig. 26 illustrates the correct setting for a negative color film intended for
use by artificial light.4.butkus.org
Changing the film
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After taking the 36th exposure it may be possible to take one or two more pictures before the film cannot be advanced any further. Whilst advancing the last frame it may happen that the rapid-wind lever (8) will stop part way through its travel; in this event press the rewind declutching button (9) and the rapid-wind lever (8) con then be swung right up to its end-stop. The rapid-wind lever will then spring back to its rest position. When the take-up spool (32) is being employed, the film must now be rewound: hold the camera with the left hand and maintain a constant pressure on the rewind declutching button (9). |
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Swing out the rewind crank (39) and with the right hand turn it in the direction of the arrow at an uniform and not excessively-fast speed (Fig. 27). If the film is rewound too quickly, there will be a danger of electrostatic charging which may cause the appearance of dark jagged or branching lines on the negatives. It is possible to see whether the film is being wound back correctly by observing whether the indicator disc (20) and the screwdriver-slotted spindle of the rapid-wind lever (8) are rotating. |
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When the film is rewound this spindle will stop turning As soon as the rewind declutching button (9) is released it will spring back info its original position of its own accord. The camera is then set for advancing the next film. Now open the camera back, pull out the rewind crank (39) by means of its knob (Fig. 28), and remove the cassette containing the rewound film from the camera. Depress the knob on the rewind crank (39) once again to push it back. When using an empty cassette in place of the take-up spool, it is not necessary to rewind the film. As soon as the end of the film is reached (when the rapid-wind lever (8) cannot be operated), cut off the film on the feed side of the film gate (36) with the built-in film-cutting knife (37). This is done by unscrewing the knob (38) and withdrawing it by about 1 3/4 inches from the camera body (see Fig. 29); then push knob (38) home once again and screw it up tightly. |
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By operating the rapid-wind lever and releasing the shutter twice in succession, the end of the film con be wound
right inside the take-up cassette. The film cutting knife (37) should also be employed in the manner described whenever it is
desired to remove a take-up spool containing a partially exposed film from the camera.4.butkus.org
Taking flash pictures
The EXAKTA VXllb has three synchro contacts for connecting flashlight units: an X contact (12) for taking open-flash pictures
with electronic flash tubes and flashbulbs, and the FP (22) and F (31 ) contacts for using expendable flashbulbs in
conjunction with the faster shutter speeds. The FP and F contacts take info account the definite pre-ignition delay
encountered with the various types of flashbulbs. Further details of the shutter-speed settings required will be found in the
following table. The synchro-cable of standard flashguns or electronic flash units should be inserted into the appropriate
socket on the camera as indicated in the table. It is advisable to tension the shutter before plugging in the flash unit. Fig. 30
shows the EXAKTA VX with an electronic flash unit. If a flashbulb should fail to fire, i.e. through poor contact in the bulb
holder, then the bulb should be removed after the shutter has run off. Never insert a new bulb until the shutter has been
retensioned.
When using electronic flash units, the synchro-cable should be connected to the X
contact (12) and the shutter set to ,/60 sec. or a slower speed. When using electronic flash units without storage condensers,
designed for mains operation only, the shutter must be set to 1/60 sec.
Tables for connecting flash units to the three
flash synchro-contacts of the EXAKTA VX llb
| Click here for shutter sync speed with flashbulbs | Click here for open flash table |
Care of the camera and lenses
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Always keep the camera in its ever-ready case with the lens (or lens cap) and viewfinder unit in position; alternatively it may be kept wrapped in a fluff-free cloth. All parts which are easily accessible from the outside should be kept clean and dusted with a soft brush. This applies particularly to the film guide runners (35), the film-wind sprocket (34), the film chambers (33 and 41) and also the camera back (42) including the pressure plate (43). The reflex mirror should only be dusted when absolutely necessary, using a clean soft brush without applying any pressure; do not allow the brush to touch the lightly-greased metal surround of the mirror. Protect the camera against moisture, dust, wind-borne sand, etc. Never touch the glass surfaces of the lenses, the focusing magnifier or the eyepiece of the Penta Prism or the mirror with the fingers. These glass surfaces should be cleaned when necessary only with an extremely soft piece of wash-leather or a soft, fluff-free linen cloth. It is highly inadvisable to attempt to interfere with the mechanism of the camera; repairs should be undertaken only by authorized servicing agencies.4.butkus.org |
Accessories
Accessories increase the versatility of the EXAKTA VX and are absolutely indispensable for many typos of work.
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Leather Ever-Ready Case (Fig. 31)
This ensures complete protection for the camera whilst it is stored away or being carried,
without affecting its readiness for immediate use. The tripod screw enables the camera to be mounted on a tripod whilst in its
case.
Indispensable for protecting the lens against side light and also often against light shining straight info the lens, particularly when taking color pictures. It also serves to keep raindrops and snowflakes off the surface of the lenses. |
The Ihagee Lens Hoods are of the latest rectangular design, providing a highly efficient shielding effect and are available with
M 35.5x0.5 mm thread (37 mm push-on mount diameter), M 40.5 x 0.5 mm thread, (42 mm push-on diameter) and M 49 x 0.75 mm thread
(51 mm push-on diameter).
Giant Release Button
This increases the contact area of the camera release button, so that it con be operated easily even with fingers stiffened by
cold or when wearing gloves. It is invaluable for use in winter. (When using lenses fitted with a large release knob or release
rocker of their own, these practical devices make it unnecessary to use the Giant Release Button.)
Accessory Shoe (Fig. 30)
The Accessory Shoe is fitted over the Penta Prism eyepiece of the EXAKTA VX and makes it possible to fit accessories,
such as a flash unit, exposure meter, etc., on to the camera.
Polarizing Filter
A special filter for eliminating reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as glass, water, varnish, etc. The filter is supplied
in a screw-in mount for the EXAKTA VX lenses. The polarizing filter will only be effective when the photograph is taken at an
acute angle to the reflecting surface (with glass, at approximately 35°). The filter must be rotated in front of the lens until a
position is found in which the reflection is eliminated; its effect con be observed in the reflex image. (The exposure must be
increased by 2--3 times.)
Special-purpose Lenses
Fully-comprehensive photography is scarcely possible without special typos of lenses, but only the single-lens reflex camera
makes it possible to exploit fully all their potentialities in such a simple manner. The reflex viewfinder image of the EXAKTA
VX always shows the exact area covered by the lens as well as the image definition and depth of field.
Wide-angle lenses (with a short focal length) embrace a wide angle of view' allowing you to get plenty info your picture
although every thing appears relatively small (Fig. 32). They are invaluable for indoor pictures, architectural work, broad landscape scenes,
copying pictures in art galleries, etc.
CLICK HERE FOR EXAMPLES OF LENS LENGTHS
Long-focus lenses include both those of normal construction and also true telephoto lenses; they have a long focal length
and make distant objects appear nearer, they, therefore, record a relatively narrow section of the subject on a larger scale (Fig. 32). They also tend to reduce the effects of perspective.
These lenses are frequently used for taking portraits, in child photography, for photographing sporting events, wild animals
and also for landscape work and many other typos of photography. Fig. 33 shows the EXAKTA VX fined with the popular S f 4/135 mm lens with
fully-automatic pressure diaphragm from Jena.
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If an ultra-high-speed lens is required, the Bf 1.5/75 mm lens from Jena is also obtainable. The standard lens is removed in the manner already described and the special-purpose lens fined in its place. For certain lenses of very long focal length the outer bayonet of the EXAKTA VX is employed. The distance-setting scales of these special lenses are also graduated to indicate the distance from the camera back to the subject. |
Bayonet Adapter Rings and Extension Tubes
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The single-lens reflex camera comes info its own when taking close-up pictures, since in this field, too, the reflex image always shows the exam area covered by the lens. The Bayonet Adapter Rings and Extension Tubes may be fitted in any desired combination between the camera and the lens (Fig. 34) and enable the lens to be focused down to the very shortest distances. |
The following equipment is available: a Two-in-One Ring providing 5 mm extension increase, and a set of Bayonet Rings and
Extension Tubes (the two bayonet adapter rings provide 10 mm extension and the tubes an additional 5,15 and 30 mm).
Miniature Bellows Attachment
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This easy-to-carry unit (Fig. 35) is strongly recommended whenever a large amount of close-up work is to be undertaken, since it provides a quick method of adjusting the image scale continuously. The extension of the bellows con be set to any distance between 35 and 125 mm. This device is primarily intended for taking hand-held close-up pictures, but con be fitted to any tripod and also to the Ihagee Copying Stand. The camera bearer of this device allows the camera to be positioned for both horizontal and vertical pictures. |
Autocouple Extension Release
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In order to be able to use the latest lenses with fully-automatic spring or pressure diaphragms even when taking close-up pictures with Bayo net Rings and Extension Tubes or with the Miniature Bellows Attachment, the extension release should be fitted between the lens and the camera (Figs. 34 and 35). Ihagee Vielzweck ("multi-purpose") Equipment |
The following
units are available:
The Swing Angle Attachment with focusing slide for convenient
close-up focusing when using the Bayonet Adapter Rings
and Extension Tubes.
The large Bellows Attachment, for the most efficient production of close-up pictures, particularly at extremely short subject
distances. The bellows extension is continuously adjustable from 35 to 220 mm, making it possible to obtain all scales of
reproduction available within this range.4.butkus.org
The Transparency Copying Equipment for use with the large Bellows Attachment is employed for making optical duplicates of
transparencies. The Copying Stand and Repro Unit (Fig. 36), obtainable if desired with their own Lighting Equipment, are
designed specially for undertaking copying work, but are also suitable for use as table stands for other types of
close-up photography. With the addition of special accessories, the Repro Unit may
also be employed for photomicrography.
Microscope Attachment
The Microscope Attachment is designed for connecting the EXAKTA VX to a microscope and makes is possible to use this
camera for photomicrographic work with the greatest convenience. The attachment is provided with a quick-change mount
and allows the camera to be removed from the microscope with a single operation whenever photographic recording is
interrupted. Even when taking pictures through a microscope the image con be focused on the ground-glass screen.
Lens Magnifier
For close-up work and photomicrography a special focusing system is generally employed, the Lens Magnifier. The actual
magnifier is provided by any of the highly-corrected standard or special-purpose EXAKTA VX lenses.
This gives an enlarged, uniformly and virtually distortion-free reflex image. If no suitable lens is available or con be spared for
this purpose when undertaking close-up photography, then an excellently corrected Top Lens is available for use in
conjunction with the Lens Magnifier.
Special focusing screens for extreme close-up pictures and photomicrography
In extreme close-up work and when using a microscope, focusing upon the finest details of the
subject is often hindered by
the grain of the ground-glass screen. To overcome this it is possible to obtain focusing screens with a clear centre spot (3 or
10 mm in diameter) as well as completely clear, unground lenses.
Focusing is then performed by means of the brilliant aerial image, assisted by a hairline cross. These focusing screens are
standardized to fit all the three principal focusing units of the EXAKTA VX (with the exception of the Finder Hood for earlier
VX models). The method of exchanging the screen has already been described (see page 16). Various other special types of
screens con be supplied if required, e.g. with engraved graticules, centimeter or
millimeter divisions, etc.
The Ihagee Macro-Micro Photometer
This device makes it very much easier to determine the correct exposure when taking
close ups and photomicrographs, and
also in the optical copying of transparencies. A selenium barrier-layer cell is placed directly within the light-path through the
lens and so measures the effective illumination actually entering the camera. The Photometer is used in conjunction with a
standard micro-ammeter or luminous spot galvanometer (effective measuring range 5...30 ~A, internal resistance 1000~5000
ohms).
Ihagee RB 1 and RB 2 Ring-Flash Units
The Ihagee RB 1 and RB 2 Ring Flash Units are highly up-to-date universal light sources for
close-up photography. They
provide constantly uniform frontal illumination and con be used to overcome the trickiest lighting problems. They con also be
employed together with the various lens-extension devices for the EXAKTAVX. The Ihagee Kolpofot consists of an RB 1 Ring
Flash Unit combined with the Bellows Attachment and an 4/135 mm S lens from Jena (which con be stopped right down to f
45). This assembly has been of immense volume in medical photography, ensuring needle-sharp pictures both of body cavities
(vagina, mouth and pharynx), as well as of the skin, eyes and ears.
The Ihagee Endoscope Adapter
The Endoscope Adapter makes it possible to take pictures inside bodily organs (such as the bladder) by forming a
connection between the camera and the viewing instrument or endoscope proper. An "Overrunning Switch Apparatus" is
available to conserve the fife of the lamp used for illuminating the subject in endoscopic examinations.
Stereo Attachments and Stereo View Finder (Fig. 37)
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These are designed for taking three-dimensional photographs. The large Stereo Attachment (65 mm interpupilliary base) is for taking pictures of subjects at distances from 00 (infinity) down to 2 meters (6'/s ft), whilst the small Stereo Attachment is for use with subjects at distances between 2 meters and 0.15 meters (6 ft to 6 in) (three supplementary lenses are available for focusing at close distances with the small Stereo Attachment). Both the Stereo Attachments are computed for use only with standard 50 mm lenses, and con be screwed into their front mounts; suitable lenses, include the T f 2.8/50 mm and Pancolar f 2/50 mm with fully-automatic spring diaphragms from Jena. |
With the aid of an adapter ring these attachments con also be used on
other; lenses of the
same focal length and with similar mounts. After screwing it into place, rotate the Stereo
Attachment or its inner section
until the dividing line running through the middle of the reflex image is exactly vertical, i.e. parallel to the longer sides of the
two half-images, which should already be visible on the reflex image. This vertical adjustment con be simplified by checking
that a selected point in each of the two half-images is at an identical distance from the lower edge of the image frame. The
large Stereo Attachment con then be locked by turning the knurled locking ring in the opposite direction. Focusing is
performed by means of the reflex image in the usual manner. When using the Stereo Attachment the normal exposure should be increased by 1.5 times (with landscapes and similar subjects) to 1.8 times (for indoor pictures). It is,
therefore, necessary to re-set the lens in order to increase the lens opening by an appropriate amount. Since the two half-images must always be positioned alongside one another, the EXAKTA VX must always be held horizontally; consequently
the stereo pictures will always be vertical in format. In order to assess the effect of a
three dimensional picture before
releasing the shutter, it is possible to fit the fourth viewfinder system of the EXAKTA
VX, the "Stereflex" Stereo View Finder.
This will provide a stereoscopic effect in the actual viewfinder image. The Stereflex con also be employed as a simple stereo
slide-viewer; for this purpose the ground glass screen must be removed from the Stereo View Finder by gripping the longer
sides of the screen and withdrawing it from the retaining springs. The clip-on frame supplied is then fined on the View Finder,
ensuring that the small locating pins engage with the slots in the retaining springs.
Instructions for use of the Fresnel screen with microprism field
Instead of using the ground-glass screen in the viewfinder units (with the exception of the stereo-viewfinder) the fresnel
screen with microprism field (Fig. 19) may by used. When focusing on this screen, particular use con be made of the
patterned ring, the centre of which is made up of a microprism surface in order to increase the accuracy of focusing. The
extra brilliant image which is visible in this central circular field serves for focusing in the same way as the image on a ground-glass screen, but with the
microprism,
in correct focusing will result in an image which is blurred to a greater degree. Therefore focusing is easier. faster, and more
accurate. The lens will be correctly focused when the image in the microprism is at its sharpest. It is, however, absolutely
essential to focus at full aperture; with apertures of 5.6 and smaller, the image in the microprism field will appear relatively
sharp even with an incorrectly focused lens, and this will obviously lead to unsatisfactory results.
