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CONTENTS

Special features .................. 4

Names of parts .................. 5

Getting ready to take pictures ..... 8
 

1. Attaching the strap and putting the camera in its case....8

2. Mounting end dismounting the lens ...9

3. Loading and checking the battery ...10

4. Loading the film ...13

5. Setting the film speed selector . . . . . . . 17

6. Aiming the camera ...18

Taking automatic exposure pictures ...19
 

1. Shutter speed selector settings ...19

2. Viewfinder information ...21

3. Procedure for taking automatic exposure pictures ...22

4. Focusing the lens ...24

5. Rewinding the film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Camera functions .... 28
 

1. Light metering range ...28

2. AE lock (exposure memory) ...29

3. Stopped-down automatic exposure ...30

4. Manual exposure ...33

5. Exposure compensation ...35

6. Multiple exposure ...37

7. Self-timer ...38

8. Controlling the depth of field ...40

9. Infrared photography ...41

10. Taking flash pictures ...42

X-Fujinon lens operation and mount adapters . . 48
 

1. Changing the lens ....48

2. Types of X-Fujinon interchangeable lends ...50

3. Using Praktica screw-mount Fujinon lenses ...51

System accessories ...52

Camera care ............ 59

Specifications ................. 60

1: This highly sophisticated SLR camera lets you take aperture-preferred automatic and manual exposure pictures with shutter speeds ranging all the way from 2 full seconds to 1/1000 second. Its built-in, high precision, microcomputer-controlled automatic exposure system represents the latest in LSI technology.

2: Thirteen LED shutter speed indicators and an aperture indicator window in the viewfinder let you set exposure without taking your eye off your subject.

3: Soft-touch electromagnetic shutter release; 2 seconds to 1/1000 second stepless shutter speeds; simple manual exposure setting by watching LED shutter-speed indicators in the viewfinder; provision for taking continuous shots at 2 fps with an auto winder X.

4: A wide assortment of "system accessories" (including the exclusive Fujica Auto Strobe 300X-guide number 30, Fujica Auto Strobe AZ, and the Fujica Photo Recorder for printing data on the film) expands your picture-taking scope well beyond present horizons.

5: Fujica X "short turn" 65 degree lens mount permits quick lens changing and accepts the entire line of the new X-Fujinon interchangeable lenses from wide-angle to telephoto as well as other lenses to let you take full advantage of the SLR system.

1. ATTACHING THE STRAP AND PUTTING THE CAMERA IN IT'S CASE

2. MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING THE LENS

Position the red dot on the lens rear opposite the red dot on the Lens Mount, then push the Lens in and turn it 65ø to the right (clockwise). It will lock into position with a click.

While pressing in the Lens Lock toward the camera body, turn the Lens to the left (counter-clockwise) as far as it will go, then pull it out toward the front.

Using the Rubber Lens Hood

When shooting against the light, fit the accessory Rubber Lens Hood on to the lens to prevent flare and ghost caused by the light falling directly on the lens surface.
 

3. LOADING AND CHECKING THE BATTERY
 

Choosing the Right Battery

You can Us any one of the following batteries but be sure to use a new battery.

6-volt silver oxide battery (4SR44).

6-volt alkaline manganese battery (4LR44).

6-volt lithium battery.

* Special precautions for the use of batteries in cold weather
 
 

1. Generally, the battery performance will decrease rapidly at temperatures below 0 Degrees C. If you are shooting in sub-zero weather, it is always best to use a new battery. If the temperature is extremely low, it is advisable to keep a spare battery on hand and use the camera battery and this spare battery in turns while warming them up with your body heat.

2. Silver oxide batteries are well suited for shooting in cold weather. They are also recommended for taking a large number of pictures.

1. Remove the Battery Compartment Cover by pushing the Cover Lock in toward the Lens with your fingernail and lifting it up.
 

Notes: 1. One new silver-oxide battery or lithium battery will normally last about 8 months, and one new alkaline-manganese battery about 6 months.

2. Before loading, wipe both ends of the battery clean with a dry piece of cloth.

3. If you are not taking pictures for a long while, remove the battery before putting the camera away.

3. The battery will load easier if you insert the minus (-) end first.

4. To unload, press down and pull out the plus (+) end of the battery with your fingernail.

5. Replace the Battery Compartment Cover by sliding in the inner edge and pressing the cover down.

CHECKING THE BATTERY
If the battery is not up to the required strength, you will not get properly exposed pictures because your Fujica AX-3's shutter is electronically controlled regardless of the exposure mode employed. Make it a habit, therefore, to check the battery before you start taking pictures.

1. Turn on the Main Switch.

2. Look through the Viewfinder and press the Shutter Release halfway

3. If the red LED opposite the letter "B" at the bottom of the shutter speed scale blinks (about 4 times a second), it's time to change the battery because it is being worn out.

4. If no LED turns on in the viewfinder, the camera will not operate because the battery is completely exhausted.
 

Notes: 1. If you are taking your camera on a trip, be sure to bring a spare battery along.

2. When shooting in cold weather, check the battery frequently because low temperatures will reduce battery efficiency.

3. If you are not taking pictures, turn off the main switch to prevent unnecessary battery drain.

Main Switch

Your Fujica AX-3 has a main switch (ON/OFF/Self timer Lever) on the left side top of the camera (next to the Film Speed Selector). Before you start taking pictures and before you check the battery, be sure to switch it ON by pulling the lever out toward you while watching the Main Switch Window-

4. LOADING THE FILM:

Use cartridge-packed 35mm roll film.

Always load and unload film in subdued light.
 
 

1. Open the Camera Back by pulling the Film Rewind Knob all the way out. (It will not open unless the knob is fully pulled out.)

2. Drop the film cartridge into the Film Chamber with the spool head (protruding portion of the cartridge) pointing to the camera bottom, then push the Film Rewind Knob down to its original position.

3. Pull out the film tip and insert it deeply into the slot of the Take-up Spool, but make sure it doesn't go through the spool hub.

4. Wind the film with a stroke or two of the Film Advance Lever and make sure the Sprocket Teeth catch the film perforations.

5. Erect the Film Rewind Crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack in the film, make sure the film is properly positioned between the guide rails, then close the Camera back.

6. While watching the Exposure Counter, wind the film with the Film Advance Lever and press down the Shutter Release. Repeat until the second white dot from the letter "S" (first white dot from the red "O") appears in the center of the Exposure Counter. The film has now been positioned for the first shot.
 

* The film is advancing properly if the Film Rewind Knob turns while the Film Advance Lever is winding.

* The white dots between the numbers in the Exposure Counter represent odd numbers.

* You can position the film faster by setting the Shutter Speed Selector to 1000 because the shutter will trip faster.
 

7. Film identification The Film Confirmation Window in the camera back will tell you at a glance whether there is film in the camera or not. If you have Fuji film in your camera, it will also tell you the film type and the number or exposures it will yield.

The procedure is the same as that described in (j) to A). To wind the film, close the Camera Back, switch the auto winder switch to SINGLE or CONT. and press down the Shutter Release.

* If the film does not advance, turn off the auto winder and switch it once again to SINGLE or CONT.

* For further information, read the Auto Winder instruction manual.
 

5. SETTING THE FILM SPEED SELECTOR

After loading the film, be sure to #t the Film Speed Selector because your pictures will not be properly exposed if it is not set for the speed of the film loaded in the camera.

The speed of the film you are using is printed on the film box.
 

1. While pressing in the Film Speed Selector Lock (a white button beside the Film Speed Selector), turn the selector dial and set it for the speed of the film you are using, that is, if you are using an ISO/ASA 100 film, set the number 100 opposite the Film Speed Setting Mark.

* The marks labeled +1 and -1 on each side of the Film Speed Setting mark are used for making exposure compensation. Be sure to use the center mark for setting the Film Speed Selector.

2. The lines etched between the numbers on the Film Speed Selector represent the ISO/ASA speeds shown above.

3. The corresponding ISO/ASA and DIN film speeds are as follows:

6. AIMING THE CAMERA
 

1. Hold the camera with your left hand as shown press the left elbow against the side of you; chest, relax your right hand and press the Shutter Release gently down.

2. When shooting with the camera held vertically, try to keep it extra steady because it will be less stable in that position.

3. The film is advanced with the right thumb and the Shutter Release is depressed with the right forefinger.

Taking automatic exposure pictures

    1. SHUTTER SPEED SELECTOR SETTINGS

Your Fujica AX-3 is an aperture-preferred automatic exposure camera. You just set the aperture then turn and set the Shutter Speed Selector to AE or AEL and the camera will select the right shutter speed to give you correctly exposed pictured
            - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -
The shutter on your Fujica AX-3 is electronically controlled from 1/1000 sec. all the way through 2 seconds and B regardless of whether the shutter speed is set automatically or manually. The settings possible with your AX-3's Shutter Speed Selector are as follows:

Notes: 1. Remember, your Fujica AX-3 has a built-in "memory lock," that is, the shutter speed obtained by depressing the Shutter Release halfway down will remain locked and the LED indicator in the Viewfinder will not change position until you take your finger off the Shutter Release even if there are changes in subject brightness and aperture value {refer to the paragraph entitled "AK lock" on page 29).

2. To switch from AE or AEL to the other settings, turn the Shutter Speed Selector while pressing in the Shutter Speed Selector Lock. (You cannot turn it unless the Lock is in depressed position).

2. VIEWFINDER INFORMATION

Note: Your Fijica AX-3 uses a fully automatic electronic shutter. The shutter speed indicated in the viewfinder represents an approximate value.

3. PROCEDURE FOR TAKING AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE PICTURES

1. Set the Shutter Speed Selector to AE or AEL.

2. Use any aperture you want; that is, if your lens is an X-Fujinon 1:1.6 50 mm DM, set the Aperture Ring to any one of the f-numbers from F1.6 to 16.

3. Look through the Viewfinder and press the Shutter Release halfway down. An LED will turn on in the left side of the Viewfinder to show you the shutter speed that will precisely suit the preset aperture and subject brightness to yield a correctly exposed picture.
For example, if the aperture you selected is F5.6 and the shutter speed coupled to it by the camera is 1/250 sec., the LED opposite the number 250 will turn on.

4. Over and underexposure warning

If the aperture you selected is not compatible with the camera's shutter speed range, that is, if it is too large and needs a shutter speed that is faster than 1/1000 sec., the red LED opposite the number 1000 will turn on and blink (8 times a second) to warn you that your picture will be overexposed; and if it is too small and needs a shutter speed that is slower than 2 seconds, the red LED opposite 2S will turn on and blink (also 8 times a second) to warn you that your picture will be under-exposed.

5. Guarding against camera shake.
If you are taking a dimly-lit subject, the camera may provide a shutter speed that is slower than 1/30 sec. for the aperture you selected, in which case you will have to guard against camera shake by mounting the camera on a tripod or using something firm to support it, such as a table or the top of a chair.

4. FOCUSING THE LENS
    Focusing with the split image rangefinder

In the center of the viewfinder of your Fujica AX-3 you will see a split-image spot a microprism collar; around it which, in turn, is surrounded by a ground glass screen. Any one of them can be used focusing the lens.
 

Eyesight adjustment lens The far - or near-sighted can use an eyesight adjustment lens (+2, +0.5, - 2.5, - 4 diop., optional accessory). It will let you focus the lens without glasses.

1. Look through the Viewfinder, center the part of the subject on which you want to focus the lens in the split-image center and turn the Distance Ring.

2. Your subject is in sharp focus when the upper and lower segments of the image in the split image center fall in line. This method of focusing is best for taking pictures of subjects that are formed mainly of straight lines such as buildings, towers, etc.

1. Look at your subject through the microprism collar and turn the Distance Ring.

2. Your subject is in sharp focus when it appears smooth and clear. This method of focusing is recommended for portrait work.

    Focusing with the Ground-glass Screen

1. Look at your subject through the ground-glass screen and turn the Distance Ring.
2. Your subject is in sharp focus when it appears sharp and clear. This method is recommended for focusing the lens quickly and for copying work.

Estimate the distance from camera to subject with your eye and set the Distance Ring to that distance (white numbers= meters, green numbers= feet).

Focusing by Eye Estimation
This method is best for taking quick snapshots. However, if you are using a large aperture or are taking close-ups, or if you are shooting with a telephoto lens, be sure to focus the lens precisely.

5. REWINDING THE FILM
After exposing a roll of film, wind it back into its cartridge and take it to your photo finisher as soon as possible.

* If you are at the end of a roll and the Film Advance Lever feels tight as you are winding it, do not force it. Just return it to its normal position and rewind the film into its cartridge.

1. Press in the Rewind Button (provided on the camera top.)

Note: Before pressing in the Rewind Button, pull out the Film Advance Lever by a stand-off angle of the lever, or the Rewind Button may disengage and the film may not be rewound.
 

2. Erect the Rewind Crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow. You will feel a sudden release of tension when the film has been rewound into its cartridge.

3. Open the Camera Back by pulling the Rewind Knob all the way out and unload the film. (The Camera Back will not open unless the Rewind Knob is fully pulled out.)
 
 

* Be sure to open the Camera Back only after you have rewound the film back into its cartridge.