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Kodak Vigilants
SIX-20 and SIX-16
PDF version - better printing
THERE ARE 7 EASY STEPS TO GOOD PICTURES WITH YOUR KODAK VIGILANT
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WITH the Kodak Vigilant, clear, sharp pictures can be made right from the start, outdoors or indoors, in the daytime or at night.
The seven easy steps to make good pictures with your Kodak are given on the following pages. They are simple, and very easily memorized. You will find many illustrations which will give you suggestions for making similar pictures. Left - Actual size of pictures made with Kodak Vigilant Six-20. |
1. LOADING
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THE KODAK may be loaded in daylight, but not in direct sunlight.
To open the back of the Kodak, push the button under the carrying handle in the direction of the arrow (Fig. I). Open the back (Fig. 2).
Place the roll of film in the recess adjoining the hinge of the back and push it down until it is caught (Fig. 3). Load your Kodak with Kodak Film. See page 14 for the descriptions of the different kinds of Kodak Film. They meet every picture-taking need. |
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The spool should be inserted so that when the paper is drawn off, the colored side of the paper will be up and the black side will be towards the lens. Remove the paper band and pass the protective paper over the two rollers. Thread the paper through the longer slit in the empty reel, as far as it will go (Fig 4). Turn the winding knob once or twice to bind the paper on the reel (Fig. 5) Be sure the paper is started straight. Close the back, pressing it so that the spring lock snaps into place. |
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Push the metal plate that covers the red window on the back of the Kodak in the direction of the arrow, and
turn the winding knob until a small hand --> appears in the window. Then turn the knob slowly until the figure
one (I) is centered in the window.
After each picture, turn the knob until a new number appears in the red window. This prevents making two
pictures on the same section of film.
The red window should be uncovered only while winding the film.
2. OPENING FRONT
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PRESS the button near the winding knob to open the front of the Kodak; then draw down the bed carefully until it locks (Fig. 6). This will bring the lens and the shutter into position. |
3. FOCUSING
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The lens mount to the right or left until the figure representing the distance from the subject to lens is under the pointer A. For ordinary street pictures, turn lens mount to 25 feet; if the principal object is nearer or farther, change the focus accordingly. |
4. SHUTTER SPEEDS
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THE KODAK Diomatic Shutter on your camera has three snapshot
speeds. 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 second For average subjects revolve the knurled collar of the shutter until the indicator B is at 1/25 second. For moving objects or when subjects are in
very bright light, use 1 /50 or l / 100second.
For time or "bulb" exposures the indicator B must be at "T" or "B" (see page 22). After the indicator B is brought to the proper speed or to "T" or "B." it is necessary to set the shutter by pushing the setting lever C to the opposite end of the slot. |
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When it is difficult to estimate the
distance between the subject and lens,
like the moving subject on the left; then adjust
your Kodak as a fixed focus camera.
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How to Use Your Kodak As a Fixed Focus Camera
WHEN the subject is not close to the Kodak, such as when making ordinary street scenes, or when the subject is about I 2 feet or beyond, the camera can be easily converted to a fixed focus
type by making the following adjustments: Set the Focus at 25 feet. Use Stop Opening f/16. Make an exposure of
1/25 second.
The range of sharpness when your Kodak is adjusted as a fixed focus camera will be found on page 26 or 27.
5. STOP OPENINGS
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THE stop openings regulate the amount of light passing through the
lens. The openings are enlarged or reduced by I . moving the lever D at the bottom of the shutter.
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6. THE FINDERS
THE Kodak Vigilants have two finders: The direct view finder for action photography, and the reflecting finder,
ideal for child pictures.
The DIRECT VIEW FINDER is brought into position by lifting the front frame. It shows what will appear in
the picture, but on a much reduced scale. When viewing, hold the Kodak at a distance from the eye which will
make the edges of the rear opening appear superimposed on the edges of the front opening. This will insure
proper aiming of the Kodak. When making the exposure, hold the Kodak steady by pressing the hand supporting it against the face. All vertical lines in the subject should appear parallel with the
vertical sides of the front frame of the finder, when the Kodak is held either in the vertical or horizontal
position. The Kodak can be tilted for unusual effects.
After composing the picture in either the Direct View or the Reflecting Finder of a subject ten feet or nearer to the Kodak, it will be necessary to move the Kodak a little to the right if making vertical pictures, or tilt it up a trifle for horizontal pictures. This will bring the Kodak to the proper position to include in the picture what is seen in the finder.
HOLD THE KODAK STEADY
Holding the Kodak for a vertical picture, using the direct view finder.
To make a horizontal picture, turn the finder and hold the Kodak in the horizontal position. Only what is seen in that part of the finder
within the dotted lines in the illustration, will appear in a horizontal picture.
7. SNAP THE PICTURE
HOLD the KODAK in the vertical or horizontal position. After having pushed the setting lever
(E) of the shutter to the opposite end of the slot, see page 5, press the exposure button E.
When pressing the button, hold the breath for the instant. If the Kodak is moved during the exposure, the picture
will be blurred. Hold the Kodak steady.
A cable release (No. 2) can be used with this Kodak if it is desired to use the Kodak Self Timer for self-portraiture, or the Kodak Flash
Synchronizer. To attach the cable release, screw it into the center of the exposure button E.
Holding the Kodak for a horizontal picture, using the direct view finder.
The REFLECTING FINDER (page 13) shows what will appear in the picture. With this finder hold the
Kodak firmly against the body at waist level.
Look into the finder from directly over the center of it and include
what is wanted by turn to the right or left.
Only what is seen in that part of the finder within the dotted lines, will appear in a vertical
picture.
CLOSING THE KODAK
BEFORE closing the Kodak, adjust the focus for infinity. The reflecting finder must be in the upright position; then press
the same button that is used to open the Kodak (Fig. 7), raise the bed and
snap it shut.
REMOVING THE FILM
B. Speed Indicator C. Setting Lever D. Stop Opening Lever E. Exposure Button F. Reflecting Finder G. Direct View Finder H. Lock for Back I. Button for Opening and Closing Front J. Bed K. Vertical Support L. Horizontal Support M. Lens N. Shutter O. Winder knob Click here for Kodak Films Click here to see types of
photos taken
THE EYE OF KODAK
To UNLOAD the Kodak after the last picture has been made, turn the winding knob until the end of the paper on the roll passes the red window.
In a subdued light, open the back of the Kodak. Hold the end of the paper taut and turn the knob until all of the paper is on the roll
(Fig. 8) If the sticker folds under the roll, turn the knob to bring it up. Take hold of the end of the paper and sticker, draw out the winding knob and remove film (Fig. 9). Fold under the end of the paper, and fasten it with the sticker.
IMPORTANT: After removing the film, do not wind it. tightly with a twisting motion, or it may become
scratched.
The film is now ready for development, which should be done
as soon as possible. We will be glad to send you complete instructions for
developing and printing.
Remove the empty spool and place it in the winding end of the Kodak. Push
in the winding knob, fitting the flange on the knob into the slot in end
of spool. The Kodak should now be reloaded with Kodak Film, see page 14.
A. Focus Pointer
Good Pictures Depend on:
A. CORRECT FOCUSING
The lens must be focused properly so that the image of the subject will be sharp and distinct on the film.
B. PROPER SPEED
The shutter must open and close quickly enough to prevent a blurred image of a moving object.
D. RIGHT AMOUNT OF LIGHT
Just as the iris of the eye contracts and expands when there is more or less light the diaphragm of the shutter
must be closed or opened to permit the right amount of light to enter the camera.
GOOD PICTURE REQUIRE ACCURATE FOCUSING
To focus the Kodak, revolve the lens mount until the figure representing the distance from the subject to lens
is under the pointer at the top of the lens.
The distance between the subject and Kodak can be estimated without measuring, when the subject is beyond
fifteen feet; for instance, if the focus is set at ] feet (the usual distance for ordinary street scenes) the sharpest
part of the picture will be the objects at that distance from the camera, but everything from about 18 to about 45
feet will be in good focus with f/6.3, with smaller stop openings the range will be greater, see tables on pages 26
and 27.
For distant views turn the lens mount until INF. (infinity) is under the pointer.
MORE PHOTO EXAMPLES
SUGGESTIONS ON EXPOSURES
SNAPSHOTS -
SUNSHINE is not needed to make snapshots with your Kodak Vigilant. With one of the larger stop openings,
snapshots can be made with the subject in open shade, on slightly cloudy days, and even during the rain in the
middle of the day. See directions for using stop openings on pages 23 and 24.
When the sun is shining, it should be behind your back or over the shoulder; if it shines directly into the lens,
it will blur and fog the picture. However, beautiful effects can be obtained by back- or side-lighting. When
pointing the Kodak towards the sun, the lens must be shaded so that the direct sunlight will not strike the lens;
for the best results, use the Lens Hood of the Kodak Combination Lens Attachments, see pages 40 to 43, or a
Kodak Adjustable Lens Hood No. 2.
Snapshots should be made during the hours from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset. If earlier or later, the exposures must be longer.
TIME AND "BULB" EXPOSURES
FOR a subject in the deep shade, under the roof of a porch or under a tree on dark, cloudy days, a time exposure
should be made. For all time or "bulb" exposures the Kodak must be placed on a tripod or some other steady,
firm support - do not hold it in the hands or the picture will
be blurred.
For short time exposures from one half second to ten seconds, "bulb" exposures are recommended.
To make a time exposure, revolve the knurled collar of the shutter until the indicator B is at the letter "T." see
page 5, push the setting lever C to the opposite end of the slot, and press the exposure button E (page 13) once
to open the shutter and again to close it. For a "bulb" exposure, the indicator B must be at the letter "B." the
shutter set with lever C, and then press the exposure button E; the shutter will remain open as long as button E
is held down.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT STOP OPENING
The stop openings regulate the amount of light passing through the lens. The openings are enlarged or reduced
by moving the lever D, see page 16.
f/6.3 -
For rapidly moving objects in bright sunlight, use l/l00 second. For exposures on cloudy days and during rain in the middle of the
day, use 1/25 second. For portraits in the open shade with clear sky overhead, use 1/25 second.
Important: When using stop f/6.3 and the distance between the subject and Kodak is ten feet or less, the distance must be accurately
measured, see range of sharpness tables on pages 26 and 27.
f/8 - For snapshots on slightly cloudy or hazy days, use 1/25 second. For scenes on narrow and slightly shaded streets, use 1/25 second.
For moving objects in very bright sunlight, use l /l 00 second.
F/11 - For all ordinary outdoor pictures, such as near-by landscapes showing little or no sky, groups and street scenes, when the subject is
in bright sunlight, use l /25 second.
EXAMPLES OF SMALL
DEPTH OF FIELD
EXAMPLES OF WIDE
DEPTH OF FIELD
f/16 - For open views, when the sunlight on the subject is unusually strong and there are no heavy shadows, such as views at the seashore and on
the water, use I/50 second. For ordinary landscapes, in bright sunlight, with clear sky overhead, use l 1/25 second. For Interior Time Exposures, see
guide on page 30.
f/22 - For snapshots of extremely distant landscapes, marines, snow scenes (without prominent dark objects in the foreground), and for clouds only, in
bright sunlight, use I 1/25 second. Also for time exposures , see guide on page 30.
f/32 - For time exposures outdoors on cloudy days, using one to eight seconds, depending upon the quality of the light. For interior time exposures,
see guide on page 30. Not suitable for snapshots unless using Kodak Super-XX Panchromatic Film.
- All the exposures given in this table are for Kodak Verichrome or Panatomic-X Film. With Kodak Super-XX
Pan Film give one-quarter the exposure recommended, that is, use a shutter speed four times as fast as the one
given in the table, or use the second smaller stop opening with the same speed.
The smaller the stop opening the greater the range of sharpness, see pages 26 and 27.(next
charts)
Depth of field for the SIX-20  |
Depth of field for the SIX-16  |
The picture above were made with the lens focused on the third domino, using a large atop opening.
In the illustration below the focus is on the third domino, but a much smaller atop opening was used. Note the increase in the range of
sharpness by using a smaller atop opening.
To make a picture of a room interior by daylight, adjust the shutter for a time
exposure by revolving the knurled collar of the shutter until the indicator B is at the letter "T." Push the setting
lever C to the opposite end of slot, and move the stop opening lever D to f/16 (this opening gives the best
average results).
Place the camera on a tripod (it has two sockets for this purpose, for vertical or horizontal pictures), or place it
on some other solid support. The illustrations below show the Kodak in
the vertical and horizontal positions.
With the Kodak on a table, use support K or L. Do not place the Kodak more than two or three inches from the
table edge, or the table will show in the picture.
Compose your subject in the finder to include more of the floor of the room than of the ceiling.
Leave the furniture in the room in its usual place, as far as possible, but be sure there are no pieces close to the
camera lens.
Focus the Kodak by revolving the lens until the figure corresponding with the average distance between the
objects in the room and the lens is at the focus pointer A, at the top of the lens.
When ready to take the picture, steady the Kodak and press the exposure button once to open the shutter.
When the proper time has elapsed (see Exposure Guide), press the button again to close the shutter.
After the last time exposure has been made, revolve the knurled collar of the shutter until the indicator B is at
1/25 second, to be ready for snapshots. DAYTIME PORTRAITS INDOORS
To make an indoor portrait by daylight, similar to that shown below, have the subject stand or be seated in front
of an unshaded window, with the body preferably at a diagonal to the camera.
Place a reflector (a sheet or tablecloth thrown over a screen or chair will do) a few feet from the subject and at
the angle shown in the diagram. This reflects light to the shaded side of the face.
Revolve the knurled collar of the shutter until the indicator B is at the letter "B." Push the setting lever C to
the opposite end of the slot, and move lever D at the bottom of the shutter to
F/11. AN INDOOR PHOTO EXAMPLE
Exposure Guide for Interiors by Daylight
FOR an interior with medium-colored walls and furnishings and two windows, with the sun shining - make an
exposure of about 8 seconds, with stop F/16. With one window, double the exposure, and if there are more than
two windows, halve the exposure. If the day is cloudy, make an exposure of 16 seconds to 32 seconds.
No definite rule can be given for all interiors because of the great variety of light conditions. It is suggested
that a series of exposures be made from about 2 seconds to 32 seconds, using
stop F/16, doubling each successive
exposure.
Interiors by daylight should be made from three hours after sunrise until three hours before sunset; if earlier
or later the exposures must be longer. The exposures recommended above are for Kodak Verichrome, and Panatomic-X Films; with Kodak Super-XX Pan Film give one-fourth the exposure.
Stop F/16 gives the best average results. Double the exposures with each smaller stop, and halve the
exposures with each larger stop opening.
Place the Kodak in either a vertical or horizontal position on a solid support (or on a tripod) a little higher
than an ordinary table. The Kodak must not be more than two or three inches from the edge of the support.
Locate the subject in the finder. If the subject is ten feet or nearer to the lens, move the Kodak a trifle after
composing the picture in the finder, as described on page 9. Turn the lens so that the figure corresponding to the distance between the subject and the Kodak is at the
pointer A at the top of the lens.
When ready to take the picture, steady the Kodak to keep it from moving, and press the exposure button E to
open the shutter. Keep the pressure on the button for one or two seconds - depending upon the quality of the
light-- then release the pressure and the shutter will close.
KODAK PORTRAIT ATTACHMENT
INDOOR PICTURES AT NIGHT
WHILE these Kodaks can be focused for close-up subjects, permitting the obtaining of head and shoulder
portraits, they can be focused for even closer distances with a Kodak Portrait Attachment.
By using the Kodak Portrait Attachment, large images of flowers and similar "still life" subjects can be
obtained.
Place the Attachment over the lens and compose the picture in the finder. When making vertical pictures
turn the Kodak just a little to the right, and for horizontal pictures tilt it up a trifle, as the short distances at
which the subject must be from the lens make it necessary to center the subject by eye.
The subject must be at one of the distances from the lens, given in the table below. Measure the distance
carefully from the lens to the subject, and revolve the lens mount until the correct figure is at the focus pointer,
see table.
The same exposure is required as without the Attachment.
Use KODAK PORTRAIT ATTACHMENT No. 5A with the Kodak Vigilants Six-20 and Six-16 with the
Kodak Anastigmat Lens f/6.3, and the Kodak Diomatic Shutter.
To produce a true, soft focus effect, use the KODAK PORTRAIT DIFFUSION DISK SERIES VI with the
Kodak Combination Lens Attachments, see pages 40 to 43.
To take snapshots or other indoor pictures at night, you need only a roll of Kodak Film, a few Kodak Handy
Reflectors, and a few Photoflood or Photoflash bulbs. The bulbs can be screwed
into all regular lamp sockets.
The No. 2 bulb gives twice the light,
lasts about twice as long.
FLASH PHOTO
EXAMPLES |
TABLE FOR FLASH PHOTOGRAPHS   |
SNAPSHOTS with PHOTOFLOODS
To TAKE snapshots at night with the Kodak Vigilant, load the camera with Kodak Super-XX Panchromatic,
Panatomic-X, or Verichrome Film.
Place two bridge lamps fitted with the Kodak Handy Reflectors, and two No. 2 Mazda Photoflood Lamps, one four feet from the subject and the other eight feet, as shown in the illustration on
page 36.
Measure the distance between the camera and the subject; then adjust the focus accordingly.
Move the stop opening lever D (page 16) to f/6.3. With Kodak Super-XX Panchromatic Film make an
exposure of l/100 second; with Panatomic-X or Verichrome Film use 1/25 second.
Other combinations for making snapshots and quick time exposures are given in the table on page 37.
CAUTION: Photoflood Lamps, especially the No. o size, become quite hot and should not be kept burning any
longer than necessary. Do not permit the bulbs to come into contact with the Kodak Handy Reflectors or the
fabric of shades on home lamps.
SNAPSHOTS - PHOTO EXAMPLE 1
It is easy to make snapshots at night with your Kodak, using No. 1 or No. 2 Photofloods and Kodak Handy Reflectors, see pages 35 to 38.
TIME EXPOSURES - PHOTO EXAMPLE 2
Quick time exposures should be made when the distance between subjects and lamps requires it, see table on page 37.
PHOTOFLASH - PHOTO EXAMPLE 3
When the subject is likely to move, make the exposure with a Photoflash Lamp, see pages 38 to 40.
PHOTOFLASH PICTURES
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Photoflash
gives an instantaneous flash, it is good for one picture. No smoke, no noise. Comes in two sizes for the amateur, No. I 11 A and No. 2.
The No. 11A size is suitable for most indoor shots.
WHEN making a Photoflash picture, adjust the shutter for a time exposure, with indicator B at "T." see page 16, and set the shutter with lever C. Measure the distance between subject and lens; then focus the lens. Use the proper stop opening, depending upon distance between lamp and subject, size of lamp, kind of film, and reflector, see exposure table on page 39. |
Use a Photoflash bulb in any home lamp or a portable reflector unit having
flashlight batteries.
To make the exposure, turn out all lights (except a small light behind the camera), direct the Photoflash at
the subject, open the shutter, flash the bulb, and close the shutter.
PHOTOFLASH SETTINGS
KODAK COMBINATION LENS ATTACHMENTS
THE Kodak Combination Lens Attachments permit using in combination an unmounted Wratten Filter, one of
the Kodak Supplementary Lenses such as the Kodak Portrait Diffusion Disk for close-ups, the Kodak Pola-Screen and the Kodak Lens Hood.
The basis of the combination is the Kodak Adapter Ring with its Adapter Ring Insert. The Adapter Ring
must be of the proper Series and size to fit your lens. These Combination Lens Attachments are available in four Series, to fit lens diameters from Chinch to 2
inches, and are designated as follows:
Series V for lenses from 3/4 to 1 3/16 inches
Series VI for lenses from 1 1/4 to 1 21/33 inches.
Series VII for lenses from 1 11/16 to 2 inches.
Series VIII for lenses from 2 1/16 to 2 1/2 inches
After determining the proper Series to be used with your camera lens, an Adapter Ring of the proper
diameter must be obtained to fit the lens. The filters, supplementary lenses, Pola-Screen, and Lens Hood must
be of the same series.
The Series VI Lens Attachments are used with the Kodak Vigilants Six-~o and Six- 16 with Kodak
Anastigmat Lens f/6.3. The Kodak Adapter Ring must be 1 1/4 inches (31.5mm) in diameter. All Wratten Filters,
supplementary lenses, Pola-Screen and Lens Hood must be Series VI.
The Adapter Ring Insert, which is a retaining collar, is first unscrewed from the Adapter Ring. The Adapter
Ring is then slipped over the lens mount, and an unmounted Wratten Filter Series VI or supplementary lens
Series VI inserted in the Adapter Ring and held in place by screwing in the Adapter Ring Insert.
If it is desired to use a Kodak Pola-Screen with a supplementary lens or a filter, the Pola-Screen is first
screwed into the Adapter Ring and the filter or supplementary lens is placed in front of the Pola-Screen, which
then is held in place by the Adapter Ring Insert. If you wish to use a Kodak Lens Hood in this combination, the
Adapter Ring Insert is omitted and the Lens Hood is used to hold the filter or supplementary lens in front of the
Pola-Screen.
To use a Portrait Diffusion Disk with a filter it will be necessary to obtain a double threaded Kodak Retaining
Ring, Series VI. The Portrait Diffusion Disk is placed in the Adapter Ring and then
the double threaded Retaining Ring is screwed into the Adapter Ring. The filter is inserted into the Retaining
Ring and held in place either with the Adapter Ring Insert or Kodak Lens Hood. If a Kodak Pola-Screen is used
in this combination, the Portrait Diffusion Disk is put into the Adapter Ring. Then the double threaded
Retaining Ring is screwed into the Adapter Ring, which in turn takes the Pola-Screen. The Wratten Filter is
placed in front of the Pola-Screen and held there with Adapter Ring Insert or Kodak Lens Hood.
ADJUSTABLE FILM TANK
OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE
