If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to:
M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701
and send your e-mail address so I can thank you.  Most other places would charge you $7.50 for a electronic copy
or $18.00 for a hard to read Xerox copy.

(posted 3-26-02)

Additional info I received 10-'05
In an added note, I have found that the "ZE" P adapter designed for use with the ZE and ZE-2 Mamiya cameras will not work on the Mamiya ZE-X camera. Most references for the "ZE" P adapter give the perception that it can be used on all ZE series cameras. This is not the case for the ZE-X. If you attempt to use the "ZE" P adapter on the ZE-X camera the adapter will stop cold at the gold dedicated EF camera/lens contacts of the ZE-X and if you force the installation of the "ZE" P adapter onto the ZE-X it will damage those gold contact pins. I have not seen a reference to this effect in any description of the ZE-X. Furthermore, I have seen no references for the Mamiya ZM camera allowing adapters that permit the use of lenses from the DSX, MSX, DTL and TL series of cameras. The ZM does allow 645 series lenses to be used on "ZE" and "ZE-2" cameras utilizing their "645 adapter ZE". I have however installed the Mamiya "ZE" P adapter to an Auto Mamiya-Sekor 1:1.8 f=55mm M42 mount lens with it's f-stop aperture switch set in manual mode on the Mamiya ZM in auto shutter mode with good operational results.

Even more info on the adaptor - 
One way to use the Mamiya ZE "P" adapter with the Mamiya ZE-X without damaging the ZE-X is to first attach an Osawa MC-4 ZE 2x teleconverter to the ZE-X camera body. Then you can attach the ZE "P" adapter to the teleconverter in order to use lenses from the DSX, MSX, DTL and TL series of cameras. Of course you will have then doubled your focal length by two but at least you have the ability to use those M42 lenses with the ZE-X.

 

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Welcome to the Wonderful World of Mamiya Crossover Photography

Congratulation on your choice of a Mamiya ZE-X Crossover single lens reflex camera. This highly versatile multimode automatic exposure (AK) camera not only offers you shutter speed priority AK, aperture priority AK, programmed AK, and electronic flash AE (with Mamiyalite MZ flash units), but is also equipped for crossover between all four modes. A full manual override is provided for advanced amateur and professional photographers.

The Mamiya ZE-X is simplicity itself to use. Whichever AE mode, shutter speed, or aperture you select, the Crossover capability guarantees perfectly exposed, camera shake free pictures under all but the very darkest conditions. And even with, extremely dark subjects, if you attach a Mamiya dedicated flash to your camera, you can be sure of beautifully exposed pictures every time.

This manual is designed to help you get the best out of your Mamiya ZE-X.  Please read it carefully and completely familiarize yourself with the remarkable features of this super camera. And, to make photography with your ZE-X even more" convenient, please note that a full range of systems accessories is available, including an automatic film winder, a complete range of interchangeable lenses, electronic" flash units, close-up accessories and many, many others. Build up your systems as your skills and requirements grow!4www.butkus.org

Features of the Crossover System and the AE Modes 3

Basic Operation Steps 

Description of Parts 

Standard Camera Operation

Loading the Batteries 

Lens Mounting/Removal 

Loading the Film

Setting the ASA Film Speed 

Selecting the AE Mode 

(A) Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE 

(B) Aperture Priority Crossover AE 

(C) Programmed AE 

Focusing 

Holding the Camera 

Rewinding the Film 

ZE-X's Electronic Mechanism 

Viewfinder Display 

Features of the Crossover System 

Camera Shake Prevention

Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE Variation 

Aperture Priority Crossover AE Variation 

Programmed AE Variation

Flash Photography 

(A) Flash AE Crossover with EF Lenses 

(B) Flash AE Crossover with E Lenses 

(C) Flash Photography with Mamiyalite ZE 

Additional Features : 

Exposure Compensation

(A) Exposure Variation Dial 

(B) Exposure Memory Button 

Manual Exposures

B (Bulb) for Long Exposures 

Self-Timer 

Eyepiece Blind 

Multiple Exposures 

Depth-of-Field Control 

Infrared Photography 

Mamiya Sekor EF/E Lenses

Accessories 

Precautions on Batteries 

Handling Cautions 

Specifications 


Features of the Crossover System and the AE (Auto Exposure) Mode

The Crossover System
The ZE-X Crossover System enables the camera to cross over automatically between the various AE modes in the following circumstances:

1) Used with the shutter speed priority AE or aperture priority AE modes, it allows the camera to automatically correct exposure settings in unforeseen situations when conditions are such that your pre-selected shutter speed or aperture will not give you a correct exposure.

2) With the two modes mentioned above and in the programmed AE mode, it allows the camera to open the aperture automatically and maintain a safe shutter speed, that is, a speed which is above the "camera shake" limit for the lens in use. This ensures blur-free hand-held photography in all but the most extreme exposure conditions.

3) When the Mamiyalite MZ 36R and MZ 18R dedicated auto electronic flash units are used with the camera, the Crossover System acts to prevent the flash discharging in exposure situations where correct exposure can be obtained without flash, but automatically switches the camera back to the flash AE mode if the shutter speed drops below the handheld "camera shake" limit.4www.butkus.org

Shutter Speed Priority AE
In this mode, the camera sets the correct aperture for you, leaving you free to control the shutter speed. This type of auto exposure is especially useful when you wish to deliberately blur your subject or the background by using a slow shutter speed, or when you need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. If you are a beginner without much knowledge of photography, we suggest that you set the shutter speed to 1/125 second until you get the feel of it; with the Crossover switch on, there will be no need to change shutter speeds for different lighting conditions.

Aperture Priority AE
Use of this mode allows you to select any aperture freer while the camera automatically matches it with the appropriate shutter speed. This permits you to take full advantage of the different focusing characteristics of the lens in us to create different effects with your pictures. Large apertures for example, can be used to highlight your subject again an out-of-focus background, while small apertures will give greater overall sharpness to the entire photo.

Programmed AE (Total Auto)
With this mode, the camera's microprocessor selects both the shutter speed and the aperture according to the prevailing light conditions. Since the camera sets up the exposure for you entirely, this mode is highly suitable for candid photography and snapshots where there is no time or it is too much trouble for you to set the exposure controls yourself. Naturally, it is also ideal for beginners, since there is little danger of exposure failure. In fact, we recommend that you keep the camera in this mode while carrying it, so that you will always be ready for those once-in-a-life time shots. This will also give you the option of switching directly to the shutter speed or aperture Priority AE modes as needed.

Electronic Flash AE
When used in combination with the dedicated Mamiyalite MZ flash units, the ZE-X will automatically set the aperture and synchronize for flash on charging, thereby making auto flash exposures as easy as normal auto exposures. In addition, the Crossover System makes flash override possible in all of the AE modes.


Basic operations steps

1. Load the batteries.  Make sure polarity is correct!

2. Load the film and advance to the first frame.

3. Set the ASA film speed.  

Make sure the crossover switch (A) is at its normal position (flush with the camera body).

4. Select the AE mode.  (See previous pane for general description).

A) Shutter Speed Priority AE.

B) Aperture Priority AE.

C) Programmed AE.

·Before settee the dial away from the "A" setting, press the lock-release button (B) and turn simultaneously.4www.butkus.org
·To lock and unlock aperture ring, press the white button and simultaneously rotate.



5. Viewfinder Check.

Press shutter button partway. Depending upon AE mode in use, shutter speed and aperture or "P" will appear in the viewfinder.

Compose the picture and focus. Press shutter button gently to take photo. (Page 19)

Rewind the film when all frames are exposed. (Page 21)

Description of Parts

Loading the Batteries

1. Press the battery chamber cover in the direction of the arrow until it swings open.

2. Before inserting the batteries, wipe both sides with a dry cloth to ensure that contacts are clean. Place both batteries into the battery chamber as shown, making sure the (+) (-) polarity markings match those on the chamber cover.

Your ZE-X will not function if batteries are improperly inserted or batteries are not loaded.

Battery Check/Low Battery Warning
After loading the batteries, press the shutter button partway to see if the data display inside the viewfinder lights. If the display fails to light, batteries may be depleted or improperly inserted.

Low Battery Warning: 
When the entire I display begins to flicker at a fast rate (8 flashes per second) batteries are low and should be replaced promptly to ensure uninterrupted operation. The slow pulsation of the displays warns you of over and underexposures.4www.butkus.org

Lens Mounting/Removal

Match the red dots on the lens and Press the lens release button and turn camera body, seat the lens in the mount lens counterclockwise until it stops. and turn clockwise until lens locks in Unseat lens from mount. place with a click.

Note on White Button: The white button serves as an auto aperture lock for shutter speed priority AE and programmed AE operation with both E and EF lenses. To lock the ring at the index mark, press the button and simultaneously rotate until it locks in place. To unlock the ring press button and rotate to desired aperture setting.

Caution: When not mounted, always cover both ends of lenses with lens caps to protect from dust and scratches. Do not put lens down on its uncovered mount. Wipe electrical contacts gently with clean cloth periodically to maintain proper contact.


Loading the Film

1. Open the back cover of the camera by pulling up on the rewind knob. (Avoid direct sunlight when loading or unloading film.) Load the film cartridge into the film chamber of the camera and reset the rewind knob to its original position.

2. Insert the end of the film into the slot of the film take-up spool.

3. First advance the film by operating the film advance lever; then rotate the film rewind knob in the direction of the arrow to take up film slack. Make sure that both the upper and lower teeth of the sprocket are engaged in the perforations of the film.

· To avoid unnecessary delays when loading the film, set the shutter speed dial to one of the faster manual settings, e.g., 1/1000 sec. If you load the film with the dial set at "A", remove the lens cap and point the camera toward a bright light source to prevent long exposures.

· As a reminder of the type and number of exposures of the film loaded in the camera, tear off the end of the film box and insert it in the memo holder on the back cover.

Setting the ASA Film Speed

4. Close the back cover of the camera and advance the film by alternately operating the film advance lever and releasing the shutter until the numeral "1" appears in the exposure counter. While performing this operation, make sure that the film is advancing properly by checking if the rewind knob rotates when the film advance lever is Operated.

Set the ASA film speed of the film being used by lifting up the outer rim of the film speed dial and rotating the dial until the index indicates the correct ASA value on the film speed scale (the film speed is noted on the film cartridge or box). Intermediate film speeds can be set as follows when necessary.

After setting the ASA film speed, check to make sure that the exposure variation dial is set to "0" before shooting.4www.butkus.org

Selecting the AE Mode

Shutter Speed Priority Crossover AE - With this exposure mode, you set the shutter speed and the camera selects the correct aperture for you.

1. Set the crossover switch (A) at its normal position (flush against the camera body).

2. Press the white button on the lens aperture ring and rotate the ring until it locks at the index mark.

3. Select the shutter speed desired according to the type of subject you are photographing and the effect you wish to create. CAUTION: If the dial is locked at "A" beforehand, press the lock release button (B) and turn. Do not force the dial.

· The shutter will not operate at the B (Bulb) setting in the shutter priority mode.

4. Press the shutter button partway and look into the viewfinder. The aperture selected by the camera to give proper exposure appears in the viewfinder

· For exposures requiring a shutter speed slower than 1/30 sec., mount the camera on a sturdy tripod or switch to flash photography to prevent camera shake.

· For lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.7, the viewfinder displays either "1.4" or "2.0" as the maximum aperture setting; for those with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the maximum aperture setting in the viewfinder is either "2.8" or"4.0".

Shutter Priority AE without Crossover
When you desire the camera not to alter the shutter speed you initially set for certain purpose, disengage the crossover system by sliding the crossover switch (A) out over the camera body. If the setting in use is not proper, the minimum aperture of the lens in use will flash to indicate overexposure; the maximum aperture will flash for underexposure. When proper exposure is desired, turn the shutter speed dial until the flashing ceases.

Selecting the AE Mode
Aperture Priority Crossover AE - With this exposure mode, you set the shutter speed and the camera selects the correct aperture for you.

1. Set the crossover switch (A) at its normal position (flush with camera body).

2. Set the shutter speed dial at "A" (dial locks at "A" to prevent accidental movement).

3. Set the aperture on the lens aperture ring in accordance with the effects desired or lighting conditions of the subject.

NOTE: If the aperture ring is locked at the white button (C), press the button and simultaneously rotate the ring to your desired aperture setting.



4. Press the shutter button partway, then your preselected aperture and the shutter speed selected by the camera for the proper exposure will appear in the viewfinder.

·For lenses with a maximum aperture of F1.7, the viewfinder displays either "1.4" or "2.0" as the maximum aperture setting; for those with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the maximum aperture setting in the viewfinder is either "2.8" or "4.0".

·Always use a tripod for slow shutter speed to prevent picture blur.

When you desire the camera not to alter the aperture you initially set for certain purpose, disengage the crossover system by sliding the crossover switch (A) out over the camera body. If the setting in use is not proper, the fastest shutter speed (1000) indication will flash to indicate overexposure. The slowest speed (16 ) will flash for underexposure. When proper exposure is desired, turn the aperture ring until the flashing ceases.

Selecting the AE Mode
C. Programmed AE - With this mode, the camera sets both the shutter speed and aperture accordance with lighting conditions.

1. Set the shutter speed dial at the ·"A" setting. :'

2. Press the white button and lock the aperture ring by rotating the ring until the button locks at the index mark.

3. Press the shutter button partway. "P" appears in the viewfinder to indicate proper exposure at a hand-holdable fast shutter speed selected by the camera.

* Slow Shutter Speed Warning

Often when you are shooting in poor lighting conditions and selected shutter speed is too slow for hand-held shooting, the speed indication will appear alongside the "P" to warn you. When slow shutter speed warning is given, mount the camera on a tripod or hold the camera steady on a firm support.
The slow speed warning varies by the focal length of the lens in use. With a 50mm lens, the warning appears when shutter speeds drop below 1/30 sec.

·With programmed AK, the position of the crossover switch has no effect on exposures except for flash photography.

* Over/Underexposure Warning

When the scene is too bright for the proper exposure, the fastest shutter speed indication (1000) appears in the viewfinder and flashes. If the scene is too dark for the proper exposure, the slowest shutter speed indication (16) appears in the viewfinder and flashes.

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