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, M. Butkus,
NJ.
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I have no connection with any camera company
Pentax LX
SECTION 4
Posted 2-27-03
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This page is copyright by , M. Butkus,
NJ.
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ATTACHING THE VIEWFINDER
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Your Pentax LX is a complete System 35mm SLR which offers you an exceptionally wide variety of interchangeable viewfinders (see
page 46). Once you have selected the viewfinder best suited your picture-taking needs, attach it to the camera body as follows:
Remove the protective body cap by moving the finder release lever counter-clockwise and sliding the cap away from the camera body
as shown. Carefully remove the protective cap from the finder and align the finder with the body, making sure both units are seated
properly. Slide the kinder toward the front of the camera body until it locks firmly in place. When attaching the finder, it's a good idea to
jiggle it to make sure it is locked securely in place.4www.butkus.org
To remove the finder on the camera for attaching a new finder, move the finder release lever counter-clockwise and carefully remove
the existing finder by sliding it away from the camera body slowly and smoothly. Do not move too quickly to avoid dropping the finder
on your working surface and damaging it. Place the protective finder cap on the finder to protect it against dust and scratches.
IMPORTANT: Avoid touching the glass surfaces of the finder, eyepiece and camera body when attaching or removing the finder to protect against possible damage from fingerprints, dust, grit and grease. When absolutely necessary, use a blower or camel's hair brush to remove loose dust or grit and ensure the brightest, cleanest image. |
Adjusting The Diopter Correction
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Pentax FA-1 and FA-2 Interchangeable Viewfinders feature built-in diopter correction for the focusing convenience of eyeglass wearers. To adjust the degree of correction, first move the finder release lever counter-clockwise and gently slide the finder away from the body until the diopter adjustment screw is visible. With the finder in this position, carefully bring the camera up to your eye and look at split-image center spot in the center of the viewfinder. Using the tool packed with the finder, turn the adjustment screw until the border lines of the center spot come in sharp and crisp. Remove the tool and slide the finder toward the front of the camera body to once again lock it securely in place.4www.butkus.org |
MOUNTING THE LENS
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After removing the rear lens and body caps, hold the camera firmly in your left hand and align the red dot (A) on the camera body with
the red dot (B) on the lens. Insert the lens into the body chamber until it seats against the lens mount and turn it clockwise until it locks
into place with an audible click. In dim light situations where it becomes difficult to see the red dots, align the raised white node (C) on
the lens barrel with the lens release (D) by touch and continue mounting the lens as descri bed.
When mounting longer lenses such as telephoto or zoom focal lengths, it's a good idea to rest the camera body in the palm of the left
hand. This procedure provides a better balance and more convenient handling during the mounting operation.4www.butkus.org
WHEN CHANGING LENSES OUTDOORS WITH FILM IN THE CAMERA, TAKE THE ADDED PRECAUTION OF AVOIDING DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
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Removing the Lens
To remove the lens, hold the camera in the left hand and press the Lens release button 13 while turning the lens counter-clockwise
with the right hand.
IMPORTANT: If it becomes necessary to put the lens down without the rear lens cap in place, make sure the lens rests only with the
front element down. Never put the lens down with the front element up.
The film advance system and exposure counter of your new Pentax LX are designed to provide you with the utmost in rapid winding convenience and frame indication
accuracy.
ADVANCING THE FILM
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Shutter Cocked I Indicator
When the shutter has been cocked for the next exposure, the shutter cocked indicator turns red as a reminder. The Indicator returns to clear when the shutter has been fired. |
| Two-Way Exposure Counter The LX exposure counter is a sequential type which advances one frame each time the rapid wind lever or film transport is activated. The scale is indexed from "O" to "36" with frames "12," "20," "24" and "36" marked in red. The counter also operates in reverse when rewinding the film and disengages when making multiple exposures to ensure frame indication accuracy. It automatically resets to "O" when the back cover is opened. |
Rapid Wind Lever The LX features a single-stroke 120 rapid wind fever which advances the film and cocks the shutter. A 25° stand-off position is provided for rapid
winding ease and comfort.4www.butkus.org
LOADING THE FILM
* To avoid unnecessary delays when loading the film, before starting it's a good idea to set the shutter dial to one of the faster manual
settings, e.g. 1/2000th second. If you must load film with the dial set to "Automatic," remove the lens cap and aim the camera
towards a bright light source to avoid excessively long shutter speeds when advancing the film.
* Open the camera back by lifting up sharply on the film rewind knob. Insert the film cartridge in the film chamber and lock the cartridge
in place by returning the film rewind knob to its original position.
* Draw the film leader across the back and insert it into any of the white needles in the film take-up spool. Make sure the film is
engaged properly on the spool by inserting the leader at least the width of one perforation.
* Wind the film by alternately advancing the rapid wind lever and firing the shutter release button until both top and bottom sprockets
engage the film perforations. When you are sure the film has engaged properly, close the back cover and wind the film rewind crank
in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack.4www.butkus.org
* Continue advancing the film until the exposure counter registers "1." You can be sure the film is moving properly through the camera
by checking to see that the film rewind knob rotates each time the rapid wind lever is advanced.
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SETTING THE FILM SPEED /MEMO HOLDER |
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MEMO HOLDER
For added convenience, your LX features a film memo holder which acts as a reminder of the film type and number of exposures loaded in the camera. Simply tear off the end of the film carton and insert it into the holder frame. |
SETTING THE SHUTTER DIAL
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To set your Pentax LX for automatic exposure control, rotate the shutter dial until the word "Automatic" locks into place opposite the index mark as shown. When manual control is desired, press the shutter dial lock release and turn the dial until the speed setting you wish to use aligns with the index at the click-stop position. Indices on the dial from "2000" to "2" represent fractions of a second (i.e., 1/2000th second to 1/2 second) while "1" through "4S" represent full second increments. The "X" index setting corresponds to 1 /75th second for synchronization with electronic flash units not providing "dedicated" flash capability with the LX camera (see page41).4www.butkus.org |
Electronically-Controlled Shutter Speeds
Your Pentax LX provides electronically-controlled stepless shutter speeds in the "Automatic" mode from 1/2000th second down to 125
sec. (At ASA 100, f/1.2) and electronically-controlled manual shutter speeds from 1/60th second to 4 full seconds. These speeds are
not functional without batteries or when battery failure occurs.
Mechanically-Controlled Shutter Speeds
At shutter speed settings from 1/2000th second to "X" and at the "B" (Bulb) setting, the shutter operates mechanically without the need
for battery pow-~ en These speed settings should be used in the event battery failure interrupts normal camera operation.
ACTIVATING THE METER
The LX provides you with the option of activating the exposure meter in two ways: /9 with the shutter button and (B) with the dial lock
release/MD exposure
· check button.
Shutter Release Button
For general shooting, it is simplest to activate the meter for exposure checks using the LX's feather touch shutter button, which also
serves as a meter "on" switch. By pressing the shutter button lightly, both the exposure metering system and viewfinder LED display
are activated and remain on up to 25 seconds, after which the meter and display will automatically turn off to prevent excessive battery
drain.
Meter Activation/Exposure Checks with Motor Drive and Winder
You can also activate the LX's exposure meter using the dial lock release/MD exposure check button. When pressed this activates the meter and lights the viewfinder display for up to 25
seconds the same as the shutter button. Whether you use the shutter button or the MD exposure check button for normal exposure is
optional. However, to activate the meter and check the exposure when using the LX in conjunction with the motor drive or winder,
always use the MD exposure check button. This is because the shutter stroke is shorter than normal when the motor drive and winder
are attached and use of the shutter button in this instance may cause premature shutter release.4www.butkus.org
Shutter Release
Lock
Slide to the left to lock shutter button and metering system, slide to the right to unlock.
FOCUSING
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The Pentax LX comes equipped with the standard SC-21 split-image/microprism focusing screen which provides a split-image center
spot surrounded by a microprism collar on a matte field The SC-21 is fully interchangeable with eight other focusing screen models to
provide focusing versatility capable of meeting almost any picture-taking need (see page 49). When using the split-image center spot
simply turn the lens focusing ring until the broken image in the center spot in the viewfinder aligns as one.
When using the microprism collar surrounding the center spot, rotate the lens focusing ring until the "shimmering" effect in the collar area seems to d disappear. The matte field is quite handy for focusing in rapidly changing conditions where there simply isn't time to use either the split-image spot or microprism collar or for focusing with long telephoto lenses having small apertures. To focus, turn the focusing ring on the lens until the image on the matte field appears sharp and crisp. |
THE STANDARD FA-1 VIEWFINDER DISPLAY
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Aperture Window Displays f/stop set on camera lens.
Red Flag Exposure compensation warning. Blue Flag Indicates position of shutter dial. Red LED Indicates overexposure when lit. A Indicates automatic exposure control. Shutter Speed Scale Represents shutter speeds as they appear on shutter dial. Green LEDs Glows to indicate meter selection of hand-holdable speeds from 1 /2000th second to 1/30th second. "X" Electronic flash synchronization. Red LED glows to indicate automatic flash synchronization and flash ready with Pentax dedicated flash units. Yellow LEDs Glows to indicate meter selection of speeds slower than 1/30th second as reminder to open lens, use tripod or flash. LT, B In manual, indicates "B" shutter setting; Red LED glows to indicate long time exposure in automatic. |
SHOOTING AUTOMATICALLY
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Whenever time is limited and light is changing rapidly, you're sure to find the automatic exposure control capabilities of the Pentax LX a useful and welcome feature. Because the LX incorporates a direct off-the-film plane light measurement system, readings are made continuously to ensure uncanny accuracy even under the most difficult lighting conditions. For macrophotography and portraiture where depth-of-field control is extremely critical, the aperture-preferred system of automation provides the maximum in flexibility, ease of operation and convenience. The LX is equally responsive, however, in fast action situations where by simply opening the lens to its widest aperture, the camera automatically selects the fastest possible shutter speed lighting will allow to capture those fleeting moments. To operate the Pentax LX in the automatic exposure control mode, first rotate the shutter dial until the word "Automatic" locks in place opposite the index mark. Set the lens f/stop you desire on the camera lens and activate the metering system by pressing lightly on the shutter release button. (if using motor drive or winder, check the exposure with the dial lock release/MD exposure check button) The LX will then read the amount of light striking the film plane, select the precise shutter speed required for a proper exposure from the continuously variable range of 1/2000th second down to 125 seconds curing normal temperatures. The approximate speed selected is indicated on the viewfinder display. Speed selected by the camera can be changed by merely selecting a different f/stop or by using the exposure compensation dial (see page 24). To take the picture, press down firmly and smoothly on the shutter release button. |
SHOOTING AUTOMATICALLY
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A red LED will glow next to the "A" index on the viewfinder scale to indicate overexposure. When this occurs, stop your lens down or change to manual exposure control to obtain acceptable exposures. |
| A red LED will glow next to the "LT, B" index on the scale when there is insufficient light for a proper exposure or when the camera has selected a time exposure longer than 4 seconds in the automatic mode. | |
| Green LEDs are used along the shutter speed scale between 1 /2000th and 1/30th second to indicate hand-holdable speeds.
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Yellow LEDs are used along the shutter speed scale between 1/1 5th second and 4 seconds as a slow speed warning and reminder to use a tripod or supplemental lighting, or to change the lens to a wider aperture setting. |
IMPORTANT: Should you accidentally press the shutter release with the lens cap on or in the dark while the shutter dial is set to
"Automatic," an excessively long exposure will result. To re-set the camera, move the dial to one of the manual speed settings and
return it to the "Automatic" position before resuming shooting.
USING THE EXPOSURE COMPENSATION DIAL
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Although the center-weighting of your LX camera's metering system is designed to provide accurate exposure measurement under the majority of lighting conditions, when using the camera in the automatic mode you may find that a degree of exposure adjustment is desirable. This is particularly true in scenes with extremely contrasty backgrounds or foregrounds, or where special creative effects can enhance the overall quality of the photograph. The exposure compensation dial allows you to make these adjustments quickly and easily. |
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The dial, located beneath the film rewind knob, permits you to override the automatic exposure setting by a full +2 EV (i.e., two full
f/stops over or underexposure) in 1/3 increments. The dial is indexed at 4X (2 f/stops increase), 2X (one f/stop increase), 1/4X (2
f/stops decrease' and 1/2X (one f/ stop decrease) with click stops at each 1/3 increment.4www.butkus.org
Normal Position: For normal automatic exposure control, make sure the dial is set to the "1X" position. The Dial locks firmly in this
position to prevent accidental movement.
When the dial is off the "1X" index, a red flag will appear in the upper right-hand side of the camera viewfinder as a reminder.
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BACKLIT SUBJECTS: When shooting a subject against a bright background such as a window, bright sky, sand or snow, the camera meter will tend to underexpose the subject. To compensate, press the dial lock release and change the dial towards the 2X or 4X position depending on the degree of additional exposure desired. |
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FRONTLIT SUBJECTS: When your subject is spotlighted against a dark background such as on a stage, the meter will tend to overexpose subject details creating a washed-out appearance. To compensate, press the dial lock release and change the dial to wards the 1/2X or 1/4X position depending on what degree of underexposue is necessary or desirable. |
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION RANGE
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While the range of the exposure compensation dial is sufficient to allow exposure compensation at all film speeds featured in the camera's film speed range, with extremely fast and extremely slow films, compensation is not available for the plus and minus settings indicated by the black dots below. |
MANUAL EXPOSURE CONTROL
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In the manual exposure mode your Pentax LX provides rapid response through-the-lens metering combined with an extensive manual
shutter speed range from 1/2000th second to 4 full seconds. To set the LX for manual exposure control, press the shutter dial lock
release and move the dial from the "Automatic" position. The shutter speed selected by the dial will be displayed in the camera viewfinder by a blue flag at the I right-hand side of the scale.
Metering With Pre-set Aperture
In situations where depth of field is critical, it's a good idea to pre-set the aperture when metering. Once you've turned the lens aperture ring until the desired f/stop appears in the viewfinder aperture window, activate the meter and viewfinder display by pressing the shutter release lightly. To set the correct shutter speed for a proper exposure, rotate the shutter dial until the blue flag aligns with the speed recommended by the I meter via the glowing LED. A red LED at the top or bottom of the scale | indicates that the f/stop-speed combination is out of the camera's metering range and should be changed accordingly. |
Metering With Pre-set Shutter Speed
When fast action calls for pre-setting the shutter speed, rotate the shutter dial until the blue flag in the viewfinder aligns with the shutter speed index desired. Activate the viewfinder display by lightly pressing the shutter release and rotate the aperture ring until the LED along the shutter speed scale aligns with the pre-selected speed. A red LED at the top or bottom of the scale indicates that the speed-f/stop combination is out of the camera's metering range and should be changed accordingly.4www.butkus.org
METER COUPLING RANGE - Click
here for the metering coupling range chart
The IDM (Integrated Direct Metering) system of your Pentax LX assures superbly accurate exposure readings over a broad range of shutter speed/film speed combinations.
The working EV range of the IDM metering system for both manual and automatic exposures is reflected in the reference chart above. With ASA 100 film at f/1.4, for
example, the manual coupling range extends from EV 1 (1 sec. at f/1.4, 2 sec. at f/2) through EV 19 (1/2000th sec. at f/16, 1/1000th sec. at f/22). In the automatic mode with
ASA 100 film and an f/1.2 lens, it extends all the way from EV -6.5 through EV 20 (125 sec. at f/1.2 - 1/2000th sec. at f/22 under normal temperatures and humidity).
Although the meter coupling ranges for the respective manual and automatic exposure modes change in relation to film speed, you can calculate what the working EV range would be at other film speeds by mentally adjusting the position of the frame of the chart which defines the coupling
range for the mode in question. The red frame defines the manual meter coupling range and moves vertically along the right hand film speed index; the green frame defines
the lower limits of the coupling range for automatic exposures and moves horizontally along the left-hand film speed index. The boundaries of the red frame should be
disregarded when determining the coupling range for automatic exposures; at the higher end of the EV scale, meter coupling is provided for all available film-speed/shutter-speed/f-stop combinations during automatic exposure operation.4www.butkus.org
UNLOADING THE FILM
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When the last frame on the film cassette has been exposed you will feel resistance when trying to operate the rapid wind lever. Do not
force the lever to avoid tearing the film from the cassette spool.
To rewind the Film, press the film rewind button at the base of the camera, lift the film rewind crank as shown and turn it in the
direction of the arrow until tension on the crank lessens. The two-way exposure counter allows you to double check to make sure the
film has rewound properly into the cassette before opening the camera back.
After rewinding, lift up sharply on the film rewind knob to open the camera back and remove the film cassette for processing.
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AVOID DIRECT- LIGHT WHEN UNLOADING THE FILM
HOLDING THE CAMERA
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For proper balance, handling convenience and quick access to all camera controls, hold the camera in the palm of your left hand with the thumb and index finger around the lens barrel as shown. The right hand should be positioned comfortably around the camera body with the index finger over the shutter release button. |
Shooting Horizontally-- Hold the camera as described above and keep your arms close to your body to minimize camera movement
which can cause blurry photographs.
Shooting Vertically -- Press the camera tightly to your forehead for added support and keep the arm drawn towards the body.
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