Praktica Super 1000
Section Two

Automatic exposure control system

There are two modes of light metering to apply:

1. Metering by altering the diaphragm number at the lens with pre-selected shutter speed (the preferred method for general objects in satisfactory light). (Webmaster: This is called Aperture Priority)

2. Metering by altering the shutter speed and pre-selected diaphragm number (recommended for low light photography with a certain depth-of-field required). (Webmaster: This is called Shutter Priority)

Metering at pre-selected shutter speed

Set the shutter speed, press metering key (2) and turn diaphragm ring (15) till the pointer visible in the viewfinder is centered in the circular mark. Overexposure is indicated with the pointer resting in the ( + ) range while underexposure is indicated in the
( - ) range. Turning of the ring opens or closes the diaphragm accordingly for balancing object brightness with the combination of shutter speed, diaphragm opening and ASA/DIN film speed.

Metering at pre-selected diaphragm number

Set the diaphragm number, press metering key (2) and turn shutter speed dial (1) till the pointer visible in the viewfinder is centered in the circular mark. Overexposure is indicated with the pointer resting in the ( + ) range, while underexposure is indicated in the ( — ) range. Do not try to set any intermediate shutter speed between the indexed positions. Should you not succeed in attaining a perfect balance, you can make a precise correction by turning the diaphragm ring (which may, of course, may be set to intermediate values, too).4www.butkus.org

Metering with lenses without automatic diaphragm

Lenses of this kind are used in the following way: Set the diaphragm to its smallest diaphragm number, focus the lens and balance the system by stopping down.

Range of the automatic exposure control system

Outside the range (given in the below Table) the metering system is ineffective and the pointer is in its rest position below the circular mark in the " - " range. Metering cannot be made with the shutter set to "B" or symbol .

1. Signal

2. Image brightening Fresnel lens

3. Circular ground glass area

4. Pair of metering wedges

5. Microprism screen

6. Meter needle with circular mark

Focusing

Focusing is possible as to metering wedges, the microprism screen, or the circular ground glass area.

Focusing with the metering wedges

Turn the distance setting ring until definite outlines of the picture fractions are correctly opposed to one another.4www.butkus.org

Focusing on the microprism screen

Maximum sharpness is attained when the image in the microprism screen area is clear and does not flicker.

Circular ground glass area

Turn the distance setting ring of the lens mount until the image appears clear and distinct within the ground glass field. This is the method to choose in macro and microphotography and when using lenses with a relatively small aperture (diaphragm value higher than F4).

Depth-of-field scale

The depth-of-field covered by a certain diaphragm setting can be read on scale (14).

Example: Distance 3 meters, diaphragm number F8
depth-of-field extends from 2 meters to 5 meters.

For additionally checking the depth-of-field in the viewfinder depress metering key (2) and set the diaphragm operation selection switch (12) to M, resp.

Infrared photos require a slight correction of the focus; let the determined distance meet the infrared mark on the lens.

Releasing and cocking

Please note before pressing the shutter release:

1. The signal is visible in the viewfinder on the left; camera not ready for snapping - swivel the rapid rewind lever (8) to the stop.4www.butkus.org

2. For shutter speeds of 1/15 seconds and slower use a tripod and a cable release. Press shutter release (3) smoothly but not suddenly right across the easy going section. Swivel the lever again for cocking after exposure.

Film changing

Observe the exposure counter for the number of pictures you can take with the film in your camera (12, 24 or 36 exposures). After the last exposure, press rewind release (25) (it locks), tilt the folding rewind crank (4) out of rewind button (5) and turn it not too fast in the direction of the arrow (indicated on the crank (4). You will feel the end of rewinding by a somewhat increased resistance with subsequent easy running. Pull the rewind button up to the stop, unlock the camera back and take the cartridge.

Lens changing

Any lenses having the international M 42x1 PRAKTICA thread (Webmaster: Pentax Screw Mount) can be used. Grip the lens body and unscrew in counter-clockwise direction; screw in the other lens in clockwise direction to the stop.

Flash photography

The PRAKTICA super TL 1000 has been designed for synchronization of flashbulbs and electronic flash units. Flash units provided with a center contact are pushed into accessory shoe (6). Set the shutter speed dial either to :g or f.

The firing circuit is closed only during the period of the shutter running down. Observe the guide number of the flash unit and make the aperture or distance calculation (use the calculator disk of the flash unit).

(Webmaster: most current flash units are "automatic", you set the camera to it's "flash" or "sync" speed, which on this camera is 1/100 sec. [ most are 1/60 ], check the back of the flash unit you will use and it will have a chart. Depending on the ASA of the film the flash will show an F-stop to set the lens diaphragm to. The flash will also show you the range in distance you can photograph. This is usually 4 feet to some 15 feet or more. Some flash units have two or three F-stops to choose from. Depending on the power (size) of the flash, that determines the F-stop and longest distance from your subject.)

The use of flashbulbs

For fast burning flashbulbs the speed dial is set to the symbol or to a shutter speed longer than 1/30 sec.4www.butkus.org

The use of electronic units
Synchronization is only at the symbol which corresponds to a shutter speed of about 1/125 sec.

Battery replacement

The automatic exposure control system is powered by a mercury oxide battery type PX 625 or another type meeting the same specification, of a rated voltage of 1.35 V.

(Webmaster: this is a mercury battery, not available for sale in the U.S. Check my web page for Mercury Battery Replacements. There are several options.

Unscrew the cover of the battery compartment (26) with a coin, note the plus (+) and minus ( - ) marks, insert the battery correctly and screw the cover of the battery compartment in again. Battery service life is about 2 years.

Do not try to charge the battery or put it into the fire - it might blow up!4www.butkus.org

Care of the camera

Operation according to instructions and proper care are essential preconditions for trouble free function of this precision instrument. Protect it from shocks, blows, dust and moisture; clean cartridge and spool compartments, film track and camera back with a soft brush in suitable intervals. Do not excert any pressure onto the shutter blades and do not touch them with your fingers. Dust the mirror with a soft brush only if absolutely necessary. Clean the battery contact ends in intervals of 6 months and remove the battery from the camera when not required for at long time. We recommend you protect the camera in cold weather. When not used, shut the eyepiece by means of the delivered protective cap.

The PRAKTICA super TL 1000 is available with various lenses.4www.butkus.org

Please observe the recommendations contained in this booklet. Handling the camera carelessly or contrary to instructions may lead to damages which, we regret to say, are not covered by our guarantee.

Our consistent efforts to improve our products may lead to some slight deviations of the PRAKTICA super TL 1000 from the present details.

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