Sigma SA-300
On Line camera manual - Section Five
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WEBMASTER:
To expandable theSA-5's photographing ability, we have developed some innovative accessorieswhich are described in this section.
This accessory permits releasing the camera's shutter from up to 6feet (5 m) away from in front of the camera to 9.8 feet (3 m) away if youare 30 degrees to either side. (Depending on the lens, there may be somerestrictions when using it from the left side of the camera.)
OPERATION
 | Description of Parts 1. Transmit Button 1. Select time delay 2. Set the camera's Drive Mode to the "Remote control". |
 | 3. Check that the subject is framed correctly After you set the focus, we vrecommend setting the lens switch to MF position. 4. Point the transmitting diode at the camera and press the transmit button. 5.The camera's self-timer light will blink, then the shutter will release. 6. After taking the picture, return the camera's Drive Mode to the normal setting. |
The remote controller may not work properly if strong sunlight is shiningdirectly on the camera's remote control sensor.
The camera will switch itself off after about 5 minutes of inactivity whilein the remote control mode.
While the built-in flash is charging, the remote control will not operate.
| The light entering the viewfinder will effect the exposure system of thecamera. Use the finder cap while using the remote controller. |
ADDITIONAL FEATURE OF REMOTE CONTROLLER
1. Use with Bulb Exposure
If the camera is set on both Bulb Exposure and Remote Control, the firstrelease of the remote controller will open the camera's shutter, and the secondrelease will close it.
While the shutter is open, the "Bulb" indication on the LCD panelwill blink.4www.butkus.org
2. Use with Mirror Up
When the camera's mirror is up, the remote control mark will appear on theLCD panel and remote control sensor will turn on automatically. You can releasethe shutter by using remote controller. In this mode, you can release theshutter at any channel selector position (C1, C2 or C3).
3. Use with bulb Exposure and Mirror Up
If the camera is set on both Bulb Exposure and Mirror Up, you can open andclose the shutter by using remote controller.
Replacing the remote controller battery
Use two CR1220 3 VLithium coin type batteries
1 ) Remove the bottom cover screw with a screwdriver
2) Open the bottom cover and replace batteries
3) Replace the cover and tightenthe screw. Be careful not to over tighten.
4) Check controller operation afterreplacing batteries.
PANORAMA ADAPTOR PS-300
If you attach the Parorama Adaptor PS-300 onto the filmguide before you insert the film, Panorama (stretch type) photography ispossible.
(Webmaster: This device will REQUIRE YOU totake a hole roll in panoramic mode. Remember, every different processorcharges a good deal more for the larger panoramic shots. This is werefinding a 12 exposure roll comes in handy.)
 | 1. Open the back cover and attach the PS-300 as shown in the illustration. The shutter curtain is a very delicate, precision component, which moves at high speed. It can be easily damaged by touching or pushing it with your finger or the PS-300 while attaching it. Be careful not to touch it. |
 | 2. Attach the panorama/stretch sticker on the film roll, then insert the film. You can see the part of the sticker through the film window, so it is easy to check that the camera is set for panaroma photography. Also, it identifies that the film was used for panorama/stretch photography. |
 | 3. Take pictures in the same way as normal except for framing. When used with the PS-300, place the subject within the panaroma frame. The portion of the scene outside of the panorama frame will not be imaged by the film. If you want to express the feeling of a broad panoramic effect, use a wide angle lens. |
 | 4. After taking panorama photographs, remove the PS-300 as shown in the illustration.4www.butkus.org |
PRECAUTIONS
1. Panorama photographs cuts off the top and bottom part of the standardfilm (24X36) which results in an image of 13mmX36mm. The number ofexposures is the same as indicated on the film cartridge.
2. When you develop and print the film taken with the panorama filmattachment, be sure the panorama/stretch sticker is attached to thecartridge. If the picture is printed by normal processing, instead ofpanorama processing, black areas will be printed on top and bottom of thepicture.
3. Once you insert the film you cannot change to standard photography.(without removing the adaptor)
4. The date and time cannot be imprintedon these pictures.
5. To avoid any chance of scratching the film ordamaging the camera's mechanism, do not drop or bent the PS-300.
EXTERNAL FLASH EF-430 SUPER
The EF-430 super flash is specifically developed for the SA-5. The EF-430super has many features.
*Auto Zoom Head coverage angle ranges for lenses with focal length between 28 mmand 80 mm.
* Guide Number 43 with head setting at 80 mm. (ISO 100/m)
* Bounce angle up to 125°.
* Rear curtain Synchronization.
* 5-step output control in the manual mode.
* Exposure compensation.
* Multi Pulse flashing.
* 3 channel Wireless flash mode.
* FP flash (You can use a shutter speed up to 1/4000 for flash photography.)
* Normal slave and 3 channel Designated Slave Flash mode.
For more details, please refer to the catalogue or instruction book of EF-430super
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
The SA-5 has a variety of features. This section provides several tips on which features to use in various photo situations.
SNAPSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY
What is snapshot photography? There are many situations where you'dlike to take pictures spontaneously without changing setting or modes. Examplesinclude the taking of commemorative pictures with the family, children happilyplaying, a party scene. Full automatic mode " *" will provide the best performances. The camera willautomatically select both the appropriate autofocus mode according to thesubject and the appropriate exposure. Using this mode will generallyprovide excellent results with a minimum of effort.
SCENERY
Use the wide-angle lens for panoramic landscapes or use the telephoto toselect a section from the landscape. In both cases, program AE mode is suitable.You can create any effect you like by using the program shift capability. Youcan choose to give priority either to the aperture which controls the depth offield when using with the wide-angle lens or the shutter speed which preventscamera shake when using with the telephoto lens. If the lighting situation iscomplicated the 8 segment metering will give you appropriate exposure. Thefocusing mode should be the AF-S mode. If the subject has very weak contrast orflat contrast such as wide expanses of blue sky or green mountains, use AverageMetering mode and also use manual focusing, as it is difficult to autofocus inthese situations. In both cases, you may also want to use Auto Bracketing toinsure an exposure with optimum detail.4www.butkus.org
PORTRAITS
The important points in portrait photography is where to focus and how tocontrol the depth of field. That is why, aperture priority AE mode isappropriate, because you need to control the depth of field for best results.Usually, the subject IS In the center of the picture, so the exposure mode ispreferably set to partial metering mode. If you use the autofocus, set the AFmode to AF-S mode and apply the focus lock, since the subject is stationary.Manual focus is better than autofocusing to precisely focus on a particularportion of the subject. If you use the built-in flash, set the Red-Eye reductionmode. Drive Mode should be set to Continuous Shooting.
SUBJECTIN MOTION
To photograph a subject in motion, focusing according to the subject speed isthe most important factor. The SA-5's AF-C mode will focus continuously andadjust the subject to the best focus. Using the 8 segment metering and shutterspeed priority AE mode for exposure is preferable. A high shutter speed ofsecond and continuous shooting mode is ideal for this type of subject.
CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPH
Focusing is very important and very difficult in Close-up photography. Whenyou take a picture of a flower, autofocusing cannot help you to make thedecision to focus on the petals or the tip of stamens. You should focus on thespecific point manually.
The exposure mode should be changed according to the lens used. Usually, toobtain a greater depth of field, use aperture priority AK. If you use atale-macro lens such as 180 mm, or wish to take a high magnification macro, usethe shutter speed priority AE mode at the fastest possible exposure to minimize motion. Ineither case, focus becomes very critical. Check the depth-of-field withthe preview function before you release the shutter. The 8 segment metering willcompensate for the brightness of the subject and the background. If there is awhite flower in the center of a dark background, partial metering allows for amore accurate exposure.
NIGHT SCENIC
When you take night scenes, the shutter speed is the most important factor.In most cases, the focus ring is set at the infinity position manually and theaperture is set fully open. If you use Full Auto Mode "*" in thissituation, the camera will choose the appropriate shutter speed with theaperture wide open. If the shutter speed indicator blinks, you need to use BulbExposure. Even for night scenes, 8 segment metering will calculate the correctexposure. In order to avoid shaking when shooting night scenery, the use of atripod is recommended.
APPENDIX
 | If the Battery mark blinks, the battery is very low and the camera is notoperable. Please replace the battery. |
 | If the "Err" and the film mark blinks, film has not been loadedproperly. Please reload the film. |
 | If the film counter blinks, there are less than 3 frames remaining. |
 | If the "End" and the film mark blinks, the film has been completelyrewound. Please open the back cover and remove the film cartridge. |
 | If the "Auto" blinks, you have accidentally set a function otherthan "selectable function" while using the "*" mode. |
 | If the shutter speed and/or aperture value indicator blinks, subject is toobright or too dark. If the subject is too bright, use an ND filter to reduce the brightness. Ifthe subject is too dark, use a flash. |
 | If the " UP " is blinking, the camera is now set on the Mirror-UpMode. |
 | If the flash indicator in the viewfinder is blinking, the camera has determined that the shutter speed is very slow or the subject has strong backlighting and flash is recommended.4www.butkus.org |
DEPTH OF FIELD
When you set the focus for a particular subject, there is an area in front ofand behind your subject that will also be in focus. This is called theDepth-of-Field.
The Depth-of-Field will increase when:
Using smaller aperture value (larger F-stop number).
i.e. When you take the subject under the same conditions, changing theaperture value from F8 to F22, F22 shows more area in focus.
Using shorter focal length (wide-angle) lens.
i.e. When you take the subject under the same conditions only changing focallength from 50 mm and 28 mm, 28 mm lens shows more area in focus.
Taking the subject at further distance.
i.e. When you take the subject by same conditions only changing the subjectdistance from 2 m to 5 m, the subject at 5 m shows more area in focus.
If you press the Preview Button, you can check the depth-of-field beforereleasing the shutter.
 |  |
INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY
Visible light and infrared light have quite different wave lengths. To takean infrared photograph, you will have perform some extra steps as follows.
1 ) Attach the R-60 or equivalent RED filter on the lens
2) Insert the Infrared Film into the camera
3) Set the focus mode to manual focusing mode then focus on the subject manually.
4) Turn the focus ring manually so that the distance scale marking that was previously aligned with the focus index mark is now aligned with the infraredguide mark "R".
5) Set the exposure following the film's instruction.
6) Release the shutter.
The camera's exposure system is designed use with the visible light and itcan not be measure the infrared light.
For more detailed information about infrared photography, please refer to theinstructions packed with the infrared film.
The position of the infrared mark on the Sigma lenses cased on a wave length for infrared light. Depending on the infrared film, peak sensitivity otherthen 770 nm may require a slightly different setting. We suggest making extraexposure at slightly different focus setting to the left and right of the mark.
REPLACING THE DATA BACK BATTERY
This data back uses a 3V CR2025 Lithium battery.
 | 1. Open the battery compartment cover by inserting the tip of a smallscrewdriver or similar tool. |
 | 2. Replace the battery. Be sure the (+) end is up |
 | 3. Attach and push the battery compartment cover until snaps and locks. Check tosee that numbers are displayed on the Data Panel LCD. 4. If not, press the MODE, SELECT and ADJUST buttons altogether atthe same time. |
 | After replacing a data back battery, you need to reset the calendar/clock. |
For example, set to the September 18, 1997/20:05 (8:05 PM)
 | 1. Select the Year-Month-Date display by pressing the MODE button.
2. Press the SELECT button. The number for the "YEAR" will blink. |
 | 3. Press SELECT button again. The number for the "MONTH" will blink. Then press ADJUST button to set 9.
4. By the same procedure, set the number for the "DATE" to 18. Thenpress SELECT button again. Resetting of the calendar is now finished. |
 | 5. Select the Date-Hour Minute display by pressing the MODE button. Press theSELECT button. The number for the "HOUR" will blink. Then press ADJUSTbutton to set 20.
6. Press SELECT button again. The number for the "MINUTE" will blink. |
 | 7. Press the SELECT button. The number for the "SECOND" will brink.Then press ADJUST button to set 00. The "0" second will not appear onthe display window except just on time of setting. At last, press the SELECTbutton. The resetting of the clock is finished. |
You can fast forward the number if you keep pressing the ADJUST button. You cannot reverse the number, thus, when you are close to the desired number,advance the number digit by digit.
PRECAUTIONS DURING USE
1. The camera is a precision instrument. Be very careful not to bump or dropit.
2. Avoid exposure to extreme high or low temperature or to humidity.Especially, do not leave the camera in the car.
3. Do not use thinner, benzene or other organic cleaning agents to removedirt or finger prints from the camera body or the lens elements. Clean using asoft, moistened lens cloth or lens tissue.
4. The camera is designed for to be used between approximately 40° and -10°Centigrade.
5. Battery performance decreases greatly in cold temperatures. Keep thebattery sufficiently insulated when photographing in cold temperatures.
6. When the camera is brought from a cold exterior to a warm interior,condensation can occur the interior of the camera and cause damage. In such acase, do not use the camera until the temperature of the camera has approachedroom temperature.
7. In rare instance, the strong static or magnetic field may fool thecamera's micro computer. In such a case, please remove the battery from thecamera and re-insert to reset the camera.
8. For extended storage, choose a cool and dry place, preferably with goodventilation. Never store the camera in a drawer or cupboard containing naphthaleneor camphor as these will have negative effects on the camera.
9. Never touch the shutter or mirror.
SPECIFICATIONS OF A SIGMASA-300
TYPE
1 ) Type of camera: 35 mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera with TTL Auto Focus,
Auto exposure, Built-in Electronic Flash, and Data back.
2) Usable film: J135 DX type
3) Picture size: 24x36 mm
4) Lens Mount: Sigma SA Mount (Fb44 mm)
5) Usable Lenses: Sigma SA mount lenses
AUTOFOCUS
1) AF System: TTL phase detection system
2) Focus Mode: AF-P Automatically select the AF-S and AF-C mode according to the subject
AF-S Single shot
AF-C Continuous shot with focus prediction for moving subject
ME Manual Focusing
3) AF working Range: EV-1-EV 18
4) AF Auxiliary Light: Automatically projected when necessary peaksensitivity is700nm effective distance range 1m-4 m
FINDER
1 ) Type: Eye level fixed pentamirror with condenser lens
2) Focusing screen: Fixed laser-matte screen with focus frame, spot meteringmark and panorama frame
3) Dioptor: -1 dpt (eyepoint 17 mm)
4) Field of View: 90% (both vertical and horizontal)
5) Magnification: 0.72x (with 50 mm lens at infinity)
6) Viewfinder indication: Displayed at the bottom of the finder by LCD andLED
a) Shutter speed
b) Aperture value
c) Manual exposure level
d) Exposure compensation mark
e) Auto bracket mark
f) Flash ready indication
g) Focus information
h) AE lock indicator
7) Mirror: Quick-return half-mirror
EXPOSURE CONTROL
1) Light metering: TTL multi (8) segment metering
Spot metering and average metering can beset
2) Exposure mode:
P Auto shift programmed AE
S Shutter speed priority AE
A Aperture priority AE
M Manual setting
* Full auto program AE
3) Metering Range: EV-1-20 (with 50 mm F1.4 lens)
4) Film speed setting range: ISO 25-5000 with DX coded film
ISO 6 - 6400 withnon-DX coded film both can be set in 1/3 stop increments
5) Compensation: + or - 2 EV in each 1/2 stop increments
6) Auto bracket: + or - 2 EV in each 1/2 stop increments
Three consecutive shots are taken in sequence
7) AE lock: by depressing the Button
SHUTTER
1) Type: All speed electrically controlled vertical-run focal-plane shutter
2) Shutter speed: 1/4000-30 sec. stepless in auto move
1/4000-30 sec. in 1/2 stop increments in manual setting mode
Bulb shutter
X-sync is 1/125 sec.
3) Self-timer: Electrically controlled type, 10 sec. delay time
FILM TRANSPORT
1) Film loading: Automatically advances to 1 st frame
2) Film wind: Automatic advance by built-in motor
3) Winding mode: Single and continuous mode, Approx. 3 frames/sec. (continuous mode)
4) Film rewind: Auto rewinding starts at end of the film by built-in motor
Mid-roll rewind is possible
BUILT-IN FLASH
1) Type: Built-in, retractable TTL auto flash
2) Guide Number: 11 (ISO 100/meter)
3) Coverage Angle: Covers 28 mm lens angle of view
4) Others: Red-eye reduction
Daylight Synchronization
Slow Synchronization
POWER SOURCE
1) Battery: One, 6 V lithium battery, Type 2CR54www.butkus.org
2) Battery check: Indicator on the LCD panel
OTHERS
1) External flash: Hot-Shoe with Sigma dedicated contacts
2) Back cover: Fixed type with data back module
3) Remote control: By optional remote controller RS-21 and RS-11
4) Mirror up: Possible
5) Preview: By pressing the button
6) LCD illumination: For about 6 seconds after pressing the illuminationbutton
DIMENSIONS
1) WxHxD: 147.1 x 94.9 x 65.4 (mm)
2) Weight: 445 g (without battery)
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WEBMASTER: