Yashica FX-103 Program
Section Two
Exposure Mode Selection
With the FX-103 Program, the shutter control dial enables selection
of any one of two program modes, aperture priority AE mode,
and manual exposure mode to suit any photographic objective or requirement.
<Program AE Mode> In the Program AE mode, the camera automatically selects the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture
settings for correct exposure according to lighting condition by using its pre-programmed matching shutter speed and lens aperture settings.
This eliminates exposure worries, thus leaving you free to concentrate on composition and making it a boon when it is top priority on
capturing those fleeting, decisive moments. For the desired objective, Program modes are available in Normal Program and High-speed
Program.
(1) "P" (Normal Program AE Mode) ... In this mode, the camera selects the correct balance of shutter speed and aperture settings,
making it easy even for the beginning photographer to use the camera with confidence.
(2) "HP" (High-speed Program AE Mode) ... With this
program mode, the camera sets apertures in combination with shutter speeds that are slightly faster than those selected in the Normal
Program mode. It minimizes camera shake when using telephoto lenses.
<Aperture-Priority AE Mode> You set the lens aperture, and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed according to the lighting
condition to give you the correct exposure combination. You will find it not only suitable for general photography work but also for shots with
depth of field considerations because you can freely control the aperture setting.
<Manual Exposure Mode> With this mode, you control the aperture and shutter speed settings in selecting the correct exposure
combination needed to obtain the intended results or effect. And aided by the exposure information displayed in the viewfinder, you can easily
take those intentional over or underexposed shots.
Using the Program AE Mode
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(1) Set the Shutter Control Dial to "P" This enables shooting in the Normal Program AE mode. To use the High-speed Program AE mode, set the dial on "HP". The "P" mark will be displayed in the viewfinder, indicating the camera is in the Program AE mode. (Provided the metering system is switched on.) |
(2) Set Aperture at Minimum Aperture Setting Turn the aperture ring to its minimum setting. <Aperture Warning> When the aperture
setting is moved away from the minimum setting toward the maximum setting, the "P" mark will pulsate at some settings. In this case, reset
aperture to the minimum setting.
[3] Focus and Compose Focus on subject using the focusing ring, and compose your picture at the same time.4www.butkus.org
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[4] Confirm Exposure and Shoot Touch the shutter release lightly and a lighted viewfinder LED will indicate the correct shutter speed in effect. If the shutter speed LEDs light at any setting from "1000" through "B." it indicates correct exposure. A lighted LED at "B" indicates a long time exposure up to 16 sec. Press the shutter release all the way to effect exposure |
· When a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or slower is indicated, there is a danger of camera shake. In this case, use auto flash or support the
camera with a tripod.
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<Overexposure Warning> When the shutter speed LED pulsates at the "OVER" position, it indicates overexposure. Since the ambient light is too intense, adjust for correct exposure by using an ND (neutral density) filter to reduce light transmission. <Underexposure Warning> When the shutter speed LED pulsates at the "B" position, it indicates underexposure. Since the ambient light level is too low, compensate by using auto flash or supplementary illumination. |
<Program AE Control Scale>
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-- Normal Program -- High-Speed Program --- When using 28mm 2.8 lens8 |
The aperture and shutter speed combinations available in the Normal Program and High-speed Program AE
modes are as shown in the accompanying scale. The scale shows the curves plotted for varying aperture and shutter speed combinations
when using a 50 mm f/1.9 lens. If a lens with a different maximum aperture is used, such as a 28 mm f/2.8 lens for example, it will be as
shown by the dotted line.
· When using a lens with a maximum aperture under f/5.6, or with the Auto Bellows, Microscope Adapter and such other accessories which
do not couple with the auto diaphragm mechanism, the program AE mode cannot be used. In this case, use the Aperture priority AE mode or
the manual mode to take your picture.4www.butkus.org
Using the Aperture Priority AE Mode
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[1] Set the Shutter Control Dial at
"AE"
The camera is now in the Aperture-priority AE mode. |
[2] Select the Aperture Setting Select the desired aperture by turning the lens aperture ring.
[3] Focus and Compose Compose the picture while focusing with a turn of the focusing ring.
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[4] Confirm Exposure Setting and Shoot Depress the shutter release lightly and the shutter speed LED will light, indicating the correct exposure in effect. If the LED lights steadily at any position from "1000" through "B", it indicates correct exposure. |
Then depress the shutter release the rest of way in to effect exposure. A lighted LED at "B" indicates a long time exposure up to 16 sec. When two LEDs light up simultaneously, an intermediate shutter speed somewhere between the two indicated speeds will be used.
· If a shutter speed of 1/30 second or slower is indicated, there is a danger of camera shake with hand held shots. In this case, use auto flash,
or support the camera with a tripod.
<When LED at "OVER" Pulsates> This indicates an overexposure setting because of excessive lighting on subject. Stop down the aperture
until a usable shutter speed is indicated. If the "OVER" LED still pulsates after adjusting aperture, then use an optional neutral density filter.
<When LED at "B" Pulsates> This indicates an underexposure setting. Since your subject is too dimly lit, select a wider aperture. If the "B" LED still pulsates after adjusting aperture fully, then use auto flash or supplementary illumination.
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Set the Shutter Speed. Turn the shutter control dial to the desired manual shutter speed setting.
Set the Lens Aperture. Turn the lens aperture ring to the desired aperture setting.
[3] Check the Exposure and Shoot
Depress the shutter release lightly and the shutter speed LED will pulsate to indicate the user-selected shutter
speed, and will light up to indicate the correct shutter speed for the aperture setting in effect (Figure
1). For correct exposure, adjust the shutter or aperture settings until the pulsating and steadily lit LEDs merge (Figure
2).4www.butkus.org
Now, depress the shutter release all the way to effect exposure.
· When two steadily lit LEDs appear at the same time, it will not be possible to merge the LEDs by turning the shutter control dial. In this
case, merge the LEDs by a fine adjustment of the aperture ring.
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<"B" (Bulb) Photography> When making photographs of stars, or other photography at night requiring long exposure times (1 second or longer), set the shutter control dial to "B" (Bulb). In this mode, the shutter will remain open, and the film will be exposed for as long as the shutter release is held depressed. |
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In this case, camera shake is inevitable with hand-held photography, thus the camera should always be mounted on a tripod, or rested on a solid surface to keep it immobile. To further remove any possibility of camera shake, the Cable Switch (optional accessory) should be connected to the camera. |
Exposure Compensation
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In automatic exposure photography (P. HP and AE modes), there may be situations where correct exposure is unattainable because of strong backlighting or harsh contrast in lighting conditions between subject and background. In such cases, as well as when you wish to take intentional over or underexposed shots, you will need to use the exposure compensation function. |
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Exposure compensation is accomplished using the film speed dial. Normally, the film speed value of the film in use is set
opposite the "X1" position on the exposure compensation index. For exposure compensation, depress the film-speed-dial
release, and turn the dial until the speed value of the film in use lines up with the desired compensation index reading. The
exposure compensation index can be used at intermediate settings and can be click-stopped in 1/3 increments between index
readings.
Always reset the ISO speed value for the film being used to "X1' when exposure compensation is
no longer needed.
· The usable compensation range varies with the speed rating of the film in use, so the following table has
been provided as a
guide.
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Values "2" and "4" Increase the Amount of Exposure In situations such as shooting against the light or where your subject is back-lit by a bright sky or beach scene, or when you want to overexpose intentionally, set the dial at "2" or "4". The "2" setting corresponds to a change of one f-stop, and the "4" to two f-stops. |
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Values "1/2" and "1/4" Decrease the Amount of Exposure In situations where the background is dark because of spotlighting of the subject or where you want to underexpose intentionally, set the dial to "1/2" or "1/4". The "1/2 " setting corresponds to a change of one f-stop, and the "1/4" to two f-stops. |
When you wish to include yourself in a group or special occasion picture, use the camera's quartz self-timer Once you press the
self-timer button it double functions as a self-timer flasher (LED) to indicate that the self-timer is in operation.
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[1] First focus the camera and advance the film. Then slide the self-timer/battery check lever in the direction of the arrow until the white index mark aligns with the white mark above the self-timer. |
[2] Once the self-timer button/flasher is pressed, it will begin flashing for about
10 seconds before the shutter is automatically tripped. The
flashing rate will accelerate about two seconds before end of countdown to let you know
that the shutter is about to be released. You can cancel the self-timer at any time during countdown
by repressing the button. After using the self-timer, reset the self-timer/battery check
lever to its original position.
· The shutter can be activated by pressing the shutter release even in the midst of a self-timer countdown. When this is done, the self-timer
will cancel and the self-timer flasher will be turned off.
· Resetting of the self-timer/battery check lever to its original position will not cause the self-timer to cancel during its countdown.
· During the self-timer countdown period, the LED display inside the viewfinder will be turned off.
· The self-timer will not function when the shutter control dial is set at "B".
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When shooting in the Program Auto (P. HP) or Aperture Priority Auto (AK) Modes using a self-timer or remote control system, the meter reading may be thrown off by stray light entering via the viewfinder eyepiece as it is not being shielded by the nearness of your face. |
In this
case, attach an accessory eyecup to the viewfinder eyepiece as shown in the illustration, slide it up and fold the rubber part against the
viewfinder eyepiece to shield out stray light. Alternatively, you can use the stray light prevention adapter supplied with the camera to shield
the viewfinder eyepiece. For the use of the stray light prevention adapter, see the enclosed instruction sheet.4www.butkus.org
Release Socket/Interchangeable Camera Back
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<Release Socket> This may be used to attach remote control devices such as the Cable Switch, Infrared Controller S. Radio Controller, etc., or as a contact for connecting the Auto Bellows or the RTF 540 flash unit. The socket receives electrical signals from these accessories which are used to operate the shutter. |
· Do not connect an ordinary cable release (mechanically operated type) to this release socket as this can cause damage to the socket
device.
<Interchangeable Camera Rack> The standard camera back can be interchanged with the cordless Yashica FX Data Back Quartz for
imprinting the date and/or time on the photographs. To remove the camera back, loosen it while pushing down on the camera back release
lug.
Infrared Compensation Mark
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Since shooting with monochrome infrared film (and red filter) will result in focusing on a different film plane than when using the normal
focusing procedure, focusing must be compensated for this variance. Both Yashica ML and Zeiss T. lenses have an infrared compensation
mark on the depth-of-field scale. First use the normal focusing procedure with the red filter off, then mount the filter and turn the focusing
ring unit until the distance focused upon is opposite the compensation mark.
· Please refer to film guide sheet when using color infrared film. |
Depth-of-field
One property of lenses is that when they are focused on a certain object, not only the subject itself, but all objects in a certain
range in front and back of the subject will appear acceptably sharp in the picture. This range is called the depth-of-field. The
depth-of-field of a given lens varies, as follows.
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(1) If the aperture is stopped down, the depth-of-field increases; if the aperture is opened up the depth-of-field decreases. |
(2) As the distance to the subject increases the depth-of-field increases; as the distance to the subject decreases the depth-of-field decreases.
(3) The depth-of-field is greater behind the subject on which the lens is focused than in front of it. Different lenses may have
different depth-of-field limits. A lens of short focal length has greater depth-of-field at any set distance than a lens of long focal length.
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<Depth of-field Scale> The actual depth-of-field of a lens is shown by a scale shown on the lens. For example, when a 50 mm lens is focused at 5 m and the aperture setting is f/16, objects at distances between the two "16" figures on the depth-of-field scale, in this case from about 2.7 m and infinity will appear acceptably sharp to the unaided eye. |
Flash Photography
When shooting indoors or at night, the use of an electronic flash unit is recommended. The FX-103 Program, when teamed with the Yashica
CS-203 Auto flash unit, can be used for TTL metered flash exposures.
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<Flash Photography with the CS-203 Auto flash Unit> TTL metered flash exposures with the CS-203 Auto flash unit can be made with the camera merely set in, one of the AE modes (P. HP or AE mode). The TTL flash metering system reads the through-the-lens-light reflected off the film surface and cuts off flash output when proper exposure has been made. This allows the use of all apertures, and the easy execution of advanced flash techniques such as bounce and diffused flash. |
· When used with the Contax TLA electronic flash system, the FX-103 Program can likewise be used for TTL flash exposures.
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<Flash Synch Speed> When the dial is set at settings "60" through "1," and at "X" or "B." the synch speed will be at the respective shutter settings. |
<Dedicated Flash Signal Mark>
When dedicated flash unit is used, a flash ready LED mark " 
in the viewfinder will light upon recycling of the flash unit. When undertaking TTL flash photography, the same LED mark will pulsate for two seconds after exposure to indicate correct exposure; otherwise, the LED will remain unlit after exposure. 4www.butkus.org
When the FX-103 Program is used with the Yashica flash system, the operating patterns of the LED display upon recycling of the flash unit
are as shown in accompanying
| Flash Unit | Dedicated Flash Mark Lights | Automatic Setting of Synch Speed (LED Flashes) |
| CS-203 Auto | * | * |
| CS-202 Auto * | * | * |
| CD-201 Auto * | * | * |
| CS-14 | -- | -- |
| CS-10 | -- | -- |
* Does not have TTL flash capability.
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<Using Other Flash Units> The synch contact of the FX-103 Program is an X contact (1/100 sec ). Set the shutter control dial to "X" (shutter speed LED will flash at the "125" position) or at a shutter speed of 1/60 sec. or slower. |
· When using other electronic flash or flash bulb unit, use one of the cordless type.
· With flash bulb units, use a shutter speed of 1/30 see, or slower.
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| <CS-203 Auto> This is a compact TTL automatic electronic flash (guide number 20) designed for use with the FX-103 Program. Since
the light from the flash is controlled within the camera, you can enjoy flash photography with very simple operation.
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<FX Data back Quartz> This data back utilizes a cordless link to the camera body. It features a highly accurate digital quartz clock allowing your choice of five recording modes: (1) Year/month/day; (2) Day/Hour/Minute; (3) Counter (4) Any 6 digit number desired; (5) No data. Data is recorded in seven segment numerals. | <139 Winder II>--Contax Product-- This is a compact film auto-winder equipped with a release button for vertical format photography. Winding speed is two
frames per second. Photography can be performed in the auto (P. HP and AK) mode, or manual, using any shutter speeds desired.
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Specifications
Type: 35 mm focal-plane type A jingle lens reflex camera.
Image Size: 24 x 36 mm
Lens Mount: Contax/Yashica bayonet mount.
Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical travel, metal focal plane shutter (quartz-oscillator timed).
Shutter Speeds: Auto: 16 sec. to 1/1000 sec.;
Manual: 1 sec. to 1/1000 sec. (11 steps); X synch; and B (Bulb).
Flash Synchronization: In direct X-synch only, automatically synchs at
1/100 sec. With dedicated flash unit, automatically synchs at 1/100 sec. even with shutter speed settings at 1/1000 to 1/125 sec. in the P.
PH or AE modes. (Flash synchs at 1/30 sec. or slower with flash bulb units.)
Self-Timer: Quartz-timed electronic self-timer with 10 sec. delay. LED flashes during operation, accelerating 2 see, before activating shutter. Cancelable during countdown.
Shutter Release: Electromagnetic release system, with dedicated release socket.
Exposure Control: (1) Normal Program AE mode; (2) High-speed
Program AE mode; (3) Aperture-priority AE mode; (4) Manual exposure mode; (5) TTL Auto Flash mode; and (6) Manual Flash mode.
Metering System: TTL center-weighted metering at full aperture (direct center-weighted metering when using
CS-203 electronic flash and TLA electronic flash system), via Silicon Photo Diode (SPD) cell. Metering range from EV
3 to 18 (f/1.4 lens, lSO 100). Film speed range from ISO 12 to 3200. Metering switch activated by lightly touching
shutter release button (automatically cutting off after 16 sec.).
Exposure Compensation: + 2 EV to -2 EV (control doubles as film speed dial).
Viewfinder: Eye-level, pentaprism type. Shows 95% of picture area. 0.86 magnification (using 50 mm lens set at infinity).
Focusing Screen: Horizontal split-image/microprism collar on matte screen.
Viewfinder Display: LED display: Shutter Speed LEDs (indicating correct exposure, oven and underexposure), program AE mode indicator, dedicated flash mark. Shutter speed scale panel.
Film Advance: Lever operated. 130-degree winding angle (20-degree stand-off angle); with provision for using with
the Contax 139 Winder II.
Film Rewind: Type using rewind release button and film rewind crank.
Exposure Counter: Auto resetting, additive type.
Camera Back: Opens by lifting film rewind knob; detachable type; provided with memo holder.
Power Source: Uses two 1.55 V silver oxide (SR44) batteries, or two 1.5 V alkaline (LA44) batteries. 4www.butkus.org
Battery Check: Self-timer/battery check LED used to check battery condition.
Dimensions: 138 (W) x 90 (H) x 54 (D) mm.
Weight: 460 grams (without batteries).
* The above specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
Camera Care
· Avoid leaving the camera too long in the heat (at the beach or in a car under direct sunlight during summer months) as this can impair film
and battery performance and have an adverse effect on the camera itself.
· Salt air, sand, dirt and other foreign matter will damage the camera's internal system if allowed to penetrate inside. Take care to keep the
camera clean when using it at the seashore or in sandy areas. Shocks from dropping or bumping are another major cause of camera
malfunction. Always handle your camera with great care to ensure years of trouble-free operation.
· Avoid touching the lens, viewfinder eyepiece and other glass surfaces with your fingers. Blow dust and dirt away from these surfaces with a
blower/brush, or wipe gently with a soft cloth (after brushing) if necessary. Clean smudges and smears on lens and mirror surfaces with
high quality lens-cleaning solution and tissue. Always take extra care in cleaning the lens and mirror surfaces to avoid scratching.
· When the camera is suddenly brought out of the cold into a warm room, the lens and viewfinder surfaces may become fogged. The
fogging will clear away in time but any condensation on the internal mechanism can cause corrosion. Thus, guard against exposing the
camera to drastic temperature changes.
· When taking pictures of those important occasions such as an overseas trip or wedding, be sure to make an advance check of the
camera's operating condition. Bringing along a spare set of batteries is recommended.
· When the camera body needs cleaning wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Never use any benzene, thinner or any other solvent on the camera
body surface.
· When not using the camera for a long period, remove the batteries and avoid leaving the camera in humid or naphthalene-treated areas.
<Camera Maintenance>
· Avoid leaving the camera in a humid or dusty area, in a mothproof treated chest, or in laboratory where chemicals are stored. Keep the
camera in a well ventilated area.
· When not using the camera for an extended period, remove the batteries so as to prevent damage from battery leakage.
In order to get the best performance from this camera, we recommend the use of Yashica and Contax brand lenses and accessories. We
take no responsibility for damage to the camera from the use of other brands of products said to be for use on Yashica or Contax cameras.
