HTML Translations - German - Italian - French - Spanish - Others
These links will not translate any PDF files

This camera manual library is for reference and historical purposes, all rights reserved.
This page is copyright © by ,  M. Butkus, NJ.
This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed permission of the producer
I have no connection with any camera company

On-line camera manual library
This is the full text and images from the manual.  This may take 3 full minutes for all images to appear.
If they do not all appear.  Try clicking the browser "refresh" or "reload button" or right click on the image, choose "view image" then go back.  It should now appear.
To print, try printing only 3 or 4 pages at a time.

Back to main on-line manual page

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.

Click here for PDF file made from above file - Better printing

TO SECOND SECTION

Thank you for purchasing the Yashica FX-103 Program. It is an AE single lens reflex with capabilities for Program AE modes, Aperture Priority AE mode, and Manual mode. Its two program AE modes are the Normal Program and the High Speed Program AE modes.

This versatile camera incorporates diverse features such as a quartz/digital-controlled exposure system, a viewfinder with a simplifier exposure data panel, an electronic self-timer, and a direct TTL metering system. Before you attempt to sue the camera, please be sure to read the instruction manual carefully so as to ensure yourself of proper operation and years of trouble free service.

The operating instructions in this manual are given with reference to the camera using a Yashica lens ML 50 mm f 1.9, but they are still applicable other interchangeable Yashica lenses.

Contents

Description of Parts 6 Lens Changing 10 Battery Installation 12 Film-Loading 16 Setting the Film Speed 22 Focusing 24 Inside the Viewfinder 28 Aperture Ring 30 Shutter Control Dial 32 Holding the Camera 36 Film Rewinding 38 Metering System 40 Exposure Mode Selection 44

Using the Program AE Mode 48 Using the Aperture Priority AE Mode 54 Manual Exposures 58 Exposure Compensation 62 Quartz Self-Timer 68 Viewfinder Eyepiece-Blind 72 Release Socket/interchangeable Camera Back 74 Infrared Compensation Mark 76 Depth-of-Field 78 Flash Photography 82 Camera Accessories 88 Specifications 90 Camera Care 96

(1) Exposure Counter (2) Film Advance Lever (3) Electromagnetic Shutter Release (4) Shutter Control Dial (5) Shutter Speed Index (6) Direct X Contact ("Hot-shoe") (7) Auto Flash Contacts (8) Accessory Shoe (9) Exposure Compensation Index (10) Film Speed Dial4www.butkus.org (11) Film Rewind Crank (12) Film Rewind Knob (13) Handgrip (14) Self-Timer/Battery Check Lever (15) Self-Timer Button/Flasher  (16) Lens Release Button  (17) Focusing Ring  (18) Aperture/Distance Scale Index  (19) Aperture Ring  (20) Contax/Yashica Lens Mount  (21) Lens Mount Index

(22) Film Chamber (23) Film Rewind Stud (24) Film-Speed-Dial Release Button (25)] Viewfinder Eyepiece (26)Film Transport Sprocket (27) Release Socket (28) Take-up Spool (29) Back Cover Release Lug (30) Camera Back (31) Data Back LED (32) Shutter Curtain (33) Film Pressure-Plate (34) Winder Drive Coupling (35) Film Rewind Release Button (36) Winder Coupling Terminal (37) Memo Holder (Rear side) (38) Battery Compartment Cover (39) Tripod Socket4www.butkus.org

Lens Changing

<Mounting the Lens> First remove the camera-body cap and then insert the lens mount into the camera-body mount, matching the red dot on the lens mount with that on the camera body. Then, gripping the lens barrel firmly, turn the lens clockwise until it locks with a click.

When mounted correctly, the aperture/distance scale index on the lens will point toward the top of the camera. When using a lens cap of the snap on type, attach or remove it from the lens by pressing in the two side-tabs

<Removing the Lens> While pressing the lens release button, turn the lens counterclockwise slightly and remove it from the camera-body mount. Always keep caps on the camera-body mount and the lens mount when the lens is left off the camera.

· Avoid touching camera interior or lens surface with your fingers.4www.butkus.org
· Avoid direct sunlight when removing or mounting the lens with film loaded in the camera.


Battery Installation

The electronic shutter and exposure control systems of the FX-103 program are of the battery powered type. Thus, the camera will not function without batteries.

Use two 1.55 V silver-oxide batteries (SR44 or equivalent) or two 1.5 V alkaline batteries (LA44 or equivalent).

(1) Open the battery compartment cover on camera base by unscrewing it counterclockwise with a coin edge.

(2) Stack two batteries into the battery holder with the (+) side facing up as shown by the battery polarity marks molded on the holder. Then replace the holder in the battery compartment and firmly secure the cover.

<Battery Check> Press the self-timer/battery check lever in direction of the arrow. If the self-timer/battery check flasher glows steadily, it means the batteries are good. When the battery output falls below the rated output, the flasher will switch to a pulsating signal. In this case, replace the batteries with fresh ones.

<Battery Precautions>
· Battery life is approximately 1 year with silver-oxide batteries, and about 6 months with alkaline-manganese batteries, but this may vary depending on frequency of camera use, the strength of batteries at time of purchase, ambient temperature, etc.

· When changing batteries, replace both batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new batteries or those of different types.

· Batteries are apt to perform poorly in sub-zero temperatures, causing picture taking difficulties. Keep the camera as warm as possible and carry extra batteries just in case those in the camera should fail. Batteries affected by such extreme temperatures will recover power after being kept warm for a while.

· When installing batteries, wipe the cell cap and base clean. Oily residue on battery terminals could cause poor electrical contact.

· When going on extended trips, take along a spare set of fresh batteries.

· Do not throw batteries into a fire or attempt to take them apart.

· Keep the batteries out of children's reach. If swallowed, immediately consult a physician for emergency treatment.


Film Loading

Always use a standard 35 mm film cartridge (12, 20, 24 or 36 exposure roll). Avoid direct sunlight when loading film. (1) Open the camera back by pulling the film rewind knob all the way out. (2) Place the film cartridge in the film chamber. Then, push the rewind knob back in, turning it slightly until it falls into position, if necessary.

(3) Draw out the film leader and insert the tip into any slot on the take-up spool.4www.butkus.org (4) Advance the film slightly with the film advance lever until the perforations on both sides of the film engage the sprocket teeth. If necessary, trip the shutter for blank shots and keep advancing the film until both rows of perforations engage the sprocket. Close the camera back and press until it locks into place.

<Film Advance Lever> Use one full stroke of the film advance lever to advance the film. The electromagnetic shutter release will not function unless the lever is given a full stroke. The film advance lever is easier to operate if it is kept in the standoff position (20° arc). (5) Unfold the rewind crank and turn it gently in the direction of the arrow to take up film slack.

(6) Wind the film advance lever and trip the shutter alternately until the exposure counter reads "1". Now you can start taking pictures. If the film rewind knob rotates in unison with the operation of the film advance lever, it means that the film is feeding properly.

When taking blank exposures in a dim area or the lens capped, set the shutter control dial at one of the faster settings, preferably at 1/1000 sec. If the shutter is released with the dial set on "P" "HP" or "AK" it will result in an excessively long exposure, during which time the film advance lever will remain inoperable.

<Exposure Counter> The exposure counter moves each times the film advance lever is fully stroked, and automatically resets to "S" (Start) when the camera back is opened, regardless of whether the camera is loaded or not. The exposure counter starts with "S", then "1", followed by even numbers from "4" through "36". The odd numbers are indicated by dots marked between the even numbers. The orange-colored numbers "12", "20", "24" and "36" correspond to the number of exposures in standard 35 mm film cartridges.



Setting Film Speed

Proper film speed setting is necessary to assure correct film exposure. The film speed number (ISO) is normally indicated on the film box. While pressing the film-speed dial release-button, rotate the film speed dial until the ISO film speed number for the film being used lines up with the exposure compensation index mark "X1" (orange-colored). Then, release the button and check to see that the dial is set on the proper click stop.4www.butkus.org

 

		<Memo Holder> To remind yourself what type of film is loaded in your camera insert the end of the film carton into the memo holder. The holder is also handy for holding notes on exposure data.
Film speed Values (ISO)

Focusing
Focusing is done by using any element of its convenient three-way focusing system consisting of a split-image spot, a microprism collar and an outer matte field.

<Horizontal Split-image Spot> When using the split-image spot to focus, turn the focusing ring until the top and bottom halves of the image merge. If the image is out of focus, the two halves will not merge.

<Microprism Collar/Matte Field> To focus with the microprism collar, turn the focusing ring until the glittering effect disappears from the collar area, giving you a sharp, clear image when in focus. To focus with the outer matte field, turn the focusing ring until the image appears sharp and clear, free of any foggy effect.

· When using long focal-length lenses, or lenses with a relatively small maximum aperture (f4 or slower), or when performing close-up photography at high magnification, the micro prism collar and split-image spot may become dark, making focusing difficult. In this case, focus using the outer matte field.

<Diopter Lenses> Special correction lenses are available for those who find it difficult to focus with their eyeglasses on. There are 8 types available: -5D (diopters), -4D, -3D, -2D, OD, + 1 D, + 2D, and + 3D. Choose the one suited to your eyesight needs. These lenses should be used with an accessory eyecup.

Inside the Viewfinder

Touch the shutter release lightly and the viewfinder LEDs will light or flash to indicate the shutter speed in effect and other essential exposure information.

· It should be noted that when print films are processed, standard service-size prints will show an area slightly less than that seen on the negative.

- Dedicated flash ready mark -- Program AE mode indicator -- Shutter speed LED --Shutter speed scale

Aperture Ring

The aperture ring regulates the amount of light transmitted to the film plane. The amount of light transmission is halved when the aperture is changed to the next larger f value (for example, when f/4 is changed to f/5.6), and doubled when it is changed to the next smaller f value. The aperture also controls the depth-of-field, a lens property giving you varying depth in the plane of focus at different apertures. (Refer to page 78)

To set the aperture turn the aperture ring until the desired aperture setting is aligned with the aperture/distance index. The aperture ring can be used at in-between positions.


Shutter Control Dial

The function of the shutter is to control the length of time the film is exposed to light. On the FX-103 Program, whether set in the Program AK. Aperture priority AE, or Manual exposure mode, the shutter speed is controlled by an electronic circuit incorporating a high precision quartz oscillator.

<Shutter Control Dial Settings>
"OFF" For switching off power, causing all camera functions to cease. Set the dial to "OFF" when not using the camera.

"P" (Normal Program Mode) For taking pictures in the general program AE mode.

"HP" (High-speed Program Mode) For taking pictures in the program AE mode that favors a shutter speed slightly faster than that selected in the Normal Program Mode.

"AE" For taking pictures in the Aperture-priority AE mode.4www.butkus.org

"1000" ~ "1" For exposure settings using the Manual exposure mode. "1000," "500," "60," and "1" represent usable shutter speed settings of 1/1000, 1/500, 1/60 and 1 second respectively. When the setting is shifted to a next larger number For example, from 125 to 250), the exposure time is successively halved with each setting; conversely, when shifted to a next smaller number, the exposure time is successively doubled with each setting.

"B" The shutter remains open during the time the shutter release button is kept pressed so it is used for taking long exposure shots.

"X" For shooting flash when the camera is used with a non-dedicated flash unit. Operates camera at 1/100 sec. synch speed.

<Setting the Shutter Control Dial> ~ A. Set the shutter control dial by turning it until the desired click-stopped number aligns with the shutter speed index.

Holding the Camera
In order to take a beautiful, in-focus photograph, it is necessary to hold the camera steadily. Since most blurred pictures are caused by camera shake (moving the camera at the instant of exposure), you should practice with the camera until you feel accustomed to holding it properly. Hold the camera in the palm of your left hand, using your fingers to rotate the focusing ring. Hold the camera's handgrip firmly in your right hand, resting your forefinger on the shutter release. With your left elbow against your body, hold the camera up to your face firmly, and while looking through the viewfinder, press the shutter release lightly. Besides the horizontal position, the camera can of course also be used , to take pictures in the vertical position In any event, practice until you find the positions that best suit your own photographic style.

Depending on conditions, it may also be a good idea to stabilize the camera by leaning your body against a building, resting the camera on a fence or other support, etc.

When all frames on a roll of film have been exposed, you will be unable to operate the film advance /ever. Do not attempt to advance the film further, as torn film may result. Check the exposure counter, and when it shows you have completed a roll of film, always be sure to rewind the film into its cartridge before opening the camera back. After removing the film, have it processed as early as possible.

[1] Press the film rewind release button on the base of the camera. Continuous pressing is unnecessary as the button is an automatically resetting type.

[2] Unfold the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow. Keep turning until you feel a light resistance shortly before the film comes off the take-up spool and continue turning until the crank eventually rotates freely.

Metering System
The FX-103 Program features a TTL full-aperture metering system that measures the light coming through the lens at its maximum aperture. It is of the "center-weighted" metering type which emphasizes the central portion of the viewfinder image while taking into account the surrounding area seen in the viewfinder.

<Built in Exposure Meter> When the shutter release is pressed lightly, the switch for the built-in exposure meter is turned ON, and shutter speed LEDs inside the viewfinder will indicate the exposure in effect. Even after the finger has been removed from the shutter release, the exposure meter remains ON for 16 seconds before automatically turning itself OFF. Since the metering system is center-weighted, you can obtain optimum correct exposure by framing and metering your subject in the center of the viewfinder.

<Light Reading Range> Click here to see the meter range chart
The table gives the EV Light reading range for various lenses, showing the inter-relationship between aperture, shutter speed and EV (exposure values). For instance, when an f/1.4 lens at ISO 100 is used, the reading range spanning the points that the vertical lines (EV) and the horizontal lines (shutter speed) intersect with the diagonal lines extending from the f values of "1.4" to "16" (representing the minimum aperture of the Yashica ML Lens f/1.4 50 mm), denotes the reading range from EV 3 to 18.

* EV numbers, which are used to indicate the coupling range of the light meter, denote the aperture and shutter speed combinations that yield the same exposure effect on the film for a given lighting condition.

For example, when using EV 13 from the scale as a guide, it can be seen that the same exposure effect is attained using the combinations of f/16 at 1/30 sec and f/8 at 1/125 sec.  
* The EV numbers from 3 through 18 and the shutter speed from 16 to 1/1000 sec. represent the range over which  the camera normally meters in the modes (P. HP and AE Modes).

* That part of the metering range which is shown in color denotes the light reading range when using an f/1.4 lens at ISO 100.

TO SECOND SECTION