Pentax Camera Operating Instructions Manual

This page is copyright@ bV M. Butkus, Nl 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 - www.orphancameras.com This is the full text and images from the manual. This may take 3 full minutes for the PDF file to download depending on your connection type. If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to: M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-170I and send your e-mail address so I can thank you. Most other places would charge you $7.50 for a electronic copy or $L8.00 for a hard to read Xerox copy. This will allow me to continue to buy new manuals and pay their shipping costs. It'll make you feel better, won'tit? If you use Pay Pal or wish to use your credit card, click on the secure site on my main page.

O f xposure counter O f ilm wind lever O Sfrutter release button €! External LCD O Shutter auto lock button www.orphancameras.com

@ l l l u m i n a t i n g w i n d o w G) Hotshoe (D Exposure compensation index mark (D Exposure compensation scale @ Film rewind knob/Back cover release knob (D ASA/ISO film speed scale (E Fitm rewind crank (E F;tm speed dial lock button (D Film speed dial/Exposure compensation dial O Grip Super A @ Self-timer lever (D Lens release lever @ Preview lever (D Lens information contacts @ Lens alignment index @ Instant return mirror @ Lighting button for viewfinder LCDs @ X-synch terminal @ Distance scale (D Lens alignment node @ Aperture scale @ "A" index on aperture scale @ Focusing ring (D Depth-of-field scale @ Aperture/Distance index @ Aperture ring @ Aperture auto lock button

Inserting batteries ...... Usi ng batteries correctlY Grip Super A Strap and case Lens mounting Film wind lever Shutter dial, shutter release button and release button lock .......... setting ASA/ISO f ilm speed, Memo Holder/Grip 15 Film loading .................. 16 Viewf inder displays 1 I Focusing ... 21 Holding the camera .........:.....--." 22 Unloading the film .r.i-----r.............. .-....23 Six exposure modes Pentax " ^" lens ......... 28 Shutter dial, Manual shutter speed sef ect button ......... 29 Warning indication for each exposure mode ...-.. 30 Sef ecting the Programmed AE rnode ............;..-.-- 32 Selecting the Aperture-priority AE mode............ 34 Selecting the Shutter-priority AE mode ............ 36 Selecting the Metered Manual mode Using Pentax dedicated auto flash units Selecting the TTL Auto Flash mode Selecting the Programmed Auto Flash mode ...... Programmed AE diagram, Shutter/Aperture coupling range, Meter coupling range Exposure compensation Depth-of-f ield Depth-of-field preview .........'-.... Tripod, B (Bulb) and Time exposures ........ Self -timer ......... Use of non-dedicated flash units Diopter adfustment, changing back cover lnfr.ared index mark Using screw- mount Takumar lenses How to use various accessories with your Super Program O & As on your Pentax Super Program Camera maintenance Resistance to temperature extremes and changes, A few notes on the LCD ' (Liquid Cr:ystal Display) ......... Specif ications Warranty policy 2 6 I 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 38 .40 42 43 44 46 48 49 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 6 1 62 64 www.orphancameras.com

Follow the I steps below, and in a very short time you'll be able to take pictures with the Super Program in its Programmed AE mode. For more details about each step, consult the accompanying page numbers. * Remove the cap from the viewfinder eyepiece. 1. Open the battery compartment with a coin and insert batteries. (p. 6) 2. Open the camera back, put in a roll of f ilm, close the back and advance the f ilm to the first frame. (p. 16) # ffi#-" #- fr GEGp

Set the exposure compensation dial to 1 x. {p. 46} 5. Set the shutter dial to Auto. With both lens and shutter on Auto, the camera is now in the Programmed AE mode. (p. 32) 4. Rotate the aperture ring on your "A" series lens to the Auto position (indexed in green), while depressing the aperture auto lock button. (p. 281 6. Gently press the shutter release button. You will see both shutter speed and aperture setting indicated on the viewfinder LCD and on the external shutter speed LCD. (p. 321 P , ? s I F s . 6 www.orphancameras.com

1/60 second. With slower speeds, camera shake may cause blurred Dictures. lf the speed is 1/60 or faster, release the shutter' 9. After taking the last picture on the roll. push the film rewind button. rewind the f ilm and remove it from the camera' (p. 23)

the Super Prograffr, six,exposure,modes. , l o , ,Pro$f0n'lITlBd,AEmode, ': , ', , , o A p e ' r . t u r e . p r i o r i t y A E m o d e . oS-hutter,-pr,iol'ityAE,modg, , ,,, , , ,, o . M e t e r e d . l M a n u a | . . m o d e 1 ] 1 ' ' ' . ' . ' ' . i . a- Progt'ammed,Auto Flash mode ,, - '', ' 'r ',,, :r "' ', www.orphancameras.com

1.5V silver or alkaline batteries, or a 3V lithium battery. Before inserting batteries in the battery compartment, wipe them with a clean dry cloth. o Open the battery compartment cover with a coin or similar object. o Place the two batteries in the compartment with '+'marks downward, and close the cover. Battery check To confirm battery status, set the shutter dial to AUTO and slightly depress the shutter release button to activate the metering system. lf the LCDs on the camera top and in the viewfinder indicate shutter speed information, the batteries are properly inserted and sufficient in voltage for normal camera functioning. # ffiw ,,iffi o prri,rilp

counter registers "O". This fast speed saves time when advancing film to the first frame. Starting with the first frame on the counter, the LCD provides proper shutter speed and aperture value according to the designated exPosure mode, Automatic power cut-off As an energy-saving measure, a timer switch is integrated into the 'exposure meter circuit. lt automatically shuts off power approximately 30 sec. after you take your finger off the shutter release button. Low battery warning When batteries become weak, the display windows both inside and outside the camera warn you by alternately displaying exposure information and a row of 000 's. ffi.H ffiF,,,,,.'j...iffi <---+ H,,.,.-..Effi' 1 ffi,--l-ll.t. This alternate LCD indication tells you that both batteries should be replaced promptly to restore the camera to normal functioning. www.orphancameras.com

o Incorrect usage of batteries causes such hazards o Never break, recharge, or throw use as leakage, heating or explosions. Polarity markings into fire as a precaution against explo should be carefully checked while inserting . Batteries should be kept warm in cr batteries. lf either battery is erroneously inserted, to prevent lowering of performance. unexpected mishap may occur. . Keep spare batteries on hand for co o The battery discharges small amounts of energy in photographing outdoors or while tr even when not in use. Therefore, the batteries o When keeping the camera in a bag c supplied with your camera may be slightly below the shutter release button to avoid th full capacity, as it has taken some time to reach consumption of battery power that n you. from accidentally releasing the shutte o Replace both batteries at the same time. Do not mix battery brands and types, or old batteries with new batteries. o Battery life is approximatelV six months for alkaline and approximately one year for silver or f ithium batteries. o When not using the camera for long periods of time, you should remove batteries from the camera. Old batteries are apt to leak and damage the battery compartment. Always keep batteries out of the reach of children. ' o 8

Grip lug on the camera. o Align the Grip mount screw with the Grip mount receptacle on the camera, and keeping the Grip pushed down as indicated by the arrow, tighten the Grip mount screw with a coin. r To remove the Grip, loosen the Grip mount screw fully, and keeping the camera faced downward, slide the Grip up until it comes off . Note: fhs Grip Super A should be removed f rom the camera body when using the Motor Drive A or the Winder ME II. www.orphancameras.com

of the strap. o Let the strap end go through the neck strap ring and then the belt ring, and further through neck strap ring of the camera. The strap is then folded bac k. o Let the strap end run through the belt ring and then clasp as illustrated. Now the end is tightly caught by the clasp. The strap end may be passed through the inside or outside of the clasp. o Insert the camera body into the back case and put both case hooks around the camera's strap eyelets. The camera body is now held securely in the case. o The standard soft case comes complete with a front cover. o To remove the front cover, turn the cover a full 180' while pulling it slightly towards you and the fastener of the cover unlocks. o 1 0

follow the steps below. (For screw mount lenses, see p. 57). o Remove the body mount cap and the rear lens cap. lf the finder cap is still on the eyepiece, remove it. (For the finder cap, see p.53). o Align the red dot on the camera body with the red dot on the lens (SeeO,@.). Seat the lens in the body mount and turn it clockwise until the lens locks with a click. When mounting the lens in dim light, methoO (O) is recommended. This method allows lens mounting by touch. Align the raised node on lens barrel with the lens release by touch. Then turn and lock as above. o To remove the lens cap, press in on the notches at both sides. o To remove the lens, press the lens release lever toward the camera body while turning the lens counter-clockwise. o After removing a lens from the camera body, replace the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens from dust and stains. Note: Don't damage or stain the electrical contact points on the mount face. When they become stained, wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. 1 1 0 www.orphancameras.com

Setting the wind lever for rapid shooting The film wind lever can be set at the stand-off position for faster film advance. Even if you remove your thumb f rom the lever, it remains at the stand-off angle, ready for the next quick shot. After completing a series of pictures, the lever should be pushed in to the original position. o 1 2 Film-advance/shutter-cocked indicator When one frame is completelY wound and the shutter is cocked for the next shot, the -mark appears on the shutter speed LCD. Exposure counter The scale is indexed as follows: o . 0 . 2 . 4 . 3 4 . 3 6 , w i t h 0 , 20,34,36 coded in red. The counter, which is interlocked with the film winding mechanism, indicates the number of exposed frames. Film advance stroke The film wind lever should be thrown as far as it goes. Note: The wind lever may stop in the middle of a stroke when the film comes to its end. Do not force the lever and rewind the film, leaving the lever as it is. Stand-of{ a n g l e

BUTTON LOCK o The shutter dial is automatically locked at the AUTO position. To set the dial to other positions (L, M, '125X or B), rotate the shutter dial while depressing the shutter auto lock button, and align the index mark (red line) on the dial to the desired position. L = Shutter release button lock AUTO = Automatic shutter speed control M = Manual shutter speed selection 125X = 11125 sec. f or synchronization with electronic flash unit B = Bulb shutter speed setting f or time exposures o By lightly depressing the shutter release button, you activate the exposure meter. Further pressure will release the shutter. The exposure meter automatically switches off approx. 30 seconds after you take your finger off the shutter release button. o lf you have finished shooting and the shutter is cocked, use the shutter release button lock to avoid accidental release. Set the shutter dial index to "L", and the shutter release will be locked with the exposure meter switched off . I www.orphancameras.com

on your f ilm package. Depress the f ilm speed dial lock button, and set the desired ASA/ISO speed to the red index mark. Make sure that the dial is securely locked in position, by releasing the lock button and slightly rotating the dial to either side. The chart below represents the index markings on the Super Program ASA/ISO f ilm speed scale. The midway markings are not effective. 04 900,, ',.,{600,,, ' 3200 Memo Holder/Grip As a reminder of the type of film in your camera, tear off the top of the film package and insert it in the memo holder frame on the grip at the right end of the back cover. The grip is shaped to give your thumb a firmer hold on the camera. 1 5 0 www.orphancameras.com

film in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Set the shutter dial index (red line) to AUTO or M. This will automatically set the shutter speed to 1/1000 sec. so that you can advance film quickly until the counter registers "Q". o The camera back opens when you lift up sharply on the film rewind knob. o Insert the film cartridge in the film chamber and lock the cartridge in place by returning the film rewind knob to its original position. lf the knob does not fit tightly in to place, rotate the knob while lightly depressing it. o Draw the film leader across the back and insert it between any of the white needles surrounding the film take-up spool. Insert the film in the direction shown in the illustration. o Slightly wind the film by advancing the film wind lever to the position indicated in the photo, while making sure that both top and bottom sprockets engage the film perforations. o 1 6

and confirm that the film is properly fitted between both guide rails. Close the back cover tightly. o Advance the film wind lever to check that the red vertical stripes of the film wind/rewind indicator flicker; this indicates that the film is advancing properly. Film advance can be also checked by the rotation of the rewinding knob. o Repeat shutter-tripping/f ilm-advancing operation until the exposure counter reaches to "0". The next frame is ready for the first shot. www.orphancameras.com

microprism collar are brighter and easier to focus than the matte field although any of these can be used for focusing. Visible at the bottom inside the viewf inder are two LCD displays for shutter speed and aperture value. In addition, viewf inder information includes auto/manual exposure data for each exposure mode, automatic f lash data, exposure compensation warning, low battery warning, and error indication. Shutter information LCD ffi """Programmed AE mode. ffi,,,,....,' - ffi,,,.,'.-..-. Shutter speed in use. 2000 stands for 1 I2OOO sec. 1 5", stands for a full 15 sec. Shutter speeds are displayed in full stop increments. ffi,,,,,,,...-',-. ''"'"'BuIb" time exposure. ffi """ Means completion of f lash recycling, and auto flash exposure confirmation with a dedicated flash u nit. o 1 8 ffi """Error in shutter speed setting (f lickering). Combination of shutter speed and aperture is not appropriate. Aperture information LCD ffil -ffi,.,-.ffi Aperture value. An aperture range f rom t 11 .2 through f 145 is indicated in 112 stop increments. ffi,,,,,,,',l,ffi '' "'' E x p os u r e co m p e n sa t i o n wa r n i n g (ft ickering). This warning indicates the exposure compensation dial is not set in the normal 1X position. trllI,I..--TIf ...... Ma tch n u m era I ex posu re adjustment indication in Metered Manual mode. -3 to +3 indicate exposure deviation from the proper value which is denoted by t0. Low battery warning is indicated by alternate displays of shutter-speed/apertu re combination, and the mark ffi ffi,...'..-.'-.-tr1

Lighting button for viewfinder LCDs. In dim light, the viewfinder LCDs may become hard to see. In that event, press the illumination button to throw more light on the finder LCDs. tter information LCD 1 9 0 www.orphancameras.com

microprism, and/or matte f ield. To focus using the split-image, turn the'focusing ring until the two images in the split-image circle at the center of the focusing screen are perfectly aligned. When using the microprism collar, focus until the glitter disappears from inside the collar. With the matte field, focus until the image on the matte field appears sharp and crisp. Note: lf the maximum aperture of the attached f ens is smaller than t15.6 (for example, f/8 as in the case of a long telephoto), it is easier to focus on the matte field since the split-image and microprism collar areas become much too dark for satisfactory focusi ng. Diopter adjustment for viewfinder eyepiece People who wear eyeglasses due to myopia, hypermetropia or presbyopia, sometimes f ind it difficult to focus while wearing their glasses. In this case, use the accessory diopter correction lenses M (See page 55). 2 1 o www.orphancameras.com

camera shake which causes blurred pictures. Practice holding and operating your Super Program before inserting your f irst f ilm cartridge. Generally there are three basic ways to hold the camera. In any case, hold the camera tightly to you r face with your hands. Accessory Grip Super A and the memo holderlgrip will help you keep a steady hold on your camera. Release the shutter gently while slowly breathing out. Strong pressure on the shutter release button may cause blurred photographs. Take a secure, well-balanced posture without straining yourself . The portion marked O in the illustration should be drawn te your body. It is a good idea to stabilize your body and the camera using a tree, building wall, table, etc. For long exposures or while using telephoto lenses, it is recommended to use a tripod and a cable release in order to reduce camera shake to the minimum.

Whdn the last frame of the film has been exposed, the film should be rewound into the cartridge before unloading from the camera. Do not force the wind lever beyond the number of frames indicated on the f ilm cartridge. To unload a cartridge o Depress the film rewind button. o Turn the rewind crank in the direction of the arrow to rewind t h e f i l m . o The red stripes in the film rewind indicatorwill flicker during rewinding, and they will cease flickering when rewinding is completed. r After rewinding, lift up sharply on the film rewind knob to open the camera back and remove the film cartridge. Note': Should you erroneously open the back before rewinding, do not leave it open. Close it immediately. The last few frames may be ruined by direct light exposure, but the majority of frames on the roll may still be unharmed. Whenever possible, it is also advisable to take the same pictures again with a new film. 23o www.orphancameras.com

exposure rnodes. choo,se the, mode that,sui,ts the pho-tographic situation and the subjects or feelings you want to express. ' 1 When using conventional Pentax K,and Kf mount lenses on your Pentax Super Program, you can use the Aperture-pri,orit\y',AE, Metered Manual and af f Auto Flash modes, When using,new t.'A'! $eries lenses,,,you can also- select Shutter-priority AE and Programmed AE modes. The reason for this is that the last three modes are only available when the f ens,has an " A" or auto aperture setting. , .24

Your Super Program itself automatically selects the most appropriate combination of shutter speed and aperture to obtain proper exposure, changing them simultaneously according to the subiect's brightness. The Programmed AE mode is most suitable for advanced photographers who want to shoot very quickly or for novices who do not want to be bothered by setting exposure controls accord- ing to light conditions. (nt. 32 page for details) Aperture-priority AE (lens on any f-number, shutter dial on "A"l When the aperture is set manually, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted by built-in electronic circuitry according to subject's brightness to provide appropriate expozure. When "depth-of- field" is important for your picture, this mode is recommended. lt is suitable for both general photography and carefully controlled pictures such as portraits. (nt. 34 page for details) 25o www.orphancameras.com

, , ,' The shutterspeed is set manually, and the aperture value ii's automatically.' Co-htrol'led accor.dihg,to : srlbiectrs brightness.,suitabl,e fo-r general,', I. ,:: phot-oEraphy, this mode is especially convenient for fast-moving situatlons, such os ,ih sports , , photography.(Rt, 36 page for details) : . i , Metered Manual (lens on any aperture, shutter diat on "M") The cornbination of shutter speed and,apertur,e is , cornpletely up to you. Guided by,the meter : indication in the viewf inder, you can adiust both : controls to obtain proper exposure. lf necessor!,, , deliber:ate over- or under-€Xp-osure are also possible. (Rf.,38 page for details) : -,26

: When connected with a Pentax dedicated TTL Auto Flash unit, the me,tering bell inside the mirro,r box of the Super Program:will detect the light ,, , hitting the film plane, and automatically control flash output. lf you use a TTL flash unit, and set the camera in the Aperture-priority AE mode, you can choose any aperture in the flash range, ther:eby achieving great control over depth-of.f iel,J in flash p h o t o s . ( R f ' 4 2 p a g e f o r d e t a i | s } Programmed Auto Flash lf you use a Pentax dedicated TTL tfash unit with the camera in the Programmed AE oro Shutter- priority AE mode, the camera will automatically select the proper aperture and autornatically control flash output. (nt. 43 page for detailsl :

To set the lens in the A position, match the A-index (green line) on the aperture ring to the o index mark while depressing the aperture auto lock button. Release the button to lock the lens in the A position. To release the lock, rotate the aperture ring towards aperture scale with the auto lock button depressed. A (autol setting Programmed AE mode Shutter-priority AE mode The following modes are available when the lens is set in the manual f -stops: f/number setting Aperture-priority AE mode Metered Manual mode

To select other positions (L, M, 125X or B) rotate the shutter dial, depressing the shutter auto lock button, and match the index (red line) to the desired position. The following modes are available according to the position of the shutter dial. AUTO Programmed AE mode Apertu re-priority AE mode M Shutter-priority AE mode Metered Manual mode 125X Shutter-priority AE mode with the speed f ixed at 11125 sec. Manual shutter speed select button In the Shutter-priority AE or Metered Manual mode, select the desired shutter speed by depressing either of the two buttons next to the shutter dial. The digital figure on the shutter speed LCD indicator increases or decreases step by step as you press the buttons. The front button stops at 2000 (1 I2OOO sec.), and the rear button at 15" (15 secs.). Precautions for shutter speed lf you shootat shutter speeds slower than 1/60 sec. (30 - 15" on the LCD), you may occasio,nally get blurred pictures. lf you couldn't use a faster shutter speed due to light conditions, the use of a tripod or flash unit is recommended. The use of film with higher sensitivity will also help avoid such low shutter speeds. www.orphancameras.com

problems. o The LCD displays in the table below show the examples. They vary depending on the lens i speed (ASA/ISO), or the subject's brightness. o The external shutter speed LCD provides the same figure as the shutter speed information the viewfinder does. o 3 0

mode. Correct exposure cannot be obtained. These warnings appear in the Metered Manual mode. -t3 means you are three stops over normal exposure. -3 means three stops under. Adjust aperture or shutter speed until you see the t0 sign. Beyond meter coupling range in Metered Manual mode. lt is not possible to get correct exposure by changing aperture or shutter speed. Use f lash or a different sensitivity f ilm. The flickering letters EF in the viewfinder LCD remind you that the exposure compensation dial is set to a value other than normal - 1x. lf you set the shutter dial to "B" when the lens aperture ring is set at "A", LCD displays "E" to show an erroneous setting. Weak battery warning. In all exposure modes, when you see a rowof O00alternating with exposure information, it's time to change batteries. o Refer also to the explanations concerning warnings in each exposure mode. o As to the meter coupling range in the Programmed AE mode, refer to the diagram of Progr control on Page 44. Meter coupling and shutter/aperture coupling ranges are explained on 3 1 o www.orphancameras.com

Pentax "A" lens, and rotate its A-index (green line) to the index. o Set the shutter dial index (red line) on top of the camera to the AUTO positibn. "P" (Programmed) will then be displayed on the LCD windows on the camera's top cover and inside the viewf inder. o Lightly press the shutter release button, and a programmed combination of shutter speed and aperture value will be displayed on the LcD indicator in the viewfinder. At the same time, the same shutter speed will appear in the external LCD indicator. Further pressure on the button will release the shutter. When you take your finger off shutter release button, the meter switch automatically turns off after about 30 seconds as an energy-saving measure, and the displays of shutter speed and aperture value disappear. However, the "P" display remains on. . 3 2

When the programmed combination of shutter speed and aperture value is beyond the meter coupling range, the camera displays two warnings. \ \ l l r / / \ \ l l r / / ffi...'.affi ffi,,,,,..,,-..i Both shutter speed and aperture flickering at high values. This indicates that the light situation exceeds the Super Program's light measuring ability since subject brightness is extremely high. To get a proper exposure, use another f ilm with lower sensitivity or an ND filter. \ l l l / \ \ l l l / / ffi ffi,,,,,,,-,-..-.l Both f|ickering at |ow values. The subject is extremely dark and below the lowest limit of the Programmed AE mode's meter coupling range. Use a higher speed film, flash or some other illumination source to throw more light to the subject. \ l l r / ffi Should you happen to shift the shutter dial to "8" (Bulb), a flickering "E" (Error) warning appears on the shutter speed LCD. The shutter cannot be released even if the button is depressed. When you are using dedicated f lash (TTL Auto, or Programmed Auto) in Programmed AE mode, the displays of shutter speed and aperture value are replaced by displays for f lash photography when the flash is ready to fire. ffi,...f.jffi ffi*'-a-- -' m ffi 3 3 o www.orphancameras.com