ZENIT-122 User manual, 1992 year
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9. Exposube Setting with the Help of Exposure Meter
The camera semi-automatic exposure meter measures the light passing through the lens (TTL system).
As a result, making use of various combinations of aperture and shutter speed values, you can set the
exposure depending upon the brightness of can object and the speed of film being used with a high
degree of accuracy. It remains true as well when interchangeable lenses, light filters, supplementary
lenses and extension tubes are used. For more accurate exposure determination in conditions of poor
brightness of the subject to be photographed the lens cap should be removed a bit earlier, before
shooting.
Looking through the viewfinder eyepiece in such a way that the whole its frame could be clearly
seen, press the release button 4 till a definite stop is felt but not till the shutter “firing”, should it be
cocked, and hold the button in this position. On the right-hand side of the viewfinder light-emitting
diodes can be seen.
There are two modifications of cameras: one with two red and the other one green and two red
diodes.
9.1. Exposure setting in cameras with two-diode indication
Lighting of the upper diode indicates overexposure and of the lower one — underexposure. Turn
the aperture setting ring 32 and the shutter speed dial 17 till the moment when both of the diodes are
lighting. It indicates the best possible combination of the shutter speed and aperture providing for
correct exposure. However, if you fail to obtain simultaneous blinking of both of the diodes, and
changing the shutter speed and aperture values over between the two neighbouring ones results in
switching the lighting from one diode to the other, you may select one of these values. In such a case
the exposure will be still acceptably correct.
9.2. Exposure setting in cameras with three-diode indication
Lighting of the upper (red) diode indicates over-exposure and of the lower (red) one — under-
exposure. Turn the aperture setting ring 32 and shutter speed dial 17 till the moment when the middle
(green) diode is lighting continuously. It indicates the best possible combination of the shutter speed
and aperture providing for correct exposure. However, if you fail to obtain continuous blinking of the
middle (green) diode, and changing the shutter speed and aperture values over between the two
neighbouring ones results in switching the lighting from one red diode to the other red one, you may
select one of these values. In such a case the exposure will be still acceptably correct.
10. Picture Taking
Having prepared the camera for picture taking, cock the shutter, make sure of correct focusing,
framing and exposure setting and smoothly press the release button to take a picture.
BEAR IN MIND that sharp pressure on the release button results in camera shaking at the moment
of exposure and thus in blurring of the picture.
When taking pictures see to it that index marks on the release button and the camera top plate
(between “T” and “V”) should be lined up.
To take a picture with long exposure mount the camera on a tripod, set the shutter speed dial 17 at
“B”, slightly press release button 5 (the shutter should be set beforehand in the “ready to fire” position)
and turn it counter-clockwise as far as it will go (“T” position).
The exposure over, return the button to its normal (middle) position and release it. As a result the
shutter will close.
11. Camera Unloading
When the exposure counter shows figure 36, rewind the film into the cassette. To do this:
— release the shutter, pressing release button 5;
— press bush 6 downwards as far as it will go;