•
If using color slide film, avoid subjects with great brightness differences. Even a close-up reading of the
shadow areas often results in excessive exposure for the sunlit areas, which then appear too light and
burnt out when the slide is projected. A straightforward average brightness reading under conditions of
uniform frontal or side angled lighting yields slides of good color saturation which correspond most
closely to the natural color impression.
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In extremely dim lighting the exposure meter needle may rest near the circle situated between the + and
-- signs in the viewfinder, giving the impression that the camera is set correctly. It is therefore necessary
in poor lighting conditions to ensure that the meter needle does deflect away from the circle and comes
into alignment only when the Aperture Ring
(14)
and Shutter Speed Dial (1) have been moved and set
correctly.
Setting the Camera and Lens Controls
Shutter Speeds
Turn the Shutter Speed Dial
(1)
until the required speed aligns with the index mark on the body. Shutter speeds
may be selected before or after the Film Transport Lever
(2)
has been wound. However, the following points
must be observed
to avoid mechanical damage.
(a) Always turn the Shutter Speed Dial tone of the marked speeds (30, 60, etc. that indicate fractions of a
second, or B, that indicates a hand-controlled time exposure) -- NEVER to a position between marked speeds;
and
(b) DO NOT TURN the Shutter Speed Dial the short distance between B and 500.
Long Exposure Times (Time Exposures)
Time exposures of one second duration or longer, enable you to take photographs in lighting conditions that
would be too poor for normal picture-taking, e.g. city streets at night or dimly lit interiors. To take a time
exposure with your Zenith set the Shutter Speed Dial
(1)
to 'B. At this setting the Shutter will remain open for
as long as the Shutter Release Button
(3)
is pressed down.
A sturdy tripod is really essential for this type of
work, though sometimes it is possible to find an
alternative firm support (a street bollard or church
pew, for example). A cable release, preferably the
locking type, is also recommended for extra
steadiness. If such a release is not available the
shutter can be kept open for extended periods, via
the "T" lock, simply by pressing the Release
Button
(3)
down firmly and turning at the same
time in an anti-clockwise direction (as seen from
top of camera) until it stops.
4www.butkus.org
The shutter will remain open for as long as desired and is closed on completion of exposure by pressing down
the Release Button once more and returning same, clockwise, to its normal position. To reduce the risk of
vibration it is recommended that a piece of black card (or even ones hat) be held in front of the lens as the
Release Button is pressed and turned -- the lens is then uncovered for the required time (using a stopwatch or
slow count) and then recovered to end the exposure while the Release Button is returned to its normal position.
Obviously this procedure only applies to long exposures of several seconds. Note: After using the "T" or Time
lock on the Release Button always make certain that the Release Button
(3)
is turned fully clockwise, that the
