Minox B Owner's Manual
Contents
1. OO Infinity 12 8 1o00 12 105 x77 6 1h to co 6 53 x38 a tom 4 v 35 x 25 Vo Ato SN y 26 x19 2 Sh to Y Ph 2 Ah Wax 15 V N to 2 Ma a Ia x 121 2 T 8 to 2 ph 1 8 147 s x 107s 1 6 to 2 v r Wax Pa 1 4s to V 8h V 2 102x 7 s 1 Veto V Ih 4 by Bisex 6 i RAP E 107 Thx 5a LEZE 10 6dlax 4 s 1034 87h 6 x 4 Ph 8 53sx Vie Bh Distances are measured from the front of the camera Figures in light type apply when distance scale of camera is set exactly half way between two adjacent engraved distance markings For convenient measuring of close distances the MINOX chain is equipped with beads at 8 10 12 18 Snaplock for Back Cover Film Compartments Serial Number Viewfinder Eyepiece Sliding Back Cover Exposure Meter Housing2. advance film and re cock the shutter 35 It s a colorful world The 15mm f 3 5 Complan lens of your MINOX is fully color corrected and has an anti reflection coating in other words it is ideally suited for color photography You have a choice of MINOX film for color transparencies for projection or negative color film for beantiful color prints If you have never taken color pictures before keep in mind the following points to help you get fine results Color film yields the best results in bright or hazy sunlight on overcast days results are usually disappointing The best time for color pictures is mid morning and mid afternoon Around noon the light is usually bluish resulting in very cold colors or an over all bluish tinge During the hours just after sunrise or before sunset the light is more reddish resulting in very warm colors The color rendition can be influenced by using color correction filters MINOX Color Filter Kit Watch for the possibility of color reflections which may not be noticeable to the eye A white dress on a green lawn is never pure white but faintly green Color film requires careful exposure measurement even slight deviation from the correct exposure may result in false color reproduction Read the sug gestions about exposure on page 291 Under exposure results in dark colors over exposure produces pale pictures with washed out colors As a general rule color p
3. has a third filter the lens window is an UV filter The filters have basically different tasks The grey filter cuts down the light when even wee second would produce over exposure in brillant sunshine with fast film With the grey filter in front of the lens the exposure meter is automatically switched to its second measuring range You may use the grey filter with black and white or color film The green filter on the other hand is intended to improve the tonal reproduction of natural colors in black and white pictures regardless of light conditions You will find it particularly helpful in sunny tandsceps Green foliage lawns meadows etc will show better modulation in the print the sky will be slightly darkened so that clouds stand out better But don t use the green filter with color film it will turn the whole scene green 4 The green filter absorbs some light and calls for slightly longer than normal ex posure Simply turn the green dot of the meter disc instead of the open triangle to the meter indicator needle that takes care of correcting the exposure when you use the green filter Make sure that the filter you use fills the lens window completely Remember to push back the filter slide after Aitor slide pushed hellw 7 o use if you want to take the next picture 1 without a filter To sum up The grey filter prolongs exposure if the normal shutter speed range is insufficient You may use it with black and
4. out of the camera with slight tapping or it may be litted out by its bridge Store the cassette in a film box or wrap It In black paper until it is developed Before inserting a new cassette make sure that the exposure counter is set at the red dot between 50 and 0 If you just finished 50 exposure cassette the counter will already be set at the dot However after removing a 36 exposure cassette you must advance the counter until it is set at the red dot between 50 and 0 See page 19 CAUTION Do not advance films beyond the numbers indicated above as the film end may be pulled completely into the take up side this may result in light entering through the cassette slit during un loading To sum up Exposure counter must be at the red dot before a new film is inserted Film gate must be open when film Is inserted or taken out The exposure meter is properly coupled with the shutter speed dial if the black triangle of the meter disc points to the correct ASA number when the camera shutter speed is at 100 23 What film is in the camera If you have forgotten the speed of the film you have in the camera simply turn the camera shutter speed dial to 100 and read the position of the solid black triangle on the meter disc Built in filters The MINOX B has three built in filters Two filters which can be placed before the lens by means of the filter slide a grey neutral density filter and a green filter It even
5. 0 12 and 18 inches the full length of the chain is 24 inches To sum up You need not set distances beyond 3 feet too critically make the sharpness zone bracket do the work for you Set the distance scale so that the important part of the picture is safely within the arpness zone For extreme close ups always use the measuring chain The shutter To produce a well defined correctly ex posed picture the film must absorb a de finite amount of light The less light comes from the picture area the longer this light must act on the film the shutter must stay open for a longer time Very bright scenes require only a short shutter speed thumb on shutter This length of exposure is regulated with dex finger under ca the larger dial on the control panel of r hand your MINOX You can set the shutter while the camera is still closed or after it has been opened whether the shutter is cocked nor not To set the shutter speed place the thumb on the knurled centre of the shutter speed dial while holding the forefinger under the camera and with the other hand turn the camera See illustration It s really very easy The engraved figures represent fractions of a second 2 indicates 1 second 1000 is s second etc But don t let these figures worry you you need not even look at them Yours is a MINOX B the built in coupled exposure meter does the thinking for you See page 29 for some helpful hints on expos
6. Camera Clamp is used to attach the MINOX to a tripod or to the bracket of a flash unit It has a socket for a cable release which should be used for all tripod shots MINOX Pocket Tripod Here is your best insurance for perfect pic tures with the slower shutter speeds Ex tremely compact yet sturdy and versatile the MINOX tripod even has an adjustable swivel head The legs slide all into one so that the whole unit can be carried like a pencil and a cable release is included hidden and protected inside the tripod lengs 44 MINOX Slide Projectors There is no greater thrill than seeing your fine MINOX color slides projected on a screen All the subtleties of color are brought out in projection The MINOX MINOMATN Automatic Pro jector and the MINOX MINOTACT Semi Automatic Projector are highly efficient compact and portable projectors especially designed for brilliant projection of MINOX and other ultra miniature slides in 3x3cm mounts Both models feature cool low voltage 12 volt 190Watt illumination with high Nght output The short focal length of the MINOSTAR f 2 7 35mm MINOX projection lenses en sures large and bright screen images from a short distance For example to obtain a 3 feet square screen image a projector screen distance of only 11 feet is required The illustration shows the MINOMAT N a projector which provides maximum ease of operation Operation control in various ways remote control
7. MINOX B MINOX B the all in one precision ultra miniature camera OWNERS MANUAL Before you start reading the Manual please fold back this and the last page so that you will have the diagrams of the MINOX B constantly at your fingertips for easy reference Congratulations with your MINOX B you are embarking on a new un burdened kind of picture taking Your MINOX B is not only exceptionally small precise and modern it is also far easier to use than almost any other camera It will give you lots of pleasure It s easy to get fine pictures with the MINOX B but naturally the more you know about the camera the better more certain will be the results This little book wants to show you the way And before making any important pictures of trip or some special event it is always a good idea to shoot a magazine of film outdoors and indoors with flash This will give you practice in camera operation and provide a check on your outfit Read the various sections carefully it s time well spent and will pay off generously In fine MINOX pictures The first section explains the best way to hold the MINOX how to load it and unload it how to set It Part two will help you to select the proper kind of film for best results and tells about colour photography flash filters close ups and about some special uses for your MINOX The final pages come in handy if something goes wrong there you will find the cause usually a minor m
8. NOX Enlarger is designed especially for getting the very best results from your films its critically corrected 15mm f 3 5 lens matches the superb quality of the Complan lens in your MINOX camera a7 r 2 Errors 40 43 Holding Camera 4 31 Exposure 9 10 11 12 Landscapes 8 44 47 Exposure Counter 49 tana Mi 3 26 ASA Settings 20 21 28 Exposure Measurement Luminous Foma Findo Binocular Clamp 46 29 30 5 19 Cable Release 15 44 Exposure Meter Neutral Density Filter Chain use of 8 26 32 10 11 12 20 14 15 24 25 Changing Film Type 38 39 Faults 40 43 Picture Area 19 Cleaning the Camera 27 Film 28 Pocket Tripod 44 Close ups 8 32 Film Advance 3 Projector 45 Colour Photography Film Change 38 39 28 30 36 Film Gate 21 23 pegs S ae Copy Film 28 Film Loading DY ae oa E ae Copying 38 Film Unloading 2 Sie Projector A Copying Stand 38 46 Filter Slide Aa EEEE cau Ag Depth of Field 6 7 8 Filters 12 14 24 25 isojaon ja J Depth of Field Bracket Finder 5 19 Telephotography 46 67 8 Finder Mirror 46 Telescopic Rapid Wind 3 Developing Tank 47 Flash 17 34 Time Exposure 15 16 31 Distance Scale 6 7 8 Focusing 6 7 8 Tripod 4 Distance Setting 6 7 8 Grain 28 41 Tripod Clamp 44 Electronic Flesh 17 34 Grey Filter 14 15 24 25 Viewfinder 5 19 Enlarger 47 Green Filter 12 24 25 Zone of Sharpness 6 7 8 48 Subject Field Size and Depth of Field Tables Distance Subject Field Depth of Focused On Size inch Field
9. a picture you are bound to get blurred results Hold the camera firmly yet relax with your hands steadied against the face Keep both thumbs under the camera other fingers on top so that the lens and exposure meter window are unobstructed The Illustra show the rm and steady hold and nothing covers the lens viewfinder or exposure eter window It s a good idea t of a mirror to check yourself You ll notice that the same hold is used for horizo practice this hold in front and vertical pictures Now that you know the proper hold look into the viewfinder and frame your picture in the luminous rectangle when you re a set squeeze the shutter release bi gently A itt thumb underneath the cam keep the MINOX s ates so smoothly and quietly the picture is taken without effort je counter pressure from the ady The shutter oper The MINOX B requires a minimum of operating steps Setting distance and ex posure Is all that s needed and easy too Opposite page Correct hold for hori pictures ontal Right Similar hold for vertical pictures Distance setting There are two engraved discs on the control pane of your MINOX the smaller one is the distance scale It is calibrated from Infinity to 8 inches with additional mark Ings 6 3 2 14 1ft and 10inches A red dot indicates 12ft and also serves as a general snapshot setting To s
10. ark also turns both are coupled Now turn the shutter speed dial until the open triangle is set to the black line that connects with the indicator needle If the needle is between two lines set the open triangle between the two lines also n By thus pointing the open triangle to the line leading to the indicator needle you have automatically set the correct shutter speed If the shutter speed dial happens to be set between engraved numbers don t worry The shutter speed scale of the MINOX B is matched with the exposure meter providing an infinite range of speeds between 1 and hee second If you are using the green filter with black and white film see page 24 turn the green dot instead of the open triangle to the indicator needle This setting automatically compensates for the exposure difference required by the green filter 2 13 To switch to second measuring range push filter slide all the way in The second measuring range Outdoor exposure with ASA 25 and ASA 50 film are usually somewhere between se and Yws second However with faster films and for very bright scenes beach in brilliant sun glaciers snow in high mountain areas etc even s second may produce over exposure The shutter speed dial cannot be turned past the 1000 mark to line up the meter disc with indicator needle Therefore a second measuring range has been provided If you cannot line up the open triangle with the indicator n
11. eedle push the filter slide above the viewfinder window all the way in see illustration This puts a neutral density grey filter in front of the lens and switches the exposure meter automatically to compensate for the exposure difference imposed by the filter 14 After this switch proceed as usual Look at the scene through the viewfinder hold down the meter button two or three seconds turn open triangle to Indicator needle The neutral density filter now puts the exposure into the normal speed scale Whenever the resulting shutter speed is slower than 1 s second t z 1 1 etc remember to brace your hands with the camera against a wall tree or other firm support Other wise a blurred picture may result Of course the MINOX Tripod page 44 is ideal for this purpose in fact it is indispensable for longer B and T exposures B and T exposures In addition to speeds of 1 2 to 1e0 second the shutter speed dial has the letters B and T engraved What do they mean B The shutter opens when the shutter release button is pressed down and closes again after you let the button go T The shutter opens when the shutter release button is pressed down and stays open until the button is pressed a second time Both settings are designed for longer exposures B for exposures from one to several seconds T for still longer exposures For such extended exposure the MINOX must be placed on a solid support or mounted on a
12. et a given camera to subject distance rotate the distance dial with your finger on the knurled centre until the desired distance number is at the black dot of the sharpne zone bracket little bracket is more important than the black dot in its centre Let s say you are taking pictures at a picnic with the distance setting at 12 feet that s the red dot between and 6 The camp fire is 12 feet away some of the guests are sitting at a table 8 feet from the camera while one of the youngsters is just bringing an extra log and is now 15 feet away from you You ll get them al perfectly sharp in your MINOX picture because it gives you a sharpness bonus in front and beyond the focused distance ance scale Arrow points t Setting the sharpness zone bracket The zone of sharpness from nearest to farthest distance is also called depth of field The Snapshot Setting bracket along the distance scale tells you the Zone of sharpness extent of the zone of sharpness for every t to Infinity distance setting Greatest sharpne at 12 feet For most of your pictures you don t have to set the distance critically It is sufficient If the main object of your picture is within the zone of sharpness The MINOX has exceptionally great depth of field and makes focusing very simple Zone of sharpness 4ftto I ft You get the greatest zone of sharpness with Greatest sharpness the red dot Snapsho
13. grain and thus give you clear sharp crisp pictures they have ample speed for all outdoor pictures and for flash shots Under less favorable daylight conditions and for snapshots without flash in brightly lighted rooms Kodak Plus X film packaged by MINOX offers greater speed with moderate grain Films of intermediate speed are also available The fast films ASA 100 and ASA 200 should be used only when there is not enough illumination for slower films or when flesh exposures are not feasible stage photography candid shots etc For copying of books documents etc a special microcopy film is also available See page 38 For information about color film see page 36 ASA 200 Kodak Plus X film and Color films are supplied in 36 exposure cassettes all other black and white films are in S0 exposure cassettes 28 Correct exposure measurement You will always get correct exposures with your MINOX B camera if you observe a few basic rules The front window cell of the meter must be completely unobstructed to give a correct reading Don t let a finger cover the window check the correct camera hold on page 4 and 5 Give the meter 2 to 3 seconds to measure the light while you hold down the button Letting the button go too quickly may cause the needle to lock before it has reached full reading Always measure the important part of a scene In a landscape for instance the sky which is usually much brighter than the principal pa
14. he exposure meter properly 4l IF film has thin horizontal scratches telephone wires Dust is the enemy of your MINOX films Never carry a film cassette in your pocket without a wrapper Before loading the camera blow out any dust particles which may have lodged in the film compartments page 27 IF the film cassette won t drop easily into the camera when loading The film gate must be open when the film Is dropped into the camera Be sure to push the camera with open back cover together about to open the film gate see page 21 IF the film cassette cannot be pulled out of the camera It s the film gate again See previous paragraph IF the film cassette does not lie flush in the camera so that the back cover cannot be easily closed This is not your fault It may happen on rare occasions when the film take up core rests on the teeth of the transport wheel in the film compartment of the camera Simply lift out the cassette pull camera open all the way and close again just enough to open the film gate Re insert the cassette Close cover 42 IF the film shows dark areas at intervals along the edges Either the cassette was handled in very bright light before or after loading or the film was advanced beyond the red dot before un loading which may result in light entering through the film slit of the cassette A pleasant MINOX snapshot by Axel Frederic ASA 20 film thie sec 43 MINOX Camera Clamp The
15. ictures are best taken with the sun slightly to one side behind the photographer s back Avoid deep shadows on faces and strong contrasts between light and dark portions of a scene If you are seriously interested in all phases of color photography you will find it worthwhile to read one of the many comprehensive books covering this field For more fun with your MINOX read Small MINOX Big Pictures the entertainingly written complete guide to MINOX photography which explains and illustrates every use of your MINOX and its accessories Beautifully printed on coated paper and bound in linen this pocket size book tells the full MINOX story You will enjoy reading it and it will help you improve your own MINOX technique Small MINOX Big Pictures is for sale at your MINOX dealer s 7 Copying of documents drawings books etc is no problem for your MINOX B By using a tripod MINOX Copying Stand see page 46 or other means of support you can conveniently copy such material getting as close as 8 inches for largest Possible reproduction Use the special INOX ASA 12 MicroCopy film Agepe FF except when copying illustrations or photographs containing half tones for which the regular ASA 25 film should be used See back flap of this manual for areas covered at various distances Changing the film type Some day you may want to take colour pictures just when your MINOX is loaded with black and wh
16. including focusing auto matic slide change system a socket for an impulse device which will synchronize sound projection from a tape recorder with the screen image These are all features at your disposal with the MINOMAT N The MINOTACT Projector although similar in appearance to the MINOMATN is a semi automatic projector Ask your MINOX dealer for a demonstration and literature 45 Other useful accessories for the MINOX B The MINOX Binocular Attachment permits taking tele photographs through most better binoculars With the MINOX right angle Finder Mirror you can take true to life candid snapshots around the corner You stand at a right angle to the subject The MINOX Adjustable Copy Stand makes easy work of copying letters documents books etc It folds for easy pocket carrying You can examine your negatives with the MINOX Film Viewer Magni fier without removing them from the transparent MINOX Negative Wallet 46 Other useful accessories for the MINOX B The MINOX BC Flashgun battery capacitor type just fits over the end by the camera The MINOX Transparency Viewer Cutter is ideal for examining your colour films before mounting a squeeze of the handle cuts each frame neatly to the exact size for the MINOX 30x30mm Trans parency Mounts Developing of MINOX films becomes a simple and convenient matter with the MINOX Daylight Developing Tank of course you don t need a dark room The MI
17. istake which may occur if you have not read the first two sections carefully And it s so easy to avoid such mistakes But NOW why not get acquainted with the ease of MINOX photography Exposure Meter Disc CONTENTS Exposure Meter Button See also alphabetical index on page 48 Shutter Speed Dial How to use the MINOX n Opening the camera Telescopic Rapid Wind Holding the MINOX gt Distance setting Zone of sharpness Setting the shutter Built in exposure meter MINOX always works at f 3 5 Viewfinder Exposure counter Loading gt ASA film speeds Un loading Filters Measuring chain Take care of your MINOX Shutter Release Button Exposure Counter Distance Scale Tips for best results Depth of Field Bracket The best film Correct exposure measurement Steady Longer exposures Flash Post Frame your subject Close ups of small things How to stop moving subjects Flash pictures It s a colourful world Copying Changing the film type 28 Exposure Meter Indicator Window What happened v Exposure Meter Window The MINOX Camera Clamp The MINOX Pocket Tripod 4 Piter Sirds The MINOX Slide Projectors 45 Viewfinder Front Window Other MINOX Accessories Le 46 47 The MINOX B open Subject size and depth of field tables inside Back Cover ready for picture taking Lens Window HERE S HOW Te You are naturally anxious to put the first film into your MINOX and to start sho
18. it im mediately after the salt water has entered under running warm fresh water then dry It at once near a heater or open fire Rush your MINOX to our Repair Department with the notation SALT WATER DAMAGE If sand gets into the camera try to blow it out be fore you operate the push pull rapid wind If there is the least grating STOP leave the camera as it Is and send it to us for cleaning with the notation CAUTION SAND IN CAMERA Your MINOX was carefully tested and checked before leaving the factory and provided with long life lubricants Do Not attempt to di semble it and above ali do not lubricate any part of it The facilities of our Service Department are at your disposal if the camera should ever require adjustment or repairs a7 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS The best film MINOX film is available in different types for black and white pictures and for color photography Your MINOX dealer will be glad to suggest the proper film for your specific purposes Black and white films vary not only in sensitivity speed but also in their grain characteristics Generally speaking the lower the film speed the finer the detail which the film is capable of reproducing in the final print The sensitivity shown on the film package is expressed in American Standard Association ASA exposure index numbers For 90 of your pictures you will find ASA 16 ASA 25 the ideal choice they have ultra fine
19. ite film or vice versa When you want to change cassettes pull push the camera once to transport the last exposed film frame into the tan engravin r Micro Copy take up end of the cassette Change the ASA setting of the meter for the next film s p 20 before you open the back of the camera Remove the cassette from note the num on the exposure counter and write this number on the cassette for future reference Insert the new cassette after you have set the exposure counter to the red dot see page 19 and proceed in the usual manner When you re load the started cassette Change the ASA setting of the meter then set the exposure counter three numbers back from the number which you noted when you originally removed the cassette Example If you removed the cassette at 28 set counter at 25 Now insert cassette in the usual manner Pull push the camera three times This takes up any slack in the cassette and gets your MINOX ready for the next picture Right Snapshot from the beach by Heinz Bogler Jow film iam sec 39 WHAT HAPPENED You ll find it easy to get the feel of your MINOX within a short time and to get a succession of fine pictures If you should have a failure at one time or another check it against these possible errors and learn to avoid repetition IF the principal subject is not sharp The distance scale was not set correctly Always set
20. ntion of f stops It s simply because the MINOX hes no f stops The 15mm Complan lens of your MINOX yields such extreme depth of field and together with the slightly curved spherical design of the film gate gives such outstanding definition over the entire film area that an adjustable lens diaphragm could be omitted saving you an extra operation necessary with other cameras That s another reason why the MINOX is so to use The MINOX always works at full f 3 5 lens opening The viewfinder The luminous white frame within the large MINOX viewfinder shows you the exact picture area that will appear on the film The viewfinder image is automatically correct ed at all distances to be identical with the film image Parallax Compensation For ex treme close ups 8 10 inches the picture area lies a frame width within the luminous frame The viewfinder eyepiece is so large that even spectacle wearers can observe the full viewfinder area furthermore they may use the MINOX viewfinder without special correction lens The exposure counter The curved window next to the distance scale tells you how many exposures you have already made on a film Before you insert a fresh film the ex posure counter must be set at the red dot between 50 and 0 see illustration If you have just finished a complete S0 exposure film the counter will already be at this setting However if you finished a 36 exposure film or if the counter is at any
21. o 2 sec or slower attach the flash cable to the flash post of your MINOX For flash bulbs set the exposure dial to sec or slower The MINOX BC flash unit see illustration is extremely compact and attaches to the flash post of your MINOX without a cable If you use any other flash unit attach the end of the flash cable to the flash post of the MINOX MINOX B Cai a with attached MINOX BC flash gun The reflector is moved out of its hou Right MINOX BC Hieshgun shown with retractedrefiect s right into flash pc MINOX To sum up The MINOX B has a built in exposure meter coupled to the shutter speed dial which regulates shutter speeds from to iss second you simply point a triangle mark to the Indicator needle of the exposure meter When the scene is so bright that even w second would produce over exposure slide the neutral density filter in front of the lens The exposure meter switches automati cally to its second measuring range Shutter speeds fall within the normal speed range Exposures of longer than second are not automatically set on the shutter speed dial However the position of the shutter speed dial after matching the indicator needle might indicate up to 2 seconds exposure which must be obtained by using the B or T setting No F stop setting an important MINOX advantage If you are an advanced amateur photographer you may wonder why there has not yet been any me
22. ot ing pictures Please hold on for little while and get to know the most important features of the camera while it is still un loaded You ll be much more confident and sure of success when you know more about the HOW Opening the camera The camera is closed when you take it out of its leather case To open it for picture taking grasp it with both hands as shown here and pull it open as far as it will go This brings out the viewfinder and lens window and mekes the MINOX ready for shooting Telescopic rapid wind After you have taken a picture close the camera Then for the next pic ture you pull it open again That s the secret of the telescopic rapid winding mechanism of the MINOX Each time the camera is closed and re opened the film is advanced for the next picture the shutter is re cocked and the exposure counter moves to the next number all auto matically In a hurry ONE TWO your MINOX is ready for the next picture But it s Important to close and open all the way every time The small circle in the lens window Indicates that the shutter is wound ready for the next picture The circle disappears after you have released the shutter That s your signal that you must push pull before you take the next picture Clear and simple isn t it As t assur ance for good pictures with your MINOX If the camera moves while your are taking eady and firm hold is the bes
23. other setting you must set the counter by repeating a inch push pull of the camera until it is set at the red dot 19 Loading with film sunlight Always load or un load the MINOX in subdued light or in the shade if there is no other shade within reach turn your back towards the sun The built in exposure meter must be set to the speed of the film when you load your first film Into the camera and if you change to a film of different speed The necessary steps are printed in blue on these pag If after completing the first film you again use film of the same speed you can ignore the Instructions printed in blue Just make sure that the shutter speed dial is not turned while you are changing films Set exposure counter at red dot see pro vious page e Pull the camera out Press down on cre cent shaped snapsiock white arrow in illus tration 2 and slide open the back cover until both film compartments are free Close the camera about s inch to spread the film gate open this occurs when the snapsiock almost disappears in the camera illustration 4 You can feel a definite re sistance and see the gate open The film can be inserted and taken out ONLY with an open film gate Drop the cassette into the film compart ments see illustration 5 There is only ONE way to insert the cassette you can t make a mistake Close the back cover until it snap
24. r to avoid jarring the camera How about longer exposures In a pinch try holding your MINOX steady by leaning your elbows on a table or other firm surface or against a wall better still place the camera on a support ledge etc It is best however to attach the MINOX with the MINOX camera clamp to a tripod You will find the MINOX pocket tripod a particularly fine and versatile accessory Little larger than a pencil it opens up into a rock steady tripod complete with a swivel top you can use it on a table chair window sill or lean it against a wall You can also brace it against your shoulders As an extra precaution against jarring the camera always use a cable release for tripod exposures The MINOX tripod comes with its own cable release Frame your subject Advance planning of composition saves extra work in enlarging and gives you precisely the picture you want every time Since the MINOX viewfinder shows you the exact picture area you can easily compose each picture before you actually take it you can omit unimportant or disturbing details right at the start and fill the picture area to best advantage 3 Close ups of small things There is a special fascination in a big close up A frame filling picture of a single blossom showing the delicate details of each petal can be more re warding than a whole acre of flowers Therefore Get CLOSE to the subject Your MINOX offers you the great advantage you can ge
25. rts of the scene should not be included in the viewfinder while you are holding down the meter button Point the viewfinder downward until most of the sky is no longer visible Thus you will get a correct reading for the fields trees houses etc which are important for the picture Of course when you take the picture you may include the sky Similarly when you take snapshots of people in the snow or in front of a light coloured wall remember that the people are important not the background To get correct ex posure approach with your camera until you see in the viewfinder only the person or group which you want to snap Only then you should press down the meter button to get your reading After you have thus determined correct exposure you may step back to include the background in the actual picture If it is inconvenient to make such a close up measurement you can use the sub stitution method of measuring the brightness of your hand or some object that is similar to and receives the same light as the actual subject of your picture 2 Close up measurement is also used in back lighted against the light shots Measure only the important subjects which are actually in the shade Where this is impractical mountain scenery for instance use this rule of thumb Take the reading by pointing the camera at the full scene then move the shutter speed scale one step to the right for taking the picture Example The reading is 1 Mo
26. s shut and push the camera closed Pull push camera once to advance the exposed film frame into take up end of cassette illustration 6 a 7 If the back cover cannot be closed this Is a rare occurrence when the film take up core Is resting on the teeth of the transport wheel in the film compartment lift out the cassette pull the camera open all the way and close again until the film gate opens This advances the film transport wheel Re insert the cassette and proceed as described on page 21 Intermediate ASA film speeds can also be set on the exposure meter by using the short lines on either side of the solid ASA triangle as follows Engraved numbers 25 50 100 200 400 LEFT LINE set on engraved number gives correct reading for 16 32 64 125 250 RIGHT LINE set on engraved number gives correct reading for 40 80 160 320 640 Example To set meter for ASA 32 set LEFT LINE on 50 2 Un loading Watch the exposure counter Some films have 36 exposures others have 50 see film package After you have taken the 36th or 50th exposure push and pull the camera twice no more Now open the back cover and spread the film gate as if to load See page 21 If the next film has a different ASA number set the exposure meter for the new ASA number before opening the camera to remove the previous film This saves you another step later on See page 20 about setting the meter The film cassette will drop
27. t Setting from 6 feet to at 6 ft infinity This is your ideal choice for all pictures which require quick readiness fast shooting You can shoot groups games travel races whatever comes in front of your long as the main point of interest it 6 feet from the camer Zone of sharpness 3 ft to 6 ft Greatest sharpness at 4 ft This snapshot setting see illustration at top will take care of most of your pictures Use the snapshot setting for scenery only if an important part of the foreground is closer than 12 ft Otherwise always use the infinity setting for landscape pictures sharpness reaches from 12 ft to infinity Two other settings with zones of sharpness from 4 ft to 11ft and from 3ft to 6 ft respectively are shown in the illustrations on the previous page Complete table showing the depth of field ranges and subject sizes at various distances settings are shown on page 51 inside back cover As you can see the zone of sharpness gets smaller at closer distances and at very close distance it amounts to inches and less Therefore close distances must be set carefully on the distance scale but that is easy because the safety chain of your MINOX has small beads for distances corresponding exactly with the close distance settings engraved on the distance scale With the chain locked in the camera socket held taut and at right angles from the camera to the subject the beads are placed at 8 1
28. t as close as 8 inches without any supplementary equipment or extra lenses Make the most of this excellent feature Always use the meesuring beads of the chain to determine the correct distance and set the distance scale of the camera accordingly this is important because at close range the zone of sharpness is very limited For instance when the distance scale is set at 1ft the sharp ness extends only from 11 Inches to 13 inches Now you know why accurate 32 distance setting is a must for extreme close ups Remember also that at di nces between 8 and 10 inches the picture area lies a frame width within the luminous frame of the viewfinder Hot Weather Precaution Films are sensitive to high temperatures Do not store MINOX films or your loaded MINOX in the glove compart ment or window shelf of your car where the film may be affected by excessive heat How to stop moving subjects Sports and other fast action call for high shutter speeds otherwise your pictures may be blurred But even under unfavorable light conditions requiring slower shutter speeds you can stop motion by using some professional tricks For example it is easier to stop 3 motion of a subject moving straight towards the camera or at a slight angle than it is to freeze a subject moving at a right angle to the camera Or watch for the moment of suspense such as is reached by a swing at its highest point just before i
29. t moves down again or by a tennis player during the serve when the ball is at the peak of the toss and the racquet is about to be swung Even ze second will stop such shots Here is another well known professional trick that will help you get fine results with very fast motion automobile races speed boats skiing etc Keep the car boat or skier centred in the MINOX viewfinder and follow the motion with the camera releasing the shutter at any instant during this panoraming The background will be blurred adding to the impression of speed but the subject stays sharp even at s second Flash Pictures The MINOX has built in flash synchronization which actuates the flash when the shut ter button Is pressed Any flash unit may be used with the MINOX There are two basically different types of flash units Electronic flash units and units using expendable flash bulbs Electronic units are equipped with a flash tube Because of the extremely high speed of electronic flash even fastest motion can be frozen Small flash units may be attached to the chain socket of the MINOX B by means of the flash adapter For use with large flash units the MINOX B may be attached to a flash bracket by means of the MINOX camera clamp see page 44 The MINOX B C Flashgun see page 17 is particularly convenient This uses AG 1 bulbs It is attached directy to the camera and needs no adapter or clamp u Electronic Flash can be used with any shu
30. the distance carefully especially for close ups Use the measuring chain for extreme close ups OR The motion of the principal subject car boat skier was too fast for the shutter speed used IF there are blurred or double outlines The camera moved during exposure hold camera steady or use tripod for longer ex posures sometimes a table chair or a wall will support the camera adequately IF your pictures have a blurred shadow at the right or at the bottom Your finger got in front of the lens Watch your camera hold check it against the illustrations on page 4 and 5 IF your pictures look muddy and out of focus There s probably a fingerprint or smudge on the lens window of your MINOX Clean the window carefully see page 26 IF your film shows irregular spacing or overlapping Either you forgot to set exposure counter at the red dot page 19 when you started the film or you did not pull and push the camera ALL THE WAY between exposures page 3 IF some of your negatives are very thin or almost black a Exposure meter was set to wrong ASA number page 20 b Exposure meter window was partly obscured during measurement page 4 c Exposure meter button was not held down for several seconds page 10 IF some prints show more grain than others from the same film Badly over exposed pictures have coarser grain Over exposure is as undesirable as under exposure Make sure you use t
31. tripod with the camera clamp page 44 and released with a cable release The MINOX Tripod page 44 comes already equipped with a cable release 15 The exposure meter does not automatically set exposures of longer than second but it indicates exposures up to 2 seconds If after using the meter the shutter speed scale is set to the left of 2 second this indicates an exposure longer than 2 second which must be obtained by using the B or T settings If the shutter speed dial points to the blue dot between 2 and B see illustration at left the indicated exposure is 1 second if the dial points to B the indicated ex posure is 2 seconds see illustration at right Exposures indicated by intermediate positions can be estimated After you have determined these longer exposures turn the shutter speed dial to B or T and hold the shutter open for the required time The illustrations show top positions of speed dial after setting meter triangle mark to indicator needle middle setting of dial for making the exposure bottom a re minder to use a tripod or other firm support Flash Pictures The shutter of your MINOX B is synchronized for flash and may be used with an electronic flashgun or a flash unit for bulbs The flash is actuated when you press the shutter release button The built in exposure meter is not used for flash exposures For electronic flash set the exposure dial t
32. tter speed up to 2 second The shorter the shutter speed the greater the influence of the flash upon the illumination and character of the picture For electronic flash units of medium brightness use films of ASA 16 ASA 25 All pictures to about 18 25 feet will be well exposed The differences in the negative quality are so slight that they do not affect the enlarging ability For short distances less than 3 ft the effect of the flash can be reduced by using the green or grey filter Since electronic flash units usually emit very harsh light the following suggestions will be helpful in reducing the extreme brilliance Detach the flash unit from the camera and use it at a greater distance and to the side of the camera An extension cord for this purpose is available at your MINOX dealer Be careful however that the shadow of the camera does not show in the picture 2 Hold white paper or thin white fabric handkerchief for instance in front of flash reflectors this not only reduces the intensity of the light but makes it considerably softer Picture Series and Sequence Shots Your MINOX compact and instantly ready to shoot makes it so easy to get spontaneous un posed pictures Whenever possible take a whole series of pictures to tell a complete story With a little practice you can take an entire sequence of pictures within a few seconds simply keep your MINOX at eye level and pump the camera with your right hand to
33. ure measurement 9 The built in coupled exposure meter The coupled exposure meter distinguishes the MINOX B from the MINOX A camera You need not estimate shutter speeds you don t even have to refer to a table or scale and then transfer shutter speeds from to 1see second to the shutter speed dial The exposure meter is coupled with the shutter speed dial You simply match a pointer with an indicator needle that s all You have already set the correct shutter speed Only once when you put the first film into the camera you set the exposure meter for the speed of the film and couple it with the shutter see page 20 You need never touch the meter setting again until you use a film of a different speed Using the exposure meter is child s play Before you take a picture look at the scene through the viewfinder just be careful not to cover the front window of the meter with your finger and hold down the meter button with the forefinger or third finger of your left hand After two or three seconds release the button The indicator needle freezes in glace 10 At one end of the camera you will see the curved indicator window of the exposure meter and next to it surrounding the meter button a flat disc with an open triangle mark and a green dot The rotating disc and indicator window are connected by thin black lines When you turn the shutter speed dial the meter disc with the triangle m
34. ve the shutter scale to 1 second The rules for back lighted subjects also apply to colour pictures In fact very judicious measuring is essential for all colour pictures Whenever possible use the close up measuring method for pictures of people Where this is not possible the following modification will be helpful Principal subject in the shade People in snow pictures Scenes with much green foliage except in open landscapes use one half step longer exposure Dull overcast day use to full step longer exposure Always remember Don t cover the exposure meter cell window Give the meter needle 2 to 3 seconds for correct reading Measure the important part of the picture Use close up measurement whenever possible Modify exposure times under certain conditions use one half step longer exposure use full step longer exposure S t e a d y Even the best photo finisher can t give you a sharp print from a blurred film Therefore get used to a comfortable and steady hold of your MINOX during exposure Some people can hold the camera perfectly still for s second others have trouble even with 30 s second Experience will tell you whether you can get steady pictures at the slower shutter speeds Generally you will find it advisable to use a tripod or other firm support for 2e second and slower For all snapshots use the hold suggested on pages 4 and 5 and make sure that you squeeze the shutte
35. white or color films The green filter is used with black and white film for better landscape and cloud pictures It must not be used with color film 25 Attaching the measuring chain To protect your MINOX against acci dental falls always keep it on its chain Insert the rectangular plug at the end of the chain into the corresponding chain pocket of the camera The spring loaded dust cover will recede into the camera Use the D ring at the end of the chain in the manner of a screw driver Inserting It into the slot of the plug disc turn the plug one quarter turn to the right See iifustration To detach the chain reverse these steps insert D ring in the slot turn one quarter to the left the plug will jump out of the socket It pays to take care of your MINOX The optical glass window of the lens should always be spotless finger marks and dirt impair the sharpness and brilliance of your pictures From time to time wipe the window gently with a soft linen cloth wrapped around a small wooden stick or tooth pick Keep the film compartments free from dust which may scratch the film before 2 inserting a fresh fiim cassette blow into the compartment to dislodge and remove small dust particles Beware of sand and salt water Only a few drops of salt water suffice to corrode the delicate mechanism of the camera Should it ever drop into the water you may perhaps save the ca mera if you open it and rinse
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