Asahi Pentax L-X Help Guide
Contents
1. Quick Help Reference Manual Note This manual is created just aiming to support the Pentax LX users who has lost his original manual or for those who has just bought a used unit in the secondary used market We would still advise anyone who wishes to acquire a complete official manual either from Jebsen amp Jebsen local distributor for Pentax cameras or write to Asahi Optical Co Ltd for a copy Creator of this site will not be responsible for the accuracy of the content within In the US Pentax Corporation 35 Inverness Drive East Post Office Box 6509 Englewood Colorado 80155 6509 800 877 0155 303 799 8000 pentaxinfo pentax com Website http www pentax com In Japan Pentax Optical Co Ltd Website http www pentax co jp Pentax Pentax LX Asahi Optical Asahiflex and other trade names mentioned in this site are registered trademarks of the respective companies Two way exposure counter Shutter button lock Shutter button Rapid wind lever Shutter dial Shutter cocked indicator Aperture window Multi function lever Lever release button 10 Lever index 11 Lens release button 12 Lens mount 13 Lens alignment index 14 Instant return mirror 15 Shutter speed index 16 Hotshoe 17 Film rewind crank 18 Film rewind crank Back cover release knob 19 Grip mount socket 20 Accessory lug 21 Distance scale 22 Focusing ring 23 Depth of field scale 24 Aperture Distance index 252. Aperture scale 26 Aperture ring 27 Auto flash contacts 28 X synch terminal 29 FP terminal 30 Exposure compensation dial 31 ASA dial lock release 32 ASA index 33 ASA window 34 Exposure compensation index mark 35 Dial lock release button 36 Finder release lever 37 Data back contacts 38 Memo holder 39 Eyepiece accessory slots 40 Viewfinder eyepiece 41 Back cover 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Film chamber Film rewind shaft Film guide rail Shutter curtains Watch data film blind Film blind thumb screw Diopter adjustment screw Sprocket Film take up spool Back cover release pin Back cover release lug Film pressure plate Rubber grip Automatic advance contacts Auto film rewind coupling Base plate Battery chamber cap Tripod socket Film transport relay pin Film rewind Multiple exposure button Film transport rate control coupling Film transport coupler Rim of back cover Batteries Operating the Camera Without Batteries Inserting the Batteries The electronic systems of your Pentax LX operate on two 1 5 volt mini batteries which are packed separately with your camera To insert the batteries first remove the battery chamber cap at the base of the camera by inserting the edge of a coin and turning in the direction of the arrow Place the two batteries in the chamber as shown making su
3. fastener To Carry the Camera Vertically When you wish to carry the camera shoulder style unlock the fastener attached to Accessory Lug C by pressing Tab B until Tab A protrudes Then remove the fastener and attach it to Accessory Lug E IMPORTANT Before carrying the camera by the strap jiggle the fasteners back and forth while pulling on the strap to make sure that the fastener is locked securely to the accessory lug If not locked properly the strap couJd come off and damage your camera CASE The standard Eveready Case for your LX features a half moon lock as added protection against coming open while carrying the camera To remove the case front cover turn the cover a full 180 as shown so that the fastener unlocks and separate CAUTION Do not try to remove the front cover without first turning it so that the fastener unlocks this could weaken or break the fastener GRIPS Accessory Grip A Accessory Grip B The Pentax LX system includes different types of accessory grips Accessory Grip B is hand contoured for added balance and handling convenience For more precise requirements the Accessory Grip A can be shaped to meet the photographer s individual needs using a whittling knife or similar instrument and sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges To attach either grip first place the grip over the accessory lug C making sure the screw aligns with the socket at the bottom front of the camera F Tighten the screw using a scr
4. to make long exposures in extremely low light levels for special creative effects At this setting the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is depressed When shooting at B always mount your camera to a tripod or other stable support and use a cable release whenever possible to minimize camera vibration For exposures longer than several minutes a locking cable release is recommended INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY Because black amp white infrared film records light rays which focus differently than light in the visible spectrum when shooting it is necessary to adjust the focusing ring accordingly After focusing normally on the subject note the subject camera distance on the lens distance scale and turn the focusing ring until that distance setting aligns with the orange infrared index mark In the top photo the lens is focused at infinity i for normal photography in the bottom photo it has been adjusted for infrared photography by moving the infinity mark to the orange infrared index NOTE Compensation is not required when using infrared color films DEPTH OF FIELD SCALES I nae 5 37 16 AN wN 2216 11 8 i 4 2s 14 Distance m Depth of field is the area in acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the subject in focus at a particular f stop setting Depth of field can be checked visibly by activating the depth of field preview while looking through the camera viewfinder If more precis
5. using the split image center spot simply turn the lens focusing ring until the broken image in the center spot in the viewfinder aligns as one When using the microprism collar surrounding the center spot rotate the lens focusing ring until the shimmering effect in the collar area seems to disappear The matte field is quite handy for focusing in rapidly changing conditions where there simply isn t time to use either the split image spot or microprism collar or for focusing with long telephoto lenses having small apertures To focus turn the focusing ring on the lens until the image on the matte field appears sharp and crisp THE STANDARD FA 1 VIEWFINDER DISPLAY Aperture Window 25 x i a 5 4 2 1 i i UB Derm Displays f stop set on camera lens Represents shutter speeds as they appear on shutter dial Glows to indicate meter selection of hand holdable speeds from 1 2000th second to 1 30th second Red Flag Exposure compensation warning Blue Flag Indicates position of shutter dial Red LED Indicates lit A Indicates control Shutter Speed Scale Green LEDs nyg Yellow LEDs LT B Electronic flash synchronization Red LED glows to indicate automatic flash synchronization and flash ready with Pentax dedicated flash units Glows to indicate meter selection of speeds slower than 1 30th second as reminder to open lens use tripod or flash In manual indicates B shutter setting Red LED glows
6. 0 16 047 51 597 i 22 1 413 1 684 2 114 2 445 4 012 4 778 5 906 7 827 11 188 1 721 2 188 3 075 3 911 12 205 25 969 i i i DEDICATED AUTOMATIC FLASH UNITS Automatic and the flash unit set for auto flash operation the shutter automatically when the flash unit reaches full charge preventing overexposure This feature is not offered with the AF 1 60 Quick Reference Guide OTHER FLASH UNITS The Pentax AF 200S and AF 160 Automatic Electronic Flash Units are fully compatible with the LX camera s automatic shutter speed flash synchronization and viewfinder flash ready light features When the flash unit is turned ON with the camera s shutter dial set at synchronizes at X 1 75th second and the X indicator inside the viewfinder glows NOTE Dedicated flash is also offered with the above two units with the shutter dial set to X The AF 200S also features flash exposure override When the viewfinder indication for the camera s metering system is between 1 30th second and 4 seconds occasionally 1 60th second due to stepless metering flash synchronization is automatically obtained when faster speeds are indicated however non flash exposure system overrides flash Your LX camera is designed to accept a wide array of flash models using either the built in hotshoe of the standard FA 1 Viewfinder or the synchronization terminals at the front of the camera body The X terminal is for sync
7. 109 2 911 0 562 6 776 0 472 0 644 1 148 2 047 2 771 5 242 18 301 i f 16 0 422 0 546 0 844 1 219 1 430 1 861 2 450 0 546 4 672 0 482 0 667 1 231 2 348 3 386 7 978 i 22 0 413 0 529 0 798 1 120 1 294 1 631 2 061 0 529 3 l 0 496 0 696 1 349 2 855 4 545 21 588 i i pee 4 aE 540 E 884 E 471 N 957 __s 814 E 667 252 N 905 E 1 560 1 916 2 530 3 045 6 198 8 364 12 856 29 122 i 1 536 1 878 2 459 2 939 5 738 7 533 10 960 20 802 121 623 1 564 1 923 2 543 3 064 6 287 8 530 13 262 31 339 i 2 8 1 531 1 869 2 443 2 915 5 640 7 361 10 593 19 495 86 915 1 570 1 932 2 560 3 091 6 410 8 763 13 845 34 884 i 1 523 1 856 2 419 2 880 5 499 7 118 10 087 17 817 60 884 1 573 1 946 2 587 3 131 6 604 9 137 14 824 42 020 i f 5 6 1 512 1 839 2 388 2 835 5 322 6 818 9 485 15 986 43 530 1 590 1 965 2 624 3 187 6 882 9 690 16 370 57 817 1 497 1 815 2 343 2 769 5 078 6 414 8 706 13 855 30 514 1 608 1 995 2 681 3 275 7 347 10 660 19 414 132 990 i f 11 1 478 1 785 2 290 2 692 4 802 5 973 7 898 11 882 22 231 1 631 2 033 2 756 3 393 8 027 12 190 25 319 i f 16 1 447 2 101 2 206 2 573 4 406 5 361 6 845 9 611 15 329 1 670 1 737 2 892 3 609 9 50
8. SUNLIGHT Removing the Lens To remove the lens hold the camera in the left hand and press the Lens release button D while turning the lens counter clockwise with the right hand IMPORTANT If it becomes necessary to put the lens down without the rear lens cap in place make sure the lens rests only with the front element down Never put the lens down with the front element up The film advance system and exposure counter of your new Pentax LX are designed to provide you with the utmost in rapid winding convenience and frame indication accuracy 1 Shutter Cocked Indicator When the shutter has been cocked for the next exposure the shutter cocked indicator turns red as a reminder The Indicator returns to clear when the shutter has been fired 2 Two Way Exposure Counter The LX exposure counter is a sequential type which advances one frame each time the rapid wind lever or film transport is activated The scale is indexed from 0 to 36 with frames 12 20 24 and 36 marked in red The counter also operates in reverse when rewinding the film and disengages when making multiple exposures to ensure frame indication accuracy It automatically resets to 0 when the back cover is opened Rapid Wind Lever The LX features a single stroke 120 rapid wind lever which advances the film and cocks the shutter A 250 stand off position is provided for rapid winding ease and comfort LOADING THE FILM eTo avoid unnecessary delays whe
9. batteries or when battery failure occurs Mechanically Controlled Shutter Speeds At shutter speed settings from 1 2000th second to X and at the B Bulb setting the shutter operates mechanically without the need for battery power These speed settings should be used in the event battery failure interrupts normal camera operation ACTIVATING THE METER Shutter Release Button The feather touch shutter release button of your Pentax LX also serves as the meter on switch By pressing the shutter release lightly both the exposure metering system and viewfinder LED display are activated and remain on up to 25 seconds At the end of that time the meter and display will automatically turn off to prevent excessive battery drain Shutter Release Lock The Pentax LX has a built in shutter lock which protects you against accidentally making an exposure or activating the exposure metering system To operate the lock simply move the shutter lock lever towards the shutter speed dial until the two white dots align at the L setting To disengage the lock reverse the procedure FOCUSING The Pentax LX comes equipped with the standard SC 21 split image microprism focusing screen which provides a split image center spot surrounded by a microprism collar on a matte field The SC 21 is fully interchangeable with eight other focusing screen models to provide focusing versatility capable of meeting almost any picture taking need see page 49 When
10. cture taking needs attach it to the camera body as follows Remove the protective body cap by moving the finder release lever counter clockwise and sliding the cap away from the camera body as shown Carefully remove the protective cap from the finder and align the finder with the body making sure both units are seated properly Slide the kinder toward the front of the camera body until it locks firmly in place When attaching the finder it s a good idea to jiggle it to make sure it is locked securely in place To remove the finder on the camera for attaching a new finder move the finder release lever counter clockwise and carefully remove the existing finder by sliding it away from the camera body slowly and smoothly Do not move too quickly to avoid dropping the finder on your working surface and damaging it Place the protective finder cap on the finder to protect it against dust and scratches IMPORTANT Avoid touching the glass surfaces of the finder eyepiece and camera body when attaching or removing the finder to protect against possible damage from fingerprints dust grit and grease When absolutely necessary use a blower or camel s hair brush to remove loose dust or grit and ensure the brightest cleanest image Adjusting The Diopter Correction EL ELI ik Pa Pentax FA 1 and FA 2 Interchangeable Viewfinders feature built in diopter correction for the focusing convenience of eyeglass weartrs To adjust the degree of c
11. cusing screen frame drops down CAUTION Move the pincette very carefully If the screen doesn t release immediately do not exert excessive pressure a slip could damage either the focusing screen or mirror surface Squeeze the handle of the pincette and very carefully sandwich the tab of the focusing screen between the two sections of the head Lift the screen out of the frame and place it in the container for protection To install the new focusing screen Pick up the screen by the tab with the pincette as described above and place it on the focusing screen frame with the tab on the right hand side as shown Push the frame back to its original position until it locks in place IMPORTANT Only handle the screen with the pincette and hy the tah only Never wipe screen surfaces with clothing or a cloth to avoid damage Remove dust particles with a blower or camel s hair brush
12. e information is required however the depth of field scales engraved on most camera lenses provide a convenient means of determining the approximate distances The numbers engraved on either side of the depth of field scale represent f stops To read the scale look at the distance scale of the lens opposite the index marks on the depth of field scale representing the f stop set on the aperture ring For example in the photograph the lens is focused on a subject 5 meters away At f 4 the depth of field is from approximately 4 to 7 meters At f 5 6 the depth would be increased from approximately 3 6 meters to 7 9 meters DEPTH OF FIELD TABLES Peale 4 oin 447 e 595 _in 984 i 557 _2n 932 l 846 E 579 RE 712 E 0 453 0 605 1 017 1 645 2 073 3 172 5 506 20 868 i 0 446 0 593 0 977 1 539 1 904 2 785 4 420 10 707 37 070 0 454 0 608 1 024 1 666 2 106 3 252 5 757 25 077 i f 2 8 0 445 0 590 0 969 1 516 1 869 2 708 4 225 9 609 26 491 0 455 0 611 1 034 1 694 2 152 3 365 6 128 34 313 i 0 443 0 586 0 956 1 483 1 818 2 599 3 962 8 329 18 557 0 458 0 615 1 049 1 737 2 224 3 550 6 786 76 783 f 5 6 0 440 0 580 0 939 1 441 1 754 2 468 3 659 7 075 13 268 0 461 0 622 1 070 1 799 2 329 3 832 7 922 i 0 436 0 572 0 915 1 383 1 667 2 294 3 284 0 572 9 300 0 466 0 631 1 103 1 901 2 506 4 351 10 585 i f 11 0 430 0 562 0 887 1 316 1 569 2
13. e range of 1 2000th second down to 125 seconds during normal temperatures The approximate speed selected is indicated on the viewfinder display Speed selected by the camera can be changed by merely selecting a different f stop or by using the exposure compensation dial see page 24 To take the picture press down firmly and smoothly on the shutter release button A red LED will glow next to the A index on the viewfinder scale to indicate overexposure When this occurs stop your lens down or change to manual exposure control to obtain acceptable exposures u Dia a p e t A red LED will glow next to the LT B index on the scale when there is insufficient light for a proper exposure or when the camera has selected a time exposure longer than 4 seconds in the automatic mode zren Green LEDs are used along the shutter speed scale between 1 2000th and 1 30th second to indicate hand holdable speeds Yellow LEDs are used along the shutter speed scale between 1 1 5th second and 4 seconds as a slow speed warning and reminder to use a tripod or supplemental lighting or to change the lens to a wider aperture setting x 0 8 4 2 1 4 3 B pt IMPORTANT Should you accidentally press the shutter release with the lens cap on or in the dark while the shutter dial is set to Automatic an excessively long exposure will result To re set the camera move the dial to one of the manual speed settings and r
14. ect against a bright background such as a window bright sky sand or snow the camera meter will tend to underexpose the subject To compensate press the dial lock release and change the dial towards the 2X or 4X position depending on the degree of additional exposure desired FRONTLIT SUBJECTS When your subject is spotlighted against a dark background such as on a stage the meter will tend to overexpose subject details creating a washed out appearance To compensate press the dial lock release and change the dial towards the 1 2X or 1 4X position depending on what degree of underexposue is necessary or desirable EXPOSURE COMPENSATION RANGE While the range of the exposure compensation dial is sufficient to allow exposure compensation at all film speeds featured in the camera s film speed range with extremely fast and extremely slow films compensation is not available for the plus and minus settings indicated by the black dots below FILM SPEED EXPOSURE COMPENSATION Cd asas Oo e exe asaiz e 2 O gt O a O a ASA 25 800 4X 2X 1X 1 2X 1 4X ASA i600 J o ax XK exe asas200 J ax XK e e e MANUAL EXPOSURE CONTROL In the manual exposure mode your Pentax LX provides rapid response through the lens metering combined with an extensive manual shutter speed range from 1 2000th second to 4 full seconds To set the LX for manual exposure control press the shutter dial lock release and move the dial from the Automatic posi
15. eturn it to the Automatic position before resuming shooting USING THE EXPOSURE COMPENSATION DIAL Although the center weighting of your LX camera s metering system is designed to provide accurate exposure measurement under the majority of lighting conditions when using the camera in the automatic mode you may find that a degree of exposure adjustment is desirable This is particularly true in scenes with extremely contrasty backgrounds or foregrounds or where special creative effects can enhance the overall quality of the photograph The exposure compensation dial allows you to make these adjustments quickly and easily ALWAYS SET THE EXPOSURE COMPENSATION DIAL BACK TO THE 1X POSITION BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL AUTOMATIC OPERATION The dial located beneath the film rewind knob permits you to override the automatic exposure setting by a full 2 EV i e two full f stops over or underexposure in 1 3 increments The dial is in dexed at 4X 2 f stops increase 2X one f stop increase 1 4X 2 f stops decrease and 1 2X one f stop decrease with click stops at each 1 3 increment Normal Position For normal automatic exposure control make sure the dial is set to the 1X position The Dial locks firmly in this position to prevent accidental movement When the dial is off the 1X index a red flag will appear in the upper right hand side of the camera viewfinder as a reminder 1X 4X 1X 1 2 X BACKLIT SUBJECTS When shooting a subj
16. ewdriver or coin ener USING SCREW MOUNT TAKUMAR LENSES Super Takumar and SMC Takumar screw mount lenses can be attached to your Pentax LX by using the Pentax Mount Adaptor K When using this accessory however the automatic diaphragm of the lens will no longer function and meter readings must be made with the lens apertuPe stopped down Mounting The Adaptor After attaching the Adaptor K to the lens until it seats firmly in place align the red dot on the Adaptor with the red dot on the camera s lens mount Insert the lens and rotate the adaptor lens combination clockwise about 1 4 turn until in clicks into place The Mount Adaptor K is now fully engaged and screw mount lenses can be interchanged freely without further adjustments Removing The Adaptor After removing the lens press the adaptor release A with your thumbnail or a pointed object such as a ballpoint pen Turn the Mount Adaptor K counter clockwise until you feel it release and remove it from the lens mount Please note that the lens release button B serves no function when using this adaptor LX INTERCHANGEABLE VIEWFINDERS CHANGING THE FOCUSING SCREEN To change the LX Focusing Screen use the pincette supplied with your new focusing screen Insert the head of the pincette against the top plate of the mount so that the two ear like tabs rest again st the indentation in the plate as illustrated Then gently lift upward on the handle of the pincette until the fo
17. he exposure counter window 3 Cover the lens with the lens cap advance the rapid wind lever set the shutter dial to a manual speed to avoid long exposures and press the shutter release button 4 Advance the rapid wind lever until the 10 appears in the exposure counter window and make the second exposure If you wish to make double exposures on the remaining frames or again on the same frame you must press the film rewind multiple exposure button once again for each additional exposure To return to the original frame without exposing the images already on film cover the lens with the lens cap and advance the rapid wind lever until the 15 index appears in the exposure counter window You will return to the original position on the frame within a 0 2mm tolerance USING A TRIPOD TIME EXPOSURES AT B Using a Tripod The tripod socket at the base of the LX camera is designed to accept standard tripod threads having a depth no greater than 5 5mm 0 22 in To prevent any possibility of damage to the camera s internal mechanisms do not use tripods with longer mounting screws and always avoid overtightening Tripod Spacer To ensure proper tripod mounting when using lenses having a large diameter insert the SPacer Ring which comes packed with the camera between the camera base and tripod platform Time Exposures at B Although time exposures are possible in both the automatic and manual mode use the B Bulb shutter speed setting
18. hronization of electronic flash or F type and MF type bulbs the FP terminal for synchronization with focal plane bulbs The LX system offers you the unique option of synchronization even with non dedicated electronic flash units with the shutter dial set at Automatic In addition manual speeds from X through B may be used On Automatic the synchronization range is between 1 30th second and 4 seconds Do not use Automatic for flash when the viewfinder indicates a faster speed or the complete frame will not be exposed be sure to take precaution against picture blur when long exposures are indicated The chart below represents the usable synchronizations with both electronic flash and bulb type flash units Shutterspeed 12000 171000 1 500 17125 X 1760 1780 145 178 14 172 1 28 4s s lt gt e Manual speeds oo Usable speeds IFspe ME ype bulb E CASE AND STRAP Attaching the Strap The strap which accompanies your LX can be used in two ways Before attaching the strap press the twin tab of the fastener Tab A with the edge of a coin until the single tab Tab B protrudes To Carry the Camera Horizontally When carrying the camera around your neck or when using the Standard Eveready Case first attach one of the strap fasteners to either Accessory Lug C or D and press Tab B with a coin until Tab A protrudes thereby locking the fastener to the lug Repeat with the other
19. n loading the film before starting it s a good idea to set the shutter dial to one of the faster manual settings e g 1 2000th second If you must load film with the dial set to Automatic remove the lens cap and aim the camera towards a bright light source to avoid excessively long shutter speeds when advancing the film eOpen the camera back by lifting up sharply on the film rewind knob Insert the film cartridge in the film chamber and lock the cartridge in place by returning the film rewind knob to its original position e Drew the film leader across the back and insert it into any of the white needles in the film take up spool Make sure the film is engaged properly on the spool by inserting the leader at least the width of one perforation Wind the film by alternately advancing the rapid wind lever and firing the shutter release button until both top and bottom sprockets engage the film perforations When you are sure the film has engaged properly close the back cover and wind the film rewind crank in the direction of the arrow to take up any slack eContinue advancing the film until the exposure counter registers 1 You can be sure the film is moving properly through the camera by checking to see that the film rewind knob rotates each time the rapid wind lever is advanced SETTING THE FILM SPEED MEMO HOLDER To set the film speed press the ASA dial lock release and turn the dial until the ASA number of the film being used is opposite
20. n the film cassette has been exposed you will feel resistance when trying to operate the rapid wind lever Do not force the lever to avoid tearing the film from the cassette spool To rewind the filrn press the film rewind button at the base of the camera lift the film rewind crank as shown and turn it in the direction of the arrow until tension on the crank lessens The two way exposure counter allows you to double check to make sure the film has rewound properly into the cassette before opening the camera back After rewinding lift up sharply on the film rewind knob to open the camera back and remove the film cassette for processing AVOID DIRECT LIGHT WHEN UNLOADING THE FILM USING THE SELF TIMER DEPTH OF FIELD PREVIEW MIRROR LOCK Your Pentax LX features a Multi Function Lever which is used to operate the self timer preview depth of field and lock up the mirror The lever operates as follows Self Timer The LX self timer provides a variable 4 to 10 second delay of the shutter release Press the lever release button and turn the multi function lever counter clockwise to set the timer delay After making sure the shutter is cocked press the shutter release button to activate the timer run The timer can be cancelled before the start of its run by returning the lever to its original position Once you press the shutter release button it can no longer be cancelled Depth of Field Preview To preview depth of field move the multi f
21. orrection first move the finder release lever counter clockwise and i i gently slide the finder away from the body until the diopter adjustment screw is tea visible With the finder in this position carefully bring the camera up to your Si Sa eye and look at split image center spot in the center of the viewfinder Using the tool packed with the finder turn the adjustment screw until the border lines of the center spot come in sharp and crisp Remove the tool and slide the finder toward the front of the camera body to once again lock it securely in place MOUNTING THE LENS ADVANCING THE FILM After removing the rear lens and body caps hold the camera firmly in your left hand and align the red dot A on the camera body with the red dot B on the lens Insert the lens into the body chamber until it seats against the lens mount and turn it clockwise until it locks into place with an audible click In dim light situations where it becomes difficult to see the red dots align the raised white node C on the lens barrel with the lens release D by touch and continue mounting the lens as described When mounting longer lenses such as telephoto or zoom focal lengths it s a good idea to rest the camera body in the palm of the left hand This procedure provides a better balance and more convenient handling during the mounting operation WHEN CHANGING LENSES OUTDOORS WITH FILM IN THE CAMERA TAKE THE ADDED PRECAUTION OF AVOIDING DIRECT
22. rate exposure readings over a broad range of shutter speed film speed combinations The working EV range of the IDM metering system for both manual and automatic exposures is reflected in the reference chart above With ASA 100 film at f 1 4 for example the manual coupling range extends from EV 1 1 sec at f 1 4 2 sec at f 2 through EV 19 1 2000th sec atf 16 1 1000th sec atf 22 In the automatic mode with ASA 100 film and an f 1 2 lens it extends all the way from EV 6 5 through EV 20 125 sec at f 1 2 1 2000th sec at f 22 under normal temperatures and humidity Although the meter coupling ranges for the respective manual and automatic exposure modes change in relation to film speed you can calculate what the working EV range would be at other film speeds by mentally adjusting the position of the frame of the chart which defines the coupling range for the mode in question The red frame defines the manual meter coupling range and moves vertically along the righthand film speed index the green frame defines the lower limits of the coupling range for automatic exposures and moves horizontally along the left hand film speed index The boundaries of the red frame should be disregarded when determining the coupling range for automatic exposures at the higher end of the EV scale meter coupling is provided for all available film speed shutter speed f stop combinations during automatic exposure operation UNLOADING THE FILM When the last frame o
23. re the positive sides face up Replace the chamber cap and tighten securely Battery Check After inserting the batteries it is often helpful to make a quick check to see if batteries are inserted properly and the camera s electrical systems are functioning To check battery voltage activate the camera s metering system by pressing the shutter button partway and observe the viewfinder LED shutter speed display The shutter speed LED will glow continuously if normal voltage is being supplied Low Battery Warning When batteries become weak the viewfinder shutter speed LED will begin to flicker Although all electronic systems will continue to function accurately until the display goes out completely both batteries should be replaced promptly to ensure uninterrupted operation of the camera s electronic exposure controls When the LED shutter speed display no longer lights batteries are dead However the LX camera incorporates an electro mechanical shutter system which allows the photographer to continue taking pictures over a broad range of shutter speeds even when the batteries no longer function due to exhaustion or temporary failure from temperature extremes Should battery failure occur while shooting within the camera s mechanical shutter speed range 1 e from 1 2000 second to X no interruption of camera operation will take place However should batteries fail while operating in the Automatic exposure mode or within the elect
24. ronically controlled shutter speed range from 1 60 second to 4 seconds the mirror will automatically lock up as a warning To continue picture taking simply turn the shutter speed dial to any of the mechanically operated settings 1 2000 second to X NOTE Should you wish to save the exposure being made when the mirror lock up occurred before changing the shutter speed dial first cover the lens with the lens cap Then release the mirror as described above and press the film rewind multiple exposure button at the base of the camera Advance the film and take the picture Battery Care Under normal operating conditions the two 1 5 volt alkaline mini batteries in your camera will last several months Should batteries require replacement replace BOTH at the same time with equivalent 1 5 volt alkaline or silver oxide mini batteries Eveready S76 Mallory S76E etc Keeping a spare set of batteries on hand can help you avoid the inconvenience of battery failure during busy picture taking sessions especially when shooting in cold climates where failure due to extreme temperatures is not uncommon Protect your camera from leakage by removing the batteries whenever the camera will not be in use for long periods of time ATTACHING THE VIEWFINDER Your Pentax LX is a complete System 35mm SLR which offers you an exceptionally wide variety of interchangeable viewfinders see page 46 Once you have selected the viewfinder best suited your pi
25. the index mark To ensure accuracy make sure the dial locks only in the click stop positions The chart below represents the index markings on the LX film speed scale MEMO HOLDER For added convenience your LX features a film memo holder which acts as a reminder of the film type and number of exposures loaded in the ere camera Simply tear off the end of the film carton and insert it into the holder frame C 1 3 5 A 3 6 SETTING THE SHUTTER DIAL To set your Pentax LX for automatic exposure control rotate the shutter dial until the word Automatic locks into place opposite the index mark as shown When manual control is desired press the shutter dial lock release and turn the dial until the speed setting you wish to use aligns with the index at the click stop position Indices on the dial from 2 o o o to 2 represent fractions of a second i e 1 2000th second to 1 2 second while 1 through 4S represent full second increments The X index setting corresponds to 1 75th second for synchronization with electronic flash units not providing dedicated flash capability with the LX camera see page41 Electronically Controlled Shutter Speeds Your Pentax LX provides electronically controlled stepless shutter speeds in the Automatic t mode from 1 2000th second down to 125 sec At ASA 100 f 1 2 and electronically controlled manual shutter speeds from 1 60th second to 4 full seconds These speeds are not functional without
26. tion The shutter speed selected by the dial will be displayed in the camera viewfinder by a blue flag at the right hand side of the scale Metering With Pre set Aperture In situations where depth of field is critical it s a good idea to pre set the aperture when metering Once you ve turned the lens aperture ring until the desired f stop appears in the viewfinder aperture window activate the meter and viewfinder display by pressing the shutter release lightly To set the correct shutter speed for a proper exposure rotate the shutter dial until the blue flag algins with the speed recommended by the meter via the glowing LED A red LED at the top or bottom of the scale indicates that the f stop speed combination is out of the camera s metering range and should be changed accordingly Metering With Pre set Shutter Speed When fast action ca ls for pre setting the shutter speed rotate the shutter dial until the blue flag in the viewfinder aligns with the shutter speed index desired Activate the viewfinder display by lightly pressing the shutter release and rotate the aperture ring until the LED along the shutter speed scale aligns with the pre selected speed A red LED at the top or bottom of the scal indicates that the speed P stop combination is out of the camera s metering range and should be changed accordingly a METER COUPLING RANGE 22 8 2 ie The IDM Integrated Direct Metering system of your Pentax LX assures superbly accu
27. to indicate long time exposure in automatic SHOOTING AUTOMATICALLY AUTOMATIC St ig O Ne ton SOLAT A Ow KD R AD O ae PAGO O Bev NF DADORNADOOC la m ao SHOOTING AUTOMATICALLY Whenever time is limited and light is changing rapidly you re sure to find the automatic exposure control capabilities of the Pentax LX a useful and welcome feature Because the LX incorporates a direct off the film plane light measurement system readings are made continuously to ensure uncanny accuracy even under the most difficult lighting conditions For macrophotography and portraiture where depth of field control is extremely critical the aperture preferred system of automation provides the maximum in flexibility ease of operation and convenience The LX is equally responsive however in fast action situations where by simply opening the lens to its widest aperture the camera automatically selects the fastest possible shutter speed lighting will allow to capture those fleeting moments To operate the Pentax LX in the automatic exposure control mode first rotate the shutter dial until the word Automatic locks in place opposite the index mark Set the lens f stop you desire on the camera lens and activate the metering system by pressing lightly on the shutter release button The LX will then read the amount of light striking the film plane select the precise shutter speed required for a proper exposure from the continuously variabl
28. unction lever clockwise towards the lens mount The lens diaphragm will then stop down to shooting aperture allowing you to see the area of acceptable sharpness in the camera viewfinder Mirror Lock The mirror of the LX can be locked up to minimize vibration in close up and photomacrography by simply pressing the lever release button and moving the multi function lever clockwise towards the lens r ount It is not necessary to lock up the mirror for motor drive photography To release the mirror lock press the lever release button again Your Pentax LX allows you to make multiple exposures quickly and easily After taking the first exposure simply press the film rewind multiple exposure button at the base of the camera to disengage the film transport mechanism and exposure counter Advance the rapid wind lever to cock the shutter adjust the exposure as required and press the shutter release to take the second exposure Press the rewind multiple exposure button once again for each additional exposure on the same frame The random access feature of the LX camera s twoway exposure counter enables you to produce multiple exposures on any frame as long as the film has not been wound off the take up spool As an exlirnple let s say after reaching frame 15 you decide to double expose the image on frame 10 To do so 1 Push the film rewind multiple exposure button 2 Lift the film rewind crank and wind the film back until the 9 index appears in t
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