Zenith TTL Manuel utilisateur
Zenith TTL
Handbook
posted 12-10-'02
For reference use on many Chinon manual focus and metering cameras
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Introduction
You can be justly proud that you have chosen the Zenith TTL*_ the latest and most advanced 35mm reflex
camera from the U.S.S.R. * Through-the-lens metering offers many advantages over other metering systems.
Close range pictures with the aid of bellows or extension tubes; using filters or teleconverters; taking pictures
with the aid of a microscope (photomicrography) -- all become easy and straightforward, since the meter cell
determines the amount of exposure required (and thus automatically compensates for same) by reading through
the accessory in use. This handbook has been systematically written and designed to take you through all the
operational and handling features of your new camera in easy stages.
Though many hints and tips towards better photography have been included, this handbook should in no way be
thought of as a comprehensive guide to general photographic techniques. There are numerous useful books of
this type available and if you are just taking your first shaky steps in photography it would certainly benefit you
to consult your local library or bookshop.
Your Zenith camera is sturdily built and will work happily under widely varying conditions. Do remember,
though, that it is a precision-built optical instrument and should therefore be handled carefully and protected
from violent shocks, damp, dust and sand and sudden changes of temperature. Take care of your camera and it
will give you years of reliable service and brilliant pictures. The wide range of accessories available,
particularly those from the U.S.S.R. which offer outstanding value-for-money, enable you to cope with almost
any photographic situation. You can build up as complete a system as you need at your own pace.
To get the best possible results from your Zenith, study this book thoroughly to make sure that you are
familiar with the essential features of the camera before you start taking pictures. Refer back to the book any
time there is something you are not sure of. Many operational features of this camera are unique and probably
somewhat different from other cameras you may have owned. It is therefore strongly recommended that after
carefully reading the instructions you shoot a 'test roll of film, have this film processed, and examine the
pictures before exposing additional rolls. This test roll will verify that you are using your new camera correctly
and allow you to make any necessary changes in camera operation. Additionally, it will confirm that all the
camera controls are functioning perfectly.
N. B. A policy of continual product development means that there may be minor differences in design or
specification between your camera and these instructions.
The illustration/description of equipment and accessories throughout this book is for information only and
should by no means be considered an offer of sale.
Contents
Specification p.2
Loading your camera p.3
Picture-taking technique p.7
Your TTL Meter and how to use it p.8
Exposure hints p.10
Setting camera and lens controls p.1 2
Choosing shutter speeds and apertures p.14
Viewing and focusing p.16
Depth of field p.18
Taking the picture p.21
Removing exposed film p.22
Taking flash pictures p.24
Using the self-timer p.26
Changing lenses p.28
Care of camera and accessories P.30
Trouble-shooting p.32
Taking better pictures p.34
Choosing lenses and accessories p.37
Specification
Format - 24 x36mm; using standard 35mm cassettes of 12,20, 24 or 36 exposure color or black and white film.
Shutter Horizontal traveling Focal Plane type, speeded 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500th second plus B
(brief time). Linked to self-timer giving approximately 7 seconds delay.
Flash Synchronization Electronic flash only at 1/30th sec. through a standard 3mm co-axial -- socket.
Viewing/Focusing system Eye-level pentaprism/instant return mirror shows upright laterally correct image.
Bright Fresnel focusing screen with central ground glass/microprism spot.
Exposure meter Built- in CdS cell with needle coincidence through viewfinder, calibrated for 6-500 ASA /l 3--
28 DIN. Power source Mallory or Ever Ready PX625 Battery.4www.butkus.o rg (Should be replaced once a year.)
Frame counter Additive 0--36 manual resetting type.4www.butkus.org
Standard Lens-Helios 44M 58mm focal length
Construction- 6 elements in 4 groups
Diaphragm type-Fully automatic instant re-open Optional manual over-ride
Aperture Range- f/2-f/16 with click stops at full and half apertures (except between f/11 and f/16)
Distance Scale-0.55-Infinity
Angle of View - 40degrees
Filter Size - 52mm screw 54mm push-on4www.butkus.org
Lens mount -'Universal' (42mm) thread accepts standard single pin automatic lenses and accessories
Loading your camera
Precautions:
(a) Your Zenith camera accepts any standard 35mm cassette, of color or black and white film.
(b) Always load the film in subdued lighting conditions, If outdoors, look for a shady area or shield the camera
from direct sunlight with your body or coat.
(c) Whenever possible avoid loading in a dusty place or at the seaside where strong salty wind is blowing.
(d) When loading take care not to touch the shutter blinds.
(e) Make sure Shutter Release has not been set in the '1 (or Time) Lock position. (See p.12)
Procedure:
1.Raise the Back Lock-catch (16) and swing the Camera
Back (27) open.4www.butkus. org
2. Before loading ensure rewind release mechanism has
been cleared. The Rewind Release Ring (4) must be
turned clockwise so that the three dots are fully lined up.
Turn Film Transport Lever (2) through a couple of short
strokes till no further movement is possible while
applying light finger pressure to the back Sprocket wheel
(24). The Sprocket should rotate in time with the lever
action and not 'free-wheel.
3.Push up the Cassette Retaining Spindle (21) from inside
the camera. Place the cassette into its chamber (22)
ensuring that the cassettes projecting end faces down.
Push Rewind Knob (18) back to its original position to
hold the cassette in place -- you may need to turn it
clockwise a little until it seats properly in the cassette
spool.
4. Draw out from the cassette enough film (about 3m) to
insert the leader into the Take-up Spool (26). The leader
can be inserted into any one of the spools slots. Ensure
that one perforation hole is caught by the Take-up Spool
tooth, also see that the Sprocket wheel (24) engages in a
p
erforation.
5. Make sure film cassette lies flat, then alternately depress Shutter Release Button (3) and turn film Transport
Lever (2) until perforations on both sides of film are engaged by the Sprocket Wheel (24). The film should also
be taut around the Take-up Spool-- turn bottom spool-flange with finger towards cassette position to take up
any slackness.
Note -- Film is advanced by sprocket drive, so it is most important for sprockets to engage film perforations
properly.
6. Complete film wind, if necessary, to its limit. Press Shutter Release Button (3) then close the Camera Back
(27). Firm pressure only is required as the back has a self-locking catch.
7. Take up any slackness of film within the cassette (especially important with shorter than 36 exposure lengths)
by slowly turning Rewind Knob (18) clockwise till slight resistance is felt.
8. Move Film Transport Lever (2) through two or more short strokes (letting it return to the starting position
after each stroke) until no further movement is possible, watching to see if the Film Rewind Knob (18) turns
while doing so. If the Rewind Knob turns it shows that the film is correctly loaded and moving properly through
the camera. If it doesn't turn, and you have taken up the slack as described in step 7, then the film may not be
securely attached to the Take- up spool or properly engaged by the Sprocket Wheels.
9. Now turn Frame Counter Dial (5) until the
number '0 shows against the Frame Counter
Index (29) and press the Shutter Release (3)
once
more.
• If you are not going to take
photographs immediately do not wind
on the film at this stage since it is
always best to leave the shutter in the
fired position, just in case the camera is
put away without being used for some
time.
10. If you are ready to take photographs, wind
Film Transport Lever (2) fully. .. and your first
film frame is in position, as shown by the
Frame Counter Index (29).
Notes
(a) Always make sure the Transport Lever (2) has been fully wound. This is easiest when you move this lever in
two short strokes. When the lever stops during the second stroke, you are assured that the cameras film, shutter
and frame-counter are all ready for exposure. Failure to wind the Transport Lever fully may result in a 'blank
exposure.4www.butkus.org
(b) To maintain accuracy in use, the Frame
Counter Dial (5) must be zeroed only after
winding the film/shutter. After this, every time
you wind on, the dial will come to rest with the
next division opposite the Counter Index (29).
The counter tells you how many frames (pictures)
you have taken and when it reaches 12, 20, 24 or
36 (depending on film in use), you will need to
rewind the film into its cassette and put in a new
film. Color film especially should not be left in
the camera for long periods and for the best
results should be processed as soon as possible
after exposure. Incidentally, do carry a spare film
-- nothing is more annoying than to run out of
film just before the best shot turn up!
Rewind knob should rotate anti-clockwise when
film is wound.
Picture Taking Technique:
Once the camera is loaded you have to consider three aspects of taking a picture -- exposure, focus and
composition. The first two of these are purely technical; the following sections, together with a little experience,
will soon enable you to handle your Zenith with sufficient enough ease to leave you free to concentrate on the
third aspect, composition, which is the artistic one.
Exposure:
Though sometimes thought to be photography's biggest problem, obtaining correct exposure is not really so
difficult thanks to the latitude of modern-day films. There are three governing factors: sensitivity to light of the
film (usually expressed as an ASA speed rating); shutter speed, which controls the amount of time the image is
allowed to affect the film; and the lens aperture, which controls the brightness of the image falling on the film.
It is recommended to use a minimum shutter speed of 1/125th second where possible, (certainly for the majority
of outdoor subjects). This speed is fast enough to prevent most 'blur due to camera or subject movement, yet is
slow enough to permit picture-taking in a wide variety of lighting conditions with today's sensitive films. If its
necessary to shoot at 1/60th or 1/30th second, hold the camera as steady as possible -- ideally by using a tripod,
or by bracing your arms on a nearby table or other support.4www.butkus.org
Your TTL Meter and how to use
Power Source
The camera is supplied complete with a battery (PX 625). To check that the battery is fitted, use a
small coin (half penny) to turn the battery compartment cover anti-clockwise for removal.
Ensure that the battery is fitted with the + sign facing you,
then re-fit the battery cover as follows. Holding the cover at
an angle to the camera (see illustration), insert the lug under
the rim at the top of the compartment and press the cover into
position so that the two spring clips engage in the cut-outs on
either side. The coin can then be used to turn the cover
clockwise until it locks.
Meter Check
The meter needle normally zeros (comes to rest) over the circle seen on the right-hand side of the viewfinder.
Before using the camera ensure the meter is working by setting the Film Speed Selector (17) at 500 ASA, the
Shutter Speed Dial (1)at 1/30th sec and the Aperture Ring (14) at f/2. Point the camera at any bright light source
and, while looking through the viewfinder, depress the Shutter Release Button (3). Continue depressing the
Release Button until it activates the meter switch which should deflect the meter needle upwards past the + sign.
If there is no deflection of the needle this indicates the probability of a dead battery. The meter should be
checked regularly in this way and batteries replaced at least once a year to ensure accuracy in use.
Using the Meter
1. Set Film Speed. The Film Speed Dial (17) has
2 scales of figures on it, one marked for films
rated at 16,32,65, 130, 250 and 500 ASA and the
other marked in DIN ratings of 13, 16, 19,22,25
and 28. Turn the selector until the speed number
for your film shows against the index marked on
the camera top. The dial is click-stopped and so
must be turned till it locks onto one of the
numbered or intermediate settings. Select the
number or setting nearest the speed of your film
2. Aim the camera at your subject. Bearing in
mind the subject matter of your photograph select
what you consider to be a suitable shutter speed.
Now, while looking through the viewfinder,
depress the Shutter Release Button (3) as
described in Meter Check procedure. This
activates a switch in the metering system which in
turn deflects the meter needle (either up or down
depending on the lighting conditions).
(e.g. foray 64ASA film set it to 65 on the ASA
scale, for a 25 ASA film set it to the click-stop
setting between 1 6 and 32 ASA.
3.Match the Needle. While continuing to depress
the Shutter Release slightly turn the Aperture
Ring (14) or the Shutter Speed Dial (1) until the
needle bisects the circle situated between the +
and -- signs on the right-hand side of the
viewfinder. When the needle bisects the circle
correct exposure is indicated. If the needle is
deflected towards the -- sign a slower
shutter speed or wider aperture is required, if
deflected towards the + sign a faster shutter speed
or smaller aperture is required. Should you find it
impossible to line-up the needle within the circle
this indicates that lighting conditions or film
speed need to be altered.4www.butkus.org
Helpful hints for better exposure Remember that your exposure meter measures all the light that reaches its
cell and 'averages out the brightness or contrast range before giving a reading. With subjects of average
contrast (e.g. scenes lit from the front, or at an angle from the side, where there are no heavy shadows and dark
and bright areas are fairly balanced) the right amount of exposure is indicated automatically. However, to obtain
the best results with subjects of widely varying brightness range it is wise to take some precautions.
• Take a close-up reading. If your main subject is much lighter than the background (e.g. a portrait of an
illuminated face against a darkened doorway, arch or foliage) or. . .if it is much darker than the
background (e.g. a person, boat or chalet set against a seascape or mountain scene directly lit by the sun)
move right up to your main subject until it fills the viewfinder. Note the exposure combination found
from this close-up reading and set your camera and lens controls accordingly before returning to the
original viewpoint to take the picture.
Take a substitute reading. Sometimes a close-up reading is not possible: if so, aim the camera at an
alternative subject of average contrast under the same lighting (the back of ones hand is a good example
or ideally a sheet of neutral gray card). Again, use an appropriate combination from this reading on the
camera and lens controls.
• An alternative to both the above is to close the aperture by 1 to 2 stops (f/no's) as compared with a
straightforward meter reading of the former subject and open the aperture by the same amount for the
latter subject. This method will prove more correct in most circumstances of this nature.
• Against the light, unless you're purposely striving after a silhouette effect, with your main subject very
deep in shade against full highlight detail, then you must open the lens aperture by at least one stop to
that indicated by an exposure meter reading.
• 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.
• 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
p
ew, 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
Rewind Release Ring (4) is still turned fully clockwise and the three dots are properly aligned. This will ensure
correct operation of shutter and exposure counter in subsequent pictures.
Your cameras Tripod Bush accepts a standard 1/4 in Whitworth screw. When fitting a tripod or other bush-
mounted accessory (e.g. flash bar) care should be taken to see that this is screwed in just finger-tight only (this
applies to the carrying-case retaining-screw also). If there is a safety locking -nut on the accessory, turn the
main screw up to three revolutions only, then hold it in position and lock into place with the safety nut.
Apertures:
The Hellos 44M,the standard lens supplied with
the Zenith TTL camera, is designed to be used in
Automatic or Manual mode. When the
Auto/Manual Switch (23) is set to 'A, the aperture
remains fully open for viewing and focusing and
closes down automatically to a pre-selected
f/number value when the Shutter Release Button
(3) is pressed down.
When the Auto/Manual Switch (23) is set to 'M, the aperture closes down immediately to whatever f/number
has been selected on the Aperture Ring (14). Thereafter apertures are changed manually by moving the
Aperture Ring into any of its 'click-stop positions. Normally the lens would be used in Automatic mode, in
which case the lens opening required (f/2, f/2.8, f/4, etc.) is selected by turning Aperture Ring (14) until that
f/number (or a position mid-way between marked lens opening if so indicated by meter needle movement in the
viewfinder) aligns with the Distance/Aperture Index Mark (10). As soon as pressure is taken off the Shutter
Release Button, the aperture automatically returns to its wide-open position.4www.butkus.org
Choosing shutter speeds and lens openings
Under given conditions of lighting and film sensitivity there are various combinations of shutter speed and
aperture that will produce good results, However, you will often need to select a particular a shutter speed or
aperture to suit your subject so how do you choose? For example, the suggested shutter speed of 1/125th
second, while fast enough to stop most normal subject movement, (people walking etc.) would not be enough to
freeze the really fast action of subjects such as children at play, sports events or racing cars -- here, speed of
1/250th or 1/500th second would be best.
Again, if taking a landscape type
p
icture, a small aperture of say
f/1 1 or f/1 6 would be needed to
obtain maximum sharpness (see
Depth of Field). Summarizing
then; with moving subjects,
choice of shutter speed is of
most importance, to stop the
motion use the fastest speed
p
ossible that lighting conditions
will allow; where you need your
subject to be sharp over a long
range from foreground to
background, then choosing a
small lens aperture is more
important.
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