Pentax P3 P3 Manual

Pentax P3 Manual

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  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 1
    PENTA](® ANNE\ MIMIMIL =I MOMIMIM MNI 11I MIMIC MI F'ENTAX 77 • ' •
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 2
    Thank you most sincerely for choosing one of our Pentax 35mm SLR cameras. Before starting to operate this camera, please be sure to read this operating manual very carefully to familiarize yourself with every detail of the features and functions it has to offer. We hope you will enjoy fine
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 3
    Nomenclature of working parts PREPARATIONS Inserting batteries Attaching and detaching lens Film wind lever Main switch, shutter release button, shutter dial Film Loading film Unloading film Strap and soft case BASIC OPERATION Viewfinder displays Focusing Holding camera Shooting in Programmed
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 4
    Programmed AE mode can be used. When the lens aperture is set to any f-stop other than the "A" setting, the Metered Manual mode can be used. • When the conventional K- or Kf-mount lens is used, the camera operates in the Metered Manual mode. rola Z. • • ou.l."1.1ra 1if 3 • sa * Programmed AE
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 5
    with TTL auto flash provision, this camera does not provide TTL auto flash operation. • When you use the accessories such as Extension Tubes, Microscope Adapter, etc. that are mounted between the camera body and lens, this camera operates in the Metered Manual mode. The Programmed AE mode cannot
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 6
    NOMENCLATURE OF WORKING PARTS Film wind lever Shutter-release button Shutter dial- Self-timer lamp Exposure counter -\\ .' Aperture "A" index-, Aperture scale/ring - • yo PE N TAX Aperture-auto lock -release button Focusing ring • 4 Hot shoe Main switch -Self-timer lever ---Film rewind knob Strap
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 7
    Film rewind crank Viewfinder eyepiece Film-sprocket spool Film-takeup spool Film-loaded indicator Film pressure plate Film rewind button Shutter curtains Tripod socket Battery chamber Film chamber 54
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 8
    PREPARATIONS 7r. 4 :3
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 9
    INSERTING BATTERIES This camera is powered by two 1.5-volt alkaline or silver-oxide mini-batteries. • Open the battery chamber cover by turning it counter-clockwise with a coin. • Insert the two batteries into the chamber with their (+) sides facing downward, and replace the cover. • As illustrated,
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 10
    no shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder even with a slight pressure on the shutter button, the batteries have no power or may be improperly inserted. When batteries weaken When the batteries are becoming weak, the shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder starts to blink slowly at the speed
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 11
    DETACHING LENS To mount or interchange Pentax K, KA and Kf mount lenses, follow the steps below. • Remove the body mount cap and the rear lens cap. If the finder cap is still on the eyepiece, remove it. • Align the red dot on the camera body with the red dot on the lens (See 0, 01. Seat the lens in
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 12
    10 Exposure counter The scale is indexed as follows: S• • 0 • 2 • 4 • • 20 • . . . . 24 36. Interlocked with the film wind mechanism, this counter indicates the number of exposed frames. Film advance stroke The film wind lever should be thrown as far as it goes. The wind lever may stop in
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 13
    turn on, and a further pressure on the shutter button will release the shutter. ti "WINOS • Shutter speed dial When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, turn the shutter dial until the desired shutter speed aligns with the index (red line). 1000 - 1 = 1/1000 - 1 sec. B = Bulb (long-time exposure
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 14
    recommended to use only DX -coded film in this camera. (If non-DX film is loaded the camera will automatically set the film speed to 100, whatever film speed it may have; in other words, the only non-DX film usable for this camera is one with ISO 100.) The film speeds which can be automatically set
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 15
    the rewind knob down, rotating it slightly making sure that it grips the spool. 00000 E -p W 0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 0 0 Film chamber 0 Guide rails 0 Sprocket teeth 0 Spool teeth o Film leader end mark 0 DX-information pins Keep the DX-information pins free from scratches, dirt, dust, etc. 13•
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 16
    make sure that the film is properly placed 4 between the two guide rails. 3 • Take up any slack left in the film so that the film is flat as shown, by rewinding it slightly into the cartridge. • When a film with a higher ISO number is x slack loaded, do not leave the camera out of the case
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 17
    • Close the back cover, making sure that it has snapped firmly in place. • Cock the film wind lever while checking to see if the film rewind knob turns in the direction of the arrow. • Repeat making blank exposures until "0" appears in the exposure counter. The next frame is ready for
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 18
    - maybe at some point in the middle of a stroke. Do not force the lever beyond the number of exposures shown on the cartridge. • Press the film rewind button recessed in the base of the camera. • Unfold the crank and turn it clockwise all the way until you feel it loosen when the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 19
    in the back cover and put both case hooks around the camera's strap eyelets. The camera is now held securely in place. • The soft case for this camera is available in two sizes: P -S for the camera with a standard 50mm lens, and P-L for the camera with a zoom lens such as 28 - 80mm. PEN TAX 17 •
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 20
    BASIC OPERATION
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 21
    the viewfinder. LED = Light-Emitting Diode P Programmed AE mode M Metered Manual mode 1000 - 1 Shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1 sec. Flash-ready is out of the shutter/ aperture-coupling range or the metering range.) Camera-shake (stow-shutter-speed) warning Warning 30 - 1 appears in orange
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 22
    focus until the image on the matte field appears sharp and crisp. Note: If the maximum aperture of the attached lens is smaller than f/5.6 (for example, f/8 as in the case of a long telephoto), it is easier to their glasses. In this case, use the accessory diopter correction lenses M (See page 42).
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 23
    camera before inserting your first film cartridge. Generally there are three basic ways to hold the camera. In any case, hold the camera tightly to your face with your hands. The grips on this camera camera using a tree, building wall, table, etc. For long exposures or while using telephoto lenses,
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 24
    IN PROGRAMMED AE MODE vib0 ftm m 10 15 3 22 16 i1 8 • The camera is switched to the Programmed AE mode by just setting the lens aperture to the "A" position while keeping the Auto-lock Release Button on the SMC Pentax-A lens. • You can leave the shutter dial set at any position. 1010 Sllp .t)tt
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 25
    "1" blinks as a warning. When the subject is too dark and "30" or smaller figures appear in the viewfinder, it warns that there is a danger of camera P P shake. In such a case, use a tripod or a flash. (For details, refer to page 27.) 1000 23*
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 26
    MODE ft m co u) 13_3 22116" 81" 4 $4" 18" 1 2 • When the lens aperture is off the "A" setting and set to any f-stop, the camera operates in the Metered Manual mode. If the aperture is set at the "A" position, release it from the position by turning the aperture ring while depressing the auto
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 27
    When setting shutter speed first -fr Set the shutter dial to the desired shutter speed. Rotate the aperture ring until the shutter-speed display changes from a blinking speed to a just glowing speed, namely, only one shutter speed is seen, so that correct exposure can be obtained. If the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 28
    the aperture ring. M M 500 --> 60 60 • 26 • Also in the case of Metered Manual mode, when the subject is too bright or dark, "1000" or "1" blinks as a warning. 30 is displayed, there is a danger of camera shake, and you are recommended to use a tripod or a flash. (For details, refer to page
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 29
    M '250 - In the Metered Manual mode, "1000" or "1" blinks at a faster rate (four times per second). • Warns that the batteries are no good. When they get 40. • The symbol in the table indicates blinking. When the camera warns that the exposure combination is beyond the metering range, you are
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 30
    AF160SA do not provide the dedicated function described in 3. • AF080C, AF200S, AF160S and earlier Pentax flashes apply to 1 and 2 only in the table, when the camera is used in the Metered Manual mode. • When the Pentax dedicated auto flash is used in its M or MS mode, the dedicated functions in the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 31
    Pentax dedicated flashes can be used with this camera, regardless of whether it is set to the Programmed AE or Metered Manual mode. 1. Attach the flash to the camera the flash is ready, the camera is automatically switched to work at at ISO 100) ■ As the film speed changes, the aperture also changes
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 32
    Using in Metered Manual mode • Set the lens aperture to the f-stop indicated by the exposure table on the back of the flash. • As soon as the flash is ready, the camera is automatically switched to work at 1/100 sec. flash sync speed. (In Metered Manual mode, the slow-speed sync described later is
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 33
    ADVAKWOIERATION 11+
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 34
    as soon as you release the shutter. Cautions • When the Pentax dedicated auto flash is used on this camera, the memory lock does not work. • If you accidentally depress the memory-lock button with the camera in the Metered Manual mode, the shutter speed set will meaninglessly lock and flicker in
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 35
    photograph. It can be set by sliding the main switch forward until the "S.T." is visible, while depressing the self-timer lever. As you cock the film wind lever and press the shutter release button, the shutter will be released about 12 seconds later. The self-timer lamp blinks to show the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 36
    index. Set the aperture ring of your SMC Pentax-A lens to any f-stop other than A. • When using a conventional flash, select an appropriate f-stop according to the camera-tosubject distance or the program of the flash. (Refer to the instructions accompanying the flash.) • When using a sync-cord-type
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 37
    sure the • aperture of your SMC Pentax-A lens is set to a proper f-stop other than A. The shutter remains open as long as you keep the shutter button depressed. • The long-time exposure consumes a great amount of battery power; it will exhaust fresh batteries
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 38
    area of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the point of focus. The depth of field becomes progressively greater as the lens opening becomes smaller. The distance at which the lens is focused also affects the depth of field: it increases as you get further away. The focal length of the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 39
    f/1.7 (2.82 - 3.2m) nm co 10 t5 3 8 2u 1.5 4 22I 18" 8I " 4 4" 18" 1i142 22 16 11 8 58 4 2.8 1.7 - t" ,4 SE1 ,e4 i) f/22 (1.67 - 16.9m) "AM 4Y • o - 11. .1 ftm 00 10 15 3 8 211%S 221181 181114 4in 8rrq1r142 4 11 ilk 2 22 16 11 8 5s 4 2.811 37•
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 40
    camera enables you to preview just what will and what will not be sharp in your pictures. By depressing the preview lever near the lens mount, you can close the lens your camera set in the Programmed AE mode. . 0,!th the ,Ult in :1 l•Ct 1 ox; Depth-of-field Table: SMC Pentax-A 50mm Lens Cono
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 41
    red infrared index mark. The figure shows an example in which the subject-to-camera distance is set at infinity I °°). For details on exposure control, refer to the instructions accompanying the film. 1. I m it 8 CO t 10 1 1 1I1. 44 8 1 xAJ2222110011 88 55..6644 22 :nl 181cot 10mu151- 44
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 42
    PROGRAMMED AE DIAGRAM, METERING RANGE AND SHUTTER/APERTURE COUPLING RANGE Aperture 45 32 22 16 ,.t olutter aperture rant e Shu ter a )erture and metering range Out of metering range Shutter gpeed - Out of metering range Proq ammod AE diagr am no 500 1000 Out of shutter aperture coupling range
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 43
    to control exposure. The shutter/ aperture coupling range is that part of the metering range within which shutter-speed and aperture value can be combined for proper exposure control. When you use a 50mm f/1.4 nromal lens and an ISO 100 film, the metering range is from EV 1 If/1.4-1 sec.) to EV
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 44
    image clearly, choose any one of the eight Correction Lenses M of -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3 diopters. Slide it into the eyepiece's accessory groove. Before buying one, try it for yourself with the lens attached to your camera. vFN T. Mount Adaptor K If you want to use any conventional Takumar
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 45
    inserted, unexpected mishap may occur. • Replace both batteries at the same time. Do not mix battery brands and types, or old batteries with new batteries. • When not using the camera for long periods of time, you should remove batteries from the camera. Old batteries are apt to leak and damage the
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 46
    : Mirror: Film Loading: Film Transport: Film Counter: Film Rewind: • 44 Through-the-lens, programmed-AE 35mm SLR camera. 35mm film, 24 x 36mm. Automatic film speed setting from ISO 25 to 1600 (in 1/3 steps) with DX-coded film. Pentax KA bayonet mount. Programmed AE, Metered Manual and Programmed
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 47
    metering system with GPD cell. EV 1 (f/1.4, 1 sec.) - EV 18 (f/16, 1/1000 sec.) with 50mm f/1.4 lens and ISO 100 film. With the exposure memory lock button. When batteries grow weak, LED flashes. When batteries exhausted, LEDs go blank and shutter locks. Two 1.5-volt silver-oxide or alkaline mini
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 48
    and rush it to a Pentax service center. 3. Dirt and sand can cause serious damage to the shutter and other moving parts of the camera. Your camera needs periodic cleaning to keep it operating properly. To remove dirt and dust, you need lens-cleaning fluid, lens-cleaning tissues, bulbtype ear
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 49
    sudden temperature changes should be avoided as much as possible. As a guide, a temperature change of 10° C should be allowed to take place . To minimize this problem use foam-rubber padding about one inch thick to line the bottom of your camera bag. 6. When mounting your camera on a tripod, make
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 50
    or liquid damage, mishandling, tampering, battery or chemical corrosion, operation contrary to operating instructions, or modification by an unauthorized repair shop. Because the tolerances, quality, and design compatibility of lenses other than Pentax lenses are beyond our control, damage caused
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 51
    accredited repair shops, unless you are sending it directly to the manufacturer. Always obtain a quotation of the service charge, and only after you accept the quoted service charge, instruct the service station to proceed with the servicing. This warranty policy does not apply to Pentax products
  • Pentax P3 | P3 Manual - Page 52
    Scandinavia AB Box 650, S-751 27 Uppsala, SWEDEN Pentax Nedertend Spinveld 25, 4815 HR Breda. THE NETHERLANDS Pentax Norge A.S. Cecilie Thoresens VEI 11, Lambertseter, 1101 Oslo 11. NORWAY Pentax Corporation 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112. U.S.A. Pent= Canada Inc. 3131 Universal
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