Before you start reading . please fold back this and the last page of the Manual, so that you will have the diagrams of the MINOX constantly at yaur fingertips far reference .
Distance Scale Exposure Counter Shutter Release Lens Window Filler Slide Flash Nipple
CO NTENTS (See also alphabetical index on page 33) How to use the MINOX Page Opening and Closing the Camero - Holding the MINOX - The Viewfinder - Setting the Shutter - Setting the Distance - Always 1/3.5-an important MI NOX feature The convenient Filters - Taking the Picture - The Exposure Counter - Loading Un-loading - Attaching the Safety Chain - Things to Remember ...... . . .. ..... . ..
YOUR MINOX is a preCiSian instrument designed and built to give you excellent pictures under all kinds of conditions, indoors and aut. As your canstant campanian, your MINOX is always ready to catch nat only de lightfu l, spontaneous snapshots, but an end less variety of fine pictures of any subject, any occasion, at any time . This Manual shows you the way to best results with yo ur MINOX. It contains many valuab le tips which you will find helpful.
HOW TO USE THE MINOX Opening and Closing the Camera To open the camera for picture-taking, p lace left thumb on Shutter Speed Dial and left foreAnger on underside of camera , while grasping narrow sides of camera with . the right thumb and foreAnger ; pull camera open - like a tele- Illustration 1 scope - as for as it will go . After a picture has been taken, push the camera together as for as possible .
Holding the MINOX The illustrations show the most practical way of holding your MINOX : With both hands, and steadied against the face . Such a steady, firm hold is assurance against camera movement during exposure . Keep both thumbs under the Illustration 3 camera and other fingers on top to avoid the possibility of covering the lens window. You might practice this hold in front of a mirror to check yours e lf. The same hold can conveniently be used for vertical or horizontal pictures .
The Viewfinder The luminous frame within the MINOX viewfinder contains the exact picture area that will appear on the film. The viewfinder image is automatically corrected, at all distances, to agree with the picture area. (Parallax Compensation) . For extreme closeups (8-10 inches), the picture area lies a frame-width within the luminous frame. Eyeglass wearers may readily use the MINOX viewfinder without correction lenses.
The engraved figures are fractions of a second (2 indicates '12 second , 1000 is '/'000 sec., etc.). Intermediate speeds may also be set. When the Dial is set at "B", the shutter opens if the Shutter Release is pressed down, and "Iustration 5 Shutter Speed Dial (set at '/200 sec .) down ; set at "T" (Time), the shutter opens when the Release is pressed down, and remains open as long as the Release is held remains open until the Release is pressed a second time.
Setting the Distance (Focusing) The MINOX Distance Scale is calibrated from 8" to Infinity (00). Set the subject-to-camera distance by rotating the Distance Scale until the estimated distance is opposite the black dot of the small bracket. Objects at the set distance will be sharpest but, wit hin a certain range, nearer and farther objects will also appear acceptably sharp. The entire range of sharpness from nearest to farthest objects is called "depth of field" .
For scenery without important foreground interest, always set the Scale at Infinity (00), At this setting, the Depth of Field begins at approximately 12 ft.
The Convenient Filters You can place the built-in orange or green filters before the lens simply by pushing the knurled slide - above the viewfinder window - towards the lens window. Make sure the desired filter is fully visible in the lens window. When using the green filter, double the exposure time (i. e. use 'hoo sec . instead of '/'00 sec.); with the orange filter, triple the exposure. For tips on using filters, see pages 16 and 17. The filters are automatically retracted when the camera is closed.
The Exposure Counter tells you at a glance how many pictures you have taken an the film . The Counter advances a utomatically each time you move the film fo rward by a "pull -push " of the MINOX . The Exposure Counter must be set at the red dot between 50 and 0 before a new film cassette is inserted . (Illustration 9). Otherwise, overlapping pictures may result. Loading Film cassettes should be shielded from bright sunlight. Always load - or un -load - the MINOX in subdued light, or in the shade .
LOAD CASSETTE INTO CAMERA ONLY WHEN FILM GATE IS OPEN. Drop cassette into film chambers, close back cover, and push-pull camera once. If the bock cov.er cannot be closed - this is a III ustratian 11 rare coincidence when the film take-up core is resting on the teeth of the transport w heel in the film chamber - lift out the cassette , pull the camera . open all the wa y, and close again until the film gate opens . Reinsert cassette, close back cover, and push-pull-push camera once .
Film cassette will drop out of camera with slight tapping, or may be lifted out by its bridge. Store the cassette in film box or in black paper until it is developed. Note: Color Films end at 36. Unload after two push-and-pull motions. Advance Exposure Counter to red dot before loading new film. CAUTION: Do not advance films beyond the numbers indicated above, as the film would be entirely pulled into the take-up side; this may result in light entering through the cassette slit "during un-loading.
THINGS TO REMEMBER Before loading make sure Exposure Counter is set at red dot between 50 an Before inserting or removing film cassette make sure Film Gate is open When taking the picture keep fingers away from lens window; hold camera steady; "squeeze" shutter release button At end of film do not attempt to take more pictures than the film allows (50 on black-and-white; 36 on color film) Always keep Lens Window clean. Fingerprints or other smudges on the lens window cause un-sharp pictures.
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS The "best" Film MINOX film is available in several different types for black-and-white photography, and for Color Pictures . The black-and-white films vary in sensitivity (speed) to suit every possible need . The sensitivity is expressed in American Standard exposure index numbers: ASA 12 (Green Label). ASA 25 (Yellow Label). ASA 50 (Blue Label). ASA 100 (Red Label). ASA 100 film is twice as sensitive to light as ASA 50, ASA 50 twice as sensitivite as ASA 25, and so on.
speeds of 'h o sec. and slower. For all snapshots, use the hold suggested on page 3, always making scre that you "squeeze" the shutter to avoid iarring the camera. How About Longer Exposures? You may be able to hold the MINOX steady by leaning your elbows on a table or other firm surface, or against a wall; or you may place the MINOX on a glass, ledge, etc. It is best, however, to attach the MINOX with a camera clamp to a tripod .
"Frame" Your Subject Since the MINOX viewfinder shows you the exact picture area, you can easily compose your picture before you actually take it, so that unimportant or disturbing details are omitted right at the start. Advance planning of composition saves extra work in enlarging, and it gives you precisely the picture you want every time. Close-ups of Small Things There is a special fascination in close-ups.
How to Stop Moving Subjects Sports and other fast action call for high shutter speeds - otherwise your pictures may be blurred . But even under unfavourable light conditions, requiring slower shutter speeds, you can stop motion by using professional tricks . It is easier, for example, to stop motion of a subject moving straight toward the camera, or at a slight angle, than it is to "freeze" a subject moving straight across at right angles to the camera .
print - a richer tone, making white clouds stand aut clearly. Green foliage, lawns, etc. which would normally print darker, will show a lighter tone and better modulation . Because the gree n filter reduces the overall amount of light transmitted through the lens, you must double the shutter speed - in other words use '/'00 sec. when the MINOX exposure meter or exposure guide indicates '/'00 sec. '/soo sec.
t7~ ~ '. . ' .. ~. "'hoo sec. without flash. Scenery properly exposed figure too dark Flash is Easy You can get fine pictures with your MINOX right around the clock, because, when daylight or room light is no longer sufficient, you can attach a flash unit to your camera. Even in daylight, you can penetrate deep shadows or lighten scenes by using flash. The MINOX may be used with any type of flash source connected to the flash nipple of the camera.
It's a Colorful World The 15 mm f/3.5 Comp lan lens of your MINOX is color-corrected, and has an antireflection coat ing - in other words it is ideally suited for Color Photography. If you have never taken color pictures before, keep in mind the following suggestions which will help you get fine results from the outset : Color Film yields the best results in bright or hazy sunlight ; on overcast days, results are usually not satisfactory.
Color Film does not ha ve as much exposure latitude as black-and-white film . Therefore, use correct shutter speed! The MINOX photo-electric exposure meter is particularly valuable in Color Photography. Even slight deviations from the correct shutter speed may result in false color reproduction . As..-a-general rule, color pictures are best taken with the sun slightly to one side behind the photographer's back.
Changing the Film Type Some day you may want to take color pictures just when your MINOX is loaded with black-and-white film - or vice versa_ Thanks to the MINOX film casselle. it is very easy to "switch" from one film to another at any time _ When you want to change casselles, "pump" camera once to transport the lastexposed film frame into the take-up end of the casselle. Then remove cas selle in the usual manner (see page 10) .
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 advance film and re-cock the shutter.
WHAT HAPPENED? You will nnd it easy to get the "feel " of yaur MINOX within a short time, and to get fine resulls wi th eve ry picture. If you should ha ve a failure at one time or another , check it aga inst these possib le errors and learn to avoid a repetition: · IF the principal subject is not sharp The distance sca le was not se t correctl y. Al ways set the distance carefully, especia ll y for close-ups. Use the measuring chain for extreme close-ups.
· IF a picture is partly blan~ One of your fingers covered the lens window. Be sure to keep fingers clear of. lens window during exposure - check your "hold"; see page 3. · IF your film shows irregular spacing or overlapping Either you forgot to set the exposure counter at the red dot when you started the film, or you did not pull and push the camera ALL THE WAY between exposures . · IF some of your negatives are very thin, others almost black Determine correct shutter setting for each picture situation.
IF film has thin horizontal scratches (telephone wires) Dust is the enemy of your MINOX films . Never keep a film cassette in your pocket without a wrapper. Before loading the camera, blowout any dust particles which may have lodged in the film chambers . IF film cassette will not easily drop into 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 cover) together about 'Is" to open gate. (See page 9.
IF film cassette does not lie flush in both film chambers, so that back cover 01 camera cannot be ~Ios.d This may happen on rare occasions when the film take-up core rests on the teeth of the transport wheel in the film chamber. Simply lift out cassette, pull camera open all the way, and close again until the film gate opens. Re-insert cassette. Close cover. IF film shows dark areas along edges at interval.
Subject/Field Size and Depth of Field Tables Dis tance Focused On Subject/ Fie ld Size - inch . 00 Infinity - 12' 6' 4' 3' 2' 47/a" 105 x 77 53 x 38 35 X 25 1/2 26 x 19 20 3/. x IS 17 1/a x 12 '/2 147/a x 107/a 12 3/. X 9 3/. 10 1/2 x 7 1/a 8 7/a x 6 7'/2 x 53/a 6 3/. x 4 7/a 6 x 43/a 5 3/a x 3 7/a 2' l' 8 3/." l ' 6" l' 23/a" l' 10 7/a" 10 " 8 7/a" 8" 27 I Distances a re measured from the Depth of Fie ld I fro nt of lhe camera.
The ~ Exposure Meter . . . tells you the correct shutter setting for any picture at a glance-and "remembers" the setting until you make the next exposure reading. What's more, a built-in viewfinder lets you pre-view the picture just as your MINOX camera will see it; thus, you can select the best possible angle overy time. Correct shutter setting means better pictures - pictures with fine highlights, good shadow detail, and every subtle tone of the original scene.
~ Slide Projector Model 30 There is no greather thrill than seeing your fine MINOX Color Transparencies projected on the screen. All the subtleties of color are brought out in projection. The MINOX Slide Projector is ~specially designed for your MINOX slides.
~ Developing Tank The developing of MINOX black-and-white films becomes a simple and convenient matter with the MINOX Developing Tank. You need no dorkroom. You place the film cassette into the "light lock" of the tank, and twist the tank core to unwind the film insi,de - that's all. The MINOX Tank Thermometer and your watch are the only other equip· ment you need. Pre-measured quantities of MINOX dry chemicals for micro-grain development are available in handy packets, ready for solution in water.
The ~ Enlarger-Copying Stand While commercial MINOX processing services can give you excellent enlargements from your films, you will get even greater satisfaction and pleasure from your MI NOX if you make enlargements yourself. Then you can obtoin precisely the results you desire, compose each picture perfectly, and use the paper surface and contrast that best suits ihe individual subject.
Shutter guide for outdoor pictures This simple guide will give you good results from two hours ofter sunrise until two hours before sunset. For accurate and convenient determination of shutter speeds for all possibl e conditions, the MINOX Exposure Meter is recommended. Use the shutter speed shown opposite the type of subject, under the prevailing light conditions.
MINOX ACCESSORIES For Picture Toking : MINOX Exposure Meter . MINOX Camera Clamp for attaching 10 Tripod etc. . MINOX Table Tripod . MINOX Binocular Clamp MINOX Copying Arm . MINOX Universal Copying Arm . MINOX Folding Reproduction Stand . MINOX Black and white films for all purposes and all degrees os sensitivity . MINOX Color film.
Index Binocular Clamp Blank Exposures 22 24 Cable Release 14 Chain, use of 7,11,15,23 Changing Film Type 21 Close-ups 7,15,23 Cloud Pictures 17 Color Film 13,17,19 Color Filters 8,17 Campion Lens 7 Copying 20,31 Copying Arm 20,31 Depth of Field 6,15,27 Developing Tank 30 Distance Setting 6,15,23 Enlarger 31 Errors 23,24,25 Exposure 9,10,12,24 Counter 33 Exposure Guide 32 Exposure Meter 5,17,20,24,28 Film, Choice of 13 Film Gate 10,12,25,26 Film Grain 13,24 Film Loading 9,12,25,26 Film, Scratches 25
Film Gate Serial Number Viewfinder Film Chambers Safety Chain Socket
MINOX ACCESSORIES For Film Developing: MINOX Daylight Deve loping Tonk . MINOX Fine Groin Deve loper. MINOX Tranp.orent Negative Wallets. For Enlarging : MINOX Enlarger Copying Stand . MINOX Enlarging Easel with print Masks . MINOX Film Magnifier. For Projection : MINOX Proiector . MINOX Slide Frames . MINOX Film Cutter.
