Fujica AX3 - The Evergreen State College

Operating Guide for
Fujica 35mm Camera
The Fujica AX-3 is a 35mm single
lens reflex (SLR) camera (fig. A)
with a variety of features. The
camera can take aperture preferred
automatic exposures. This means
that you can set a desired aperture
and the camera will automatically
set the proper shutter speed for the
correct exposure. The Fujica AX-3
is a sturdy camera designed to be
used in the field or studio. Standard
precautions must be observed when
using the camera. DO NOT expose
the camera to dust, dirt, extreme
heat or cold, or mechanical shocks.
Always wear the neck strap. When
finished, replace the lens cap and
soft shell case. NEVER CLEAN
THE LENS WITH ANYTHING BUT LENS TISSUE AND LENS CLEANER! Keep the
camera warm in adverse weather, as batteries lose their muscle when cooled. A final
caution refers to the camera's very high susceptibility to moisture. Salt air mist will
corrode the camera in a short period, resulting in expensive repair bills. Keep the
camera in a camera bag especially when at the sea shore. Remember that you are
fully responsible for loss or damage when you sign out equipment from Media Loan.
SETTING THE ASA (FILM SPEED):
This number refers to the film's sensitivity to light. The higher the ASA/ISO number, the
less light is required for a proper exposure. All types of film have an ASA number. You
must set the camera to this value for the exposure system to properly function with your
film type. On the top left side of the camera is the rewind crank (9). Just below is the
film speed selector (7) with a white lock (8) located to the left of the red ASA
numbers. While depressing the white lock button on the side of the rewind crank, turn
the ring underneath until the desired ASA number (that of your film) corresponds to the
film speed setting mark (11). The marks labelled +1 and -1 on each side of the white
set mark are used for exposure compensation. Be sure to use the center mark when
setting the ASA.
SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED:
Fig. A
Single-Lens Reflex
In the SLR camera, light from
the subject strikes a mirror (a)
and is reflected up through a
pentaprism (b), which turns
the image two ways and
conveys it to the
photographer's eye. When the
shutter is activated, the mirror
flips up (c) so that the film can
be exposed.
The shutter speed is adjusted by turning the ring that surrounds the shutter release
(17) and reading the setting through the shutter speed window (23). The normal shutter and speed range of the
camera is between 1/1000 and 2 seconds. The AX-3 also has two different automatic settings and a 'bulb' setting
which keeps the shutter open as long as the shutter release is depressed.
The first automatic setting is engaged by setting the shutter speed selector to "AE" (marked in orange). To exit this
mode, the silver shutter speed selector lock (16) must be depressed while turning the shutter speed selector (fig.
B). The "AE" setting puts the camera in "Aperture Preferred" automatic mode. This means that the camera
automatically adjusts the shutter speed to match the aperture you select.
Media Loan
The Library Group
(360) 867-6253
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA 98505
http://www.evergreen.edu/media
Recycled & Recyclable
FujicaAX-3/05/02/01/MT
SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED (continued)
The second automatic setting, "AEL," keeps the shutter speed at a
particular setting for as long as the release is held in its half depressed
position (fig. C). This setting is useful in situations such as brightly
backlit subjects, where the averaging of the automatic exposure in the
camera would normally overexpose the subject.
LOADING THE FILM:
Always load the film in shade or subdued light. Remove the protective
case. Turn the camera on by pulling the main power lever (10) away
from the body until the camera mode window reads "ON." Open the
camera by pulling up on the rewind crank (9) until the back pops open.
Insert the film into the left chamber, with the flat end of the film cassette
on top. Push the rewind crank down to its original position, rotating
slightly if necessary. Gently pull enough film from the cassette to insert it
in the take-up spool. Advance the film with the film advance lever (21)
until the sprocketed wheel has engaged both rows of sprocket holes (fig.
D). Making sure the film is properly aligned between the guides, close
the back and snap it shut. Advance the film (and release the shutter)
until the exposure counter (18) reads "0." The film is advancing
properly if the rewind crank turns counterclockwise while the film
advance lever is being wound.
FOCUSING
The Fujica Viewfinder supports three focusing methods:
1. Split image: Look through the viewfinder and adjust the lens until the
upper and lower part of the split image circle are continuous. This
method is good for generally linear subjects.
2. Microprism Collar: This is the second visible circle in the viewfinder.
The region between this circle and the split image circle is the
Microprism. To use it turn the focus ring until the image in this region is
sharp and clear. This method is best for non-linear subjects.
3. Ground Glass Screen: The widest circle in the viewfinder marks off
the region of the ground glass screen. Focusing with this screen is not
as accurate as the other two methods but it is much faster. Simply turn
the focus ring on the lens until the image looks sharp in this region.
NOTE: Focus can also be set using the distance markings on the lens in
situations where normal through-the-lens focusing is not possible.
Fig. B
SHUTTER SPEED SELECT
Fig. C
SHUTTER SPEED SELECT LOCK
Fig. D
SETTING THE EXPOSURE:
Looking through the viewfinder, press the shutter release halfway down.
This activates the light meter and the red LEDs on the left side of the
viewfinder. Rotate the aperture ring until the flashing light meets the
stable light (fig. E). The exposure can also be adjusted by changing the
shutter speed (fig. F).
NOTE: If an LED indicator blinks steadily a few times per second by the
"B" at the bottom of the viewfinder, the battery is low. Come to Media
Loan for a new battery, or purchase a size N, 6 volt replacement at a
local camera shop.
TAKING THE PICTURE
You are now ready for your first picture. Advance the film once, finetune your picture's composition, steady the camera, and squeeze the shutter release...
REWINDING THE FILM
The last frame of film is exposed when the counter is on 20, 24, or 36 and the
advance lever will not move. To rewind the film back into its cassette, depress
the white rewind button (20) on top of the camera (you may need to pull the film
advance lever out a little first, and flip the rewind crank out and turn it slowly
clockwise in the direction of the arrow). When you feel the tension release, turn
the crank several additional turns. Pull up on the rewind crank until the back
pops open and remove the film cassette. Push the rewind crank back down,
close and press the shutter release to make sure the camera is not left cocked.
Be sure to turn the main switch to "OFF."
Fig. F
analogy of the water faucet and shutter
CARE FOR THE CAMERA
1. Dust off the camera periodically with a lint free cloth.
2. Use a good blower-brush to remove film fragments and dust from inside the
camera, brushing gently and carefully around the shutter -- it is made of very thin
material. Never touch the shutter, use only the blower brush.
3. Use a blow brush and/or Kodak lens tissue to remove dust and fingerprints
from the front surface of the lens. Excess pressure can damage the lens coating.
4. Never touch or clean the reflex mirror inside the camera.
5. Always use the lens cap and keep the camera in its case when not in use.
6. Avoid storing or leaving the camera or film in excessively hot, cold, or humid
environments.
7. When in doubt about use and handling of the camera, ask or call a Media
Loan staff person.
FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES
SELF TIMER
Self-portraits can be accomplished with the AX-3 by setting the main switch one
stop further to the "SELF" position. The camera will the produce beeping tones
for 12 seconds after the shutter release is depressed so you can get in position
before the shutter actually opens.
FLASH
Media Loan has two models of Vivitar Flash units which can be used with the AX3. The flash is mounted on top of the camera using the hot shoe (12). See the
Media Loan Vivitar guide for details.
"A popular way to explain the functions of
the shutter and aperture is to compare
them to the controls of a faucet through
which water lows into a container. In this
analogy, water is light; the valve on the
faucet, which determines the amount of
water permitted to flow, is the aperture;
and the length of time the valve is held
open to permit a flow of water is the
shutter speed. A certain amount of water
flows into the container when the wideopen valve is held open for 5 seconds.,
and twice as much flows when the wideopen valve is held open for 10 seconds.
Similarly, the shutter of the camera
controls the length of time during which
light is permitted to enter the camera. If
the timing of the shutter opening is
doubled, the amount of light the film is
exposed to is also doubled."
analogy of the water faucet and aperture
AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE
At times when you anticipate taking pictures quickly and under normal lighting
conditions, it may be appropriate to use the automatic exposure or "AE" setting
on the shutter speed dial. This camera follows an "aperture priority" logic, which
means that you can now adjust the aperture for preferred depth of field and the
camera will automatically select the appropriate
Fig. E
shutter speed. CAUTION: Pay attention to the
shutter speed in the viewfinder; if it is too slow
you may need to open up the aperture more.
NOTE: To set the shutter speed manually
when the camera is set on "AE" you must
depress the "AE" lock button while turning the
shutter speed dial.
FLASHING LED
"As with the shutter, the analogy of the
faucet valve is useful in understanding
how the aperture works. The length of
time the faucet valve is open is the
shutter speed; the degree to which the
faucet is open is the aperture size. A
wide-open faucet valve permits twice as
much water to flow into the container in 5
seconds as one that is only half open.
Similarly, if the size of the aperture
opening is doubled, the amount of light
the film is exposed to also doubles."
LENSES
The AX-3 employs a unique bayonet mount lens. We supply various
lenses as well as adapters from "C" mount to bayonet. To change lenses,
depress the lens release button on the left side of the lens (fig. G), turn the
lens a quarter turn counterclockwise and cap the now-exposed end. Line
up the red dot on the new lens with the red dot on the body of the camera,
insert lens and rotate a quarter turn clockwise. You should hear a click
when the lens is properly engaged.
ACCESSORIES available at Media Loan
Tripods
Extra Lenses
Filters
Cable Releases
Camera Bags
Light Kits
Light Meters
Call 867-6253 for reservations.