We are delighted that you have chosen an EXAKTA RTL 1000 and we wish you every success with your new camera. We would like to advise you, however, to read this instruction manual carefully before you start using your camera. In this way you will obtain the greatest possible service from it, since you will eliminate from the outset the possibility of operating it incorrectly, and possibly damaging the mechanism. The EXAKTA RTL 1000 is a high-quality precision instrument which can naturally only be expected to answer all your requirements when it is always hand led correctly.

Operating controls of the
EXAKTA RTL 1000                       4

Preparations for use                         6

Film loading                                     7

Operating the shutter                        11

Operating the lens                            15

Using the Finder Hood                     22

Using the Penta Prism                      24

Using the TTL Penta Prism              26

Interchanging the viewfinder
systems                                            27

Exchanging the focusing screen         27

Changing the film                              28

Flash photography                            30

Care of the camera and its
accessories                                       32

Accessories                                      cover

Operating controls of the EXAKTA RTL 1000

1 = Tensioning lever of mechanism for low shutter speeds

2 = Shutter-speed setting knob for 2 seconds to 8 seconds
       (mechanism for low shutter speeds)

3 = Release knob of preset timing
       mechanism (relayed-action release)

4 = Release lock on the right-hand
      release

5 = Right-hand release

6 = Eyelets for carrying strap or cord

7 = Frame counter

8 = Film-type reminder disc

9 = Rapid-wind lever

10 = Shutter-speed setting knob for second to 1 second and B setting

11 = Finder hood

12 = Red aligning dot on the camera
        (for lens changing)

32 = Film-wind sprocket

33 = Film rest

34 = Take-up spool (with catch bows)

35 = Mark

36 = Film-pressure plate

37 Camera back (hinged)

38 = Rewind declutching button

39 = Tripod thread

40 = Diaphragm switch (for disengaging
        the automatic diaphragm mechanism)

41 = Penta Prism

42 = Eyepiece of Penta Prism

43 = Unlocking knobs for the viewfinder
        system

44 = Driver pin for the coupling of the
        TTL Penta Prism (page 26)

The Finder Hood (11) is opened by pressing on the knob (24). To close the hood, press the cover of the Finder Hood (26) backwards until it locks in position. The focusing magnifier (25) can be swung either forward into the position of rest in the cover of the Finder Hood (26) or backwards into the working position. For further information on the use of the Finder Hood see page 22.

Swing the release lock (4) to the stop on the right (marking dots ore staggered): the shutter can be released by pressing on the right-hand release (5). When you have finished taking pictures, swing the release lock (4) to the stop on the left (the marking dots are opposite each other) : now it will be impossible to release the shutter, which means protection against unintentional exposures. (No locking in case of the left-hand release (16))

Loading and changing the film must not take place in direct sunlight! -- The EXAKTA RTL 1000 uses standard 35 mm miniature film, in standardized, commercial cassettes of 12, 20 or 36 exposures, to make negatives 24 mm x 36 mm the beginning of the film having a shape according to the illustration. Perfect film transport requires faultless film cassettes. Daylight loading spools should only be inserted in capsules made by the same manufacturers.

1. Pull out the knob of the rewind crank (14) as far as the second stop: now the camera back (37) will open.

5. Now swing the rapid-wind lever (9) right up to its stop and let it return. Release the shutter by means of the right-hand release (5) or by means of the left-hand release (16). Repeat these operations until the figure "1" in the automatic frame counter (7) will be below the mark.

= black-and-white film

 = reversible color film for daylight

 = reversible color film for artificial light

 = negative color film for daylight

 = negative color film for artificial light

7. When film is loaded, set the film-type reminder disc (8) and the film-sensitivity reminder ring (15) as reminders of the type and sensitivity of the film that is in the camera. Turn the disc and the ring in either direction until the appropriate references will be opposite the orange-colored triangles. On the film-sensitivity reminder disc (15) the figures from 9 to 33 are DIN values, whereas the figures from 6 to 1600 denote ASA values. The film-type symbols on the reminder disc (8) have the following meaning:

The EXAKTA RTL 1000 is now ready for action!

1. The shutter is tensioned and the film wound on by operating the rapid-wind lever (9). This lever should always be swung right up to its stop, and will then spring back of its own accord. -- The tensioning of the shutter and the transportation of the film are coupled (avoiding unintentional double exposures and blank frames). It is impossible to release the shutter before it has been fully tensioned and the film wound on. It is also impossible to release the shutter in intermediate positions of the rapid-wind lever (9).

In order to enable users to work in quick succession e.. g. in case of series of photographs) the rapid wind lever (9) can be employed with preliminary elevation: intermediate position at approximately 30" after the position of rest.

3. Setting the shutter speeds.
You will safely succeed in taking photographs with shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to 1/30 second (white figures on the shutter-speed setting knob (10) "by hand", i.e. without the use of a tripod. For any exposure times from 1/15 second to 1 second (orange-colored figures on the shutter-speed setting knob (10) and for still longer exposure times with the B setting, the camera should be screwed on to a tripod and a cable release be employed. 

Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the desired figure or the B will be at the orange-colored triangle. The figures from 2 to 1000 represent fractions of seconds (e. g. 1/125 sec.). Intermediate speeds cannot be set. In case of the B setting the shutter will remain opened as long as the pressure on the right-hand release (5), on the left-hand release (16) or on a cable release screwed into the left-hand release (16) (important for exposure times longer than 8 seconds) continues. Accordingly, the B setting will permit any exposure times you like (e. g. for taking night and indoor exposures).

Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the B is in line with the orange-colored triangle. Swing the tensioning lever of the mechanism for low shutter speeds (1) in the clockwise direction to the stop. (This operation may be performed before or after tensioning the shutter). Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (2) of the mechanism for low shutter speeds until the desired exposure time (2 sec., 4 sec.. or 8 sec.) will be opposite the mark on the tensioning lever of the mechanism for low shutter speeds (1). Release the shutter by means of the right-hand release (5) or of the left-hand release (16).

Selection of exposure times from 1/1000 sec. to 1 sec. with delayed-action release

Turn the shutter-speed setting knob (10) until the desired exposure time will be opposite the orange-colored triangle Swing the tensioning lever of the mechanism for low shutter speeds (1) in the clockwise direction to the stop ( tension the preset timing mechanism; this operation may be performed before or after tensioning the shutter).

Release the shutter only with the release knob of the preset timing mechanism (3). Exposure will take place after 8 seconds.

1. The lenses of the EXAKTA RTL 1000 are equipped with internal release of the fully-automatic pressure diaphragm. Select the desired aperture number by turning the aperture-setting ring (17): the desired aperture number must be opposite the orange-colored triangle.

The smaller aperture numbers, e. g. f 1.8. 2, 2.8, 4 indicate relatively large diaphragm openings:  these permit brief exposures, but give only shallow depth of field. The larger aperture numbers, e. g. 16, 22, indicate relatively small diaphragm openings requiring longer exposure times, but giving great depth of field, Further information on the depth of field will be found on page 19.

Focusing for infra-red photography: When using infra-red film, first focus the image in the view-finder system normally, then note the distance indicated by the orange-colored triangle (either in feet or in meters or the infinity symbol), and turn the focusing ring to set this distance against the orange-colored dot, the so-called infra-red setting mark which is to the right of the normal setting mark. By doing this, the image produced by the infra-red rays will be brought into sharp focus in the film plane of the camera and consequently will appear sharp in the negative.

Focusing with focusing system (Fresnel screen):

Image-brightening Fresnel screen Circular mark Pointer of measuring device Annular field in the ground-glass screen Microprism

The EXAKTA RTL 1000 may optionally be supplied with a focusing system in all its viewfinder units. With this focusing system, a sharp image is mainly obtained using the annular field in the ground-glass screen (for moving subjects, photographs taken with a magnifier, and photomicrographs). To increase the accuracy of focusing or In case of slowly moving and stationary subjects focusing is performed by means of a microprism field. In case of incorrect focusing the microprism field will show an image which in blurred to a greater degree (the blurred image "flickers"). The lens will be correctly focused when the image in the microprism Is at its sharpest (i.e. no flicker effect). It is however, absolutely necessary to focus with a large diaphragm opening (small aperture number) (this is important above all in case of lenses without internal release). 

Reading off the depth of field: When the depth of field is great, objects at widely varying distances from the camera will form a sharp image. After focusing the precise extent of this sharp zone will be indicated by the depth-of-field scale (18) on the lens: on either side of the orange-colored setting mark (triangle) you can read off from the distance scale where the depth-of-field zone begins and ends for any specific aperture setting. If the relevant aperture number on one side of the central distance-setting mark is in line with the infinity symbol (oo) or -- beginning from the center -- even beyond it, then the depth of field will extend right up to infinity.

On the right above one example:

Distance setting 3 meters, aperture f 8 depth of field extends from something more than 2 meters to 5 meters.

In the EXAKTA RTL 1000 there can be used special purpose lenses with focal lengths ranging from the shortest to the longest. All lenses for the earlier EXAKTA and EXA models can be used. However, in order to be able to operate their automatic diaphragm mechanism (external release), you have to screw an adapter into the left-hand release (16).

Using the Finder Hood
The image in the Finder Hood (11) of the EXAKTA RTL 1000 may be used both for selecting or framing the subject, and also for focusing and checking the depth of field, by provisionally stopping down the lens. Generally, a large enough image for normal view finding purposes will be obtained when using the image field; for critical focusing, however, we recommend the additional use of the Swing-up Focusing Magnifier (25), The latter will spring into its working position when the Finder Hood is opened, but can be folded back out of the way when operated as described at page 6,

Normally, the EXAKTA RTL 1000 is held at chest or shoulder level when using the Finder Hood. When the pivoted supplementary Focusing Magnifier (25) is also used, the camera must be held close to the eye. When taking vertical pictures with the Finder Hood it is possible to shoot at right angles. This is particularly useful for working inconspicuously since the photographer can remain in concealment. 

(Automatic exposure timing with internal measurement)

The TTL Penta Prism provides the EXAKTA RTL 1000 with an automatic exposure timing on the basis of internal measurement through the lens (Through The Lens = TTL). This automatic system, taking into account film sensitivity, exposure time, and aperture number, will always measure only the light being effective for the photograph to be taken, This method of measurement is of greatest importance above all when employing special-purpose lenses (angle of view equal to the angle of measurement) as well as when working with extension-increasing accessories and filters (the exposure factors are automatically included in the measurements).

The use as a viewfinder unit is identical to that of the Penta Prism: always upright and laterally-correct image in the viewfinder. Photographers who normally wear spectacles should use their distance glasses. For fitting and removing the TTL Penta Prism as well as for exchanging its image field screens, see next page. -- For the use of the automatic exposure timing (internal measurement) a detailed instruction leaflet is joined to the Penta Prism.

Each of the viewfinder systems of the EXAKTA RTL 1000 (Finder Hood, Penta Prism, and III Penta Prism) can be exchanged. -- When any of the viewfinder units is being removed from the camera, the two unlocking knobs (43) must be pressed downwards with thumb and index finger of the left hand, and the viewfinder unit withdrawn upwards with the right hand without tilting. On replacing a viewfinder unit, it must be inserted squarely and vertically and be pressed downwards until it clicks into position. Never use force!

Exchanging the focusing screens

The focusing screen of the viewfinder units of the EXAKTA RTL 1000 can be exchanged so that, if desired, one of the special focusing screens can be used. -- Remove the viewfinder unit from the camera. The focusing screen should be gripped by the long sides, and withdrawn frame the viewfinder unit. To refit the focusing screen it should again be held by the long sides (do not touch the mat surface) and pressed Into the frame of the viewfinder unit.

When the frame counter (7) indicates the maximum of exposures to be taken with the film with which the camera is loaded (12, 20 or 36), the film should now be rewound into its cassette.

1. Press the rewind declutching button (38) into the camera.

2. Swing the rewind crank (14) out, and turn it with the right hand evenly and slowly in the direction of the arrow (clockwise direction) until it is felt that it turns more easily, which means that the film has now been rewound. (If the film is rewound at too great a speed, static electricity will cause discharge marks to appear on the negatives.)

4. Open the camera back (37). Remove the cassette containing the rewound film from the camera. Depress the knob of the rewind crank (14) back. On the next tensioning of the shutter the rewind declutching button (38) will automatically return into its normal position.

The EXAKTA RTL 1000 is equipped with an X synchronization for electronic flash units and flashbulbs. The synchronizing cable of standard or electronic flashguns should be connected to the flash nipple (20). By means of an accessory shoe which has to be attached below the knob of the rewind crank (14), flashguns can be fastened directly to the camera.

The accessory shoe is also adapted for flashguns with central contact except that in this case the flash nipples of the camera and of the accessory shoe must be connected by means of the special cable delivered with the flashgun.

For all flashlight sources used with the EXAKTA RTL 1000 the effective exposure time will be approximately equal to the duration of the flash, and not to the time that the shutter remains open (this is important when taking photographs of moving objects).

Finder Hood

Penta Prism

TTL Penta Prism for internal measurement

Eyepiece cup for Penta Prisms

Ever-Ready Case

Counter-light Lens Hood with screw-in mount M 49 x 0.75

Accessory shoe

Angular viewfinder for Penta Prisms

Focusing telescope for Penta Prisms Bayonet rings and tubes as well as Two-in-one ring for close-ups

Adapter rings with tappet 12.5 mm and 25 mm for lenses with internal release (for close-ups)

Miniature Bellows Attachment Auto couple Extension Release for lenses with external release

Special ring with socket for cable release

Special adopter ring with double cable release

Multi-Purpose equipment for close-ups, reproductions and photomicrography, etc., consisting of the following parts:

Large Bellows Attachment

Transparency Copying Attachment

Copying Stand for direct fastening of the camera

Repro Unit (with Large Bellows Attachment, with

Lighting equipment, if required) and others

lighting equipment for Copying stand and Repro Unit

Special-purpose lens 1 2.8/50 from Jena, in sunk

mount far Large Bellows Attachments

Lens Reversal Rings

Adapter Rings for using photomicrography lenses

Special Focusing Screens

Lens Magnifier insert with Top Lens

Macro-Micro Photometer

Ring flash Units RB 1 and RB 2

Kolpofot

Endoscope Attachment

Spectroscope Adapter Ring and Sleeve

Adapter far Astrophotography

Microscope Attachment

Universal tripod

Focusing slide