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ZENIT 12 Mode d'emploi


ZENIT 12XP Mode d'emploi

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.


To get the best results from your Zenith study these instructions thoroughly to make sure you are familiar with the essential features of the camera before you start taking pictures. It is suggested that before loading the first film you sit down with the instructions in front of you and try out all the controls to generally 'get the feel' of the camera. It is also recommended that a 'test' film be shot and the results examined before taking further pictures. This will enable any early operator errors to be corrected and will give you confidence for the future.

As a 'system' camera your Zenith will accept a large number of different lenses and additional accessories; we particularly recommend as most suitable those from the Hellos range which will enable you to cope with almost any photographic situation.

Your Zenith is sturdily built to work happily under widely varying conditions but it should always be remembered that as a precision optical instrument it must at all times be treated with due care and consideration and protected from shock, damp, dust, sand and sudden changes of temperature. With care it will give many years of reliable service - and ; brilliant pictures.

This booklet has been provided to enable you to get the best results as quickly as possible and is not intended to be a comprehensive manual of photography. There are many good inexpensive books on photographic technique available and your dealer will be pleased to recommend one suitable for your particular need.

Format: 24 x 36mm;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 at 1/30th sec. through 'Hot-shoe' or 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 microprism spot.

Exposure meter: Zenith 12. Built-in CdS cell with L.E.D. indicators in the viewfinder.

Power source: two Mallory D386 cells. (These should be replaced once a year.) Zenith 11 Selenium cell with match-needle read out. Both meters calibrated for 16-500 ASA/13-28 DIN.

Frame counter: Additive 0-36 manual resetting type 

Standard Lens: Helio 44M-4, 58mm focal length

Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

Diaphragm type: Fully automatic instantly re-open.

Aperture range  F2-F16 with click stops at full and half apertures (except between F11 and F16)

Distance scale: 0.5 to infinity

Filter size: 52mm screw

Lens mount: 42mm thread, accepts standard single pin automatic lenses and accessories

Loading the Camera - Step by step instructions

Always load the camera in subdued light; if outdoors shield from direct sunlight.	Make sure that the indicator on the Shutter Release Button [3] is facing towards the front of the camera.	Depress Shutter Release Button [3] - if shutter does not fire advance Transport Lever [2] in short strokes until it stops and press Shutter Release Button [3] again.

Fire shutter. Advance film by short strokes of transport lever until both top and bottom sprockets are engaged. If necessary tighten film on Take-up Spool [22] by turning the flange at the base of the spool anti-clockwise with the finger and in the cassette by gently turning the Rewind Knob [16] in the direction of

the arrow on the lever until resistance is felt. This is especially necessary with twelve exposure films. Close the back of the camera until it clicks shut. Complete wind-on if necessary until Transport Lever [2] stops.

Fire shutter. Advance film Transport Lever [2] using short strokes until it stops. The Rewind Knob [16] should revolve while this is being done.

Fire shutter and advance film again. Set Frame Counter [4] to zero.

Set Film Speed Selector Dial [15] against Indicator [17] appropriate to the speed of the film to be used. There are two scales for films rated in ASA and DIN. Only click-stopped numbered or intermediate positions may be used. Intermediate positions are proportional.

If using 1000 ASA film set the selector to 500 ASA but use the next faster shutter speed than indicated by the meter or close the aperture ring by one full stop. Zenith 11 owners see Page 15 for how to set exposure meter. The camera is now ready for use.

Set the Speed Dial [1 ] appropriately according to the subject. The dial is marked in figures that represent fractions of a second-i.e. "60" is 1/60th second. It may be turned in either direction but not between "500" and "B" and must not be between marked speeds.

Initially we suggest that outdoors the speed set should not be less than 1/125th sec.

Focusing. Look through the Viewfinder [27] and roughly decide what you wish to take remembering you are actually looking through the lens. Focus by turning the Focusing Ring [11] clockwise for close and anti-clockwise for far distance until the subject is sharp and clear on the large viewing screen.

For critical focusing using the inner of the two rings in the center and adjust until the image is clear and undistorted. Since you are viewing and focusing through the actual lens that takes the finished picture you can feel safe in the knowledge that there will be no parallax problems (no more cut-off heads in close-up

portraits and the like). There's a built-in safety margin of course, in common with many other modern single lens reflex cameras, the viewfinder showing an overall area somewhat smaller than the total film area. this ensures that everything you see in the viewfinder appears in the finished picture despite the fact that slide mounts and masks in printing equipment cover part of the film's image.

Depth of Field

The lens is also provided with a scale calibrated in meters but it will seldom be necessary to refer to this. This is the depth of field scale [13] and works the following way: All lenses when focused on a given subject will show some objects in front of and behind that subject sharply in focus. This range is called "Depth of Field" and varies with different lenses. With any lens you will find that "Depth of Field" is always great as small apertures such as F/16 and less at large apertures such as F2.

Depth of Field is also greater with a more distant subject that a nearby subject and increases nearly twice as much beyond the subject than in front of it. To use the depth of field scale, first focus on your subject then determine how great a Depth of Field a given aperture will give by reading distances against the two marks for that aperture. The figure on the left will be the nearest point in focus and that to the right the furthest, thus enabling you to select that aperture which will give the desired Depth of Field.

Using the Meter

Having focused on the subject set the Lens Aperture Ring [9] in the middle of the range (say f/8) and press the Shutter Release Button [3] about half-way. This will switch on the meter and one of two red lights on the right-hand side of the viewing frame will come on.	If it is the upper one this indicates over-exposure and the Aperture Ring [9] should be turned clockwise thus reducing the amount of light reaching the film. Should the lower light come on it indicates under-exposure and the Aperture Ring [91 should be turned anti-clockwise. Turn until both lights flash rapidly in sequence - this is the correct exposure.	If it is not possible to get both lights flashing in sequence even at the end of the range of the Aperture Ring then alter the Shutter Speed Dial [1] up or down and repeat the process. The meter fitted in the Zenith 12 XP is very sensitive and in some cases the indicator lights may move from top to bottom without an intermediate 'flashing' stage. In this case choose the exposure at the point of the change from top to bottom when the latitude of modern film will still give you the correct exposure.

A Helpful Hint for Better Exposure 
The meter measures all the light reaching it and "averages" it to achieve a reading which is correct when dark and light areas are evenly balanced. When dark and light areas are not evenly balanced (such as an illuminated face against a dark doorway or a person against a sun-lit background) then it will be necessary to take a close-up reading of the main subject thus excluding the distracting area- and use this setting when you return to your original viewpoint.

The Zenith 11

The Zenith 11 incorporates a built-in selenium exposure meter which needs no batteries. See pages 36/37 for operating controls. Apart from this it is identical to the Zenith 12 XP described throughout the rest of this booklet. Zenith 11 owners, therefore, should carefully study and follow all the instructions for the 12 XP apart from the meter.

Set Film Speed 
In the cut-outs in the Aperture Indicator Dial [15a] there are two scales for films rated in ASA and DIN.

Set the speed of the film in use by turning the dial with the small projection. Any intermediate positions may be used and are proportionate.	Point the camera at the subject, if outdoors with a bright sky tilt it downwards somewhat. Also study the 'Helpful Hint for Better Exposure' on page 14. Always ensure Exposure Meter Window [15c] is not obscured in any way when taking a reading.

Removing Exposed Film - Step by step instructions 

Replace the lens cap to prevent accidental exposure of film during rewinding. Press Shutter Release Button [3].	With the finger tip depress the Film Rewind Sleeve (arrowed above) into the cut-out portion of the surrounding sleeve. It will click and stay down.	Lift out Rewind Crank [16] and rotate clockwise in the direction of the arrow. You will feel the film being rewound into the cassette - stop when resistance ceases.

Lift Rewind Knob [16] fully to open camera back. Remove exposed cassette.	Advance Film Transport Lever [2] in short strokes until it stops. The Film Rewind Sleeve will return to its original position. Fire shutter. The camera is now ready for your next film.

Photography with Flash

The meter cannot be used when taking flash pictures as the burst of light is too short. In all cases the Speed Dial [1] must be set to, "30-X", the aperture being determined by the camera-to-subject distance. Tables or calculators for this are given in the instructions for the flashgun often being incorporated into the gun itself. Some flashguns have built-in computers which allow the aperture to be left at one setting regardless of camera-to-subject distance.

Set the Speed Dial to "30-X". Remove square shield from Accessory Shoe [18] and put in a safe place.

A lightweight compact gun may be slid into the accessory shoe. If there is a lead connect the plug to Flash Sync. Socket [5].	A large or heavy gun must be fitted to a flash bracket screwed into one of the Tripod Bushes [23] on the camera base. Connect the lead to the Flash Sync. Socket [5].	Set Aperture Ring [9] in accordance with the flashgun's instructions. Switch gun on, wait for "ready" light, focus and proceed. Remember to replace the accessory shoe cover after removing gun.

For exposures longer than the meter range (1/30th at f/2) the "B" setting on the Speed Dial [1] must be used. The exposure should be determined by using a hand-held meter such as the Leningrad or by experience/estimation.	Although the camera may be rested on a firm surface the best results will be obtained by the use of a tripod but avoid those of a flimsy nature. A Hellos Tripod or Hellos Mini-Tripod (illustrated) is ideal.	Set the Speed Dial to "B" Set the Aperture Ring [9]. Focus and wind the shutter by advancing Film Transport Lever [2] in short strokes until it stops.

Fit a short cable release (obtainable from any good dealer) into the screwed portion of the camera's Shutter Release Button [3]. Depress the cable release and the shutter will stay open until pressure is released. Some cable releases have a screw lock which avoids the need for holding it during a lengthy exposure	If you do not have a cable release depress the camera's Shutter Release Button until the shutter opens and turn it fully anti-clockwise to the "T" position. The shutter will remain open until the button is returned to the normal position. We recommend the use of a cable release where possible as this will reduce the chance of "camera shake" during the exposure.

The Self Timer [7] provides about a seven second delay in the firing of the shutter and enables you to get into the picture yourself. Flash can be used. Place camera preferably on a tripod, otherwise on a firm surface. Set speed and aperture. Frame area In Viewfinder [27j and focus. Wind the Shutter by advancing Film Transport Lever [2] in short strokes until it stops.
	Depress Shutter Release button [3] halfway until lens closes down and turn it fully clockwise to the "V" position.	IMPORTANT- Do not leave the Shutter Release locked in the 'V' position longer than necessary in order to minimize battery drain.

Turn the Self-Timer Lever [8] down until it will go no further. The "V" that is revealed is just a reminder that you should have set the Release Button [3] to its "V" position.	Press the Self-Timer Release Button p1 and move into the picture area as quickly as possible. The Lever [8] will slowly return firing the shutter during its travel.

Changing the Batteries

The Meter is powered by two Mallory D386 cells which should be changed every twelve months.

To remove. Place coin in slot of Battery Cover [19] and turn anticlockwise until slot is horizontal. Remove cover and old batteries.

Fit two new batteries both with "+" outwards. Replace battery cover with slot horizontal locating the two cover arms in the camera body slots. With a coin edge push inwards and turn to lock in vertical position. Use a clean linen cloth when handling batteries -the grease from bare fingers can adversely affect the electrical contacts.

To extend the range of your photography

. . . many accessories are available from your dealer suitable for your Zenith including an exciting range under the Hellos name. Alternative Lenses.  The Zenith lens has a 42mm thread mount and may be removed from the camera body by grasping the whole lens barrel and fuming it anticlockwise. Other 42mm screw lenses of a different focal length may then be fitted providing they are of the single-pin operating type.

Lenses may be interchanged at any point without losing any frames.

In the Hellos range specially computed to suit the Zenith - are Wide-angle 28mm and 135mm Telephoto lenses, together with a range of Zoom Lenses some with Macro or Close-Focusing facility.  From the USSR come the well-known Mirror Lenses, MTO 3M5A and MTO 1000A. All lenses (except Mirror type) operate in the same way as the standard lens.

In addition there are x2 and x3 Helios Teleconverters which are very small, light and convenient to carry and when fitted between the lens and camera body double or treble the focal length of the lens employed. Some additional exposure is necessary when using teleconverters. Helios converters come in their own carrying case together with full instructions.

Filters. Are screwed in front of the lens and improve color rendition, contrast and protect the lens. They are available from your photographic dealer.

To fit Teleconverter: Remove camera lens. Fit Converter to lens. Fit both together to camera body holding converter.

To remove Teleconverter: Remove lens and converter together holding converter. Separate. Refit lens to camera body.

Close-up Lenses. Helios Close-up supplementary lenses are made in strengths of +1, +2 and +3 dioptres. They may be obtained from your Photographic Dealer.

Tubes. Helios Auto Extension Tubes are in sets of three and are used between the camera body and the lens. They extend the possibilities of magnification up to 1/1 reproduction. Some additional exposure is necessary but providing this is within the meter's range the Zenith 12 XP will automatically compensate.

Bellows. Helios Macro Bellows will give greater - and infinitely variable magnification than extension tubes -up to 4x life size with standard lens.

In addition to the supplementary lenses, Teleconverters and tripods mentioned earlier a number of other Helios accessories are available to enhance and expand your photography.

Firstly, a comprehensive range of electronic flashguns ranging from a small manual model, Guide No.14 (100ASA/m) up to a large automatic model Guide No.35 (100ASA/m) with power saving thyristor circuitry, 0° to 345° horizontal rotation of the zoom bounce head, plus a 'fill-in' mini-head. Also in the range is the Helios Slave Flash Unit, which fires a secondary flash gun in synchronization with the main flash without the need for trailing cables. Secondly a range of strong aluminum cases, in various sizes and with either foam filled interior or rubberized grooved interior with adjustable partitions, in which to keep your camera and accessories safe and secure. Alongside these cases, and performing a similar function, are several gadget bags and hold alls in vinyl or material for those who prefer a soft beg for their equipment, and five neck straps of various widths, designs and colors, plus three lens pouches in which to keep your extra lenses when they are not in use. 

Helios Binoculars, Telescopes, Monoculars and Opera Glasses are further examples of the fine quality of our optical industry. They will add enormously to your enjoyment of the world around you. The binoculars all have excellent fully-coated lenses, easy center wheel focusing and an adjustable right eyepiece. They are complete with neck strap, leather carrying-case and strap and haze reducing filters and are available in 7 x 35, 7x50,8x30,10x50 and 12 x 40 models. The Telescopes have similar high-quality lenses and come complete with carrying case 10 x 30 and 20 x 30 models. Also available are four Opera Glasses all complete with case and two Monoculars (7 x 50 and8x30).

Camera Care

Your Zenith is a ruggedly built camera designed to provide many years of dependable performance. For the longest service and best performance always treat it with the care and respect due to any precision instrument. Transport your Zenith in a Zenith ever-ready case, or Hellos gadget bag or aluminum case if you wish to carry your camera without a case, then attractive Hellos straps are available to clip on to the camera neck strap eyelets [6] and [141

Do not leave the camera inside a car on a hot day, or in direct sunlight. The lens in particular must be protected at all times - a UV filter, which needs no additional exposure, may be left in position permanently. Never attempt to clean the mirror, viewing screen or lens by wet means; should they ever need cleaning your photographic dealer should be consumed.

If you do not use your camera regularly, and especially before going on holiday, or on an important occasion such as a wedding etc. we recommend that you run off a test film making sure that all available settings, including the self-timer mechanism, are used.

Trouble-free photography is assured if the instructions are followed carefully, but perhaps just a few points could be emphasized;

After Sales Service

At Zenith House you will find a well organized team of servicing experts including factory trained English personnel and a full complement of technicians from the camera manufacturers, not to mention a highly sophisticated range of electronic test equipment.

Your new Zenith (camera is covered by our comprehensive, transferable two year guarantee. Should' service be required at any time please return your equipment either to your original supplier or direct to Zenith House,
ensuring that you include a brief description of the defect. If sending equipment direct it must be securely packed and carriage paid. It is also recommended that you insure against loss or damage in transit since this is not covered by the guarantee.