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There may be slight deviations between the camera models and the illustrations in this booklet


The 35 mm EXA
is yours now and we wish you good luck with it. The camera will give you much pleasure, for it is handy, easy to operate, and ready for use at a moment's notice. So it is well suited to be your constant companion.
We would advise you, however, to read this instruction booklet attentively before setting out to make photographs with your new camera. Having acquired sufficient experience in correctly manipulating all parts that eventually lead to taking pictures, you will obtain better results in every case and avoid damaging the camera mechanism.
You are, no doubt, well aware of the unique advantages of the EXA which is a single-lens reflex camera. In its interior there is a small mirror which reflects the image taken by the lens on to the ground-glass focusing screen. For that reason the future picture is always strictly the same as the reflex image. This image permits critical focusing and composition of the picture on the ground-glass screen to an unexcelled degree of precision.
We hope and wish you will obtain excellent results with the EXA and are at your disposal for all questions concerning your camera.

Before loading the camera
it is advisable to get thoroughly acquainted with the camera without film. To begin with, one should train oneself to master all the movements: to release the shutter, to open and shut the camera, to use the finder-hood, to compose and focus the picture, always handling the camera as though it where loaded with film. It is only when a complete mastery of the camera has been achieved that it should be loaded with film. To start with, the use of an old exposed film is recommended.

A. How to open and shut the camera back

Press camera back catch (1) to the Left (111. 3), and open hinged back (11) completely. When closing the camera, care must be taken that the camera back engages correctly in the groove on the body of the camera. Press back (11) lightly towards camera body until the catch (1) snaps into position.

B. How to open and shut the finder-hood

When the catch (22) is pressed inward, the finder-hood automatically opens into working position llll. 4). A detailed description of the various possibilities which it offers for composition and observation of the image, will be found in section E of this booklet. For the present let us stress the most important feet only: The ground-glass image is always strictly the same as the future photograph. That is the reason why the ground-glass image is the decisive factor for all operations which lead to taking a picture: composition, choice of frame, critical focusing, stopping down. The degree of brightness of the ground-glass image even permits of determining the exposure time fairly accurately. - If there is no image visible in the finder-hood, wind the film transport knob 14) once in the direction of the arrow as far as it will go. Before shutting the finder-hood make sure that the focusing magnifier is in its neutral (vertical) position (Section E). Then, beginning at either side, fold down the side walls, the back wall (19), and finally the front part until it snaps into position (111. 5b)

C. Shutter and film transport

The EXA camera possesses a very simple and sturdy shutter. In order to observe how it works, open the back of the unloaded camera or remove the lens (see Section D). With the release of the shutter for exposure the mirror swings upwards into a position parallel with the focusing screen so that no stray light can get into the camera. Therefore no image is visible when a picture has been taken and the shutter has not been wound up again. The shutter speeds are set by means of the lever (14), it does not matter, weather this is done before or after winding up the shutter. The mark on the lever must come to lie against the mark of the speed required (Ill. 6). 6). The figures engraved on the camera top plate indicate fractions of seconds, so that e. g. 25 stands for l/25 sec. Release by pressing the shutter release knob (27) gently (111.7). A cable release can be screwed into the release button screw thread. The movable release lock (27a) acts as a guard against unintentional tripping of the shutter (important for storing and carrying the camera).  The locking lever has to be swung up in order to disengage the release knob. If the speed-setting lever (14) is set to "B", the shutter will open upon pressure on the release knob (27) and remain so as long as the knob (27) is pressed.

It will close as soon as the pressure ceases. For "T" setting (after pressure on the release knob (27) the shutter will remain open, until a second pressure will close it again) a special cable release is available. Long exposure times can be easily measured by counting the seconds or checked by a watch. In this case it is absolutely necessary to use a tripod (tripod bush in camera base) or to place the camera on a stable support (a table, a wall, etc.). Handheld instantaneous exposures, however, are unconditionally possible. After exposure wind the film transport knob (4) in the direction of the arrow` as far as it will go. With this action the shutter is wound up, the film advanced one frame, the mirror swung into focusing position (the reflex image is visible again), and the exposure counter (15) advanced one mark.

Film advance and shutter winder being coupled, double exposure of one section of film is impossible.

D. How to focus the EXA

The lens (23) of the EXA is interchangeable, but the camera should always be kept with the lens or it will be spoilt by dust. The front element of the lens should be protected by a lens cover which must be taken off before making an exposure. To remove the lens press the lens catch (24) lightly towards the lens (Ill. 8) 8) and, holding the lens by the back ring, turn it to the left, until the red mark on the camera (31) comes to lie opposite the red dot on the lens (32), and the lens can be lifted from the camera body. To insert a lens this procedure is reversed: Insert lens (23) into the bayonet mount so that the red mark on the lens (31) comes to lie against the red mark on the camera body (32). Now the lens is turned to the right until it is heard to slip into the catch (24) on the camera.

The best way to arrive at critical sharpness is to turn the distance ring (25) to and fro until the main subject appears absolutely sharp on the focusing screen in the finder hood. The figure on the distance ring (25) that comes to lie opposite the red mark, indicates to which distance the lens is set (lens-to-subject distance) (111. 9-11).The diaphragm is adjusted by turning the knurled stop ring (26) until the stop required is opposite the red mark. The figures on the ring indicate the effective lens opening, i. e low figures (2.9, 4, etc.) = large aperture = short exposure time high figures (22, 16, etc.) = small aperture = long exposure time

 When increasing (or decreasing) the lens aperture, (or longer) exposure time is required, namely for one stop double (or half) the normal exposure time; e. g. if the normal exposure is 1/50 sec. for an aperture of f/8, it will be 1/25 sec. for f/11 or 1/100 sec. for f/5.6. A reduction of lens aperture (higher figures) produces an increase in depth of field, that is to say, also points some distance in front of and behind the main subject focused at appear to be sharp. For further details see the following table. For instance: lens set at 5 m, stop 8: extent of depth of field from 3.02 m to 15.08 m, but lens set at 5 m, stop 4: extent of depth of field from 3.76 m to 7.47 m.

The lenses of the EXA have the distance ring (25) behind the front stop ring (26)(111.9-11). The depth of field scale engraved in the back ring of the lens mount tells practically the same as the table.
 

The aperture figures diverge from either side of the red index mark. The index lines on the left hand side indicate the distance in meters from which sufficient sharpness can be expected, those on the right hand side the distance in meters up to which sharpness can be expected (= range of depth of field). The respective distances are opposite the figures of the aperture chosen. If the aperture figure on the right hand side comes to lie to the right of the infinity sign (00) sharpness will extend to infinity. Taking Illustration 9 as an example: lens set at 5 m., stop 8: range of sharpness form about 3 m to nearly 15m.

EXA Depth of Field

The Meritar (111.11) lens for the EXA has recently become available with pre-set iris diaphragm as an optional extra. These lenses may be recognized by the ad adjustable stop ring R. Having decided the aperture to use for your picture, press back the knurled stop ring towards the camera body. Now turn the normal iris ring until the required stop number is set against the red mark and release the stop ring which will spring back to its original position.

For critical focusing use the lens at full aperture and immediately before releasing the shutter turn the diaphragm ring up to the stop, an operation which is carried out by "feel" alone and without the necessity to move the camera from the sighting position.

E. How to use and exchange the finder-hood and Special Prism

A bright ground-glass image is visible in the EXA finder-hood. It is magnified by the ground glass (a piano-convex lens) to such a degree that accurate focusing is possible. For more critical focusing the built in magnifier is employed: To bring it into position move the button (21) upward along the guide in the finder-hood front wall (111.12) while holding the index finger along top of finder-hood front wall. To bring the magnifier back to its neutral (vertical) position move button (21) downwards again.

The sharp outline of the ground-glass image facilities composition and determination of picture frame. While turning the stop ring (26) the varying extent of depth of field can be observed. Focusing should always be done at full aperture and the lens stopped down afterwards.

Normally the camera is held at chest level (111.13). Illustration 14 shows how to hold it when the magnifier is used.

When using the finder-hood vertical pictures can be taken at right angles to the object to be photographed, so that the photographer can work without being hindered or observed (111.15).

The Special Prism (see Section F) permits vertical pictures in direct vision and shows an upright and laterally correct image. Control of the ground-glass image is also possible when turning the camera upside down and looking up into the finder-hood (111.16), as it is necessary when shooting from behind a wall, over a crowd, etc. In order to use the finder-hood (18) as a frame-finder (111. 18), bring magnifier into working position by moving button (21) upwards and swing protective cover (20) forward. The rectangular opening in the finder-hood back wall (19) serves as frame-finder rear sight (111. 17). The use of the frame-finder is particularly indicated for sports shots etc.

 The EXA is a two-system camera: the finder-hood is interchangeable and can be replaced by a Special Prism (111.19 and 20). This Special Prism (see also 111. 1 and 2) is delivered separately as a camera accessory and specially designed for snapshots. The camera is raised to eye level position (111. 21) and the object to be photographed is viewed in direct vision through the finder. The Special Prism shows an upright and laterally correct reflex image which corresponds to nature in all details for both vertical and horizontal pictures ([11. 22). The image in the Special Prism moves in the same direction as the object. Holding the camera at eye level it is easy to follow moving subjects.

Interchange of finder-hood

Close finder-hood (18). Push milled knob (28) downwards and lift closed finder-hood (18) from camera body (111.19). When replacing the finder-hood insert finder-hood carefully in perpendicular direction into the opening and press it down until it snaps in audibly. The Special Prism (33) is inserted into and removed from the camera in exactly the same way as the finder-hood (18).

Never use forcer

F. How to load the EXA

The EXA uses perforated miniature cine-film of 35 mm, width for 36 exposures 1 1/2 x 1 in. (=24x36 mm.) on a strip of the usual length of 1.60m. The film is supplied either in factory filled cartridges or an empty cartridge is loaded with refill film or with bulk film. For further details apply to your photo dealer. When using bulk film no special trimming of the film end is necessary except rounding off the angles. Open camera back (see Section A). The film chamber (2) of the EXA is provided with a cassette guide (D) (see legend in margin of illustration). The loaded film cartridge should therefore be inserted from beneath the camera so that the mouth of the cartridge lies against the edge of the guide. The film is then led over the rollers and sprockets to the transport spool (10). Insert pivot (7) of rewinding knob (6) into hollow part of cartridge so that the groove of the pivot (7) engages in the bar of the center spool. The cartridge must not be larger than the chamber(2) or else it will not be possible to shut the camera.

Make sure that the free end of the film runs straight into the film track (9, film guide), the emulsion (mat) side of the film showing towards the lens. Take care not to pull more than 10 cm. of film from the cartridge. Remove take-up spool from film chamber (3) and push free end of film under spring of take-up spool until film keeps fast (111.24) The film is wound into the take-up spool with the emulsion side outwards (See Diagram 25). Insert take-up spool (5) again and make sure that the groove of the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the bar of the center spool. The strip of film must run perfectly straight from film track to film transport sprockets [ 10) and take-up spool (111. 26). When closing camera back (11) make sure that cartridge, film, and spool are kept in their proper positions.  Now two "blind" exposures must be made: Open finder-hood (18) as described in Section B.

If there is no image visible in the finder-hood, wind film transport knob (4) up to the stop in the direction of the arrow. Release by pressing shutter release knob (27): first "blind" exposure. Wind knob (4) again up to the stop and release again: second "blind" exposure. (webmaster: these are the typical "blank" shots to move exposed film out of shutter area) Wind film transport knob a third time as far as it will go: an unexposed piece of film is brought into position in the image frame (8).

Now set picture counter (15) by turning the milled knob with the right hand forefinger in the direction of the (Ill. 27) until No. 1 points to the picture counting mark, and the camera is ready for the first "real" exposure.

If one does not wish to rewind the exposed film after 36 exposures into the cartridge, but to remove it from the camera in a second cartridge, the procedure is strictly the same as described above. Simply remove take-up spool (5) and replace it by a second cartridge. Spare cartridges are on sale for this purpose, or used ones may be employed. In order to load the cartridge, open it and fix film on its center spool. Place it into film chamber and make sure that the pivot of the film transport knob (4) engages in the bar of the center spool and that the film is wound up emulsion side outwards. Illustration 28 shows the path the film must take.

G. How to change films

If the film is wound on the take-up spool belonging to the camera, one length of film will take more than 36 exposures. Even if the picture counter points to "36' already, one or two more exposures can be made, until the film transport knob (4) cannot be wound any more. Now the film must be rewound in the following manner: Holding the camera in your left hand, press down the button (16) with the thumb, while the other hand turns the rewinding knob (6) in the direction of the arrow (111. 29). As long as the film is being rewound, the film transport knob (4) will rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. Once the film is rewound into the cartridge, the transport knob (4) will stop. Now open the camera (see Section A) and remove the cartridge containing the exposed film. To make the camera ready for loading and regular film transport again, make sure that the small reversing lever (17) is pushed at once towards the camera back and springs back again (111. 30)

If, on the other hand, the film is wound into an empty cartridge instead of into the take-up spool, only 36 exposures can be made. As soon as the counter (15) points to "36", make two more "blind" exposures, so that all 36 exposed frames will disappear into the cartridge. Open camera back, take out feeder cartridge, open the latter and detach the film end from the center spool. This done, remove the take-up cartridge and wind up the rest of the film by turning the top of the center spool.

H. Flashlight

For flash exposures, the EXA has two synchronized contacts: the X-contact and the F-contact. The X-contact is closed as soon as light falls on the entire picture gate. The lower contact nipple (30) belongs to the X-contact. This is where the contact plugs of flashtube equipment (111. 31) (electronic flash units) are inserted. The shutter setting in connection with electronic flashes has to be l/60 sec. The flash duration is equal to the burning period of the flash tube which, as a rule, is 1/500 to l/6000 sec. This is sufficiently short to capture the quickest movement. Literature on electronic flash units is available at the special dealers or straight from the manufacturers.

With the shutter set at "B" the X-contact also synchronizes all regular flash units according to the open flash method.

In this case, the Ihagee flash unit (111. 32), or. any other flash equipment, has to be used with its connecting plug inserted into the X-contact of the EXA (details are given in the Instruction Booklet for "The Ihagee Flashgun"). The F-contact, closes 11 to 13 ms. sooner than the X-contact, which means, a moment before the entire picture gate is illuminated. The upper contact nipple (29) belongs to the F-contact and is designed to accept the contact plug of the Ihagee Flashgun (111. 32) or of any other regular flash equipment.

The EXA F-contact permits employing such lamps as the small, moderately priced F 19 of RET Elektroteeknik Eisenach, the Osram XM 1, and A XM 5 and the Philips PF 1, and PF 5, (or American flash bulbs: Amplex No. 5, Dura Flash No. 5, General Electric Ph 5, Westinghouse No. 5), shutter speed: 1/25 sec.  The actual flash duration is equal to the burning period of the flash bulb and may range from l/260 to l/l00 sec. For further particulars, please refer to the slips enclosed with the flash bulbs.

I. Treatment and care of camera and lens
The camera with lens should always be kept in the ever ready case or wrapped in a piece of cloth that will not ravel out. All easily accessible parts should be kept clean and, if necessary, dusted with a soft brush. Above all the film track with the film guide (9), the film chambers (2 and 3), the camera back (11), the two springs (12), and the film pressure plate (13) should always be kept clean.

The reflex mirror of the EXA is surface-silvered and extremely liable to suffer from careless handling. A very soft hair-brush should be used when cleaning it a long intervals. The EXA must be carefully protected against dust, sand, etc. as well as against moisture in any form. Never touch the glass surfaces of the lens with the fingers 1 If necessary, the lens surfaces may be cleaned with a soft chamois leather or a piece of soft linen that will not ravel out.

We would advise against tampering with the camera mechanism under any circumstances Only expert mechanics being able to do repairs properly, our advice to you is to have repairs done in our works whenever that is possible.

J. EXA accessories

The EXA takes practically all EXAKTA accessories with the exception of the ever ready case of the EXAKTA. Special lenses with focal lengths exceeding 100 mm. cannot be used unconditionally in the EXA (vignette). The EXA Everready Case has been designed to protect the camera without impairing its operative speed. All mechanical parts which are important for picture taking, can be operated even if the camera is in the case. A camera retaining screw with tripod socket secures the camera in the carrying case for safety (111. 33).

Other accessories:

The Giant Release button (111. 34) is screwed into the shutter release knob (27) whose effective surface it increases. It allows of releasing the shutter with ease and security when wearing gloves or when the fingers are numb with cold.. Color Filters. The purpose of filters in black-and-white photography is to render the colors of the object to be photographed in the grey tone values that correspond to the impression received by the human eye, as the film registers several colors otherwise than the human eye. All filters are corrective filters: they lighten objects of their own color, while darkening those of their complementary color; e. g. a yellow filter ill produce tones of a lighter gray for the yellow areas, and darker gray tones for the blue areas of the object, for, to the human eye, yellow appears to be the lightest, and blue the darkest color. Consequently, the blue sky will appear darker in the picture and the white clouds will offer a good contrast. The results obtained when using filters, further depend upon the light conditions and the color sensitivity of the film used. For more detailed information consult the technical literature.

The filters are pushed on to the lens front mount. The filter mounts will take, if required, a lens hood or a soft-focus disc. As the color filters cut out certain parts of the light, an increase in exposure time is necessary when using them:

Yellow filters, light and medium 2-3 times the normal exposure time

Green filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time

Blue filters, light 3 times the normal exposure time

Red filters, light 8 times the normal exposure time

The Lens Hood [III. 34) is far more important than is generally believed. It protects the lens not only against frontal stray light when photographing against the sun, but in every case against side stray light and glares, enhancing thereby the contrasts in the picture. The lens hood is pushed on to the lens front mount or the front ring of the filter mount.

Soft - Focus Discs are widely used to catch 'atmosphere". Causing the bright areas to appear slightly over-emphasized towards the darker areas it is their purpose to register sunny atmosphere in a picture. The soft-focus discs are also pushed on to the lens front mount.