35mm on-line camera manual
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CLICK HERE FOR A PDF MANUAL
MADE DIRECTLY FROM A MANUAL
Feb. 2010

CONTENTS

 CONGRATULATIONS!

You have just purchased a fine camera that will give you many years of picture-taking pleasure. The KSX SUPER is a 35 mm SLR camera which assures you of superb optics, outstanding mechanical performance and reliability which will justify your choice for years to come.

Before using your KSX SUPER.....
Please read this instruction booklet carefully and familiarize yourself with the equipment and its features thoroughly. Your pleasure in using your KSX SUPER will be greater if you know your camera thoroughly.
 

NOMENCLATURE
1. Shutter Speed Index Line
2. Shutter Release Button
3. Shutter Speed Dial
4. Film Advance Lever
5. Exposure Counter
6. Strap Eyelet
7. Self-Timer Indicator Light
8. Exposure Indication Switch

9. Lens Release Lever
10. Lens Locator Mounting Node
11. Flash Synchro Terminal
12. Focusing Ring
13. Distance Scale
14. Depth of Field Scale
15. F-Stop Ring
16. Film Speed Index Line
17. Film Speed Dial
18. Film Rewind Knob
(Back Cover Lock Release Knob)
19. Film Rewind Crank
20. Exposure Compensation Dial
21. Self-Timer Switch
22. Exposure Compensation Index Line
23. Hot Shoe

24. Flash Ready Signal Contact
25. Viewfinder Eyepiece
26. Film Rewind Shaft
27. Film Chamber
28. Battery Compartment Cover
29. Tripod Socket
30. Winder Contact
31. Film Rewind Release Button
32. Winder Coupler
33. Winder Positioning Hole
34. Film Pressure Plate
35. Back Cover
36. Film Take-up Spool
37. Sprocket

SPECIFICATIONS: Sears KSX Super

TYPE: 35 mm SLR with automatic electronic exposure control focal plane shutter

FILM FORMAT AND FRAME SIZE: 35 mm film; 24 x 36 mm

LENS MOUNT: Pentax"K" Mount

STANDARD LENS: 50 mm AUTO SEARS f/1.7 (Multi-coated)

SHUTTER: Electronically controlled, vertically moving metal focal plane shutter
Automatic from 16 to 1/1000 sec.
Manual from 16 to 1/1000 sec. plus B

SELF-TIMER:  10 seconds delay with flashing LED (light emitting diode).

VIEWFINDER: Field of view covers 93% horizontally and vertically.
    Viewing Magnification 0.88X (with 50 mm f/1.4 lens). Indicators in the viewfinder- Exposure Adjustment,
    Bulb, Manual,  Overexposure, Underexposure, Shutter Speeds, Slow Shutter, Long Time Exposure,
    Low Battery Warning, Flash Ready LED light.

FOCUSING: Split-image spot in microprism band

EXPOSURE METER: TTL full open metering for center-weighted average
    light reading coupled automatically to f-stop.

EXPOSURE COUPLING RANGE: EV 0 -18 (with ASA 100 film, 50 mm f/1.4 lens)

FILM SPEED RANGE: ASA 12 - 3200

FLASH TERMINAL: X synchro contact

ACCESSORY SHOE:  Hot shoe (with Flash Ready Signal Contact) Flash Synchro Terminal

EXPOSURE ADJUSTMENT: Exposure adjustment system (+2 ~ -2, in 1/3 steps)

FILM ADVANCE:  Single stroke film advance lever with 135 degree winding angle and 35 degree stand-off
Automatic winding possible by mounting Sears Autowinder # 7356

EXPOSURE COUNTER: Additive, automatic resetting

FILM REWIND: Film rewind crank system

MIRROR: Quick return mirror

BACK COVER:  Hinged type, opened by pulling up Film Rewind Knob

POWER SOURCE:  One CR-1 /3N 3.0V Lithium battery, two SR-44 1 .55V Silver Oxide batteries
    (MALLORY MS76, EVEREADY S76 or Equivalent), or two LR-44 1 .5V Alkaline batteries >  

DIMENSIONS:  5.4"(W) x 3.4"(H) x 2.0"(D) (body only)

WEIGHT: 16.3 oz (body only)

WEIGHT OF STANDARD LENS: 50 mm f/1.7; 5.3 oz

ATTACHING THE VIEWFINDER CAP AND STRAP

Viewfinder Cap For instructions on how to use the Viewfinder Cap, read the section on Self-Timer Photography and Usage of the Viewfinder Cap. (Fig. 1)

1. Slip the Viewfinder Cap onto the strap. (Fig. 2)

2. Put the Strap through the Strap Eyelet and adjust it to the correct length. (Fig. 3)
 

CHANGING LENSES

To remove the lens from the camera Keep the Lens Release Lever pressed in, and turn the lens in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise). (Fig. 4)

To mount the lens on the camera

1. Line up the red dot on the lens mount with the matching red dot on the camera body, or alternatively, match the red ( ~ ) mark on the Depth of Field Scale to the red dot on the camera body. (Fig. 5)

2. When the lens has engaged, turn it in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) until it clicks into place. (Fig. 6)

* For convenience, when mounting the lens in the dark, you can line up the Lens Locator Node with the Lens Release Lever.

INSERTING THE BATTERIES

The exposure meter and shutter of this camera are powered by a battery, so it is important to insert the battery correctly for proper operation.

1. Remove the Battery Compartment Cover by turning it counterclockwise with a coin. (Fig. 7) 2. Place the CR-1/3N Lithium battery (packed with the camera) as shown in the illustration in the battery holder of the Battery Compartment Cover. (Fig. 8A)

Replacement Batteries

a) One Duracell DL-1 /3NB Lithium battery or equivalent; life span about 12 months under normal use...OR

b) Two Duracell MS-76 Silver Oxide batteries or equivalent; life span about 12 months under normal use (Fig. 8B)...OR

c) Two LR44 Alkaline batteries or equivalent; life span about 6 months under normal use. (Fig. 8B)

* Since dirt or skin oils may cause a bad contact, wipe the battery clean with a dry cloth before inserting it.

* When your camera is not used for a long period of time, remove the battery.

* Generally, in cold conditions, the voltage of the battery decreases and this will impair the functioning of the shutter and exposure meter. In these cases, either warm up the battery in
 your hand or keep a spare set warm in your pocket, ready to insert just before shooting.

* When the voltage of the batteries is getting low, the BAT (Low Battery Warning Signal) in the Viewfinder will blink on and off. Please change the batteries without delay.

. The camera will NOT operate if: a) The battery is inserted incorrectly. b) The battery is dead or low. c) You failed to insert a battery. If the camera does not operate, always check your batteries.

INSERTING THE FILM

(Always avoid direct sunlight when inserting the film.) 1. Pull up the Film Rewind Knob until the Back Cover snaps open. (Fig. 9) 2. Insert the film in the Film Chamber and push the Film Rewind     Knob down to its former position. (Fig. 10)

3. Insert the film leader into the slit on the Film Take-up Spool. {Fig. 11) 4. Advance the film, making sure that the sprocket holes on the film are fully engaged on the Sprocket Teeth. (Fig. 12)

5. Close and press the Back Cover firmly to lock it. Unfold the Film Rewind Crank and turn it gently in the direction of the arrow until the slack in the film has been taken up. (Fig. 13)

6. Advance the film and press the Shutter Release Button a few times until the number "1 " appears in the Exposure Counter. As you advance the Film Advance Lever, the Film Rewind Knob rotates, indicating that the film is properly advancing. (Fig. 14)

* When advancing the film during film loading, it is more convenient to set the Shutter Speed Dial to X to
    avoid a slow shutter release action. Remember to set the Shutter Speed Dial back to A (Auto) after
    the film has been inserted.
 
 * In cold conditions, the film leader may become hard and brittle. Warm the leader in your hands before insertion.

SETTING THE FILM SPEED

The film speed is the basic element for determining the exposure, so please be sure to set the film speed correctly. The film speed or ASA/ISO is listed on the film box. 1. Pull the Film Speed Indicator outer ring up, and set it against the film speed number you are using. (Fig. 15)

For example, if the film speed is ASA/ISO 100, set the indicator on the Film Speed Dial to 100. Film speeds not appearing on the Film Speed Dial may be set using the click stop setting between the indicated numbers.

EXPOSURE INDICATION SWITCH

In order to conserve battery life, the KSX SUPER camera will automatically cut off the power source if the camera is not used for approximately 8 minutes.

To reactivate power to the camera (to display viewfinder indicators, etc.) depress the Exposure Indication Switch and proceed with your picture faking. (Fig. 16)
 

VIEWFINDER INFORMATION

1. Microprism Band 2. Split-image Spot 3. Shutter Speeds 4. Exposure Adjustment 5. Bulb 6. Manual 7. Overexposure

8. Shutter Speed Indicator 9. Slow Shutter (Orange band) 10. Long Time Exposure 11. Underexposure 12. Low Battery Warning Signal 13. Flash Ready LED Light

(Operates only with Sears #8025 Auto/Thyristor dedicated electronic flash.)

The Shutter Speed, Slow Shutter and Long Time Exposure indications are always present in the Viewfinder. Other liquid crystal displays appear only when appropriate.

* In cold conditions, the response speed of the liquid crystal may be reduced. This is due to the nature
    of the liquid crystal, and not to any camera malfunction.

 * When using a polarizing filter, depending on the angle of rotation, there may be cases in which
    you cannot see the liquid crystal indications.

AE (AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE) PHOTOGRAPHY

This camera is specially designed for AE (automatic exposure) photography. Simply set the f-stop number, and the shutter speed is adjusted automatically to give you the correct exposure. 1. Set the A on the Shutter Speed Dial against the Shutter Speed Index Line. (Fig. 17) 2. Move the F-Stop Ring to set the desired f-stop number against the central index line. (Fig. 18)

(Generally F5.6 or 8 outdoors, F2 or 2.8 indoors with ASA/ISO 100 film)  3. When you press the Exposure Indication Switch, the correct shutter speed for automatic exposure will be shown by the Shutter Speed Indicator in the Viewfinder. (Fig. 19)

4. When the Shutter Speed Indicator is within the orange band, this means a slow shutter speed. You     should either select a different f-stop setting, or mount the camera on tripod. (Fig. 20) 5. When the (up arrow) Overexposure mark or the (down arrow) Underexposure mark appears, you should select another f-stop number, as the exposure is incorrect. (Fig. 21 )

F-STOP NUMBER GUIDE

With ASA/ISO 100 Film
 

With ASA/ISO 400 Film
 

MANUAL PHOTOGRAPHY

1 Set the Shutter Speed Dial to the desired shutter speed. (Fig. 22) 2. The letter "M" in the Viewfinder will pulsate to indicate Manual mode. (Fig. 23) 3. If the up arrow (Overexposure mark) or the down arrow (Underexposure mark) pulsates, you should select another f-stop number as the exposure is incorrect. If the up arrow or the down arrow marks do    not disappear, even after selecting a different f-stop number, you should select a different shutter speed. (Fig. 24)

SHUTTER SPEED REFERENCE TABLE
 

HOLDING THE CAMERA

Holding the camera correctly when shooting is very important. (Fig. 25) 1. The camera should be positioned on the palm of your left hand so that you can use your fingers to turn the Focusing Ring of the lens easily. 2. The index finger of your right hand should rest lightly on the Shutter Release Button, while your right hand holds the camera body lightly. 3. Your right arm should be in a comfortable position. 4. Keep your left arm resting lightly against your body, and the cam-era should just touch your forehead when you look through the Viewfinder. 5. It is important to shoot with the correct body posture, to avoid blurred or tilted shots.

FOCUSING

Look through the Viewfinder to compose your picture and focus by turning the Focusing Ring. You can focus either by using the center Split-image Spot or the Microprism Image Band that surrounds the center circle. Split-image Focusing When the split image in the Split-image Spot forms a single image, the subject is in focus. (Fig. 26) Microprism Focusing When the subject loses its "shimmering" effect and becomes very sharp, the subject is in focus. (Fig. 27)

REWINDING THE FILM

(Always avoid direct sunlight when unloading the film). After the last picture on the roll of film has been taken, rewind the film. 1. Push in the Film Rewind Release Button on the bottom of the camera, and it will remain locked into position. (Fig. 28) 2. Unfold the Film Rewind Crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow. When the film has been     completely rewound, the tension of the Film Rewind Crank is released and it will revolve freely. (Fig. 29)

3. Pull up the Film Rewind Knob to its fullest extent and the Back Cover will pop open. (Fig. 30) Remove the film, push the Film Rewind Knob back into position and close the Back Cover. * Never open the Back Cover during rewinding, as light will get in and ruin your film. * If you attempt to wind the film beyond the available number of frames, the Film Wind Lever may get stuck midway and the

Film Rewind Button cannot be looked in the down position. If this should happen, rewind the film while keeping the Film Rewind Button pressed down with your finger.
 

EXPOSURE ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

According to shooting conditions, the camera may be affected more by the background light than by the light of the subject itself. This will result in under (or over) exposed pictures. In these cases, you should use the Exposure Adjustment system. You can also use the system when you wish to create a deliberate effect of over (or under) exposure.

Turn the Film Exposure Adjustment Dial to set the required number against the Exposure Adjustment Index Line.
 
 

*  The "+ - " marks in the Viewfinder will pulsate to indicate an exposure adjustment setting.
*  The Exposure Adjustment Dial can be set to click stop positions
    (1/3 steps) between the numbers indicated.
* Be sure to set it back to the "O" position after use.
 

B (BULB) SETTING

The B setting is used for shooting night scenes or long time exposures. 1. Set the "B" against the Shutter Speed Index Line. The "B" mark in the Viewfinder will appear to indicate that the shutter speed is set to B (bulb). (Fig. 31 ) 2. When you press the Shutter Release Button, the shutter will remain open as long as the button is depressed. 9. For bulb exposures, use a tripod and cable release to prevent blurred pictures.

Shutter Lock

Set "L" against the Shutter Speed Index Line to Lock the shutter when the camera is not in use. This prevents accidental shutter releasing. (Fig. 32)

DEDICATED FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Sears # 8025 dedicated AUTO/Thyristor electronic flash is available for use with this camera.     When using this specially designed flash unit, you can leave the Shutter Speed Dial setting on A (Auto).     Also, when the flash unit is fully charged, the red LED light in the Viewfinder lights up, so that you do not have to take your eye away from the Viewfinder eyepiece. (Note - This only occurs when you are using the SEARS # 8025 flash).

Using the specially designed flash unit.

1. Attach the flash unit to the Camera Hot Shoe. (Fig. 33) 2. Set the A on the Shutter Speed Dial to the Shutter Speed Index Line.  (Fig. 34)

3. Set the f-stop number to the designated lens opening for automatic shooting. The flash unit will automatically control the amount of light for subjects within the distance range for automatic flash photography. 4. Turn the flash unit s power source switch on, and when the flash is fully charged, the Flash Ready red LED Light will light up, and the Shutter Speed Indicator will show 1/125 sec. and change automatically to the synchronizing speed. (Fig. 35)

. Press the Shutter Release Button and shoot.

* For further details, please refer to the instructions with the flash unit.

* Do not use other makes of flash units that have special signal pins (dedication pins) exclusively for their cameras, as this will result in incorrect exposure and may damage the circuitry of the camera.

* If the Shutter Release Button is pressed before the Flash Ready LED Light lights up, the shutter speed will be the one indicated by the Shutter Speed Indicator.

* The flash ready light and automatic shutter change will not operate with flash units other than Sears # 8025 Auto/Thyristor Electronic Flash.
 

NON-DEDICATED FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Flash photography with Automatic flash units other than the SEARS Auto/Thyristor # 8025. 1. Set the Shutter Speed Dial to the synchronizing speed of 1/125 second. (Fig. 36) 2. Set the f-stop number to the designated lens opening for automatic shooting. (Refer to instructions provided with flash). The flash unit will automatically control the amount of light for subjects within the distance range for automatic flash photography.

3. Turn the flash unit's power source switch on, and when the flash is fully charged, the flash lamp will glow.

4. Press the Shutter Release Button and shoot.

Flash photography with Manual flash units.

1. Set the Shutter Speed Dial to the synchronizing speed of 1/125 second.

2. Refer to chart on back of flash (or instruction book) for proper f-stop number.

Proper f-stop number can also be manually computed. A guide number is indicated on the flash unit or in the flash instruction book.

A guide number is an indication of the power of the flash. The higher the guide number, the higher power available for the flash.

Use the guide number in the following equation to obtain the correct f-stop number, and set that number to the f-stop index line.

For example, with a flash unit with guide number 24 for ASA/ISO 25, and camera-to-subject distance of 6 feet:

F-Stop number (4) = Guide number (24) /divided by/ Camera-to-subject distance (6)

3. Turn the flash unit's power source switch on, and when the flash is fully charged, the flash lamp will glow.

4. Press the Shutter Release Button and shoot.
 

SELF-TIMER PHOTOGRAPHY AND USE OF
THE VIEWFINDER CAP

The self-timer enables you to include yourself in your own photographs. 1. Mount camera on tripod or a flat, steady surface. 2. Compose picture. 3. Press the Self-Timer Switch. (Fig. 37)

4. The Self-Timer Indicator Light will pulsate, and about 10 seconds later, the shutter will be released. (Fig. 38) 5. If you wish to cancel the self-timer once it has started operating, set the Shutter Speed Dial to L (Lock) or B(Bulb). * If the film has not been advanced, the self-timer will not operate.

When using the self-timer with the A (Auto) setting or when shooting a long-time exposure, use the Viewfinder     Cap attached to the strap to cover the Viewfinder Eyepiece. This procedure will prevent unwanted light from entering the Viewfinder Eyepiece and causing incorrect exposure. (Fig. 39)

USING THE AUTO WINDER (#7356)

If you attach the Sears Autowinder to this camera, the film can be advanced automatically. You can also take continuous shots at up to 2 frames per second. (Fig. 40) * Before attaching the winder, wipe the contact points on both the camera and the winder with a dry cloth.

DEPTH OF FIELD

When you focus on a specific subject, objects in an area in front of and behind the subject will be acceptably sharp in your picture. This area is called the "Depth of field". You can judge the depth of field in the following way. The Depth of Field Scale is indicated on each lens. For instance, when the camera-to-subject distance is 10 ft and the f-stop number is fl 6, the area within the two f/16 points on either side of the ~ mark, will be in sharp focus (about 7 ft to 26 ft). (Fig. 41 )

INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

The infrared index mark is a way to correct the focusing point when you use infrared film with red filters.

Since infrared light rays have a longer wave-length than visible light rays, after focusing normally on the
    subject, you have to set that distance against the infrared index mark.

Taking Infrared Photographs
 

1. Attach a red filter, and focus on the subject. 2. Reset the indicated distance on the lens to the infrared index mark. According to the instructions enclosed with the film' set the f-stop and shutter speed and release the shutter. (Figs. 42 and 43)

* Infrared light rays are invisible to the eye and the light meter, so refer to the instructions with the film for setting the f-stop number and shutter speed. (The automatic exposure system in your camera can not be used.)

PROPER CARE OF YOUR CAMERA

* Never touch the surface of the lens with your fingers.
If the lens is dirty, either use a blower to blow the dust away or wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
* Do not use chemically-treated eyeglass tissues to clean the lens.
* Camera malfunctions can be caused by shock, humidity, salt air etc. After using the camera at the beach or in places that use chemicals, wipe it carefully.
* Take care not to expose your camera to sudden changes in temperature, as this may cause a camera malfunction.
* Do not expose your camera for a long period of time in extremely high temperatures, such as in the back of your car or on a beach, as this may cause a camera malfunction.
* When using a tripod, do not try to force a long screw into the socket. (The screw length should be less than 1/4 in.).
* Do not place the camera near equipment that has strong magnetism, such as television or radio.
* Remove the battery before storing the camera, and keep it in a place free of dust and humidity.
* Do not attempt to disassemble or repair your camera yourself. If service is necessary, bring it to the nearest Sears store.