Bronica SQ-A User manual

Congratulations on your choice of the Bronica SQ-A single lens reflex camera that has been
developed to give you quality performance, simple handling convenience and extremely
useful versatility, such as required for professional photography.
The Zenza Bronica SQ-A has been designed to take full advantage of the square 6cm x 6cm
medium format. It has also been developed as a complete modular "system" camera, with a
very high degree of interchangeability in lenses, finders, focusing screens, film backs, etc.
To obtain best results from your camera, we suggest that you read this instruction manual
carefully, before you even touch the camera. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with its work-
ing parts, before loading your first roll of film, and your pleasure in using the Zenza Bronica
SQ-A will be even greater.
NOTICE
Although instructions following are based on a standard combination consisting of the
main camera body with standard lens, film back SQ 120 and waist level finder, the choice of
lens, film back and finder is left to the discretion of the photographer, who should choose
those items best suited to the type of assignments contemplated.
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SQ-A

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Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
1. Loading the Battery
2. Battery Checking
3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
4. Construction of Film Back
5. Film Loading
6. ASA/ISO Film Speed Dial
7. Film Type Indicator Frame
8. Film Advance and Shutter Cocking
9. Exposure Counter
10. Film Unloading
11. Setting the Shutter Speed Dial
12. Shutter Release Button
13. Time (T) Exposure
14. Exchanging Lenses
15. Interchanging Finders
16. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers
17. Setting the Aperture
18. Focusing Adjustments
19. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale
20. Infrared Photography
21. Flash Photography
22. Multiple Exposures
23. Mirror Lock-up
24. Interchanging Focusing Screens
25. Attachment of the Neck Strap
26. Facts about the Battery
27. Pointers on Shooting
28. Care of the SQ-A
29. Depth of Field Table
30. Specifications of Zenzanon-S Lenses
3, 4
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6, 7
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8, 9, 10
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12
12
13
13, 14
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15, 16
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17, 18
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19, 20, 21
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Contents Page

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Type 6cm x 6cm format lens shutter single reflex
camera, with interchangeable lens, film back,
finder and focusing screen systems.
Frame Size 55.6mm x 55.6mm
Film 120/220/135 roll films and Polaroid pack film,
with exclusive film backs.
Standard Lens Zenzanon-S 80mm F2.8 lens; interchangeable
type; 6 elements in 4 groups; multi-layer anti-
reflection coated; 51° angle of view; F22 mini-
mum aperture; helical focusing from infinity
to 80cm.
Filter Size 67mm diameter on 50mm to 250mm lenses;
95mm diameter on 40mm lens and 500mm
lens.
Lens Mount Exclusive four-claw Bronica SQ bayonet
mount.
Focusing Helical focusing system built into each lens;
angle of rotation 171° for standard lens.
Lens Diaphragm Fully automatic instant reopening lens
diaphragm action; equal-distant aperture
scale graduations; depth of field previewing.
Shutter Electronic control SEIKO #0 between-lens leaf
shutter; shutter speeds 8 sec. to 1/500 sec-
Multiple Exposure Multiple exposure possible with lever on
main camera body.
Mirror Lock-Up Mirror lock-up possible with switch lever on
the side of main camera body for single or
continuous picture taking.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A

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Film Back Daylight loading interchangeable type; exclu-
sive backs for 120 (12 exposures), 220 (24
exposures), 135 (format sizes of 24 x 36mm
and 24 x 54mm) roll films and Polaroid pack
films; with ASA/ISO film speed dial on Film
Back SQ 120/220/135 and ASA/ISO film speed
switch on Polaroid Film Back S coupling to
the finders with built-in exposure meter,
when attached.
Finder Interchangeable finder system.
Focusing Screen Interchangeable type; Standard type, sup-
plied with camera, has split-image rangefind-
er spot surrounded by microprism ring and
full-area matte screen. Also 6 optional focus-
ing screens are available.
Flash Synchronization X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.)
Battery Checking Red-colored LED lights up at front end of
finder, outside screen area, when battery
check button is depressed; also doubles as
shutter closing signal.
Battery Single 6-volt silver oxide battery (No. 544, PX-
28 or 4G13) or alkaline manganese battery
(No. A544 or 4LR44.)
Dimensions 92mm wide x 109mm high x 179mm long
(with standard lens, Film Back SQ 120 and
waist-level finder S)
Weight 1,500 grams- (with standard lens, Film Back
SQ 120 and waist-level finder S)
915 grams- SQ-A main camera body w/ Film
Back SQ 120
115 grams- Waist level finder S
470 grams- Zenzanon-S 80mm lens
The specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A (con’t)

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Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-A
Aperture Ring
Depth of field scale
Distance scales
Lens alignment dot
Waist-level finder
Back cover release
button (right)
Exposure counter
ASA/ISO film speed dial
Back cover release button
(left)
Magnifier
Shutter speed scale
Shutter speed dial
Focusing hood catch
Focusing ring
Flash synch socket
Shutter release button
Neck strap eyelet
Multiple exposure lever
Film winding crank
Finder release button
Manual film winder Shutter release button
locking ring
Mirror lock-up switch lever
Cable release
socket
Depth of field
preview lever
Lens release
button
Battery check button
Film plane mark
Spool holder
Dark slide slit
Neck strap eyelet
Film back release
button
Film type indicator frame
Battery chamber button
Battery chamber cover
Tripod socket (1/4” screw)
Accessory mounting guide
Flash synch contact
Time
exposure lever
Set screw

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A. Depress the battery chamber button with your finger and, at the
same time, move the battery chamber cover in the arrow-indicated
direction. The cover will come off easily.
B. Coincide the plus (+) and minus (-) marks on the battery with simi-
lar polarity indications in the battery chamber. Then, push in the bat-
tery. Insert the battery chamber cover in, the BATTERY end first, and
then move the cover in the other direction (opposite to the arrow
indication) until it locks.
* The shutter will be mechanically-controlled (at 1/500 sec.) when the
battery is loaded with polarity marks reversed.
A red-colored battery check LED lights up outside the focusing screen
area, (central front of finder), when the battery check button is
pressed. This means the battery is loaded properly and there is suffi-
cient power for operations.
* If the LED does not light up; (1) the battery is not loaded properly or,
(2) the battery is completely drained and should be exchanged.
1. Loading the Battery
The electronically controlled shutter will not work without loading the battery. The shutter
will be mechanically controlled when the battery is not loaded and will be released at 1/500
sec., regardless of the setting on the shutter speed dial.
Use one 6 volt silver oxide battery or alkaline-manganese battery.
* The battery may be obtained at any photographic equipment or electrical appliance shop.
2. Battery Checking
3.Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
The film back is a film chamber that can be attached or detached freely. This permits a free
exchange of film types even during shooting sessions.
The main camera body and film back are fully coupled, upon connection. Therefore, always
turn the film winding crank completely one time, upon attaching the film back.

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A. To remove the film back from the main camera body, insert the
dark slide into the dark slide slit, as illustrated, with the mark on the
dark slide at the top end. Push it all the way in.
B. Depress the film back release button and the lower end of the film
back can be removed, as illustrated. Simply shift the film back up
slightly and pull it away.
* The dark slide cannot be withdrawn from the film back when the
film back is not attached to the main camera body.
* The dark slide must be withdrawn from its slit, upon attachment of
the film back to main body, or otherwise the shutter cannot be
released. Furthermore, there is a danger of the film accidentally
becoming detached from the main body, should the dark slide be left
in its slit while the camera is being carried. Therefore, make it a rule
to withdraw the dark slide promptly upon attaching the film back to
the main body.
C. To attach the film back to the main camera body, simply insert the
latches at the upper end of the film back into the attachment open-
ings at the upper end of the main camera body. Then, press the lower
end of the film back against the main body until it locks securely.
3.Attachment and Removal of Film Backs
If winding is not possible, all preparations for taking pictures have been completed. But, if
winding is possible, rotating the film winding crank until it stops will automatically take care
of the incomplete action, even if the shutter is uncocked or film is not advanced. Thus, it's
always possible to choose the film type most suited for the shot, even midway in the roll.
A film speed dial is available on the film backs and can be used for setting the film speed of
the film loaded in the film back. This will, furthermore, automatically couple when the finder
with built-in exposure meter is attached to the main camera body. This should be very con-
venient when using films of different sensitivities in various film backs.
Film backs are available optionally. Please select a film back best suited for shooting condi-
tions.
* See instructions supplied with Film Back SQ 135 for proper use of the 135 roll film.

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A. The film back consists of a film holder and a film back frame, with
exclusive film backs available for 120 and 220 roll films. The film hold-
er has an insert or frame for loading film, as well as a built-in winding
mechanism.
B. The film back frame has a base with a dark slide slit and a back
cover with an ASA/ISO film dial and a film type indicator frame. The
film back frame completely encloses the film holder and shields it
from outside light, as well as connecting it to the main camera body
and also coupling with the finders with built-in exposure meters.
A. To open the back cover, squeeze the left and right back cover
release buttons, in the arrow-indicated directions, at the same time
and the back cover will open.
B. The film holder can be taken out for film loading, upon opening
the back cover.
4. Construction of Film Back
5. Film Loading
C. There are two spool holders on the film holder. The top one is for
the fresh film spool and the bottom is for the empty take-up spool.
The left side shaft of spool holder can be opened by pushing the
fresh film spool outward in the arrow-indicated "A" direction.
Therefore, insert the right end of the spool on to the right side shaft,
which is fixed, and then close the left side holder (shaft) that will
engage the spool.
* The spool holders on the left side will be locked securely when the
back cover is closed.

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D. After loading the fresh film spool properly, draw out the leading
end of the film and turn it across the film pressure plate (as illustrat-
ed). Run it down and turn it over to the take-up spool. Insert the
leading end into the slit of the take-up spool and wind slightly until
securely engaged.
* The inside black surface of the leader must face out when running
across the pressure plate, in this case.
E. Lift up the hinged flap and rotate the manual film winder on the
right side of the film holder in the arrow-indicated direction. When
starting point, or arrow-mark, on the leader is aligned with the trian-
gular start-mark on the top left side of the film holder, stop rotation.
F. The starting point, or arrow mark, can also be aligned with the
start-mark, with the film holder loaded in the film back. Simply rotate
the film-winding crank on the main camera body, in this case. This
method is preferred since there will be coupling with the main cam-
era body mechanism, from the beginning.
* If the film is not advanced when the film-winding crank is rotated,
the film holder is not inserted properly and/or the main camera body
may be set for multiple exposures. In the latter case, return the multi-
ple exposure lever to an upright or vertical position. (See "22. Multiple
Exposures").
5. Film Loading (con’t)
G. Close the back cover by pressing it firmly against the base of the
film back, as illustrated. The back cover will automatically close and
lock. The same operation will close the back cover when the film
back is detached from the main body.

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H. Upon loading the film, rotate the film-winding crank until it stops
to place the first frame into place for taking the picture. The expo-
sure counter will also change from "S" to "1", while the shutter will
also be cocked.
When the film back is detached from the main camera body for film
loading, the manual film winder is used for advancing the film. The
film will stop when it is in place for the first exposure, with the expo-
sure counter also changing to "1". However, it will be possible to
rotate the manual film winder and it should be rotated two or three
times more, in order to take up any slack in the loaded film.
* When loading 220 roll film in the Film Back SQ 220, do not mistake
the dotted line before the arrow-mark for the start-mark.
To set the film sensitivity of the film loaded in the film back, revolve
the ASA/ISO film speed dial with a slight lifting action, as illustrated,
and set the film speed scale to the index. There are click-stops at
1/3rd increments, in this case. (The dial can be revolved in either
direction.)
* The ASA/ISO film speed dial is automatically coupled to the finder
with built-in exposure meter, when attached.
5. Film Loading (con’t)
6. ASA/ISO Film Speed Dial

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Upon loading the film, tear off the end flap from the empty film pack-
age and insert it in the film type indicator frame.This will help you
keep track of the film loaded in the film back, even when two or more
film backs are used with different films. At the same time, set the film
speed with the ASA/ISO film speed dial. This will come in handy
when using the finder with built-in exposure meter.
Rotating the film-winding crank completely one time, in the forward
direction, will advance the film one frame and, at the same time, cock
the shutter, with the winding action stopping automatically. On the
other hand, short, rapid strokes, up to an accumulated full rotation,
will also do the job.
* Please make sure that the mirror lock-up switch lever is set at "N"
opposite the index when taking pictures. It does not require mirror
lock-up.
The exposure counter shows the number of
frames exposed or, in other words, is an addi-
tive type. Starting from "S", the counter on the
Film Back SQ 120 shows numbers from 1 to
12, while Film Back 220 shows numbers from 1
to 24. The letter "S" and numbers "12" and
"24" are orange-colored, while all other num-
bers are white.
7. Film Type Indicator Frame
8. Film Advance and Shutter Cocking
9. Exposure Counter

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A. After the 12th exposure of the 120 roll film (24th exposure of the
220 roll film), the film-winding crank will turn freely with further rota-
tions. Therefore, continue rotating the film-winding crank until the
remaining film and all leader paper is wound up on the take-up
spool. Open the back cover when winding action becomes very light.
B. Remove the film holder and, while preventing the loose film from
unwinding, take out the take-up spool. Seal the exposed film and
return it to its original box until development.
* Load and unload film away from direct sunlight and/or strong illu-
mination.
A. The shutter speed scale is viewed in its window over the shutter
speed dial. The numbers on the scale are shutter speed settings, with
numbers 1 to 8S full numbers and numbers 2 to 500 fractions of a
second. For example, "8S" is 8 sec., "2S" is 2 sec., and "500" is 1/500
sec., but no intermediate setting between click stops are possible.
* The shutter is released at 1/500 sec., regardless of the setting when
the battery is not loaded or is completely drained.
B. The numbers on the scale are color-coded in orange and white.
Orange-colored numbers are full number settings of 1 second and
longer while white-colored numbers are settings from ½ to 1/500
second. There is no B (bulb) setting. See time (T) exposures. Shutter
speed settings can be changed before or after shutter cocking.
10. Film Unloading
11. Setting the Shutter Speed Dial

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A. Depress the shutter release button with the ball of the finger. Use
a smooth, gentle action and press all the way in, without using
strength or jerking.
* A red-colored LED will light up in the front central area of the finder
and will indicate that the shutter has closed, in this case.The signal is
specially valuable when using slow shutter speeds, as it indicates
completion of the exposure.
B. Safety Lock- The shutter release button can be locked to prevent
accidental operations. Simply rotate the locking ring 60° clockwise,
which will place a red dot on the side. The cable release socket will
also be locked, in this case. To release the safety lock, rotate the lock-
ing ring counter-clockwise and place the red dot diagonally lower.
The shutter cannot be released in the following cases:-
1. Shutter release button is locked.
2. Dark slide is inserted.
3. Film winding crank has not been rotated fully. (Same when
exposure counter is still between "S" and "1".)
4. Shutter is not cocked.
5. Lens is not properly attached. (Same with extension tubes
and bellows.)
6. Lens release button is being depressed.
7. All frames (12 on 120 roll film and 24 on 220 roll film) have
been exposed already.
* If film-winding crank is rotated while depressing shutter release
button, the shutter will be released when the winding action is com-
pleted.
* A cable release or self-timer can be used with the cable release
socket on the main body.
Time exposures are made with the time exposure lever on the lens, regardless of the setting
on the shutter speed scale. However, the lever is locked to prevent accidental movement
and must be unlocked for use.
12. Shutter Release Button
13. Time (T) Exposures

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A. Unscrew the set screw on the time exposure lever until further rev-
olution is impossible, which will permit the lever to be moved freely.
* Except for time exposures, always shift the time exposure lever so
that "A" is visible on the lens barrel and keep it locked with the set
screw to prevent accidental movement.
B. Next, cock the shutter with the film-winding crank and then shift
the time exposure lever to the left (looking from the body towards
the lens), which will expose a red-colored "T" on the barrel. The shut-
ter will stay open when the shutter release button is depressed in this
condition. The shutter is closed by shifting the time exposure lever in
the opposite direction and exposing the letter "A" once more.
The lens cannot be attached or detached unless the shutter is cocked. Therefore, first, rotate
the film-winding crank and cock the lens shutter.
A. To attach the lens to the main body, align the orange dot on the
main camera body and the red dot on the lens, and then insert the
lens fully into its mount. Rotate in the counter-clockwise direction
until it stops, with an audible click, which indicates that it is securely
locked.
B. To detach the lens, the film-winding crank must also be rotated to
cock the lens shutter first. Then, press the lens release button down
and, at the same time, rotate the lens in the clockwise direction until
it makes a full stop. At this point it will be possible to detach the lens.
13. Time (T) Exposures (con’t)
14. Exchanging Lenses

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A. The finder can be interchanged, with other optional finders, to
match shooting conditions to photographic conditions. To attach the
finder, align the front end of the finder with the front end of the find-
er frame on top of the main camera body, as shown. Then, gently
lower the finder and, when well seated, slide forward until it locks.
B. To detach, simply depress the finder release button, while, at the
same time, sliding the finder backwards where it can be taken up.
A. The focusing hood of the waist-level finder is opened by pushing
up on the focusing hood catch at the rear end of the folded waist-
level finder.
* There is no standard finder for the Bronica SQ-A, with the user hav-
ing a choice of several finders. Instructions are based on the waist-
level finder because of its popularity.
B. The magnifier is flipped into viewing position by simply sliding the
release lever in the arrow-indicated direction. To store the magnifier,
simply push it down until it catches.
* The magnifier can be exchanged for one matching the eyesight of
the user.
C. To close the focusing hood, first, push down the magnifier (if it is in
viewing position). Next, press in both side frames, as illustrated, and at
the same time, press the front frame back towards the rear. The
focusing hood will automatically be folded down.
15. Interchanging Finders
16. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers

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D. The standard magnifier supplied with the waist-level finder has a
power of -1.5 diopters, which can be exchanged for others with pow-
ers of -4.5, -3.5, -2.5, -0.5, +0.5, and +1.5 diopters. These optional
accessories should be purchased to suit the user's eyesight, if neces-
sary. Simply rotate the magnifier frame in the counter-clockwise
direction to unscrew. Attach in the reverse manner.
A. The aperture ring is rotated, in either direction, to set the required
f/number opposite the white index dot. The aperture ring click-stops
at the numbered settings. Intermediate settings are also possible.
* Intermediate settings cannot be used when the finders with built-in
exposure meters are used.
B. All interchangeable lenses for the Zenza Bronica SQ-A have fully
automatic lens diaphragms, which means that the focusing screen is
always viewed at the full aperture, with the brightest possible image.
However, depressing the depth of field preview lever will stop the
lens diaphragm down to the pre-selected lens opening and permit
the photographer to check the depth of field effect on the focusing
screen.
* The aperture ring must not be adjusted while the depth of field pre-
view lever is being depressed.
* If exposure measurements are taken with the depth of field preview
lever depressed, when using finders with built-in exposure meters,
the shutter speed setting indicated will cause over-exposure. This is
because proper exposures are obtained with exposure measure-
ments made at full aperture.
16. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers (con’t)
17. Setting the Aperture

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A. The lens is focused on the subject by rotating the focusing ring in
either direction, while checking the effect on the microprism / split-
image rangefinder spot in the center of the focusing screen (standard
type).
B. The central split-image spot splits the image into two, with the
upper and lower halves separated horizontally when the lens is out of
focus. When in focus, however, the two halves will coincide with the
displacement disappearing. The microprism ring surrounding the
central spot can also be used for checking the sharpness of the
focused image, since the image will glitter when the lens is not
focused. The surrounding full-area matte surface can also be used for
checking image sharpness.
A. Distance scales on the Zenzanon-S lenses can be used for focusing
at the required distance actually focused. Simply rotate the focusing
ring and set the required distance opposite the orange-colored index,
which will adjust the lens for the required distance.
B. There is an apparent zone of sharpness, both in front and back of
the focused subject, which is known as the depth of field. The depth
of field scale shows the zone of apparent sharpness at any lens open-
ing or distance and can be utilized for quickly and simply ascertain-
ing the depth of field. The depth of field scale is next to the distance
scales and is made up of identical pairs of apertures on both sides of
the orange-colored distance index.
18. Focusing Adjustments
19. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale

18
These identical pairs of apertures indicate the distance that will be in focus at these lens
openings. For example, if the 80mm lens is focused at a distance of 3m, it can be seen from
the depth of field scale that the zone will extend from 2 to 7 meters (6 ft. to 23 ft.), when a
lens opening of F/22 is used.
* See the depth of field table for the Zenzanon-S 80mm lens.
In infrared photography, some adjustment must be made in the focus
in order to retain sharpness on the film, because the invisible infrared
rays are no longer in wavelengths than the visible rays used for focus-
ing. For infrared photography-
1.Use an R filter or equivalent with an infrared (black and white) film.
2.The red-colored line, next to the orange-colored distance index, is
the infrared index.
3.After focusing in the normal manner, re-set the distance indicated
by the orange-colored distance index to the infrared index, by shift-
ing the distance ring.
4.Follow instructions enclosed with the infrared film and filter and to
be on the safe side, make several bracketing shots. In general, more
exposure rather than less seems to be a safe guide.
A. Always use flash cords with a standard PC type plug. When detach-
ing the flash cord, grip the plug firmly and pull it out straight, instead
of using a twisting action.
B. The lens shutter of the Zenzanon-S lens has a X-setting for flash
synchronization, which means that electronic flash units will synchro-
nize at all shutter speed settings, up to the fastest 1/500 second. This
means that flash fill-in for daylight shots can also be made very easily.
19. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale (con’t)
20. Infrared Photography
21. Flash Photography

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A. To make up multiple exposures, rotate the film winding crank (to
advance the film and cock the shutter) and then turn the multiple
exposure lever in the clockwise or arrow-indicated direction, which
will expose a red mark. When set in this manner, the shutter can be
released and cocked any number of times, without advancing the
film.
B. Upon taking the multiple-exposed picture, be sure to return the
multiple exposure lever back to its vertical position and cover the red
mark. Otherwise, there will be additional multiple exposures on the
same frame.
A. The mirror lock-up switch lever has three settings, or N, S and C,
with the lever rotated to set N (normal) to the index for shooting
without locking up the mirror, S (single frame) and C (continuous) for
shooting with the mirror locked up.
* On shooting with mirror locked up, always use Manual mode when
the AE Prism Finder S is attached.
B. For shooting with the mirror locked-up, first cock the shutter.
Then, rotate the mirror lock-up lever in the arrow-indicated direction
and coincide S or C to the index. The lens shutter will close com-
pletely and the reflex mirror and film safety plate will swing up.
C. The shutter will be released when the shutter release button or
cable release is depressed.
22. Multiple Exposures
23. Mirror Lock-Up

20
D. When S is set to the index with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the
lever will automatically return to N, with the next film advancing and
shutter cocking action. And, following shots will be normal.
a. Advance the film and cock the shutter. In this case, a single expo-
sure will be wasted.
F. To return to normal shooting with the mirror locked up in the con-
tinuous mode, rotate the mirror lock-up switch lever and set S or N to
the index, then cock the shutter. When shooting is suspended, after
mirror lock-up in the S or C mode, by rotating the mirror lock-up
switch lever to N, one of the following actions will take place-
1. Shutter will be released, or
2. Shutter will not be released; furthermore, it will not be possible to
press the shutter release button.
* In order to prevent the above, shooting should be continued, in the
following manner;
E. When C is set to the index with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the
lever will not return to N with the next film advancing and shutter
cocking action. Therefore, shooting with the mirror locked-up will be
possible any number of times.
* When the film winding crank is revolved, after all 12 or 24 expo-
sures, film winding only in the normal manner, will not take place, but
the shutter will be released with the mirror locked up, any number of
times. Therefore, always return the mirror lock-up switch lever to N
after the last 12th or 24th exposure, and wind the film in the normal
manner.
23. Mirror Lock-Up (con’t)