Contax Tvs III User manual

Thank you for your purchase of the CONTAX
Tvs III.
Based on the CONTAX philosophy of
producing a "camera,
which is pleasurable to own, to use and takes
an excellent photograph",
this 35mm iens-shutter camera is extremely
simple to use.
The camera features a newly designed
retractable zoom lens. The focusing system is
switchabie between auto focus or manuai, and
the exposure controi system
offers aperture-priority auto exposure and
programmed auto exposure.
Wir danken ihnen, daB Sie sich fur eine
CONTAX Tvs III entschieden haben.
Diese Kleinbild-Kompaktkamera ist ein
Ergebnis der CONTAX-Philosophie "eine
Kamera zu schaffen, deren Besitz Freude
macht und exzeiiente Aufnahmen ermogiicht."
Die Tvs Hi ist mit einem voilig neuen
Zoomobjektiv ausgestattet, erlaubt die
automatische und manuelie Fokussierung
sowie die Belichtungsfunktionen Programm-
und Zeitautomatik.
Vor der Verwendung der Kamera lesen Sie bitte
sorgfaltig diese Anieitung.
Before using the camera, be sure to read this
instruction manuai carefully.

-tents
Quick Guide to Shooting.tS
Name of Parts.20
Preparations before Taking Pictures
1. L oading the Battery.26
<Battery Repiacement>
2. Front Cover.
3. Concerning the main power switch
and/or focusing diai.40
4. Diopter Adjustment.42
5. Display in the viewfinder.44
6. Display Panel and Aperture Display LCD.52
7. How to Press the Shutter Release Button.58
8. Set up and Printing the Date and Time.62
9. Loading the Film: .74
10. Holding the Camera.80
11. Basic Photographic Concepts.83
Basic Procedures for Taking Pictures
1. Turn the Main Power Switch to "AF".88
2. Choose the subject size (Zooming).94
3. Taking picture. gg
4. Taking out the film:. 102
Shooting Techniques
1. Focus Lock. 106
2. Aperture Priority Auto Exposure (Av) . 114
3. Exposure Compensation. 122
4. Flash Photography:.130
<1. Auto-flash Mode>
<2. Red-eye Reduction Auto-flash Mode>
<3. Flash-off Modes
<4. Fill-in Flash Mode>
<5. Night Scene Portrait Mode>
<Effective Range of the Built-in Flash>
<Home Position>
5. Shooting with the Self-timer:.152
6. Manual Focusi Shooting. I g O
<Depth of Field Table>
7. Custom Functions.Igg
<List of Custom Functions>
<Setting the Custom Function>

8 . Others.177
<Focusing Range>
<Exposure Control Diagram>
Optional Accessories.184
CONTAXTvs III Specifications.188
Camera Strap and Camera Case: .196
Inhait
Aufnahmekurzanleitung.17
Bezeichnung der Teile.22
Aufnahmevorbereitung
1. Einsetzen der Batterie.27
<Batteriewechsel >
2. Frontabdeckung.37
3. Hauptschalter und/oder Fokussierrad.40
4. Dioptrieneinstellung.42
5. Anzeigen im Sucher.46
6 . Anzeigenfeld und Blendenanzeige-LCD.53
7. So wird der Ausloser gedruokt.59
8 . Einstellen und Belichten von Datum und Zeit.64
9. Einlegen des Films:.75
10. Flalten der Kamera.81
11. Grundkonzepte der Folografie.84
Aufnahme-Kurzanleitung
1. Den Flauplschaller auf „AF“ drehen.89
2. Wahl des Motivauschnittes (Zoomen).95
5

10
Camera Care and Precautions:
• Fingerprints and dirt on the iens and other parts
can adverseiy affect the accuracy of the camera. If
they are soiied, ciean them iightly with lens
cleaning tissue moistened with cleaning fluid. That
is enough in most cases.
To remove dust, blow off with a blower or dust off
with a lens brush.
• To clean the camera body, wipe off with a soft
cloth. Never use organic solvents such as benzene
and thinner.
• After shooting on a beach or in a dusty place, clean
the camera thoroughly. Salt air can cause
corrosion, and sand and dust can adversely affect
the camera mechanism.
® if the camera is suddenly brought Into a warm room
from the outside where it is cold, the lens may be
clouded.
The cloudiness will disappear after a while, but
avoid sudden temperature changes if possible.
• This camera contains high-voltage circuits. In case
of malfunction, never try to disassemble it by
yourself because it is dangerous.
• If you are going to use the camera for important
events such as an overseas trip or wedding
ceremony, check to make sure it operates correctly
or make test exposures beforehand. It is also
recommended to bring a spare battery with you.
• The camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop
it and avoid intense shock.
<Using the Camera in Cold Weather>
If you are using the camera in cold weather, keep it
inside your clothing to warm it up.
As the temperature drops, the battery performance will
be temporarily reduced and the camera may not
operate. However, the battery performance returns to
normal at ordinary temperature.

<When camera does not operate>
It occurs, though rarely, that the camera does not
operate due to strong external electricity. In this case,
turn off the main switch again and take out the battery.
Turn on and off the main switch and then reload the
battery after the display on display panel disappears.
Also, re-set date and time.
<Camera Storago
• Keep the camera away from heat, moisture and
dust and store it in an airy place.
Do not store it in a wardrobe drawer containing
mothballs or in a laboratory which handles
chemicals.
• Do not leave the camera and film for a long time in
hot places, (on a beach in summer, in a closed car
under direct sunlight, etc.) because the camera,
film and battery may be adversely affected.
Kamerapflege und Vorsichtshinweise:
• Fingerabdrucke und Schmutz auf dem Objektiv und
anderen Teiien konnen die Leistung der Kamera
beeintrachtigen, Entfernen Sie Verschmutzungen
dutch leichtes Abwischen mit einem Blatt
Objektivreinigungspapier, das mit etwas
Reinigungsflussigkeit angefeuchtet ist. Staub mit
einem Blasepinsel entfernen,
• Zum Reinigen des Kameragehauses reiben Sie es
mit einem weichen Tuch ab. Verwenden Sie auf
keinen Fall organische Losungsmittel wie Benzol
Oder Farbverdunner.
• Reinigen Sie die Kamera nach Aufnahmen am
Meer Oder an einem staubigen Ort sorgfaltig.
Salzhaltige Luft kann Korrosion verursachen, und
die Mechanik der Kamera kann dutch Eindringen
von Sand und Staub beschadigt warden,
• Wenn die Kamera von einem kalten an einen
warmen Ort gebracht wird, kann das Objektivglas
beschlagen. Dieser Beschlag verdunstet nach
einiger Zeit, doch sollten plotzliche
Temperaturwechsel mdglichst vermieden werden.

1 . Insert the battery. 2 . Set the date or
(Page 26) time. (Page 62) 3.
Loading the film. 4 . Turn the Main
(Page 74) Power Switch to
"AF". (Page 88 )
5. Choosing the size of
subject. (Page 94)
6 . Take a picture. (Page 96) 7 . jake out the film after
rewinding the fiim. (Page
102 ).
After the entire roll of film is exposed

Name of Parts

. 1
®
Exposure compensation dial ® Aperture Button B (Page 114)
@
Select Button (Page 59)
(Page 122) ® Aperture Display LCD (Page
Tripod Socket (Page 152)
@
Viewfinder (Page 44)
114)
Set Button (Page 59)
(D
Self-timer LED (Page 152)
® Front Cover (Page 36)
®
Manual Rewind Button
®
Light Sensor ® Lens
(Page 102)
Focusing Window
@ Lens Barrel
@
Battery Compartment/
®
AF-assist Beam Emitter
® Flash (Page 130) Cover (Page 26)
(Page 98)
® Display Panel (Page 52)
®
Film Check Window
@
Shutter Release Button
®) Viewfinder Eyepiece (Page Camera Back Release
(Page 58) 44)
Knob (Page 74)
®
Zooming Button (Page 94)
@ Diopter Adjustment Dial (Page Film Tip Mark (Page 74)
®
Dial Lock Release Button 42)
Spool (Page 74)
(Page 160)
® Flash Mode Button (Page 130) Film Chamber (Page 74)
Main Power Switch and
@ Camera Back
®
DX Contact (Page 74)
Focusing Dial (Page 40)
@ Strap Lug (Page 196) Film Guides (Page 74)
Strap Lug (Page 196) ® Self-timer Button (Page 152)
Aperture Button A (Page
114)
® Date Button (Page 59)
21

Preparations before Taking Pictures
Aufnahmevorbereitung
Preparation avant la prise de vues
Preparatives para la toma de fotograffas
25

© Open the battery
compartment cover by
turning it with a coin in the
direction of the arrow.
® Load the battery in the battery
compartment with the plus(+)
and minus(-) ends correctly
placed as illustrated, then
replace the cover.
<Battery Check>
After the battery is loaded, turn on the
camera. Then, ” | '' (Display of
Remaining Battery Capacity) appears in
the display panel.
26
Use one 3V lithium battery (CR123 or DL123A) / Eine 3 V-Lithiumbatterie (CR123
Oder DL123A) verwenden. / Utilisez une pile lithium 3V (CR123 ou DL123A) /
Utilice una pila de litio de 3V (CR123 o DL123A)

Display of Remaining
Battery Capacity
Battery Prepare for
capacity is new battery
enough.
(Blinks) (Blinks)
Replace the Ran down
battery with the battery
new one capacity
<Battery Replacement>
You should replace the battery when ” p “ mark
appears on the display panel. Turn the main
switch off, replace the battery with new one.
28
• When you take out the battery from the camera,
replace the new battery immediately. If you leave
the battery out for more than thirty seconds, the
date and time will reset. If this happens, then
please reset the date and time.
• Although you can take pictures even after" p "
mark blinks, you should replace the battery as soon
as possible. If the battery capacity drops below the
effective limit,'' j] " mark on the display panel
blinks and the camera will no longer operate.
• The voltage of some batteries may temporarily
decrease causing " Q " mark to blink when loaded
in the camera. If “p " mark blinks soon after new
battery is loaded, turn the main switch off and back
on again. If " | " mark does appear again, you can
use the battery.

<Battery Precautions>
• Generally, the battery performance is temporarily
reduced by low temperature. If you are taking
pictures in cold weather, keep the camera warm by
putting it inside your jacket and taking it out only
when it is needed. The battery performance
reduced by low temperature returns to normal at an
ordinary temperature.
• If the (+) and (-) poles of the battery are soiled with
sweat or grease, poor contact will result. Wipe both
poles clean with a dry cloth before use.
• If you are going on a long trip, bring a spare new
battery with you.
• Never put the battery in fire and do not recharge,
short, disassemble or heat it because it is
dangerous.
• The camera does not operate if the battery is
loaded with "+“ and ends wrong.
• The 3V lithium battery(CR123A or DL123A) can not
be recharged.
• Keep the battery out of reach of children.
32

<Precautions for Opening and Closing the
Front Cover>
• Opening and closing the front cover must be done
through "0" <=> “AF" of main power switch.
If you force the cover to open by hand or try to
push it closed by hand, it may cause malfunction or
damage.
• Do not put extreme force to the tip of front cover or
the tip of lens barrel It may cause malfunction or
damage.
<Precautions for front cover and during
operation of lens barrel>
• When the front cover or lens barrel is operating, do
not force it to stop.
• If you put pressure on the tip of the lens by
accident or turn the main power switch to "0" =>
"AF" while in a camera case, it may rattle for
approx. 1 to 6 seconds. This is not a malfunction,
but it works to protect the inner mechanism. At that
time, if the lens is stuck, try the following:
© Turn the main power switch to ” once.
@ Turn the main power switch to "AF” again after
a while.
* If the lens does not return with the first try,
repeat ® and @ several times. Then, the
protection mechanism will be released and
return to normal condition.

3. Concerning the main power
switch and/or focusing dial.
Dial Lock
Release Button
Main Power Switch and/or Focusing Dial
Use main power switch and/or focusing dial for on/off
switch of camera's power and manual focus
shooting(Page 160). When you change from @ “ to
"AF", then the camera can be set to 'Full Automatic
Shooting Mode'(Page 88). Also, when pressing the 'Dial
Lock Release Button' and setting "infinity - 0.5", then
'Manual Focus Shooting Mode' can be set.
40
3. Hauptschalter und/oder
Fokussierrad.
Entriegelungsknopf
Hauptschalter und/oder Fokussierrad
Hauptschalter und/oder Fokussierrad zum Ein-/
Ausschalten der Kamera fur manuelles Fokussieren
verwenden. (Seite 161). Wenn Sie von e “ auf “AF”
wechsein, kann die Kamera auf ,Voliautomatische
Funktion' eingestellt werden (Seite 89). AuBerdem kann
- dutch Drucken des Entriegelungsknopfes und
Einstellen von “Unendlich bis 0,5“ - die Funktion
Manuelle Fokussierung eingestellt werden.

Viewfinder
This camera has a built-in diopter adjustment
unit. To adjust the viewfinder eyepiece to your
eyesight, turn the diopter adjusting dial until the
focus frame in the viewfinder appears sharp and
clear. The adjustable range Is from +2 to -3.5
diopters.
42
4. Dioptrieneinstellung
Sucher
Diese Kamera hat eine integrierte
Dioptrieneinstellung.
Zum Einstellen des Sucherokulars auf Ihr
Sehvermdgen den Knopf drehen, bis der
Fokussierrahmen im Sucher scharf und deutlich
erscheint. Der einstellbare Bereich reicht von +2
bis -3,5 Dioptrien.

<Display in the viewfinder>
® Picture Area Frame:
For subjects at normal shooting
distances; beyond 1.0m{39 in.). The
frame illustrates the picture taking
area.(Page 96)
(D Ciose-range Parailax Frame:
For subjects at close shooting
distances: Approx.0.5m(19-3/4 in.) to
1.0m(39 in.). To compose your
picture, place your subject within the
displayed close-up frame.
(D Focusing Frame:
Place your subject to focus in this
frame.(Page 96. Page 177)
® Exposure Compensation Mark:
Lighted when setting 'Exposure
Compensation'.(Page 122)
44

Indication
Contents
® Focusing lndicator(also Distance Indicator)
<When setting to Auto Focusing>
Lighted or blinks according to the resuits of focusing.
~-5 . 5J, 1 -0. 5 blinks and
1-0.5 either 1- 0,5 blinks
one of them is
lighted.
Focus within
the distance
range of
display
Too close to Not possible
subject. Make to focus
distance more
than 0.5m.
<When setting at Manual Focus>
Either one of °° - 5, 5- 2, 2-1, 1 - 0.5 is lighted
according to the setting value.
(D Flash mark:
Lighted : Ready to fire the flash.
Delayed blinks(Twice per second): The flash is
charging.
Quick blinks{Four times per second): Warning out
of range of flash shooting. (If the subject is
too close, it will be 'Over Exposed. And if the
subject is too far, it will be 'Under Exposed'.)
@ Shutter Speed:
'1000' means 1/1000 seconds as to the display of
'Shutter Speed' and '15' means 1/15 seconds.
When two shutter speeds display at the same time,
it means that the shutter speed is in-between.
Also, if ‘LT is lit, it means that the shutter speed is
between 1/10 sec, and 16 sec.
And if it blinks, it means that there is a deviation
from the exposure control range. It will be 'Under
Exposed'.
Also, if '1000' blinks, this means deviation from the
exposure control range. It will be 'Over Exposed'.

Display in the viewfinder is indicated when the following operation
is performed. The display will go off automaticaily after 8 seconds.
This design of display in the viewfinder is to save the battery.
1) When main swith turned to 'AF'
2) With main power switch to 'AF', it displays by pressing the
shutter release button halfway down. Also, if you operate the
buttons during display, the display is postponed for another 8
seconds.
Die Anzeige im Sucher erfolgt, wenn die foigenden VorgSnge
durchgefuhrt werden. Die Anzeige erlischt automatisch nach 8
Sekunden, um die Batterie zu schonen.
1) Wenn der Hauptschalter auf ,AF gestellt wird
2) Wenn in dieser Position der Ausloser leicht gedruckt wird.
Wenn Sie ferner Einstelltasten wahrend der Anzeige drucken,
wird die Anzeige um weitere 8 Sekunden verlangert.
L’affichage dans le viseur est active dans les cas suivants. II
disparail automatiquement apres 8 secondes. Cette temporisation
d'affichage economise I’energie.
1) Quand on deplace I’interrupteur principal sur ‘AF’
2) Lorsque I’interrupteur principal est deja sur 'AF’, I’affichage
reapparait lorsque le declencheur est enfonce a mi-course.
Si une commande est manipul^e en cours d’affichage, la
temporisation est repoussee de 8 secondes,
Para visualizar la informacibn en el visor, se debe realizar !a
operacion descrita a continuacion. La informacion se apagara
automaticamente al cabo de 8 segundos a fin de no gastar
excesivamente la pila.
1) Girar el boton de encendido/apagado a la posicion ‘AF’
2) Pulsar el disparador hasta la mitad para obtener la informacion
en el visor.
Si toca cualquier boton con la informacion en el visor, esta se
mantendra durante 8 segundos mas.

Aperture
(Display Panel am
information availal
does n(
® Date Mark (Page 62)
Y.M.D (Year,Month,Date), D.H.M (Day, Hour,
Minute), M.D.Y (Month, Day, Year), D.M.Y (Day,
Month, Year)
(D Spot Focus Display
It is displayed when focus range Is spot focus.
(Page 166, 178)
(D Display of Remaining Battery Capacity
(Page 28)
@ Self-timer Display(10 seconds or 2 seconds)
(Page 152)
(|) Exposure Counter, Date and Time,
Exposure Compensation Value, Manual
Focusing Set-up Distance, Self-timer
counter, Each display of Custom Function
(D Flash Mode Mark (Page 130)
Auto Flash mode “ "
Red-eye reductioh flash mode “
Flash-off mode “
Fill-in flash mode
Night Scene Portrait mode “
52