Krasnogorsk-3 Owner’s Manual
© 2000 NCS Products rev 2.00 Page 3of 6
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of one of the best things ever made in the USSR, the
Krasnogorsk-3 motion picture camera! Built as rugged as a T-72 Tank, and as precise as the
MIR space station, the K-3 will give you many years of reliable use. Refer to the diagrams on the
previous page and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the controls and mechanism of
the camera. We’ve included a short length of 16mm film you can use to practice loading.
LOADING THE CAMERA
1. Select a clean dust-free area that is not exposed to direct sunlight,
2. Wind the camera a few times using the winding handle.
3. Adjust the camera speed control knob to 8 frames-per-second,
4. Flipping the camera over so that the lens is pointed to your left, open the magazine cover to
expose the interior of the camera. Place the cover down gently and try not to get it dirty.
5. Remove any empty daylight reels from the camera.
6. Spray a burst of compressed air into the magazine to blow away any dust or debris. Check
the film gate by opening it slightly (or removing it). [To remove the film gate push it open to
its widest and gently pull it upwards.] If the gate does not appear to have any hairs or dust
accumulated don't clean it! If it is dirty use a Q-tip or orange wood stick to clean it. You
should never clean the gate with compressed air as some types can leave a harmful residue
on the lens or mirror elements.
7. Unpack your unexposed film. Unroll approximately 18 inches of film and place the roll on the
top spindle of the magazine so that the film comes off the bottom of the roll. Remember to
push the footage counter arm aside when placing the film on the spindle.
8. Place the end of the film into the feed side (top) of the sprocket assembly. If the end of the
film is jagged use scissors or the film cutter located inside the magazine to trim it straight.
9. Slowly feed the film into the sprocket assembly by pressing the trigger on the front of the
camera. Watch the film carefully, if it starts to jam push, pull, or guide the film as necessary
through the camera until it has emerged from the take up side of the sprocket assembly.
10. The film should be pressed against the plastic guides located at the top and bottom of the
gate (this is your film loop). If the film has pulled away try to adjust it to the proper size by
gently pulling film into the loop from the feed side of the sprocket assembly. You can open
the sprocket assembly on the feed or take-up side to make adjusting the loop easier by lifting
the smooth round pin (#25 in diagram) on the bottom or top of the assembly.
11. Run some film (at least two feet) and make sure the film is running through the camera
properly. If running properly the film will emerge without scratches or ripped sprocket holes
from the take up side of the sprocket assembly.
12. Wind the excess film around an empty daylight reel by turning the reel in a clockwise
direction. Then place the reel onto the take up spindle making sure that there is not an
excess of film between the sprocket assembly and the take up reel.
13. Replace the cover onto the magazine and make sure that the cover has locked into place.
14. You are ready to film! If you hear a sudden change of sound from the magazine while filming
it may be a good idea to check on it. Opening the camera in the middle of a roll will only
expose approximately four to eight feet of film (if daylight spools are used). If your camera
should for some reason jam, try to adjust the film so that it runs smoothly. In the event you
have to rip the film to free it either remove the original take up real and start another by
following the loading sequence, or splice the film back together but make sure you make a
note of the film break for the lab.
WINDING THE CAMERA
The spring motor uses a governor to maintain a constant film speed from the beginning of a shot
until the spring has wound out. To wind the spring use the winding lever located on the side of
the camera. Lift the handle into a vertical position and turn it counter-clockwise. Wind the
camera as much as needed or until the lever encounters resistance.
