Pentax P3 User manual

PENTAX
PENXAX

Thank you most sincerely for choosing one of our Pentax 35mm SLR
C3mcr3s.
Before starting to operate this camera, please be sure to read this operating
manual very carefully to familiarize yourself with every detail of the
features and functions it has to offer. We hope you will enjoy fine pho-
tography with this camera for many years to come.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features ....
Nomenclature of working parts .
preparations
Inserting batteries .
Attaching and detaching lens .
Film wind lever ...
Main switch, shutter release button,
shutter dial.
Film.
Loading film .
Unloading film.
Strap and soft case .
BASIC OPERATION
Viewfinder displays .
Focusing .
Shooting in Programmed AE mode .
Shooting in Metered Manual mode .
Warning displays.u
Using Pentax dedicated auto flash units
Using Programmed Auto Flash mode
4^
ro
advanced operation 2 2
Exposure-memory lock.
Self-timer..^.34
Using 100 ^ setting . ^5
Using B (Bulb) setting.
Depth of field . 28
Depth-of-field preview .
Infrared index mark ...''‘'‘‘Tr'*'
Programmed AE diagram, metering .
shutter/aperture coupling ran^ge .-..
Diopter correction, mount adapter .
Precautions on batteries .
Specifications . 40
Taking care of your camera .
Warranty policy .

features
When thi^s camera is used with any SMC Pentax-A
ns, It offers three exposure modes: Programmed
aperture ,s set to any f-stop other than the -I"
used ^he r X- Kf-mount lens is
mode. “Perates in the Metered Manual
Programmed AE Mode
automatically selects the most suitable
combination of shutter speed and aperture to obtain
comect exposure, simultaneously changing the *
combination according to the brightness of the
subject. This mode is suitable for those who do not
want to be bothered by setting exposure controls or
those wishing to take "action" photos.
Metered Manual Mode
The combination of shutter speed and aperture is
completely up to you. Guided by the meter
ronuol's°to'1?" "diost both
controls to obtain proper exposure. If necessary
deliberate over- or underexposure can be ob^d.
Programmed Auto Flash Mode
namo" ® Pentax dedicated auto flash on this
camera in its Programmed AE mode the camera
automatically selects the proper aperture anTshutter
Se°. P-P- "-h

What you should know first about this camera
• The camera does not operate unless the batteries
are properly inserted. Be sure to check how they are
inserted before operating it. Also check if the mam
meter switch is set to ON or OFF.
• Most flashes made by others can be used on this
camera, but Pentax dedicated flashes will offer more
convenient functions. Even if you use a flash with
TTL auto flash provision, this camera does not
provide TTL auto flash operation.
• When you use the accessories such as Extension
Tubes, Microscope Adapter, etc. that are mounted
between the camera body and lens, this camera
operates in the Metered Manual mode. The
Programmed AE mode cannot be used.

NOMENCLATURE OF
Film wind lever-—-
Shutter-release button- —
Shutter dial-
Self-timer lamp-
Exposure counter_
Aperture "A" index-
Aperture
scale/ring-
ING PARTS
--Hot shoe
— Main switch
“Self-timer lever
— Film rewind knob
Aperture-auto
lock-release
button
using ring
Strap lug
Memory lock button
Cable-release socket
Preview lever
Lens-lock-
release lever

—Film rewind crank
Viewfinder eyepiece
Film-sprocket spool
Film-takeup spool
Film-loaded indicator

PREPARATIONS
, , .. - -'v 'V

INSERTING BATTERIES
This camera is powered by two 1.5-volt alkaline or silver-oxide
mini-batteries.
• Open the battery chamber cover by turning it counter-clockwise
with a coin.
• Insert the two batteries into the chamber with their |-t) sides
facing downward, and replace the cover.
• As illustrated, turn the meter on by sliding the main switch in
the direction of the arrow.

• Press the shutter release button half-way and make sure that
a shutter speed appears on the left side of the viewfinder.
Timer switch
The built-in timer switch automatically turns the meter off in about
ten seconds after you release your finger off the shutter button.
Battery check
If no shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder even with a slight
pressure on the shutter button, the batteries have no power or may
be improperly inserted. ^
When batteries weaken
When the batteries are becoming weak, the shutter speed displayed
in the viewfinder starts to blink slowly at the speed of once per
second. If so, replace the batteries immediately. If the batteries are
completely exhausted, the shutter button does not release the