Pentax ZX-M User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
PENTAX mi

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA
Although we have carefully designed this camera for safe operation, please be sure to follow
precautions given on this page.
A WARNING This mark indicates precautions that, if not foliowed, could result in seri¬
ous injury to the operator.
A CAUTION This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in
minor or medium Injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.
A WARNING
• Wrapping the strap around your neck is danger¬
ous. Make sure that small children do not get
the strap caught around their neck.
• Do not look directly at the sun through the cam¬
era, as viewing the sun for an extended period
may damage your eyes.
• Be sure to store batteries out of the reach of
children. Seek medical assistance immediately
if accidentally swallowed.
A CAUTION
• Never try to disassemble, short or recharge the
battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in
fire, as it may explode.
• Remove the batteries from the camera immedi¬
ately if they become hot or begin to smoke. Be
careful not to burn yourself during removal.

Read this instruction manual carefully to get a full
explanation of operations before use.
The names of the camera’s working parts are listed
on the front and back flaps in this operating manu¬
al. Keep the flaps unfolded for quick reference while
reading this manual.
Icon indicators used in this manual
Operation direction
Automatic operation
Attention
^ “ X
t \
Lamp blinking
►
Correct
o
Incorrect
X
Lenses and accessories produced by other
manufacturers are not made to our precise
specifications and therefore may cause difficul¬
ties with or actual damage to your Pentax cam¬
era. We do not assume any responsibility or lia¬
bility for difficulties resulting from the use of
lenses and accessories made by other manu¬
facturers.

NAMES OF WORKING PARTS I
O Main switch (p. 12)
e Shutter release button
0 LCD panel (p.3)
O Shutter dial
0 Shutter dial lock button
© Hot shoe {p.39)
0 Exposure compensatiion dial (p.15, 33)
© Exposure compensatiion release button
(p.15, 33)
© Drive mode dial (p.23)
(E) Strap lug (p.7)
(D Electronic cable release socket (p.32)
® Back cover release lever (p.12)
Mid-roll rewind button (p.17)
(E) Mirror
© Lens information contacts
© Lens unlock button (p.11)
(f) Lens mount index (p.10)
(E» Preview button (p.35)

PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR CAMERA
Your Pentax camera is a high-precision mechanism.
Handle it with great care.
Precautions when taking pictures
• Do not use the camera where it may come in contact
with rain, water, or any other liquid, because the cam¬
era is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should
the camera get wet from rain, splashing water, or any
other liquid wipe it off immediately with a dry soft cloth.
• Do not drop the camera or allow it to hit solid objects.
If the camera suffers a shock or impact, take It to a
Pentax service center for inspection.
• Be careful not to subject the camera to strong vibra¬
tions, shock or pressure. Use a cushion to protect the
camera when carrying it in a motorcycle, car, boat, etc.
• Condensation on the interior or exterior of the camera
may be extremeiy harmful to the camera mechanism
as it may cause rust. Furthermore, if the camera is
taken from warm temperature to a subfreezing one or
vice versa, the formation of icelets may cause dam¬
age. In such a case, put the camera into a case or
plastic bag so that any changes in temperature differ¬
ence is minimized. Do not remove it from the bag until
temperature has stabilized.
• Regular size color prints may cut off what appears on
the extreme edges of the film frame. Compose your
picture with a margin of safety at the edges.
Precautions for storage
• Avoid leaving the camera for extended periods in
places where the humidity and temperature are very
high, such as in a car.
• Do not store the camera in a closet with moth balls or
in an area where chemicals are handled. Store it in a
place with good dry air circulation to prevent the
growth of fungus.
Precautions for proper care
• Never touch the shutter curtain or mirror with your fin¬
ger or any other object.
• Use a blower and lens brush to remove dust accumu¬
lated on the lens or viewfinder.
• Never use solvents such as paint thinner, alcohol or
benzene to clean the camera.
• Electrical problems may often be caused by water, dirt
or dust at points of electrical contact. Also check for
battery leakage, traces of dirt or grease, or corrosion
due to salinity or gas. If you cannot correct the prob¬
lems, have your camera inspected at a Pentax service
center. Repairs of this nature are not covered under
the terms of the warranty and charges may be
assessed.

other precautions
• The temperature range at which this camera func¬
tions properiy is -10°C to 50“C (14°F to t22“F).
• A camera which has been submerged in water usu-
aliy cannot be repaired, if such an accident should
occur, it is advisable to contact a Pentax Service
Center immediateiy.
• To maintain optimum performance, it is recom¬
mended that the camera be inspected every one or
two years. If the camera has not been used for an
extended period, or is being prepared for an impor¬
tant photographic session, it is recommended that
you have the camera inspected or test shoot with it.
• Repairs deemed necessary due to usage of this
product in an industrial or commercial application
may not be covered under the terms of the Pentax
warranty.
• The PENTAX warranty provides only for the repair
of defects in materials or workmanship. Damage of
any kind cannot be repaired at no charge under the
terms of the warranty. If the difficulty is caused as a
direct result of the product being used in conditions
as outlined in the “Precautions for Your Camera”
section or any other operation contrary to the
instructions outlined in this manuai, charges wili be
assessed and a repair quotation wili be provided.
PRECAUTIONS FOR BATTERY USAGE
• Use two 3V iithium batteries (CR2 type).
• Misuse of the battery can cause hazards such as
ieakage, overheating, explosion, etc. The battery
shouid be inserted with the "+" and sides facing
correctly.
• Battery performance may be temporarily hindered
in iow temperatures, but will recover in normal tem¬
peratures.
• Keep a spare battery on hand for replacement con¬
venience when shooting outdoors or while traveling.
• Replace the batteries at the same time. Do not mix
battery brands, types or old batteries with new, as
this may cause overheating or explosion.

LCD PANEL INDICATION
VIEWFINDER INDICATION
rr
PAvivM f l
QmULJho
p : Programmed AE (p.19, 26)
Av ; Aperture-Priority AE (p.27)
Tv ; Shutter-Priority AE (p.29)
M : Metered Manual Mode (p.30)
88 : Frame Counter (p. 14)
Q_ ; Film Status Information (p.14)
Q : Battery Exhaustion Warning (p.9)
ISO : Film Speed Setting Signal (p.15)
8860 : Film Speed Information (p.15)
LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display)
When the LCD is exposed to high temperatures
over approximately 60®C it may blacken, but when
the temperature normalizes, it should return to nor¬
mal.
Q : Microprism (p.21)
© ; Split-image (p.21)
sas : Shutter Speed (p.26, 28, 29, 31)
F8£ : Aperture Value (p.26, 28, 29, 31)
V : Flash Status Information (p.39)
® : Exposure Compensation (p.33)
I?®
If- : Bar Graph (p.31, 33)
K©
* : Memory lock (p.34)

TABLE OF
Names of working parts.Flaps
Safe use of your camera .Inside cover
Precautions for your camera. 1
Precautions for battery usage. 2
LCD panel indication. 3
Viewfinder indication . 3
Camera functions available with various lenses .. 6
I GENERAL OPERATIONS
1 . Attaching the camera strap. 7
2. Loading the batteries . 8
CONTENTS
3. Attaching the lens .10
4. Turning on the power . 1 2
5. Film loading. 1 2
6 . Film Speed (ISO) setting . 1 5
7. Rewinding and Unloading.16
* Rewinding in mid-roll. 1 7
8 . Using the shutter release button.18
9. Setting the aperture and shutter speed dial .. 19
10 . Holding the Camera. 2 0
11. Focusing. 2 1

II ADVANCED OPERATION
1. Selecting a Drive Mode.23
Single Frame Mode .23
Consecutive Frame Mode .24
Self-Timer Mode.24
2. Selecting the Exposure Mode.26
Using the Programmed AE Mode .26
Using the Aperture-Priority AE Mode.. 27
Using the Shutter-Priority AE Mode .29
Using the Metered Manual Mode .30
Using the Bulb Exposure Mode.32
3. Exposure Compensation.33
4. Using the Memory Lock.34
5. Depth of Field Preview button.35
6 . Data Back (optional) .36
Adjusting the Date on the Data Back.36
Adjusting the Time on the Data Back.37
Replacing the battery in the Data Back .38
7. Using a Pentax Dedicated External Flash .39
Overview of flash functions .40
8. Slow-speed-sync shooting.41
9. Accessories (Optional).42
10. Camera case. 4 3
11. The infrared index .44
III OTHERS
Troubleshooting.45
Specifications.46
Warranty policy .48

m CAMERA FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE WITH VARIOUS LENSES
Some of the special functions (Power zoom, Image-size tracking, Zoom clip, auto-zoom effect) cannot be
used with this camera.
Function Lens
[Mount type]
FA lens
(KaF2 ]
F lens
[Kat]
A lens
[Ka]
M lens
[K]
S lens
[Screw]
Programmed AE
0*1
0*1
0
X
X
Aperture-Priority AE
0
0
0
0
O
Shutter-Priority AE
0*1
0*1
0
X
X
Metered Manual
0
0
0
0
O
Auto Flash
0
0
0
0
0
Multi (2)-segment metering
o
0
0
X*2
X*2
Approx, f-stop indication
0
0
X
X
X
Notes:
*1. Exception of Pentax-FA Soft 85mm f/2.8 and FA-soft 28mm f/2.8.
*2. Center-weighted metering is used instead of the multi-(2) segment metering mode.

1
I GENERAL OPERATION
Fit the strap on the camera as illustrated.
• There is a pocket on the strap so you can store the
finder cap, release socket cover, hot shoe cover or
any other small accessory as illustrated.
GENERAL
OPERATION

GENERAL
OPERATION
2 LOADING THE BATTERIES
1 2
1 Open the battery chamber cover by using a • Misuse of the battery can cause hazards such as
coin or siniilar object. leakage, overheating, explosions, etc. The battery
2 Load two batteries (CR2 type) according to should be inserted with the “+” and sides facing
the markings (+,) in the battery chamber. correctly.
3 Turn the battery chamber cover screw in the • The optional “ AA-Battery Pack FG" is also avail-
direction of the arrow to iock it secureiy. able for this camera instead of using the lithium
batteries.
• Replace the batteries at the same time. Do not mix
battery brands, types or old batteries with new, as
this may cause overheating or explosion.
• Keep spare batteries on hand for replacement
convenience when shooting outdoors or while
traveling.

*
When the batteries are nearly exhausted, the bat¬
tery symbol [ Q ] appears on the LCD panel to warn
you. Even if the battery symbol appears, exposure
will be correct as long as the shutter releases, but
the batteries should be replaced as soon as possi¬
ble.
Battery Life (using 24-exposure film rolls at
20°C/68T)
General existing light photography
about 120 rolls
Bulb exposure time
about 8 hours
Battery Life (using 24-exposure film rolls at
-10“C/14“F)
General existing light photography
about 30 rolls
Bulb exposure time
about 2 hours
CR2 batteries were used under Pentax testing con¬
ditions. Actual battery life and performance may
vary drastically depending on external conditions
such as temperature and freshness of the battery.
* When the low battery warning [ Q ] starts biinking,
the shutter cannot be released.
* Replace both batteries at the same time.
GENERAL
OPERATION

GENERAL
OPERATION
3 ATTACHING THE LENS
1
1 Remove the body mount cap O and rear lens
cap O as shown in the illustration.
• The body mount cap is designed to protect the
camera against scratches and dust at the factory.
• For storage, the optional accessory "Body Mount
Cap K" is available.
2
2 Align the red dots on the camera and lens
mount, attach the lens to the camera body,
and turn It fully to the right until it clicks Into
place.

3 To remove the front lens cap, squeeze the
tabs on both sides in the direction of the
arrow.
*
*To remove the lens, turn it to the left while
depressing the lens unlock button.
• We assume no responsibility nor liability for dam¬
ages resulting from the use of lenses made by
other manufacturers.
• The camera body and lens mount incorpor^ate lens
information contacts. Dirt, dust, or corrosion may
cause damage to the electrical system. Clean the
contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
GENERAL
OPERATION

4 TURN ON THE CAMERA
Set the main switch to the ON position.
Note:
The LCD panel shown above is an example. The
actual display that you see may be different if a lens
is attached or if you have made other camera set¬
tings.
5 LOADING FILM
1 2
1 To open the back cover, slide the back cover
release lever in the direction of the arrow.
2 Place the film cartridge in the film chamber as
shown in the illustration.
• Always load and unload film in the shade or by
using your body to shade the camera.
• Pull the film leader out only far enough to reach
the take-up spool.

THE SHUTTER CURTAINS ARE FINE-PRECI¬
SION MATERIAL. DO NOT TOUCH THEM WITH
YOUR FINGERS OR ANY OTHER OBJECT
WHILE LOADING FILM.
• If you have pulled out too much film, push it back
into the cartridge to reduce the slack.
• The DX information pins in the film chamber are
used to read film speed. Keep them clean and free
from scratches. To remove smudges, wipe them
gently with a soft, dry cloth.
13
3
3 Align the film leader with the film leader end
mark O as shown.
• Make sure that the film perforations properly
engage on the sprocket teeth ©.
• Make sure that the film leader is positioned under
the film retainer O as shown in the illustration.
GENERAL
OPERATION

GENERAL
OPERATION
4
X Film loaded with slack No!
• If the film is not loaded
properly, [ Q. f ] on
the LCD panel blinks,
indicating that the film
is not loaded properly.
Open the back cover
and load the film once
again.
4 Close the back cover and, If you have not
already done so, set the main switch to the
[ ON ] position. The fiim automatically
advances to the first frame.
• Check that [ / ] and [ Q. ] are displayed on the
LCD panel.
•The film counter indication advances one each
time the shutter is released.

Automatic film speed setting
This camera is designed to use DX-coded films with ISO
ratings from 25 to 5000. When DX-coded film is used, the
correct film speed is automatically set for the camera. If
you use a non-DX coded film, set the film speed manual¬
ly-
To set the ISO film speed manually:
1 To change the ISO to a larger number (higher film
speed), turn the exposure compensation dial to
[ A ] while holding down the exposure compensa¬
tion dial release button.
2 To change the ISO to a smaller number (lower film
speed), turn the exposure compensation dial to
[ T ] while holding down the exposure compensa¬
tion dial release button.
3 Depress the memory lock button until the desired
iSO is indicated on the LCD panel.
4 After the ISO is set, move the exposure compensa¬
tion dial to [ 0 ].
Note:
• The shutter cannot be released with the exposure com¬
pensation dial set at [ A ] or [ ▼ ].
• When the ISO film speed is set manually, [ ISO] appears
on the LCD panel.

GENERAL
OPERATION
7 REWINDING AND UNLOADING THE FILM
1 The film automatically rewinds at the end of 2 When the film is fuily rewound, oniy \ 0 1
biinks on the LCD panei.
• During rewinding, [ - ] blinks on the LCD panel,
indicating that the film is being rewound, the expo¬
sure counter counts frame numbers in reverse.