Zenith 12 User manual
Contents
Introduction..4
Operating
Controls.2/3/36/37
Specification...5
Loading
the
Camera.6
Using
the
Camera.10
Depth
of
Field....12
Using
the
Meter.13
Zenith
11
Meter.15
Removing
Exposed
Film.17
Photography
with
Flash...19
Time
Exposures.21
The
Self
Timer.....23
Changing
the
Batteries.25
Extending
the
Range.26
For
close-up
work...
30
Accessories.31
Caring
for
your
Camera..33
Troubleshoot!
ng.34
After
Sales
Service
35
Owners
Information/
Notes.38
The
itlustration/description
of
equipment
and
accessories
throughout
this
book
is
tor
information
only
and
shouid
by
no
means
be
considered
an
offer
of
saie.
1
Zenith
12
Operating
Controls
0
Shutter
speed
dial
@
Rim
Iransport
lever
0
Shutter
release
Dutton
0
Frame
counter
(Je)
Accessofy
shoe
{with
protective
oover)
@
Filmspeed
irdicator
@
Cranked
rewind
knob
(incorporating
security
camera-back
lock)
Film
speed
selector
dial
0
Flash
synch,
socket
0
Neckslrap
eyelet
0
SelFlimer
button
0
Seff-timer
lever
@
Necksirap
eyelet
0
Aperture
Ring
Infra-red
focus
(ij)
DiStance/Aperlure
indicator
Depth-of-field
scale
0
Focusing
Rirtg
2
Zenith
12
Operating
Controls
@
Battery
compartnient
cover
@Fi1fn
j
sprocket
V
wheels
^
Rim
N
cassette
spindle
pressure
plate
^
R!m
cassetti
chamber
^
Camera
back
4
policy
of
continuai
product
deveiopment
means
that
them
may
be
mmor
differences
h
design
or
specification
between
your
camera
and
these
instructions.
g)
Tripod
bushes
3
To
get
the
best
results
trom
your
Zenith
study
these
instructions
thoroughly
to
make
sure
you
are
familiar
with
the
essential
features
of
the
camera
before
you
start
taking
pictures.
It
is
a
ested
that
before
ng
the
first
film
you
sit
down
with
the
instructions
in
front
of
you
and
try
out
all
the
controls
to
generally
'get
the
feel'
of
the
camera.
It
is
also
recommended
that
a
lest'
film
be
shot
and
the
results
examined
before
taking
further
pictures.
This
will
enable
any
early
operator
errors
to
be
corrected
and
will
give
you
confidence
for
the
future.
As
a
'system’
camera
your
Zenith
will
accept
a
Introduction
large
number
of
different
lenses
and
additional
accessories;
we
parttcularly
recommend
as
most
suitable
those
from
the
Helios
range
which
will
enable
you
to
cope
with
almost
any
photographic
situation.
Your
Zenith
is
sturdily
built
to
work
happity
under
widely
varying
conditions
but
rt
should
always
be
remembered
that
as
a
precision
optical
instrument
it
must
at
all
times
be
treated
with
due
care
and
consideration
and
protected
from
shock,
damp,
dust,
sand
and
sudden
changes
of
temperature.
With
care
it
will
give
many
years
of
reliable
service
-
and
bnffiant
pictures.
This
booklet
has
been
provided
to
enabie
you
to
get
the
best
results
as
quickly
as
possible
and
is
not
intended
to
be
a
comprehensive
manual
of
photography.
There
are
many
good
inexpensive
books
on
photographic
technique
available
and
your
dealer
will
be
pleased
to
recommend
one
suitable
for
your
particular
need.
4
Format
Shutter
Flash
Synchronisation
Vievkfing/Focusing
system
Exposure
meter
Specification
24
x
36mm;
using
standard
35mm
cassettes
of
1
2
,
20,
24
or
36
exposure
colou
r
or
black
and
white
film.
Horizontal
travelling
Focal
Plane
type,
speeded
1/30,
1/60,
1/125,
1/250
and
1/500th
second
plus
B
{brief
time).
Linked
to
self-timer
giving
approximately
7
seconds
delay.
Electronic
flash
at
1/30th
sec.
through
‘Hot-shoe'
or
standard
3mm
co-axial
socket.
Eye-level
pentaprism/instanl
return
mirror
shows
upright
laterally
correct
image.
Bright
Fresnel
focusing
screen
with
central
micropris
m
spot.
_
Zenith
12
Built-in
CdS
cell
with
L.E.D.
indicators
in
the
viewfinder.
Power
source,
two
Mallory
D386
cells.
(These
should
be
replaced
once
a
year.)
Zenith
11
Selenium
cell
with
match-needle
read
out.
Both
meters
calibrated
for
16-500
AS/VI
3-28
DIN.
Frame
counter
Standard
Lens
Helios
44M-4
58mm
focal
length
Additive
0-36
manual
resetting
type.
Construction
Diaphragm
type
Aperture
range
Distance
scale
Filter
size
6
elemenis
in
4
grLHUps
Fully
airtofnalic
inslaril
rfrcpen.
f/2-f/1&
wilh
clidt
stops
at
Ii4l
afxf
haJI
apertures
(except
between
Pll
and
f/16)
0.5m
to
Infinity
samm
screw
Lens
mount
42nMTi
thread
accepis
standaid
single-
pin
autgrrifliic
teFisos
and
atnesaori&s
5
Loading
the
Camera
-
Step
by
step
instructions
Always
load
the
camera
in
subdued
light;
if
outdoors
shield
from
direct
sunlight.
I
^
Make
sure
that
the
indicator
on
the
Shutter
Release
Button
[3]
is
facing
towards
the
front
of
the
camera.
Depress
Shutter
Release
Button
[3]
-
if
shutter
does
not
fire
advance
Transport
Lever
[2]
in
short
strokes
until
it
stops
and
press
Shutter
Release
Button
[3]
again.
6
Lift
Rewind
Knob
open
back.
Insert
film
cassette
into
Rim
Chamber
{21]
projection
of
cassette
to
bottom.
Push
Rewind
Knob
[16]
down
turning
slightly
to
seal
Into
cassette.
Draw
out
enough
film
to
insert
tip
of
leader
into
any
of
Take-up
Spool's
[22]
slots
ensuring
that
the
second
hole
engages
with
a
tooth
on
the
spool.
Ease
film
forward
by
short
strokes
of
Transport
Lever
[2]
until
it
stops.
The
lower
Sprocket
Teeth
[261
should
be
properly
engaged.
7
Fire
shutter.
Advance
film
by
short
strokes
of
transport
lever
until
both
top
and
bottom
sprockets
are
engaged.
If
necessary
tighten
film
on
Take-up
Spool
[22]
by
turning
the
flange
at
the
base
of
the
spool
anti-clockwise
with
the
finger
and
in
the
cassette
by
gently
turning
the
Rewind
Knob
[16]
in
the
direction
of
the
arrow
on
the
lever
until
resistance
is
felt.
This
is
especially
necessary
with
twelve
exposure
films.
Close
the
back
of
the
camera
until
it
clicks
shut.
Complete
wind-on
if
necessary
until
Transport
Lever
[2]
stops.
Rre
shutter.
Advance
film
Transport
Lever
[2]
using
short
strokes
until
it
stops.
The
Rewind
Knob
[16]
should
revolve
whilst
this
Is
being
done.
8
Fire
shutter
and
advance
film
again.
Set
Frame
Counter
[4]
to
zero
Set
Film
Speed
Selector
Dial
[151
against
Indicator
[17]
appropriate
to
the
speed
of
the
film
to
be
used.
There
are
two
scales
for
fi
1ms
rated
in
ASA
and
DIN.
Only
click-stopped
numbered
or
intermediate
positions
may
be
used.
Intermediate
positions
are
proportional.
If
using
1000
ASA
film
set
the
selector
to
500
ASA
but
use
the
next
faster
shutter
speed
than
indicated
by
the
meter
or
close
the
aperture
ring
by
one
full
stop.
Zenith
11
owners
see
Page
15
for
how
to
set
exposure
meter.
The
camera
is
now
ready
for
use.
9
Set
the
Speed
Dial
[1
]
appropriately
according
to
the
subject.
The
dial
is
marked
in
figures
that
represent
tractions
of
a
second-i.e*
“60"
is
Veoth
second.
It
may
be
turned
in
either
direction
but
not
between
"500“
and
"B"
and
must
not
be
left
between
marked
speeds.
Initially
we
suggest
that
outdoors
the
speed
set
should
not
be
less
than
1/125th
sec.
10
Focusing.
Look
through
the
Viewfinder
[27]
and
roughly
decide
what
you
wish
to
take
remembering
you
are
actually
looking
through
the
lens.
Focus
by
turning
the
Focusing
Ring
[11]
clockwise
for
close
and
anti-clockwise
for
far
distance
until
the
subject
is
sharp
and
clear
on
the
large
viewing
screen.
For
critical
focusing
use
the
inner
of
the
two
rings
in
the
centre
and
adjust
until
the
image
is
clear
and
undistorted.
Since
you
are
viewing
and
focusing
through
the
actual
lens
that
takes
the
finished
picture
you
can
feel
safe
in
the
knowledge
that
there
will
be
no
parallax
problems
[no
more
cut-off
heads
in
close-up
portraits
and
the
like).
There's
a
built-in
safety
margin
of
course*
in
common
with
many
other
modem
single
lens
reflex
cameras,
the
viewfinder
showing
an
overall
area
somewhat
smaller
than
the
total
film
area
This
ensures
that
everything
you
see
in
the
viewfinder
appears
in
the
finished
picture
despite
the
fact
that
slide
mounts
and
masks
in
printing
equips
ment
actually
cover
part
of
the
film's
image.
11
I
Depth
of
Field
The
lens
is
also
provided
with
a
scale
calibrated
in
meters
but
it
wilt
seldom
be
necessary
to
refer
to
this.
This
is
the
depth
of
field
scale
[131
snd
works
as
follows:
—
All
lenses
when
focused
on
a
given
sublect,
will
show
some
objects
in
front
of
and
behind
that
subject
sharply
pn
focus.
This
range
of
sharpness
is
called
"Depth
of
Field"
and
varies
with
different
lenses
With
any
lens
you
will
find
that
Depth
of
Field
is
always
greater
at
small
lens
apertures,
such
as
f/16.
and
less
at
targe
apertures
such
as
f/2.
Depth
of
Field
is
also
greater
with
a
more
distant
subject
than
a
nearby
subject
and
increases
nearly
twice
as
much
beyond
the
subject
than
m
front
of
it.
To
use
the
depth
of
field
scale
first
focus
on
your
subject
then
determine
how
great
a
Depth
of
Field
a
given
aperture
will
give
by
reading
distances
against
the
two
marks
for
that
aperture.
The
figure
on
the
left
will
be
the
nearest
point
in
focus
and
that
to
the
right
the
furthest,
thus
enabling
you
to
select
that
aperture
which
will
give
the
desired
Depth
of
Field.
12
Using
the
Meter
V_
y
Over-exposure
Having
focused
on
the
subject
set
the
Lens
Aperture
Ring
[9]
in
the
middle
of
the
range
(say
f/8)
and
press
the
Shutter
Release
Button
[3]
about
half-way.
This
wilt
switch
on
the
meter
and
one
of
two
red
lights
on
the
right-hand
side
of
the
viewing
frame
will
Under-exposure
come
on.
If
it
is
the
upper
one
this
indicates
over-exposure
and
the
Aperture
Ring
[9]
should
be
turned
clockwise
thus
reducing
the
amount
of
light
reaching
the
film.
Should
the
lower
light
come
on
it
indicates
under-exposure
and
the
Aperture
Ring
[9]
should
Correct'
exposure
be
turned
anti-clockwise.
Turn
until
both
fights
flash
rapidly
in
sequence
-
this
is
the
correct
exposure.
If
it
is
not
possible
to
get
both
fights
flashing
in
sequence
even
at
the
end
of
the
range
of
the
Aperture
Ring
[9]
then
13
alter
the
Shutter
Speed
and
iight
areas
are
not
Dial
[1]
up
or
down
and
evenly
balanced
(such
repeat
the
process.
The
as
an
illuminated
face
meter
fitted
m
the
Zenith
against
a
dark
doorway
12
XP
is
very
sensitive
or
a
person
against
a
and
in
some
cases
the
sun-lit
background)
then
indicator
lights
may
it
will
be
necessary
to
move
from
top
to
bottom
take
a
close-up
reading
without
an
intermediate
of
the
main
subject
-
■
flashing'
stage.
In
this
thus
excluding
the
case
choose
the
distracting
area
-
and
exposure
at
the
point
of
use
this
setting
when
the
change
from
top
to
you
return
to
your
bottom
when
the
latitude
original
viewpoint.
of
modern
film
will
still
give
you
the
correct
exposure.
A
Helpful
Hint
for
Better
Exposure
The
meter
measures
all
the
light
reaching
it
and
"'averages''
it
to
achieve
a
reading
which
is
correct
when
dark
and
light
areas
are
evenly
balanced.
When
dark
14
The
Zenith
11
The
Zenith
11
incorporates
a
fauiJt-in
selenium
exposure
meter
which
needs
no
batteries.
See
pages
36/37
for
operating
controls.
Apart
from
this
it
is
identical
to
the
Zenith
12
XP
described
throughout
the
rest
of
this
booklet.
Zenith
11
owners,
therefore,
should
carefully
study
and
follow
all
the
instructions
for
the
12
XP
apart
from
the
meter
Set
Film
Speed.
In
the
cut-outs
in
the
Aperture
indicator
Dial
[1^]
there
are
two
scales
for
films
rated
in
ASA
and
DIN.
Set
the
speed
of
the
film
in
use
by
turning
the
dial
with
the
small
projection.
Any
intermediate
positions
may
be
used
and
are
proportionate.
Point
the
camera
at
the
subject,
if
outdoors
with
a
bright
sky
tilt
it
downwards
somewhat.
Also
study
the
Helpful
Hint
for
Better
Exposure'
on
page
14.
Always
ensure
Exposure
Meter
Window
[ifcj
is
not
obscured
in
any
way
when
taking
a
reading.
15
With
the
camera
still
pointed
at
the
subject
turn
the
Shutter
Speed
Indicator
Dial
t15bj
until
the
ring
ot
the
Exposure
Meter
Cursor
[19b]
is
centred
over
the
Exposure
Meter
Needle
[19al.
Read
off
possible
combinations
of
speed
and
aperture
opposite
each
other
on
the
two
dials.
Only
those
speeds
in
white
may
be
set
directly
on
the
camera;
of
the
others,
2-15
represent
fractions
of
a
second
and
are
for
information
only
but
the
figures
1-30
are
whole
seconds
which
may
be
used
in
a
time
exposure.
Choose
the
most
suitable
combination.
Set
the
Aperture
Ring
91-
In
extremely
dim
lighting,
the
Exposure
Meter
NeedJe
[19a]
may
rest
near
the
right-hand
edge
of
the
transparent
window.
Should
this
occur,
place
your
hand
close
in
front
of
the
Exposure
Meter
Window
and
watch
the
needie
carefully.
If
the
needle
moves
when
you
block
the
meter
cell
the
exposu
re
meter
is
able
to
function
in
the
existing
light
-
remove
your
hand
and
determine
exposure
in
the
normal
way.
However,
if
no
needle
movement
occurs
when
you
place
your
hand
in
front
of
the
meter
cell
the
existing
light
is
insufficient
and
the
exposure
meter
cannot
be
used.
In
this
event,
either
a
time
exposure
or
use
of
a
flash
gun
is
recommended.
16
Replace
tfie
lens
cap
tp
prevent
accJderitaJ
exposure
ol
film
during
re
wincing.
Prpiss
Shutter
Release
Button
[3].
depress
the
Film
Rewind
Sleeve-
(arrowed
atiove)
into
the
cut-out
portion
of
the
sunDunding
sleeve.
It
will
dick
and
stay
down.
Lift
out
Rewind
Crank
[16]
and
rotate
clockwise
in
Ehe
direction
ol
the
arrow.
You
wifi
feel
tie
film
being
rewouFKl
into
the
cassette
-
stop
when
resistance
ceases,
17
Lift
Rewind
Knob
[16]
fully
to
open
camera
back.
Remove
exposed
cassette.
Advance
Film
Transport
Lever
[2]
in
short
strokes
until
it
stops.
The
Film
Rewind
Sleeve
will
return
to
its
original
position.
Fire
shutter
The
camera
is
now
ready
for
your
next
film.
Multi-Functions
of
Shutter
Release
Button
1
-
REWIND
RELEASE
COLLAR
SHUTTER
flELEASE
For
Fifm-Rewinding
In
order
to
rewind
film
it
is
necessary
to
release
the
film
drive.
To
do
so
fully
depress
the
shutter
release
button
and
allow
it
to
return
to
its
normal
position.
Then
depress
the
rewind
release
collar
(see
diagram)above)
and
Tollow
instructions
on
page
17
For
Timed
Exposures
see
pages
21-22
For
Self-Timer
see
pages
23-24
18
Photography
with
Flash
The
meter
cannot
be
used
when
taking
flash
pictures
as
the
burst
of
light
is
too
short.
In
all
cases
the
Speed
Dial
[1)
must
be
set
t
9
the
aperture
being
determined
by
the
camera-to-subject
distance.
Tables
or
calculators
for
this
are
given
in
the
instaictions
ior
the
flashgun
often
being
incorporated
into
the
gun
itself.
Some
flashguns
have
built-in
computers
which
allow
the
aperture
to
be
left
at
one
setting
regardless
of
camera-to-subject
distance.
Set
the
Speed
Dial
to
"30-X".
Remove
square
shield
from
Accessory
Shoe
[18]
and
put
in
a
safe
place.
19
A
lightweight
compact
gun
may
be
slid
into
the
accessory
shoe.
If
there
is
a
lead
connect
the
plug
to
Flash
Sync.
Socket
[5].
A
large
or
heavy
gun
must
be
fitted
to
a
flash
bracket
screwed
into
one
of
the
Tripod
Bushes
[23]
on
the
camera
base.
Connect
the
lead
to
the
Flash
Sync.
Socket
[51
Set
Aperture
Ring
[9]
in
accordance
with
the
flashgun's
instructions.
Switch
gun
on,
wait
for
'Veady"
fight,
focus
and
proceed.
Remember
to
replace
the
accessory
shoe
cover
after
removing
gun.
20
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