Zero Image Zero 6 x 9 Multi Format User manual

Zero 6 x 9 Multi Format
Pinhole/Zone Plate Version
Instruction Manual

Zero 6 x 9 Multi Format
Thanks for purchasing the Zero Image wooden pinhole/zone
plate camera. With Zero Image cameras, the creativity of
photography will be unlimited. The Zero Image cameras are easy
to use, read this manual before your first shot for best results.
NOMENCLATURE
CAB
E
D
GH
I
F
K
L
2
A. Top cove lock
B. Film advance knob
C. Top cover
D. Shutter
E. Pinhole/zone plate
F. Exposure scale
G. Film counter window cover
H. Film counter window
I. Back Cover
J. Tripod socket (not shown)
K. Divider
L. Optional cable release adaptor

6X4.5
6X6
6X7
6X9
SETTING THE FILM FORMAT
The Zero 6X9 camera is designed to be a
multi format camera. The film format can
be set to 6 x 4.5 (portrait), 6 x 6, 6 x 7
(lanscape) and 6 x 9 (landscape) before
the film is loaded.
1. Turn the top cover lock (A) counter-
clockwise to open the top cover (C).
2. Slide out the back cover (I).
3. You will find two dividers (K) at two
sides of the middle chamber of the
camera. You will also find there are 4 pairs of symmetric slots on both
the top and bottom panel of the inner chamber. The pair close to the
center is for 6 x 4.5 format, the one next to it is for 6 x 6, then for 6 x 7
and the outermost pair is for 6 x 9.
4. Slide out the dividers (K) and insert them to the appropriate slots for
the film format you prefer.
Note: If you want to change the film format after the film is loaded, you
need a dark room or a changing bag.
2

LOADING THE FILM
This camera accepts only 120 roll film.
1. Insert the tongue of the backing paper of a fresh roll film into the
slot of the take-up spool.
2. Insert the fresh film and take-up spool into the camera with the
fresh film at the right-hand side of the camera.
3. Slide back the back cover (I).
4. Cover the top cover (C), adjust the film advance knob (B) so as it can
insert into the slot (on top of the take-up spool), then turn the top
cover lock (A) clockwise to lock the top cover (C). It is no need to
tighten it too much or you may damage the camera.
5. Turn the film advance knob (B) clockwise to advance the film until
number “1” appears under the film counter window (H).
Note:The mechanism prevent you from turning the film advance knob
(B) counter-clockwise so as to prevent the film from curling back.
If you force to do that you may damage the camera.
USING THE FILM COUNTER WINDOW
1. Slide the film counter window cover (G)
to open it. You will see three round red
film counter windows (H).
2. Use the upper window if your camera
is set to 6 x 4.5 format. The middle one
is for 6 x 6 format and the lower one is
for 6 x 7 and 6 x 9 format.
3. Advance the film with the film advance
knob (B) until you see the number “1”
appear on the film counter window (H).
6x4.5
6x6
6x7
6x9
3
close
open
fresh film

Example: If you have set the film format to 6 x 6 format, load the film
and then advance the film until number “1” is appear on the MIDDLE
window. After this frame is exposed, advance the film until number “2” is
appear on the MIDDLE window.
Note:Remember to advance the film after every exposure or you will get
a double/multi exposure image and don’t forget the film format
you have set.
4
EXPOSURE
Calculating the exposure time:
If you don’t have a light meter, use 2-4 seconds under bright sunlight,
4-20 seconds for shade; 4-10 minutes for cloudy, for indoor or lightscene,
use 15-45 minutes or more.
If you have a light meter, you can make use the exposure scale (F) to
calculate the exposure time easily. The numbers on the outer ring of the
scale are the exposure time range from 1/8000 of a second to 15 hours
and numbers on the inner dial indicate f/stop number setting. These
range from f/1.4 to f/720.
1. Use a light meter to get a reading of the scene you wish to
photograph. Choose the f/stop that is aligned most closely with a
given exposure time. (For example, the reading is f/5.6, 1/500 seconds)
2. Look on the inside ring and find the f/stop selected from the light
meter (f/5.6 in this example). Turn the dial until that f/stop matches
with the correct exposure time (1/500 seconds in this example).
3. Now find f/250 on the inside dial. (f/stop of the Zero 6x9 camera is f/
235). It will be aligned with the estimated exposure time of the
photograph you wish to take, i.e. 4 seconds in this example.

5
Reciprocity Corrections
If the exposure time is shorter than 1/10,000 seconds or longer than 1
second, it is necessary to calculate and adjust for reciprocity failure.
Exposure time indicated by
Exposure scale Compensation Exposure
1 second (or over) x2 2 seconds
5 seconds (or over) x5 25 seconds
50 seconds (or over) x12 600 sec or 10 min.
Note:1. All informations mentioned above is based on ASA100 film
speed. 2. Some practice will be required to relate the times given in
this chart to your particular camera and film. Keep a record of the
light condition and the exposure time for every photograph you
take, so that you can make later adjustments accordingly.
Trigger the Shutter
1. To expose, simply slide the shutter
(D) to open the shutter. When the
exposure time is up, close it by slide
it back to cover the pinhole.
2. If you use high speed film or a zone plate version camera, the
exposure time may less than 1 sec. This time you need to open the
shutter (D) and hide the pinhole/zone plate with your finger, then
remove your finger and put it back to cover the pinhole as fast as
you can.
3. If you have the optional cable release adaptor (L), you can open the
shutter maually by sliding it or attach the cable release to trigger
the shutter as “B” mode on ordinary camera.
open
close
open
close
close
open

UNLOADING THE FILM
The camera takes 16 frames when set to 6 x 4.5 format; 12 frames when
set to 6 x 6 format and 8 frames when set to 6 x 7 or 6 x 9 format.
1. When all the frames are exposed. Simply advance the film advance
knob (B) until all the film is transfered to the take-up spool.
2. Open the top cover (C), slide out the back cover (I) and you can take
out the exposured film.
3. Tighten and seal it with tape or rubber band to prevent it from light leak.
MAINTENANCE
This beautiful handcraft camera is made of natural hardwood. It will
expand or shrink when weather change. In order to prevent it from dry
out continually, it is highly recommend to clean and polish the camera
with bee wax or wood oil periodically and pay attention to the
followings:
1. Avoid the camera from getting wet.
2. Do not let the camera exposed under strong sunlight for a long time.
3. Do not press or punch the pinhole/zone plate (E) or the film counter
window (H) with any object.
4. Never clean the camera with alcohol base cleaning agent.
5. Clean the camera with a cotton cloth, polishing oil like lemon oil,
orange oil for woodworking or bee wax is preferable.
6. If the shutter (D) or the exposure scale (F) is too tight or too loose,
adjust the screw that hold it with a screw driver.
7. Clean the pinhole/zone plate with an air blower tenderly. Keep the
blower at least one inch away from the pinhole/zone plate and blow
away the dust tenderly. Too much air pressure may damage the
pinhole/zone plate.
8. Never over-tighten the knob or any screw of the camera. It will cause
damage to the camera.
9. Do not store the camera near heat source or in a cabinet with
humidity control, the camera may dry up or crack.
6

SPECIFICATIONS
Zero Image Co.
Unit 902, Workingview Commercial Bldg.,
21 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: [phone] (852) 29499332
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web Site: http://www.zeroimage.com
Technical support: Email: [email protected]
©Copyright ZeroImage Co., 2000
Material: Solid brass, hard wood
Pinhole size: 0.17mm
Zone Plate: 40mm with 11 zones
Dimension : 6 3/4” (W) X 3 3/4” (H) x 2 1/4” (D)
172 mm(W) X 90 mm(H) X 56 mm(D)
Weight: 328 gm
F/no: f/235 (pinhole)
f/55 (11 zones zone plate)
Focal Length: 40mm
Film use: 120 roll film
Film Format: 6 x 4.5, 6 x 6, 6 x 7, 6 x 9
Tripod Socket: 1/4” Thread
Specifications and design are subjected to change without notice.