Zenith 12 XP
To get the best results from 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 suggested that before loading 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 'test' film be shot and the results examined before taking further pictures.
Loading the Camera - Step by step instructions Always load the camera in subdued light; if outdoors shield from direct sunlight. 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. Lift Rewind Knob [16] to open back.
[22] slots ensuring that the second hole engages with a tooth on the spool. Ease film forward by swat strokes of Transport Lever [2] until it stops. The lower Sprocket Teeth [26] should be properly engaged. Fire shutter. Advance film by short strokes of transport lever until both top and bottom sprockets are engaged.
Using the Camera Set the Speed Dial [1 ] appropriately according to the subject. The dial is marked in figures that represent fractions of a second-i.e. "60" is 1/60th second. It may be turned in either direction but not between "500" and "B" and must not be between marked speeds. Initially we suggest that outdoors the speed set should not be less than 1/125th sec. Focusing. Look through the Viewfinder [27] and roughly decide what you wish to take remembering you are actually looking through the lens.
Depth of Field The lens is also provided with a scale calibrated in meters but it will seldom be necessary to refer to this. This is the depth of field scale [13] and works the following way: All lenses when focused on a given subject will show some objects in front of and behind that subject sharply in focus. This range is called "Depth of Field" and varies with different lenses.
Using the meter 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 will switch on the meter and one of two red lights on the right-hand side of the viewing frame will 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.
Set Film Speed In the cut-outs in the Aperture Indicator Dial [15a] there are two scales for ferris 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 [15c] is not obscured in any way when taking a reading.
Removing Exposed Film - Step by step instructions Replace the lens cap to prevent accidental exposure of film during rewinding. Press Shutter Release Button [3]. With the finger tip depress the Film Rewind Sleeve (arrowed above) into the cut-out portion of the surrounding sleeve. It will click and stay down. Lift out Rewind Crank [16] and rotate clockwise in the direction of the arrow. You will feel the film being rewound into the cassette - stop when resistance ceases.
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 to, "30-X", the aperture being determined by the camera-to-subject distance. Tables or calculators for this are given in the instructions for 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.
For exposures longer than the meter range (1/30th at f/2) the "B" setting on the Speed Dial [1] must be used. The exposure should be determined by using a hand-held meter such as the Leningrad or by experience/estimation. Although the camera may be rested on a firm surface the best results will be obtained by the use of a tripod but avoid those of a flimsy nature. A Hellos Tripod or Hellos Mini-Tripod (illustrated) is ideal. Set the Speed Dial to "B" Set the Aperture Ring [9].
The Self Timer [7j provides about a seven second delay in the firing of the shutter and enables you to get into the picture yourself. Flash can be used. Place camera preferably on a tripod, otherwise on a firm surface. Set speed and aperture. Frame area In Viewfinder [27j and focus. Cock Shutter by advancing Film Transport Lever [2] in short strokes until it stops. Depress Shutter Release button [3] halfway until lens closes down and turn it fully clockwise to the "V" position.
Changing the Batteries The Meter is powered by two Mallory D386 cells which should be changed every twelve months. To remove. Place coin in slot of Battery Cover [19] and turn anticlockwise until slot is horizontal. Remove cover and old batteries Fit two new batteries both with "+" outwards. Replace battery cover with slot horizontal locating the two cover arms in the camera body slots. With a coin edge push inwards and turn to lock in vertical position.
