01-1BC(E)_Cover 11/15/01 7:26 PM Page 1 Optical Equipment Group 2-14-9 Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8610 Japan Tel:(03) 3708-4506 http://www.kyocera.co.jp/ KYOCERA OPTICS, INC. 2301-200 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, New Jersey 08873, U.S.A. Tel:(732) 560-0060 KYOCERA OPTICS, INC. 6020 Irwindale Avenue, Unit A-C, Irwindale, California 91706, U.S.A. Tel:(626) 812-8888 KYOCERA OPTICS, INC.
01-1BC(E)_Cover 11/15/01 7:26 PM Page 2 ENGLISH We greatly appreciate your purchase of this Contax NX camera. The Contax NX is an autofocus single lens reflex camera based on the Contax' fundamental principle of "building cameras for creating works of art". Automatic or manual focus can be selected according to the subject and setting so that the user can achieve the desired results with accuracy. Read these instructions carefully before using the camera to ensure proper use and a long service life.
02-1BC(E)_P003-007 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 3 Caution • Clean the camera thoroughly after use at the beach or in dusty areas. Salt spray may corrode metal components, and may result in damage to, and short-circuit of, electronic components, with the possibility of smoke or fire. The presence of sand in the mechanism of the camera will cause problems in operation. • The lens may fog-up if the camera is moved immediately from a cold area into a warm room.
02-1BC(E)_P003-007 Warning 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 4 • Do not take photographs while moving. In particular, do not move while looking through the viewfinder. Use in such situations may result in a fault in the camera. • Do not pay excessive attention to the subject at the expense of your surroundings during photography. • Do not leave the camera within reach of infants or children. Take particular attention when using the camera near infants or children, and do not leave it unattended.
02-1BC(E)_P003-007 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 6 CONTENTS Safety warnings ....................................................2 Cautions in Handling ............................................2 Names of Parts........................................8 Display Panel and Viewfinder Display...10 1. Fitting the strap and viewfinder shade adapter............................................................14 2. Fitting the eye cup/diopter correction lens......15 3.
03-1BC(E)_P008-012 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 8 Names of Parts Internal flash (page 72) Sync switch (page 73, 84) Position dial (page 28) Strap lug (page 14) ABC Exposure/ button (page 62,75) Mode button (page 30) Display panel (page 10) R dial (page 29) Light button (page 12) Dedicated flash contact (page 76) Direct X contact (page 81) Film check window Camera back release button (page 20) Camera back opening lever (page 20) Sync terminal (page 81) Eye cup F-3 (Page 15) Battery cover/ Battery compa
03-1BC(E)_P008-012 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 10 Display Panel and Viewfinder Display Exposure counter (page 21) Selftimer remaining time (page 65) ABC shooting order (page 62) Bulb exposure time (page 57) Film loading indicators • Film advance error (page 21) • Film advance normal (page 21) • Film advancing (display increments) • End of film (page 24) • Film rewinding (display decrements) • End of rewind (page 24) Focusing mode (page 30) •“ ” Manual focus •“ ” Single autofocus •“ ” Continuo
03-1BC(E)_P008-012 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 12 The display in the viewfinder incorporates a variety of information - as well as the focus, aperture, and shutter speed, it also shows the exposure meter and exposure counter. The viewfinder display turns on when the operations below are performed, then automatically turns off after 16 seconds to save power. When the main switch is turned on. When the shutter button is half-pressed while the main switch is turned on.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 13 BASIC OPERATIONS PRIOR TO SHOOTING This section describes procedures that should be taken prior to photographing and includes basic operations of this camera. If you already have basic knowledge on handling a camera and wish to start taking photographs immediately, proceed to “SIMPLE SHOOTING PROCEDURE” on page 35.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 14 1. Fitting the strap and viewfinder shade adapter 2. Fitting the eye cup/diopter correction lens First pass the strap through the viewfinder shade adapter supplied with the camera, and then attach the strap to the camera as shown below. The eye cup F-3 is fitted as shown below. The separately available FL diopter correction lenses (+3, +2, +1, 0, -2, -3, -4, -5 available) are fitted as shown below. The eye cup may be fitted on the diopter correction lens.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 16 3. Inserting the batteries and checking the battery power Turn the main switch off before inserting the batteries. The meaning of the battery marks are as follows: Check the battery power with the main switch turned ON. Battery compartment cover Open the battery compartment cover. Use a coin to turn the battery cover in the direction of the arrow.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 18 4.Mounting and removing lenses 5. Holding the camera Mount mark Lens mark Remove the camera's body cap and the lens rear cap. Line up the mount mark on the lens with the lens mark on the camera, insert the lens, then turn it clockwise until a click is heard and the lens is firmly engaged. • Use Contax N-mount lenses. • Contax 645 system lenses can be used by mounting on an NAM-1 mount adapter.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 20 6. Loading film Camera back release knob Open the camera back by lifting the camera back release knob while sliding the camera back opening lever downwards. Pulling on the tip of the film, draw out the film to the position of the orange “ I ” mark, then set it over the spool. Make sure the film is flush (not bulging out), as shown in the diagram.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 22 7. Setting the film speed manually Film with DX code When “DX” is displayed on the display panel, the camera reads the DX code and sets the film speed automatically. The automatic film speed settings range from ISO 25 to 5000. Use the procedure described below to set the film speed for film with no DX code or when you want to set a different ISO from the one indicated for the film.
04-1BC(E)_P013-024 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 24 8. Removing film Once the film has been fully exposed it is automatically rewound. The numbers on the exposure counter decrease while the film is rewinding. Once the film is completely rewound, the motor stops and “00” flashes on the exposure counter. Check that the motor has stopped and that “00” is flashing on the exposure counter, then open the camera back and remove the film. • Remove the film in a place out of direct sunlight.
05-1BC(E)_P025-034 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 25 BASIC OPERATIONS 25
05-1BC(E)_P025-034 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 26 1. Main switch 2. Shutter release button “OFF” Red mark The main switch is used to turn the power on and off and to activate the AEL (AE lock) mode. Half pressure • Set the main switch at the click position to prevent accidental operation. Full pressure OFF: When the red mark is not visible The camera's power is off. Shutter release button The shutter release button operates in two steps.
05-1BC(E)_P025-034 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 28 3. Position dial 4. F and R dials The position dial may be set at any one of five positions - “ ” (white), “ ” (green), “SET”, “ISO”, or “CF”. The F dial (front command dial) and R dial (rear command dial) are used for a variety of settings. F dial Position dial F dial (front command dial) • Exposure correction settings • Selecting the photography mode (focusing mode, exposure mode, metering mode, drive mode).
05-1BC(E)_P025-034 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 30 5. Mode button and mode details 6. Selecting the mode ( The mode button is used to select the focusing mode, exposure mode, metering mode, or drive mode. Press the “MODE” button and set with the F or R dial as necessary. focusing mode, exposure mode, metering mode, drive mode ) Set the main switch to ON and set the position dial to “ ” (white) or “ ” (green). Mode button Press the mode button. [Mode details] <1.
05-1BC(E)_P025-034 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 32 7. ABC/ button Used for ABC setting (page 62). Press the ABC button, and set with the F dial. This button may also be used for flash correction (page 75). Turn the R dial in the direction of the arrow to display “Metering mode details”. “Metering mode details” appears on the display panel, and the current metering mode flashes. ABC/ button Turn the F dial to the desired metering mode. The selected metering mode flashes (select the metering mode details).
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06-1BC(E)_P035-37 11/15/01 7:27 PM Page 35 SIMPLE SHOOTING PROCEDURE USING THE “ ” (GREEN) SETTING ON THE POSITION DIAL Used the “ ” (green) position for simple photography. This setting is recommended if you are using a camera for the first time, or if you wish to take photographs without worrying about aperture and shutter speed settings.
06-1BC(E)_P035-37 Using the “ 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 36 ” (green) setting on the position dial Set the main switch to “ON”, and turn the position dial to “ ” (green). The camera is set to the following modes when shipped from the factory. Position dial Focusing mode : Exposure mode : Metering mode : Display panel (In the “ ” (green) position on the position dial, the same combination of photography modes (focusing, exposure, metering, drive) are selected when the main switch is set to ON.
07-1BC(E)_P038-46 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 38 1. Selecting focus frames Viewfinder FOCUSING This camera has five focusing frames: the frame at the center of the picture, and four peripheral frames positioned diagonally. The most appropriate frame for the position of the subject is selected. When the auto select mode is switched, the selected focusing frames flash red once.
07-1BC(E)_P038-46 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 40 2. Focusing in the autofocus mode The autofocus mechanism is activated when the shutter button is half-pressed while the focus dial is at the “SAF” or “CAF” position. The focusing frame selected when the shutter button is half-pressed lights red momentarily. After the distance is measured, the frame for which the focus was adjusted lights red momentarily. Display panel Set the focus dial to "SAF" (single autofocus) or "CAF" continuous autofocus).
07-1BC(E)_P038-46 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 42 ❖ In the “CAF” (continuous autofocus) mode If the subject is not within a focusing frame with the desired composition, use the procedure described below to lock the focus on that subject. Point the camera at the subject on which you want to focus, position the subject within the focusing frame, then half-press the shutter button. The focus is adjusted continuously while the shutter button is half-pressed. Example: Center focus frame selected.
07-1BC(E)_P038-46 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 44 3. Focusing manually When a lens fitted with the dual focus mechanism is used the autofocus mechanism can be used while in the manual focusing mode. To use autofocusing, press the focus button. The camera adjusts the focus automatically while the focus button is pressed, and when the subject is in focus the focus is locked in that position (SAF: focusing with single autofocus). Use for one-shot autofocus.
07-1BC(E)_P038-46 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 46 It is not necessary to set both the lens and the camera to MF when using manual focus on a lens incorporating an AF/MF select switch with the NX. When setting the camera to AF (SAF or CAF) AF or MF may be selected immediately with the switch on the lens. When the camera is set to MF, setting the switch on the lens to AF allows use of one shot autofocus. Operation with each combination is as shown below.
08-1BC(E)_P047-49 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 47 SELECTING THE METERING MODE This camera is equipped with three metering modes: evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering, and center divided partial metering. See page 31 for setting details. To achieve highly effective photographs with higher precision, read “Types of metering modes and their features” on the next page carefully and select the metering mode according to the shooting conditions and your desire to achieve a certain exposure effect.
08-1BC(E)_P047-49 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 48 1. Types of metering modes and their features
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 50 1. Autoexposure photography <1. Taking photographs with the aperture priority mode “Av” (aperture priority auto exposure)> APPLIED PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES This camera allows for a wide range of creative possibilities. (Av is the abbreviation of “Aperture value”, and is the degree of aperture) for “Aperture value”.) In this mode, when the aperture is set the camera automatically sets the shutter speed for a correct exposure.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 52 <2. Taking photographs with shutter speed priority settings “Tv” (shutter priority auto exposure) mode> <3. Taking photographs in the program auto mode “P” (program auto exposure) mode> (“Tv” stands for “Time value”.) When the shutter speed is set the camera automatically sets the aperture in accordance with the brightness of the subject. Suitable for photography of moving subjects.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 54 2. Manual exposure photography < > Over-exposure warning < > Over-exposure warning <1.Taking photographs with the exposure set manually “M” (manual exposure) mode> < > Over-exposure warning In this mode, you set the aperture and shutter speed yourself. This mode can also be used to intentionally achieve over- or under-exposure effects. Refer to the exposure meter display in the viewfinder to set the exposure.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 56 [Taking photographs with exposure compensation in the manual exposure mode] Exposure compensation display <2.Using the bulb exposure mode buLb> Use the bulb mode for nighttime or astronomical photography requiring long exposure times. The exposure compensation appears on the display panel. The “+/-” exposure compensation mark flashes in the viewfinder.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 58 3. Taking photographs with exposure compensation When the correct exposure cannot be obtained for the primary subject due to extreme differences in brightness between the subject and background, or when deliberate over or under-exposure is required, exposure can be compensated using the three methods described below. Example <1. Setting exposure compensation manually (with Av, Tv, P)> Turn the F dial to set the amount of exposure compensation.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 60 <2.Taking photographs with the AE lock> AE lock allows you to hold a certain exposure value even if the light changes or the composition is altered. It allows you to customize exposure in autoexposure modes. Use it when the subject is lit from behind or when you want to take a series of photographs of a moving subject with a constant exposure.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 62 <3. Taking photographs with the Autobracketing Exposure Mode (ABC Exposure mode)> The ABC Exposure mode can be used to take a series of three photographs with three exposures: standard, overexposed, and underexposed. This mode allows photography under very subtle lighting conditions without the need to determine exposure. Continue pressing the shutter button to catch that important shot. * ABC stands for Automatic Bracketing Control.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 64 4. Using the selftimer Use this mode to include yourself in the photograph. Display panel Set the drive mode to " ". For instructions on setting the drive mode, see page 31.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 66 5. Date and time imprinting SET button Year Month Date Date Month Year The date and time are changed as follows. SELECT button Press the mode select button to display the date. Press the select button until the item to be changed flashes. Press the set button to change to the correct value. (The seconds may be changed when “:” appears on the time display. Press the set button at the tone for accurate adjustment.
09-1BC(E)_P050-70 11/15/01 7:28 PM Page 68 6. Checking the depth of field Aperture stop-down button 7. Cable switch socket When a lens is focused on the subject, objects within a range in front of, and behind, the subject are also in focus. This range is referred to as the “depth of field”.
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10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 71 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY Use of the flash is recommended with indoor and night-time photography when the shutter speed is 1/30 second or shorter. The camera incorporates the “TTL direct metering” function for controlling the built-in flash automatically from the camera when it is used together with a Contax TLA flash system. When using the TLA360 flash, be sure to read “2. Taking photographs using a Contax TLA360 flash” (page 78).
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 72 1. Taking photographs using the internal flash <1. Taking photographs using the TTL auto flash function with the internal flash> The amount of light from the flash reflected off the subject onto the film is measured (TTL direct metering) to control the flash intensity. When the internal flash is raised manually the flash power supply is switched ON and charging begins.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 74 “ ” The flash may be set to reduce red-eye (*). * The pupil of the eye may sometimes appear red (red-eye) when taking photographs of people in dark locations. This setting reduces this problem. • The flash is lit twice at approximately 0.7 second intervals, and the shutter operated simultaneously with the second flash. Take care to ensure that the camera and the subject remain stationary after the first flash.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 76 2. Taking photographs using a Contax TLA flash A Contax flash unit is controlled from the camera in the same way as an internal flash to permit simple flash photography. A flash unit separated from the camera is recommended when photographing subjects at a distance beyond the range available with the internal flash. ❖ Tv (shutter priority auto) <1.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 78 <2.Taking photographs using a Contax TLA360 flash> Auto setting of the angle of illumination The flash’s angle of illumination is set automatically according to the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera. ❖ Making the setting Mount the flash on the camera’s accessory shoe and turn it “on” the flash. The angle of illumination is set automatically according to the lens mounted on the camera.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 80 Flash intensity compensation This is available only in the TTL auto flash photography mode. Compensation is not possible in other modes. • The flash intensity can be compensated within the range of -3 EV to +1 EV in 1/3 EV steps. • The flash intensity is compensated in conjunction with the camera’s exposure compensation value.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 82 4. Flash photography techniques Slow synchronization photography Daylight synchronization photography Normal flash photography When no flash is used <1. Slow synchronization photography> <2. Daylight synchronization photography> Slow synchronization with the shutter speed set at 1/30 second or slower less can be effective for shooting evening or night views using a flash. Slow synchronization often adds more ambient light to the final picture.
10-1BC(E)_P071-85 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 84 Second curtain synchronization Second curtain synchronization photography with a Contax TTL auto flash Set the sync select switch to “ ”. First curtain synchronization Check that the “ ” mark in the viewfinder is lit (flash is charged), and take the photograph. • Exposure control is the same as for normal flash photography (first curtain synchronization). <3.
11-1BC(E)_P086-89 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 86 1. List of custom functions This camera is equipped with the 20 custom functions, shown on the table below. When the camera is first purchased, these are all set to the standard or “default” functions (standard setting number “0”). (Note that all the explanations in this manual assume the detail numbers are set to “0”). To change the custom functions, refer to “Setting custom functions” (page 89).
11-1BC(E)_P086-89 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 88 2.
12-1BC(E)_P090-94 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 90 1. Basic information on photography Exposure is the act of exposing the film to light, thus converting brightness values in a scene to tonal values on film. Exposure is composed of the size of the opening in the lens (the aperture) and the duration of time in which the light passes through the lens to strike the film (the shutter speed.
12-1BC(E)_P090-94 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 92 2. Troubleshooting If there seems to be a problem, check the following table before assuming the camera is malfunctioning. Symptom 1. Nothing appears on the display panel Cause • No battery is loaded. • Battery is fully spent. • Battery is loaded upside-down. Solution See page • Insert battery. 16 • Replace the battery with a new one. • Insert the battery properly. 16 16 2. Battery mark (“ ”) is flashing • Battery is spent.
12-1BC(E)_P090-94 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 94 3. Shutter speed and aperture value display The shutter speed and aperture value are displayed as described below. • The shutter speed display indicates shutter speeds between “4000” (1/4000 second) and “32" ” (32 seconds).
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 95 MAIN ACCESSORIES This section describes the main accessories for expanding the range of photographic possibilities.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 96 1. Contax Data back D-11 2. Contax Cable switch LA type Display window Slide switch Shutter button Plug MODE select button SET button SELECT button The D-11 is a quartz clock-controlled LCD data back mounted on the camera in place of the Contax NX camera back. The auto date mechanism allows automatic imprinting of the date and time on the film. Open the standard camera back, hold the release pin down, and remove the back.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 98 3. Contax Power pack P-8, P-8D Battery case Power pack GP-1 Jacket (with strap) 2. Load the batteries in the Power pack. [P-8] Insert four AA-size batteries in the battery case (supplied with the P-8 power pack) as shown, and fit to the P-8. Place the P-8 main unit inside a jacket (case). [P-8D] Insert the batteries as described in the manual supplied with the P-8D. 3.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 100 ■ Batteries and Films Battery type : 1.2V AA-size NiH battery (fully charged) Condition A: Close-up → onds. Lens : VS28-80/3.5-5.6 Film : 24-exposure cartridge Battery type : 1.5V AA-size alkali dry battery → close-up, single shutter release, leave for 16 secNormal temperature (20°C) Low temperature (-10°C) → close-up, single shutter release, leave for 16 seconds. Not using flash Approx. 30 rolls Approx.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 102 5. Contax Mount adapter NAM-1 6. Contax Flexible case C-9 By extending or contracting the tip of the case, the NX can be placed in the case with the Data back D-11 and the following Carl Zeiss T* lenses mounted (645 mount lenses require the NAM-1 mount adapter). 5 6 1 1 3 2 4 2 This adapter allows the use of Contax 645 System lenses with the Contax NX. Usable with all NX models.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 104 Main specifications Type: Picture size: Lens mount: Shutter type: Shutter speed: 35mm focal plane type AF/AE single lens reflex camera 24 x 36mm Contax N mount Vertical travel focal plane shutter Av, Tv and P: 32~1/4000 sec. M: 32~1/4000 sec. and bulb X: 1/125 sec. (M mode) Sync contact: X contact (synchronized at up to 1/125 sec.) Direct contact and synchronization terminal included Selftimer: Electronic type, 10 sec.
13-1BC(E)_P095-107 11/15/01 7:29 PM Page 106 Number of films: Using a new battery based on Contax testing standards Lens: VS28-80/3.5-5.6 Film: 24-exposure cartridge Condition A: Close-up → → close-up, single shutter release, leave for 16 seconds. Normal temperature (20°C) Low temperature (-10°C) Not using flash Approx. 25 rolls Approx. 12 rolls Using flash 50% of time Approx. 8 rolls Approx. 5 rolls Using flash 100% of time Approx. 5 rolls Approx.