Arax 88 Instructions for Use

A R A X – 88

MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. GENERAL NOTES

The ARAX is a medium-format single lens reflex (SLR) camera with either an all-metal (gold or black) or light-tight
rubberized fabric curtain shutter and interchangeable film magazines (sizes: 6x6 or 6x4.5 cm). The camera is designed
to meet the needs of any photographer, from the advanced amateur to the working professional.

The ARAX cameras are hand selected KIEV-88s that undergo an extensive mechanical upgrade process. These
camera bodies and magazines are re-assembled, adjusted, tested, and matched to provide superior accuracy and to
assure a light tight fit between the magazine backs and camera bodies. Any deficiencies in the basic Kiev design are
addressed via reinforcement and/or replacement.

The camera is designed to use 61.5-mm wide non-perforated roll film (type 120/220). The camera’s curtain shutter
offers exposure times over a range from 1/1000 to 1/2 sec. and manual exposure "B". The shutter cocking mechanism
and the film transport mechanism are interlocked, thus preventing unintentional double exposures.

The camera comes complete with the MC ARSAT 2.8/80 “standard” lens. The lens is provided with a special multi­layer antireflection coating (MC = Multi - Coating), which upgrades the image quality and enhances its contrast due to
better-integrated transparency and reduced light dispersion. The focal length of the lens is 80 mm, the relative aperture is
1:2.8, the diaphragm setting limits are f2.8 - f22, and the near focusing limit is 0.6 m.

Critical focusing is accomplished with the aid of a micro-raster or a range finder wedge arranged in the center of the
field of view and with the aid of a ground-glass surface.

The camera is designed to use most interchangeable lenses fitted with a "Pentacon Six" type bayonet mount. The
hood-type viewfinder enables the image to be viewed on the ground-glass surface either with or without a magnifying
lens. The field of vision of the hood-type viewfinder measures 53x53 mm. Magnification of the TTL (Through the Lens)
prism finder eyepiece is 3x, the field of vision measures 53x53 mm.

The camera operates with interchangeable film magazines, which provide either 12 exposures of 6x6 cm size or 15
exposures of 6x4.5 cm size on type 120 film, or 24 exposures of 6x6 cm size on type 220 film. The interchangeable film
backs offer the ability to change film types at any time, even in mid-roll.

The camera is provided with flash synchronization compatible with both cabled and hot-shoe flash units.

The camera operates in the temperature range from minus 15 to plus 45o C.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting to use your new ARAX camera, be sure that you have read and understand this manual,
preferably with the camera in front of you. You will then be ready to load your film and begin making great
photographs. Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the ARAX family!

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2. MAIN UNITS AND PARTS

1 - lens
2 - lens focusing ring
3 - distance scale
4 - depth-of-field scale
5 - diaphragm ring
6 - diaphragm scale
7 - MLU release button
8 - bayonet clamping button
9 - hot shoe cover
10 - film magazine
11 - dark slide
12 - strap fitting eye
13 - tripod socket and guide of attaching handle
14 - flash sync plug socket

15 - flash hot shoe mount
16 - film magazine lock button
17 - exposure scale index
18 - finder hood
19 - rapid wind crank handle
20 - depth-of-field visual check lever
21 - exposure scale
22 - shutter release button
23 - shutter cocking and exposure time setting knob
24 - shutter cocking indicator window
25 - film exposure indicator window
26 - exposure counter window
27 - multiple exposure release

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3. OPERATING PROCEDURE

3.1. Preparing the Camera for Loading

Take the camera out of the case. Insert dark slide 11 as far as it will go. Having displaced button 16 in the direction of
the arrow, remove it from the camera.

NOTE: The film magazine lock will open only with the dark slide pushed home. Never try to dismount the film
magazine without the dark slide inserted.

3.2. Film Magazine Loading

The magazine is loaded with the film in daylight (preferably in shade). See below.

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