Pentax KM Camera User Manual

Pentax KM

Camera Manual

Posted 12-10-'02

For reference use on many Chinon manual focus and metering cameras

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INDEX

Nomenclature ....1

Specifications ....4

Lens Mounting.... 6

Battery ....7

Basic Operating Instructions ....8

Film Loading and Winding ....10

Film Reminder Dial ....11

Setting ASA Film Speed ....12

Compose and Focus ....13

Shutter 14

Camera Holding ....15

Film Unloading ....16

Flash Synchronization ....18

Depth-of-field Preview Button and Guide ....20

Helpful Hints on Exposure Problems ....22

Manual Shutter Operation 23 Infra-red Photography ....24

Multiple Exposure ....25

Range of Light Measurement ....26

Open-aperture or Stop-down Metering ....27

Using Conventional Screw-mount Takumar Lenses ....28

Resistance to Temperature Extremes and Changes ....31

Camera Maintenance ....32

Warranty Policy ....34

Self-timer ....17

SMC Pentax lenses and Pentax accessories are engineered and produced meticulously to precise Asahi Pentax
specifications. Lenses and accessories from other manufacturers are not produced to these precise specifications and,
therefore, may cause difficulties with -- or actual damage to -- a Pentax camera. Asahi Pentax cannot assume any
responsibility or liability for difficulties resulting from the use of any other brand of lenses or accessories with an
Asahi Pentax camera.

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20. Self-timer (Start lever
underneath)

21. Focusing ring

22. Strap ring lug

23. X flash terminal

24. FP flash terminal

25. Accessory fitting groove

26. Film guide rail

27. Film rail

28. Viewfinder eyepiece

29. Film chamber

30. Battery chamber

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31. Tripod receptacle

32. Shutter curtains

33. Film rewind button

34. Sprocket

35. Film take-up spool

36. Film roller

37. Back cover

38. Film pressure plate

SPECIFICATIONS

Type 35mm SLR with built-in through-the-lens light meter.

Film and Picture Size 35mm film. 24mm x 36mm.

Standard Lenses SMC Pentax 50mm f/i .2, 50mm f/i .4 and 55mm f/i .8 with fully-automatic diaphragm.
Filter size: 52mm. Focusing: 0.45m (1.5 ft.) to infinity.

Shutter Horizontal run, focal-plane shutter of rubberized silk curtains. Speeds: B, 1 to i/l000sec.

Self-timer Built-in self timer with interrupt function. Releases shutter in 5 -- 13 sec.

Viewfinder Pentaprism finder with cross-micro prism or split-image focusing screen. 0.87x

magnification with 50mm lenses (life-size with 55mm lens). Dioptry --1.0.

Focusing Turn focusing ring until viewfinder image comes into focus.

Reflex Mirror Instant-return type with special shock absorbers for minimum vibration.

Lens Mount Pentax bayonet mount.

Film Advance Ratchet-type rapid-wind lever. 100 pre advance angle and 160° advance angle "Cocked"
indicator alongside shutter release button.

Exposure Counter Automatic re-set.

Film Rewind Rapid-rewind crank for speedy film take-up

Flash
Synchronization

Exposure Meter

Loaded Film Indicator

Dimensions With50mm f/1.4 lens: width 143mm (5.6") x height 91 .4mm (3.6") x depth 94mm (3.7").

X contact hot shoe for cordless flash connection. FP + X contacts for conventional flash cord
connection. X synchronization at 1/60 sec

S meter measures the average brightness of the ground glass at full aperture, and couples
directly to aperture, shutter and film speed settings. Center needle for correct exposures. Film
speed from 20 to 3200 ASA. EV3-- 18 for ASA 100 film with 50mm lens. Powered with one
1 .5V silver oxide battery. Meter on-off by extra CdS cell in body.

Reminder dial below film rewind knob, with settings for 20 or 36 (exposures), for daylight

or tungsten color , or black and white film.4www.butkus.org

Weight 887g(31 ozs.) with 50mm f/1 .4 lens. 622g(21.8 ozs.) with no lens.

LENS MOUNTING

1. Remove the rear lens and body caps.

2. Match the red dot (A) on the camera body with the red dot (B) on the lens.

Insert the lens into the body and turn it clockwise until the lens locks with a
click.

3. In the dark, when the red dots are difficult to see, align the white plastic
bump (C) on the lens barrel with the lens release lever (D) by touch. Then
turn and lock as above.

4. To detach, hold the camera with your left hand. Depress the lens release
lever (D) while turning the lens counterclockwise with your right hand.

CAUTION
If you have to put the lens down without the rear lens cap, place it only on its
front end, never on the rear. When changing lenses outdoors with film in the
camera, avoid direct sunlight.

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A sliver oxide battery is packed separately. Be sure to insert it into the battery chamber before operating the camera.
BATTERY INSERTION
Open the battery chamber cover with a coin. Insert the battery with (+) side facing out. For replacement, use Eveready
S76E or Mallory MS76H or equivalent.
CAUTION
The battery is like a phonograph record. It can be damaged by skin acids. Handle by the edges with a dry cloth only.
Be sure the battery is cleaned with the cloth before insertion into the camera. The battery is not rechargeable. Do not
throw dead battery into a fire, as it may explode. Also, keep it beyond the reach of small children. When not actually
measuring the light, be sure that the lens is covered at all times. Leaving the lens cap off for an extended period will
exhaust the battery.

Set the shutter speed dial to B (bulb) position. Turn the ASA dial to ASA 100. Look at the meter needle through the
viewfinder. If the needle is in "up" position and remains steady, the battery is good: if it does not, replace the battery.
Check the battery frequently. And take spares with you when traveling.4www.butkus.org

BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1.TURN ON LIGHT METER

Remove the lens cap and the meter circuit is on. The CdS cells measure the
light coming through the lens for correct exposure.

2.SET FILM SPEED
Lift the outer ring of the shutter speed dial and turn it until the same number as
the ASA number of the film you're using appears next to the small oragne
index alongside the figure 1.

3.SET SHUTTER SPEED
Turn the shutter speed dial and set the speed you wish to use to the index.
Generally, you should use the fastest possible shutter speed to avoid blurred
pictures caused by camera movement. Try starting with 1/125 sec. outdoors in
daylight and 1/60 sec. indoors.

4.COMPOSE AND FOCUS
While viewing through the viewfinder, turn the focusing ring until your subject
comes into sharp focus.

5.ROTATE DIAPHRAGM RING
The needle moves as you turn the diaphragm ring. When the needle on the
right side of the viewfinder image is at the center, you will get correct
exposure. If the needle does not come to the center no matter how far you turn
the diaphragm ring, change the shutter speed. When the needle is close to the
(+) mark, you will get an over-exposure; change the shutter speed to a faster
setting. If the needle is closer to the (-) mark, you will get an under-exposure;
change the shutter speed to a slower setting.

6.RELEASE SHUTTER
Cock the rapid-wind lever. Hold your camera firmly and trip the shutter. Then
cock the rapid-wind lever for the next picture. (When taking a series of
pictures under the same lighting conditions, it is not necessary to repeat
instruction 5.