Pentax MZ-6 User Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

57209

03-200210 Printed in Japan

PENTAX Corporation 2-36-9, Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-8639, JAPAN

(http://www.pentax.co.jp)

PENTAX EUROPE GmbH (European Headquarters) Julius-Vosseler-Strasse, 104, 22527

Hamburg, GERMANY (HQ - http://www.pentaxeurope.com Germany - http://www.pentax.de)

Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, Heron drive, Langley, Slough, Berks SL3 8PN,

U.K.(http://www.pentax.co.uk)

Pentax France S.A.S. 12/14, rue Jean Poulmarch, 95106 Argenteuil Cedex, FRANCE Pentax Benelux B.V. (for Netherlands) Spinveld 25, 4815 HR Breda, NETHERLANDS

(http://www.pentax.nl) (for Belgium & Luxembourg) Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem, BELGIUM (http://www.pentax.be)

Pentax (Schweiz) AG Widenholzstrasse 1 Postfach 367 8305 Dietlikon, SWITZERLAND

(http://www.pentax.ch)

Pentax Scandinavia AB P.O. Box 650, 75127 Uppsala, SWEDEN (http://www.pentax.se) PENTAX U.S.A., INC. 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A.

(http://www.pentax.com)

Pentax Canada Inc. 3131 Universal Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2E5, CANADA

(http://www.pentaxcanada.ca)

This operating manual is printed on recycled paper.

The CE marking assures that this product complies with the requirements of the EC directive for safety.

MZ-6(E)00/cover1-4 11/8/02 11:27 AM Page 1

OPERATING MANUAL

57210

03-200210 Printed in Japan

PENTAX Corporation 2-36-9, Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-8639, JAPAN

(http://www.pentax.co.jp)

PENTAX EUROPE GmbH (European Headquarters) Julius-Vosseler-Strasse, 104, 22527

Hamburg, GERMANY (HQ - http://www.pentaxeurope.com Germany - http://www.pentax.de)

Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, Heron drive, Langley, Slough, Berks SL3 8PN,

U.K.(http://www.pentax.co.uk)

Pentax France S.A.S. 12/14, rue Jean Poulmarch, 95106 Argenteuil Cedex, FRANCE Pentax Benelux B.V. (for Netherlands) Spinveld 25, 4815 HR Breda, NETHERLANDS

(http://www.pentax.nl) (for Belgium & Luxembourg) Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem, BELGIUM (http://www.pentax.be)

Pentax (Schweiz) AG Widenholzstrasse 1 Postfach 367 8305 Dietlikon, SWITZERLAND

(http://www.pentax.ch)

Pentax Scandinavia AB P.O. Box 650, 75127 Uppsala, SWEDEN (http://www.pentax.se) PENTAX U.S.A., INC. 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A.

(http://www.pentax.com)

Pentax Canada Inc. 3131 Universal Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4X 2E5, CANADA

(http://www.pentaxcanada.ca)

This operating manual is printed on recycled paper.

ZX-L(E)00/cover1-4 11/8/02 11:27 AM Page 1

WELCOME

Thank you very much for purchasing the Pentax SLR camera. Please read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the camera’s capabilities.

MZ-6(E)00/cover2-3 11/8/02 11:53 AM Page 2

Although we have carefully designed this camera for safe operation, please be sure to follow precautions given on this page.

This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in serious injury to the operator.

This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in minor or medium injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.

This mark indicates prohibited matters.

This mark indicates that caution should be taken.

The electronic circuits inside the camera contain high voltage working parts. Never attempt to disassemble the camera yourself.

Never touch internal parts of the camera if they become exposed from dropping the camera or for some other reason, as there is danger of an electric shock.

Wrapping the strap around your neck is dangerous. Make sure that small children do not get the strap caught around their neck.

Do not look directly at the sun through the camera, as viewing the sun may damage your eyes, and/or parts of the camera (e.g: shutter blades, etc.)

Be sure to store batteries out of the reach of children. Seek medical assistance immediately if accidentally swallowed.

Do not use the flash near anyone’s eyes, as it may hurt them. Be particularly careful with the flash around infants.

Never try to disassemble, short or recharge the battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in fire, as it may explode.

Remove the batteries from the camera immediately if they become hot or begin to smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.

CAUTION

WARNING

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA

WARNING

MZ-6(E)01/001-010 11/8/02 11:49 AM Page 1

CAUTION

Other precautions

• The temperature range at which this camera functions properly is 50°C to 10°C (122°F to 14°F).

• A camera which has been submerged in water usually cannot be repaired. If such an accident should occur, it is advisable to contact a Pentax Service Center immediately.

• To maintain optimum performance, it is recommended that the camera be inspected every one or two years. If the camera has not been used for an extended period, or is being prepared for an important photographic session, it is recommended that you have the camera inspected or test shoot with it.

• Repairs deemed necessary due to usage of this product in an industrial or commercial application may not be covered under the terms of the Pentax warranty.

• The PENTAX warranty provides only for the repair of defects in materials or workmanship. Damage of any kind cannot be repaired at no charge under the terms of the warranty. If the difficulty is caused as a direct result of the product being used in conditions as outlined in the "Precautions for Your Camera" section or any other operation contrary to the instructions outlined in this manual, charges will be assessed and a repair quotation will be provided.

• Use two 3V lithium batteries (CR-2 type).

• Misuse of the battery can cause hazards such as leakage, overheating, explosion, etc. The battery should be inserted with the "+" and "-" sides facing correctly.

• Battery performance may be temporarily hindered in low temperatures, but will recover in normal temperatures.

• Keep a spare battery on hand for replacement convenience when shooting outdoors or while traveling.

• If the built-in flash is used continuously, the battery may become warm, but it does not mean that the battery is faulty; it is one of the battery's characteristics.

• Replace the batteries at the same time. Do not mix battery brands, type or an old battery with a new one. It may cause explosion or overheating.

Your Pentax camera is a high-precision mechanism. Handle it with great care.

Precautions when taking pictures

• Do not use the camera where it may come in contact with rain, water, or any other liquid, because the camera is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should the camera get wet from rain, splashing water, or any other liquid wipe it off immediately with a dry soft cloth.

• Do not drop the camera or allow it to hit solid objects. If the camera suffers a shock or impact, take it to a Pentax service center for inspection.

• Be careful not to subject the camera to strong vibrations, shock or pressure. Use a cushion to protect the camera when carrying it in a motorcycle, car, boat, etc.

• Condensation on the interior or exterior of the camera may be extremely harmful to the camera mechanism as it may cause rust. Furthermore, if the camera is taken from warm temperature to a subfreezing one or vice versa, the formation of crystals may cause damage. In such a case, put the camera into a case or plastic bag so that any changes in temperature difference is minimized. Do not remove it from the bag until temperature has stabilized.

• Regular size color prints may cut off what appears on the extreme edges of the film frame. Compose your picture with a margin of safety at the edges.

• When a macro or telephoto lens is attached to the camera, the top part of the viewfinder may look dark due to the lens blocking the mirror. However, this does not affect the picture taken.

Precautions for storage

• Avoid leaving the camera for extended periods in places where the humidity and temperature are very high, such as in a car.

• Do not store the camera in a closet with moth balls or in an area where chemicals are handled. Store it in a place with good dry air circulation to prevent the growth of fungus.

Precautions for proper care

• Never touch the shutter curtain or mirror with your finger or any other object.

• Use a blower and lens brush to remove dust accumulated on the lens or viewfinder.

• Never use solvents such as paint thinner, alcohol or benzene to clean the camera.

• Electrical problems may often be caused by water, dirt or dust at points of electrical contact. Also check for battery leakage, traces of dirt or grease, or corrosion due to salinity or gas. If you cannot correct the problems, have your camera inspected at a Pentax service center. Repairs of this nature are not covered under the terms of the warranty and charges may be assessed.

2 3

PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR CAMERA

PRECAUTIONS FOR BATTERY USAGE

MZ-6(E)01/001-010 11/8/02 11:49 AM Page 2

CONTENTS

BASIC...................................................................21

BASIC OPERATIONS ......................................................21

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING ................................. 22

POWER ON/OFF ....................................................22

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING..............................24

TAKING A PICTURE ...............................................27

BUILT-IN FLASH-SMART FLASH .................................30

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH .................................30

SETTING THE RED-EYE REDUCTION MODE .....33

UNLOADING FILM........................................................34

REWINDING THE FILM ..........................................34

SETTING THE FILM SPEED(ISO)

MANUALLY..............................................................36

REPLACING THE BATTERIES.....................................38

REPLACING THE CAMERA

BATTERIES .............................................................38

REPLACE BATTERY FOR DATA BACK FJ

(OPTIONAL)............................................................40

ADJUSTING THE DATA BACK

(OPTIONAL)............................................................42

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA .......................... 1

PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR CAMERA ........................ 2

PRECAUTIONS FOR BATTERY USAGE ..................... 3

NAMES OF WORKING PARTS .................................... 8

USING THIS OPERATING MANUAL .......................... 10

SET UP.................................................................11

THINGS TO DO ................................................................11

BEFORE TAKING PICTURES .................................... 12

STEP 1 Attaching the Strap ............................... 12

STEP 2 Loading the Batteries ........................... 13

STEP 3 Attaching a Lens .................................. 14

STEP 4 Imprinting the date or time

(OPTIONAL).......................................... 16

STEP 5 Adjusting the viewfinder's

diopter . ................................................. 17

STEP 6 Film loading . ......................................... 18

MZ-6(E)01/001-010 11/8/02 11:49 AM Page 4

EFFECT OF APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED

....83

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY .................................................85

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH ......................................86

SETTING THE FLASH MODE ................................86

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES WITH THE BUILT-IN

FLASH.....................................................................88

POP-UP THE BUILT-IN FLASH MANUALLY...........92

USING EXTERNAL FLASH ........................................95

FLASH FUNCTIONS...............................................95

USING P-TTL AUTO FLASH MODE.......................96

USING HIGH-SPEED SYNC WITH

THE AF360FGZ ......................................................97

WIRELESS FLASH (AF360FGZ ONLY)................100

USING BOTH THE BUILT-IN FLASH AND

EXTERNAL FLASH...............................................101

USING CONTRAST-CONTROL-SYNC

FLASH MODE .......................................................103

USING SLOW-SPEED SYNC...............................105

PRECAUTIONS FOR USING FLASH...................107

APPENDIX......................................................................109

PENTAX FUNCTIONS ................................................110

BASIC SETTING OF PENTAX FUNCTIONS ........111

SETTING A PENTAX FUNCTION.........................113

CAMERA FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE WITH

VARIOUS LENSES ...............................................117

ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL)...............................119

PROGRAM DIAGRAMS........................................122

TROUBLE SHOOTING .........................................125

SPECIFICATIONS TABLE.....................................128

WARRANTY POLICY............................................132

STEP UP ..............................................................45

ADVANCED OPERATIONS..............................................45

CAMERA OPERATIONS ............................................ 46

CONSECUTIVE-FRAME DRIVE.............................46

MULTIPLE EXPOSURES ON A SINGLE FRAME..47

SELF-TIMER MODE ...............................................49

REMOTE CONTROL SHOOTING (OPTIONAL).....50

AUTO BRACKETING ..............................................53

USING THE PICTURE MODE......................................56

STANDARD OPERATION MODE............................57

PORTRAIT PROGRAM MODE...............................58

LANDSCAPE PROGRAM MODE ...........................59

CLOSE-UP PROGRAM MODE...............................60

ACTION PROGRAM MODE....................................61

NIGHT-SCENE PROGRAM MODE.........................62

SELECTING AN EXPOSURE MODE...........................63

USING THE APERTURE-PRIORITY AE MODE ....63

USING THE SHUTTER-PRIORITY AE MODE.......65

USING THE METERED MANUAL MODE ..............67

USING THE BULB EXPOSURE MODE..................70

ABOUT EXPOSURE COMPENSATION .................71

AE LOCK FUNCTION .............................................73

MULTI(6)-SEGMENT METERING ................................74

CANCEL THE AUDIBLE PCV SIGNAL ........................74

ABOUT FOCUSING......................................................75

USING AUTOFOCUS..............................................75

MANUAL FOCUSING..............................................78

SPOT AF MODE .....................................................80

USING FOCUS LOCK.............................................80

PREVIEWING THE DEPTH OF FIELD...................82

MZ-6(E)01/001-010 11/8/02 11:49 AM Page 6

NAMES OF WORKING PARTS

Strap lug

Select switch

Shutter release button

Main switch

Self-timer lamp Remote control receiver

Cable release socket

Exposure compensation button

Lens mount index

Preview button

Focus mode switch

Back cover release lever

Tripod socket

Battery cover retainer screw

Back cover

Battery chamber cover

Drive mode button

LCD panel

Hot shoe

Flash mode button

AE lock button

AF mode switch

Diopter adjustment lever

Flash pop-up button

Strap lug

Film information window

Mid-roll rewind button

Mode dial

AF coupler

Lens information contacts

Mirror

Lens unlock button

Built-in flash

MZ-6(E)01/001-010 11/8/02 11:49 AM Page 8

This operating manual consists of the following sections.

◆Things to Check

This section is before "Things to Do," and it explains cautions for using the camera and accessories, as well as the names of working parts.

◆Things to Do

Explains the procedures to be followed before you use the camera for the first time. It also explains how to load and rewind the film.

◆Basic Operations

• Explains the easiest way to take pictures with the camera set to single-frame mode, programmed AE mode, multi-segment metering mode, and AF mode.

• Using the Built-in Flash: Explains how to use the built-in flash.

◆Advanced Operations

The camera's features are explained in detail.

• Picture-taking Techniques: Consecutive-frame mode, multiexposure mode, self-timer mode, auto bracketing

• Setting the Exposure: Auto Picture mode, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, metered manual exposure, bulb exposure, exposure compensation

• Focusing: Auto focus mode, manual focusing

◆Flash Photography

• Tips: Tips on using flash in backlit conditions and at night, flash exposure settings, and effective flash range.

• Using a Pentax-Dedicated External Flash: Explains the operation for dedicated external flash units and high-speed sync and wireless mode features with the AF360FGZ.

USING THIS OPERATING MANUAL

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SET UP

THINGS TO DO

BEFORE TAKING PICTURES ................... 12

Step 1 Attaching the Strap ............................. 12

Step 2 Loading the Batteries ......................... 13

Step 3 Attaching a Lens ................................ 14

Step 4 Imprinting the date or time

(OPTIONAL)........................................ 16

Step 5 Adjusting the viewfinder's diopter ....... 17

Step 6 Film loading . ....................................... 18

MZ-6(E)02 B/011-020 11/8/02 11:55 AM Page 11

BEFORE TAKING PICTURES

Things to do before using the camera for the first time.

Attaching the Strap

1 Pass the end of the strap

through the strap lug from underneath, then pass the strap through the clasp from underneath.

The strap’s clasp can be used to rewind the film in mid-roll or to alter the date or time. Position the clasp away from the camera body.

2 Follow the same procedure to

attach the other end of the strap to the other strap lug.

Using the strap pocket

The strap also has a pocket which can store the viewfinder cap, hot shoe cover or any other small accessory as illustrated.

Memo

Loading the Batteries

1 As shown in the illustration,

open the battery chamber cover by turning it with a coin.

2 As shown in the illustration, load

the two lithium CR2 batteries or equivalent into the battery chamber with the batteries’ positive (+) contacts pointing up.

3 Push in the battery chamber

cover firmly and use a coin to turn the cover clockwise to close.

About the Batteries

• Be sure to use two lithium CR2 batteries.

• When taking the camera to unfamiliar areas or when using in cold environments, take a spare set of batteries.

• See "Replacing the Batteries" to replace the batteries and read the cautions regarding the batteries. ( p.38)

Memo

SET UP

THINGS TO DO

Step 1

Step 2

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BEFORE TAKING PICTURES

3 As shown in the illustration, remove the front lens cap.

Handling the Lens

• To detach the lens, hold down the lens unlock button and turn the lens counterclockwise.

• We assume no responsibility nor liability for damages resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufacturers.

• Use a soft, dry cloth to keep the electrical contacts on the body mount and lens mount clean. Dirt or corrosion on the contacts can cause problems with the electrical system.

Memo

SET UP

THINGS TO DO

Attaching a Lens

1 Remove the body mount cap and rear lens cap.

The body mount cap protects the inside of the camera from dust and scratches upon factory shipment. For long-term camera storage, the optional accessory “Body Mount Cap K” is also available.

2 Align the red dots on the lens and camera while attaching

the lens to the camera, then turn the lens clockwise until it clicks in place.

• After attaching the lens, try and turn the lens counterclockwise to make sure it is locked in place.

Memo

Step 3

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BEFORE TAKING PICTURES

• To set the correct date and time, see ADJUSTING THE DATA BACK on page

42.

• If the imprinting looks too light or if the Data back’s display looks light or shows nothing, replace the Data back’s battery. ( p.40)

• The date or time of the first frame will be imprinted in the multi-exposure mode.

Adjusting the viewfinder’s diopter

Adjust the viewfinder’s diopter to suit your eye’s vision.

1 Look through the viewfinder and

point the camera to a well-lit scene. Then move the diopter adjustment lever left or right until the autofocus frame in the finder looks sharp.

The diopter can be adjusted from -2.0 to +1.0m-1(per meter).

Memo

NOTE

SET UP

THINGS TO DO

Imprinting the date or time

(OPTIONAL)

If you have purchased your camera as the Date model Version, or if you have purchased the Data Back FJ separately, read this section. Imprint the date or time within the picture.

1 Press the DATE button on the

DATA BACK F

J to set the desired

imprinting format.

Each time you press the DATE button, the display will change in the following sequence:

* The sample display below indicates

November 1, 2001, 2:10 PM. YY indicates the year’s last two digits, MM is the month, DD is the day, hh is the hour, and mm is the minute.

[YY MM DD]→[01 11 1] [DD hh mm]

...

[ 1 14:10]

[-- -- --]

...

Blank

[MM DD YY]

...

[11 1 01]

[DD MM YY]→[ 1 11 01]

The date or time is imprinted on the lower right corner of the picture. If this part of the picture is light-colored (white, yellow, etc.), the imprinted date or time may be difficult to distinguish.

Memo

Step 4

Step 5

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BEFORE TAKING PICTURES

2 Place the film cartridge in the

film chamber as shown in the illustration.

3 As shown in the illustration, pull

the film leader out only far enough to reach the take -up spool.

★Important★

The shutter curtains are fine-precision material. Do not touch them with your fingers or any other object while loading film.

• The DX information pins in the film chamber are used to read film speed. Keep them clean and free from scratches. To remove smudges, wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth.

NOTE

SET UP

THINGS TO DO

Film loading

Automatic film speed setting This camera is designed to use DX-coded films with ISO ratings from 25 to 5000.

We suggest that you first operate the camera with no film loaded to become familiar with its operations.

• When DX-coded film is used, the correct film speed is automatically set for the camera. If you use a non-DX coded film, you can set the film speed manually. ( p.36)

1 To open the back cover, slide the

back cover release lever in the direction of the arrow.

Remove the protective sheet

• Before loading film for the first time after purchase, open the back cover and remove the protective sheet.

• Be careful not to touch the shutter curtains with the protective sheet.

• Always load and unload film in the shade or by using your body to shade the camera.

Step 6

Shutter curtainsDX information pins

MZ-6(E)02 B/011-020 11/8/02 11:55 AM Page 18

Memo

NOTE

Memo

4 Align the film leader with the

film leader end mark and make sure that the film leader is positioned under the film retainer as shown in the illustration.

• If the end of the film leader is extremely bent, straighten it or cut off the bent portion.

• If you have pulled out too much film, push it back into the cartridge to reduce the slack.

5 Close the back cover. 6 Turn the main switch to [ON].

The film will advance to frame 1 automatically, and the LCD panel will display the exposure counter 1 and film status information.

Incorrect film loading

If the film is not loaded properly, the LCD panel will display . Open the back cover and load the film again.

Memo

Film leader end mark

Film retainer

Film status information

Exposure counter

MZ-6(E)02 B/011-020 11/8/02 11:55 AM Page 20

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING ................ 22

POWER ON/OFF ......................................22

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING ...............24

TAKING A PICTURE.................................27

BUILT-IN FLASH-SMART FLASH ................30

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH ...................30

SETTING THE RED-EYE REDUCTION

MODE........................................................33

UNLOADING FILM.......................................34

REWINDING THE FILM ............................34

SETTING THE FILM SPEED(ISO)

MANUALLY................................................36

REPLACING THE BATTERIES....................38

REPLACING THE CAMERA

BATTERIES...............................................38

REPLACING THE DATA BACK FJ

BATTERY (OPTIONAL).............................40

ADJUSTING THE DATA BACK

(OPTIONAL)..............................................42

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QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

About the LCD Panel

The LCD panel displays the following indications:

: Flash status information p.30 : Red-eye reduction flash indication p.33, 87 : Automatic flash information p.87 : Manual-set film speed p.36 : Shutter speed

: Battery exhaustion warning p.38 : Remote control release p.50 : Consecutive shooting p.46 : Audible PCV signal p.74 : Self-timer p.49 : Multiple-exposure shooting p.47 : Aperture value : Exposure compensation p.71 : Film status information p.20

: Exposure counter p.20

and exposure compensation value p.72 : Wireless flash mode p.99, 100 : High-speed sync mode p.97, 98

Under the dim light condition, the LCD panel will be illuminated automatically.

NOTE

Memo

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

POWER ON/OFF

1 Turn on the camera.

qTurn the main switch to ON.

2 Turn off the camera.

qAfter you finish taking pictures, turn

the main switch to OFF.

Be sure to turn the main switch to OFF to prevent accidental drain on the batteries.

Memo

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QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

2 Set the Auto Picture Mode.

qSet the mode dial to the [AUTO PICT]

position.

wTurn the aperture ring to the [A]

position while holding down the aperture-A lock button on the lens.

eThe lens aperture ring can be

released from the [A] position in the same manner.

rThe selected picture mode appears

in the viewfinder and the mode dial.

This Auto picture mode allows you to take pictures by simply pressing the shutter rlease button. The camera automatically selects the proper exposure.

Memo

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

For quick and easy shooting, set your camera for singleframe shooting, Auto picture, multi-segment metering, and autofocus.

To load the batteries and film or to attach the lens, see “Things to Do.” ( p.11)

1 Set the single-frame drive mode.

qSet the main switch to [ON] position.

wPress the drive mode button until

[ ] appears on the LCD panel.

One picture is taken each time the shutter release button is pressed.

The drive mode can also be set to consecutive-frame mode ( p.46), selftimer ( p.49), remote control release mode, auto bracketing or multiple-exposure mode ( p.47).

Memo

NOTE

MZ-6(E)03 C/021-044 11/8/02 11:57 AM Page 24

QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

• In the Auto picture mode, the camera automatically selects one of 5 picture modes according to the requirement of the scene.

• The Auto picture mode operates only when an FA or F lens is attached.

• See page 56, 63 for any other exposure mode.

• The AE lock function or exposure compensation function cannot use while the Auto picture mode is being used.

3 Set the AF mode switch to

[

Wide

[ ]

]

qSet the AF mode switch to [

[ ]

• The subject will be focused properly even if the main subject is off the center of the viewfinder.

• See page 80 for details of Spot AF.

4 Set autofocus

qSet the focus mode switch to the

down position at [AF].

When you press the shutter release button halfway down, the lens automatically focuses. The picture cannot be taken unless focus is achieved. The focus will remain locked as long as the shutter release button is held in the halfway down position.

• See page 78 for the manual focus.

Memo

TAKING A PICTURE

To load the film and batteries or to attach a lens, see “Things to Do.” ( p.11).

1 Frame the subject

qLook through the viewfinder and

frame the subject.

Autofocus works with the 3 points-AF frame [

[ ]

] in the viewfinder. Cover the

subject with the AF frame [

[ ]

Holding the camera

• Hold the camera firmly, with your left hand supporting the camera and lens as shown in the illustrations.

• To reduce camera shake, support your body or the camera on a solid object - a table, tree, or a wall for instance.

• Although there are individual differences among photographers, in general the shutter speed for a hand held camera is the inverse of the focal length. For example, 1/60 of second when focal length is 50mm, and 1/125 of second when it is 100mm. A tripod should be used for shutter speeds slower than this.

• When using a telephoto lens, a tripod that is heavier than the total weight of the camera and lens is recommended to avoid camera shake.

Memo

NOTE

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

3 points focus frame

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QUICK AND EASY SHOOTING

Viewfinder Displays

3-points AF frame p.27

Shutter speed

Aperture value

Standard Mode p.57

Portrait Operation Mode p.58

Landscape Program Mode

p.59

Close-up Program Mode p.60

Action Program Mode p.61

Night-scene Program Mode

p.62

Flash status information p.30

In-focus indicator p.76

AE lock p.73

Bar graph p.68, 72

:Spot AF frame p.80

• The indicator in the viewfinder turns to orange color when you

take a picture in low light to warn you of possible camera shake.

wCheck the exposure information in

the viewfinder and press the shutter release button completely.

Memo

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

Using a Zoom Lens

◆ Using the Manual Zoom Lens

To photograph a wider area, turn the zoom ring to the left. To magnify the subject, turn the zoom ring to the right.

2 Taking the picture

qLightly depress the shutter release

button halfway down with your finger.

The exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, flash status) will be displayed in the viewfinder.

• See page 75 for autofocus.

Memo

MZ-6(E)03 C/021-044 11/8/02 11:57 AM Page 28

BUILT-IN FLASH - SMART FLASH

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

• The built-in flash does not retract automatically.

• The auto pop-up flash mode can only be set when the Auto picture mode or one of 5 picture modes is set. p.24, 56

• When the Flash pop-up button is pressed after the flash has popped up, the [ ] on the LCD panel goes out and the camera enters the Auto pop-up mode in which the built-in flash fires at all times.

• The shutter cannot be release while the built-in flash is being charged.

• If the built-in flash is used continuously, the batteries will get warm, but it does not mean that the batteries are faulty.

• The built-in flash pops up not only when using the camera in a dark location, but also when there is back light.

• Note the built-in flash pops up even when the subject is far away or beyond the maximum flash effective range. See page 86 for the flash effective distance.

Memo

BUILT-IN FLASH - SMART FLASH

The basic procedure for using the built-in flash is explained below.

To set the built-in flash’s flash mode or when using an external flash unit, refer to “Using external flash” on page 95.

USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH

• When using the built-in flash, do not attach a hood to the lens. The hood will obstruct a part of the flash light.

• As a rule of thumb the distance for using the built-in flash (which varies with the lens used) is within about four meters (using ISO 400 film).

• The built-in flash does not retract automatically.

1 Auto pop-up flash function

qPress the flash mode button until

[ ] appears on the LCD panel.

wThe built-in flash automatically pops

up when pressing the shutter release button halfway down in the following conditions.

1. Low light situation

2. backlit situation

When the built-in flash is fully charged, [ ] appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel.

eFocus the subject and take a pic-

ture.

Memo

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BUILT-IN FLASH - SMART FLASH

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

BUILT-IN FLASH - SMART FLASH

SETTING THE RED-EYE REDUCTION MODE

Red-eye reduction mode: To make the eye’s iris smaller,

a low-output flash fires right before the picture is taken. This is to reduce the chances of red eye from occurring in the subject’s eyes.

Setting the red-eye reduction mode

qPress the flash mode button until

[ ] or [ ] appears on the LCD panel. If [ ] is selected, press the Flash pop-up button to activate the built-in flash on.

Refer to page 86 for Flash mode display.

When [ ] blinks

When using an F or FA lens not suited for flash photography, [ ] will blink in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel when the flash is ready and the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.Taking a picture with this warning may cause vignetting in the picture corners or semicircular vignetting at the bottom of the picture. See F and FA Lens Compatibility Table p.90

2 Retracting the built-in flash

qAfter using the built-in flash, push

down the flash head to lock it in the closed position.

AF illuminator

When the shutter release button is pressed halfway down where it is hard for autofocus to work, such as in a dark place, the built-in flash discharges continuously to provide illumination, making it easy for the autofocus to work.

• In the case of using an AF spot beam of an external flash unit such as the AF360FGZ or AF500FTZ, the AF illuminator of the built-in flash does not operate.

• The AF illuminator does not operate when the exposure mode is set to the Action Program Mode [ ] and the focus mode switch is set to MF.

• Since the external flash unit will end up discharging if the AF illuminator is operated when using the slave function of the AF360FGZ, AF500FTZ set the focus mode switch to the MF position when using the sleeve function.

• The AF illuminator may not operate if the batteries become worn down.

• Although varying according to the conditions at the time, the effective distance of the AF illuminator is roughly 1 to 5 meters.

Memo

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UNLOADING FILM

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

wBefore opening the back cover,

check that [ ] is blinking.

◆ Rewinding a film in mid-roll

If you wish to unload the film before exposing all the frames, use this function.

• At the end of the film rewind, you can also leave the film leader outside the cartridge. ( p.116)

qTurn the main switch to ON. wUse the strap clasp’s rod to press

the mid-roll rewind button. when the film is fully rewourd, [ ] blinks and the exposure counter disappears from the LCD panel.

Avoid using anything other than the strap clasp’s rod to press the mid-roll rewind button. If you have to use some other instrument such as a ballpoint pen, be sure to press the button gently without excessive force.

eBefore opening the back cover,

check that [ ] is blinking on the LCD panel.

Memo

UNLOADING FILM

Film rewind (auto/manual), setting the ISO for non-DXcoded film are covered here.

REWINDING THE FILM

• Always unload film in the shade or by using your body to avoid direct sunshine.

• Never open the back cover until the whole film roll is completely rewound.

◆ Automatic film rewinding

The shutter may be released a frame or more after the specified number of frames have been used as indicated on the film cartridge. However, those extra frames may be lost in processing. When you take important pictures, rewind the film when the film reaches the number of frames indicated on the film cartridge.

qThe film automatically rewinds at the

end of the roll.

During rewinding, [ ] blinks on the LCD panel, indicating that the film is being rewound. When the film is fully rewound, [ ] blinks and the exposure counter disappears from the LCD panel.

Memo

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UNLOADING FILM

BASIC

BASIC OPERATIONS

eAfter setting the ISO speed, set the

mode dial to any position other than [ ISO].

SETTING THE FILM SPEED (ISO) MANUALLY

The camera automatically reads the film speed from the film’s DX code. However, the film speed setting can be changed. If you use a non-DX coded film, set the film speed manually.

1 Load the film.

qLoad the non-DX-coded film.

2 Setting the ISO speed

qSet the mode dial to [ISO].

wMove the select switch to set the ISO

speed.

• The ISO speed can be set from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3-EV increments.

• [ISO] is displayed when the film speed is set manually for the DX-coded film.

Memo

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