Zenit 12 XP Instruction Manual

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. This will enable any early operator errors
to be corrected and will give you confidence for the future.

As a 'system' camera your Zenith will accept a large number of different lenses and
additional accessories; we particularly recommend as most suitable those from the
Hellos range which will enable you to cope with almost any photographic situation.
Your Zenith is sturdily built to work happily under widely varying conditions but it
should always be remembered that as a precision optical instrument it must at all
times be treated with due care and consideration and protected from shock, damp,
dust, sand and sudden changes of temperature. With care it will give many years of
reliable service - and ; brilliant pictures.

This booklet has been provided to enable you to get the best results as quickly as
possible and is not intended to be a comprehensive manual of photography. There
are many good inexpensive books on photographic technique available and your
dealer will be pleased to recommend one suitable for your particular need.

Format: 24 x 36mm;using standard 35mm cassettes of 12, 20, 24 or 36 exposure
color or black and white film.

Shutter: Horizontal traveling Focal Plane type, speeded 1/30,1/60,1/125, 1/250
and 1/500th second plus B (brief time). Linked to self-timer giving approximately 7
seconds delay.
Flash Synchronization: Electronic flash at 1/30th sec. through 'Hot-shoe' or
standard 3mm co-axial socket

Viewing/Focusing system: Eye-level pentaprism/instant return mirror shows upright
laterally correct image. Bright Fresnel focusing screen with central microprism spot.4

Exposure meter: Zenith 12. Built-in CdS cell with L.E.D. indicators in the viewfinder.

Power source: two Mallory D386 cells. (These should be replaced once a year.)
Zenith 11 Selenium cell with match-needle read out. Both meters calibrated for 16­500 ASA/13-28 DIN. 4

Frame counter: Additive 0-36 manual resetting type

Standard Lens: Helio 44M-4, 58mm focal length
Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups
Diaphragm type: Fully automatic instantly re-open.

Aperture range F2-F16 with click stops at full and half apertures (except between
F11 and F16)
Distance scale: 0.5 to infinity
Filter size: 52mm screw
Lens mount: 42mm thread, accepts standard single pin automatic lenses and
accessories

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.

Insert film cassette into Film Chamber [21] projection of
cassette to bottom.
Push Rewind Knob [16] down turning slightly to seat into
cassette.
Draw out enough film to insert tip of leader into any of
Take-up Spool's

[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. If
necessary tighten film on Take-up Spool [22] by turning
the flange at the base of the spool anti-clockwise with the
finger and in the cassette by gently turning the Rewind
Knob [16] in the direction of the arrow on the lever until
resistance is felt. This is especially necessary with twelve
exposure films.

Close the back of the camera until it clicks shut. Complete
wind-on if necessary until Transport Lever [2] stops.

Fire shutter. Advance film Transport Lever [2] using short
strokes until it stops. The Rewind Knob [16] should revolve
while this is being done.

Fire shutter and advance film again. Set Frame Counter [4]
to zero.

Set Film Speed Selector Dial [15] against Indicator [17]
appropriate to the speed of the film to be used. There are
two scales for films rated in ASA and DIN. Only click­stopped numbered or intermediate positions may be used.
Intermediate positions are proportional. If using 1000 ASA
film set the selector to 500 ASA but use the next faster
shutter speed than indicated by the meter or close the
aperture ring by one full stop.