User manual MAMIYA 6MF

Mamiya6 AAF 0 Congratulations on your purchase of the Mamiya 6 MF, Succeeding the New Mamiya 6, the Mamiya 6 MF is the latest addition to the Mamiya 6 x 6cm format series which has become the world's standard in the medium format field thanks to Mamiya's stress on "originality and reliability "-two qualities that have become synonymous with the very name Mamiya. A combination of Mamiya's traditional precision workmanship and modern aesthetics, the 6 MF can take photos in any of three formats ( 6 x 6cm, 6 x 4.5cm and the wide panoramic format using an adapter with 135 film ). Featuring automatic exposure (AE) control, the 6 MF is compact, light weight and exhibits the versatility of a 35mm camera, while assuring high quality medium format pictures, The retractable lens mount, which allows the lens to be partially recessed into the camera body, further adds to the camera's compactness while protecting the lens. The 6 MF also comes with three types of high perfomance interchangeable lenses - the standard (75mm),wide angle (50mm), and telephoto (15Omm) - to satisfy a variety of photographic prerequisites. While the 6 MF has undergone extensive quality control checks, it is extremely important that this manual be read carefully before attempting to use the camera. A thorough understanding of just how and why your new camera work will eliminate potential misuse and ensure a long service life. 1 Special Features of the Mamiya 6 MF ......................... Nomenclature and Functional Parts ............................... 3 5 Preparatory Steps for Usee............................................... 9 Mounting/Removing Lenses ............................................ 10 HOW to Retract the Lens Mount ...................................... 11 Inserting Batteries ............................................................ 11 Opening/Closing Light Shield Curtain ............................. 13 g Releasing the Shutter ...................................................... 14 g r Before Loading the Film .................................................. 15 Loading the Film ............................................................. Shutter Speed .................................................................. Shutter Release Button .................................................... r LED Indicators in the Viewfinder ..................................... 16 18 19 19 21 Manual Photography ........................................................ 24 .. 24 .............................. Self-Timer ........................ Depth-of-Field ................................................................... 25 Exposure Compensation ................................................. 26 Time Exposures ............................................................... e Flash Photography ... ..... ............................................... ,., Infrared Photography ...... .................................. ,.,., n Emergency Winding-Stop Release Button ..................... How to Hold the Camera ................................................. ....... Photography with the 6 x 4.5 Format ...................... ... ,, ..................................................... Lenses.. .............. Accessories ...................................................................... Specifications .................................................................... s Trouble Shooting .............................................................. ........................................... Camera Care ......... .. .. .. Camera Storage and Maintenance ................. 26 27 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 Focusing the Lens ............................................................ Taking Photographs ......................................................... 22 AE (Automatic Exposure) Photography .......................... 23 AE Lock (AEL) Photography ........................................... 23 22 Mamiya 6 MF Three Size Multiple Formats In addition to the attractive 6 x 6cm square format which assures multifaceted composition, the Mamiya 6 MF is also capable of using the 6 x 4.5cm format frame mask and the wide 24 x 54mm panoramic format using 35mm film with the optional Panoramic adapter Set, Thus, these multipurpose formats greatly enhance the photographer's potential creations. Compact and Light Weight 6 x 6 Format / Versatile and Quick Although the Mamiya 6 MF is a 6 x 6cm format camera, its versatility is comparable to that of a 35mm camera and allows for fast operation, thus serving particularly well for covering wedding, parties, sports as well as a host of other photographic venues. Innovative Retractable Lens Mount/Compact and Safe The interchangeable lenses fit on a retractable lens mount which reduces storage depth by 31 mm. The lens barrels and mount are made of a tough, durable light weight aluminum alloy that promises a long service life even under the roughest professional use. Automatic Exposure(AE)/Simplicity at Your Fingertips Utilizing the latest in electronic technology, the Mamiya 6 MF aperture- priority AE control guarantees simplicity in all camera operations, Simply by focusing the lens and actuating the shutter with a soft touch of the electromagnetic release, every photographer can avail himself of a negative area that is a significant 3.6X larger than the 35mm format. Double-lmage Superimposing Rangefinder/Precise and Accurate Focusing has been enhanced and errors substantially eliminated due to the rangefinder's long 60mm base, while the precision ground pentaprism guarantees the clearest and most crisp photos possible. When mounting any one of the three lenses, the corresponding frames in the field of view in the viewfinder are automatically selected, and parallax is automatically compensated for. LED Display/A Variety of Safety Features The user will find all relevant data on LED display - correct shutter speed, as well as over or under exposure indication. A blinking red LED signals when an erroneous photographic step has been taken. A self-timer with a 10 second delay and electronic flash synchronization at all shutter speeds are additional features. Wide Angle, Standard and Telephoto Lenses The high contrast, color balance and resolving power of Mamiya multi-coated, high performance lenses reflect the latest optical discoveries. The short flange focal distance design of these lenses contributes substantially to their outstanding quality. The wide angle lens, in particular, transmits large amounts of peripheral light, resulting in corner to corner sharpness. The image quality produced by these new Mamiya lenses is unsurpassed, regardless of the subject matter - be it landscape, aerial, industrial, scientific, fashion or portrait photography. 3 [Retracted - locked] The retractable lens mount greatly reduces the profile of the Mamiya 6 MF. making it more convenient to store and carry. When not in use the lens mount, retracts into the body for storage and reduces the overall size of the camera. (The mount slides 31mm into and out of the body - depending on its being in the operational or storage mode.) [Extended - ready to use] ~ I ("A" retracts first, then "B" coupled with the lens retracts) 4 Exposure compensation scale - Film speed window (ISO) - Retractable lens mount Internal bellows - Rangefinder coupling pin - Retraction/extension button Press this button to retract the lens for storage. or pull it out for operation. AEL release button Film selector Exposure compensation lock release button Film holder roller Film type (120 or Pressure plate 6 Self-timer lever ( c) ) Synchro-socket ( f ) Viewfinder eyepiece Rubber eyecup - _ carrying strap lug Film spool stud 7 Body cap In order to attach the lens, first pull out the lens mount and remove the camera body cap. To do this, while pressing the retraction/ extension button (A) in, pull the lens mount out by gripping the cross bar of the lens cap. Then, while pressing the lens release button (B) in, rotate the cap counterclockwise, and align the groove (C) on the cap's side with the lens alignment dot (D) on the body. The body cap can then be pulled out. *The lens release button cannot be pressed when the light shield curtain is open. So make sure the curtain is closed. For curtain opening/closing see page 13. 9 [Mounting lens] [Removing lens] Changing lens When changing lens, pull out the retractable mount and proceed to the action mode. Through mounting the lens is possible with the mount retracted, removing it is not possible. (Interlocks!) t When the mount is retracted, or if the light baffle is open when trying to remove the lens, the lens release button will not work, preventing lens release. + Particularly when mounting the 50mm lens, take care so that the rear rim of the lens does not touch the body's rangefinder coupling cam. *When the lens has been removed and film remains in the camera body, avoid exposure to direct sunlight as film fogging may result. l Remove the front and rear lens caps. a The front lens cap can be removed by pressing in the tabs on the right and left with your fingers and pulling the cap towards you. * The rear lens cap can be removed by rotating it counterclockwise. Align Lens Alignment Dot (E) With the Camera Alignment Dot (D). Insert the lens into the camera body. Then turn the lens in the direction of the arrow until it clicks and locks into place. Like removing the camera body cap, while pressing in the lens release button (B), rotate the lens in the direction of the arrow until the lens alignment dot is lined up with the white alignment dot (D) on the camera body. [CAUTION] Gold Plated Electronic contacts are provided inside the retractable mount and at the rear of each lens. If oil, dirt, or other foreign matter collects on the contacts poor electronic information transfer may result. When soiled, use a piece of clean cloth to wipe them thoroughly before installing the lens. Also, use the utmost care so as not to touch them. (Position the front face of the lens which has been removed as shown in the photo.) [Pulling out the retractable lens mount] [Retracting (storing) the lens mount] 1. While pressing in the retraction button (A) on the camera body in the direction of the arrow, pull out the lens and lens mount until it clicks. 2. When both have been pulled out, take your figners off the retraction button, and make sure that both are completely pulled out. _~. ~The camera is a precision instrument. i 1. While pressing in the retraction button (A) on the camera body in the direction of the arrow, push the lens straight in towards the camera body. 2. When the lens mount has been retracted in place, take your fingers off the button and make sure that the lens is securely seated in the camera body. *Once the lens mount is retracted. a safety mechanism is actuated to prevent the lens from being removed and the shutter released. The camera will not function without batteries. 1. Remove the battery chamber cover on the bottom of the camera with a coin or screwdriver. 2. "+" is indicated on the inside of the battery, chamber cover. Insert the two batteries, being sure to properly place each battery with the "+" side up, facing the cover. [Batteries] The Mamiya 6 MF uses either two SR44 silver oxide batteries or two LR44 alkaline manganese batteries. L When working the retractable lens mount, be sure to avoid abusive handllng. ~ ; ~ + When the shutter release button is touched slightly (when the batteries are in the chamber) a red LED lights in the upper right corner of the view- 11 [Battery check] CAUTION: l Be sure to confirm proper polarity of the batteries before inserting them. l Do not contaminate the battery surface with oil. sweat. or other foreign matter. Failure to insert clean batteries could result in poor electrical contact. When contaminated, carefully wipe with a dry cloth, or clean lens tissue. * After the camera has been used for many hours of photographing. or has been inactive for a long time, insert new batteries. *When the camera is used in low temperatures, battery performance deteriorates: below 0%. use new batteries as needed. 1. Power can be turned on/off with the small lever beside the shutter release button. (ON) Align the white dot on the lever with the white dot on the camera body. (OFF) Align the white dot on the lever with the red dot on the camera body. 2. When the power is turned ON and the shutter release button is touched slightly, the shutter speed is indicated on the left side of the viewfinder and a red LED indicator lights on the upper right side indicating that power is normal. l When battery power drops below normal. or when the batteries have been inserted improperly. the shutter speed does not show and the red LED does not light. [Spare batteries] Can be stored inside the body cap. * When the shutter release button is lightly touched. If the power on/off lever is left ON, the LED lights up when the shutter release button is pressed, resulting in early battery depletion. Be sure to keep the on/off lever OFF. 12 [Closing the light shield curtain] Before opening/closing the light shield curtain, be sure to cock the shutter, otherwise, it will not open/close. To open the light shield curtain, slide the light shield curtain release lever along lo follow the arrow " I+ " down and right. This will cause curtain to snap open. The light shield lever indicator - (a white line) is then aligned with " 3 " Rotate the light shield closing lever in the direction of the arrow, away from the open position " 3 " and align the white indicator on the lever with " @ " to close. l When the light shield curtain is open, the lens Cannot be removed. Close the curtain to remove the lens. * When the light shield curtain is closed, the shutter cannot be released. When taking a picture, open the light shield curtain. (If the light shield curtain is closed, a red LED will indicate that it is closed.) CAUTION: Never touch the light shield curtain or the bellows. If touched, light leakage or a malfunction may result. Before using the camera, it is advisable to understand how it works ~2 Power on/off lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set to ON. (See page 12) T Film advance lever .._ Wind the lever to cock the shutter. f Light shield curtain . . . . . . . . . . . Open. (See page 13) `1: Retractable lens mount . . . . . . . Pull out. (Photographing position) (See page 11) - Back cover ..__...,,.......___.........,,,......, Open. > page 15) `I` Release the shutter page 19) Note: If the shutter is not released, a red (LED) in the viewfinder will light; repeat steps @ to @ again. 14 [Setting the film speed] [Opening/closing the back cover] [Setting the film type] While depressing the back cover lock button, simultaneously push down the lock lever in the direction of the arrow and the back will open. When closing the back cover, securely press both corners until it clicks. This camera can use either 120 or 220/135 film, To set the type of film used, simply rotate the pressure plate in the direction of the arrow until the white dot is at "120" or "220/135". When set, "120" or "220/135" will appear in the small window under the memo clip. 15 [Memo clip] The memo clip on the back cover is used to hold the film box to serve as a convenient reminder of the type of film in the camera or for recording the date. 1. Push the spool release lever of right side to the right, and install the take-up spool in the take-up spool chamber, then push the lower spool stud up. 2. Like installing the take-up spool, push the spool release lever of left side to the left. place a roll of film in the film chamber, making sure it seats properly. Make sure the backing paper is in the position illustrated above. 16 3. When the new roll has been inserted, be sure to reset the lower spool stud by pressing it in. (Also, be sure to reset the take-up spool stud in a similar manner.) 4. Pull out the backing paper, and insert the tip into the slot on the take-up spool as pictured. 5. Wind the film advance lever until the small arrow (the starting indicator on the backing paper) aligns with the film starting indicator ( 7 ) on the camera body. Then close the back cover. 6. Wind the film advance until it stops and "1" appears in the exposure counter window. l Make sure backing paper advances evenly between the spool flanges and does not begin to slant. If it advances unevenly, remove the backing paper from the take-up spool and refeed, starting again. l If the film is not properly aligned with the `7" indicator. the film may be improperly loaded. . When any other numeral than "S" appears in the exposure counter window, it is an indication that the film is loaded. So do not open! . Do not pull excessively on the backing paper, and do not load/unload the film in direct sunlight: bright light may fog the film. * Tightly wind the backing paper around the spool a couple of times. If this is not done, light may enter from the spool flanges when the film is unloaded. 17 [Determining the shutter speed] Shutter speed dial: A; Automatic exposure Based on the aperture setting, the camera automatically selects the shutter speed. AEL; AE lock The camera memorizes the aperture when shutter release button is touched slightly so that, even when the position of the subject or camera changes, a picture can be taken with the initial aperture setting and is not affected by changes in light. B. Bulb exposure At this position, the shutter will remain open as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The Mamiya 6 MF has an aperture-priority, AE lens shutter. Once the aperture and film speed are set, the AE meter selects a proper shutter speed in relation to the set aperture. Under the manual photographic mode, proper shutter speed is indicated by a red LED within the viewfinder. 1. To set the diaphragm to a desired aperture, rotate the aperture ring (A) until the appropriate figure is aligned with the central red index line (B). (Click stops are provided at each engraved aperture number but the diaphragm can be set also for intermediate stops.) 2. Rotate the shutter speed dial and select either the A(AE) or manual mode for photographing. Rotate the dial to align it with the white index line (-) on the camera body. * At A or AEL, the dial is locked. The lock can be released by pressing the AE lock release button (A) in the center of dial. * In any position other than A or AEL, the shutter speed dial moves freely from click-stop to clickstop: it must be set on a specific click-stop and cannot be used at an in between setting. * lntermediate Diaphragm settings (between click stops) are possible Intermediate Shutter Speeds (between engraved numbers) are not possible Shutter controls On the shutter speed dial the yellow numbers indicate the number of whole seconds while the white numbers indicate fractions of seconds. Example: "4" indicates 4 seconds while 125 indicates 1/125 seconds. 18 Viewfinder display over-exposure L 4 Double-image The shutter release button i s designed so that pressure can be applied in two stages. When it is lightly touched, correct metering data is displayed on the left side of the view finder. When it is depressed all the way, the shutter is released and an exposure *The LED's are located at the very left margin of the finder in order not to interfere with the field of view of the wide angle lens. Bright field of view frame (set by lens) *When the lens mount is retracted, the viewfinder frame (i.e. the bright frame) selected is the widest frame for all lenses. 19