User manual PENTAX MZ7

Congratulations on your purchase of this camera and welcome to the exciting world of Pentax autofocus photography! This compact and light weight camera is an autofocus SLR camera that offers higher levels of sophistication and performance. Incorporating a broad range of advanced technologies and highly accurate automation, this camera will perform superbly for the most exacting photographer. Icon indicators used in this manual Operation direction Automatic operation Attention Lamp blinking Correct Incorrect Read this instruction manual carefully to get a full explanation of operations before use. Illustrations in this operating manual are the data function. Lenses and accessories produced by other manufacturers are not made to our precise specifications and therefore may cause difficulties with, or actual damage to, your Pentax camera. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for difficulties resulting from the use of lenses and accessories made by other manufacturers. FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA 1 Although we have carefully designed this camera for safe operation, please be sure to follow precautions given on this page. WARNING This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in serious injury to the operator. CAUTION This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in minor or medium injury to the operator or damage to the equipment. WARNING · 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 for 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. CAUTION · 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 burn yourself during removal. 2 PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR CAMERA 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. 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 icelets 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. PRECAUTION FOR BATTERY USEGE 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. 3 · Use two 3V lithium batteries (CR2 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. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS II BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)...........23-36 Using the Auto Picture Mode.............................24 Using the Smart Flash.......................................25 · Auto-popup flash function............................25 · Flash disable function .................................26 Using zoom lenses ............................................27 Setting the Single-Frame Drive Mode ...............28 Selecting the Autofocus Mode ...........................28 Holding the Camera...........................................29 Taking a picture .................................................30 Selecting the various flash Modes.....................32 · AF spotbeam projector................................33 · About Red-eye Reduction Flash Function ..33 Activate the built-in flash in manual ...................34 Flash recommended warning ............................36 Safe use of your camera .....................................1 Precautions for your camera................................2 Precautions for battery usage..............................3 Table of contents..................................................4 Names of working parts.......................................6 LCD panel indication ...........................................8 Viewfinder indication............................................9 · Multi (6) - segment metering .........................9 Camera functions available with various lenses 10 I. BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) ....11-23 Attaching the camera strap................................11 Loading the batteries .........................................12 · When the battery is exhausted....................13 Attaching the lens ..............................................14 Turning on the power .........................................16 Operating the shutter release button .................16 Using the data back...........................................17 Film loading .......................................................18 Unloading film ....................................................21 · Rewinding a film in mid-roll .........................22 5 III ADVANCED OPERATION .......................37-81 Selecting a Drive Mode .....................................37 · Consecutive Frame Mode ...........................38 · Self-Timer Mode..........................................38 Remote control shooting (Optional)...................40 · 3-second-delay release mode .....................40 · Instant release mode...................................42 Multiple-Exposure Mode ....................................43 Taking a panorama format picture .....................44 Using the Picture Mode .....................................46 · Green Operation Mode ...............................47 · Portrait Program Mode ................................48 · Landscape Program Mode ..........................49 · Close-up Program Mode .............................50 · Action Program Mode .................................51 · Night-scene Program Mode ........................52 Selecting an Exposure Mode.............................53 · Using the Aperture-Priority AE Mode..........54 · Using the Shutter-Priority AE Mode ............56 · Using the Metered Manual Mode................58 · Bulb Exposure Mode...................................60 About Exposure Compensation.........................61 Turning off the audible PCV signal ....................62 Memory lock function.........................................63 Manual focusing.................................................64 · Using the snap-in focus function .................65 · Hard-To-Autofocus Subjects........................66 Advanced operation for the Built-in Retractable Flash (RTF)........................................................67 · Compatibility of F and FA lenses with the builtin flash .........................................................69 Setting the film speed (ISO) manually...............70 Adjusting the Data Back ....................................71 Adjusting the data on the Data Back .................72 Installing the battery in the Data Back...............73 Using a Pentax Dedicated External Flash.........74 · Contrast-Control-Sync Flash Photography..75 · Overview of flash function ...........................76 Daylight-sync shooting.......................................77 Slow-shutter-sync shooting................................78 ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL) ...........................79 Camera case scale ............................................80 Depth of field scale ............................................81 IV. OTHERS ..................................................82-88 Troubleshooting..................................................82 Specifications.....................................................84 Program lines.....................................................86 Warranty policy ..................................................88 6 NAMES OF WORKING PARTS I q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 @1 @2 @3 Select switch Shutter release button Drive mode button (p.37, 38, 40, 42, 43) Flash mode button (p.24) LCD panel Main switch (p.16) Hot shoe Built-in flash Exposure mode indicator Mode dial Remote control receiver (p.38, 40, 42) Self-timer lamp (p.38, 40, 42) Strap lug (p.11) Release socket Back cover release lever (p.18) Exposure compensation button (p.62) Mid-roll rewind button (p.22) Focus mode switch (p.28, 65) Mirror AF coupler Lens information contacts Lens lock button (p.14) Lens mount index NAMES OF WORKING PARTS II @4 @5 @6 @7 @8 @9 #0 #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 Shutter curtains Flash mode button (p.32) Eyecup FK (p.39) Viewfinder eyepiece Diopter adjustment lever (p.23) Panorama lever (p.44) Memory lock button (p.63) Film information window Pressure plate Back cover (p.18) Film leader end mark (p.19) Battery cover chamber screw (p.12) Battery chamber cover (p.12) Sprocket (p.19) Tripod socket DX-information (p.19) 7 8 LCD PANEL INDICATION All indications will not actually appear simultaneously as shown. · Under the dim light condition, the LCD panel will be illuminated automatically. : : : : : : : : : : : : : Flash information (p.25, 36) Red-eye reduction flash indication (p.32) Automatic flash information (p.25) Manual-set film speed (p.70) Shutter speed Battery exhaustion warning (p.13) Remote control release with a 3-sec. delay (p.40) Audible PCV signal (p.62) Consecutive shooting (p.38) Remote control release (p.40,42) Self-timer (p.38) Multiple-exposure shooting (p.43) Aperture value : Exposure compensation (p.61) : Film status information (p.20, 22) : Exposure counter (p.20) and exposure compensation value (p.61) LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display) When the LCD is exposed to high temperatures over approximately 60°C, it may blacken, but when the temperature normalizes, it should return to normal. VIEWFINDER INDICATION 9 [ ]: : : : : : : : : : : : MULTI (6)-SEGMENT METERING This camera incorporates six-segment TTL metering system. Light values are measured in six segments within the image field, enabling an optional exposure to be made under a variety of lighting conditions. With multi(6)-segment metering, the camera records the brightness in six zones within the image field and will properly expose the subject. The multi (6)-segment metering system also calculates exposure values for a scene to automatically compensate for high-contrast and other difficult lighting conditions. Even a beginner can achieve results with ease. 3-point AF frame (p.30) Shutter speed Aperture value Green Operation Mode (p.47) Portrait Operation Mode (p.48) Landscape Program Mode (p.49) Close-up Program Mode (p.50) Action Program Mode (p.51) Night-scene Program Mode (p.52) Flash status information (p.32,36) In-Focus indicator (p.65) Exposure compensation (p.61) : Bar graph (p.58, 61) · When the format is switched to panorama, the viewfinder switches to the horizontal panorama format frame. For details on panorama format picture taking, see page 44. 10 CAMERA FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE WITH VARIOUS LENSES Lens [Mount type] FA lens [KAF2] F lens [KAF] A lens [KA] M lens [K] S lens [Screw) Function Autofocus (Lens only) (Lens with AF Adapter 1.7X) 3-point autofocus Manual focus (with FI) (with Matte field) Power zoom Image size tracking Zoom clip Auto zoom effect Picture Mode Auto Picture Mode Aperture-Priority AE Shutter-Priority AE Manual Exposure Auto-popup built-in flash mode *6 Programmed TTL Auto Flash TTL Auto Flash Multi(6)-segment metering Approx. f-stop indication O O O*3 O O*4 x x x O*4 O*4 O O*5 O O O O O O O O O*3 O x x x x O*4 O*4 O O*5 O O O O O O x O*1 x O*3 O x x x x O x*5 O O O O O O O*7 x x O*1 x O*3 O x x x x x x O O O x x O x*8 x x x x x O x x x x x x O O O x x O x*8 x Notes: *1. Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or larger. (See AF Adapter operating manual.) *2. Manual focusing using the focus indicator (FI) ( ) in the viewfinder. *3. Lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. *4. KAF2 mount lens only. *5. Exception of Pentax-F or FA Soft 85mm/f2.8. *6. Green Operation Mode only *7. When the 50mm f/1.2 lens is in use with the lens aperture ring set at a position other than the A position, the center-weighted metering mode will be set. As the exposure will come out 1 stop overexposured, adjust the exposure deliberately 1 stop under. *8. The center-weighted metering · KAF2 and KAF mount lenses are designed to work with the Autofocus SLR camera. ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP 11 BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) Fit the strap on the camera as illustrated. I. BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) · There is a pocket on the strap so you can store the remote control transmitter, finder cap, release socket cover, hot shoe cover or any other small accessory as illustrated. 12 LOADING THE BATTERIES BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) 1. Open the battery chamber cover by using a coin, etc. as shown in the illustration. 2. Load two 3V lithium batteries (CR2) or equivalent as shown in the illustration. 3. Turn the battery chamber cover screw in the direction of the arrow to lock it securely. · When the batteries are replaced, the camera settings such as the audible PCV signal switching, exposure compensation value, red-eye reduction flash function, self-timer, remote control and auto-popup flash function of the built-in flash will be re-set. · The optional "AA-Battery Pack FG" is also available for this camera instead of using the lithium batteries. · Replace two 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. LOW BATTERY WARNING Battery Life (using 24-exposure film rolls at 20°C/68°F) General existing light photography Flash photography (using flash 50% of the times) Flash photography (using flash 100% of the times) Bulb exposure time about 120 rolls about 20 rolls about 12 rolls about 8 hours 13 BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) Battery Life (using 24-exposure film rolls at ­10°C/14°F) General existing light photography Flash photography (using flash 50% of the times) Flash photography (using flash 100% of the times) Bulb exposure time about 30 rolls about 15 rolls about 5 rolls about 2 hours * Low Battery Warning When the batteries are nearly exhausted, the battery symbol [ ] appears on the LCD panel to warn you. Replace the batteries as soon as possible. · Even if the low-battery symbol appears, exposure will be correct as long as the shutter can be released. It is recommended to replace the batteries as soon as possible. · When the low battery warning [ ] starts blinking, the shutter cannot be released and all indicators in the viewfinder disappear. CR2 batteries were used under Pentax testing conditions. Actual battery life and performance may vary drastically depending on usage of Autofocus, and external conditions such as temperature and freshness of the battery. 14 ATTACHING THE LENS BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) 1. Remove the body mount cap q and rear lens cap w as shown in the illustration. · The body mount cap is designed to protect the camera against scratches and dust at the factory. For storage, the optional accessory "Body Mount Cap K" is available. 2. Align the red dots on the camera and lens mount, attach the lens to the camera body, and turn it fully to the right until you hear a click. · Ensure that the camera's main switch is in the [OFF] position before attaching an FA zoom lens to prevent unexpected operation of the lens. 15 BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) 3. To remove the front lens cap, squeeze the tabs on both sides in the direction of the arrow. · We assume no responsibility nor liability for damages resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufacturers. · The camera body and lens mount incorporate lens information contacts and an AF coupler. dirt, dust, or corrosion may cause damage to the electrical system. Clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth. * How to remove To remove the lens, turn it to the left while depressing the lens-lock-release button. · To protect the contacts and AF coupler of the lens against damage after removal, be sure to set the lens down with the mount side facing upward. 16 TURNING ON THE POWER OPERATING THE SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON The shutter release button has two positions. Depressing it down halfway (first position) turns on the exposure meter and autofocus system. Depressing it fully (second position) releases the shutter. When taking a picture, depress the shutter release button gently to prevent camera shake. · To prevent camera shake, depress the shutter release button gently. · Before loading a roll of film, slowly depress the shutter release button to learn where the first position is. · The LCD indication stays on for about 10 seconds after the button is released from the halfway position. Depressing the shutter release button down halfway keeps the LCD indicator on. BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) 1. The power is turned ON when the main switch is set to ON. 2. The power is turned OFF when the main switch is set to OFF. · When the power is turned on with the Auto picture or Picture Mode set, the mode dial lights up continuously. To cancel this function, set the mode dial to [ ] and reinstall the battery. To light up the mode dial again, the same procedure as cancellation is required. · When not in use, ensure that the main switch is set to OFF. THE DATA BACK (optional) If you have purchased your camera as the Date version, read this section. The DATE model records data information on your photographs clearly on each frame that you expose. At each press of the DATE button as shown in the illustration, the mode on the LCD panel of the Data Back switches as indicated in the chart. 17 BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) · [ M ] on the LCD indicates "Month". · Year 2000 will imprint [ 00 ] on pictures. · As shutter is released, the bar mark [ ­ ] in the display blinks for a few seconds that the data has been imprinted. · [ -- -- -- ] indicates that no data will be imprinted. · If there is a white or yellow object in the corner of the picture where the data is imprinting, the data may be difficult to read. When composing your photograph, try to avoid brightly-colored subject in that corner. · The dating unit automatically switches the imprint mode between the standard and panorama according to the format selected. · To adjust the data, see page 72. · The data back operates on a 3V lithium battery. If the data imprinted on the picture or the data displayed on the LCD panel become weak or invisible, the battery may need replacing. To replace the battery see page 73. 18 FILM LOADING We suggest that you first operate the camera with no film loaded to become familiar with its operations. Automatic film speed setting This camera is designed to use DX-coded films with ISO ratings from 25 to 5000. · 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. See page 70. · Before loading film for the first time after purchase, open the back cover and remove the protective card. DO NOT TOUCH THE SHUTTER CURTAINS. BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) 1. To open the back cover, slide the back cover release lever in the direction of the arrow. 2. Place the film cartridge in the film chamber as shown in the illustration. · Always load and unload film in the shade or by using your body to shade the camera.