Praktica MTL 3 manual

The definitive equipment listing for Prakticas on the internet

Cameras -> Praktica L -> Praktica MTL 3 -> Manual

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Camera parts - Opening the camera back - Film loading - Closing the back - Cocking and winding - Film speed setting - Shutter speed setting - Diaphragm setting - Automatic exposure control system - Functional range of the automatic exposure control system - Focusing - Depth-of-field scale - Releasing and cocking - Self-timer - Film changing - Lens changing - Flash photography - Battery replacement - Care of the camera

We wish you all success with this modern reflex camera. You own a camera with the novel metal-blade focal-plane shutter for maximum shutter speed stability and minimum synchronization for electronic flash photography. The camera is fitted with a throughthe-lens light metering system for a coupled determination of shutter speed, diaphragm numeral, and film speed. Metering is on the centre-weighted method and gives pictures true to the subject.
Before you start snapping away happily will you please read these Instructions for Use carefully. You will avoid trouble with the camera and disappointments with the pictures.

1 Shutter speed setting knob

2 Metering key

3 Shutter release with cable release

4 Self-timer release knob

5 Self-timer cocking lever

6 Rewind button

7 Rewind release

8 Accessory shoe with centre contact

9 Shutter speed mark

10 Rapid wind lever

11 Exposure counter

12 Film speed mark

13 Film speed dials

14 Diaphragm operation selection switch

15 Depth-of-field scale

16 Focusing ring

17 Diaphragm setting ring

18 Rewind catch

19 Cartridge chamber

20 Metal-blade focal-plane shutter

21 Film sprocket

22 Support

23 Take-up spool

24 Film loading mark

25 Wire brackets

26 Eyepiece mount with accessory adapter

27 Rewind release

28 Battery compartment with battery

29 Tripod thread

30 Flash socket

Opening the camera back

Pull rewind button (6) upwards to its hard stop thus the camera back is unlocked and can be hinged open. Simultaneously, exposure counter (17) automatically returns into its initial position.

Film loading

Insert the cartridge and observe that wire brackets (25) do not stand upwards. Turn at the kurled spool disk, if required. Pull the film leader to the green mark (24) and pass it under support (22) so that the teeth of film sprocket (21) engage in the film perforation.
Should the film be heavily warped, put a wire bracket on it by rotating the spool disk. Push rewind button (6) in again by rotating it a little, if necessary.

Closing the back

The back locks automatically when you press it to the camera body at the latch side.

Cocking and winding

Rapid wind lever (10) has a dead stroke of about 15 deg. till the mechanism engages. This makes for safety at series exposures. Swivel lever (10) to its stop, move it back and depress shutter release (3). Repeat the process and finish up by cocking the camera again. The automatic exposure counter (11) will now read exposure 1.

Film speed setting

Automatic exposure control demands setting of the film speed. Pull the knurled ring of the shutter-speed dial (1) up and turn it till the DIN or ASA film index on dial (13) will meet the white mark (12).
The ring locks when released.

Shutter speed setting

Lightning symbol: for electronic flash photography (about 1/125 sec)

Setting B: for time exposures; the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release is depressed

1 sec. to 1/15 sec.: (orange) for low light photography; a tripod is needed

1/30 to 1/1000: (white) for satisfactory light photography

Rotate shutter speed dial (1) till the desired speed matches the orange triangle.

Diaphragm setting

Set the desired diaphragm number on diaphragm setting ring (17) of the lens opposite to the mark on the lens mount. When lenses with automatic pressure diaphragm (ADB) are used, the diaphragm remains fully open and closes to the set value only when the shutter release is pressed. The diaphragm opens in the same instant the shutter has run down. By changing the diaphragm operation selection switch (14) from A (automatic operation) to M (manual operation) or by actuating the metering key (2) it becomes possible do check the depht of field already on the viewfinder image.

Automatic exposure control system

There are two modes of light metering:

1. Metering by altering the diaphragm numeral at the lens with pre-selected shutter speed (being the preferred method for general objects in satisfactory light).

2. Metering by altering the shutter speed with pre-selected diaphragm numeral (being recommended for low light photography with a certain depth of field required).

Metering at pre-selected shutter speed
Set the shutter speed, press metering key (2). Turn diaphragm setting ring (17) until the meter needle, visible in the viewfinder, will have centred to the circular mark. When the needle stands in the + range, an overexposure will be obtained while its position in the - range will result in an underexposure. The diaphragm opens and closes on rotating the diaphragm setting ring correspondingly thus compensation between subject brightness and the combined shutter speed, diaphragm, and ASA/DIN setting is performed.

Metering at pre-selected diaphragm number
Set the diaphragm numeral, press metering key (2). Turn shutter speed dial (1) until the meter needle visible in the viewfinder wi!I have centred to the circular mark. When the needle stands in the + range, an overexposure will be obtained while its position in the - range will result in an underexposure. Don't set any intermediate shutter speeds between the indexed positions. Should you not succeed in attaining a perfect balance, you can make a precise correction by the diaphragm setting ring which may, ot course, be set to intermediate values, too.

Metering with lenses without automatic diaphragm system
How do control:
Set the diaphragm to its smallest diaphragm number - focus the lens - balance the system by stopping down.

Functional range of the automatic exposure control system

Outside of the range of the table below the metering system is switched off. The meter needle is in rest position below the circular mark in the minus range. Metering cannot be made with the shutter set to "B" or the lightning symbol

DIN	ASA	Time
12...13	12...16	1...1/125
14...16	20...32	1...1/250
17...19	40...65	1...1/500
20	80	1...1/1000
21...23	100...165	1/2...1/1000
24...26	200...330	1/4...1/1000
27...29	400...660	1/8...1/1000
30...32	800...1300	1/15...1/1000
33	1600	1/30...1/1000

1. Signal

2. Image brightening Fresnel lens

3. Pair of metering wedges

4. Microprism screen

5. Meter needle with circular mark

Focusing

Focusing is possible as to metering wedges or a microprsim screen.

Focusing on the measuring wedges
Turn the distance setting ring until defined outlines of the picture parts will stand opposite to one another.

Focusing on the microprism screen
Maximum sharpness is attained when the image in the microprism screen is clear and does not flicker.

Depth-of-field scale

The depth of field attained with a certain diaphragm setting can be read on scale (15).
Example: Distance 3 metres, diaphragm numeral 8, depth of field extends from 2 metres to 5 metres.
For checking the depth of field on the viewfinder image, too, depress metering key (2), set selection switch (14) to M and the switching lever (of PANCOLAR 50 mm f/1.8) to its lower position, resp.
Infrared photos require a slight correction in focusing; let the determined distance meet the infrared mark on the lens.

Releasing and cocking

Please note before pressing the shutter release:

1. The signal is visible in the viewfinder on the left: camera not ready snapping - swivel the rapid rewind lever (10) to the stop.

2. For shutter speeds of 1/15 seconds and slower use a tripod and cable release. Press shutter release (3) smoothly right across the easy going section. Don't depress suddenly! Prepare for another snapping by cocking again.

Self-timer

Cock the shutter. Turn lever (5) upwards to its stop. Press release (4) - the self-timer will now run for about 8 seconds. Do not cock the shutter while the self-timer runs.

Film changing

Observe the exposure counter for the number of pictures you can take with the film in your camera (12, 20 or 36 exposures). After the last exposure press rewind release (22) (it locks). Tilt the folding rewind crank (7) out of rewind button (6) and turn it not too fast in the direction of the arrow (indicated on crank (7)). You will feel the end of rewinding by a somewhat increased resistance with subsequent easy running. Pull the rewind button up to the stop, the camera back being thus released, and take the cartridge out.

Note. Should you have exposed a few more frames than specified on your film packing it might be possible that the rapid wind lever can only be turned partially. Do not use force in this case but rewind the film.

Lens changing

Any lenses having the international M 42 x 1 PRAKTICA thread can be applied. Grip the lens body and unscrew it in counterclockwise direction; screw in the other lens in clockwise direction to the stop.

Flash photography

This camera has been designed for synchronization of flash bulbs and e!ectronic flash units. Flash units provided with a centre contact are pushed into accessory shoe (8). Connect flash units fitted with synchro cable and flash contact with flash socket (30). Set the symbol (lightning or bulb symbol)of the relevant type of flash unit on the shutter speed dial. The firing circuit is only closed as long as the shutter is running down.

Note the guide number of your flash unit and make the aperture or distance calculation (use the calculating disk an the flash unit).

The use of flash bulbs

For fast burning flash bulbs the speed dial is set to the lamp symbol or to a shutter speed longer than 1/30 sec.

The use of electronic flash units

These will be synchronized at setting to the lightning symbol which corresponds to a shutter speed of about 1/125 sec. Longer shutter speeds can be set.

Battery replacement

The automatic exposure control system is powered by a PX 625 mercury oxide element or a corresponding type of 1.35 Volt rated voltage. Open the battery compartment (28) with the aid of a coin. Pay attention for + and - symbols when loading the battery. Insert the power source accordingly and then screw in the lid again. Life of the power source will be about 2 years.

Don't recharge old batteries, don't put them into the fire! There is danger of explosion!

Care of the camera

Operation according to instructions and proper care are essential preconditions for troublefree function of this high-precision instrument. Protect it from shocks, blows, dust, and moisture; clean cartridge and spool compartments, film track and camera back with a soft brush in suitable intervals. Do not excert any pressure onto the shutter blades and do not touch them with your fingers. Dust the mirror with a soft brush only if absolutely necessary. When not used shut the eyepiece by means of the delivered protective cap. Don't clean the camera with organic solvents, such as spirit, varnish thinner or the like. Clean from time to time the battery from the camera when not required for a longer time. We recommend to protect the camera in cold weather in usual manner. The PRAKTICA MTL 3 is selectively delivered with or without selftimer.

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