Instructions for a Yashica FX2
- 1). Load the film by first sliding the film-rewind knob (top left side of camera) upwards, opening the back of the camera. Insert the 35 millimeter film roll into the slot on the left side of the camera, securing the spool by sliding the film-rewind knob back down into the bottom of the film roll. Take the tail of the film and pull it out from the spool just far enough to be tucked firmly into the lip of the film-advance lever on the right side of the camera. Close the back of the camera and use the wind film rewind knob to take up the film slack. Cock the film advance lever fully until the counter (right side of camera) shows the figure "1."
- 2). Set the film speed (ASA) by lifting up and turning the outer rim of the dial located behind the shutter-release button (top right of the camera body). For example, if your film is 400 speed, then turn the ASA to 400.
- 3). Bring the subject into focus through the viewfinder by twisting the ring around the tip of the lens. While looking through the viewfinder, you will see a focusing spot. The "glittering" within the center of the spot will disappear once the image is critically focused.
- 4). Turn the meter switch (surrounding the film-rewind knob) to "on". Look through the viewfinder at your subject. To the right, you will see a light-measuring meter with a "+" and "-" sign. The needle should fall directly between these two symbols for a balanced exposure. Adjust the F-stop on the lens to a higher number to bring the needle out of "+" and to a smaller number to bring the exposure out of "-". Alternately, the image exposure can be adjusted by setting the shutter speed. Use the dial next to the shutter-release button. To bring the exposure out of the "+" range, choose a higher shutter speed. Choose a lower shutter speed to bring the exposure from the "-" zone.
- 5). Hold the camera securely with both hands, bracing your elbows against your body for extra steadiness. Press the shutter button down completely, taking the picture.
- 6). After the final picture has been taken (indicated by the counter), press the button on the very bottom of the camera, and then crank the film-rewind knob clockwise. Continue to rewind until the knob turns freely (near the end, it is normal to feel a substantial amount of resistance; continue to wind until the knob turns loosely). Pull the knob up, opening the back of the camera, and extract your film.
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