Welcome back to our series on the Pentax P3N. In this video, we’ll walk through the practical aspects of operating the P3N, covering everything from battery replacement to taking your first photo and even creating a double exposure.
Let’s begin with the battery. The P3N requires two 357 button batteries to operate. To check the battery status, half-press the shutter button and observe the viewfinder display. If the shutter speed blinks slowly, the batteries are weak. A solid display indicates good batteries, while rapid blinking means the camera cannot ensure proper exposure.
Next, let’s discuss lens mounting. The P3N is compatible with a variety of lenses. SMC and SMC-M lenses allow manual and aperture-priority shooting. For Program mode, you’ll need SMC-A, SMC-F, or SMC-FA lenses, which feature an “A” setting on the aperture ring. To mount a lens, align the red dot on the lens with the mount index on the camera, insert the lens, and twist it clockwise until it clicks. To unmount, press the lens release button and rotate counterclockwise.
Now, onto film loading. The P3N relies on DX-coded film to automatically set ISO speed. Insert the film cassette into the chamber, pull the leader across the shutter, and align it with the take-up spool. Close the back and advance the film until the frame counter reaches “1.” For non-DX films, the camera defaults to 100 ISO, so keep this in mind when using specialty films.
The hot shoe on top of the camera supports flashes with x-sync at 1/100 second. Some Pentax flashes of the era include Program Flash AE Mode, which enables fully automatic flash exposures. Note that manual flash settings are not supported in Program mode, so be sure to match your flash’s capabilities with the camera’s features.
The P3N offers three shooting modes. In Manual (M) mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. Aperture Priority (A) mode adjusts the shutter speed automatically based on the selected aperture. Program (P) mode automates both settings but requires an “A” lens. The camera’s meter displays solid and blinking numbers in Manual mode, guiding you to achieve the correct exposure. In Aperture Priority and Program modes, the meter displays the selected shutter speed but omits aperture information.
The P3N’s viewfinder features a fixed focusing matte with a central split-prism and microprism collar for precision focusing. The metering gauge uses LEDs—green for shutter speeds of 1/60 and faster, orange for slower speeds. Flashing “1” or “1000” indicates light levels beyond the camera’s range.
To take a photo, compose your shot, ensure focus, and press the shutter button. For double exposures, keep the film rewind button pressed while advancing the frame, allowing the same frame to be exposed twice.
The Pentax P3N simplifies film photography while delivering reliable performance. With these tips, you’re ready to make the most of your P3N and capture amazing photos.
(AI wrote this narrative.)
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @davidhancock
Video Index:
0:00 - Intro
0:08 - How to use the Pentax P3N
0:19 - Changing the Battery in the Pentax P3N
2:24 - Mounting and Removing Lenses from the Pentax P3N
3:18 - Loading and Unloading Film from the Pentax P3N
7:14 - Flash use with the Pentax P3N
12:23 - Pentax P3N Shooting Modes (Program, Aperture Priority, and Full Manual) and Lens Selection
15:43 - Pentax P3N’s Viewfinder and Light Meter
21:46 - Pentax P3N Memory Lock (AEL) Button
23:56 - How to take a Picture with the Pentax P3N
24:45 - Double Exposures with the Pentax P3N
Pentax P3N Change Batteries, Load Film, Modes, and Double Exposures
• Pentax P3N Change Batteries, Load Film, Mo...
Pentax P3N (P30N) 35mm Film SLR Tutorial, Walkthrough, and Review
• Pentax P3N (P30N) 35mm Film SLR Tutorial, ...
References:
http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/bodies/film_...
https://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax/...
https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerare...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
My Instagram:
/ davidhancock
Информация по комментариям в разработке