Exakta Varex VX how do u set the slow speeds

Can anyone tell me how to set the slower shutter speeds on on an

Exakta Varex? I just bought it from a guy, and its not really

intuitive! Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Eddie

If I recall correctly, and I may be wrong, you set the regular shutter speed dial on "B," then set the speed on the other control. Best get an owner's manual. (It's been YEARS!!)

The Exacta Varex VX series started in 1951, I believe, and there are several models: The VX, 11a, 11-A (maybe the same?),11b, and the VX 1000. Craigcamera lists several manuals at $30.00

It's been too many years for me, too, but I'm pretty certain the

VXIIa that I used to use had a "T" setting, in addition to the

"B" setting. I think I always set the main dial to "T", though

"B" might work, as well.

<p>

Anyway, after setting the main dial, then wind the secondary

dial as far as it will go. Lift it and set the speeds by

pulling up on the outer part of the secondary knob. The

black numbers are the slow speeds, and the red numbers

are the self-timer numbers, IIRC. To use the self timer,

set a "fast" speed on the main shutter dial (anything but "B" or "T").

<p>

Let me know if I was right. It's been a LONG time since

I've handled an Exakta.

richard is right, both B and T will work for setting slow speeds, and you have to wind up the slow speed dial for every shot.

 

:)=

From the Exakta VX 1000 manual:

 

Page 16

 

For all exposure times of 1/8 sec. or longer, or

exposures using the delayed action, lenses

having automatic diaphragms should be set to

manual in order to avoid premature opening of

the aperture. When using the Domiplan 2.8/50

lens, a cable release with a long plunger and

time-exposure lock, or the special locking knob

(available as an accessory) should be employed

for the release rocker. For more information

regarding this, see the detailed description of

lenses on pages 26-29.

Cable releases (with long plunger) may be screw-

ed into the shutter release knob (3) on the

camera or into the release mechanism on the

lens (27). This is particularly important when

using shutter speeds of 1/8 second and slower.

and virtually indispensable when employing the

B setting.

 

Page 18

 

Shutter speeds from '/8 sec. to 12 sec.

(without delayed action)

Read also the instructions of page 16! Tension

the shutter. Set the small shutter-speed setting

knob (10) to T or B. Turn the large shutter-

speed setting knob (18) in a clockwise direction

until it stops; this tensions the speed-regulating

mechanism. Then lift the outer ring of the

shutter-speed setting knob (18), turn it until the

yellow mark is opposite the desired black speed

value and then let the outer ring spring back.

The small figures 8, 4 and 2 signify fractions of

seconds, e. g. 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 sec. The larger

figures from 1 to 12 represent whole seconds

(3 seconds is represented by a dot). After

a fairly brief exposure (e. g. 1/8 sec.) has been

used, the speed-regulating mechanism will be

only slightly run down; despite this, it should

always be wound right up by turning the knob

as far as it will go.

 

 

Page 28

 

Fully automatic spring diaphragm on

T 2.8/50 from Jena and Pancolar 2/50

lenses from Jena

 

Engage the automatic diaphragm mechanism

by pushing the release knob (27) on the lens to-

wards the camera together with its mount and

turn it to the right (viewed from the front of

the camera). To disengage the automatic dia-

phragm. press the release knob (27) together

with its mount towards the camera and turn it to

the left (again looking from the front). When the

automatic mechanism is disengaged (= manual

diaphragm setting). the diaphragm will remain

stopped down to the selected f/No. (this is impor-

Tant when using slow shutter speeds and delayed-

action exposures). When the automatic mecha-

nism is engaged. the diaphragm should be fully

opened for focusing. Select the required smaller

aperture (larger fin umber) by turning the aper-

ture-setting ring (26), which can also be set to

intermediate stops. By depressing the lens-

release knob (27) the diaphragm is stopped

down automatically; by letting go of the release

knob (27) the diaphragm re-opens automatically.

 

Hope this helps.

Many thanks for all the help, especially Paul for quoting the manual. Did you do that from memory?! Thanks again,

 

Eddie

I wish, Ed! (I'm getting to the age where I could hide Easter eggs from myself....)

 

I had a VX 1000 many moons ago, still have the manual. Thank goodness for the OCR feature on a flatbed scanner!

Turn the right handside as far as it goes, the max delay time is about 15 sec

..the max delay time is about 15 sec

That's the self-timer, not the slow shutter speeds. And only 18 years too late to benefit the OP.

 

"ed_vaughn was last seen: Aug 25, 2010"

 

The Exakta Varex manual is available on Ed Butkus's site too.