AE Prism Finder FE401
Prism Finder FP401
English Instructions
Features
The two prism finders, FE401 and FP401, are optically and mechanically identical.
Their precision roof prisms render a bright, unreversed and laterally correct image, and they both feature
eyepiece closures which prevent light from entering the finders during remote operations.
Special Feature of the Prism Finder FE401
The AE (automatic exposure) Prism Finder FE401 has built-in precision electronics that enable:
Three automatic exposure modes: Spot, Average and Auto-Shift. In Auto-Shift mode, the finder’s
meter will automatically change from Spot to Average, or vice versa, depending on the subject.
When setting the shutter speed manually, the finder will display the correct exposure, and then the
display will turn off after 10 seconds to conserve battery power.
To provide the most accurate exposure information, intermediate exposure times are displayed.
Specifications for Both Finders
Viewfinder
Both prism finders feature roof prisms that
produce a bright, unreversed and laterally
correct image. Image magnification is 0.79x
with the 80mm f/2.8 lens with a built-in 2.5x
magnifier.
Specifications for Prism Finder FE401
Metering System
There are three metering modes: Spot, Average
and Auto-Shift (AUTO A-S).
Aperture Range
EV 1, f/2.8, 4 sec. to EV 19, f/1.9 1/1000 sec.
with the standard 80mm f/2.8 lens.
Shutter Speed Range
Auto: 8 sec. ~ 1/1000 in 1/6 intervals.
Manual: 4 sec.~ 1/1000 in full-stop intervals.
Exposure
Compensation
± 3 stops with click-stops at 1/3 stop intervals.
Viewfinder LED
Display
In metered automatic mode, flashing LEDs
indicate full f-stop shutter speeds, while for
intermediate exposure times, two shutter
speeds will illuminate and flash. Overexposures
are indicated by flashing ‘OVER’ LEDs and
underexposures are indicated by ‘LT’ LEDs.
In the metered manual mode, preselected
shutter speeds are illuminated by flashing LEDs,
while the correct shutter speed will blink slower.
The display illuminates for only 10 sec. to
conserve battery power. A low battery condition
is indicated by flashing LEDs.
AE Lock
When the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial is set to
AEL (AE Lock) the exposure information is
stored in the finder.
Power Supply Power is supplied by the camera’s battery.
Names of Parts
1. Eyepiece Closure Lever
2. Metering Mode Selector
3. Lock Release Button
4. Exposure Compensation Dial
5. Diopter Lens Mounting Frame
6. Gold Plated Contact Pins
7. Lock Release Button
8. Attaching Latches
9. Attaching Pins
10. Eyecup
11. Eyepiece
12. Lock Button
Attaching the Finder to the Camera Body, Fig. A
1. Insert the two Attaching Latches (8) on the front of the finder into the mounting holes on the front of
the camera body.
2. Push down on the back of the finder until it click and locks into place.
Removing the Finder from the Camera Body, Fig. B
1. Push the finder’s Lock Release Button (3) while pushing down on the button the other side of the
finder.
2. Lift the finder up and off of the camera body.
Using the AE Prism Finder FE401
AE Photography
1. To enable AE (Automatic Exposure) Mode, set ‘A’ on the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial opposite the
index mark on the on the center of the dial, Fig. 1.
2. Set the ISO speed on the finder’s ISO Dial, Fig. 2.
3. Before metering, make sure that the lens’ A-M Selector is set to its ‘A’ position. If the A-M Selector is
set to ‘M’, correct metering cannot be obtained.
4. Make sure the camera’s Exposure Coupling Pin properly engages the lens’ Aperture Ring Coupler, Fig.
3.
5. Setting the Exposure Mode
Average Mode
Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to its ‘AV’ setting. The finder will average the exposure
over the entire frame.
Spot Mode
Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to ‘SP’. The finder will use the light from the central area
of the frame to determine exposures.
Auto-Shift Mode
Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to ‘AUTO A-S’. The finder will automatically switch
between ‘AV’ and ‘SP’ Modes based on the lighting condition.
6. After selecting the exposure mode, push the camera’s Shutter Release Button down halfway. The
finder’s display will illuminate and display the mode and the correct shutter speed for the aperture set
on the lens.
If two shutter speeds are displayed, the exposure will be based on an intermediate value. For
example, if both 1/60 and 1/125 are displayed, the exposure will be at a speed between
these two values.
Manual Photography
1. Set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to a setting other than ‘A’ and ‘AEL’, Fig. 5.
2. Press the camera’s Shutter Release Button down halfway. The correct shutter speed for the aperture
set on the lens will blink in the viewfinder.
3. If two shutter speeds blink, an intermediate speed will be selected and the shutter speed set on the
camera will illuminate. To obtain a correct exposure, turn the lens’ Aperture Ring or the camera’s
Shutter Speed Dial until only one shutter speed is illuminated.
The finder’s display will illuminate for 10 seconds and then turn off to conserve battery
power. To re-illuminate the display, press the camera’s Shutter Speed dial down halfway.
AEL (AE Lock) Photography
The AEL setting is very useful for making exposure measurements for subjects that are not in the center of the
frame.
Although the AEL setting can be used with any exposure mode, it is most effective with spot metering.
1. Set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to its ‘AEL’ setting, Fig. 6.
2. While looking through the viewfinder, keep the camera’s Shutter Speed Button pushed down halfway
and center the most important part of the subject in the center circle of the frame. The finder will
memorize the exposure information. While keeping the Shutter Speed Button pressed down halfway,
recompose the subject, and then push the camera’s Shutter Release Button down all the way.
The Exposure Compensation Dial
While pressing the button in the center of the Exposure Dial, turn the dial to select the desired amount of
exposure compensation.
The dial has click-stops at 1/3 stop intervals within the range of ±3 EV.
Turning the dial in the + direction increases exposure while turning the dial in the - direction decreases
exposure.
The Exposure Compensation Dial can also be used for special lighting techniques, i.e. high key, low key, etc.
When using the 300mm f/5.6 N lens is used in AE Mode, turn the Exposure Compensation Dial to -2/3 EV for
the finder to calculate the correct exposures.
Mirror Lock-up Photography
Only the AEL Mode supports mirror-up photography.
While pressing down the camera’s Shutter Release Button halfway, raise the camera’s Mirror Lock-up Lever,
and then immediately release the Shutter Release Button. If you leave your finger on the camera’s Shutter
Release Button for even an instant after raising the mirror, the exposure will increase, so use care when
photographing in the mode.
Diopter Correction Lenses
The viewfinder’s optics are adjusted for average eyesight.
For far- or nearsighted individuals that do not want to wear corrective lenses while photographing, select the
applicable diopter corrective lens and install it on the viewfinder, Fig. 8.
Six diopter corrective lenses are available providing a ±3 diopter correction.
To install a corrective lens, place the top of the lens into the top of the eyecup frame and snap it into place. To
remove a corrective lens, pull the lens out at the bottom, Fig. 8.
Using the AE Finder FE401 with Leaf-Shutter Lenses
When using the Focal-plane Mode (F), follow the same procedures as with non leaf-shutter lenses.
When using the Leaf-shutter Mode:
1. Set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to any setting other than ‘B’ (Bulb).
2. When you press down the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial halfway, an LED will display the correct
shutter speed in the viewfinder and the exposure value will remain in memory for 10 seconds.
3. If an exposure adjustment is necessary, turn the lens’ Shutter Speed or Aperture Ring to select a
correct exposure.
AE Prism Finder FE401 Viewfinder Display
General Information
Since the AE Prism Finder FE401 uses TTL (through-the-lens) metering, it is not necessary to make exposure
compensations when using accessories such as filters, auto extension tubes, a bellows or a macro lens.
Extraneous light entering the eyepiece can affect exposures, so be sure to keep your eye close to the eyecup
when you are photographing with the FE401. If you are using the Self Timer, or the camera in remote mode,
close the Eyepiece Closure Lever (1) to prevent light from entering the eyepiece.
When the FE401 is used with the Self Timer, the exposure will be determined an instant before the shutter
fires.
Be sure to keep the FE401’s electrical contacts clean.
When the camera is not in use, turn the camera’s Shutter Release Selector to its ‘RED DOT’ position to prevent
an accidental exposure if the Shutter Release Button is pressed. Also, turn the Operating Indicator on the
Power Drive Grip WG401 to its ‘OFF’ position.
Tips on Selecting a Metering Mode
Use the Average Mode when you want to silhouette a subject against a backlit scene.
Use the Spot Mode when you want a subject to be correctly exposed in a backlit scene.
Use the AEL (AE Lock) setting to meter the most important area of the scene, and then by holding down the
camera’s Shutter Release Button to keep the exposure information in memory, change the composition, and
then complete the exposure.
In Auto-Shift Mode:
If the area measured in Spot Mode is more than 1 ½ stops darker than the area measured by Average
Mode, Spot Mode is automatically selected.
When the area measured in Spot Mode is about the same or brighter than that measured in Average
Mode, Average Mode is automatically selected.
When the area measured in Spot Mode is ¾ to 1 ½ stops darker than that measured by Average Mode, the
FE401 will automatically select an intermediate exposure value. In this situation, both the ‘AV’ and ‘SP’ LEDs
will illuminate in the viewfinder.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
Ask a question and I''ll find the answer in the document
Finding information in a document is now easier with AI
Related papers
-
Mamiya PD Prism Finder S Instructions Manual
-
Mamiya Leaf 645 PRO TL User manual
-
-
Mamiya 7 II User manual
-
-
-
-
-
Mamiya Leaf M645 1000S User manual
-
Mamiya 645DF User manual
