Fujica AX 1 Manual

The Fujica AX 1 is a classic 35mm film SLR camera featuring manual exposure control, through-the-lens (TTL) metering, interchangeable lens system, and robust mechanical construction. Below are key sections covering camera features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for this vintage photographic equipment.

Camera Overview

Key components: Camera body, Fujinon lens mount, film advance lever, shutter speed dial, aperture ring, focusing screen, and built-in light meter.

Component	Description
Shutter Speed Dial	Controls exposure time from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec plus B
Aperture Ring	Adjusts lens opening from f/1.4 to f/16
Film Advance Lever	Advances film and cocks shutter
Viewfinder	Shows focus, exposure information, and composition
Light Meter	TTL center-weighted metering system
Self-Timer	10-second delay mechanism
Flash Sync	Hot shoe and PC sync terminal
Battery Compartment	Holds PX625 battery for light meter
Rewind Crank	For rewinding exposed film
Depth of Field Preview	Allows preview of actual depth of field

Basic Operation

Follow these steps for proper camera operation and film handling.

1. Load film: Open back cover, insert film cartridge, advance to frame 1.
2. Set ISO: Match film speed on ISO dial for accurate metering.
3. Compose: Look through viewfinder and focus using focus ring.
4. Meter: Adjust shutter speed and aperture until meter indicates proper exposure.
5. Shoot: Press shutter release button to take photo.
6. Advance: Use film advance lever to prepare for next shot.

WARNING! Never force camera controls; handle with care to avoid damage to mechanical components.

Lens System

The Fujica AX 1 uses Fujica X-mount lenses with full aperture metering capability.

1. Lens mounting: Align red dot on lens with camera mount, rotate clockwise until click.
2. Lens removal: Press lens release button while rotating counter-clockwise.
3. Aperture control: Set desired f-stop on lens aperture ring.
4. Focusing: Rotate focus ring until subject appears sharp in viewfinder.

CAUTION! Keep lens mount clean; avoid touching mirror or focusing screen.

Exposure Controls

• Shutter Speeds: 1 sec, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec plus B
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16 (varies by lens)
• Metering System: TTL center-weighted averaging
• Exposure Indicator: Needle display in viewfinder shows over/under exposure
• Manual Mode: Full manual control of shutter and aperture
• Battery: PX625 1.35V mercury battery (modern alternatives available)
• Meter Range: EV 1 to EV 18 at ISO 100

Film Loading & Unloading

Proper film handling ensures optimal image quality and prevents damage.

Loading: Open back, insert film, pull leader to mark, close back, advance twice.

Unloading: Press rewind button, flip out rewind crank, rewind until resistance stops.

Film: 35mm cartridge film; ISO 25-3200 compatibility.

Viewfinder Information

Viewfinder displays: Focus screen with microprism spot, exposure meter needle, shutter speed scale, aperture scale.

1. Compose image using full viewfinder area.
2. Focus using microprism center spot.
3. Check exposure meter for proper exposure setting.
4. Frame counter shows number of exposures taken.

Tip: Keep viewfinder eyepiece clean for clear composition.

Flash Photography

Supports both dedicated and manual flash units.

1. Mount flash: Attach to hot shoe or connect via PC sync cable.
2. Set sync speed: Use 1/60 sec or slower shutter speed.
3. Calculate exposure: Use guide number or automatic flash mode.
4. Fire: Press shutter release; flash will sync with shutter.
5. Recycle: Wait for flash ready indicator before next shot.

WARNING! Do not exceed maximum sync speed; may cause partial exposure.

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures long-term reliability and performance.

Cleaning: Use soft brush for exterior; lens cleaning tissue for optics; avoid solvents.

Storage: Store in dry, cool place with lens cap on; remove battery for long-term storage.

CAUTION! Do not attempt internal repairs; seek professional service for mechanical issues.

Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm SLR manual focus
• Lens Mount: Fujica X-mount
• Shutter: Horizontal travel focal plane
• Viewfinder: Pentaprism, 0.87x magnification, 93% coverage
• Metering: TTL center-weighted with CdS cell
• Flash Sync: 1/60 sec maximum
• Battery: PX625 1.35V (mercury)
• Weight: 560g (body only)
• Dimensions: 139 x 88 x 86 mm

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Light meter not working	Dead battery/contacts	Replace battery; clean battery contacts.
Shutter not firing	Film not advanced	Advance film fully; check shutter release lock.
Film advance stuck	Film improperly loaded	Rewind film and reload; check for obstructions.
Blurry images	Focus/camera shake	Check focus; use faster shutter speed or tripod.
Flash not syncing	Wrong shutter speed	Set shutter to 1/60 sec or slower for flash.

Service: For professional repair, contact authorized Fujica service center.

Note: Original parts may be discontinued; seek vintage camera specialists.