Back in 1991, Nikon released the third model in its F-401 series, the F-401x -- also known as the N5005. This film single lens reflex camera features shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/2,000 of a second and film speed ranges from ISO 25 to ISO 5,000. Because this camera is, by technological standards, very old, tracking down a user manual can be difficult. Some are available to download with an optional PayPal donation, but there are just a few basics you need to know.
Instructions
Getting to Know your Camera
1. Hold the camera up as though you would to take a picture. The viewfinder is central in the rear of the camera. On top you have all of your controls: The aperture dial is closest to the viewfinder, and the shutter speed dial is in front of that. The lens release button is to the right of the lens, and the shutter is on top of the camera, on the left.
2. Press and hold the lens release button to disengage the current lens. While holding the button, twist the lens clockwise to loosen it. To attach a different lens, twist the lens into place counterclockwise until it clicks. After loading a lens, set the lens to its minimum aperture setting (the biggest number in orange) and then lock the aperture by sliding the lock into place.
3. Flip the camera upside down and press forward on the battery chamber lid to open it. Insert four AA batteries as shown by the "+" and "-" symbols.
4. Slide down the camera back lock on the left of the camera to open the camera back. It's best to load film in low light. Insert your film cartridge with the hole at the top, then pull the loose end of the film across the sensor and insert the end into the film leader. the film should be tight and flat, with no slack or bubbling. Close the back of the camera and press the shutter until the film advances to frame 1.
Shooting in Auto and Manual Modes
5. Set the aperture dial to "A" and the shutter dial to "S" to use auto program mode. In this mode, the camera will automatically compensate for both aperture and shutter settings based on the readings from the internal light meter. Set the focus sensor to "A" to engage auto focus.
6. Hold the camera up and look through the viewfinder. Lightly tap the shutter button to focus the camera. A green light will come on in the viewfinder when the camera is focused. If the green light blinks, the photo might be blurry, meaning the light is too low. Press the shutter button fully to take the photo.
7. Experiment with the settings. If your low-light sensor is coming on, you may be using film that is too slow for the light you are shooting. High-speed film (ISO 800 or 1000) will be better for low light. Adjust the aperture and shutter modes to manual and play with different settings. Low aperture numbers mean the lens is open wider, and more light comes in. Longer shutter speeds allow more light, too.
Tags: aperture dial, aperture shutter, camera back, green light, Hold camera, into place, lens release