Loading the Camera

Pull the film rewind knob upwards to open the back door. Place the film cassette in chamber 16. Return the rewind knob to its locked position. Draw out the film leader and insert it into the take-up spool 22, ensuring sprocket teeth engage the film. Cock the shutter lever 11 to confirm sprocket engagement. Close the back door 21. Advance the film by cocking and firing the shutter twice. Set the exposure counter to '0'.

Film Speed Setting

Locate the film speed scale on the aperture scale windows. Set the index mark to the desired film speed (GOST-ASA or DIN units).

Exposure Determining

Direct the camera at the subject. Align the calculator pointer 31 with the exposure meter needle 30 using the shutter speed scale 29. Read combinations of shutter speeds and aperture values. Set the chosen shutter speed and aperture on the camera and lens respectively.

Shutter Speed Setting

Turn the shutter speed dial 13 to the desired speed, aligning it with the index mark. 'B' is for hand-controlled shutter speed. For long exposures, press and hold the release button.

Stop Setting

Align the index mark on the aperture setting ring 38 with the desired aperture figure on the aperture scale 34.

Focusing

Turn the focusing ring 37 to achieve a sharp image on the microraster or ground glass collar in the viewfinder. Focusing is best done with the diaphragm fully open.

Picture Taking

Cock the shutter, ensure correct focus and exposure, and smoothly press the release button.

Unloading the Camera

When the exposure counter shows 36, rewind the film into the cassette. Release the shutter, set the shutter speed dial (not 'B'), disengage the shutter, lift and rotate the crank 8 until the film leaves the take-up spool. Pull out the film rewind crank, and the back door will open. Remove the cassette.

Operating the Self-Timer

Mount the camera on a tripod. Focus the lens and set exposure. Press button 4 until it stops and turn clockwise (or set diaphragm mode to 'M' for HELIOS-44M). Cock the shutter. Wind the self-timer lever 1 down. Press the self-timer release button 2. The shutter will fire in at least 7 seconds.

Taking Flash Pictures

The camera has X-synchronization for flash units via a front wall socket or hot-shoe. Flash pictures can be taken at a shutter speed of 1/30s.

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