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Congratulations on your purchase of this camera Icon indicators used in this manual and welcome to the exciting world of Pentax auto- focus photography! This compact and light weight Operation direction camera is an autofocus SLR camera that offers higher levels of sophistication and performance.
FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA Although we have carefully designed this camera for safe operation, please be sure to follow pre- cautions given on this page. WARNING This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in serious injury to the operator.
If you cannot correct the era is taken from warm temperature to a subfreezing problems, have your camera inspected at a Pentax one or vice versa, the formation of icelets may cause service center. Repairs of this nature are not covered damage.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Safe use of your camera ........1 II BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING)...23-36 Precautions for your camera........2 Using the Auto Picture Mode......24 Precautions for battery usage......3 Using the Smart Flash........25 Table of contents..........4 • Auto-popup flash function......25 Names of working parts........6 •...
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Adjusting the data on the Data Back ....72 • Green Operation Mode .......47 Installing the battery in the Data Back....73 • Portrait Program Mode ........48 Using a Pentax Dedicated External Flash..74 • Landscape Program Mode ......49 • Contrast-Control-Sync Flash Photography..75 • Close-up Program Mode ......50 •...
NAMES OF WORKING PARTS I Select switch Shutter release button Drive mode button (p.37, 38, 40, 42, 43) Flash mode button (p.24) LCD panel Main switch (p.16) Hot shoe Built-in flash Exposure mode indicator Mode dial Remote control receiver (p.38, 40, 42) Self-timer lamp (p.38, 40, 42) Strap lug (p.11) Release socket...
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NAMES OF WORKING PARTS II Shutter curtains Flash mode button (p.32) Eyecup FK (p.39) Viewfinder eyepiece Diopter adjustment lever (p.23) Panorama lever (p.44) Memory lock button (p.63) Film information window Pressure plate Back cover (p.18) Film leader end mark (p.19) Battery cover chamber screw (p.12) Battery chamber cover (p.12)
LCD PANEL INDICATION All indications will not actually appear simultane- ously as shown. • Under the dim light condition, the LCD panel will be illuminated automatically. : Flash information (p.25, 36) : Exposure compensation (p.61) : Red-eye reduction flash indication (p.32) : Film status information (p.20, 22) : Automatic flash information (p.25) : Exposure counter (p.20) and exposure...
VIEWFINDER INDICATION MULTI (6)-SEGMENT METERING This camera incorporates six-segment TTL meter- ing system. Light values are measured in six seg- ments within the image field, enabling an optional exposure to be made under a variety of lighting conditions. With multi(6)-segment metering, the camera records the brightness in six zones within the image field and will properly expose the sub- ject.
*4. K mount lens only. *5. Exception of Pentax-F or FA Soft 85mm/f2.8. *6. Green Operation Mode only *7. When the 50mm f/1.2 lens is in use with the lens aperture ring set at a position other than the A position, the center-weighted metering mode will be set.
ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Fit the strap on the camera as illustrated. I. BASIC OPERATION There is a pocket on the strap so you can store • (PREPARATION) the remote control transmitter, finder cap, release socket cover, hot shoe cover or any other small accessory as illustrated.
LOADING THE BATTERIES 1. Open the battery chamber 2. Load two 3V lithium batter- 3. Turn the battery chamber cover by using a coin, etc. ies (CR2) or equivalent as cover screw in the direction as shown in the illustration. shown in the illustration.
Bulb exposure time about 2 hours sure will be correct as long as the shutter can be CR2 batteries were used under Pentax testing released. It is recommended to replace the bat- conditions. Actual battery life and performance teries as soon as possible.
ATTACHING THE LENS 2. Align the red dots on the camera and lens 1. Remove the body mount cap and rear mount, attach the lens to the camera body, lens cap as shown in the illustration. and turn it fully to the right until you hear a click.
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3. To remove the front lens cap, squeeze the * How to remove tabs on both sides in the direction of the To remove the lens, turn it to the left while arrow. depressing the lens-lock-release button. • We assume no responsibility nor liability for dam- •...
TURNING ON THE POWER OPERATING THE SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON The shutter release button has two positions. Depressing it down halfway (first position) turns on the exposure meter and autofocus system. Depressing it fully (second position) releases the shutter. When taking a picture, depress the shutter release button gently to prevent cam- era shake.
THE DATA BACK (optional) If you have purchased your camera as the Date version, read this section. The DATE model records data information on your photographs clearly on each frame that you expose. At each press of the DATE button as shown in the illustration, the mode on the LCD panel of the Data Back switches as indicated in the chart.
FILM LOADING We suggest that you first operate the camera with no film loaded to become familiar with its operations. Automatic film speed setting This camera is designed to use DX-coded films with ISO ratings from 25 to 5000. • When DX-coded film is used, the correct film speed is automatically set for the camera.
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3. As shown in the illustration, pull the film 4. Align the film leader with the film leader end leader out only far enough to reach the take mark as shown. -up spool. • Make sure that the film leader is positioned THE SHUTTER CURTAINS ARE FINE-PRECI- under the film retaine as shown in the illustra-...
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Film loaded with slack Film loaded flat Yes! 5. Close the back cover and set the main switch to ON. 6. The film automatically advances to the first frame. • Check that [ ] and [ ] are displayed on the LCD panel.
UNLOADING FILM 1. The film automatically rewinds at the end of 2. When the film is fully rewound, only [ the roll. blinks on the LCD panel. • During rewinding, [–––] blinks on the LCD panel, indicating that the film is being rewound, the exposure counter counts frame numbers in reverse.
3. Open the back cover and remove the film. * Rewinding a film in mid-roll If you wish to unload the film before exposing all • A roll of 24-exposure film takes about 13 sec- the frames, use this function. onds to rewind.
ADJUSTING THE VIEWFINDER DIOPTER Aim the camera at a bright subject.While look- II. BASIC OPERATION ing through the viewfinder,move the diopter adjustment lever to the left or right until the (SHOOTING) autofocus flame [ ] appears in the sharpest focus.
USING THE AUTO PICTURE MODE This Auto Picture Mode allows you to take pictures 3. The selected picture mode is displayed in by simply depressing the shutter release button. In the viewfinder. this mode, the camera automatically selects one of 5 picture modes according to the requirement of •...
USING SMART FLASH MODE Auto-popup flash function 2. The built-in flash automatically pops up 1. Depress the flash mode button until [ when depressing the shutter release button appears on the LCD panel. halfway down in the following conditions. 1. low light situation The auto-popup flash function operates only 2.
Flash Disable Mode • From among 5 modes, the camera selects the Use this mode if you don’t want the built-in flash to best one depending on the size of the subject pop-up automatically. The flash will not pop-up and some other factors. The flash disable mode automatically even when it is dark nor lights when is the same as the Auto Picture Mode except that the flash is in the up position.
USING ZOOM LENSES Telephoto Turning the zoom ring to the right makes the subject appear larger (telephoto) and turning it to the left makes the subject appear smaller (wide angle). • The Image Size Tracking Mode, Zoom Clip Mode, Auto Zoom Effect Mode and Power Zoom function do not operate with this camera even if an FA power zoom lens is attached.
SETTING THE SINGLE-FRAME DRIVE MODE SELECTING THE AUTOFOCUS MODE For autofocus operation, set the focus mode Depress the drive button until [ ] appears on switch to [AF]. When you depress the shutter the LCD panel. release button halfway down, the lens auto- •...
HOLDING THE CAMERA Camera held horizontally Camera held vertically For best results, be sure to hold the camera • To reduce camera shake, support your body or correctly as shown in the illustrations. the camera on a solid object - a table, tree, or a wall for instance.
TAKING A PICTURE Confirm that the focus mode switch has been • As this camera incorporates the 3-point autofo- set to [ AF ]. cus system, the subject will be focused properly 1. Focus on the subject with the 3 point-AF even if the subject is slightly off the center of the frame [ ] indicated in red in the photo-...
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4. Take a picture. Gently depress the shutter • The built-in flash does not retract automatically. release button. To retract the flash, push it by the top until it 5. The built-in flash pops up automatically clicks into the position. when the use of flash is recommended.
SELECTING THE VARIOUS FLASH MODES • The auto-popup flash mode can only be set when the Auto Picture Mode or one of 5 picture modes is set. • The built-in flash pops up automatically when ] is displayed on the LCD panel. But it dis- charges only when required.
You should eye reduction flash feature. When using a Pentax therefore set the focus mode switch to the MF dedicated flash unit off the camera, it may also position before using the slave function.
ACTIVATE THE BUILT-IN FLASH MANUALLY 1. Push the flash pop-up button to activate the • The shutter cannot be released until the flash is flash. Depress the shutter release button fully charged. fully, and the flash unit discharges. • If the built in flash is used continuously, the bat- 2.
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Flash effective range for the Auto Picture • The minimum effective range is always 0.7m Mode and Picture Mode with ISO 100 (400) film (2.6ft) even if a lens with a maximum aperture used f/2.8 or smaller is in use. When a subject is shot at a distance closer than 0.7m (2.6ft), the correct Maximum Lens Aperture Effective Range...
FLASH RECOMMENDED INFORMATION Inappropriate lens warning when the built-in flash is used When using an inappropriate F- or FA- lens, [ will blink in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel when the shutter release button is depressed halfway down. For more details on COMPATIBILI- TY OF F AND FA LENSES WITH THE BUILT-IN FLASH, see page 69.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE This camera has a total of six drive modes as shown. Types of Drive Modes Single-Frame Mode ] : One picture is taken each time the shutter release button is depressed. Consecutive-Frame Mode ] : Pictures can be taken consecutively while holding down the shutter release button.
Consecutive-Frame Mode Self-timer Mode Consecutive pictures can be taken by holding The self-timer mode delays the shutter release, down the shutter release button. and is useful for taking group shots that include the photographer. The shutter will be released How to set about 12 seconds after the shutter release is Depress the drive mode button until [ ] appears...
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2. Focus on the subject first using the autofo- * Underexposure may occur if light enters the cus frame and by depressing the shutter viewfinder during self-timer operation. If you release button halfway down. Then depress intend to move away from the viewfinder, attach the shutter release button fully.
The shutter will be released 3 seconds after the Remote Control. If the battery is exhausted, remote control’s shutter release button is please have it replaced at your local Pentax depressed. Service center (there is a charge for this service).
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3. Aim the remote control transmitter towards 4. The self-timer lamp blinks rapidly for 3 sec- the remote control receiver on the camera, onds and then the shutter is released. and then depress the shutter release button on the remote control. •...
REMOTE CONTROL SHOOTING (OPTIONAL) If you have purchased the optional wireless 2. Aim the remote control transmitter towards remote control, read this section. the remote control receiver on the camera, and then depress the shutter release button Instant Release Mode on the remote control.
Multiple Exposure Mode • To exposure the third shot or more, depress the drive button until [ ] appears and repeat step Procedure 1. Depress the drive button until [ ] appears • In this mode, the data will not be imprinted. on the LCD panel.
TAKING PANORAMA FORMAT PICTURES You can switch between the panorama format and • When the panorama lever is switched to panora- standard format picture taking mode in the middle ma, the viewfinder switches to the horizontal of the roll by moving the panorama lever. The panorama format frame.
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NOTES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PANORAMA FORMAT PICTURES With panorama format pictures, only the middle area of the frame is exposed. The number of exposures available in the panorama format is equivalent to that of the standard photo size. • When developing the film, if you have taken only panorama format pictures on the entire roll of film, tell the clerk at the processing lab to develop the film with only the panorama format.
USING THE PICTURE MODE The camera incorporates the Auto Picture Mode How to set function. In this mode, the camera automatically 1. Set the lens aperture ring to [ A ]. selects the one of 5 picture modes according to 2.
* Exposure Warning Green Operation Mode If the subject is too bright or too dark, the shutter For easy picture taking, use the Green Operation speed and aperture setting in the viewfinder will Mode. You simply depress the shutter release but- blink.
Portrait Program Mode This mode is suitable for taking portrait photogra- phy. How to set Set the mode dial to [ * When the shutter release button is depressed halfway down, [ ] is displayed in the viewfinder. The shutter speed and aperture setting are also displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel.
Landscape Program Mode This mode is ideal for landscape photography and scenic snapshots. How to set Set the mode dial to [ * When the shutter release button is depressed halfway down, [ ] is displayed in the viewfind- er. The shutter speed and aperture setting are also displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel.
Close-up Program Mode This mode is useful for close-up photography. This mode favors smaller apertures to maximize the depth of field, ensuring sharp focus of a close- up subject. How to set Set the mode dial to [ * When the shutter release button is depressed halfway down, [ ] is displayed in the viewfinder.
Action Program Mode This mode selects a faster shutter speed to cap- ture a moving subject. How to set Set the mode dial to [ * When the shutter release button is depressed halfway down, [ ] is displayed in the viewfind- er.
Night-scene Program Mode This mode is useful when taking a portrait photo- * When the shutter release button is depressed graph with a night scene in the background. halfway down, [ ] is displayed in the viewfinder. The shutter speed and aperture setting are also How to set displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD Set the mode dial to [...
SELECTING AN EXPOSURE MODE The exposure mode varies on the selection of the camera’s mode dial and lens aperture ring setting as shown on the table below. Mode dial AUTO PICT, Lens aperture Auto Picture Picture Mode Shutter-Priority Aperture-Priority Metered-Manual Lens set to A position Mode...
Using the Aperture-Priority AE Mode How to set 1. Set the lens aperture ring to [ A ]. Purpose 2. Set the mode dial to [ AV ]. When the desired aperture is selected, an appro- 3. Select the desired aperture by moving the priate shutter speed is automatically set by the select switch.
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* When the shutter release button is depressed * Exposure Warning halfway down, the shutter speed and aperture If the subject is too bright or too dark, the selected value will be displayed in the viewfinder and on shutter speed will blink in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel.
Using the Shutter-Priority AE Mode How to set 1. Set the lens aperture ring to [ A ]. Purpose 2. Set the mode dial to [ Tv ]. When the desired shutter speed is selected, the 3. Select the desired shutter speed by moving appropriate aperture is automatically set by the the select switch.
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* When the shutter release button is depressed * Exposure Warning halfway down, the shutter speed and aperture If the subject is too bright or too dark, the shutter value will be displayed in the viewfinder and on speed and aperture setting in the viewfinder blink. the LCD panel.
Using the Metered Manual Mode How to set 1. Set the lens aperture ring to [ A ]. Purpose 2. Set the mode dial to [ M ]. The manual exposure mode is a convenient expo- 3. Move the select switch to change the shut- sure mode for taking pictures using the same ter speed.
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• When the shutter release button is depressed halfway down, the shutter speed and aperture value will be displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel. The bar underneath the aperture value indicates that you can change the aperture setting.
Bulb Exposure Mode How to set 1. With the Metered-Manual Mode set, move Purpose the select lever to change the shutter sped This mode is useful for the long exposures until [ ] appears in the viewfinder and on required for shooting night scenes and fireworks. the LCD panel.
ABOUT EXPOSURE COMPENSATION Purpose • When the dot is displayed to the [ + ] side, it indi- The exposure compensation allows you to delib- cates overexposure and when the dot is dis- erately overexposure (brighten) or underexpo- played to the [ - ] side, it indicates underexpo- sure(darken) a subject, or compensate for difficult sure.
TURNING OFF THE AUDIBLE PCV SIGNAL The audible PCV signal can be turned off. 2. Move the select switch to display [ ] on the LCD panel. How to cancel 1. Set the mode dial to [ • You can change the audible PCV signal on or off when the self-timer, remote control, memory lock function is in use or when the focus is in-focus.
MEMORY LOCK FUNCTION Purpose • If the shutter release button is depressed The memory lock function enables an exposure halfway down while the memory lock timer is level lock function to get a correct exposure from a operating, the memorized meter reading will neutral mid-tone area of a high-contrast scene.
MANUAL FOCUSING Using a manual-focus lens How to focus When mounting a non-autofous lens with a maxi- 1. Set the focus mode switch to [ MF ]. mum aperture of f/5.6 or larger (f/1.2 to f/5.6), you 2. While looking through the viewfinder, turn can use the manual focus mode to focus the lens the focusing ring to the right or left while with the aid of the in-focus indicator [...
When the autofocus mode or the in-focus indi- Focus on the subject with the aid of the matte cator is unsuitable for focusing field 1. Set the focus mode switch to [MF]. When the autofocus function or the viewfinder’s in- 2.
When using Extension Tubes or an Auto Bellows for close-up photography. a) Extremely low-contrast subjects such as a white wall Note on the SMC Pentax F SOFT 85mm f/2.8 lens in the autofocus frame[ When shooting at a distance closer than approx.
Pentax non-autofocus lens is in use.When a est shutter speed depends on the focal length of Pentax non-AF lens is used or the Action the lens fitted to the camera. When a Pentax Program Mode [ ] is used, the camera uses non-AF lens is used or the Action Program Mode the shutter speed of 1/100 second.
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Calculating the flash effective distance according to Calculating the aperture according to the cam- the camera-to-subject distance. era-to-subject distance Maximum flash distance = Guide Number ÷ Selected Aperture = Guide Number ÷ Camera-to-subject distance aperture Minimum flash distance = Maximum flash distance ÷ 5* If the calculated aperture value is different than an indi- cated f-stop on the aperture ring, for instance f/3, choose When the distance to the subject is less than 0.7m...
COMPATIBILITY OF F AND FA LENSES WITH THE BUILT-IN FLASH [O = compatible x = incompatible because of vignetting] Lens Name Compatibility Lens Name Compatibility F Fish-Eye Zoom 17-28mm f/3.5-4.5 FA 20mm f/2.8 FA Zoom 20-35mm f/4 FA* 24mm f/2 FA Zoom 28-70mm f/4 FA 28mm f/2.8 FA* Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8...
SETTING THE FILM SPEED (ISO) MANUALLY This camera automatically reads the film speed • To change the ISO, turn the select switch to the from the film’s DX code. However, the film speed left for a smaller number (lower film speed or setting can be changed.
ADJUSTING THE DATA (optional) If you have purchased your camera as the DATE model version, or if you have purchased the Data Back separately, the following section applies. Note: Carefully press the button with the protrusion part of the camera’s strap clamp.
Adjusting the hour/minute Operational precautions 1. Press the DATE button repeatedly until the • The working temperature for data printing is 0°C time is displayed. - 50°C (32˚F - 122˚F). 2. Press the SELECT button to make the hour, • Use DX-coded films with ISO rating from 25 - minute or second ( : ) you want to change 1600.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY IN THE BATA BACK Replace the battery when the data information on 3. Replace the old battery with a new battery a picture or the LCD panel becomes weak or invis- with the + side facing up. ible.
Pentax dedicated auto flash should be used. simultaneously An external flash cannot be used when the built-in A Pentax dedicated TTL Auto Flash like the PEN- flash is in its popped up position. When the built-in TAX AF FTZ or AF T series flash unit (ie:...
78. The built-in flash can be operated with (contrast-control-synch flash photography). This is any type of Pentax TTL dedicated flash unit except based on the difference between the amount of AF400T...
*2. When using a Type D flash (except AF200SA) in the Use of non-Pentax flash units may damage the MS (Manual Sync) or M (Manual) Mode or when camera. For the best results, use a Pentax dedi- using a Type E flash, set the camera’s exposure cated flash unit.
DAYLIGHT-SYNC SHOOTING Purpose In daylight conditions, when a portrait picture is taken with a person’s face cast in shadow, dis- charging the flash will eliminate the shadow. 1. Depress the red-eye reduction flash button to delete [ ] from the LCD panel. 2.
SLOW-SPEED-SYNC SHOOTING • In this mode, the shutter speed automatically changes with ambient brightness. The shutter speed changes in the range from 1/100 sec. to 1 second • When the flash does not pop-up in the step 3, push the flash pop-up button to activate the flash.
ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL) A number of dedicated accessories are available • Refconverter A Right angle finder which attaches to the grooves on for this camera. both sides of the viewfinder. The viewfinder magnifica- • Cable Switch F tion is able to switch from 1X to 2X. A shutter release cord designed for use with the MZ- •...
CAMERA CASE The soft case is available as an option and con- Front case comes in three sizes, S, M and L sists of a front and a back cover. Case Applicable F, FA-lens 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 43mm limited, 1.
DEPTH OF FIELD Depth of field refers to the range around the opti- The Range Allowed for Focusing mum focusing point of the subject in which the ele- The in-focus range varies depending on the aper- ments at different distances are in focus. The ture in use.
IV OTHERS TROUBLESHOOTING What appears troublesome may be easily remedied. Here are some problems that may occur and their remedies. Before contacting a Pentax service center, check the following items. Symptoms Causes Remedies Reference The main switch is [OFF]. Turn ON the main switch.
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Symptoms Causes Remedies Remedies Memory lock and exposure com- The Auto picture mode or metered man- Set the mode dial to pensation function do not oper- ual mode is being used. another position. P.24, 61 ate. ] in the viewfinder blinks The subject is too close or difficult to aut- Focus manually by using P.65...
Electronically controlled vertical-run focal-plane shutter, Electromagnetic release, Speed range:(1)Auto 1/2000-30 sec.(stepless),(2)Manual 1/2000-30 sec.(3)Bulb, Shutter lock by setting Main switch in OFF position. Lens Mount: –––––––– Pentax K bayonet mount (K-mount with AF coupler, lens information contacts) Compatible Lens: –––– Pentax K -, K -, and K-mount lenses are usable.
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Day-light-sync flash, Slow-shutter-sync flash, Contrast-control-sync flash (ISO range = 25 ñ 800), Automatic flash function, Red-eye reduction flash function Flash sync: –––––– Hot shoe with X-contact with couples with Pentax dedicated auto flashes, ISO range = 25-800, Red-eye reduction flash function Power Source: ––––...
PROGRAM LINE Green Operation Mode Portrait Program Mode At ISO 100 with FA28 - 80mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens At ISO 100 with FA28 - 80mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens LandscapeProgram Mode At ISO 100 with FA28 - 80mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens...
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Close-up Program Mode Action Program Mode At ISO 100 with FA28 - 80mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens At ISO 100 with FA28 - 80mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens...
All Pentax cameras purchased through authorized Procedure During 12-month Warranty Period. bona fide photographic distribution channels are Any Pentax which proves defective during the 12- guaranteed against defects of material or work- month warranty period should be returned to the...
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• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. chase, or contact the PENTAX distributor in your country for more information and to receive a copy of the warranty policy.
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Pentax Europe n.v. Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem, BELGIUM (Internet://www.pentaxeurope.com/) Pentax GmbH. Julius-Vosseler-Strasse, 104, D-22527 Hamburg, GERMANY (Internet://www.pentax.de/) Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, Heron Drive, Langley, Slough Berks SL3 8PN, U.K. Pentax FRANCE S.A. 12/14, rue Jean Poulmarch, 95100 Argenteuil Cedex, FRANCE Pentax Benelux B.V.
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