Setting the Shutter Speed

The Nikon EL2 is set for automatic or manual shutter speed selection via the shutter-speed dial positioned to the right of the finder, with setting operation possible at any time either before or after the shutter is wound. The dial is provided with positions for automatic ("A"), speeds of from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second, and a " B " setting. To set the dial for automatic shutter speed se- lection, simply rotate the dial clockwise until the green

"A " (automatic) setting clicks and locks into place aligned with the shutter-speed scale index at the base of the dial; the built-in locking mechanism ensures that the dial cannot beaccidently shifted from the automatic position during shooting.

To set the dial for manual shutter speed selection used during "match-needle" exposure measurement, simply depress the shutter-speed dial lock and, while holding

the lock depressed, rotate the dial counterclockwise off of the " A " position; when the dial is aligned with white settings of from 2 to 1000, the actual shutter speed is a fractional value of from 1/2 second to 1/1000 second, while the remaining settings indicate the actual values of from 8 seconds to 1 second. The red "125" setting indicates that the 1/125 second shutter speed is the fastest speed providing X synchronization for use with electronic flash units. At the " B " setting, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter-release button is depressed. If you have forgotten to install the battery, the shutter gives a mechanically fixed speed of 1/90 second regardless of the dial position. (See "Flash Synchronization" on page 38 for additional infor- mation on flash photography.)

Note: The Nikon EL2 consumes battery power at all shutter- speed dial settings and, thus, is subject to the same limitations on battery life (i.e., approx. 10 hours continuous operation with fresh batteries) even at the " B " setting.