Sverdlovsk-4 Manual (English Version 2008)
Sverdlovsk-4 Manual (English Version 2008)
Sverdlovsk-4 Manual (English Version 2008)
Sverdlovsk-4
instructions
(English translation)
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Contents
1. Description and features ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Kit contents ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Technical specifications ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4. How to use the meter ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Measuring the exposure ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Checking the battery level ....................................................................................................................................................10
Replacing the battery ...........................................................................................................................................................10
Methods for measuring exposure .........................................................................................................................................12
Contrast measurement .........................................................................................................................................................13
Selection of shutter speedaperture combinations ..............................................................................................................13
Evening or night photography ..............................................................................................................................................13
Further uses for the exposure meter ....................................................................................................................................14
5. Summary and recommendations...............................................................................................................................................16
Light sources ........................................................................................................................................................................17
Reciprocity failure (Schwarzschilds effect) ..........................................................................................................................17
6. Care ...........................................................................................................................................................................................17
7. Addendum 2008 ........................................................................................................................................................................19
Exposure compensation ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Home market and export models (GOST and ASA scales) .................................................................................................20
Battery level index marks .................................................................................................................................................... 21
Alternative batteries and calibration .................................................................................................................................... 21
Modern films and reciprocity failure .................................................................................................................................... 22
History ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Buying a Sverdlovsk-4 meter .............................................................................................................................................. 23
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2. Kit contents
Exposure meter (without battery) ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Carrying cord .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Leather case .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Battery holder for 316 cells ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Battery (3RTS53) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Instruction manual .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Packing box .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
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3. Technical specifications
Angle of view .......................................................................................................................................................12 8
Measurement range:
reflected light (cd/m2) ..................................................................................................................................... 0.1519,700
incident light (lux) .......................................................................................................................................... 3.3432,000
Accuracy in the reflected light range 0.159840 cd/m2........................................................................................ 0.5 EV
Scale ranges:
film sensitivity, GOST/ASA............................................................................................................................. 33200
shutter speed.................................................................................................................................................. 1/2000 s 2 h
aperture ......................................................................................................................................................... f/1f/45
cin frame rate (fps) ...................................................................................................................................... 8125
exposure compensation range ...................................................................................................................... 1.6 EV
Dimensions (mm) ................................................................................................................................................ 55 24 100
Weight (kg) .......................................................................................................................................................... 0.12
Supply voltage (V) ............................................................................................................................................... 3.75 (+0.25, 0.75)
Power source (3RTS53) ..................................................................................................................................... 1
The standard battery can be replaced by the following (three of each):
RTS53 cells ................................................................................................................................................... 3
RH625 or RH13 (imported) cells ................................................................................................................... 3
D-0.09 storage batteries ................................................................................................................................ 3
316 cells (using the accessory battery pack) ................................................................................................ 3
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Notes
1.
The reflected light range 0.1519,700 cd/m2 correspond to the shutter speed range 1 min 1/2000 s at an aperture of f/8, a
photosensitivity 100 units and zero correction.
2.
A one-stop interval corresponds to a twofold change in the exposure (e.g. shutter speed).
3.
The meter conforms to the GOST 9851-79 class A exposure standard with the exposure constant equal to: reflected light
range, 15; incident light range, 330.
[Note: see Addendum 2008 p. 20, Home market and export models (GOST and ASA scales); p. 21 Alternative batteries and
calibration]
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Rotate disc 12 (Fig. 1) to set the exposure compensation on scale 7, as shown in Fig. 2 (for no compensation, set the scale to 0).
The recommended exposure compensation depends on the illumination and the film type being used, as indicated on the
housing of the exposure meter (table absent from the export model). The exposure compensation scale can be used to set
a permanent correction dependent on an individuals requirement for the quality and tonal density of photographs.
[Note: see Addendum 2008 p. 19, Exposure compensation]
2.
Rotate the aperture scale 10, using the projections 5, to set the film sensitivity on scale 11 or scale 6, as shown in Fig. 3.
[Note: see Addendum 2008 p. 20, Home market and export models (GOST and ASA scales)]
3.
Based on the selected method of measurement, lift and rotate the hinged diffuser 15 into the appropriate position.
The light sensor window 22 must be uncovered for reflected light measurements, and covered with the diffuser for incident
light measurements (Fig. 4).
4.
For reflected light measurements, look through the viewfinder 2 at the subject (distance from the eye to the viewfinder:
8 mm) the area of the subject being measured must be within the viewfinder frame-lines. For incident light measurements,
the meter should be pointed towards the camera from the subjects location.
5.
Use the middle finger of the right hand to press the power switch 23 to turn the meter on, without moving the exposure meter:
if the LED indicator is on, turn the rotary control 16 clockwise until the indicator goes out;
if the LED indicator is off, turn the rotary control anticlockwise until the indicator illuminates, and then clockwise until it
goes out. This operation can be done 23 times.
6.
Let go of the power switch and note the scale reading (shutter speed for a selected aperture, or aperture for a selected
shutter speed or cin frame rate).
7.
The shutter speed scale (Fig. 5) is marked in fractions of a second, seconds, minutes and hours. In the fractions of a
second range, only the denominators of fractions are used, for legibility (e.g. 2000 instead of 1/2000).
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cover the sensor window 22 (see Fig. 1) with any opaque material;
press in the power switch 23 for 1015 s then, keeping the power switch pressed, slide the battery level switch 24 upwards;
turn the rotary control 16 anticlockwise until the LED indicator lights, then rotate the control clockwise until the LED goes out;
check that the triangular index mark 9 on the aperture scale is inside the battery level scale 3. if the index mark is outside
this scale, replace the battery with a new one.
The LED not illuminating is also a sign that the battery needs replacing.
[Note: see Addendum 2008 p. 21, Battery level index marks; p 22, Alternative batteries and calibration]
replace the battery, noting the polarity shown on the exposure meter;
316-type batteries can be used as an alternative power source. The accessory battery pack is attached to the lower part of the
exposure meter in place of cover 25 with the aid of screw 2 (Fig. 7). [Note: see Addendum 2008 p. 22, Alternative batteries
and calibration]
Install the accessory battery pack as follows:
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open the halves of the battery pack housing, and insert three 316-type batteries in the housing with the contacts, following
the polarity indicated;
close the halves of the housing, and replace the upper and lower clamps and their screw fasteners.
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Contrast measurement
It is possible to measure contrast with the exposure meter, i.e. the range in brightness across different parts of the subject, and
the results used to adjust the illumination to reduce the contrast to match the photographic materials (film and paper) being used
(i.e. by illuminating the darker parts of the subject more strongly). Reduction in contrast allows more flexibility when
photographing in black and white, and improves colour reproduction when photographing in colour.
Contrast is measured by metering the lightest and the darkest parts of the subject and evaluating the difference in exposure
(e.g. shutter speed) in stops (i.e. in EV [exposure value] units).
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Average
brightness
(cd/m2)
Illumination
(lux)
Shutter
speed (s)
Average
brightness
(cd/m2)
Illumination
(lux)
60
30
15
8
4
2
1
1/2
1/4
0.15
0.3
0.6
1.2
2.4
4.8
9.6
19.2
38.5
3.3
6.6
13.2
26.4
53
105
211
422
844
1/8
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/125
1/250
1/500
1/1000
1/2000
77
154
308
615
1230
2460
4920
9840
19,700
1690
3380
6760
13,500
27,000
54,000
108,000
216,000
432,000
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Table 2. EV nomogram
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Turn off the red safety light, and point the exposure meter towards the image of the negative produced by the enlarger so
that either the whole image or the part of interest is within the field of view of the meter. The angle between the viewfinder
axis of the exposure meter and the optical axis of the enlarger lens should be as small as possible.
Turn the rotary control on the exposure meter until the LED indicator goes out.
Rotate the aperture scale so that the development time obtained from the test developments aligns with the aperture of the
photographic enlarger lens (if unknown, use f/8).
If changing the type of paper, the average illumination can alter significantly, so the above procedure, including making test
strips, will need repeating.
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Light sources
Light sources are characterised by their colour temperature, measured in kelvins (K). When the colour temperature decreases, it
moves into the long-wave region of the spectrum (dominated by red and yellow light), and when it increases, it shifts into the
short-wave region (dominated by blue light).
When a subject is illuminated by the sun in the cloudless sky, the colour temperature of the light depends on the height of the
sun above the horizon, the season, and local topographic and geographical of conditions. As the height of the sun above the
horizon changes, the colour temperature can alter from 2800 K (angle of the sun above the horizon = 5) to 4500 K or more
(angle = 15). Cloud has a significant impact on the colour temperature of sunlight.
Recommendations for the correction of exposure depending on the type of light are given in the table (not on the export model)
on the housing of the exposure meter.
6. Care
The Sverdlovsk-4 exposure meter is a precision instrument that requires careful handling. It is recommended that the meter is
carried in its case. To avoid discharging the battery, the case is designed so that the power switch is protected by a projection
inside the case (Fig. 10).
Do not point the exposure meter towards bright light sources in the reflected light mode This can cause a short-term effect of
temporary loss of accuracy, and can permanently damage the CdS sensor.
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Protect the exposure meter from dust and moisture. Dirty optical components can be cleaned by gentle rubbing with a clean,
soft cloth. Do not use alcohol, ether, cologne or other solvents to clean the optics or other parts of the instrument.
Store the exposure meter in dry conditions at a normal temperature. In wintry weather, keep the exposure meter under the outer
clothing and take it out only to measure exposure, since cold decreases the efficiency of the battery. When entering a warm
room after being outside in winter, keep the instrument in its case for one hour.
The exposure meter is a solid-state device, and, if the above restrictions are followed, it will provide problem-free use for a long
time.
If a fault develops, the exposure meter is repairable only by a specialised workshop.
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7. Addendum 2008
Exposure compensation
When measuring reflected light, exposure meters work on the principle that the overall brightness of the metered area is a
medium (18%) grey. Most scenes have a fairly equal distribution of light and dark objects, so the meter is usually correct.
However, if the subject is very light, the meter will expose the subject so that it appear medium grey, i.e. underexposed this is
the reason for those disappointing grey snow scenes. Similarly, the meter will overexpose dark subjects (e.g. a black horse).
In incident light mode, exposure meters are less prone to incorrect readings since they measure the light falling on the subject,
and are independent of the colour and reflectance of the subject.
Also, some lighting conditions are difficult to meter. For example, you want to silhouette a subject against the sky (underexposure needed); or in a scene with a sunlit area and an area in deep shade, you want both areas exposed well (the sunny
area needs slight overexposure and the shade slight underexposure).
Sometimes, metering something other than the subject will give the desired exposure (e.g. expose for the sky to silhouette the
subject). For those occasions when the scene contains nothing suitable to meter, rules of thumb are given in the table below.
Compensation
Characteristic
5
4
3
2
1
0
+1
+2
+3
+4
Pure black
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Table 3. Equivalence between the original GOST film speed standard and ASA
GOST
ASA
ASA
GOST
32
65
130
260
520
40
80
160
320
640
50
100
200
400
1600
45
90
180
360
1440
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Battery calibration
Alternative batteries that do not produce 3.75 V will give exposure readings that deviate from the correct value; for example, two
357 cells (= 3.10 V) produce exposures that require +0.6 EV compensation.
To calibrate the meter to the battery, read p. 10 on checking the battery level, then rotate the small disc 12 to adjust the
exposure compensation until the battery level index mark 9 is centred inside the battery level scale 3.
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Adjustment (EV)
Adjustment (EV)
1/10,000
1/1000
1/10
1
10
100
0.5
0
0
+1
+2
+3
1/4000
1
4
16
0
0
+0.5
+1
History
Like many products of the USSR, the Sverdlovsk-4 was manufactured by a company within the secretive militaryindustrial
complex, so the meter bears no manufacturers name the only identifying mark is an owl logo on home market models (export
models used Technointorgs logo a Soviet international trade organisation). We know now that this owl logo belongs to UOMZ
(Uralskiy Optiko-mekhanicheskiy Zavod The Urals Optical and Mechanical Works) in Sverdlovsk (now renamed
Ekaterinburg). UOMZ had its roots in a shop in Moscow in 1850 selling optical equipment, which, as it grew, started to
manufacture optical products itself; under the Soviet regime, it specialised in military optical equipment, and was relocated to
Sverdlovsk in 1941. UOMZ survived the break up of the Soviet Union and is still in existence.
The Sverdlovsk-4 is one of three related exposure meters made by UOMZ: the Sverdlovsk-2 was made in 1980 to about 1985,
the Sverdlovsk-4 in about 198589, and the Sverdlovsk-6 in the early 1990s. All the meters use the same basic design: rugged
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solid-state circuitry with a CdS photoresistor and an LED indicator. This was an innovative design, as most exposure meters in
the early 1980s, even in the West, still used fragile moving-needle meters. The Sverdlovsk-4 cost 47 roubles.
The Sverdlovsk-4 is more sophisticated than the Sverdlovsk-2; for example, it has both incident and reflected metering modes
(the Sverdlovsk-2 is only a reflected light meter), a wider exposure range, a narrower metering angle (12 versus 20), and
includes a cin frame rate scale. The Sverdlovsk-6 is essentially a repackaged and simplified Sverdlovsk-4, possibly to reduce
production costs: no viewfinder (it has a wider metering angle), a slightly restricted exposure range, and more use of plastic.
Versions
There are two main versions of the Sverdlovsk-4: early and late. In early versions, the film sensitivity scale has a green
background (white in late versions), the dial is prominently marked CdS (unlabelled in late versions) and the small, rotating
central exposure compensation disc is white (black in late versions). All early non-export versions, and many late versions, have
a GOST scale that follows the original Soviet standard with divisions that do not correspond to the ASA scale, and labelled 32,
65, 130, ; however, meters in the final years of production use the revised GOST scale that is identical to the ASA scale, and
are labelled 25, 50, 100,
First published (except addendum) in Russian by UOMZ, USSR, 1979. This English translation and addendum by Rich Cutler, UK, 2008.
The original is not copyright under Soviet law and I waive my rights for this translation: use this material freely.
Version 1 16.08.08
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