Bought a camera.. but dont know how to work it

[BrokenCamera]

I recently purchased an Focal XL-303. It's a relatively cheap camera, but has a very good zoom/macro lense on it. There is only one problem. I dont really know how to work it. It has a "T" and a "W" button on the top, it also has some sort of dial that has the selections: 18 9 Off. I'm not sure what these buttons/dial do. Also, is there anyway to see if the camera works without film? I have 4 double a's in it, moderately new, yet I dont see any vital signs that would tell me if the camera is functional with out film. Is this normal? Does the cable release switch power up/ power off? Help on any of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

[Alex]

You should start with fresh batteries and make sure you matched the polarity correctly.

Then see if it's possible that there is another place for either two more batteries, or for those round dime sized batteries.

The T and W are for the zoom motor and mean Telephoto and Wide. There is either an on off switch or you simply depress the camera trigger in, at that point you should hear a the camera motor.

While the trigger is switched in, press the zoom buttons to see if the lens zooms.

Report back with your results.

[oldasdirt]

Originally posted by BrokenCamera:
18 9 Off. film. .

<font size="2" face="verdana, sans-serif">18 and 9 frames per second.If you shoot at 9 fps your action will speeded up twice normal speed.This can be used for a comic,Keystone Cops type of effect or in scenes that are dark and you need the extra light allowance an undercranked speed gives you AND your subject is still (you need to be on a tripod,should've mentioned that off the hop,sorry)or very slooooow moving.