Canon I D D D n 5 D 5 D D 3 5 D 35D n A«0 •ii * T¥°
TABLE OF CONTENTS Main Features ...................................... 5 Pictorial Outline for General Use of the Camera.............................................................. 8 Setting the Camera for the Five AE Modes and Manual Override.............................. 10 Preliminary Preparations ................................... 12 Handling the Lens................................................. 13 NORMAL PROCEDURES................................. 18 Loading the Battery ........................
Numerals and Characters Composing Digital Readout in Viewfinder............................. 54 Incorrect Exposure Warnings ............................ 55 Double-Check Before Shooting........................... 57 Shutter Release .................................................... 58 Rewinding the Film ............................................. 58 Frame Counter...................................................... 59 SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES........................ 60 Stopped-down AE Photography ........
Film Advance Lever Eyepiece Shutter Lever Eyepiece Film Rewind Button Winder and Motor Drive Coupler Cover Winder and Motor Drive Terminals Positioning Hole for Motor Drive MA Positioning Hole for Motor Drive MA Memo Holder Lens Release Button Tripod Socket
INTRODUCTION Congratulations! You are now the owner of the most exciting and advanced camera on the market. Canon has good reason to have unbounded confidence and pride in the A-1. Embodied in this camera are the qualities of the finest SLR cameras and into it went the most sophisticated electronics technology available in the world today.
A-l’s system accessories are integrated into its pulse-controlled, digital computer system so that you can enjoy AE flash and motorized AE photography. In the A-1, Canon finally offers you a multifunctional AE camera that actually gives you more creative freedom through more control. You will find that your A-1 has many unusual features. For the fullest under standing of and benefit from your A-1, please read this instruction booklet carefully as you familiarize yourself with the camera.
Focusing Index Mark with Depth-of-Field Scale Mount Positioning Point Exposure Preview Switch Exposure Memory Switch Stop-Down Lever Viewfinder Display Lever Focusing Ring “A" Mark EE Lock Pin Aperture Ring Battery Chamber Cover/Finger Grip Positioning Pin for Action Grip PC Socket Battery Check Button Mounting Socket for Action Grip AT Dial Guard AT Dial ASA Lock Button Exposure Compensation Scale ASA Film Speed Scale Film Rewind Knob with Crank Exposure Compensation Lock Button Film Plane Indicator M
MAIN FEATURES Canon has extended its use of computers and automation from automatic production of the main parts to at least partial automation in all facets of production including processing, assembly and in spection. In this contribution to a new system of camera manufacture. Canon is able to offer greater precision at less expense. Other benefits deriving from the design concept of the A-1 include greatly improved stability against great temperature changes and remarkably improved meter response.
AE functions is also possible. Shutter-speed priority AE is especially useful in action photography, aperture priority AE in still photography. The programmed AE mode, in which the camera controls both aperture and shutter speed for correct exposure, is good for general use and is the easiest mode for beginners. These three AE modes along with exclusive flash AE, are performed with an ED lens set at “A” for all the benefits _ of full aperture metering.
the A-1 has two controls for wide-range exposure compensation. These are the exposure compensation dial for stepped exposure correction between ±2 f/stops and an exposure memory switch for temporary correction. For special techniques such as low- and high-key shots, contre-jour photo graphy, multiple exposures and flash photo graphy, you pros will find quick response in the A-1. Even in AE, you have complete control over the image results.
Wide Metering Range With its extensive film sensitivity range (ASA 6-12800) and 16 shutter speeds (1/1000-30 sec.), the A-1 offers a wide AE metering range from EV18 (f/16, 1/1000 sec.) all the way down to EV-2 (f/1.4, 8 sec.) with ASA 100 film and an f/1.4 speed lens. Provided that you can even focus your subject in the viewfinder in a very dark situation, it is most likely that you will be able to meter it as well, even in an AE mode.
detachable action grip, its 120 -stroke film advance lever with a 30 stand-off, its eyepiece shutter and its shutter button lock (main switch). The System Beginning with accessories which are integral parts of the A-1 system, Canon offers the Speedlite 199A and the Motor Drive MA. Either the specified Canon Speedlite 199A, 177A, 155A or 133A can be mounted on the A-1 for AE flash photography with auto matic setting of shutter speed and aperture.
I Load the battery. the main switch to the 2 Turn “A” position and check the power level. the film and advance 3Load it to the first frame. PICTORIAL OUTLINE FOR GENERAL USE OF THE CAMERA ^ Look into the viewfinder. Compose the picture and focus. ► Check the exposure. Flashes to indicate overexposure \ / / E S D 5 \ Flashes to indicate underexposure 1/ 9- t .E / / .
iS 7 2 t.S 2 10 15 30 3 5 lOoo -9 t i I I 1 I. I I • I a «ni 414 lim n U 111II22 A ^ ring of the 4 Set the ASA film speed. £5 Set the aperture ’lens to the “A” mark (for öl AvO > Select the AE mode. ^(Turn the AT dial). AE photography). I Press the shutter button gently. .Advance the film to the 'next frame. I Rewind the film after Lall frames are exposed.
AvOT,a/v SETTING THE CAMERA FOR THE FIVE AE MODES AND MANUAL OVERRIDE Shutter-speed Priority AE Aperture Priority AE Programmed AE l.Make sure the lens aperture ring is set to the “A” mark. 2.Switch the AE mode selec tor to Tv. 3.Select a shutter speed by turning the AT dial. See pp. 34-36 for detailed explanation. 1. Make sure the aperture ring of the lens is set to the “A” mark. 2.Switch the AE mode selec tor to Tv. 3.Turn the AT dial to “P” at the upper limit of the shut ter speed scale. See p.
57 7 >0 «5 30 ft 1.tL2 3 5 lOoQ m I I I I I I. I I I I cum M * in« a :■ U|2I 4 SI I 11II22 A « Stopped-down AE AE Flash Manual Override 1. Disengage the lens aperture ring from the “A” mark (necessary only on FD lens). 2. Fold and push in the stopdown lever. 3.Set the aperture by turning the lens aperture ring. See pp. 61-62 for detailed explanation. 1. Insert the Speedlite 199A, 177A, 155A or 133A into the A-l’s accessory shoe. 2.Set the ASA film speed on the flash. 3.
PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS Neckstrap Thread the tips of the neckstrap through the corresponding rings on the camera so that the tips are on the inside. Then adjust the neckstrap to the length most comfortable for you. Plastic Insert Pull up the film rewind knob to open the camera’s back cover. Remove the plastic insert, which is attached to the pressure plate, and snap the back cover shut. The insert is no longer necessary and may be thrown away.
Eyecup 4S This is an accessory eyecup which snaps into the eyepiece grooves. Its use is not mandatory, but viewing with it may be more comfortable,^ and it helps block extraneous light from entering the viewfinder. Action Grip The A-1 has a handy, built-in finger grip, but to make camera holding all the easier, it comes with a detachable action grip as well. Before attaching the grip, load the battery into the camera.
Semi-hard Case To protect the camera, particularly when carrying it, insert it into its semi-hard case. The screw in the bottom of the case screws into the camera’s tripod socket. You can easily shoot pictures even with the camera in the semi-hard case by turning the top cover down. If you wish to remove the top cover, turn it down, slide it straight up in the direction of the arrow and pull it out as indicated in the photo.
HANDLING THE LENS Lens Cap and Rear Dust Cap The front and rear lens caps should always be on the lens when the lens is not on the camera. For protection when the lens is mounted on the camera but not in use, please see to it that the front lens cap is attached. Lens Cap Most Canon lenses are provided with a clipon front lens cap which is easily attached and removed from the front of the lens by pressing in the tabs on both sides of the cap.
Rear Dust Cap The rear dust cap must be removed before moimting the lens. Operation with ah FD lens which lacks a chrome Breech-lock mount ring: The rear dust cap for this type of lens has serrated edges. Do not mount a rear dust cap which lacks the serrated edges. Removal from lens 1. Turn the cap coimterclockwise until it stops. 2. Pull the cap out. Reattachment 1. Align the arrow on the cap with the red dot at the rear of the lens. 2.
Operation with an FD lens which has a chrome Breech-lock mount ring or with an FL lens: Removal from Lens 1. Turn the lens’ mount ring clockwise until it stops. 2. Pull the cap out. Once the rear cap is removed, the Breechlock mount ring is locked so that it cannot be turned. (The diaphragm blades tire also locked and will not move even if the aper ture ring is rotated.
Reattachment 1. Make sure the mount ring is locked so that it cannot be turned. 2. Align the arrow on the cap with the red dot on the mount ring. 3. In that position, push lightly down on the cap and turn the mount ring counter clockwise until it is tight.
Lens Hood When shooting into bright light, light rays entering the lens may form defects on the image called ghost and flare. Attaching a hood onto the lens helps to prevent this. Bayonet-mount hoods are available as op tioned accessories for most Canon lenses. Please use only that hood which is specified for the lens concerned. This type of hood fits into the bayonet mount at the front of the lens where it is fixed by turning until it is tight.
Mounting on the Camera and Dis mounting Pre-Mounting Checklist 1. Make sure the camera’s stop-down lever is not locked for stopped-dovm metering (see p. 61). If it is, a red warning dot will appear beside the coupling lever inside the camera body. 2. Make sure the automatic aperture lever at the rear of an FD lens is not set for manual diaphragm control (see p. 80). 3. Before mounting an FD lens, make sure the film advance lever has been complete ly advanced. 4. Remove the lens’ rear dust cap. 5.
above the camera mount. 2. In this position, apply slight pressure to the lens, and simply rotate the whole lens clockwise until it stops and the lens release button pops out with a click. Do not press the lens release button while mounting the lens. Only when this button pops out can you be sure that the lens is properly mounted and that it will function properly. It is also possible to mount this type of lens when it is not perfectly aligned with this camera.
In the case of an FD lens which has a chrome Breech-lock mount ring or of an FL lens: Mounting 1. Make sure the Breech-lock ring is locked so that it cannot be turned. It will not mount onto the ctimera otherwise. 2. Align the red dot of the Breech-lock ring with the red dot on the camera body above the camera mount. 3. In this position, fit the rear of the lens into the camera body and turn the Breech-lock ring clockwise until it is tight. Dismounting 1.
When removing a lens, take speciгll care not to damage the protruding pins and levers on the rear. With the exception of the Fisheye 7.5mm lens, always put a lens down with the rear facing up. Whenever you mount an FD lens on the A-1, its maximum aperture is automatically transmitted to the camera’s AE circuit. Even if you switch to an FD lens of a different maximum aperture, the mounting procedure is the same as that described above and re quires no adjustment.
]¥oritia] Procedures
Loading the Battery This camera will not function unless a battery is loaded. Use one brand-new silver oxide or alkaline-manganese battery as speci fied in the table below or an equivalent bat tery of another brand. Usable Batteries Eveready (UCAR) Silver Oxide No. 544 Battery (6V) JIS 4G13 Mallory PX 28 Alkaline-manganese Eveready (UCAR) No.
rosion and damage to the camera due to dirt or fingerprints. To load the battery: 1. Apply either a fingernail or the eyepiece protective cover, which is inserted into the accessory shoe of the camera, into the groove of the battery chamber cover and lift lightly so that the cover flips up. 2. Following the diagram on the inside of the battery chamber, load the battert' negative pole first, pushing it downwards in the chamber. Make sure the poles are facing in the correct directions.
Checking the Battery Life of ihe battery in normal use is approximately one year. Using the camera frequently at low shutter speeds, at the “13” setting or in extremely cold conditions lakes more battery power and requires replacing the battery more often. The battery requires checking under the following circumstances: 1. When a new battery is loaded. 2. If the shutter will not function when the main switch is at “A”. 3. When long exposures are frequently made. 4. When the camera is used very frequently.
cannot be checked in the “L" position. Then press the battery check button on the top of the camera for two to three seconds. If, while pressing the battery check button, the LED on the top of the camera blinks on and off rapidly, battery power is sufficient. If it blinks only slowly, twice per second, for instance, or not at all, the power level is insufficient and the battery should be replaced.
The battery check button also serves to cancel the self-timer or to cancel the shutter in long exposures. The circuit is cancelled the moment you press the button, and the second shutter curtain will close when your finger is removed from the button. The shutter will not be released if you press the shutter button while pressing the battery check button.
Getting a Feel for Your A-1 Now that the battery is loaded, your A-1 will function. Before loading the film or doing anything else, play with it a little. Operate the shutter button, and the film advance lever until they feel like natural extensions of your fingers. Shoot and develop at least one roll of film with a new camera before using it on a shooting expedition or on a trip to make sure you know how to operate it properly.
Film Advance and Shutter Release At the base of the film advance lever is the main switch of the camera. When it is at the “L” (LOCK) setting, all active circuits are turned off and the shutter button is locked to prevent unintentional shutter release. This switch should always be in the “L” position to prevent battery consumption and film wastage when the camera is not in use, such as when it is in a camera case. When the main switch is set at “A”, the shutter button can be operated.
N ,• A ’SC>• -*» shutter releases. After shutter release, the mirror and diaphragm automatically reset and the film advance lever is ready to be advanced. With the tip of your thumb, lightly push the film advance Igver away from the camera body to its 30 stand-off position. Now it can be easily operated with the tip of your thumb.
Attaching a Cable Release A cable release is a device which, used in conjunction with a tripod, allows the shutter to be held open for long exposures without your ever having to touch either camera or shutter button directly. This is especially useful for reducing the chances of blurred images in copy work, photomacrography and photomicrography. The A-1 is provided with a socket for a cable release in the center of the shutter button. The cable release simply screws into this socket.
Holding the Camera The best precaution in preventing camera shake is to press the shutter button gently. Never punch it. It is also helpful to hold the camera properly, not only for good image results but also for comfort and ease in handling. We suggest first that you hold the camera firmly in both hands, the tip of your right thumb on the film advance lever, the right index finger on the shutter button and the other right fingers on the finger grip.
Since this is a single-lens reflex camera, the viewing lens and the camera lens are not sepa rate. When you look into the camera’s view finder, you are seeing your subject through the lens exactly as the lens “sees” it and exactly as it will be exposed. There is no need to be concerned with parallax.
Film Loading The Canon A-1 accepts color or black and white film in standard 35mm cartridges. When loading and unloading film, avoid direct sunlight and take care not to touch the shutter curtain, the film rails or the pressure plate. To load the film, first fold out the rewind crank and sharply pull up the rewind knob. The camera’s back cover will pop open.
Check to see that the cartridge is in a fully-seated position and that the film is taut. If there is film slack, gently turn the rewind crank clockwise until it stops. Snap the back cover shut. Gently turn the rewind crank in the direction of the arrow to take up film slack and then fold the rewind crank back in. Switch the AE mode selector to Tv and turn the AT dial to a fast shutter speed.
rewind crank clockwise to take up film slack, open the back cover and reload the film. The A-1 can also be loaded with bulk film in which case the tip of the film should be trimmed as illustrated below before it is loaded into the camera.
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Setting the ASA Film Speed The ASA is a numerical rating of a film’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ASA rating, the faster the film and the more sensitive it is to a given amount of light as compared to a film of a lower ASA rating. In other words, the higher the ASA rating, the less light you need to expose the film. When buying film, choose one with an .\SA rating appropriate for the lighting conditions. The film manufacturer’s recommended ASA rating can be found on the film packaging or data sheet.
ASA, press in the ASA film speed dial lock button with your fingernail and turn the outer knurled edge of the dial until the desired film speed rating is aligned with the film speed index. The dial cannot be turned lower than ASA 6 or higher than ASA 12800. There is an exposure compensation scale on the .-\SA film speed setting dial. The func tion of this scale will be explained later, but at this point, please note that this scale should be set at “1” for normal ,\E pho tography.
ASA 6 • • 12 ( 8 ) (10) • (650) 800 • • (16) • (1000H1250) • 25 (20) 1600 • • 50 (32) (40) • • 3200 (2000K 2500) • • 100 (64) (80) • • (40001(5000) 6400 • • 200 i125i (160) • • • • (Ì5DÌ (3201 400 • 'SOO' 12800 MOO 10000 market and it is cheaper than cartridge film. For more information concerning film, please refer to a book on photography or ash your local film dealer, and please pay careful attention to the film data sheet.
Memo Holder The back cover of this camera is provided with a memo holder. Once you have loaded the film and set the ASA, it is very useful to tear off the end of the film box and insert it into this memo holder as a constant re minder of the type of film in use. Add other information as you like.
The Basics of Exposure This section contains some terms and definitions which will be used throughout this instruction booklet. The amount of exposure is a matter not only of the amount of light allowed to strike the film but also of the amount of time the light is allowed to strike the film. The camera has two mechanisms to control exposure, the diaphragm and the shutter. The diaphragm consists of blades which open and close to certain size openings called apertures.
The largest f/stop on the lens is called the lens maximum aperture. The smallest f/stop on the lens is called the lens minimum aperture. The maximum and minimum apertures differ according to the lens. The maximum lens aperture is important because it indicates the largest amount of light that the lens will transmit. through the lens. Each time you move from one f/stop to the next smaller f/stop (larger number), the amount of light allowed through is exactly halved.
The length of time that the light is allowed to strike the film is determined by the shutter speed. The relationship between shutter speeds is like that between f/stops. As you move from one shutter speed to the next higher shutter speed, exposure is halved. Your image is actually exposed by the opening of the shutter. Shutter speed can he controlled on the A-1 by turning the AT dial. Otherwise the camera controls it.
AE Photography AE photography means automatic exposure. The camera is selecting either shutter speed or aperture or both for you. The most obvious, unusual feature of this camera is the absence of the shutter speed dial which has been replaced by the AT dial. This dial allows you to set either shutter speed or aperture for any of five different AE modes. Through-the*lens fuU-aperture metering Shutter-speed priority AE Aperture priority AE Programmed .
aperture and shutter speed in the pro grammed AE mode. This mode is helpful when your only goal is correct exposure and neither depth of field nor control of movement are very important in the picture. It is the easiest mode for the beginner. In stopped-down AE, you set the aperture manually on the lens aperture ring while the camera automatically selects a shutter speed for correct exposure.
Setting the Lens for AE Photography The first four AE modes described above, i.e. shutter-speed priority AE, aperture priority AE, programmed AE and AE flash photography, are performed with full aper ture metering through the lens. This means that the diaphragm is fully open during metering for easiest viewing and opera tion. For correct operation in these four fullaperture metering AE modes, only an FD lens can be used and the lens aperture ring must be set to the “A” mark.
< 5 1.2 1.5 7 2 10 15 30 ft 3 5 10 00 m r I I I I I I. I I I I a «m 414 inif n cullili 22 A Instead of an “A” mark, some earlier FD lenses have a small green circle on the aperture ring for AE photography. Its use is the same as that of the “A" mark, and the procedure is the same as that described above except that some of these lenses may not have an E£ lock pin for locking the aperture ring at the automatic setting.
AE Mode Selector The AE mode selector has two possible settings, Tv (time value) and Av (aperture value). When the AE mode selector is switch ed to Tv, the camera is set for the shutterspeed priority AE mode. You set the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture. When switched to Av, the camera is set for aperture priority. Here you set the aperture, and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed. The AE mode selector click stops at □ for Tv and at O for .\v.
AT Dial This dial works in conjunction with the AE selector. When the AE selector is set at Tv, it shows the shutter speed scale. When the AE selector is set to Av, it shows the aperture scale. To operate the AT dial, first slide down the AT dial guard which is designed to prevent accidental movement of the dial. Depending on the setting of the AE selector, turn the AT dial until it click stops at the exact aperture or shutter speed desired so that the setting is aligned with the index mark.
If, on the other hand, you have set an aperture on the dial, the camera selects the necessiiry shutter speed for correct exposure.
Shutter Speed Scale on the AT Dial There is a choice of 16 click-stop settings ranging from 1/1000 (sec.) to 30 (sec.) on the ЛТ dial’s shutter speed scale. The slow shutter speeds from 2 (sec.) to 30 (sec.) are marked in orange while shutter speeds from 1 (sec.) to l/IOOO (sec.) are in white. The while numbers on the scale are the reci procals of the true shutter speeds so that a white 2 indicates a speed of 1/2 sec. while a white 1000 indicates a speed of 1/1000 sec.
button. AE photography is not possible at the “B” setting. The aperture must be set manually. Remember that it is very im portant to use a tripod and a cable release, preferably with a lock, in long exposures to reduce the chance of image blur. Also, since long exposures present a real drain on the battery, it may be wise to carry a spare. The A-1 has a hot shoe and PC outlet for an X-synch (flash synchronization) at 1/60 sec. (the position).
500 Aperture Scale on the AT Dial The aperture scale on the AT dial is calibrat ed in f/stops ranging from f/22 to f/1.2. The f/1.2 setting is indicated by a dot. The dial click-stops at both full and half f/stops. It will not turn past the largest and smallest f/stops. The maximum aperture indicated on the AT dial is large enough for any Canon lens.
f/1.8 as the aperture setting. In this case, the maximum aperture of the lens will be displayed in the viewfinder when you take an exposure preview regardless of the setting on the AT dial. On the other hand, if you have set an aperture on the AT dial smaller than the minimum aperture of the lens, the image will be exposed at the lens minimum aperture but the shutter speed will not be adjusted accordingly, resulting in over-ex posure.
Shuttcr-spced priority AE FD 400mm f/4.5 S.S.C., 1/1000 sec.
Shutter-spccd priority AE FD 60mm f/1.
Priority vs. Aperture Shutter-Speed Priority Having now read how to control the camera for shutter-speed priority and aperture priority AE photography, you might well wander when it is best to use which mode. Basically, it depends upon what you want your photograph to portray. Shutter speeds are most effectively used to freeze or emphasize movement. The shutterspeed priority ,\E mode is applicable to most photographic situations.
Selecting a Shutter Speed The table below can be used as a general guide in selecting an appropriate shutter speed according to lighting conditions when using a standard 50mm lens and 100 ASA film.
This table does not necessarily apply when using a lens of a different focal length. If you are using a telephoto lens, for instance, any subject movement and the least bit of camera shake can have a magnified effect on image sharpness. For a telephoto it is neces sary to use faster shutter speeds than with a standard lens under the same lighting con ditions.
blur the background to stress the movement. In this last technique, it is best to continue panning as you release the shutter. The direction of movement should also be considered. A subject moving directly across in front of the camera will be blurred to a greater degree than a subject which is mov ing diagonally across or is heading straight for or away from the camera and may require faster shutter speeds than you would use considering speed of movement alone.
^ * <1 A A -iAO AyO Selecting an Aperture A discussion of how to select an appropriate aperture boils down to an explanation of depth of field. When your subject is in focus, there is only a limited range in the fore ground and background of the subject which is also in focus. This zone of sharpness is called depth of field. Depth of field is governed by three factors: aperture, lens focal length and shooting distance.
factors remaining the same). For example, comparing a 28mm lens with a 50mm lens at the same aperture and shooting distance, depth of field is deeper with the 28mm lens. {.Ч} The greater the shooting distance, the deeper the depth of field (the other two factors remaining the same). For example, if the subject is photo graphed from three and then from seven meters away, the zone of sharpness in the foreground and background is great er at seven meters.
Programmed AE When the AE mode selector is set to Tv and the AT dial turned to “P” on the shutter speed scale, the camera is set for program med AE. Correct exposure, both aperture and shutter speed, is automatically set by the camera according to the brightness of the subject and a programmed set of combi nations of apertures and shutter speeds.
the aperture for correct exposure. Of course, if it shifts to a shutter speed lower than 1/60 sec., it is advisable to use a tripod and a cable release or to switch to flash photo graphy. The advantage of this particular mode is that it takes your mind completely off exposure so that you can concentrate on your subject. Programmed Combinations of Shutter Speed and Aperture in Programmed AE (with ASA 100 film) -45- — --------- indicates programmed combina tions when a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.
Meter Coupling Range When using the FD 50mm f/1.4 lens and ASA 100 film, the built-in exposure meter couples within a range of EV -2 (f/1.4 at 8 sec.) to EV 18 (f/16 at 1/1000 sec.) AE Range of Silicon Photocell at Various AS As FD 50mm f/1.4 Lens AE Coupling Range At given film speeds, the built-in exposure meter couples with the aperture and shutter speed as indicated in the chart below. Outside the coupling range, the camera warns you by flashing the photographic data inside the viewfinder.
Metering at Low Light Levels With AE coupling all the way down to EV -2 (with ASA 100 film), the A-1 is capable of metering and producing a natural rendition of the light in very dim lighting conditions. Since EV -2 is practically the lowest light level at which you can even perceive your subject through the viewfinder, you can basically perform AE photography with the A-1 as long as you can see your subject in the viewfinder when using a film with appro priate sensitivity.
level so that higher shutter speeds can be used. Even when following the instructions of the film data sheet, it is advisable to slightly adjust the exposure over several shots to get at least one perfectly exposed image. Be especially on the alert for reciprocity failure when using color reversal (slide) film which has a smaller exposure latitude than black and white or color negative film. Having a smaller exposure latitude means that it is more touchy about exposure error.
meter reading, the only thing you can see in the bright viewfinder is the viewing area. All other information is eliminated, leaving you undistracted freedom to focus and compose your picture. The A-1 uses the Central Emphasis Metering method of exposure measurement which reads the entire viewing area with emphasis on the central portion where the subject is most likely to be placed. This metering system ensures correct exposure even when skylight is present in your picture.
Out of Focus In Focus Viewing and Focusing To focus, rotate the focusing ring of the lens as you view the subject through the view finder. Do not swing your upper body backward and forward as you focus. The focusing screen is composed of three different focusing aids: a microprism ring and a split-image rangefinder in the central area, and a surrounding matte screen.
OPTIONAL VIEWING AIDS Dioptric Adjustment Lenses S The dioptric adjustment lens S is an acces sory which slides into the grooves of the viewfinder eyepiece from above to correct individual eyesight. With them, eyeglass wearers can photograph without glasses. The A-1 ’s eyepiece has a standard dioptric adjustment of -1 for normal eyesight. The following 10 kinds of dioptric adjust ment lenses are optional accessories: -i-3, -1-2, -1-1.5, -tl, -tO.5, 0, -0.5, -2, -3 and -4 (diopters).
through the viewfinder after placing the dioptric lens over the eyepiece to be sure you have the best one. Angle Finders A2 and B There are some types of photographic subjects for which viewing them through the eye-level viewfinder of the camera is un comfortable. This is particularly true in the fields of copying, close-ups, photomacrography and photomicrography. Then it might be more convenient to mount one of these angle finders over the camera’s eye piece.
Magnifier S The Magnifier S inserts into the grooves of the viewfinder eyepiece with its adapter to give a 2.5X magnification of the center of the viewing area for precision focusing in close-up work and wide-angle photography. Its power is adjustable to your eyesight within a range of +4 to -4 diopters. Its adapter is hinged so that the magnifier can be swung upward from the eyepiece after focusing, leaving the entire screen image visible.
Previewing the Exposure When you take a meter reading, the view finder information will be displayed in a digital readout directly below the viewing area. With the viewfinder display lever switched on, you can take a meter reading in any one of three ways: 1. Depress the shutter button halfway. 2. Press in the exposure preview switch. 3. Press the exposure memory switch.
degree of LED illumination changes in four stages depending on the brightness of the subject seen in the viewfinder. When the subject is brighter, the LED brightness is slightly higher, and it is slightly lower with a darker subject. As a result, the LED main tains an almost consistent degree of bright ness to the human eye. The viewfinder information signal is trans mitted to the display every half second.
Cancelling the Viewfinder Display With the A-1, you have the option of turning off the viewfinder display altogether. This can be done simply by turning the view finder display lever to the white dot. Meter ing is taking place and the shutter can be released for a correctly exposed image even when the display is switched off, but it saves battery power and gives you absolute freedom to focus and compose the image undisturbed.
Numerals and Characters Composing Digital Readout in Viewfinder Up to the first four digits from the left in the digital readout ^ow shutter speed data ranging from 1/1000 sec. to 30 sec. All speeds from 1/2 sec. and faster will be chsplayed as a whole number as they are on the AT dial so that an indicated shutter speed of 500 in the digital readout stands for a shutter speed of 1/500 sec. .\11 speeds from 1 sec.
The next two digits following the first four frora the left for shutter speed data are reserved for aperture data. The possible apertures to be displayed in the digital readout range from f/1.2 to f/32 even though the minimum aperture it is possible to set on the AT dial is only f/22. The aperture data in the digital readout is dis played in 1/2 f/stop increments, giving nu merical values standing for the dots on the aperture scale of the AT dial. An indicated aperture of 9.
is set for flash photography while “buLb" replaces the shutter speed data when the AT dial shutter speed scale is set to “B”. “M" is also displayed at the “B” setting. The flashing “EEEE EE” appears to warn of error in the stopping-down process and ■will be explained in more detail later in this instruction booklet.
flashes showing the lens maximum aperture to indicate underexposure. At very low shutter speeds, it is possible for a different exposure, turn the AT dial to as lower shut ter speed, speed. Overexposure Whenever any aperture smaller than f/16 (that is, 19 to 32) appears in the readout, it will always be flashing on and off. Whether or not this indicates overexposure depends on the lens minimum aperture.
shutter speed. If your lens has a smaller minimum aperture, exposure will be correct. Outside the Meter Coupling Range When the light level is so low that it would be outside the meter coupling range re gardless of the shutter speed you set, the set shutter speed will flash on and off along with the aperture in the viewfinder. When the light level is too high, a small aperture will flash on and off even when the AT dial is set to the highest shutter speed.
When the highest shutter speed of 1000 flashes in the viewfinder to indicate over exposure, turn the AT dial to a smaller aperture, When a shutter speed of the slow range flashes in the viewfinder to indicate underexposure, turn the AT dial to a larger aperture. The shutter speed value that flash es to indicate underexposure depends on the speed (maximum aperture) of the lens and ASA film speed.
3. In programmed AE mode Both the shutter speed LED and the aper ture LED flash on and off simultaneously to warn you of overexposure as well as under exposure. In taking exposure readings, the shutter speed and aperture combination changes as they are programmed in the camera.
Double-Check Before Shooting 1. Is the aperture ring of the lens set to the “A” mark? 2. Have you checked the battery power level? 3. Have you properly set the AE mode selector? The Tv setting (shutter-speed pri ority AE) is preferable for action photography. The Av (aperture priority AE) is preferable for still photography. 4. Did you set the film speed pro perly? This is essential to the proper operation of the camera. See that the memo holder tells the type of film loaded in the camera. 5.
Shutter Release Once you have focused, composed your picture and confirmed correct exposure, gently press the shutter button all the way down to set the shutter in motion. When the shutter is released, the exposure will be stored, so there is no problem in removing your finger from the shutter button even in the slow speed range.
check button or return the main switch to “L”. Shutter release WILL NOT be cancelled in the slow shutter speed r^inge simply by turning the AT dial to a higher shutter speed. Messing the shutter button will not make an exposure if the film is only partially ad vanced or if battery power is too low. Rewinding the Film When you have reached the end of the film, the film advance lever will stop suddenly before the end of its stroke.
To rewind the film, press in the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera. Once you have pressed it, you can remove your finger. Unfold the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the small arrow imtil the frame counter reaches the “S” mark. At this point only the film leader will not be rewound into the cartridge. Stop rewinding here if the film is only partially exposed and you want to reload it at some other time.
Frame Counter The frame counter of the A-1 is an additive type. It advances to the next number, indicating the number of frames already exposed, each time the film is wound. It will not advance higher than 38. The numbers 0, 20 and 36 are marked in orange, the latter two as a warning of the end or near-end of films having those numbers of frames. This frame counter is also coupled with the rewinding operation so that it counts back the frame numbers as the film is rewound.
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Stopped-down AE Photography There are basically two cases which require stopped-down AE photography (unless you wish to operate in manual override). It is necessary when you use any lens which is not FD, such as FL or R lenses or the Reflex Lens 500mm f/8 S.S.C.
taken. To set the camera in the stopped-down AE mode when using a non-FD lens, simply fold and push in the A-Ts stop-down lever. When using an FD lens, first advance the film and then disengage the lens aperture ring from the “A” mark before you push in the stop-down lever. If the film is not advanced before turning the aperture ring from the “A” mark, the lens will stop down only as far as the aperture set for the previous exposure.
data will be displayed in the viewfinder. Unless the shutter speed data is flashing 0П and off, simply press the shutter button for an accurately exposed image. Exposure warnings are exactly like those in aperture priority AE. Set the aperture ring to a larger aperture if a shutter speed of the slow range flashes on and off in the viewfinder. The shutter speed value that flashes to indicate underexposure depends on the ASA film speed.
2- light reaching the film plane is greatly reduced due to attached accessories, the A-1 is capable of metering as low a light level aS EV-2 (with ASA 100 film) in the stoppeddown AE mode. Furthermore, since the A-1 employs a through-the-lens meter, no expo sure correction is necessary when accessori es are inserted between camera and lens. When you are finished operating in the stopped-down AE mode, unfold and press down on the stop-down lever.
Warnings of Incorrect Operation in Stopped-down Photography Two problems can arise if you use the camera incorrectly in the stopped-down mode. The first problem occurs if the stop-down lever of the camera is locked in before you mount the lens. If you e.xpose a frame in thi.s situation, it will be incorrectly exposed due to incorrect coupling of the ajjerture ring. To prevent this, before you mount a lens, make sure there is no red dot beside the stop-down coupling lever inside the camera body.
button, you will notice that neither it nor the film advance lever will operate. What’s more, this is when the “EEEE EE” mark wiU flash in the viewfinder whether the view finder display switch is turned off or not. This appears to be a distressing situation, but it is very easily corrected. Push the film advance lever into its retracted position close to the camera body. The multiple exposure lever is underneath. Push it to the left. Now turn the film advance lever.
Manual Override You may have occasion to wish to cancel the A-l’s AE capabilities to control exposure, both aperture and shutter speed, by your self. This will be the case if you are using a separate exposure meter, if you wish to correct exposure in unusual lighting con ditions or in flash photography, or if you want to control exposure for creative ef fects. With the A-1, this is a simple process. Using an FD lens, first disengage the_aperture ring from the “A” mark. Set the AE mode selector to Tv.
priority AE. You will see the shutter speed you have set on the AT dial. The aperture displayed is that that the camera would select on Auto. Although the aperture you have manually set on the aperture ring is not displayed, it is at that aperture that your picture will be exposed when you press the shutter button. You will also see the red “M” inside the viewfinder to indicate that you are in the manual mode.
With an FD lens, if you set the AE selector to Av instead of Tv while the lens is away from the “A ” mark, the digital readout will show the aperture you have set on the A T dial plus the corresponding camera-selected shutter speed as in aperture priority AE along with "M" for manual aperture setting.
Self-Timer The self-timer is usually used either so that you can include yourself in a picture or as an iilternative to a cable release for the softest possible shutter release in delicate photogra phy, such as photomacrography and pho tomicrography, or on other occasions when long exposures are necessary. Tliis particular self-timer allows a time-lag of cither two or ten seconds. To use the self-timer, first make sure the film is wound and that the shutter speed is not at “B”.
AE mode, it will not set the exposure until a split second before the shutter itself is ac tually released. Once you have completed these preparations, flick the eyepiece shutter lever to close the eyepiece shutter so that no light comes through the eyepiece to affect the exposure. Now press the shutter button and run into place if your purpose is to in clude yourself in the picture. The shutter will be released automatically following the time interval you have set.
You may repeat the self-timer process as many times as you wish. After completing self-timer photography, return the main switch to either “A” or “L”. Please note that the eyepiece shutter should be closed whenever exposure is to be deter mined when your eye is not to the eyepiece. This is applicable to self-timer photography, remote control photography and often to tripod or copy stand photography and is especially important in night photography.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION You can, of course, make exposure cor rections by operating the camera manually, but the A-1 is also equipped with other devices which allow you to correct the exposure while in an AE mode.
ject is not located in the central part of the viewing screen. Exposure Compensation Dial One device for correcting exposure in the AE mode is the exposure compensation dial. To make the correction, simply hold in the exposure compensation lock button while turning the outer knurled edge of the ASA setting dial until the compensation dial index is aligned with the desired correction.
may be better to use the exposure memory switch as explained on the next page or manual override. The exposure compensation dial can also be used to correct exposure in multiple ex posures as explained later. Usable Range of Exposure Compensation Dail According to ASA Rating c ate an e x p o su re a d ju s tm e n t o f o n ly 1 /3 f/sto p , b u t y o u r p ic tu re w ill b e e x p o se d in th e 1 /3 f/sto p i n cre m en t y o u se t o n th e d ia l.
Exposure Memory Switch The A-1 also offers an exposure memory switch for correcting the exposure in the AE mode. Essentially, this switch assures correct exposure by exposing the picture for your subject no matter what the surroundings are. When you press in the exposure memory switch, it locks the exposure value (EV) for whatever you are metering. You can then compose the picture as you wish, and it will come out correctly exposed for whatever you metered.
the total viewing area. Push and hold in the exposure memory switch to lock the ex posure value metered for your subject. Now step back and compose the picture as you like. Change the aperture or shutter speed, depending upon which priority you are in, if necessary. Continuing to hold in the exposure memory switch, press the shutter button. Your subject will be correctly exposed. Of course, you have a problem if you cannot approach your subject to meter it directly.
Changing the ASA Setting There is another way to correct exposure which can be used whether you are in the manual or the AE mode. That is to change the ASA film speed setting on the camera. A film with an ASA rating twice that of another film requires only half the amount of light for correct exposure as compared with the other film. For instance, if you have an .
camera to a higher value. Usually this is done by multiplying the normal ASA rating by some multiple of two, say by two or four. In this case, the whole roll of film must be shot at the “pushed" ASA or you will have to sacrifice one or the other of a whole series of frames. Also, do not forget to inform your developing lab of the change or the whole film will be incorrectly developed. This is only an introduction to this technique. Not all films can be "pushed" and not ail developing labs will handle them.
Multiple Exposures Making two or more exposures on the same frame is an exciting technique which is very simple to perform with the A - l . After making the first exposure, do not turn the film advance lever but return it to its retracted position close to the camera body. Switch the multiple exposure lever under neath the film advance lever to the left. A red dot will appear indicating that the camera is set for a multiple exposure. Now turn the film advance lever.
You can make any number of exposures on the same frame simply by repeating the above procedure before turning the film advance lever. There is a possibility of a slight movement of the frame if you make an excessive number of exposures on the same frame, if you turn the film advance lever too forcefully or if there is film slack. The frame counter is stopped until you actually advance the film to the next frame.
Multiple exposures are not possible when the Motor Drive MA or Power Winder A is mounted on the A-1 and in operation. They are possible even when these accessories are mounted if you switch them off and advance the film manually. There are some situations which seem to call for a multiple exposure but which are better handled in another way. One of these is recording multiple bursts of fireworks on the same frame.
ASA to a higher value as described earlier. In this method, you must first decide how many exposures you want to make on the same frame. If a double exposure, make both exposures at twice the normal ASA; if a triple exposure, make all three exposures at three times the normal ASA; if a quad ruple exposure, make all four exposures at four times the normal ASA, etc. Another way to correct exposure is to use the exposure compensation dial at the set tings outlined in the table below.
Film Plane Indicator This mark is engraved on the top of the camera beside the film rewind knob, just to the left of the pentaprism, to indicate the exact position of the film plane. It is not used in general photography, but it is helpful in close-up photography and photomacrography for obtaining the exact shooting distance from film to subject. Distance Scale The distances on the scale are calibrated from the film plane to indicate the focused distance from film plane to subject.
^^ 45 1.5J1 li 7 10 15 30 3 5 10OO ®_ ft ^ - I I I I I i. I 1 I I JLllllM i k t A n n _ U4Uni1l22 A Infrared Index Mark Since infrared light rays have longer wave lengths which focus on a plane slightly behind that of ordinary visible light rays, it is necessary to slightly adjust the focus of the lens when using black and white infrared film. The infrared index mark engraved on the lens barrel is used for this purpose.
make a focusing correction. Follow the detailed instructions of the film manu facturer. The position of the infrared index mark has been computed for the use of infrared film with peak sensitivity at 800nm (such as Kodak IR 135) and a red filter such as Wratten 87.
30 10 OO I IIII S »111 4 i. I I I 4 ItIK UU Ml 1122 A Checking the Depth of Field There are two ways to find out what the depth of field is. One is by using the depth of field scale which is a series of f/stops repeated on each side of the distance index mark on the lens barrel. The scale differs according to the lens. First focus your subject. Find the two f/stops on the depth of field scale which correspond to the aperture you or the camera have set for the exposure.
field looking at the image through the viewfinder by pushing in the stop-down lever just as in stopped-down AE photography and setting the lens to the working aperture. This will probably be one of those occasions when you will release the stop-down lever and return the lens to “A” before taking a shot. You will have to operate the multiple exposure lever as explained earlier before the camera will properly operate. See WARNINGS OF INCORRECT OPER ATION IN STOPPED-DOWN PHOTO GRAPHY, p. 64.
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Lens Signal Coupling There are several levers and pins at the rear of an KD lens which transmit signals be tween the lens and the camera body. Usually it is not necessary to know what they are, but sometimes, when you must operate the aperture manually for non-coupied acces sories for instance, it is. Just for your information, we include explanations of them here. 1. .\perturc Signal Lever With an FD lens, exposure metering is performed through the lens at full aperture.
3. Full Aperture Signal Pin This pin transmits the maximum aperture of the lens to the exposure meter to set the meter coupling range automatically. 4. EE Switch Pin When the “A” mark of the aperture ring is set to the aperture index, the EE switch pin comes out to insure that the lens, at this setting, can be mounted only on cameras designed for AE photography. 5. Reserved Pin This pin is designed for use with additions to Canon’s camera system that may be develop ed in the future.
Unusable Lenses Out of the several series of Canon lenses, there iire a few older individual lenses which cannot be used on the A-1. Do not attempt to mount the following five lenses: FL 19mm f/3.5 FL 58mm f/1.2 R 58mm f/1.2 R 100mm f/3.5 FLP 38mm f/2.
Automatic Diaphragm Control When the A-1 is directly coupled with an FD lens, diaphragm control is totally automatic. Exposure metering is performed at full aperture whether the lens aperture ring is at the “A” mark or set to a specific aperture. At shutter release, the diaphragm automati cally closes down to the aperture set by the camera or by you with the AT dial or the aperture ring. Following shutter release, the lens automatically returns to maximum aper ture.
All FD lenses which lack a Breechlock mount ring, with the exception of the Macro lenses, are set for manual diaphragm control as follows: 1. Before mounting the lens, insert the hole of the accessory manual diaphragm adapt er over the tip of the automatic aperture ture lever at the rear of the lens. Push the lever to the right and lower the adapter into the groove to lock the lever in that position. 2. Mount the lens onto the accessory.
All FD lenses with a chrome Breechlock mount ring and FD Macro lenses are set for manual diaphragm control as follows: 1. Before mounting the lens, push the automatic aperture lever at the rear of the lens to the right where it auto matically locks. 2. Moimt the lens onto the accessory as usual. The diaphragm will now open and close as the aperture ring is rotated. Some of these lenses have an additional lock lever.
when using a macrophoto coupler, the Macro Hood must also be mounted onto the rear of the lens. You may avoid setting the lens for manual diaphragm control when using manual accessories or a macrophoto coupler by attaching the Canon Macro Auto Ring and/ or Double Cable Release. Be sure to reset the automatic aperture lever to its normal position before using the lens once more in cUrect contact with the camera. In the case of a lens with a lock lever, switch it back to the position of the white dot.
FLASH A-1 PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE AE Flash Photography 3- There are four special automatic flash units, the Canon Speedlites 199A, 177A, 155A and 133A which make AE flash photo graphy possible with the A-1. Just slip the SpeecUite into the accessory shoe, switch it on, focus and shoot. It does not matter whether the AE mode selector is set to Av or Tv.
switch to 1/60 sec. as soon as the Speedlite is ready for firing. These Speedlites employ a unique light sensing system which reduces excessive reflection from the central area to give better overall exposure. With the Speedlite 199A, shutter speeds slower than 1/60 sec. can be optionally selected for the effect of a lighter back ground. It is a powerful flash unit with a guide number of 30m (ASA 100). To control depth of field, you can choose be tween three working apertures (f/2.8, f/5.
aperture ring to the working apertures speci fied for an automatic electronic flash or be determined through a guide number calcu lation using the following formula. Guide Number Aperture Sho>oting Distance When doing the math, make sure that the guide number and shooting distance are both in the same unit, whether meters or feet. The fastest shutter speed for use with electronic flash is 1/60 sec., for use with M or FP bulbs, 1/30 sec. It is recommended to use a Canon flash unit on this camera.
Digital Readout in Flash Photography When you preview exposure in flash photo graphy, the digital readout will differ de pending on the type of flash photography. 1. AE flash with Canon Speedlite 133A, 155A, 177A or 199A and an FD Lens The flash is on Auto while the lens is set to the “A” mark. The digital readout will display a shutter speed of 1/60 sec., the flash signal “F” and the auto working aperture set on the flash as follows; 60 F 2.8. The A-1 automatically switches to 1/60 sec.
Exposure warnings are very similar to those in shutter-speed priority AE. If you have set an auto working aperture larger than the maximum aperture of the lens, the maxi mum aperture of the lens will flash on and off to indicate underexposure. If you have set an auto working aperture smaller than f/16, the set auto working aperture will flash on and off. If the minimum aperture of the lens is equal to or smaller than the flashing aperture, exposure will be correct. If larger, the image will be overexposed.
The digital readout will be the same as in AE flash control but will also include the “M” signal for manual aperture control. Though the set flash auto working aperture value is displayed in the readout, it is not automatically set as in AE flash control. The same aperture value as set on the flash must be manually set on the lens aperture ring. As in AE flash control, the shutter speed is automatically set at 1/60 sec. as long as the AT dial is not at “B”.
3. Manual Flash Control with Canon Speedlite 155A, 177A or 199A The flash is on Manual and the aperture is determined by a guide number calculation and then set manually on the lens aperture ring. The digital readout will include shutter speed, “F” flash signal and the “M” signal for manual aperture control. No aperture data will be displayed. When the flash is set to Manual, the viewfinder will display “M" even if an FD lens is at the “A ” mark. E D M 4.
2) Automatic Flash bu F E . B 3) M Manual Flash bu F M The “B” setting is useful in flash photo graphy for lightening the subject’s back ground. At this setting, the flash of the Speedlite synchronizes with the opening of the first shutter curtain. 5. Ordinary Flash Photography with Flashes other than the Canon Speedlites When flashes other than the four special Canon Speedlites are used with the A-1, the digital readout will include the same infor mation as in manual override. See p. 65.
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MOTORIZED FILM WINDING There remains one last mechanical operation in the A-1 that could possibly distract your attention from your subject; you have to wind the film. Canon has solved that problem for you too.
DATA BACK A Within seconds, the A-l’s back cover can be exchanged for the Data Back A, which, again, becomes an integral part of the camera’s electronic system. As you press the shutter release, the day, month and year will be recorded clearly but unobtrusively in the lower right hand comer of every picture, i.e., unless you decide to leave it blank. Since letters and Roman numerals are also avail able, the Data Back can serve as a convenient coding system as well.
Various Accessories for Close-ups and Photomacrography Canon offers a whole gamut of accessories which give you unlimited possibilities in close-ups. photomacrography and photo micrography. At the center of the system stands the elegant, versatile Auto Bellows featuring a built-in focusing rail, immediate lens reversal and automatic diaphragm coupling with the Canon Double Cable Release.
ACCESSORIES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 . 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21 . 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
I s 12 10 /V 13 15 14 16 О 17 13 ФФ 19 20 ‘‘ 22 Q 23 W
28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51.
(D Speedlite 199A (D Speedlite 177 A (D Speedlite 155A ©Speedlite 133A ® Data Back A ® Ni-Cd Charger MA @ Ni-Cd Pack MA ® Motor Drive MA ® Battery Pack MA @ Battery Magazine MA J t Power Winder A @ i!' LJ I, 1 1 C*nOf' 1 1' f
Proper Care of the Camera Your A-1 is a rugged, high-quality camera. It will work properly if operated and cared for properly. Never force anything. If you have a problem that is not answered in the in structions below, follow the advice of your nearest Canon serviceman. We recommend taking the A-1 to an authorized Canon service facility at least once every three years for a complete checkup.
time, carefully check the operation of each part. Cleaning the Camera and Lens Before doing anything else, clean the camera with a blower brush. It is best to have two blower brushes, one for the camera body and the lens barrel, the other for the lens surfaces, eyepiece and mirror. If the blower brush is sufficient to get the camera clean, stop there. By all means, avoid touching the lens.
is necessary, do not attempt to do it yourself but take it to an authorized Canon service facility. The film compartment also requires occasional cleaning with a blower brush to remove accumulated film dust particles which might scratch the film. When doing this, take special care NEVER to exert pressure on the shutter, the rail surfaces or the pressure plate. Salt and sand are your camera’s worst enemiés. .\fter using it on a beach, clean it thoroughly.
Using the Camera in Extremely Cold Conditions In extremely cold conditions, always protect the camera from outside air and try to finish shooting as quickly as possible. In temperatures below 0 C (32 F), the battery may be affected, so you may want to carry a spare. Keep the camera and spare battery close to your body or in a pocket to keep them warm until you are ready to take a picture. Although the battery may not function well in cold conditions, don’t throw it away.
SPECIFICATIONS microprism rangefinder. Viewfinder Information: Displayed in form of LED digital readout below view ing area. Includes shutter speed (1/1000 sec.—30 sec.), aperture (f/1.2—f/32), flashing warning of incorrect exposures and settings, bulb indication, charge com pletion indicator for specified Canon flash units, manual aperture, control signal, error indication for incorrect stopping-down operation. Shutter speed and aperture data displayed in 1/2 step increments.
AE Mechanism: Electronically controlled. Information input by means of AE mode selector and AT dial for full-aperture AE metering (FD lens at “A”) and stoppeddown AE metering. Employs three LSI’s with I^L, one Linear LSI and one Bi-MOS IC for light metering. .AE Mode Selection: By means of AE mode selector. Two settings: Tv (Time value) for shutter-speed priority -AE, Av (Aperture value) for aperture priority AE.
locked-in EV. Exposure Preview: Viewfinder digital read out activated by pressing shutter button halfway or by pressing exposure preview switch or exposure memory switch. Stop-down Lever: Foldable. Stoppingdown an FD lens is possible only when aperture ring is disengaged from “A” mark. Manual Override: Possible by disengaging FD lens from “A” mark and setting AE mode selector to Tv. Aperture manually controlled with aperture ring, shutter speed with AT dial.
release. Pressing it halfway activates meter circuit, pressing it all the way sets shutter in operation. Can be locked by setting main switch to “L” to guard against accidental shutter release. With cable release socket. Power Source: One 6V silver oxide battery (Eveready No. 544, UCAR No. 544, JIS 4G13, Mallory PX28) or alkaline man ganese battery (Eveready No. 537, UCAR No. 537). The battery lasts ap proximately one year under normal use.
Self-Timer: Electronically controlled. Ac tivated by pressing shutter button. Timelag of 2 or 10 seconds possible. Red LED flashes on and off to indicate its opera tion. Flashing frequency increases 2 sec. before shutter release. Flash Synchronization: X-synch at 1 /60 sec.; FP- and M-synch at 1/30 sec. and slower. Flash Coupling: Accessory shoe has con tacts for directly-coupled flash units and automatic flash control contacts for auto matic exposure.
back frames as film rewound. Automati cally resets to “S” upon opening back cover. Does not advance during multiple exposures. Film Rewinding: By pressing rewind but ton cind cranking rewind knob. Rewind button automatically resets when film advance lever turned. Other Safety Devices: Camera will not function when power level insufficient. Film winding impossible while shutter is in operation. Lockable controls. Size: 141 x 91.5 x 47.5mm (5-9/16” x 35/8” X 1-7/8”) body only. Weight: 620 g (21-7/8 ozs.
For your own convenience you may want to use this form to fill in the serial numbers of your A-1 equipment for quick reference in the event of loss or theft. Name of the Camera: Canon A-1 Body Number: Lens: mm. 1: No. mm. 1: No. Name: Address: Additional Accessories: mm. 1 : Telephone Number: No.
Canon CANON INC. ll28,^ 3 ku, Tokyo 108, Japan CANON U.S.A., INC. HEAD OFFICE 11042, USA 10 Nevada Drive, Lake Success, Long Island, N \ CANON U.S.A., INC. MANHATTAN SERVICE STATION 600 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016, U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC. ATLANTA OFFICE 6380 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, Georgia 30071, USA CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES SERVICE STATION 3321 Wllshire Blvd Los Angeles, California 90010, U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC.
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