Canon A1 User Manual
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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. Incorporating
at least 20 novel technologies never before
used in a camera, your A-1 is capable of
operating in five distinct AE modes–all with
an incredibly high degree of precision,
reliability and ease of operation. A simple
flick of a single switch will put you in any
one of the AE modes. Simple manual
the A-1'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 understanding of and benefit from your A-1,
please read this instruction booklet carefully as you familiarize yourself with
the camera. For the convenience of nonexperts, we have included as many
photographic hints and facts as space
operation is also possible. With its many AE
functions, the A-1 is not only the perfect
tool in the hands of a professional but easy
enough to operate even for novices. Even
allowed. We at Canon hope your new A-1
will open to you a whole new world of
photography, whether as profession or
avocation.
–2–
Focusing Index Mark with Depth
-of-
Field Scale
Mount Positioning Point
Focusing Ring
Exposure Preview
“A” Mark
AE Lock Pin
Aperture Ring
Battery Chamber Cover/Finger Grip
Positioning Pin For Action Grip
AT Dial Guard
AT Dial
Main Switch
Multiple Exposure Lever
Shutter Release Button
(with Cable Release
Socket)
AE Mode Selector
AE Mode Window
Frame Counter
Accessory Shoe
Automatic Flash Conta
cts
Flash Synchronization Contact
Film Plane Indicator
Lock Button
Exposure Compensation
Film Rewind Knob with Crank
ASA Film Speed Scale
ASA Lock Button
Battery Check Button
PC Socket
Viewfinder Display Lever
Stop
-Down Lever
Switch
Switch
Exposure Memory
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Mounting Socket
for Action Grip
Exposure Compensation
Scale
Fold out both front and back nomenclature pages for easy reference while reading the instructions
Battery Check/
Self-timer LED
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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
Loading the Battery ................................................. 19
Checking the Battery ............................................... 20
Film Advance and Shutter Release .......................... 22
Holding the Camera ................................................. 25
Loading the Film ..................................................... 26
Setting the ASA Film Speed .................................... 28
The Basics of Exposure ........................................... 30
AE Photography ...................................................... 32
Setting the Lens for AE Photography ...................... 33
AE Mode Selector ................................................... 34
AT Dial ................................................................... 35
Shutter Speed Scale on the AT Dial ........................ 36
Aperture Scale on the AT Dial ................................ 37
Shutter Priority vs.
Aperture Priority ..................................................... 40
Programmed AE ...................................................... 45
Meter and AE Coupling Ranges .............................. 46
Metering at Low Light Levels ................................. 47
Viewfinder ............................................................... 49
Viewing and Focusing ............................................. 49
Optional Viewing Aids ............................................ 50
Previewing the Exposure ......................................... 52
Cancelling the Viewfinder Display .......................... 53
................................... 18
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
Stopped-down AE Photography ............................... 61
Manual Override ...................................................... 65
Self-Timer ................................................................ 66
Exposure Compensation .......................................... 69
Multiple Exposures .................................................. 73
Film Plane Indicator ................................................. 75
Distance Scale .......................................................... 75
Infrared Index Mark ................................................. 75
Checking the Depth of Field .................................... 76
Lens Signal Coupling ............................................... 78
Unusable Lenses ...................................................... 79
Automatic Diaphragm Control ................................. 80
Manual Diaphragm Control ..................................... 80
Flash Photography with the A-1 ............................... 83
Motorized Film Winding ......................................... 89
Data Back A ............................................................. 90
Various Accessories for Close-ups and
Photomacrography ................................................... 90
Proper Care of the Camera ....................................... 95
Using the Camera in Extremely Cold
Conditions ................................................................ 96
.......................... 60
Specifications .......................................... 97
MAIN FEATURES
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Quality from the Inside Out
The extraordinary qualities of the A-1 start
with its design. It is the first camera in the
world in which all information, both input
and output, is in the form of pulse signals,
enabling it to be the first camera with a
digital, rather than an analog, computer. It is
the first camera to have a Pure-Integrated
Injection Logic (Pure-PL), the most
advanced type of logic circuitry yet
produced by the electronics industry, which
is so highly integrated that it is capable of
processing many times the information
possible with simple IC's. It is also the first
camera in the world to have a program unit
with programmable logic array (PLA)
which makes sure that the camera receives
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 inspection. 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.
The A-1 will set AE exposure only a split
second before shutter release.
Despite all of this electronic circuitry which
would reasonably require a great deal of
all information and in correct order. In
practical terms, all of this complex
electronics circuitry boils down to the first
camera which is capable of extremely
precise and reliable automatic exposure in
five different modes but which remains
remarkably compact and easy to operate.
The use of such advanced technology is not
limited to design alone. Building on the
special 'production technology system it
established with the design of the AE-1,
power, the A-1 requires only one small
battery which normally lasts about one year.
Every part of the A-1, from its sequence
circuitry, where the power is sequentially
switched on and off, to its Pure-I2 L and
combination magnet, is designed to
conserve power.
Five AE Modes and Manual Override
Besides five AE modes which cover all forms
of photography, easy override of the A-1's
–5–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
AE functions is also possible.
Shutter 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 FD lens set at “A” for all
the benefits of full aperture metering.
Stopped-down AE, in which the shutter
speed is automatically set, allows automatic
exposure with non-FD lenses and accessories
and is a big advantage in close-ups and photomicrography. And since all AE inputs have
been consolidated into the AE mode selector
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.
Field-of-view-only Viewfinder
This viewfinder is one of the A-1's most
unusual features. In the classic sense of the
word, this bright viewfinder shows only the
field of view for easiest focusing and comand the AT dial, the operation of only these
two controls suffices to set the camera for
any one of the five AE modes.
For complete control for exposure correction or special effects, manual operation
is a simple matter of moving the FD lens
aperture ring from the “A” mark while the
shutter speed is set on the AT dial. The A-1
will even provide you with an exposure
readout as a basis for your exposure
adjustment.
Exposure Compensation
Along with the wide selection of AE modes,
posing.
Using any one of three ways to take an
exposure preview, you will activate a
compact LED digital readout which clearly
conveys shutter speed, aperture, flash and
manual operation signals, a bulb indication,
improper exposure warnings and a mal-
function warning. The viewfinder readout is
below and out of the way of the field of
view, and the LED's are clearly legible with
no need for extra illumination even in very
bad light.
–6–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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.
This is especially advantageous in such
dimly-lit situations as those in night scenes
and photomacrography.
Other Special Features
Add to these features the A-1's single-lever
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 577G,
533G, 199A, 188A, 177A, 155A or 133A
can be mounted on the A-1 for AE flash
photography with automatic setting of
shutter speed and aperture. With the Motor
Drive MA, continuous shooting at up to five
frames per second is possible, and the A-1
also accepts the Power Winders A and A2.
multiple exposure operation and its twointerval self-timer with an LED warning.
Switching one small lever before winding the
film sets the A-1 for a multiple exposure.
The film and even the frame counter remain
stationary for unlimited multiple exposures.
You can set the self-timer for a time-lag of
either two or ten seconds during which an
easily visible LED flashes. Flashing frequency increases as a warning prior to shutter
release.
Finally, seemingly small features, but big
advantages in photography, include the A-1's
–7–
Like the AE-1, the A-1 can also use the
Data Back A, a date imprinting mechanism
that will couple to both power winder and
Speedlite. Plus, you have your choice of
accessories from Canon's extensive SLR
system. From its famous, high resolution FD
lenses to its complete line of systemized
accessories for close-ups, photomacrography
and photomicrography, Canon offers high-
quality equipment for all photographic
fields.
Flashes to in
dicate
Flashes to indicate
In Focus
Out of Focus
Load the battery.
Turn the main switch to the
power level.
Load the film and advance
Look into the viewfinder.
8
88
8
Check the exposure.
1
1
11
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
2
PICTORIAL OUTLINE FOR GENERAL USE OF THE CAMERA
2
22
“A” position and check the
3
3
33
it to the first frame.
7
7
77
Compose the picture and focus.
overexposure
underexposure
Set the aperture ring of the
Select the AE mode.
Press the shutter
10
1010
10
Advance the film to the next
Rewind the film after
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Set the ASA film speed.
4
4
44
9
9
99
button gently.
5
5
55
lens to the “A” mark (for
AE photography).
frame.
6
6
66
11
11
1111
(Turn the AT dial).
all frames are exposed.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
SETTING THE CAMERA FOR THE FIVE AE MODES AND MANUAL OVERRIDE
Shutter Priority AE
1. Make sure the lens aperture
ring is set to the “A” mark.
2. Switch the AE mode selector to TV.
3. Select a shutter speed by
turning the AT dial.
See pp. 34-36 for detailed
explanation.
Aperture Priority AE
1. Make sure the aperture ring
of the lens is set to the “A”
mark.
2. Switch the AE mode selector to Av.
3. Select an aperture by turning the AT dial.
See pp. 34-37 for detailed
explanation.
–10–
Programmed AE
1. Make sure the aperture ring
of the lens is set to the “A”
mark.
2. Switch the AE mode selector to TV.
3. Turn the AT dial to
upper limit of the shut- ter
speed scale.
See p. 45 for detailed
explanation.
“P”
at the
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Stopped-down AE
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.
AE Flash
1. Insert the Speedlite
577G's or 533G's sensor
unit or the 199A, 188A,
177A, 155A or 133A into
the A-1's accessory shoe.
2. Set the ASA film speed on
the flash.
3. Make sure the lens aperture
ring is set to
4. Set the auto working aperture on the flash.
5. Switch the flash on.
6. Wait for the pilot lamp to
light up and
in the viewfinder. See pp.
83-85 and the Speedlite's
“A”
“F”
.
to appear
Manual Override
1. Disengage the lens aperture
ring from the “A” mark
(necessary only on FD lens).
2. Switch the AE mode selector to TV.
3. Select a shutter speed by
turning the AT dial.
4. Select an aperture by turning the lens aperture ring
(using the camera-selected
aperture in the digital readout as a basis if so desired).
See p. 65 for detailed
explanation.
instruction booklet for
detailed explanation.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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
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. Then, using a coin, screw
the grip into the action grip mounting socket
guided by the positioning pin on the front of
the camera body.
thrown away.
–12–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Semi-hard Case
To protect the camera, particularly when
carrying, it, insert it into its semi-hard case
as indicated in the photo A. 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 B. To replace the
cover, insert its hook into the corresponding
hole on the case and pull it straight down.
For closing the top cover, the lens' focusing
ring should be turned to infinity (I).
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.
This type of cap may also be attached to a
–13–
Canon filter screwed into the lens.
Automatic Aperture Lever
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Positioning Pin
Rear Dust Cap
The rear dust cap must be removed before
mounting the lens.
Operation with an 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 counterclockwise 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.
tight.
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 are also
locked and will not move even if the aperture ring is rotated.)
2. In that position, apply slight pressure to
the cap and turn it clockwise until it is
–14–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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 optional accessories for most Canon lenses.
Please use only that hood which is specified
for the lens concerned. This type of hood
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 counterclockwise until it is tight.
fits into the bayonet mount at the front of
the lens where it is fixed by turning until it
is tight. Some hoods for wide-angle lenses
require proper positioning before mounting.
Align the red dot on this type of hood with
the notch in the bayonet mount at the front
of the lens. Then lightly push the hood into
the mount and turn it until it is tight.
When not in use, the hood can be mounted
in reverse on a standard or some wide-angle
lenses, in which case even the hood will fit
perfectly into the camera's case.
–15–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Mounting on the Camera and Dismounting
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.
Pre-Mounting Checklist
1. Make sure the camera's stop-down lever
is not locked for stopped-down 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 completely advanced.
4. Remove the lens' rear dust cap.
5. Remove the camera's body cap.
In the case of an FD lens which lacks
a chrome Breech-lock mount ring:
Mounting
To facilitate mounting when it is very dark
or when you are in a great hurry, the mount
positioning point is rounded. Simply find
this point with your finger and align it as
closely as possible with the red dot on the
camera. Turn the lens slightly back and
forth while applying slight pressure until it
drops into position and continue with step
2 above. Excessive sloppiness will make
mounting impossible; take care to be as
accurate as possible.
Dismounting
1. Turn the lens counterclockwise until it
stops while pressing the lens release
button.
2. Pull the lens out.
When the lens is dismounted, the diaphragm
blades are locked in a half-closed position
1. Align the projecting red mount positioning point on the lens with the red dot
and will not move even if you turn the
lens aperture ring.
–16–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
When removing a lens, take special 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
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 camera 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.
maximum aperture, the mounting procedure
is the same as that described above and requires no adjustment.
All five AE modes are possible with an FD
lens. See SETTING THE LENS FOR AE
PHOTOGRAPHY. Of the five AE modes,
only stopped-down AE is possible with an
FL lens.
Dismounting
1. Turn the Breech-lock ring counterclockwise until it stops.
2. Pull the lens out from the camera body.
–17–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Normal Procedures
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Loading the Battery
This camera will not function unless a
battery is loaded. Use one brand-new silver
oxide or alkaline-manganese battery as specified in the table below or an equivalent battery of another brand.
Usable Batteries
Silver Oxide
Battery (6V)
Alkaline-manganese
Battery (6V)
It can be loaded and unloaded more easily
before the lens is mounted, and, of course,
if the action grip is attached, it must be
removed while loading. You should always
wipe the battery poles with a clean, dry
cloth before insertion to prevent any cor-
Eveready (UCAR)
No. 544
JIS4G13
Mallory PX 28
Eveready (UCAR)
No. 537
–19–
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 battery
negative pole first, pushing it downwards
in the chamber. Make sure the poles are
facing in the correct directions. Incorrect
loading can lead to possible corrosion and
damage to the battery terminals besides
causing the battery to discharge very
quickly.
To unload the battery, simply tip the positive end forwards and pull it out from the top.
The battery should be removed if the
camera is not to be used for an excessively
long period of time.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Checking the Battery
Life of the battery in normal use is
approximately one year. Using the camera
frequently at low shutter speeds, at the
setting or in extremely cold conditions takes
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.
5. When the camera is used after it has been
stored for an excessively long period of
“B”
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. It should also be replaced if the
flashing frequency changes during the few
seconds the check button is depressed,
indicating the battery is near exhaustion.
It is a good idea to carry a spare battery
when you expect to use the camera
continuously for a long time, such as on a
vacation, when you plan to take a number of
time.
6. When the camera is used in extremely cold
conditions.
To check the power level of the battery, first
set the main switch to the
“A” position. It
time exposures on bulb, or when the camera
is to be used in very cold conditions.
–20–
Now that the battery is loaded, your
1 will function. Before loading the
play with
it a little. Operate the shutter button.
and the film advance lever until they
l extensions of your
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.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
Getting a Feel for Your A-1
A-
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.
film or doing anything else,
feel like natura
fingers.
–21–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–22–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
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. The shutter
button serves to activate both the AE meter
and shutter operation. Since it is electromagnetic, it requires only gentle pressure for
both a very smooth shutter release as well as
immediate meter response when shooting in
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 lever away from the camera
body to its 30 stand-off position. Now it
can be easily operated with the tip of your
thumb. Push it all the way to the right in a
single, short 120 throw to wind the film,
cock the shutter and prepare the diaphragm
and mirror for the next shutter release all in
one motion. Or you can advance the lever in
several short strokes. Each winding will also
advance the number in the frame counter,
indicating the number of pictures taken.
quick succession. Pressing the shutter button
lightly only halfway gives a meter reading
preview inside the viewfinder. When you
press it gently all the way, the mirror flips
up, the diaphragm closes down and the
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–23–
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.
The main switch must also be at the
“A” setting.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–24–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–25–
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. For
best balance and easy focusing, the left
thumb and index finger should be under the
lens barrel. Press both elbows firmly against
your body when holding the camera in a
horizontal position, at least one elbow in a
Since this is a single-lens reflex camera, the
viewing lens and the camera lens are not separate. When you look into the camera's viewfinder, 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.
vertical position. Press the camera firmly to
your cheek or forehead. Spread your feet
slightly apart with one a little ahead of the
other. Don't tense up. Now release the
shutter button gently as you exhale.
It is always advisable to lean against a steady
support, such as a wall or a tree, if any is
available.
Use a tripod and a cable release
with a telephoto lens or when shooting at
a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. or slower.
If the tripod screw of your tripod is quite
long, be especially careful not to forcefully
screw it all the way in beyond the limit of
the camera's tripod socket.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–26–
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 trails 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. Put
the cartridge into the film cartridge chamber
so that the protruding part of the spool is on
the bottom and push down and rotate the
rewind knob until it drops into its fullyseated position. Now pull the film leader
across the camera and insert the tip up to at
least the first perforation of the film into
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. Now
make two blank shots, turning the film
advance lever and releasing the shutter, so
that the frame counter advances from “S” to
“0”. While doing this, keep an eye on the
rewind knob. If it rotates, the film is
properly loaded. If it does not rotate,
chances are that the film is sagging or the
any slot of the multi-slot take-up spool. Advance the film once, making sure the film
sprocket holes are engaged with the teeth of
the film transport sprocket.
film perforations are not properly engaged in
the take-up spool and film transport
sprocket. If the rewind knob still does not
rotate once you have gently turned the
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–27–
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.
Before loading the film, remove the plastic
insert from the pressure plate, and throw
it away.
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–28–
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 ASA rating
appropriate for the lighting conditions. The
film manufacturer's recommended ASA
rating can be found on the film packaging or
data sheet.
Since the ASA film speed is one of the
essential factors in determining proper exposure, it is very important that it be
correctly set on the camera. The table on the
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 ASA 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
tography.
“1”
for normal AE pho-
opposite page shows the ASA ratings which
can be set on the A-1. Figures in parentheses
are intermediate film speeds which are indicated by dots on the ASA dial. To set the
–29–
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
The choice of film is an important part of
photography, and you have a wide variety to
choose from. Films differ in a number of
ways including ASA rating, exposure latitude, color rendition and color temperature
among other variables. Some, such as infrared film, require the use of certain filters.
Depending on the type of film, a color
temperature conversion filter may be necessary under certain lighting conditions. And,
of course, you have the basic choice between two types of color film: color
negative film (for prints) and color reversal
(slide) film. Film can be purchased either in
cartridge form with varying numbers of
frames or in bulk form. Either type can be
loaded in the A-1. Although bulk film is a
market and it is cheaper than cartridge film.
For more information concerning film,
please refer to a book on photography or ask
your local film dealer, and please pay careful
attention to the film data sheet.
Aside from those instances when a specific
filter is required, filters can also be used to
emphasize certain colors for more clarity or
special effects. Canon offers a wide variety
of filters for both black and white and color
films. It also offers a gelatin filter holder
which can hold up to three filters at a time
and can be attached to various diameter
lenses by means of adapters. Since the A-1
has a through-the-lens meter, there is no
need to make any exposure correction with
filter factors when a filter is attached.
little more complicated to handle since it
must be cut to the desired number of frames
and handled in complete darkness, there are
simple devices for this purpose on the
Not For Resale – Free Download at http://www.joe-chan.com/manuals
–30–
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 reminder 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 size of the aperture
determines the amount of light which will
fall on the film. The various size apertures
are indicated by a set series of numbers
called f/stops or f/numbers. Each f/stop
represents some amount of light that is
allowed to pass through the lens. The smaller
numbers are called large f/stops while the
larger numbers are called small f/stops.
This is because the larger numbers represent
smaller apertures and allow less light to pass
Loading...