Canon A-1 User Manual
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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
Preliminary Preparations
Handling the Lens................................................. 13
NORMAL PROCEDURES
Loading the Battery
Checking the Battery............................................ 20
Film Advance and Shutter Release
Holding the Camera
Loading the Film................................................... 26
Setting the ASA Film Speed
The Basics of Exposure
AE Photography
Setting the Lens for AE Photography ... 33
AE Mode Selector
AT Dial .................................................................. 35
Shutter Speed Scale on the AT Dial .... 36
Aperture Scale on the AT Dial
Shutter-speed Priority vs.
Aperture Priority.................................................. 40
Programmed AE................................................... 45
Meter and AE Coupling Ranges
Metering at Low Light Levels
Viewfinder
Viewing and Focusing
Optional Viewing Aids
Previewing the Exposure
Cancelling the Viewfinder Display
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10
12
18
19
22
25
28
30
32
34
37
46
47
49
49
50
52
53
Numerals and Characters Composing
Digital Readout in Viewfinder............................. 54
Incorrect Exposure Warnings ............................ 55
Double-Check Before Shooting
Shutter Release
Rewinding the Film
Frame Counter...................................................... 59
SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES
Stopped-down AE Photography
Manual Override
Self-Timer
Exposure Compensation
Multiple Exposures............................................... 73
Film Plane Indicator
Distance Scale........................................................ 75
Infrared Index Mark............................................ 75
Checking the Depth of Field................................ 76
Lens Signal Coupling
Unusable Lenses.................................................... 79
Automatic Diaphragm Control
Manual Diaphragm Control................................ 80
Flash Photography with the A-1
Motorized Film Winding ..................................... 89
Data Back A .......................................................... 90
Various Accessories for Close-ups and
Photomacrography
Proper Care of the Camera
Using the Camera in Extremely Cold
Conditions ............................................................. 96
Specifications ........................................................ 97
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57
58
58
60
61
65
66
69
75
78
80
83
90
95
Film Advance Lever Film Rewind Button
Eyepiece Shutter Lever
Winder and Motor Drive Terminals
Positioning Hole
for Motor Drive MA
Lens Release Button
Eyepiece
Winder and Motor Drive
Coupler Cover
Positioning Hole
for Motor Drive MA
Memo Holder
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. 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
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 the
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.
For the convenience of non-experts, we have
included as many photographic hints and
facts as space allowed. We at Canon hope
your new A-1 will open to you a whole new
world of photography, whether as profession
or avocation.
Focusing Index Mark with Depth-of-Field Scale
Focusing Ring
Mount Positioning Point
Exposure Preview
Switch
Exposure Memory
Switch
Stop-Down Lever
Viewfinder Display Lever
PC Socket
Battery Check Button
ASA Lock Button
Exposure Compensation
Scale
ASA Film Speed Scale
Film Rewind Knob with Crank
Exposure Compensation
Lock Button
Film Plane Indicator
Fold out both front and back nomenclature pages for easy reference while reading the instructions.
“A" Mark
EE Lock Pin
Aperture Ring
Battery Chamber Cover/Finger Grip
Positioning Pin for Action Grip
Mounting Socket
for Action Grip
AT Dial Guard
AT Dial
Main Switch
Battery Check/
Self-timer LED
Multiple Exposure Lever
Shutter Release Button
(with Cable Release
Socket)
AE Mode Selector
AE Mode Window
MAIN FEATURES
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 all
information and in correct order. In practi
cal 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,
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.
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
power, the A-1 requires only one small
¡Dattery 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-P 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-l’s
-5-
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.
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 photo
micrography. And since all AE inputs have
been consolidated into the AE mode selector
and the AT died, 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 cor
rection 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.
-(
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-l’s most
unusual features. In the classic sense of the
word, this bright viewfinder shows only the
field of view for easiest focusing and com
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.
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-l’s single-lever
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 frequen
cy increases as a warning prior to shutter
release.
Finally, seemingly small features, but big
advantages in photography,include the A-l’s
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.
With the Motor Drive MA, continuous
shooting at up to five frames per second is
possible, and the A-1 also accepts the Power
Winder A. 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 ED lenses to its
complete line of systemized accessories for
close-ups, photomacrography and photo
micrography, Canon offers high-quality
equipment for all photographic fields.
I Load the battery.
PICTORIAL OUTLINE FOR GENERAL USE OF THE CAMERA
Turn the main switch to the
2
“A” position and check
the power level.
Load the film and advance
3
it to the first frame.
^ Look into the viewfinder.
Compose the picture and focus.
► Check the exposure.
Flashes to indicate
overexposure
E S D
Flashes to indicate
underexposure
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Set the ASA film speed. £5 Set the aperture ring of the
4
I Press the shutter
button gently.
öl ’lens to the “A” mark (for
AE photography).
.Advance the film to the
'next frame.
AvO
> Select the AE mode.
^(Turn the AT dial).
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
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.
l.Make sure the aperture ring
of the lens is set to the “A”
mark.
2.Switch the AE mode selec
tor to Av.
3.Select an aperture by turn
ing 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 selec
tor to Tv.
3.Turn the AT dial to “P” at
the upper limit of the shut
ter speed scale.
See p. 45 for detailed
explanation.
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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 199A,
177A, 155A or 133A into
the A-l’s accessory shoe.
2.Set the ASA film speed on
the flash.
3. Make sure the lens aperture
ring is set to “A”.
4. Set the auto working aper
ture on the flash.
5.Switch the flash on.
6. Wait for the pilot lamp to
light up and “F” to appear
in the viewfinder.
See pp. 83-85 and instruc
tion booklet for Speedlite
199A, 177A, 155A or
133A for detailed explana
tion. -11-
Manual Override
1. Disengage the lens aperture
ring from the “A” mark
(necessary only on FD lens).
2.Switch the AE mode selec
tor to Tv.
3.Select a shutter speed by
turning the AT dial.
4. Select an aperture by turn
ing the lens aperture ring
(using the camera-selected
aperture in the digital read
out as a basis if so desired).
See p. 65 for detailed
explanation.
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.
-12-
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.
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. 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 (oo).
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
Canon filter screwed into the lens.
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. In that position, apply slight pressure to
the cap and turn it clockwise until it is
tight.
-1
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. 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 tmd 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.
5-
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. Remove the camera’s body cap.
In the case of an FD lens which lacks
a chrome Breech-lock mount ring:
Mounting
1. Align the projecting red mount position
ing point on the lens with the red dot
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.
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 covmterclockwise 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
and will not move even if you turn the
lens aperture ring.
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. Turn the Breech-lock ring counterclock
wise until it stops.
2. Pull the lens out from the camera body.
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