Canon L2 User Manual

Canon

CANON CAMERA CO., INC.

312 Shimo-Maruko-cho, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, Japan

UNITED STATES FACTORY BRANCH

550 Fifth Avenue, New York 36, N. Y., U.S.A.

CANON-EUROPE DISTRIBUTION CENTER

40 Rue du Stand, Geneve, Switzerland

modal Li

Range-Viewfinder Window
Lens Depth-of-Field Scale

Lens Disiance Scale
Canon Lens
Lens Aperture Scale
Rangefinder Window
Slow Speed Shuller Dial
Film Rewind Ring
Shutter Release Button

®

Film Frame Counting Dial

@

Film Frame Counting Dial Setting

@

Wheel
Film Type Indicator
Flash Unit Connector Socket

(3l

(Models Li and La only)

Canon

5$ Film Rewinder Release Ixver

(Models L2 and L3 only)

@ Film Rewinder (a crank type

rewinder in case of Model Li, a
knob in case of Model L2 and L3)

® Viewfinder Dial

@ Film Plane Mark

(jS) Accessory Clip

® Automatic Parallax Adjustment Pin
(gi Flash Synchronization Selector

(Model Li only)
@ High Speed Shuttet: Dial
® Flash Sjirichronization Dial '

(Model Li only)
(g Film Winding Lever
@ Film Transport Indicator

(Continued on the last page)

í If

«í

I

model L2

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................ 5

FI1.M lOADING ........................................................... 6

FILM AND FRAMF DlAl

FILM TYPE INDICATOR ........................................ 8

SETTING SHUTTER SPEED

SETTING LENS APERTURE

FOCUSING AND COMPOSING ...II

DEPTH-OF-FIELD

VIEWFINDER SELECTOR

INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

...........................................

...................................

.................................

.....................................................

.....................................

...............................

8

9

10

12

13

14

EXPOSING ...................................................................15

FILM WINDING

DOUBLE EXPOSURES ............................................17

UNLOADING

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

CHANGING LENSES

LOADING FILM INTO

MAGAZINE

DEPTH-OF-FIELD TABLES ...................................24

CAMERA CARE

........................................................

..............................................................

.......................................

................................................

............................................................

..........................................................

16

18

19

20

22

26

INTRODUCTION

Canon Camera Models Li, Lj and L3, for which this booklet is meant
are sister models of the Canon Camera Model Vt de luxe. Where the Model
Vt de luxe has a Film Winding Trigger all of them have a Film Winding Lever
but they differ from one another as shown below;

MODEL COMPARISON CHART

LI

L2

L3

The Range of I

Available Shutter

Speeds: I

M/IOOO sec.

B & T

1-1/500 sec.

B & T

1-1/500 sec.

B & T

Flash Synchroni

zation Provided

for:

*FP (Focal Plane)

I

Bulbs

I For all speeds

5 from l/lOOO-l sec. I

*M Bulbs for speeds

from 1/125-1 sec.

*For M-2

1/30-1 sec.

•Electronic Flash

’I*’..*'"'?“' PUne) I Knob

l/MXK-l/Waec. |

»(»«<•• : w/Rele#« Lever

Film Rcwindcr:

Crank

Knob
w/Releasc Lever

Model Ls

Canon L|, Li and Lj all accept any standard 35 mm film cartridge as well

as the Canon Film Magazine V.

To open the camera, turn the Magazine Opening Key (29) counter-clockwise

and pull down the Lock for Hinged Back (28).

The camera will then swing open.

Rotate the Take-up Spool (32) until the groove on the spool permits you to

slide the end of the film leader into the groove. Then, engage the second

perforated hole of the leader with a small hook inside the groove. Adjust the
film so that the film perforations fit the teeth of the Film Sprocket (31).

In case of Model L2 and L3, slide the Film Rewinder Release Lever (14) as
indicated by the arrow. The Film Rewinder (15) will spring up part way.
Draw it up fully to facilitate turning. In case of Model Li, just lift up the
Rewinder (15).

Put the film cartridge to the recess directly beneath the Film
Rewinder. Depress the Film Rewinder (15) again to lock the film
cartridge in place, fie sure the dull (emulsion) side o( the film (aces
the lens.

With your thumb on the knurled lower end of the Take-Up
Spool (32), turn the spool clockwise half a turn until the film is taut,
(fie sure the index line of the Film Rewind Ring (8) points to the

“A” position.)

Next, wind film one turn and press the Shutter
Release fiutton (9). This will clear the two frames
already exposed to light while you were loading.

The film dot on the Film Transport Indicator
(23) will make one complete turn each time you
advance the film one frame. You will know you
have loaded correctly it the Film Rewinder—the
indicator line on the crank shaft in case of the

Model Li—turns counter-clockwise each time you cock the shutter
mechanism.

To know whether the camera is loaded or not when using it for

the first time in a long while, try to turn the Rewinder clockwise
without moving the Film Rewind Ring from “A” position. If the
camera is loaded, it will not turn.

The Film Frame Counting Dial (10)

shows you the number of frames
you have not yet exposed. It should
be set at the number corresponding
to the number of exposures possible
on the film you have just loaded
(normally 20 or 36). To do this
rotate the Film Frame Counting Dial
Setting Wheel (II) until the correct
number appears on the dial. Note
that only even numbers are engraved.
Intermediate dots represent the odd
numbers.

Thereafter, the Dial will operate

automatically. When the last picture
has been exposed, the Dial will register

“O”.

Film Type Indicator

As a reminder, set the Film Type
Indicator (12) to the ASA speed ot
the film you are using, and to show
whether you are using black-and-white
or color. (Blue dot can indicate day
light, red can indicate tungsten.)

This indicator is adjusted by twisting
the top of the Film Winding Lever (23)
with your finger.

Selling Shutter Speed

This may be done before or after cocking

shutter. There are two speed dials. The
High Speed Dial (21) is for shutter speeds
of 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000
of a second in case of Model Li and up
to 1/500 of a second in case of Models
L2 and Ls. Also “ B ” (Bulb) and “ X ”
(electronic flash contact, Li only). The
Slow Speed Dial (7) is for shutter speeds
of 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 second, plus
“T” (Time Exposure).

High Speed Dial

Raise the dial with your thumb and index

finger and rotate it until the required speed

is opposite the center index line; release the
dial which will drop into the correct setting.
(Note that in the case of 1/1000 sec. the dial
drops only half way back). Be sure that

the Slow Speed Shutter Dial is set at 1/30

sec. when using high speeds.

Slow Speed Dial

Set the High Speed Shutter Dial to 1/30
sec. Rotate the Slow Speed Shutter Dial
until the speed you want is on top, opposite
the indicator line.

To take a picture at 1/30 sec. both Speed
Dials should be set at 1/30 sec.

Exposures Longer Than I Second

Set the High Speed Shutter Dial to “B”
and Slow Speed Shutter Dial to 1/30. The
shutter will remain open from the time you
press the Shutter Release Button (9) until
you release it again.

For “Time,” set the High Speed Shutter
Dial at 1/30 sec. and the Slow Speed Shutter
Dial to “T”. The shutter will open when
you press the Shutter Release Button. You
do not have to maintain pressure on the
Shutter Release Button. To close the shuttetj
turn the Slow Speed Shutter Dial to 1 sec.

A ^ .

Position of Center Index Line

When Shutter
is Cocked

When Shutter
is Not Cocked

=1

O

f/%

INSETTING LENS APERTURE
life: (F:STOP)

Set Ihc l.cns Aperlure Scale (5) by
turning the milled ring at the top of your
lens until the required f: stop is opposite
the index dot.

For correct aperture opening, consult
an exposure data card or use a reliable
exposure meter.

The Poflowing lAhle shows the relation between aperture vatu#ii.Qd tvpoaufe time. li|l.fil|i[||ili|l|

Lens epe r ture

Relative

10

eeposure t.m“ .36

On the Canon Camera focusing and composing can be
done at the same time. When you look through the Range­Viewfinder Eyepiece (25), you will see two images. By releasing
the Lens Focusing Lever and rotating the lens barrel, the

two images of the object you are focusing upon will coincide.
At this point of coincidence your camera is in focus for the

object you are about to photograph.

All Canon Lenses are coupled with the Canon Range-View
finder mechanism.

FOCUSING & COMPOSING

In correct foca I

. I

11

12

The Depth-of-Field Scale (2) shows

you the range of objects which will also

be in focus on the him. This range will
vary with the f:$top you have chosen.
The larger the lens aperture, the smaller

will be your depth-of-field. For ex
ample; with an f: stop of f:4 and with

the object you have focused on at 25ft.
(♦) your camera will give you a sharp

focus picture from approximately 18 feet
away from the camera to 70 feet. At

f: 11 you will get a sharp picture from

12 feet to inlinity (oo).

*(liIus(ration ihows25ft. on Lens Distance Scale

(3) opposite Distance Indicator Mark.)

<ZZ- «KT—» СЭТЛ «e

For 50mm For 35mni

85mm or

I more

Adjustment of the Viewfinder Dial (16) is made by

turning the Viewfinder Selector (26).

Position “35” shows you the view which any Canon

35mm lens will record.

Position “50” gives you what any Canon 50mm

lens will record.

You can focus the Rangefinder at any of the three

positions.

VIEWFINDER DIAL & SELECTOR

For long focal length lenses (i.e. greater than 50mm)
or when a larger image is desired for focusing, set
the selector at “RF’, For lens other than 3S mm
and 50mm an accessory Viewfinder is necessary to
give you correct composition. Alternatively, a
Canon Zoomfinder, Special Viewfinder V. or Lumi­field Finder V may be used. In all cases, the
Automatic Paralla« Attjustmcnt Pin (19) built into

the Accessory Clip (18) will elevate or depress the

viewer to correspond to focus of your lens from 3.5

feet to infinity.

13

14

On the Depth-of-Field Scale (2) ot some Canon Lenses is the

-ji.

letter “R”. This is for infrared film. When using this type of
film, focus in the normal way. Read off the distance of the
object you are photographing as shown opposite the Distance
Indicator Mark on the Lens Distance Scale (3). Turn the lens
barrel until the distance read off is opposite the “R” mark. Your
lens is now foused for infrared photograph.

Be sure you always use a proper filter for infrared photography.

Film Plane Mark (17)

This line gives you the exact position of the film plane in
your camera. This information is needed for very accurate
close distance photography where film-to-subject measurement
must be taken.

llippir

............

''

INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

You have now completed the following steps:

1. Wound your shutter ready for your first
exposure

2. Set both speed dials

3. Adjusted the Lens Aperture Scale

4. Focused your lens

5. Composed your picture through the cor
rect Viewfinder setting

You are now ready to expose your picture.
Hold the camera in a vertical or horizontal
position, firmly but gently. The camera should
be cradled in both palms and the index finger ot
your right hand should rest over the Shutter
Release Button. Check your breath and press
the Shutter Release Button in a smooth, steady
action. Do not jerk the camera.

For exposures longer than l/15sec. you should
use a tripod and Cable Release to eliminate
imoyement. ' jini '

EXPOSING

j':vi

JM

Й !Щ

>1»" I

I'ill'

iS’-''*

i:

Tlic Canon Li, L2 and I.3 all fealures

the rapid wind lever.

Pull the lever the full length of its run
and the film will be wound to the next
exposure, the shutter recocked and the
Film Frame Dial (10) advanced to the
next number all at once. Be sure to
check that the Film Rewind Ring (8) is
set to the “A” position. Otherwise, you
will not be able to make complete winding.

The lever will automatically return
when relea.sed. It will not return as far as

to the original folded position but you can
pull the next stroke from where it stops.
When the camera is not in use, keep the
lever folded at the original position.

You can also pull the lever in several
short strokes instead of one full stroke.
The lever will not move further when
winding is complete. You can check
this by seeing the High Speed Shutter
Dial (21) (See Page 9).

■

An accidental Double Exposure is pre
vented on the Canon Camera. For de
liberate Double Exposures, the following
procedure should be adopted :

1. Turn the Film Rewind Ring (8) from
its normal “A” position to the Film
Rewind Mark (■^).

2. Rotate High Speed Shutter Dial coun
ter-clockwise, without lifting dial until
you hear a click and the Dial will
turn no further.

3. Hold the High Speed Shutter Dial
in that position with your left hand.
Then turn the Film Rewind Ring
back to the “A” position with your
right hand.

4. You may now reset either Speed Dial
to any required position.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE PROCEDURE

'Wli

UNLOADING

Mtiiykililliililliili

1. Turn the Film Rewind Ring (8) from

“A” to the Film Rewinder Mark (^).

2. Jn case of Model Li, raise the Film

Rewinder (15) into operating position.

In case of Model L2 and L3, slide the

Film Rewinder Release Lever (14) as indi
cated by the arrow. The Film Rewinder
will then jump up into position. Pull it out
to its fullest extent.

O'lL:

¡.I,

18

3. Turn Film Rewinder in a clockwise
direction until all the film has been wound
back into its original cartridge. Tension on
the Film P';ui!!ili;i viili cease as soon as

this has been done and the Film Transport

Indicator (24) will also stop rotating. As
long as Film Transport Indicator rotates
clockwise, film is being rewound in the
camera. One complete turn indicates one
frame rewound.

4. Open the camera back.

5. Draw up the Film Rewinder in case of

Model Li. Take out the film cartridge.

Canon Li has a complete built-in flash synchronizer both

for straight and electronic flash, ISO
Set the Flash Synchronization Selector (19) to show for;
FP (Focal Plane) Bulbs for all speeds from l/IOOO—1 sec.

M Bulbs for speeds from 1/125—1 sec.
Set the Flash Synchronization Selector to show
F or M-2 Bulbs for speeds from I/30--1 sec.

Electronic Flash (shutter speed 1/50 sec.)

1. For Electronic Flash, turn High Speed Shutter Dial, as
shown, to “X”. Slow Speed Shutter Dial should be set
at 1/30 sec.

.

-------------

T -« 2. When using “F” type bulbs, be sure High Speed Shutter

NOTE: Canon Lz has a built-in flash synchronizer for using FP (Focal Plane)

when the Canon Flash Unit Mode! V is attached to
the Flash Unit Connector Socket (13). No external

Bulbs at 1/60 sec. or faster shutter speeds. It is not synchronized for
electronic flash or speedlignt.

Electrical contact is perfectly made for flash bulbs

is at 1/30 sec.

Canon Ly has no built-in flash synchronizer.

wiring is necessary and all synchronization is done
automatically in the camera itself.

To extend the Flash Unit away from the Camera

or to connect a Speedlight Unit, use Canon

Extension Cord Va (15 ft.) or Vb (3 ft.)

>

for:

O
o

19

CHANGING LENSES

All Canon Cameras and Lenses fealure standard flanges and threads.
The screw-in lens mount has been proven the most accurate and durable,
with the greatest area of lens-to-camera contact of any type of camera
connection.

To change your lens, place the Lens Cap over the top of the lens.
Grip the lens barrel at its base and apply gentle pressure until the lens
is loose. Continue turning until the lens is completely unscrewed. Be
sure that the camera (when loaded with film) is in shade and be sure to
cover the lens base with a Dust Cap as soon as possible. Any Canon

Lens will couple with your Canon Camera.

To replace a lens, keep Lens Cap on the lens but remove Base Cap.
Turn the lens first in a counter-clockwise direction for half a turn. This
makes sure that the lens threads and the camera mount flange do not

20

cross. Next, turn it in a clock
wise direction until the lens is
securely in place. Do not force
the lens any further.

Always tighten a lens by its

ba.se, not by the top. If the
lens has a Lens Focusing Lever
be sure this is in the locked (o°)
position.

Note; When mounting or dis

mounting any lens of 85 mm
or greater focal length, be
certain you have it set at
the nearest footage setting to
protect camera’s rangefinder
and its actuating mechanism.

Gain

1^-)
!] @

L

21

The Canon Film Magazine is designed

to hold 5J4 feet of 35mm film. It

consists of three parts : Center Spool,

Inner Shell and Outer Shell.

1. To disassemble the magazine, put
your finger to the Button and turn the
Inner Shell clockwise until both the
Inner and Outer Shell Slots are
superimposed and the Safety Lock
disengaged. Draw out the Inner Shell.

2. Insert the tapered end of your film
into the slit of the Center Spool,
facing the emulsion (dull) side towards
the spindle of the Spool.

3. Wind 5J4 feet of film around the
Center Sool moderately tight for 36
exposures, 3Ji ft. for 20 exposures, 3

ft. for 18 exposures and 2 ft. for 10

exposures.

To assemble the Magazine, first in.sert
the Center Spool into the Inner Shell,
letting the beginning of the film lie
out from the slot.

Introduce the Inner Shell together
with the Center Spool into the Outer
Shell with both Inner and Outer Shell
Slots superimposed. Turn the Inner
Shell counter-clockwise until it clicks
into locked position.

This procedure must be
done in a dark room with
proper safe light or in com
plete darkness depending
upon film manufacturer's
instructions.

«Si:-'"

Ml.iilt

i

6. When the film magazine is
properly loaded and positively
locked, draw out the film and

trim it as illustraled.

23

Depth-of-Field Table

for Canon 35 mm f ; 1.8, f : 2.8
In Feet

Minimum Circle of Confusion: 0.035mm

(fO

CO

65-10'/­2S 5)/-

50
35 18- 2'.'i 40 17

12- 3' '4 19

T»
10

8 8»/i

8 7 2 9 7

6 S 6'/, 6 5
5 4 a 5

3 9','j

4

1.5

3 4',|

24

ri4n

r

'I*

4 1 1 lU'* ■ 9 IF/«

12 B

4^ 1 4
4 3 9'!,
3

2

ll-ln

S9

3'/:

27

2'/l
7»/i 42 IF/, 15 9';» aO 13 75/i

7'/« II IF/i

9 2J/«

1

6 75,,

5*,'s
7i'l

5- S’/4
4 3’/i 3 B'/i 4- 4»/»

3

8';»

3- 81,4 3 3'/i 3- 9J/i 3 2 3-11 3- 5/1 4- P/i

3’li

i s

n-|B

1144

*3­J3- IB- 8>/i

11 2

8 15/,

6 9',',
5- 3' 'j 6 11'/«
4 6<;i 5- 7'/i

2.8

tMatft.la4lM4

oo

J9- 9

23 •/( 10- 5/l

12 IF/, 7- 6'/,

9 93/i

6- 4'/« 10 91/4
5- '/,
4- 3^/1 S-ll','4
3 61/4

Depth of Field Table.

FMrt

c-

ai- 35/i

CO

14-II'/4

155

10- 4','4
29 1 1 8 103/1
14 105/i

5 10'/] 12- 7'/*

7- 5'/.

4- 8^/4

3- 5 4-10'/i

4- 61/4

5.6

t -

fl-l4\fl4n8fi'ia

o>

t5-

c.

11- 6'/4 8-1 I'/j

CO

9- 43/4

49 10 7- 6»/4 6- 4»/*

6 lO'/i 18 63/« 6- 3/4

8 25/,
6- 5'/« 3- 91;« 7- 4 3- 6

4 1'/-

29- 4

5- 31/1 16- 9'/.« 4- 81/4

9 9'/j

4- 4'/i

5- 33/,

3- F/8
2-105/1

4- 5'/i 2- 8'/i 4-111/*

»

f ,

fMn11n-lr

lO-H'/i

□0 6- 65/1

7- 73/*

oo 5- 7/, 4- 1

5- 3'/* JIO-

28- 7'/i

12-10 3- 5 27-

3-lll/l

8-101/i
6- I'/i

2-lF/l

16

r,

fi-la

7- 7'/.

5- 93/1

4- 4'/*

3-11'/i

3- 1 13-101/j 2- 8'/» *3- 9

2- 0'/4 8-

2- 5'/j 6- 2'/* 2- 21/4 a- 9

f 1

22

ri-ln

Ft4n

5- 7'/i

4-115/,

4- 6'/>

3- 7'/*

3- 4

2-11'/»

'/i

13- 15/,,

2- 4'/i

'/i

<»
00
oo

Depth-of-Field Table

for Canon 50 mm f : 1.2, f : 1.5, f : 1.8, f : 2.8

In Feet

Minimum Circle of Confusion; 0.035mm

ACCËSSORIES

SPECIAL

VIEWFINDERS V

Couples to the built-ii'>

rangefinder of Canon
Camera for automatic

. parallax compensation.

Available for 25 mm,

2fi mm and 35mni lenses.

LUMI-FIELD VIEWFINDERS

Gives a clear, sharp fiel4- ' ' jj“''
of-view by a brilliant while- >
line fra me, while at the same
time permitting observation
of an outer margin which
will not appear in the pho;

tograph. Couples to this
bi,jilt-in rangefinder mecha
nism of the Canon Camera
for automatic parallax
compensation.
Separate viewfinders are

available for 50mm, 85mm,

100mm and J35mm lenses.

UNIVERSAL ZOOMFINDER

“S” and “I”

Shows the exact field-of-vlew re
corded by the lens itself. Parallax

is compensated automatically as
you focus your lens on Canon
Camera. The eye-piece is adjusta

ble to compensate for individual

differences in eye-sight.

Two types are available, “S” and

“L”. The first (model S) is for

wide-angle lenses with focal length

between 35mm and 50mm. For

any of the ultra wide-angle lenses

such as 2lmm, 25mm or 28mm
lens the Front Attachment Lens is

adapted. The second (model L)

is for long lenses with focal length
between 85mm and 135mm.

FLASH UNIT MODEL V

Pocket size flash gun; fits directly
on Canon’s bayonet-type outlet
without the use of any external
cables. 5 inch folding reflector,
sturdy plastic housing, B.C.circuit,
built-in test lamp.

26

CARE OF YOUR

DO read this instruction book carefully.
DO consult your dealer if you have any problem

about using your Camera or Lenses.

DO keep the Lens Cap on at all times except when
you are actually going to take a picture. Your Canon
Lens is the fastest lens available. If exposed to direct
light it may burn a hole in your shutter curtain in a
.second.

DO

Canon

DON’T keep your camera in the glove compart

ment of your car where it will be subject to shaking.

DON'T keep your camera in a damp room or

where corrosive fumes exist.

DON'T clean your Canon Lens with anything
but special lens tissue, with possibly a little pure
alcohol or ether, if available. Wrap tissue around
a wooden raatchstick and wipe in a circular motion,

lightly and systematically.

DON’T

27

Range-Viewfinder Eyepiece
Viewfinder Selector
Hinged Back
Lock for Hinged Back

@ Magazine Opening Key
® Tripod Socket
® Film Sprocket

@1 Built-in Take-up Spool

illiiitiliillflM

'N-i!;;. I' iirii "'ilriimr'i-iiH

INTERCHANGEABLE

CANON LENSES

Your Canon has all Canon Lenses

in common with its sister model, Canon

Vt de luxe. These interchangeable

lenses will further increase the already
outstanding versatility of your Canon
and enable you to enjoy every pleasure
of 35mm photography.

The Canon lenses are widely used
by professional cameramen the world
over because of their high resolving
power and color fidelity, which is a

result of Canon’s constant research in
the fields of glass development, lens

design and lens coating compounds.

25mm f: 3.5 50mm f: 1.2 100mm T: 3.5
28mm f; 2.8 50 mm f: 1.811 135 mm f;3,5
28mm f; 3.5II 50mm f: 2.811 200mm f: 3.5
35mm f: 1.8 85mm f: 1.5 400mm f: 4,5
35mmf:2.8II 85mm f: 1,9 800mm f:8