Canon EOS 3 User manual

CT1-1114-006 © CANON INC. 1998 PRINTED IN JAPAN
1000Ni1.0
E
E
English Edition
INSTRUCTIONS
This Instructions booklet is current as of September 1998. For information on using the
camera with system accessories introduced after this date, contact your nearest Canon
Service Center.
CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
CANON U.S.A., INC.
For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-828-4040
or write to: Customer Relations, Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042-1198
CANON CANADA INC. HEADQUARTERS
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7, Canada
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CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY OFFICE
2828, 16th Street, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7, Canada
For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in Canada 1-800-828-4040
CANON EUROPA N.V.
Bovenkerkerweg 59-61, P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, The Netherlands
CANON PHOTO VIDEO FRANCE S.A. Service Center
102, Avenue du Général de Gaulle 92257 La Garenne-Colombes Cedex, France
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OCEANIA
JAPAN
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●Symbols used in this Instructions booklet:
: Warning for preventing camera malfunction.
: Supplementary notes for basic camera operation.
: Helpful tip for operating your camera and taking pictures.
•Page numbers in parentheses indicate where you can find more
information.
•Also read “Handling Precautions” on page 6 to prevent faulty
pictures and camera mishaps.
•Retain this Instructions manual for future reference.
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
The EOS-3 is the world’s first high-performance AF single-lens reflex
camera with Eye-Control area AF. The camera’s many features can suit
diverse picture-taking requirements from fully automatic operations to
highly specialized applications. It also retains the simple electronic dial
operation found on other top-tier EOS cameras.
Before using the camera, read this Instructions booklet and familiarize
yourself with the camera.
●Precautions
•Before using the camera for important events such as a weddings,
be sure to take test shots to make sure the camera operates
properly.
•EOS cameras have a lens mount fitted with electrical contacts for
dedicated operation (autofocusing, exposure control, etc.) with
Canon EF lenses. Using a non-EF lens with an EOS camera may
not result in proper camera or lens operation.
Also, the warranty does not cover any malfunction or damage
occurring with the use of non-Canon lenses.
3
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4
Before You Start
Contents
Quick Start With
Program AE
Autofocus (AF)
Metering Modes
Shooting Modes
Flash Photography
Custom Functions
Reference Section
Handling Precautions ...........................6
Nomenclature.......................................9
1. Basic Operation ...........................16
2. Installing the Battery and
Checking the Battery Level..........21
3. Mounting and Detaching a Lens ..23
Program AE........................................30
Shifting the Program ..........................31
1. AF Mode Selection ......................34
AF Modes ....................................35
2. Area AF Ellipse and
Focusing Points ...........................37
3. Focusing Point Selection .............38
●Automatic Selection .................38
1. Selecting a Metering Mode ..........54
2. Metering Modes ...........................55
Evaluative Metering ( ) .............55
1. Shutter Speed-Priority AE (Tv):
You Set the Shutter Speed ..........62
2. Aperture-Priority AE (Av):
You Set the Aperture ...................65
3. Depth-of-field AE (DEP):
You Set the Depth of Field...........68
Depth-of-field AE with a Manually-
Selected Focusing Point ..............68
Depth-of-field AE with Eye-Selected
Focusing Points ...........................70
1. Flash Photography with Speedlite
550EX ..........................................92
1. Setting and Canceling Custom
Functions ...................................104
1. Troubleshooting Guide ..............128
2. Exposure Warning List...............130
3. Program Line .............................131
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5
Conventions Used in this Instructions
Booklet.........................................13
Attaching the Strap.............................14
4. Loading Film ................................24
Setting the Film Speed ................26
5. Unloading Film .............................28
Midroll Rewind ( )...................28
Dioptric Adjustment Lenses ...............32
●Manual Selection .....................38
●Eye-Control Selection ..............38
About Eye-Control AF..................41
Eye-Control Calibration................42
4. Eye-Control One-Shot AF Mode ..47
5. Eye-Control AI-Servo AF Mode ...48
6. Focusing an Off-Center Subject ..49
●AF Sensitivity and the Lens’
Maximum Aperture...................50
7. When Autofocus Fails..................51
8. Manual Focusing .........................52
Partial Metering ( )....................55
Spot Metering ( ).......................55
Centerweighted Metering ( ).....56
Focusing Point-Linked
Spot Metering ..............................56
Multi-Spot Metering......................57
4. Manual Exposure (M): You Set the
Shutter Speed and Aperture ........73
5. Setting Exposure Compensation ...75
6. Autoexposure Bracketing
(AEB)...........................................77
Canceling AEB.............................78
7. AE Lock .......................................79
8. Setting the Film Speed Manually ...81
9. Multiple Exposures ( )...............82
10. buLb Exposures ...........................84
11. Switching the
Film Advance Mode .....................85
12. Self-timer Operation.....................87
Attaching the Eyepiece Cover .....88
13. Mirror Lockup ...............................89
14. Depth-of-field Preview .................90
15. LCD Panel Illumination ................90
2. Using Other EOS-Dedicated
Speedlites ..................................100
3. Using Non-Canon Flash Units ...101
2. Custom Function Settings..........106 3. Index of Custom Functions ........124
4. Shutter Speed and Aperture
Readouts ...................................132
5. Interchanging the
Focusing Screen........................133
6. Major Accessories .....................135
Major Specifications .........................140
Custom Function Symbols ...............145

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Handling Precautions
Camera Care and Storage
( 1 ) The camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it or subject it to
physical shock.
( 2 ) This camera is not waterproof and cannot be used underwater. If the
camera gets really wet, promptly consult your nearest Canon Service
Center. Wipe off any water droplets with a dry cloth. If the camera
has been exposed to salty air, wipe with a well-wrung damp cloth.
( 3 ) Do not leave the camera in places prone to excessive heat such as
in a car on a sunny day. Excessive heat can cause the camera to
malfunction.
( 4 ) The camera contains precision electronic circuitry. Never attempt to
disassemble the camera.
( 5 ) Use only a blower brush to blow away dust on the lens, viewfinder
eyepiece, focusing screen, film compartment, and mirror. Do not use
an organic solvent-containing cleaner to clean the camera body or
lens. For stubborn dirt, consult your nearest Canon Service Center.
( 6 ) The shutter curtains are extremely thin. Use only a blower to clean.
Be careful not to blow air too forcefully on the shutter curtains. The
shutter curtains can be easily deformed or damaged. Also, when
loading and unloading film, be careful not to touch the shutter
curtains.
( 7 ) Do not touch the electrical contacts with your fingers. Otherwise
corrosion may develop on the contacts, resulting in improper camera
operation.
( 8 ) If the camera is not to be used for an extended period, remove the
battery. Store the camera in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. During
the storage period, release the shutter a few times once in a while.
( 9 ) Avoid storing the camera in a laboratory, cabinet, etc., where
corrosive chemicals are present.
(10) If the camera has not been used for an extended period or if the
camera is to be used for an important event, check the operation of
all the camera controls or take it to your nearest Canon Service
Center.
6
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Handling Precautions
(11) After detaching the lens from the camera, put on the lens caps or put
down the lens with the rear end up to avoid scratching the lens
surface and electrical contacts.
(12) Even when the Main switch is set to < >, a small amount of power
is still supplied to the camera’s LCD panel. However, this does not
affect the number of film rolls which can be taken with the battery.
LCD Panel
In time, the camera’s LCD (liquid-crystal display) panel indications may
become light and difficult to read. If this happens, have it replaced (at
cost) by a Canon Service Center.
At low temperatures, the display response of the LCD panel may become
slower. And at 60˚C or higher temperatures, the display may blacken. In
either case, the display will return to normal at room temperature.
Blinking “ ” on the LCD panel
If the battery power falls to a very low level or a camera misoperation or
malfunction occurs, “ ” will blink on the LCD panel. In such a case,
follow the procedure below:
( 1 ) Press the battery check button to check the battery power. If the
battery power is low, replace the battery.
( 2 ) If the battery power is normal, remove the battery and reload it.
( 3 ) Release the shutter once.
If the “ ” then turns off, the camera is back to normal. However, if this
procedure is repeated and “ ” still continues to blink, the camera has a
malfunction. Take it to your nearest Canon Service Center.
7
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Handling Precautions
About the Battery
The camera operates only after the battery is properly installed (see page
21). Check the battery power in the following cases:
(1) After replacing the battery.
(2) After not using the camera for an extended period.
(3) The shutter does not work.
(4) The camera is being used in a low-temperature environment.
(5) Before using the camera for an important event.
•Before installing the battery, wipe the battery contacts to remove any
fingerprints and smudges. This is to prevent faulty connections and
corrosion.
•Never disassemble or recharge the battery. Also, never store a battery
in high-temperature places or short circuit the battery contacts or toss
a battery into a fire.
•Although lithium batteries work well even in low temperatures, battery
performance may suffer slightly in freezing temperatures. In such a
case, keep a spare battery warm in a pocket, etc., and use and warm
the batteries alternately.
Low Battery Power
Even when is not displayed or when it blinks on the LCD panel, a
correctly-exposed picture can still be taken as long as the shutter can be
released. However, when the battery power runs out, there may not be
enough power to advance and rewind the film automatically. “ ” will
then blink on the LCD panel. After the battery is replaced with a new one,
film advance will resume automatically or film rewind will continue when
the midroll film < > is pressed.
8
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Nomenclature
•Reference page numbers are indicated in parentheses.
•In the text, camera controls are indicated by their respective icons.
9
Lens mount
Lens mount index (page 23)
Focusing screen
Lens lock pin
Lens release button
(page 23)
Strap eyelet (page 14)
Camera back lock release
button (page 24)
Camera back lever (page 24)
Remote control socket cover
Quick-lock remote control
socket
PC terminal (page 101)
Motor drive coupling pin
Positioning pin hole
Mirror (page 89)
Self-timer lamp (page 87)
Shutter button (page 16)
Depth-of-field preview button
(page 90)
Grip (page 21)
Grip screw
(page 21)
Tripod socket
Electrical contacts
(page 23)
Motor drive coupler cover
Battery release lever
(page 21)
Contacts
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<>Metering mode button /
<>Exposure compensation
button (page 54, 97)
<>Shooting mode
selector (page 30)
<>AF mode button
(page 34)
<>Film advance
mode buttons (page 85)
<>Film speed button
(page 81)
<>AEB buttons
(page 77)
Eyepiece
Eyecup
Film window
<>Main switch (page 16)
<>Midroll rewind button (page 28)
<>Quick Control Dial
ON/OFF switch (page 19)
Nomenclature
Side Door Buttons
10
<>Custom Function set button (page 104)
<>Battery check button (page 22)
<>Multiple exposure button (page 82)
<>Clear button (page 20)
Hot shoe
X-sync contact
<>Eye-Control switch (page 40)
<>LCD panel illumination button
(page 90)
LCD panel (page 11)
<>FE lock button / Multi-
spot metering button
(pages 57, 95)
<>Exposure compensation
button / Aperture button
(pages 73, 76)
<>Main Dial
(page 17)
<>Focusing
point selector
(page 38)
Side door
<>AE lock button (page 79)
<>Quick Control Dial (page 19)
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Nomenclature
LCD Panel
•On the LCD panel, the display boxes are colored to match the color of
the camera controls.
11
Shooting mode
P: Program AE
: Manual exposure
: Shutter speed-priority
: AE
: Depth-of-field AE
: Aperture-priority AE
Aperture ( ~ )
(),
AEB amount
(~)
Focusing point
selection mode
()
Custom Function
setting
(///)
Calibration
channel No.
(~)
Metering mode
Evaluative
Partial
Spot
Centerweighted
averaging
Film-loaded indicator
Film rewind completed
indicator
Flash exposure compensation icon
Remaining frame counter icon
Frame counter ( ~ )
Bulb exposure time ( ~ )
Multiple exposure setting ( ~ )
Remaining multiple exposures ( ~ )
Self-timer indicator ( ~ )
Shutter speed ( ~ )
bulb display ( )
Depth-of-field AE point ( )
Focusing point selection mode
(,,, )
ISO film speed ( ~ )
Custom Function No. ( ~ )
Calibration display ( , )
Battery check ( )
FE lock display ( )
ISO icon
AF mode
One-Shot AF
AI Servo AF
AEB icon
Film advance mode
Single-frame shooting ( )
Continuous shooting ( )
Low-speed continuous
shooting ( )
High-speed continuous
shooting ( )
Self-timer setting
(10 sec. , 2 sec. )
Exposure compensation scale
Film advance and rewind indicator
Film advance failure warning
Film advance completed indicator
Battery check icon
Exposure compensation indicator
Bulb elapsed time (30-sec. units)
AEB amount indicator
Flash exposure compensation amount
Custom Function setting
Multiple exposure icon
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Spot metering focusing points
(Lights at the required point)
Exposure
compensation
scale
Film Counter
In-focus indicator
Lights when focus is achieved, blinks
(8 Hz) when not achieved.
During manual focus, lights when focus
is achieved and stays off when not
achieved.
Exposure compensation icon
Flash exposure compensation icon
Aperture display ( ~ )
, , , display
Shutter speed display ( ~ )
FE lock display( )
display
display
, display
, , , , display
Nomenclature
Viewfinder Information
12
Standard exposure index
Exposure level scale
: 1 stop : 1/3 stop
Overexposure indicator
Flash overexposure
indicator
Exposure level indicator
Flash exposure level indicator
Flash underexposure indicator
Underexposure indicator
Frame counter (count up or down)
(~ )
Center spot
metering circle
New Lasermatte
screen
Eye-Control AF icon
AE lock indicator
Flash-ready indicator
FE lock warning indicator
High-speed sync (FP flash) indicator
Exposure compensation
scale
Area AF ellipse
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Conventions Used in this Instructions Booklet
•All the operations described in this
booklet assume that the < >
switch is already set to < >. Before
proceeding with any operation, first
turn the < > switch to < > or
<>.
•For < > dial operations, make sure
the < > switch is set to < >.
•This symbol is used to indicate that
there is a related Custom Function.
For details, see “Custom Functions”
on page 111
•In the text, the < > icon indicates the Main Dial, < >
indicates the Quick Control Dial, < > indicates the main switch,
and < > indicates the Quick Control Dial switch.
•The camera control icons and markings used in the text
correspond to the actual icons and markings found on the
camera. The correct name of the button or setting indicated by
the icon or marking can be found in “Nomenclature” on page 9.
Reference page numbers are also stated in parentheses.
•In these Instructions, a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens is used
for explaining the procedures.
•The procedures are based on the pretense that the Custom
Functions are set to the default settings.
13
CF
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•The ( ) icon indicates that the respective function or setting
remains effective for 6 seconds after you take off your finger from
the shutter button.
•The ( ) icon indicates that the respective function or setting
remains effective for 16 seconds after you take off your finger
from the shutter button.
16
6
14
Attaching the Strap
Pass the end of the strap through the camera’s strap
eyelet and the strap’s clasp on the under side. Pull the
strap to make sure it does not slip out of the clasp.
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15
Before You Start
This chapter explains a few preliminary steps and basic operations which
you should know before you start taking pictures. If you are a new EOS
user, read this chapter first.
If you are familiar with the basic operations of EOS cameras and want to
start using the camera right away, see “Quick Start with Program AE” on
page 29.
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1. Basic Operation
Main Switch
The camera operates only after the < > switch is turned on. This main
switch has three settings:
<>:Lock position. The camera does
not operate. Set to this position
when not using the camera.
<>:To turn on the camera, set to
this position. The “A” stands for
“Advance.”
16
<>:This is the same as < >
except that it also enables the
beeper to sound in the following
cases:
•Focus is achieved in One-Shot AF
mode.
•Focus is achieved with manual focus.
•During Eye-Control calibration.
(Short beeps for successful
registration and intermittent beeping
for failed registration.)
Shutter Button
You can press the shutter button halfway or all the way.
Hold the camera steadily and press the shutter button slowly without any
jerking movement. The difference between halfway and complete
pressing of the shutter button is explained below. Beginners should
practice pressing the shutter button halfway and completely before
loading any film.
When the camera is not to be used, set the Command Dial to < >. This will prevent
accidental battery drainage if the shutter button is held down inadvertently.
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Basic Operation
(1) Halfway pressing
When the shutter button is pressed
halfway, autofocusing (AF) is activated
to focus the subject. Autoexposure
(AE) metering is also turned on to set
the correct shutter speed and aperture
which is displayed in the viewfinder
and on the LCD panel for ( ).
6
(2) Complete pressing
This releases the shutter and takes the
picture. After the frame is exposed, the
camera advances the film
automatically.
Using the Electronic Dials
There are three ways to use the < > dial:
1. Press and hold down a button and turn the < > dial while looking
at the LCD panel. When the button is released, you can take a picture.
1Hold down a button... 2then turn the < >.
17
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2. After pressing a button, turn the < > dial.
When a button is pressed, its function turns on for 6 or 16 seconds.
You then look at the LCD panel and turn the < > dial during this
time. After the function turns off or when the shutter button is pressed
halfway again, the camera will be ready to take a picture.
Buttons which turn on for 6 or 16 seconds are indicated in these
Instructions with the following icons:
(): The button’s function remains active for 6 seconds after the button is released.
(): The button’s function remains active for 16 seconds after the button is released.
3. Just turn the < > dial.
While looking at the LCD panel, you can set the shutter speed,
aperture, or another setting.
16
6
Basic Operation
18
1After a button
is pressed...
2Turn the < >.
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Basic Operation
There are two ways to use the < >:
1. While holding down a button, turn the < > dial.
2. After pressing and releasing a button, turn the < > dial.
3. Just turn the < > dial.
Look at the LCD panel to confirm the setting.
To restore the button’s function or to ready the camera for picture
taking, turn the < > dial.
The < > is used to set the following:
1. Real-time exposure compensation
2. Aperture
3. Flash exposure compensation
4. Selection of a focusing point above or below
The < > dial functions only when the < > switch is set to < >.
:Set to this position to disable the
<>.
19
:Set to this position to enable the
<>.
Reverting to the Default Settings
With the EOS-3, you can set the shooting mode, metering mode, and
other settings as you wish. You can also use Custom Functions (see
page 103) to customize camera controls and functions according to your
preferences. These preferences can be reset to the default settings with
the following procedure.
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Basic Operation
To reset the camera to the default
settings:
Open the side door and press the
<>button. This resets the
camera to the default settings
shown in the table below.
Shooting mode
AF mode
Metering mode
Film advance mode
Focusing point selection
Multiple exposures
Exposure compensation
Flash exposure
compensation
AE lock
FE lock
AEB
Custom Functions
P
One-Shot AF
Evaluative
Single
Automatic
Canceled
0
0
Canceled
Canceled
Canceled
Settings retained
20
To reset all Custom Functions (except
CF-0 described on page 105) to the
default settings, follow the step below:
Open the side door, press the
<>button, then press the
<>button.
1
2
1
2
•When the camera is reset, the
shooting mode will be set
automatically to Program AE <P>
(page 29).
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