CHINON DSL User manual

Chinon DSL
Posted 7-11-'03
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NOMENCLATURE
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1. Shoulder strap eyelet
2. Frame Counter
3. Shutter release button/exposure meter switch
4. Film advance lever
5. Shutter speed dial
6. Film speed window (ASA/DIN)
7. Hot Shoe
8. Film rewind knob/back cover opener
9. Self timer lever
10. Lens lock release lever
11. Aperture ring
12. Depth of field scale
13. Focusing ring
14. Film chamber
15. Exposure indicator LED's/battery
check lamp
16. Viewfinder eyepiece
17. Sprocket teeth
18. Take-up spool
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19. Film pressure plate
20. Film chamber cover
21. Rewind knob
22. Film guide rail
23. Film rail
24. Tripod socket
25. Shutter
26. Battery compartment cove
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 35 mm SLRcompact camera with LED type light measuring system.
Picture Format: 24 x 36 mm.
Lens Mount-: Chinon Universal Bayonet Mount.
Mirror: Large, Quick return, shockless system.
Shutter: Seiko MFC metal focal plane shutter.
Shutter Speeds: 1 sec. - 1/1000 sec., " B ".
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism, central split image with microprism collar and ground glass.
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.87x (@ 50 mm, oo).
Viewfinder Visibility: 92%.
Exposure Meter: TTL, Center w eighted full aperture system employing one silicon blue photo cell, 3 steps
exposure indicator with 3 LEDs.
Exposure Range: EV+2 (F/1.9, [sec.) to EV+18 (F/16, 1/lOOOsec.)-ASA100 F/1.9 lens.
Meter ON/OFF Switch.: Meter switch is activated when shutter release button is pressed, meter remains on
for several seconds after finger is lifted off release button.
ASA Range: 25- 1600 (DIN 15-33) with safety lock.
Film Advance: Single stroke in an arc of 130° with 25° stand off.
Film Counter: Automatically indicates number of exposures and resets to " S " when camera back is
opened.
Film Rewind: Folding crank type.
Accessory Shoe: Hot Shoe type with X sync. Self-Timer: Built-in.
Synchronization: Strobe Sync. at 1/60 sec. Power Source: Two 1.5V Alkaline batteries (LR44, A76) or
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two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (SR44. S76, G-13). 4www.butkus.org
Battery Test: Built-in with LED indicator.
Accessories: Multi-coated lenses, Auto electronic flashes, carrying case, and many more.
Body Dimensions: 135.5 (W) x 86.0 (H) x 50.5 (D) mm. (5.33" x 3.78" x 1.99").
Body Weight; 455 grams (16.05 oz).
Outline Procedure of Shooting
1. Install the batteries. 2. Load the camera.
3. Set ASA film speed. 4. Set either the shutter speed or the lens opening
according to your photographic requirements
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5. Focus the subject 6. Depress the shutter release button half way to activate the exposure indicator LED's. Green
LED indicates correct exposure.
7. Depress the shutter release button.
Installing the batteries
1. By using a coin, unlock the battery chamber cover by turning it counterclockwise (Fig. 1).
2. Place two 1.5V Alkaline batteries (LR44, A76) or two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (SR44, S76, G-13) with
the minus ( - ) side facing upwards (Fig. 2).
3. Replace the battery chamber cover by turning fully clockwise (Fig. 3).
Note: Clean the batteries with a dry cloth or paper before inserting and thereafter at regular intervals. Make
sure that the batteries are inserted correctly, i.e., check polarity. The shutter will operate only when batteries
are correctly installed and not exhausted:
Battery testing
Test the batteries when;
- a new battery is installed
- the camera has not been used for a long period of time
- the camera is being used continuously for many hours.
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To test the batteries, press the shutter release button slightly. If the batteries are in good condition, one of
three LED's located at the left side of the viewfinder frame will illuminate (Fig. 4).
If a LED fails to illuminate, the batteries are too weak and need to be replaced, they are incorrectly inserted,
or the speed selector is set to "B" position.
Film Loading
Your Chinon DSL camera can be used with any kind of 35mm film.
1. Pull up the film rewind knob until the camera back pops open (fig. 5).
2. Then, insert a film cartridge into the film chamber with the protruding end facing the button of the
camera (Fig. 6).
3. Push in the film rewind knob and slightly turn the knob in either direction until it catches the film
cartridge spool.
4. Insert the trimmed end of the film into a slot of the multi slotted take-up spool.
5. Turn the shutter speed selector to any setting and advance the film while holding the film lightly down on
to the transport.
6. Release the shutter if necessary and advance the film until the sprockets engage with the upper and lower
perforations of the film (Fig. 7)
7. Close the camera back firmly until it locks with a click.
8. Turn the film rewind knob gently until the film slack is taken up and the rewind knob stops turning freely.
9. Do not force or further rewind the film.
10. Advance the film and release the shutter three times (Fig. 8).
The rewind knob should rotate counterclockwise when the film is advanced and the " 1 " marking should
appear in the frame counter window (Fig. 9).
Using the Memo Holder
The Chinon DSL compact SLR camera has a built-in memo holder feature.
To utilize the memo holder feature, simply cut off the top of the film box and insert it into the memo holder
located on the back cover of your camera. This will enable you to quickly and easily identify the type of
film and ASA speed used in the camera. Your calling card can also be inserted in the memo holder (Fig.
10).
Frame Counter
Your Chinon DSL is equipped with a frame counter which displays the number of exposures made and
resets automatically upon opening the camera back. When the camera back is opened the counter shows " S
" indicating the start of the picture taking process. When a film is loaded according to the procedure
previously described, the counter displays " 1 " indicating that the camera is ready for the first exposure.
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Every time the film advance lever is turned the counter will proceed one stop forward. The number 24 and
36 are colored in orange to warn the end of commonly available films (Fig. 11).
Advancing the Film
Make sure the film has been loaded properly. Operate the film advance lever through a full stroke. When the
film end is reached the film advance lever may stop before the lever is fully turned. Do not force the lever.
Stop winding at once and rewind the film. Refer to "Unloading Exposed Film".
ASA/DIN Setting
The ASA/DIN speed of the film is specified on the box or in the instruction sheet packed with the film. Set
the ASA/DIN speed by lifting up and rotating the shutter speed dial to be appeared in the film speed
window. Be sure to check the ASA number whenever you put new film into the camera (Fig. 12).
ASA DIN ASA DIN
25 15 400 27
50 18 800 30
100 21 1600 33
200 24
Shutter Speed Setting
Rotate the shutter speed dial to the left or right to select a suitable shutter speed from the band of " B ", 1 to
1/1000 sec. (Fig. 13).
Aperture Setting
The aperture is set in the usual way by rotating the lens diaphragm ring until the desired F stop is set against
the green index mark on the lens barrel. For further explanation see "Determining Correct Exposure" (Fig.
14 & 15).
*F stop Selection: The following may be used as a guide to determine the lens F stop when you are using
the camera;
Sunny day outside: F/8 - F/16
Cloudy day outside: F/4 - F/5.6
Inside (without flash): F/1.9 - F/2.8
Focusing
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Your Chinon DSL has three built-in
focusing aids.
The center of the viewfinder is the split
image with microprism collar which is
surrounded by ground glass. When the
camera is in focus, the image of these
focusing aids become sharpest. While
observing the subject through the
viewfinder, turn the lens focus ring
until the upper and lower split image
match up to form a uniform image (Fig.
16).
This split image focusing is particularly helpful when the subject is dominated by vertical lines. The
microprism is also helpful. When it is out of focus, the image on the microprism will be composed of
collection of asterisks (Fig. 17).
These sparkling asterisks will disappear when the focus is properly set. You can double check the focus
setting by the image on the ground glass. You can also focus indirectly. Actually measure or estimate the
distance to the subject and set the lens focus ring to the appropriate setting, (Fig. 18).
Determining Correct Exposure
Your Chinon DSL camera has a Through The Lens (TTL) exposure metering system. Also called an open
aperture measuring system. To determine the correct exposure, operate the film advance lever, observing the
subject through the viewfinder in the center of microprism area. Depress the shutter release button until the
exposure indicator lamp (LED) located on the left side of the viewfinder frame illuminates (Fig. 19).
Should the green lamp (LED) not illuminate, you must turn either the shutter speed dial or the lens aperture
ring until the green lamp illuminates. By doing so, you will be assured of a correct exposure.
* The Exposure Indicator: Your Chinon DSL camera has three exposure indicator lamps (LED) located at
the left side of the viewfinder frame. These three lamps control the condition of exposure of the camera. The
conditions of exposure can be confirmed in the following three ways;
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A: Over Exposure
B: Correct Exposure
C: Under Exposure
When rotating the shutter speed dial or the lens aperture ring, you must operate them slowly since the
exposure indicator lamps are very sensitive. Generally you should select a shutter speed first then operate
the lens aperture ring until the proper exposure is obtained. A tripod should be used for shutter speeds
longer than 1/30 sec.
Note: The exposure indicator lamp does not illuminate when the shutter speed dial is set at "B " position.
The meter switch is activated when the shutter release button is pressed and the meter remains on for several
seconds after your finger is lifted off the release button.
Unloading Exposed Film
When the film in the camera is fully exposed, the film advance lever will stop. Do not attempt to force the
lever any further. Rewind the film and replace with a new film. Push in the rewind button at the button of
the camera (Fig. 20).
Unfold the rewind crank of the rewind knob and turn the rewind crank clockwise (Fig. 21). You will feel
friction as the film is rewound. Suddenly, when the film is rewound completely, the friction decreases and
the rewind crank will turn with ease. Pull up the rewind knob to open the camera back (Fig. 22). When the
camera back is opened, the frame counter will automatically reset to the " S " position.
The rewind button on the button of the camera will pop out upon the next advancement of the film advance
lever.
Your exposed film should be processed with out delay.
CONVENIENT FEATURES
Interchangeable lenses
Your Chinon DSL camera is equipped with a Chinon bayonet mount which accepts all interchangeable
lenses with the universal bayonet mount. To remove the lens from the camera body, depress and hold the
lens lock release lever on the camera body, turn the lens counterclockwise as far as it will go, and lift it up
from the body (Fig. 23).
Note: Do not remove or replace the lens while the camera is functioning.
To attach the lens, match the red dot on the camera body with red dot on the lens (Fig. 24). Then insert the
lens into the camera body and turn it clockwise until the lens locks with a click.
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Using the electronic flash
It is advisable to use a flash when the exposure indicators detect that the light level is too low, such as
indoors, at night time, or in daylight when the subject is too dark to provide adequate exposure.
Electronic flash units as well as conventional flash units using flash bulbs may be utilized. Your DSL has a
hot shoe (Accessory shoe with built-in flash contact) for " X" synchronization (Fig. 25).
Electronic flash units having a foot with built-in contact may be used without connection cord. As the hot
shoe has "X" type synchronization it can be used with electronic flash at 1/60 sec. or at slower shutter
speeds (Fig. 26).
The lens aperture is determined by the calculation table indicated on the flash unit. Specially designed and
developed automatic flash units are available for your Chinon
DSL as optional accessories. This highly carefree flash photography for you. Look at advanced electronics
flash system permits the following fantastic flash units by Chinon;
SPECIFICATIONS OF CHINON AUTO FLASHES
Model Chinon Auto 5-180 Chinon Auto S-240 Chinon Auto S-280
1. Type: Automatic Flush . Thyristor Electronic Flash Thyristor Electronic Flash
(Power cut-off system) (Power cut-off system)
2. Auto Flash System: Yes Yes Yes
3. Guide Number in M
ASA 100 18 24 28
. ASA 400 36 48 56
4. Setting: One aperture setting Two aperture settings Two aperture settings
. ASA 100 F4 F4/F8 F4/F8
. ASA 400 F8 F8/F16 F8/F16
5. Manual Flash: Yes Yes Yes
6. Au10-operation:
F8 (ASA 400) } 1m-4.5m (3.28-14.76ft) 0.7m-6m (2.30-19.66ft) 0.7m-7m (2.30-22.96ft)
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F3(ASAtOO' } No 0.7m-3m(2.30-9.84ft) 0.7m-3.5m(2.30-11.48ft)
7. ASA Range: 25-400 25-400 25-400
8. SensorAcceptanceAngle: Approx. 20° Approx. 20° Approx. 20°
9. Flash Duration:
JAuto 1/30000-1/1500 1/30000-1 750 1/30000-1/750
Manual 1/t500 1/750 1/750
10. Recycling Time:
Auto 10sec. 0.5-10sec. 0.5-10sec.
11. Number of flashes: Approx. 150 on manual Approx. 200 on manual Approx. 150 on manual
(Alkaline batteries)
12. Bounce capability: No No Yes
13. Illumination Angle: for 35mm lens for 35mm lens for 35mm lens
14. Power Source: Two AA size batteries Four AA size batteries Four AA size batteries
(DC 3V) (DC 6V) (DC 6V)
15. Open Flash Button: Yes Yes Yes
16. Sync. Jack: Yes Yes Yes
17. Dimensions: 51 x 69 x 82 mm 6B x 77 x 86 mm 66 x 133 X 77 mm
(2~X23/,'X31/,') (2~/,'X3'X3'/,') (2'/~'X6'/.'x3~)
18. Weight: 160 9 (5.6 oz.) 210 9. (7.4 oz.) 250 9. (8.8 oz.)
Depth of Field
Depth of field designates the nearest and furthest limits of the area that will be sharp in the picture in front
of and beyond the subject. Depth of field is controlled by the f/stop. The larger the lens opening, the
shallower is the depth of field. The smaller the lens opening, the greater the depth of field becomes (Fig. 27
& 28).
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Depth of Field Scale;
The depth of field scale indicates (after focusing) the approximate area that will be sharp in the picture.
Locate on the depth of field scale the corresponding pair of f/stop figures. The distance between these two f/
stop figures on the focusing ring will be the area of sharpness in your picture (Fig. 29).
The self-timer when set, trips the shutter mechanism after a delay of 7 - 12 seconds. This feature is useful
should the photographer wish to be included in the picture, and is also useful for taking pictures at slow
shutter speeds when a cable release is not available.
When using the self-timer, the camera must be mounted on a tripod, or a solid support of some kind.
To operate, move the self-timer lever counterclockwise as far as it will go. Advance the film transport lever.
Upon pressing upward on the self-timer lever with your finger, the self-timer mechanism will start to
operate (Fig. 30).
Note: Do not depress the shutter release button, since the self-timer mechanism will not operate and the
shutter will be released instantly.
Do not advance the film transport lever until the self-timer operation completely stops.
Infra-red Photography
Your DSL camera accepts infra-red film. To use infra-red film an extra focusing adjustment must be made.
After focusing note the figure that is adjacent to red diamond on the distance scale (Fig. 31), then move that
figure over to the infra-red mark engraved on the lens. This adjustment is only required for black and white
infra-red film. When using color infra-red film, focus in the normal way.
Note: Read the instructions carefully packed with the infra-red film for further information.
Your Chinon DSL camera is a precision instrument. Used with care, it will provide years of service. Protect
your camera from dirt, rain, dampness, and excessive heat.
Avoid touching the lens. To clean the lens wipe it gently with a soft lintless cloth or lens tissue. Do not use
eyeglass tissues as they might damage the lens coating.
Optional Accessories for Chinon DSL
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*Standard lenses
45mm f/2.8
50mm f/1.9, f/1.7 multicoated, f/1.4 multicoated
*Wide-angle lens
28mm f/2.8 multicoated
35mm t/2.8 multicoated
*Telephoto lens
135mm f/2.8 multicoated
200mm f/3.5 multicoated
500mm f/5.6 mirror lens
*Zoom lens
80 - 200mm f/3.8 multicoated MACRO
35 - 100mm f/3.5 - 4.3 multicoated MACRO
28 - 50mm f/3.5 - 4.5 multicoated
*Accessories
Auto Flash S-180
Auto Flash S-240
Auto Flash S-280
Synchro-eye for Flash (Slave unit)
Deluxe Carrying Case
Filter 49mm (Skylite, UV, ND4X, Y2, PL)
Rubber Eyepiece
Eyepiece Adaptor ( - 3, +1, +3)
Rubber Lens hood
Auto Extension Ring
Bellows
Mini Copy Stand
Spare Ring for Mini Copy Stand
Cable Release Adaptor 20 inch, 13 inch
Angle Finder
Table Tripod
Neck Strap
1.5V Alkaline Battery (2 pcs. in one set)
2 Clips Lens Cap
Eyepiece Cover
Body Cap
and many more
* Because we continuously strive to improve our products, we may change specifications without prior
notice.
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