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BASIC OPERATIONS

I. Focusing

At the center of the viewfinder is the split image with microprism collar which is then surrounded by ground glass. When the camera is in focus, the image on these focusing aids becomes sharpest. While observing the subject through the viewfinder, turn the lens focus ring until the upper and lower split images match up to form a uniform image (Fig. 19).  This split image focusing is particularly helpful when the subject is dominated by vertical lines. The microprism is also very helpful; when out of focus; the image on the microprism will be composed of a collection of asterisks (Fig. 20). These sparkling asterisks will disappear when the focus is properly set. You can double check the focus seeing 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. 21).

II. Programmed Auto-Exposure

(AE) mode ("P" mode) Your CHINON CP-5 program camera automatically selects the most suitable combination of shutter speed and aperture for the optimum exposure. The programmed AE mode is ideal for general picture taking by shooting very quickly and easily, eliminating troublesome exposure setting according to light conditions.

 

The CHINON CP-5 program camera is also equipped with the World's First "Two-Stage" Program AE mode.  It is recommended to use, in most cases the "P1 " mode, which selects fastest practical shutter speed.  1. Set the exposure made select dial to the "P" position (Fig. 22).  2. Set the lens at its minimum aperture (Fig. 23).  3. While looking at the shutter speed indicator scale in the viewfinder, slightly depress the shutter release button.

The "PROG" LED and program selected shutter speed LED indicators light up (Fig. 24). Further pressure on the shutter button will release the shutter.4.butkus.org

* Programmed AE mode warning: The "PROG" LED indicator (green) in the viewfinder will "flicker" when the lens aperture is set within four stops of the lens full aperture opening. Beyond four stops of full aperture opening, the "PROG" LED indicator will remain illuminated at the programmed AE mode. Thus, set the lens aperture, so as not to cause the "Programmed AE mode warning" LED to "flicker."

For more detailed usage of programmed AK, please refer to the section "P MODE" for advanced use.

III. Shutter release and release lock

Your CHINON CP-5 program camera features a two stage electromagnetic shutter release with safety lock. When the shutter release button is depressed halfway, the electronic circuitry starts functioning. When the button is fully depressed, it will trigger the shutter. Always hold the camera steady and gently depress the shutter release button to make an exposure. The position marked "L" on the exposure mode select dial is the shutter release safety lock position. When this is aligned with the index mark, the batteries are disconnected from the circuitry and an exposure cannot be made (Fig. 25). This position is also used when the camera is not to be used for a long time.

IV. 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, but rewind the film and replace with a new one. Push in the rewind lock release button at the bottom of the camera (Fig. 26). Unfold the rewind crank of the rewind knob. Turn the rewind crank clockwise (Fig. 27).

You will feel friction as the film is rewound from the camera, back into the film cartridge. Suddenly, when the film is rewound completely, the friction decreases and the rewind crank will turn with ease.

 

Then pull up on the rewind knob to open the camera back (Fig. 28). When the camera back is opened the frame counter will automatically reset to "S". The rewind lock release button on the bottom of the camera will pop out to the normal position when the film advance lever is advanced again. Your exposed film should be processed without delay.

V. Self-timer/Audible signal on-off switch

Your CHINON CP-5 program camera is equipped with an electronic self-timer with a red LED indicator, together with a piezo ceramic buzzer (audible signal).

Thin self-timer switch also functions as an audible signal on-off switch. The built-in self-timer electronically delays the shutter release for ten seconds. The camera should be mounted on a firm support during self-timer operation. To activate the self-timer, place the self-timer switch to the upper position and depress the shutter release button (Fig. 29, 30). You will notice the red self-timer LED blinking with the piezo ceramic buzzer (audible signal) and two seconds before the shutter release the flashing frequency will increase giving you or your audience time to smile. The self-timer may also be utilized for releasing the shutter at low shutter speeds when a cable release is not available. If you decided not to use the self-timer, you can cancel it even after it has started to operate. Just return the self-timer switch to the normal position for cancellation.

NOTE: When utilizing the self-timer with the exposure mode select dial set at "P" or "A", it is recommended to block the viewfinder with an eyepiece cover or similar item to prevent extraneous light from interfering with the automatic exposure system of the camera (Fig. 31 ).

* Audible Signal ON/OFF Switch When the Audible Signal ON/OFF Switch (self-timer switch) is pulled down to the lower position, all audible signals of the camera will be eliminated (Fig. 32). Your Chinon CP-5 program camera is equipped with six different audible signals. For more details, see "SYSTEM OPERATION".

Vl. Flash photography
Your CHINON CP-5 program camera is designed with a unique flash system, making flash photography simple. The CP-5 gives a wide range of use, such as X sync at 1/100 sec. and slower sync flash photography possibility.

1. Mount a CHINON dedicated flash to the camera (Fig. 33). Set the f/ stop indicated on the exposure calculator dial of your CHINON flash to the corresponding aperture ring on the lens. Set the exposure mode select dial to "A" or "X" position (Fig. 34).

2. A few seconds after your CHINON flash is turned to the "ON" position, the flash ready light will illuminate. When the flash has reached adequate power, the camera's shutter speed is automatically set to the 1/100 sec., and 1/125 sec. shutter speed indicator (green) will blink, and the flash ready indicator will glow (red), signaling the camera flash is ready to operate (Fig. 35). With the exposure mode select dial set at "A", after the picture has been taken and before the flash has recycled, the camera will automatically switch to the automatic exposure mode until the flash has once again recycled.

Other electronic flash units can be utilized with your CHINON CP-5 program camera.  However, if the unit does not incorporate a built-in hot shoe, a P.C. cord must be connected to the "X" synchronization terminal on your CP-5 program camera for proper flash synchronization.  Also the exposure mode select dial must be set to the "X" position (Fig. 36).  NOTE: It is advisable to use only CHINON dedicated flash units or units designed specially for use on CHINON cameras.  NOTE: When "FP" or "M" type flash bulbs are used, the shutter speed must be set to 1/15 sec. or slower.  Use of a tripod is always recommended.  For details on "Slow Synchronization", refer to "SYSTEM OPERATION".

FOR ADVANCED USE:

I. Two-stage programmed AE The CP-5 camera is designed with a two-stage program, which gives you greater photographic versatility: select either program based on your photographic needs via the one touch lever (Fig. 37).

1. Program

P1 (Table A) The P1 mode minimizes the camera shake and is designed to be used when photographing "hi speed" (moving) objects.

 

2. Program

P2 (Table B) The P2 mode gives priority to the lens aperture, which affects the depth of field. This mode is convenient when taking picture of hard-to-focus objects and when using wide angle lens.

3. Programmed AE mode warning and aperture setting. 

(Table C) Unlike other program cameras, CHINON CP-5 camera accepts any existing "K" mount lenses even in the program mode. Generally, you should set the aperture at its minimum setting. Although you can take a perfectly exposed picture at any aperture setting, the applicable programmed range is limited in this connection, thus the program AE mode warning LED is useful to check the lens aperture setting for program mode. The programmed AE mode warning "PROG" LED will "flicker" when the lens aperture is within four stops of the full opening aperture. Set the aperture within the range so that the warning LED will not "flicker". Follow your own photographic needs; however, in such a case for instance, using 50mm f1.4 lens with its f/stop set at 5.6, the camera is controlled by the program characteristics of f/1.4 through f/5.6, beyond f/5.6, camera is controlled by the aperture priority automatic exposure mode (See table C).4.butkus.org

II. Taking pictures in A mode

After you have set the exposure mode select dial (to "A") and desired aperture, the camera will automatically select the stepless shutter speed from 8 sec. to a fast 1/1000 sec. "A" mode is convenient for taking picture at specific aperture settings based on your individual needs. 1. Set the exposure mode select dial to the "A" position. Set the desired aperture by rotating lens aperture ring (Fig. 38). 2. When the shutter release button is depressed halfway, the exposure control circuit is energized and will be in the monitoring stage (Fig. 39). You can see the computerized shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder by green and yellow LED's (Fig. 40).

 

* If the lens F stop or the aperture size is too large for the lighting condition, the red over exposure indicator (third from the top of the scale) will glow, giving double audible buzzer signals (Fig. 41). When this happens, stop down the lens diaphragm by turning the lens F stop ring or use a film with a lower ASA number. Another alternative is to use a ND (neutral density) filter in front of the lens.

* If the displayed speed is 1/30 or slower (yellow LED's with audible signal), use of a tripod is recommended, or you can increase the shutter speed by opening the lens diaphragm. Use of a flash unit is also suggested. * If the computed shutter speed is even longer than 8 sec. (semi darkness condition) the under exposure indicator (red LED with double audible signal) at the bottom of the scale will light up (Fig. 42). Open the lens diaphragm by turning aperture ring, use a film with a higher ASA number or use a flash.

III. Taking a picture in M mode

You can manually control the CHINON CP-5 when the camera is set to the "M" mode. Just one push of the manual shutter speed select button selects the desired shutter speed and the audible signal will be heard when correct exposure is obtained. Furthermore, CHINON CP-5 program camera is equipped with convenient "power-hold circuitry". * Manual shutter speed select button 1. Set the exposure mode select dial to the "M" mode position (Fig. 43). 2. When the shutter release button is depressed halfway the 1/125 shutter speed LED will blink and the metered shutter speed will be displayed (Fig. 44).

 

3. Select the desired shutter speed by depressing the shutter speed select button. The shutter speed LED indicator increases step by step as you press the button. 4. When you press both shutter release button and manual shutter speed select button, the shutter speed LED indicator decreases step by step. * There are two methods of selecting the correct exposure (M mode)

 

1. In the Shutter priority AK: set the required shutter speed. Rotate the lens aperture ring until the selected shutter speed and the metered speed are matched up on the scale in the viewfinder (Fig. 45).

 

2. In the Aperture priority AK: Set the required aperture on the lens. Change shutter speed until both LED's are coincident (Fig. 46).

IV. Exposure Memory

Under normal circumstances your CHINON CP-5 program camera will produce perfectly exposed photographs, due to the integrated automatic exposure circuitry. However some lighting conditions might occur that could misguide the system such as subjects with a very high contrast or strongly back-lit scenes. In such cases the exposure memory feature should be used.

 

1. Make sure that the exposure mode select dial is set to the "A" position (Fig. 47).   2. Depress the shutter release button half way and measure the light on the main part of the subject you want to shoot excluding all unnecessary light from the side or background (Fig. 48). Then press the manual shutter speed select button once which will instantly memorize the light value of the subject giving an audible signal (Fig. 49). Once the button is depressed, there is no need to hold the manual shutter speed select button further as long as the shutter release button is depressed halfway.

 

	3. Focus and compose the subject in the viewfinder as you desire (Fig. 50). Then press the shutter release button all the way to take the photograph. The shutter speed indicator (LED) in the viewfinder will stay on signaling the "memorized" shutter speed once the manual shutter speed select button is depressed.
	4. Exposure Compensation (at "P" or "A" mode)

V. Exposure Compensation (at "P" or "A" mode)

Your CHINON CP-5 program camera incorporates an exposure compensation dial which can be utilized for special purposes such as bracketing exposure, compensation for back-lit or spot-lit situations. If you would prefer darker or brighter pictures than those obtained by the automatic exposure system, this feature is very helpful.

 

You can change the exposure factor up to one full stop either plus or minus in 1/3 EV increments. Pull out and turn the film speed dial to the desired position (Fig. 51). NOTE: After exposures have been made, be sure to return the dial to the normal exposure position.

(1 ) 1 EV over (2) 2/3 EV over (3) 1/3 EV over (4) Normal expose, (5) 1/3 EV under (6) 2/3 EV under (7) 1 EV under

Vl. Time Exposure (Night Photography)

Set the exposure mode select dial to the "B" position (Fig. 52). The shutter mirror will reflex to the open (up) position while the shutter release button is depressed. Use of cable release and a tripod is recommended for stability to prevent vibration during time exposures. Your CHINON CP-5 program camera is equipped with "B Timer Signal" system which gives audible signals as time passes:

* "B" timer signal:
For the first 60 seconds, an audible buzzer will be heard every second. After 60 seconds, at intervals of 10 seconds, an audible buzzer will be heard in four different signals.4.butkus.org

Vll. Multiple Exposure

Another attractive feature of your CHINON CP-5 program camera is the built-in unlimited multiple exposure provision. The multiple exposure lever is located in front of the film advance lever (Fig. 53). When you activate the film advance lever simply press and hold the multiple exposure lever to the left. This lever should be held throughout the film advancement.

By doing so the advance mechanism and the film counter will be disengaged. Only the shutter will be charged when the film advance lever is activated. Therefore, the film will not advance and you can make unlimited multiple exposures on any single frame.

NOTE: You can make multiple exposures as you wish. However, each time the multiple exposure lever must be held before and throughout the film advancement.

VIII. 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 f/stop. The larger the lens opening (f/stop), the shallower is the depth of field. The smaller the lens opening, the greater the depth of field will become (Fig. 54, 55).

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 the sharpness in your picture (Fig. 56).

SYSTEM OPERATION

I. Direct Focusing System Your CHINON CP-5 program camera has built-in AF electronic contacts which will allow activation of the optional Chinon 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5 Auto Focus Lens by depressing the shutter release button of the camera. To activate the AF system, operate the film advance lever, look through the viewfinder, center the subject by utilizing the split image with microprism collar in the viewfinder, then depressing the shutter release button halfway.

 The focusing ring will automatically rotate until the subject is in focus (Fig. 57). You may also focus by depressing the auto focus button on the auto focus lens unit. When the camera is in focus, the green AF LED on top of the lens will glow giving an audible buzzer signal and the shutter can be released.

* In-Focus Trigger System: Even if the shutter release button is depressed all the way, the shutter will not release until the subject is properly focused. This direct in-focus trigger system ensures properly focused pictures every time the shutter is released.

II. Remote Control System

When used with optional CHINON AF lens (with built-in AF contacts) optional power winder and optional remote control unit, you can operate the CP-5 camera up to 130 feet away (Fig. 58).

III. Data Back System

The optional Auto Date (AD-510) Data Back features electronic imprint of year, month, day or hour, minute directly on your negative or slide, the built-in quartz clock/calendar automatically resets until the year 2019.

 

Your CHINON CP-5 is designed with direct electronic contacts so the data will be automatically imprinted each time the shutter is released. When the data is imprinted, the word "PRINT" appears in the display window (Fig. 59).

IV. Power Winder System

CP-5 optional power winder system features the World's First "Single Power Source System". When equipped with CHINON Power Winders (PW-600, PW-610), the camera's power source is supplied from the power winder. This system is extremely convenient when photographing in cold weather. You can shoot continuously for a predetermined amount of frames (up to 24 exposures), at intervals of your choice (up to 30 seconds) (Fig. 60).

V. Flash System

With optional CHINON dedicated flash units, you can take flash photographs with the camera set at "A", "M" or "X". When the flash is fully charged, the shutter speed is automatically set to the 1/100 sec. and the flash ready indicator will glow.

If you desire to synchronize at slower than 1/100 sec., set the exposure mode select dial to the "M" position (Fig. 61). Select the desired shutter speed by depressing the manual shutter speed select button. The shutter will be released at the selected speed (Fig. 62). Set the aperture calculated as indicated by the flash unit.

Vl. Multi-sound System

Your CHINON CP-5 program camera provides full information via various buzzer warnings and colorful LED's to simplify the highly sophisticated CP-5 technology.

INFO BACK-2 (DP-520), INFO BACK (DB-010):

Accessory data back featuring electronic imprint of up to 30 characters (alpha or numeric) of information onto your negative or slide, via a compact 36 button digital control panel. Built-in memory feature will continuously imprint the same message or you can change the information as you like. Info Back-2 (DP-520) deluxe accessory data back incorporates the feature of LCD readout via built-in monitor window.

AUTO FOCUS LENSES:

50MM MCF/ 1.7 AF - 35-70mm F/3.3 - 4.5AF ZOOM. CHINON Auto Focus lenses focus the subject via active infrared beam. The subject is focused at pin-point sharpness even under extremely low or no light situations and/or low contrast situations. And since the lenses have their own built-in auto focus button, you can use these lenses on any "K" mount camera. The 35-70 AF lens has built-in AF contracts so operation is achieved by depressing the CP-5 camera shutter release button.

Chinon OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES