Modern Classic SLRs Series : Canon F-1 - With Its First Automatic Flash Sytem - CAT

How to Use the CAT System

Attachment of the Flash Auto Rings A2 and B2 1. Attach the ring after setting the distance scale of the lens moving it from 1m to infinity. In order to couple the pin it is better to set the scale beyond 1m. 2. Insert the ring after adjusting its red mark to the groove of the bayonet mount ring and lock by screwing the ring clockwise. Then the ring in the rear part, which is the automatic flash ring's distance coupling device must be turned left or right so that the pin holder matches the distance signal pin. When the distance scale of the lens is set at less than 1m, the rotating angle of the automatic flash ring is too narrow. Therefore, the distance scale ring must be turned towards infinity.

3. All other operations are the same as for the original Flash Auto Rings A and B. 4. When removing the automatic flash ring, push the metallic lock device down and give a slight counter-clockwise turn to the ring to release the lock, and then turn the ring a little further until the red dot reaches the uppermost position. Then the ring is ready to be easily removed by just pulling it.

Canon Speedlite 133D Although it was originally developed for use exclusively in the CAT System, it can also be used with other lenses by switching to the manual position. In the manual position the ready lamp does not light until the capacitor is fully charged to prevent underexposure. For your convenience when calculating, a corresponding table of focusing distances and F" numbers is attached.

Flash Coupler L This is the flash coupler with a CAT System accessory shoe which is exclusively for the CAT System. Since it can be coupled with the meter, a lamp is provided to illuminate the meter window so that meter information can be read under dark conditions. Therefore, this can be utilized for photography inside a theater, indoors' where the light at the camera position is insufficient to illuminate the meter information window. More" over, an adapter to fix it firmly in place and to prevent any loosening is available for those instances when the 133D is not used for the CAT System. Table for Flash Synchronization (* See table at the Next Column) Flash Coupler D This flash coupler has an ordinary accessory shoe and is inserted into the special accessory shoe coupler in the F-1. Since it has a contact in the center for direct coupling, the circuits of the flash can be connected only by inserting into the contact. In the case of the flash without a hot shoe, the cord is connected to the flash terminal on the side of the F-1 after attaching the flash.

Synchronizing an Ordinary Flash Unit

The ordinary flash unit can be connected to tt accessory shoe by means of the Flash Coupler with a hot shoe.

When using the flash unit without flash shoe the cord should be connected to the terminal locate on the side of the camera body.

With an electronic flash, shutter speed must b, 1/60 sec. or slower. When using the flash bulbs shutter speed will vary according to the type o flash bulb used. With FP class any speed can be chosen except 1/60 and 1/,30 of a second, and with the M and MF, a shutter speed of 1/15 sec. or lower must be used.

Exposure can be decided by the following formula: Guide number Divided by focusing distance = f/stop. Consequently, the f/stop can be obtained after focusing the subject.

In this calculation, be sure not to confuse meters with feet.

Even when using the 133D, if a iens without a coupling pin, this is necessary to obtain the f/stop. The guide numbers shown are applicable only after the neon lamp turns on. For your reference, a comparative table of apertures is attached. The switch should be set at the MANUAL position. With the CAT System, flash photography can be performed when the charged voltage is at a low level. However, when the switch is set at MANUAL, neon lamp turns on at a higher voltage than the minimum required for the CAT System: For this reason, separate switches are provided for automatic and manual operation.

Technical Data

Type: Direct-coupled, cl m-on type CAT System
Guide number: 18 meters (60 feet) at ASA 10C For both monochrome and color.
Color temperature: 6000° K, Correc tion witt green filter.
Flash beam angle: 55° vertical and horizontal.
Flashing intervals: When using new batteries:
Manganese battery: Approx. 7 seconds
Alkaline battery: Approx. 5 seconds
Flashing time: 1/1000sec.
Number of flashing:
Manganese battery: Approx. 80 times
Alkaline battery: Approx. 300 times
Power source: 4 penlight batteries.
Pilot lamp: Built in.
Contacts: Direct-coupled type syschronizing contact, automatic flash control contact, socket for connecting to Flash-Auto Ring.
Size: 90 x 74 x 35mm. (3-9/16" x 2-15/16" x 1-3/8").
Weight: 17Og. (60z.).

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