Film cameras
Beseler Topcon IC-1 User manual
User manual for Beseler Topcon IC-1. 48 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Beseler
- Model / document
- Beseler Topcon IC-1
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 48
- File size
- 15.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Congratulations on your choice of the TOPCON with special moods or effects.
lC-1 single lens reflex camera.
And, the TOPCON lC-1 is not limited in its
This compact, lightweight camera incorporates a capabilities, as a very wide range of inter-
new, modern electronically-controlled focal plane changeable lenses and accessories have been
shutter system, with precision-made integrated prepared for the user, some even enlarging the
circuit (1.C.) controls, for giving you complete field to include lenses and accessories available
exposure automation, based on the convenient for the top-class TOPCON RE Super/Super Dl
and easy-to-use shutter-priority system and Super DM system.
Thru-The-Lens centerweighted exposure read-
ings. Although operations are very simple, may we
suggest that you read instructions through once
While designed for maximum simplicity of before you even touch the camera.
picture-taking actions, under all sorts of condi-
tions and with the many interchangeable lenses Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the working
prepared for the camera, there is also complete parts (so that your f ingers work the camera
manual override of the automatic exposure automatically) before you even load your first
setting system. The user is, therefore, always roll of f ilm, as your pleasure in using the
free to revert to manual exposure settings, with TOPCON lC-l will even be greater if you know
equal simplicity of actions, for taking pictures the camera well.
tView original page 3Page 5 · Read text
www.butkus.us IMPORTANT lnserting the Batteries 1. The batteries must be inserted into the camera before the ex- posure system and the electron- il-i ically-controlled focal plane shut- ter will work. 2. Don't touch the surfaces of the lens, mirror and eyepiece. 3. Always stroke the film winding il lever all the way-until it makes a full stop. 4. Wait until the shutter action is completed bef ore stroking the film winding lever (especially at 1. The batteries are taken 2. The plus_(- ) slgles of both slow shutter speeds). out of the camera for batteries must be facing 5. Cover the lens when not in use. shipment to you. They outwards, as otherwise --itrutter (Cover the rear end of the lens, must, therefore, be in- the system will also, when it is detached from serted into the battery not work. the camera, as well as the body compartment before the Replace the cover when mount, when no lens is attached exposure system and elec- the batteries are correctly to the camera.) tronically-controlled focal i nse rted. 6. Don't force movements but re- plane shutter will work. read instructions once more. Open the battery compart- 7. Contact the nearest authorized ment cover, with a coin or similiar object, and insert dealer, if repair is required. Don't do it yourself. the batteries supplied- with tfre carnera 1View original page 5
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Venmo @mike-butkus-camera Ph. 2083 PayPal Name Lynn@butkus.org www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkusView original page 9
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SPECIFICATIONS
Standard Lens : 5omm tl2 Hl Topcor 6 element lens.
47" tield ot view; t12 to tl22; minimum focus 60cm (ztt.);49mm screw-
in filter mount.
Shutter : Electronically-controlled cloth focal plane shutter, with shutter speed ring
on lens mount.
Ten shutter speed settings I, I12, Il4, IlB, 1/15, 1/3O, 1/60, 11I25, 11250
and 1/5O0 second, plus Bulb. lnternally coupled to the built-in exposure
setting system. Shutter release button has female screw for attachment
of cable release.
Finder : Fixed eye-level Pentaprism finder, with O.Bx image (standard lens) and
33.5 mm x22.3 mm f inder screen (93,)/, of the width and length of the actual
picture area). Microprism focusing spot surrounded by fine focus ring and
full area groundglass, with fresnel lens plate.
Aperture scale is visible on left edge of finder area, with warning areas at
both ends of the scale.
Lens Mount : Topcon exclusive bayonet mount, compatible with lenses available for the
TOPCON UNl, Unirex and Unirex EE cameras.
Exposure Meter : Thru-The-Lens centerweighted full aperture measuring system, with two
compound CdS cells on both sides of the finder eyepiece measuring the
reflected light for a centerweighted average reading of the full finder area.
Exposure range is EV 5 to EV 18, with ASA 1OO film and 50mm f/2 lens.
Automatic Exposure : Shutter-priority exposure automation on AUTO setting, with shutter speeds
1/8 to 1i50Osec., apertures tl2 to 't122 (with ASA 1OO film) and film
speeds ASA 25 to 3200 (DlN 15 to 36).
Complete freedom in aperture/shutter speed settings with manual override,
by simply taking the lens off the AUTO setting.
Mirror Action : Quick-return mirror action.
5View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Flash Synchronization : Single flash socket for flash bulbs and electronic flash units.
Electronic flash units synch at shutter speeds red-colored 1/60 sec. and
I slower; Class M bulbs at 1/15 sec. and slower.
Film Winding Action 120' single stroke advances film, as well as exposure counter, and also
charges shutter and the mirror raising and lens diaphragm action.
Exposure Counter [ixposure counter automatically returns to start-mark(S) upon opening camera
back and shows the number of exposures made. The 20 th and 36 th
frames are indicated with red-colored numerals.
Lens Speed Gompensation: Lens speed compensator dial is rotated for matching the exposure
system to the maximum aperture of the lens attached to the camera.
Wheel can be set to six f/numbers or 2, 2.8, (3.5), 4, (4.7) and 5.6.
Film Speed lndication : Twenty-two ASA and DIN film speeds are available on the lens barrel, with
film speed ring adjusted to set index opposite the required film speed.
ASA speeds are 25, (32), (40), 50, (64), (8O), 10O, (I25), (160), 2OO, (25O),
(32O),40O, (50O), (65O),80O, (100O), (125O), 160O, (2000), (2500) and
3200.
DIN speeds are 15, (16), (17), 18, (19), (2O),21, (22), (23), 24, (25), (26),
27, (28), (29), 30, (31), (32), 33, (34), (35) and 36.
Numbers in brackets ( ) are represented by dots.
Back Cover Opening : Hinged camera back locks tight when closed strongly. Opens when rewind
and Film Loading knob is pulled up strongly. Multi-slot take-up spool for easy loading action.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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Quick Guide to the lG-l
I Taking pictures with the TOPCON lC-1 is very simple, especially i'f you already have had some
experience with cameras.
lf this is your first camera, however, detailed explanations on how to handle the lC-1 also follow.
Therefore, we would suggest that this manual be read through carefully before making a practice
run with the camera, in this case.
1. Pull the rewind knob up 2. Advance the film to the 3. Set the lens speed com-
strongly and the back cover f irst f rame, as shown by pensator dial to the nu-
will spring open. the exposure counter. (Three meral or dot corresponding
Load the camera with a 35 blank shots will place the to the maximum aperture
mm film in daylight cartridge exposure counter on the of the lens on the camera.
and push the back cover first frame.)
close.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
4. Set the film speed index to 5. Set the shutter speed ring 6. Compose and focus the
the ASA/DlN f ilm speed to one of the settings f rom picture in the finder. At
corresponding to the sensi- 1/500 to i /B second and the same time, check the
tivity of the f ilm loaded in the aperture ring to AUTO. aperture scale in the finder.
the camera. The exposure needle should
not be in the warning areas.
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7. Press the shutter release B. Upon exposing all frames, 9. Open the back cover and
button softly if everything rewind the film back into unload the film, by pulling
is satisfactory. the original cartridge with the rewind knob up strongly.
the rewind crank, after push-
ing the rewind button in.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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Film Loading
Use 35 mm film in daylight cartridges and load and unload film away from direct sunlight or strong
artificial illumination.
Black-and-white films are available in both 20 and 36 exposure lengths while color films are available
in 12, 20 and 36 exposure lengths. Frame size is 24mmx36mm.
1. Pull the rewind knob up strongly and the back 2. Pull the rewind knob up and insert the f ilm
cover will spring open. cartridge in the film chamber; then release
Open the cover all the way to expose the the spring-loaded rewind knob to engage the film cartridge. lf they do not engage, revolve film chamber. the rewind knob slightly until the shaft
engages the cartridge.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
3. lnsert the leading end of the film into one 4. Advance the film winding lever slowly until
of the slots on the multi-slot take-up spool, the film perforations engage the film trans-
as illustrated. port sprocket teeth, at the top and bottom.
Close the back cover strongly so that it snaps
shut with a clicking sound.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us 5. Rotate the rewind knob in the arrow-indicated 6. Stroke the f ilm winding lever with the right direction to tension the film inside the thumb I2O" or until it makes a full stop. cartridge. Film winding action thereafter will There is a play of 20" inThG ietai ;ation fo; rotate the knob in the opposite direction, inserting the right thumb to permit immediate showing that the film is actually being winding action after shutter release. advanced. Exposure Gounter 7. After stroking the film winding lever, press the shutter release button. Repeat two times more and the exposure counter will be on "1" for taking the first shot. The counter shows the number of f rames exposed and auto- matically returns to "S" when the back cover is opened. 11View original page 16
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Lens Speed Gompensator
8. Revolve the lens speed compensator dial and set
its index to one of the lens speeds on the scale, or
2, 2.8, 3.5 (represented by a dot), 4 and 5.6, which
corresponds to the maximum aperture of the lens
attached to the camera. (This action is also neces-
sary when the lens is exchanged, if the maximum
aperture dif f ers f rom the previous .lens.)
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Film Speed lndicator
9. Depress the catch on the ring and then revolve the
film speed ring to set its index to one of the ASA/
DIN film speeds on the film speed scale, correspond-
ing to the sensitivity of the f ilm loaded in the camera.
See that the catch clicks into the exact position.
Film Winding Lever Action
Each time the film winding lever is stroked fully-
(1) The f ilm is advanced one frame,
(2) The exposure counter is also advanced one frame,
(3) The shutter mechanism is fully charged, and
(4) The automatic lens diaphragm and reflex mirror mechanisms are also fully charged.
t2View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us Holding the Gamera 1. The basic method of holding the camera is used for taking pictures in the horizontal format. Grip the focusing ring with the left thumb and index 3 E-l finger and support the camera on the left palm. Place 'l the right thumb against the film winding lever and -*. wrap the other fingers around the body so that the index finger is on the shutter release button. Use the right eye for view-focusing. 2. For taking pictures in the vertical format, turn the camera aroLrnd, without any change in the basic hold- ing position, until the film winding lever is on top. ln both cases, press the camera against the f ace and both elbows (when possible) against the body, to steady the camera as much as possible. 3. For slow shutter speeds or with a telephoto lens, use a sturdy tripod, whenever possible. Screw a cable release into the socket of the shutter release button to release the shutter, as it will help eliminate camera vibration. Or, use props, like desk, chair, tree, etc., to support or steady the camera, as well as a bean bag (bag filled with beans) to absorb vibrations. 13View original page 18
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Automatic Exposure Settings
Correct exposures are taken care of automatically when the TOPCON lC-1 is set on AUTO.
Correct exposure is the relationship between shutter speed and lens opening, as decided by the
brightness of the subject and is dependent on the film sensitivity. lt is one of the most important
factors for taking better pictures and also one of the most difficult adjustments to make, without
prior experience, in a non-automatic exposure camera.
Film speed is predetermined by the film loaded and the shutter speed is, usually, determined by the
action of the subject or the overall brightness. Therefore, the most important remaining factor will
be the ability to judge the brightness of the subject and set correct exposures based on such judg-
ments, both of which are automatically taken care of when the camera is set on AUTO.
1. Revolve the shutter speed ring and set one 2. Set the aperture ring to AUTO, and the ring
of the shutter speeds from 1/50O to 1/B sec. will be locked from revolving. (To move the
to the index. aperture ring of f AUTO, the ring must be
on Choose a shutter speed for the overall rotated while simultaneously pushing in
brightness or the action of the subject. the release lever at the same time.)
Generally, if the camera is set to 1/125 sec.,
the user will be prepared for nrost outdoor
situations, when using ASA 100 film
15View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
3. Check the aperture scale in the f inder f ield. 4. Press the shutter release button smoothly
The exposure needle should not be in the red and gently. Do not jerk or press too strongly,
warning areas (or set to a f/number exceeding as there will be camera shake.
the maximum aperture of the lens being used). Wait until the shutter action is completed
seen, Always check because the shutter can be bETore aOv-ancing tne fitrn- As can te released in spite of the needle position (for the shutter-prioiitV aulomatic exposure
getting special effects). system is very simple and speedy.
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16View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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Shutter Action
All interchangeable lenses prepared for the lC-1
have fully automatic lens diaphragm mechanisms
which means that you can view-f ocus at f ull
aperture and the lens diaphragm will automati-
cally close down to the required aperture, upon
shutter release, and then reopen back to the
maximum opening, after the picture is taken.
ln other words, pressing the shutter release
button means that the following actions take
place-
(1) Lens diaphragm starts to close down.
(2) Reflex mirror swings up.
(3) Lens diaphragm is stopped down to the
required aperture.
(4) The shutter curtains run across, taking the
picture.
(5) Reflex mirror swings down into viewing
position, ab the lens diaphragm opens up
fully for view-focusing at the full aperture.
lntegrated circuit (lC) electronically-controlled
shutter speeds means that the shutter system
is precisely controlled for meeting exacting
exposure conditions.
L7View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
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Manual Exposure Settings
The automatic exposure setting system of the lC-1 can be overridden very easily, in which case,
exposure settings can be set freely.
The exposure meter can still be used for taking exposure readings at shutter speeds from 1/500
to 1/B sec. but not at the slower shutter speeds, and B (bulb). Readings taken at 1/8 sec., however,
can be readjusted by stopping down the lens opening by the same number of steps as the exposure
time is increased.
Manual exposure settings are effective when the subject or point of interest is not centrally located,
or has too much contrast, or if a certain mood or effect is desired.
1. Set the shutter speed ring to one of the 2. Point the lens at the subject or point of
shutter speeds from 1/5OO to 1/B sec., but interest and read the setting indicated on the
move the aperture ring off AUTO. (To do so, aperture scale in the finder. lf the exposure
press the release lever in and rotate the ring needle is in the warning area, or pointing to
at the same time.) a f/number faster than the maximum aperture
of the lens, shift the shutter speed within
the 1/500 to 1/B sec. range.
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I9View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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3. Transfer the indicated aperture setting to the 4. Or, set any shutter speed that you consider
aperture ring, so that it is opposite the appropriate for the subject, incluciing slow
aperture index (orange-colored dot). The shutter speeds from Il4 to 1 sec., or even
setting can be modified, at this time, if some B, and a suitable f/number, with the exposure
special effect is desired. Or, the lens opening determined from the exposure chart included
can be stopped down for greater depth of with film, previous experience, or by experi-
field effect, in which case, the exposure time mentation.
must be increased by the same number of
steps.
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?oView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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Shutter Speeds Lens Openings
Full numbers are engraved on the shutter speed The lens opening controls the amount of light
ring, from I to 500, as well as B. The numbers that passes through thb lens to the film plane,
represent the shutter speeds, or, in other words, while the shutter is opened. The apertures or
500 is 1/500 sec. and l is 1sec. B is for bulb lens openings, called f/numbers, also, have ex-
and the shutter stays open as long as the posure ratios as noted following:-
release button is depressed, in this case. Larger
numbers are, theref ore, faster than smaller
numbers and each larger number keeps the
Aperlureshutter open tor I l2 as long as the next -l (F)Number 22.84 5.6811 1622number.
Shutter speeds are electronically-controlled with Exposure 1i4 1/2 1 2 4 I 15 30 Rotioa precision integrated circuit (lC) control system,
for obtaining precisely controlled shutter speeds
required in exacting exposure conditions.
Choice of shutter speed is not only dependent o9gssFsFon lighting conditions but also on the need for
stopping action, or-
(1) A faster speed is required tor a speedier
object. As can be seen, the larger numbers on the aper-(2) A faster speed is needed for movement ture ring are the smaller lens openings and
nearer the camera. permit only 1/2 the amount of light of the next
(3) A faster speed is required for a subject smaller number. moving parallel to the camera, while a
slower speed may be used tor movement
towards or away from the camera.
(4) The degree of stoFjping, or "freezing", the
action will also determine the speed to be
used.
2TView original page 26Page 27 · Read text
--
IMPORTANT
1. Although the exposure meter cannot be used
for readings at shutter speeds Il4 to 1 second,
and B (bulb), or the green-colored shutter
speeds, the aperture reading obtained with the
meter for 1/B second can be readjusted for
these speeds. ln other words, readjust the
aperture reading by stopping down the lens
opening by the same number of steps as the
exposure time is increased, or-
Shutter speed: 7lB-714-I 12- Aperture : 5.6- B 1 -1I-22 2. The exposure reading can be unsuitable even
when the exposure needle is not in the warn-
ing areas. This is so when a fast film is
used at a slow shutter speed or a slow f ilm is
used at a fast shutter speed.
Specif ically, the following combinations should
not be used :-
f 12 and I1725 sec. for ASA 320O film
f 12 and 1/60 sec. for ASA 1600 film
f 12 and 1/3O sec. for ASA BOO film
12 and 1/15 sec. for ASA 4O0 film
12 and 1/B sec. for ASA 2OO film
12 and 1/4 sec. for ASA 100 film
12 and Il2 sec. for ASA 50 film 122 and 1/50O sec.
f sec. and 1/1 12 for ASA 25 film f sec. and 1/250 122
21View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
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Depth of Field
1. When the maximum aperture is used for taking the
picture, it will be seen that objects before and
behind the main subject (or focused plane) will not
be seen as sharply focused as the main subject.
2. When a smaller lens opening is used, however, for
taking the same picture, it will be seen that some
objects before and behind the main point of interest
are also seen sharply. This zone of "apparent"
sharpness is the depth of field.
3. The depth of field is greater behind the focused Co mero-to-subiect
subject and shallower before but grows progressively I
equal as the focusing distance grows shorter. The
depth of field also grows greater as the focused
distance is increased and less as the camera-to-sub-
ject distance is decreased.
The d.epth of field also increases when the wide- - Foregroun d v*is shollower angle lens is used and decreases when the telephoto
lens is used.
Depth of field
23View original page 28From the M. Butkus Camera Manual Library. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.
