Chinon CG-5 User manual

1. Shutter speed dial

2. Film advance lever

3. Shutter release button

4. Frame counter window

5. Multiple exposure lever

6. Shoulder strap eyelet

7. AF electronic contacts

8. Depth of field
leverwww.4.butkus.org

9. Self-timer dial with LED

10. Lens lock release lever

11. Body grip setting holes




               12. Accessory
             shoe (Hot
              shoe)

               13. Film
              rewind knob
             and back
              opening knob

               14. Film
             speed dial
             (ASA/ISO)
             Exposure
             compensation
                  dial

               15. Aperture
                 ring

               16. Depth of
                   field scale

               17. X sync
              socket

18. Focusing ring

19. Exposure memory button

20. Viewfinder eyepiece

21. Metal focal plane shutter

22. Film chamber

23. Film rail                                   31. Film pressure plate

24. Film guide rail                             29. Take-up spool

25. Power winder electronic contacts           30. Camera back

26. Battery chamber her cover                 32. Power winder coupler

27. Tripod socket                             33. Auto Date electronic contacts

28. Sprocket teeth                             34. Rewind button



INTRODUCTION Welcome to the exciting world of CHINON photography. Your CHINON CG-5
electronic compact 35mm SLR represents state -of-the-art design and engineering. Employing a full
information electronic viewfinder with variable intensity LED's, the CG-5 will be easy to operate even
under the most adverse lighting conditions. The two stage electro magnetic shutter release button will
permit metering operation (stage one) and shutter activation (stage two).

Your CHINON CG-5 is designed with built-in electronic auto focus contacts that will permit automatic
AF operation when the camera's shutter release button Is depressed when used with the new
CHINON 35 - 70mm AF lens. This advanced feature ensures accurate focusing every time, since
shutter activation will not occur unless the 35 - 70mm AF lens is in proper focus. (Mike: and if you
can't get a focus, it won't fire. Just like the CP9-AF model)

SPECIFICATIONS FOR CG-5

Type: 35 mm automatic SLR (Single Lens Reflex) compact camera with aperture priority exposure
system (AE).

Picture Format: 24 x 36 mm

Film Loading: Easy film loading by multi -slot take up spool.

Lens Mount: CHINON Bayonet Mount

Standard Lenses: CHINON 50 mm F/1.4,50 mm F/1.7',45 mm F/2.8,50 mm F/1.7 AF (All stop down
to F/22),50 mm F/1.9

Mirror: Large quick return, shockless system

Shutter: Seiko MFC electromagnetic metal focal plane shutter with downward vertical path; stepless
speeds from 1 to 1/1000 sec. on automatic; 13 speeds from 4 to 1/1000 sec. on manual, "B". Both
automatic and manual speeds electronically controlled.

Shutter Release: Two stage electromagnetic type with safety lock and provision for cable release.

Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism, central split image with microprism collar and ground glass,
15 LED's indicate shutter speed, AF operation Flash sync, over/under exposure and low light
condition in 2 different colors. Over/under exposure red LED will glow when exposure is 1 EV higher
or lower.

Viewfinder Magnification: 0.87 x with 50 mm lens set at infinity.

Viewfinder Visibility: 92%.

Depth of Field Preview: By depressing depth of field lever.

Exposure Meter: TTL, Center weighted full aperture system employing two silicon blue photo cells
located on each side of viewfinder.

Exposure Preview: By depressing shutter release half way metering system is activated.

Manual Exposure System: Complete manual override capability, match LED system.

Memory Lock: Built-in exposure memory lock system.

Exposure Compensation: Built-in + 1 EV in one third stop increments.

Exposure Range: EV-1 (F/1.4@ 4 sec.) to EV +19 (F/22@ 1/1000) ASA 100 50 mm F/1.4 lens.

ASA/ISO Range: 25-3200 (DIN 15-36) with safety lock.

Film Advance: Single stroke in an arc of 130° with 25° stand off, motorized film advance with
CHINON POWER WINDER (PW-535).

Multiple Exposure: Built-in switch which disengages film advance and frame counter. Automatically
resets to normal position after each film advancement. UNLIMITED.

Film Counter: Automatically indicates number of exposures and resets to "S" when camera back is
opened. Does not advance during multiple exposure.

Self-Timer: Electronically controlled at 10 seconds with flashing red LED indicator together with a
piezo ceramic buzzer (audible signal). Two seconds before exposure flashing frequency of red LED
increases. Self-timer can be canceled even after system has been activated.

Film Rewind: By depressing the rewind button and cranking the rewind lever. Rewind button
automatically resets when the film advance lever is turned.

Accessory Shoe: Hot shoe type with X sync. and contact for CHINON dedicated flash.

Synchronization: "X" strobe sync. at 1/90 sec.

Flash System: CHINON dedicated flash or most convention flashes.

Special Contacts for CHINON AF lens: Built-in with AF indicator in viewfinder (green LED). The
shutter is not activated unless the lens is set to the correct focusing distance. (Mike: these lenses are
almost impossible to find but will work correctly with this model)

Special Contacts for CHINON Auto Date: Built-in

Power Source: Two 1.5V Alkaline batteries (SL44, A76) or silver oxide batteries (G-13, LR44,
MS76).       4www.butkus.org

Battery Test: Built-in with LED indicator. www.4.butkus.org

Body Finish: Black.

Accessories: CHINON Power Winders (PW-535 & PW-545), dedicated flashes, Info Back-2 data
imprinting unit, Auto Date Quartz digital data imprinting unit, Super multi-coated lenses, Autofocus
lenses, Deluxe carrying cases and many more.

Body Dimensions: 135.5 x 88 x 50.5 mm 5.33(W) x 3.46(H) x 1.99(D)".

Body Weight: 455 grams


LENS MOUNTING
Your CHINON CG-5 is equipped with a CHINON bayonet mount which accepts all interchangeable
lenses with the bayonet mount. To attach the lens, match the red dot on the camera body with the red
dot on the lens (Fig. 1). Then insert the lens into the camera body and turn it clockwise until the lens
locks with a click. 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. 2).





BATTERY INSTALLATION
Using a coin, unlock the battery chamber cover by turning it counterclockwise. Place two 1 .5V
Alkaline batteries (SR-44, A-76) or equivalent (G-13, LR-44, MS-76) in the battery chamber with the
negative (-) side facing downwards, or contacting the battery cap since the camera is now upside
down for this installation (Fig. 3). Carefully insert the batteries into the camera body. Replace and
tighten the cover securely by turning it clockwise (Fig 4).

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.

Body Grip (Spare battery storage compartment)
You can attach an optional (standard in U.S.) body grip to your CG-5 camera (Fig. 5). To do so,
attach the body grip to corresponding body grip setting holes on the camera and tighten the screw on
the bottom of the body grip by turning it clockwise. The body grip has a convenient battery storage
compartment in which you may store one set (2 pcs.) of spare batteries. To remove the batteries from
the compartment, pull on the battery holding lever (Fig. 6).





BATTERY TESTING
Set the shutter speed dial to any shutter speed setting (except "B" and "OFF" position) (Fig. 7), and
while looking at the shutter speed indicator scale in the viewfinder, slightly depress the shutter
release button. If the batteries are in good condition (battery potential is high enough) at least one of
LED indicators (except the top two LED's) will light up. (Fig. 8) if a LED fails to illuminate, the batteries
are too weak and need to be replaced, they are incorrectly inserted, or the shutter speed dial is set in
"OFF" or "B".

FILM LOADING
Pull out the film rewind knob until the camera back pops open (Fig. 9). Then drop a film cartridge into
the film chamber with its protruding end facing the bottom of the camera (Fig. 10).





Push in the film rewind knob and slightly turn the knob in either direction until it catches the film
cartridge spool. Insert the trimmed end of the film into a slot of the multi-slotted take-up spool. Turn
the shutter speed selector to any setting except "AUTO" or "OFF" and advance the film while holding
the film lightly down on to the transport sprockets. Release the shutter if necessary and advance the
film until the sprockets engage with the upper and lower perforations of the film (Fig. 11). Then close
the camera back firmly until it locks with a click. Now turn the film rewind knob gently until all the slack
is taken up and the rewind knob stops. Do not force or further rewind the film (Fig. 12). www.4.butkus.org

Advance the film and release the shutter three times (Fig. 13). The rewind knob should rotate
counterclockwise as the film is advanced and the "1 " marking should appear in the frame counter
window (Fig. 14). Turn the shutter speed dial to the "AUTO" position (Fig. 15). A convenient memo
holder is provided on the back of your camera. Whenever you load new film, just cut off the top of the
film box and put it in the memo holder as a reminder (Fig. 16).

FRAME COUNTER
You CHINON CG5 equipped with a frame counter which displays the number of exposures made and
resets automatically upon opening the camera back. At the very beginning 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. Every time the film advance lever is turned the counter will proceed one stop forward. The
numbers 24 and 36 are colored in orange to warn the end of commonly available films (Fig. 17).





FILM ADVANCEMENT
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 SETTING The film speed dial located on top of the camera is coupled directly to the internal
exposure control circuitry and the correct exposure factor for the film is automatically set by aligning
the ASA number of the film you are using with the index mark on the camera body (Fig. 18). The ASA
number of the film is printed on the film box or in the instruction sheet packed with the film. Pull out
the film speed dial and turn the dial to align the appropriate ASA number with the green index mark.
Be sure to check the ASA number whenever you put new film into the camera.

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 it is
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 setting by the image on the ground glass. www.4.butkus.org

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).





AUTO FOCUSING
Your CHINON CG-5 has built-in AF electronic contacts which activate CHINON 35 - 70mm Auto
Focus Lens by depressing the shutter release button of the camera or the Auto Focus Button on the
auto focus lens unit. 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. 22). 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 in the viewfinder will glow (Fig. 23)
and the shutter can be released.  Finding a Chinon AF lens is almost impossible. These were early AF
lenses as you can see in the image below.

AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE
Your CHINON CG-5 features TTL, center weighted full aperture light measuring automatic exposure
control. As long as the shutter speed dial is set in "AUTO" you don't have to worry about the exposure
factor (Fig. 24). The sensitive and accurate internal circuitry will compute the correct exposure for the
photographic condition and control the shutter speeds stepless from a 1 sec. time exposure to a fast
1/1000 sec. When the shutter release button is depressed halfway, the exposure control circuit is
energized and will be in the monitoring stage (Fig. 25).





You can see the computerized shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder by red and green LED's (Fig.
26). 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 (Fig. 27). 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 an ND (neutral density) filter in front of the lens. They are available as
accessories from your local dealer. If the displayed speed is 1/30 or slower ( Red LED's), 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 (refer to "CHINON Dedicated Flash System"). If the computed shutter
speed is even longer then 1 sec. (semi darkness condition), the under exposure indicator (Red LED)
at the bottom of the scale will light up when the available light is less than 1 EV (Fig. 28).





F STOP SELECTION The following may be used as a guide to determine the lens F stop when you
are using the camera in the automatic mode. www.4.butkus.org

Sunny day outside . F/8 - F/ 11

Cloudy day outside . F/4 - F/ 5.6

Inside (without flash . F/1.4 - F/2.8

SHUTTER RELEASE AND RELEASE LOCK
Your CHINON CG-5 features a two stage electromagnetic shutter release with safety lock. When the
shutter release button is depressed half way, the electronic circuit 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 "OFF" on the shutter speed dial is
the shutter release safety lock position. When this is aligned with the index mark, the batteries are
disconnected from the circuit and exposure cannot be made (Fig. 29). This position is also used when
the camera is not to be used for a long time.

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. 30). Unfold the rewind crank of the rewind knob (Fig. 31).





Turn the rewind crank clockwise. 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. Then pull out
the rewind knob to open the camera back (Fig. 32). 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 upon the next advancement of the film advance lever. Your exposed film should be
processed without delay.

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
(f/stop), the shallower is the depth of field. The smaller the lens opening, the greater the depth of field
will become (Fig. 33 and 34).





Visible Check in the Viewfinder
Set the lens at a selected lens opening on the f/stop ring. Depress the depth of field lever and
observe the subject through the viewfinder. This will enable you to preview the area of sharpness in
the picture before shooting. (Fig. 35)

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. 36). NOTE: Do not depress the shutter release button while depressing the depth of field lever.





USING A TRIPOD The tripod socket at the base of the CHINON camera is designed to accept
standard tripod threads having a depth no greater than 5.5 mm (0.22 inch). To prevent any possibility
of damage to the camera's internal mechanism, DO NOT use tripods with longer mounting screws
and always avoid over tightening.





SELF TIMER
Your CHINON CG-5 is equipped with a electronic self timer with a red LED indicator together with a
piezo ceramic buzzer (audible signal). The built-in self timer electronically delays the shutter release
for 10 seconds. First select the desired delay by rotating the self timer dial (Fig. 37). The camera
should be mounted on a firm support during self timer operation. Now to activate the system simply
depress the shutter release button. 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 or to change the delay time, you can cancel or rest the timer even after the function
is indicated. Just return the dial to normal position for cancellation and reset the time again.

NOTE: Change of delay time can only be made after cancellation.

MANUAL EXPOSURE
By moving the shutter speed dial Off the "AUTO" setting manual shutter speeds can be set. There
are two methods of selecting the correct exposure. 1. Set the required shutter speed on the dial.
While depressing the shutter release button until the meter activates, observe the flashing LED in the
viewfinder. Rotate the lens aperture ring until the second LED aligns with the flashing shutter speed
LED on the scale in the viewfinder (Fig. 38) . 2. Set the required aperture on the lens. Depress the
shutter release button until the meter activates and observe which shutter speed is indicated in the
viewfinder by an LED. You will also observe a flashing LED in the viewfinder. By adjusting the shutter
speed until both LED's are coincident, correct exposure will result (Fig. 39).

Time Exposure (Night Photography)
Set the shutter speed dial to the "B" position. The shutter mirror will reflex to the open (up) position
while the shutter release button is depressed. Use of a cable release and a tripod is recommended
for stability to prevent vibration during time exposures. (Fig. 40)





MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
Another attractive feature of your CHINON CG-5 is the built-in unlimited multiple exposure provision.
The multiple exposure lever is located in front of the film advance lever (Fig. 41). 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 film 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 many times as you wish. However, each time the
multiple exposure lever must be held before and throughout the film advancement.

EXPOSURE MEMORY
Under normal circumstances your CHINON CG-5 camera will produce perfectly exposed
photographs, due to the integrated automatic exposure circuit. 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. Focus the Subject. Make sure that the shutter speed dial is set to the "AUTO" position. (Fig. 42).





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. 43). Then press
the exposure memory button once which will instantly memorize the light value of the subject (Fig.
44). Once the button is depressed, there is no need to hold the exposure memory button further as
long as the shutter release button is depressed halfway.
       3. Compose the subject in the viewfinder as you desire (Fig. 45). Then press the shutter
      release button all the way to take the photograph. The shutter speed indicator (LED) in the
       viewfinder will glow signaling the "memorized" shutter speed once the exposure memory
      button is depressed.

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
Your CHINON CG-5 camera incorporates an exposure compensation dial which can be unitized 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, 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. 46). 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 exposure (5) -1 /3 EV under (6) - 2/3
EV under (7) -1 EV under





THE FLASH SYSTEM
Specially designed and developed automatic flash units are available for your CHINON CG-5 as
accessories. This highly advanced dedicated flash system permits carefree flash photography. You
no longer have to alter the shutter speed dial from any position since the flash is integrated
electronically with the camera body. Set the f/stop indicated on the exposure calculator dial of your
CHINON flash to the corresponding aperture ring on the lens. A few seconds after your CHINON flash
is turned to ON position the flash ready-light will illuminate. CHINON CG-5 has a special viewfinder
ready light system which is electronically coupled to the auto flash. When the flash has reached
adequate power, the shutter speed is automatically set to the 1/90 sec. and the flash ready indicator
(red LED) will glow signaling the camera flash are ready to operate (Fig. 47). After the picture has

been taken and before the flash has recycled, the camera will automatically switch to the automatic or
manual mode until the flash has once again recycled. In this case, your flash must be set to the
"AUTO" position. Other electronic flash can be utilized with your CHINON CG-5 camera. However, if
they do not incorporate a built-in hot shoe, a P.C. cord must be connected to the "X" synchronization
terminal on your C G-5  for proper flash synchronization. Also the shutter speed dial must be set to
1/60 sec. flash synchronization position (Fig. 48 and 49).





NOTE: When "FP" or "M" type flash bulbs are used, the shutter speed must be set to 1/15 sec. Use
of a tripod for low shutter speed photography is always recommended. Always refer to the
instructions enclosed with your electronic flash for additional operating instructions.