Chinon CP-7M User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Noncenclature                          Self-timer operation

Specifications                      Exposure Modes:

Data panel                                          I. Three-stage programmed AE mode

Shoulder strap instructions                  II. Taking pictures in A mode

Lens mounting                                 III. Taking pictures in M mode

Battery installation                  Exposure adjustment

Battery testing                          Setting the film speed

Main switch                 AE lock

Shutter release                        Multiple exposure

Film loading                        "Bulb" operation (B mode)

Setting the exposure mode               Interval timer

Three-stage programmed AE         Depth of field

Mode reset button                      Infrared photography

Focusing                      Memory storage

Unloading exposed film               Optional accessories

Flash photography                   Care of the camera

NOMENCLATURE

1) Multiple exposure (M.E.) switch

2) Exposure mode elector                          10) SELF/TIME button

3) UP/DOWN button                              11) ISO/EV button

4) Mode reset button                               12) Data panel

5) Main switch                                    13) Aperture ring

6) Shutter release button                           14) Cable release socket

7) Self-timer LED                                 15) Depth of field scale

8) Lens lock release lever                           16) Focusing ring

9) Accessory shoe (hot shoe)                        17) AE lock button

SPECIFICATIONS


      TYPE: 35 mm automatic compact motorized SLR camera with TTL full aperture center weighted
       average metering, triple programs (instant stop-down metering), aperture priority AK, manual exposure
       system, and full information LCD panel.

      LCD Panel Indication: Liquid Crystal Display indicates the Exposure mode, Shutter speed. Film speed,
      Film counter, Self timer operation, Bulb timer exposure time, Battery check, and Exposure
       compensation.

       Picture format: 24x36 mm.

      Lens Mount: Chinon Universal Bayonet mount (K, KA, RK, mount compatible).

      Mirror: Large swing back quick return mirror.

       Shutter: Electromagnetically controlled focal plane shutter, Stepless speeds from 8 to 1/2000 sec. on
       automatic (maximum operation at AE is 15 sec.), 15 speeds from 8 to 1/2000 sec. on manual exposure.
       Electronically controlled automatic and manual exposure.

      Shutter Release: Electromagnetic shutter release with release lock and provision for cable release.

      Viewfinder: Fixed eye level pentaprism, central split image with micro prism collar, 18 digital LEDs in
        three different colors indicate 1/2000~1/60 sec. (green), 1/30~1 sec. (orange, slow shutter speed
       warning), 2~8 sec. (under LED will light up), UNDER/OVER warning (red) three stage program AE
        (green), and flash ready signal (red).

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

       Dioptric Factor: 1.0 diopter.

      Viewfinder Visibility: 92% vertical and horizontal.

      Exposure Meter: TTL full aperture center weighted average metering. TTL full aperture instant stop-
     down center weighted average remetering for program AE employing one silicon blue cell.

       Exposure Range: +1 EV to +20 EV (F1.4/50 mm, ISO 100).

      Exposure Memory: Built-in AE lock button functions in aperture priority AE mode.

      ISO RANGE:

      Auto Setting: ISO 25~5000 with 1/3 EV increments (for DX coded film).

     Manual Setting: ISO 25~5000 for non DX coded film

      Exposure Compensation: -4.0 EV to +4.0 EV with 1/2 EV increments (for DX coded film)

  Programmed AE mode: Three stages available.

Action: The program designed for fast-moving objects. The lens aperture stays open up to the shutter speed of
1/500 sec. Between 1/500 and 1/2000 sec. the aperture varies in accordance with the programmed shutter speed.

Normal: The program designed for general photography. The lens aperture stays open up to the shutter speed of
1/60 sec. Between 1/60 and 1/2000 the aperture varies in accordance with the programmed shutter speeds.
Creative: The program designed for slow moving objects or depth of field control. The lens aperture stays open
up to the shutter speed of 1/8 sec. At faster than 1/8 sec., the aperture varies in accordance with the programmed
shutter speed.

      Mode Reset: Built-in mode reset button, to go back to the basic photography mode. (NORMAL
     PROGRAM)

      Programmed AE signal: Built-in with flashing program indication LED when the aperture is set within
      4 stops from full aperture opening. When the aperture is set beyond 4 stops, Program indication LED
        will stay on at program AE mode.

      Program AE Curve Information: Program character curve chart is provided on camera back.

      Manual Shutter Speed Selector: Manual shutter speeds can be selected by pressing the up/down button
       while in the "M" mode. Shutter speeds can be selected in 15 steps from 8 to 1/ 2000 sec.

      Film Advance: Auto winding with built-in micro motor, selectable shooting mode for single and
       continuous exposure. Continuous photos up to 2.5 frames per second. Built-in shutter release lock in
      main switch.

      Film Loading: Auto loading with built-in micro motor. Auto first frame setting by closing the back
       cover.

      Film Rewinding: Auto rewinding activated by rewind button with auto-stop system upon completion of
       rewinding.

      Multiple Exposure: Built-in switch disengages film advance and counter.

       Self-timer: Electronically controlled, 10 sec. (self-timer operation time can be set up to 90 minutes)
       with LED indicator and LCD panel indicator (subtractive type). Cancellation possible.

       Interval Timer: Interval time can be set up to 90 minutes.

      "B" Bulb Timer: Exposure time for bulb photography can be set up to 90 minutes.

      Accessory Shoe: Hot shoe type with "X" sync and a contact for Chinon dedicated flash units.

      "X" Synchronization: "X" flash sync at 1/100 sec. with Chinon dedicated flash units.

      Slow Synchronization: 1/60 sec. or slower manual exposure mode.

      Power Source: 4x1.5 V "M" alkaline battery or one 6 V lithium battery (2CR5 type).

  Power Hold System: 12 seconds in all modes.

      Battery Check: By LCD data panel.

       Accessories: Chinon dedicated flashes, super multi-coated lenses, deluxe carrying cases and many
       more.

      Dimensions: 152.5(L)x89(H)x51(D) mm (6"x3.5Nx2")

      Weight: 514 gram (18.14 oz)





DATA PANEL

The CP-7m is equipped with a large LCD panel that displays important camera function information.

1 ) Exposure modes

2) Three stage program modes

3) DX film mark

4) Exposure compensation reminder

5) Film counter/self-timer countdown/"bulb" and "interval timer" elapsed time

6) Self-timer indication

7) Shutter speed/film speed indication

8) ISO mark

LENS MOUNTING





Your CP-7m is equipped with a universal bayonet mount which accepts all interchangeable lenses
with "K", "KA" or "RK" bayonet mounts.

       1. To attach the lens, match the red dot on the camera body with the red dot on the lens (Fig. 3). Insert
       the lens into the camera body and turn it clockwise until the lens locks with a click.
       2. To remove the lens from the camera body, depress the lens lock release lever, turn the lens
       counterclockwise as far as it will go, and lift it up from the body (Fig. 4). Do not remove or attach lens
       while operating the camera.

BATTERY INSTALLATION





The CP-7m uses four (4) AA size 1.5 V alkaline batteries or a 6 V lithium battery (2CR-5 type).


       1. Slide the battery compartment cover lock to open the battery compartment (Fig. 5).

       2. Place four AA size 1.5 V alkaline batteries in the compartment with plus (+) and minus(-) ends
       aligned as indicated on the cover (Fig. 6). A 6 V lithium battery (2CR-5 type) can also be used by
        installing as shown in Fig. 7.

   3. Close the compartment cover. Set the main switch to the "S" or "C" position. The exposure mode and
      frame number will appear in the data panel (Fig. 8). When the shutter release button is depressed
       halfway, a shutter speed will be displayed in the data panel. If no display appears, batteries are
        incorrectly installed or too weak to operate the camera. Check that the batteries are correctly installed or
       replace all four batteries at the same time.

NOTE:To prevent damage from battery leakage or bursting, do not mix batteries of different types, brands or
ages. Do not crush or throw used batteries or subject them to high temperatures.

If the camera will not be used for a long period of time, film and batteries should be removed.
Performance of batteries decreases as they become colder. Before using the camera in cold weather make sure
to use a fresh set of batteries A spare set should be carried in a warm pocket, in case you need to change
batteries while shooting. Battery Life

Number of Film Cartridges:

When using a roll of 36 - exposure film, the following data was observed during laboratory testing.


Lithium battery      Four 1.5 V AA - size alkaline
(2CR-5)               batteries
150 rolls           80 rolls

NOTE: Although "AA" type Ni-Cad rechargeable battery can be used, their performance will be very limited.
Make sure that the Ni-Cad battery can be fitted easily into the CP-7m without undue force.

BATTERY TESTING





Set the main switch to the "S" or "C" position, and depress the shutter release halfway (Fig. 9). Fresh batteries
should be installed in any of the following cases. When all displays on LCD data panel blink. When shutter
release button is depressed all the way down, the shutter will not release and all displays on LCD panel and
LED indication in the viewfinder will not light up.

MAIN SWITCH (S/C Mode Selector)





To prevent accidental exposures and to conserve battery power, the main switch should be set to the "L"
position. When the main switch is set to the "L" position, all the electric circuitry is shut off and the shutter
release is locked. The LCD display panel will be switched off. To operate the camera, set the main switch to the
"S" or "C" position (Fig. 10). S - Single-frame mode: film is advanced one single frame after each exposure. C -
Continuous mode: film is advanced continuously at up to two and half frames per second as long as the shutter
release button is kept fully depressed.

SHUTTER RELEASE

The CP-7m features a two-stage electromagnetic shutter release (Fig. 11).

1. When the shutter release button is depressed halfway, the electronic circuitry (including the LCD data panel
and viewfinder LEDs) starts functioning. The meter and information display remain on for 12 seconds after you
lift your finger from the button
2. When the button is fully depressed, it will trigger the shutter

FILM LOADING





1. Set main switch to the "S" or "C" position.

2. Open the back cover by pressing the back cover release button and sliding the back cover release lever
downward (Fig. 12).

3. Insert a film cartridge into the film chamber with the protruding end of the cartridge positioned toward the
bottom of the camera (Fig. 13).

4. Extend the trimmed end of the film up to the yellow leader index. Make sure that the lower perforations of
the film engage the teeth on sprocket (Fig. 14).

5. Close the camera back firmly until it locks with a click (Fig. 15).

6. The camera will automatically advance the film to the first frame, and "1 " will appear in the frame counter in
the LCD panel.
If the frame counter still shows "O", open the back cover and re-load the film properly.





With DX film, ISO number will appear during loading. When loading is completed, the DX mark and the
metered data (shutter speed) are displayed and the film speed is automatically set. The metered data (shutter
speed) remains displayed for 12 seconds. picture (A)

With non-DX film, after loading is completed, the data panel will display the ISO mark blinking for 12 seconds,
indicating to set the correct film speed.— (B)

SETTING THE FILM SPEED





       1. When using DX-coded film (Fig. 16): The film speed for DX-coded films is automatically adjusted,
      and the DX mark appears in the data-panel.
       2. When using non-DX coded film: While depressing the ISO/EV button, press the UP/DOWN button to
        set the film speed (Fig. 17). Applicable range is ISO 25 to 5000 with 1/3 EV increments. The film speed
       seeing can be checked by pressing the ISO/EV button

SETTING THE EXPOSURE MODE





The CP-7m features a three stage programmed AE mode (P - Program, P. A - ACTION, P.C - CREATIVE),
aperture priority (A) mode, a metered manual (M) mode and bulb (B) mode. To set the exposure mode, simply
press down the desired mode at the corner of the exposure mode selector. One press on P mode will result in
normal "P", another press in "P - ACTION" and a third press in "P - CREATIVE" (Fig. 18). See EXPOSURE
MODES for further details.

THREE-STAGE PROGRAMMED AE





The CP-7m is equipped with three program modes of normal "P", "P - ACTION" and "P - CREATIVE".
Normal "P" mode can be used in most cases.

The CP-7m 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.

       1. Set the lens at its minimum aperture (Fig. 19)
       2. Press the corner of the exposure mode selector at the "P" position once again to select the "P -
     ACTION" mode, or press it again to select "P - CREATIVE" mode if desired.

      When a shutter speed in the data panel blinks and ^ lights up or V blinks in the viewfinder, it means
       the program mode is not applicable for the situation.
       If the displayed speed is 1/30 sec. or slower (orange digital LED in the viewfinder), use of a flash or a
        tripod is recommended.

  See EXPOSURE MODES for further information on program characteristics and applicable ranges.





MODE RESET BUTTON





When you want to quickly set the camera to the normal Program mode from P - ACTION, P - CREATIVE,
A, M or B. simply press and release the mode reset button.

1. The mode reset button pressed and released, exposure mode is set to the normal Program and "P" is
displayed in data panel and "P" LED lights up in the viewfinder (Fig. 20). Any exposure adjustment and self-
timer are canceled.

2. When the mode reset button is pressed and released, the metered shutter speed in the normal "P" mode is
displayed in the data panel for 12 seconds. When the mode reset button is pressed and released after the self-
timer is activated the metered shutter speed is displayed in the data panel for one second: the self-timer is
cancelled without exposing a frame.

FOCUSING





At the center of the viewfinder is a split image with microprism collar which is then surrounded by a ground
glass. When the camera is In focus, the image on three 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. 21). 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. 22). 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
seeing (Fig. 23).

UNLOADING EXPOSED FILM

When the film in the camera is fully exposed, the number in the film counter remains blinking for 12 seconds.
All other LCD displays will disappear at this time.

       1. Slide the rewind switch protection cover in the direction of the arrow and push in rewind button to
      rewind the film (Fig. 24).
       2. During rewinding, frame number counts backward showing how many frames are remaining to be
      rewound.
       3. After rewinding, "0" appears blinking in the frame counter and rewinding is automatically stopped.
       4. Open the back cover and remove the film (Fig. 25). Do not open the back cover until the motor stops,
      even if "0" appears in the frame counter.

NOTE: When the motor stops before frame number reaches "0", do not open back cover. Replace batteries with
a fresh set. When rewinding is completed, "0" remains blinking for 12 seconds. The shutter cannot be tripped
until the rewinding operation is completed.

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The CP-7m is designed with a unique flash system, making flash photography simple. The CP-7m offers a wide
range of uses, such as X sync at 1/100 sec. with A and M modes, and also slower sync flash photography
possibility.





       1. Mount a CHINON dedicated flash to the camera (Fig. 26). Set the f/stop indicated on the exposure
        calculator dial of your CHINON flash to the corresponding aperture setting on the lens. Set the exposure
     mode selector either to the "A" or "M" (faster then 1/125) mode.
       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 1/100 sec. The flash ready LED (red) and 1/125 sec. LED (green) in viewfinder will light up, and
      "100" appears on the data panel. After the shutter release button has been depressed part way to activate
       the metering system, release the shutter to take the picture.
       3. With the exposure mode set at "A" or "M" after the picture has been taken and before the flash has
       recycled, the camera automatically switches to the automatic exposure metered shutter speed (A) or
      manually selected shutter speed (M) (if under 1/125 sec.) until the flash has once again recycled. In this
       case your flash must be set to the "AUTO" position.
      Slow synchronization: If you desire to synchronize at slower than 1/100 sec., set the exposure mode
        selector to "M". Select the desired shutter speed by pressing the UP/DOWN button. The shutter will be
       released at the selected speed. Set the aperture according to the information on the display panel of the
        flash unit.
      When using flash units other than CHINON dedicated units, set the exposure mode selector to "M" and
       the shutter speed to 1/60 sec.

SELF-TIMER OPERATION

The CP-7m is equipped with an electronic self timer with a red LED and a unique "up to 90 minute" setting.
Film is automatically advanced one frame after the exposure is completed.

                                                      1. Press the
                                    SELF/TIME
                                               button to activate
                                                    self-timer for a 10
                                             seconds delay
                                                    (Fig. 27).

                                                      2. Focus the
                                                  subject and
                                               depress the shutter
                                                   release bottom
                                      The self-timer
                               LED
                                                    will start blinking.
                                      The frame counter
                                                 displays the
                                             remaining seconds
                                                       until the
                                                    shutter will be
                                                   released.


To cancel operation: Press the ISO/EV button. After the self-timer operation has
started, you can cancel it by pressing the SELF/TIME button, however, self-timer
mode still remains in effect. You can also cancel it by pressing the mode reset button, but the exposure mode is
set to the normal "P" mode after cancellation.





NOTE:

      When utilizing the self-timer in the Program and "A" modes, it is recommended to block the viewfinder
       with an eyepiece cover to prevent extraneous light from interfering with the automatic exposure system
       of the camera (Fig. 28).

   If you wish to set the self-timer for a duration for shorter or longer than 10 sec., press the UP/DOWN
    button while pressing the SELF/TIME button.








            1. Up to 90 minutes can be set with an interval of one second from 0 to 60 seconds and one
          minute from 1-90 minutes.

            2. The self-timer LED starts blinking with 10 seconds remaining prior to exposure and stays lit at
         2 seconds prior to the exposure (Fig. 29).

            3. If you wish to see the frame counter during self-timer operation, press the UP/DOWN button
            in either end.

  EXPOSURE MODES:
     I. Three-stage Programmed AE Mode
   The CP-7m is designed with a three-stage program, which gives you greater photographic versatility:
    select any program based on your photographic needs (Fig. 30, Table A).





      o   (1) P (NORMAL PROGRAM) - For photographing general subjects. Select "P" if you cannot
          decide whether to use P - ACTION or P - CREATIVE.
      o   (2) PA (ACTION PROGRAM) - Minimizes camera shake and is designed to be used when
          photographing "hi-speed" (moving) subjects. Suitable for telephoto lenses.
      o   (3) PC (CREATIVE PROGRAM) - Gives priority to the lens aperture, which affects the depth of
             field. This mode is convenient when taking picture of hard-to-focus subjects and when using
         wide angle lenses.

Programmed AE Signal and Aperture Setting

Unlike other program cameras, the CP-7m functions perfectly with "K" (even "KA" or "RK") mount
lenses even in program mode. Generally, you should set the aperture at its minimum seeing. Although
you can take a perfectly exposed picture at any aperture setting, the applicable programmed range is
limited. The program AE signal LED is useful to check the lens aperture seeing for program modes. The
programmed AE viewfinder LED for P. PA or PC in use will "flicker" when the lens aperture is within
four stops of the full maximum aperture. Set the aperture within the range so that the programmed AE
signal LED will not "flicker". On the other hand, if you would not stop down any further than a
particular f/stop, simply set the aperture ring to the desired aperture.

Metering and Program Applicable Range

Metering range is a range which the exposure meter (a silicon blue cell) can obtain a properly exposed
image. The program applicable range is a range where the program combination of aperture and shutter
is applicable. For example, using a 50 mm F1.4 lens at ISO 100, the metering range is EV+1 (F1.4, 1
sec.) to EV+20 (F22, 1/2000 sec.), darkened area in TABLE A. The metering range varies according to
film speed.

II. Taking pictures in the A mode

After you have set the exposure mode selector to "A" and selected the desired aperture, the camera will
automatically select the required stepless shutter speed from 8 sec. to a fast 1/2000 sec. The "A" mode is
convenient for taking pictures at specific aperture settings based on your individual needs.





   o   1. Set the exposure mode selector in the A position. The mode indication "A" and a shutter speed
        will appear on the data panel (Fig. 31).
   o   2. Set the desired aperture by rotating the lens aperture ring (Fig. 32).
   o   If the lens F stop or the aperture size is too large for the lighting conditions, the red over
       exposure indicator ^ in the viewfinder will glow, and 2000 on the data panel will flicker.
    When this happens, stop down the lens diaphragm by turning the lens F stop ring or
      use a film with a lower ISO rating.

o   If the displayed speed is 1/30 sec. or slower (orange digital LED in viewfinder as
      camera shake warning), 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.
   o   If the computed shutter speed is even longer than 8 sec. (semi-darkness condition), the
      red under exposure indicator V in the viewfinder and 8" on the data panel will flicker.
     Open the lens diaphragm by turning aperture ring, use a film with a higher ISO rating
      or use a flash.


F-Stop Number Guide

The following f-stop settings are general guidelines for your use.

With ISO 100 film

Lighting Conditions      F-Stop Number Range
Outdoors, sunshine        f/8-22
Outdoors, cloudy         f/2.8-5.6
Indoors                    f/1.4-2.8

III. Taking Pictures In the "M" Mode

You can manually control the CP-7m by selecting shutter speeds and/or apertures
individually.





   o  1. Set the exposure mode selector in the M position (Fig. 33).

o  2. Select the desired shutter speed by pressing the UP/DOWN button (Fig. 34). The
       shutter speed increases and decreases step by step. If the shutter speed disappears on
       the data panel, press the "M" again or press the shutter release button halfway.
   o  3. Select the desired aperture by rotating the aperture ring (Fig. 35).
   o  4. The metered shutter speed will light up and the selected shutter speed will blink in
       the viewfinder. Set the shutter speed and/or aperture so that the shutter speed LED
       lights coincide in the viewfinder.

EXPOSURE ADJUSTMENT (P, A MODE)

The camera exposure setting may be affected if there is a big gap between brightness of a
main subject and background. This will result in under or over exposed pictures. In these
cases, you should use the exposure adjustment system. You can also use the system when
you wish to create a deliberate effect of over or under exposure. You can change the
exposure factor up to four full stops either plus or minus in 1/2 EV (Exposure Value)
increments





When using DX-coded film

1. Press the ISO/EV button to display ISO number and exposure adjustment (Fig. 36).

2. While pressing the ISO/EV button, press the UP/DOWN button to set your film speed to
the desired exposure adjustment position (Fig. 37).

3. Be sure to return the exposure adjustment to "0" after use.

NOTE: "+" and "-" symbols indicate over- and under-exposure respectively.

Press the mode reset button to reset the exposure adjustment to "0".

You can confirm the adjusted value by pressing the ISO/EV bottom

When using non-DX film

The adjusted value will not be displayed. While pressing ISO/EV button, press the
UP/DOWN button to change the film sped for the proper exposure adjustment.

Exposure adjustment at ISO 100

Film speed            Adjusted value
ISO 25             +2 [EV]
ISO 50            + 1
ISO 100             0
ISO 200               -1
ISO 400                -2

AE LOCK

Under normal circumstances, the CP-7m 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 backlit
scenes. In such cases, the AE lock (exposure memory) system should be used.





1. Set the exposure mode selector in the "A" position (Fig. 38).

2. Look through the viewfinder and center your subject in the split image/microprism center
spot (Fig. 39). If necessary, approach the subject and use the tele-photo seeing when using
zoom lenses.