Film cameras
Leica C1 film camera User manual
User manual for Leica C1 film camera. 39 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Leica
- Model / document
- Leica C1 film camera
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 39
- File size
- 10.8 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
Table of contentslntroduction
We hope you will enjoy using your new LEICA C'l and take lntroduction 37
many successful photographs. The camera contains a high Brief description
optical performance LEICA VARIO-ELMAR 38-105mm Names of parts 39
t/4-10.5 lens, which gives excellent picture quality and has a Messages on the LCD data Panel 40
widely variable focal length to allow free picture composition' Care and storage Precautions 41
Its compact size means the LEICA C1 fits into almost any Fitting the wrist straP 42
pocket, making it your constant companion. The fully auto- Preparing the LEICA C'l for use 42
matic program and autoflash features support uncomplicated Inserting the batterY 42
photography. On the other hand, you can select from nume- Checking the batterY 43
rous special functions to achieve even better results in tricky Changing the batterY 44
exoosure conditions. Please read these instructions so that Switching the camera on and off 45
you make the most of your LEICA C1 's capabilities' Setting and imPrinting the data 46
Setting the data 46
Selecting the date format 47
lmprinting the data 47
Inserting the film 4B
Compatible 35mm films 50
Holding the camera 61
The viewfinder 52
Taking photographs with the LEICA C1 53
www.butkus.usAdjusting the focal length 34
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Autofocus and programmed automatic exposure 54 Automatic rewind of a fully exposed film 64
Locking autofocus and exposure settings in memory 56 Rewinding a partially exposed film 65
Mode selection 57 Trouble shooting guide 66
Photography with and without flash 57 Care tips for the LEICA C1 68
Flash range 57 Customer Service 69
Modes with auto flash activation 58 Technical Data 69
6AAuto flash, AUTO ,
Auto flash with pre-flash light, AUTO / o 59
Auto flash with exposure compensation, AUTO ? * fV 59
Modes with mafrual flash activation 60
ON 60Manual flash, /
Manual flash with pre-flash light, <D / ON 60
Manual flash with longer exposure times, SLOW / ON 60
Manual flash with pre-flash light and longer exposure
times, @ SLOWTON 61
Modes with flash manually switched off 62
Flash manually switched off , y' OFF 62
Distance set manually at infinity and flash manually
switched off , t OFF - 62
Flash manually switched off and shutter under manual
control, ? OFF I 63 These instructions are printed on paper bleached using a
The "B" mode 63 complex, 100% chlorine-free process, in order to reduce
The selftimer 64 effluent and protect the environment.
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Brief description - Automatic firm rewinding
- Data imprinting is integrated
The LEICA C1 is an elegant, versatile and easy-to-use auto-
focusing compact camera. lts special features are:
- LEICA VARIO-ELMAR tens 38-1O5mm f /4-10.5 Names Of partS
(7 elements in Z groups with 2 aspherical lens element
surfaces) '1. ON/OFF button
- Distance setting from approx. 80cm to infinity 2. Shutter release
- Active infrared type autofocus with memory lock 3. Mid-roll rewind button
- lnfinity lock setting 4. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) data panel
- Center-weighted exposure meter with memory lock 5. DATE button for selecting date and time data to be print-
- Programmed automatic-exposure ed
- Long time exposures up to 99 seconds 6. TIMER button for setting date and time data and self
- Exposure correction +2 EV timer
- Built-in flash 7. MODE button to select operating mode
- Flash fires automatically in case of inadequate light 8. Autofocus sensors
- Selectable, pre-flash light for "red-eye" reduction 9. Viewfinder window
- Manual on and off flash selection 10. Red-eye reduction light (also signals self timer)
- Automatic film speed setting (DX coding) .11. Electronic flash
- Automatic film loading 12. Sensor for exposure meter
- Automatic film transport 13. Back cover release slider
- Series exposure release - approx. 1 frame every'1.5 14. LEICA VARIO-ELMAR lens 3B-1O5mm f /4-10.5 with auto-
matic lens cover seconds www.butkus.us
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c> SLOW Flash manually switched on plus pre-flash - lf your camera (or battery) emits a strange smell, heat, or
light, long time exposures possible smoke, remove battery immediately with care of burn.
(red-eye reduction), long time exposures - lf your camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in/ 0N
oossible which the interior is exposed, do not touch the exposed
manually switched off parts., OFf Flash
* Flash manually switched off, distance set- - Remove battery immediately if the camera is dropped in! Off
ting fixed at infinity water or if water has run into the camera.
manually switched off, long exposure - Never leave your camera where the temperature is extre-, OFF T Flash
time melY high or extremelY low.
- When the camera is not in use, press the ON/OFF button
to withdraw the lens and confirm that the lens cover is
Care and storage precautions closed.
- In the event of camera failure, do not attempt to repair the
camera yourself. Try replacing the battery first of all.
- lf this is unsuccessful, return the camera to the shop you
bought ii from or to another photographic specialist.
- Please ensure that you are fully conversant with the opera-
tions and features of your new camera before using it for
special occasions (holidays, weddings etc.) Please read
this instruction manual and see the results from your
camera before you use it at special events.
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Fitting the wrist strap Preparing the LEICA C 1 for use
1. Push the smaller loop through the eyelet on the right hand Inserting the battery. The LEICA C1 takes a 3 volt lithium
side of the camera. battery (e.9. Duracell DL1234, Kodak KL iz3LA, panasonic
2. Feed the longer loop through the smaller loop and pull it CR 123A, Varta CR123A or other cR123 types). This supplies
tight so that the strap is securely attached round the the camera and the date printer.
eye I et. 1. Using a coifl, open the battery compartment cover
(camera base, 21) by turning it anti-clockwise.
2.lnsert the lithium battery so that the positive end goes in
first (as shown on the battery compartment).
42View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
3. Again using a coin, close the battery compartment by
turning it clockwise.
Checking the battery. When the camera is switched on (see
on page 9), the battery symbol ; ffi appears complete, in
black and filled out on the LCD data panel (4). The lens (14)
also moves to its ready position. lf only half the symbol
qw appears, this means the battery voltage is low and the
battery needs to be changed soon. lf half the symbol q@
is flashing or does not appea r at all, the battery is exhausted
and must be replaced immediately. In this case, the camera Note: lf the lens does not move to its ready position when
will not function. Therefore, we recommend you take a spare you switch the camera on, the battery is either wrongly
battery with you when travelling. installed or there is no battery at all. lf the symbol E
flashes on its own or there is no symbol visible, the battery
contacts may be dirty (in which case, please clean them with
a clean, dry, lint-free cloth)
or
the battery may be partially discharged as a result of taking
a series of pictures, one after another. After a short wait to
allow the battery to recover, photography can recommence.
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Attention: Battery perfo rmance suffers in the cold and film Attention: The battery contacts should be kept clean. Batte-
becomes stiffer, making it harder to wind. Therefore, if you ries should never be put in a fire, heated, recharged, taken
are using the LEICA Cl at low temperatures, it is a good idea to pieces or broken apart. Used batteries may not be dispos-
to keep it in an inside pocket (close to the body) and to ed of as normal, household waste as they contain hazardous
ensure a fresh battery is fitted. materials that are environmentally harmful. Used batteries
should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
Changing the battery. lf there is a film in the camera,you
should put in a new battery immediately after removing the
old one. lf the camera is left for more than 10 minutes with-
out a battery, the exposure counter resets to " j " when the
new battery is fitted, irrespective of the number of shots
already taken. The picture dating program is wiped clean as
soon as the battery is removed so the date and time must be
reset whenever a battery is cha nged.
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Note: The cam era automatically selects the standard modd
each time it is switched on (see section "Mode Selection",on
page 21).
Switching the camera on and off. The camera is switched
on and off by pressing the ON /OFF button (1). After switch-
ing on, the lens cover opens, the lens moves to its ready
position and messages appear on the LCD data panel (4). By
pressing the ON / OFF button again, the camera is switched
off; all messages disappear, the lens retreats inwards and
the lens cover closes. lf the camera is not used within
approximately 4 minutes of switching on, it switches itself off
automatically.
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film used. With certain low sensitivity films, e.g. Kodachrome
64, the data is only very faint or cannot be seen at all. The I data appears as a red to orange image on dark subject areas 'r11 E I and as orange to yellow on light areas. Therefore, it can only ,1
be seen with difficulty against light, orange coloured or very
"busy" subjects. The automatic calendar runs until the year
2030. The power supply for the picture dating facility is from
the camera batterv. HH Attention: In certain circumstances, the last picture on
film may not be imprinted with the data.
Setting and imprinting the data Setting the data
1. With camera switched on, press the DATE button (5) until
The LEICA C1 contains an integral facility for imprinting data. the first section of the numbers segment on the LCD data
Either the time (hour and minute) or the date (day, month panel (4) flashes.
and year in three selectable orders), as desired, can be prin- 2. Press the TIMER button (6) to correct the data that is
ted in the bottom right hand corner of each picture. flashing. Pressing and releasing the button quickly increa-
ses the value by 1. By holding the button down, the values
Note: The data is exposed onto the film, from the front, by are incrementally scrolled through.
light emitting diodes. The intensity of the exposure is relative
to the automatic film speed setting (DX coding). Therefore,
there can be slight variations in legibility depending on the
46View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
3. Press the MODE button (7) to move on to the month, year, Function Display
hour and minute. 1 No printing
4. Pressing the MODE button for a fifth time stores the 2 Date 9 9 '99 (for example)
values. As confirmation, the display stops f lashing. 3 Time 1 1: 1 1 (for example)
Note: The year is indicated by an apostrophe.
Selecting the date format
1. With the camera switched off, press the DATE button (5)
until the numbers section on the LCD data panel (4)
f lashes
2. Now, each time the TIMER button (6) is pressed, the date
format changes as shown in the illustration.
3. Press the DATE button again to store the setting. As con-
firmation, the display stops flashing. lmmediately after
storing, the display extinguishes.
lmprinting the Data. With the camera switched on and with
the display continuously on, press the DATE button (5)
repeatedly to select the data you want printed on the pictu-
res. The display will change in the following sequence.
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26 25 24 Inserting the film 1. Using the slider (13) on the left, release and open the back cover (23). 2. Place the film cartridge in the film cartridge compartment (24) as shown in the illustration. The sprung spindle on the rewind axle (arrow) must mate with the corresponding slot in the film cartridge. 3. Lay the film flat on the film channel, between the guides (arrows) and pull the leader right over the take-up spool - up to the marking on the left (arrow). lf you have taken the leader too far, carefully push a little film back into the 4BView original page 16
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cartridge. The film must lie flat in the film channel.
4. Close the back cover. The camera switches itself on,
threads the film automatically onto the take-up spool and
advances it to the first exposure position. When the expo-
sure counter shows ".1", the camera is ready to use. lf "1"
is flashing, the film was not loaded correctly. In which
case, open the camera, remove the film and insert it again
followingsteps 2-4.
Attention: Before opening the back cover, please ensure
that the film has been completely wound back into the car-
tridge. lf there is any film not in the cartridge, the open por-
tion or even film with successful shots will be damaged by
the light. The camera should only be opened when the expo-
sure counter shows "0" on the LCD data panel ( ). To reduce
the risk of accidental exposure, films should be loaded and
unloaded in subdued light e.g. in one's own shadow.
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Holding the camera
To avoid camera shake, the LEICA C1 should be held as
shown in the illustrdtion. To achieve good results, it is essen-
tial to avoid covering the lens, f lash, autofocus sensors or
the exposure meter sensor with your hand, the carrying strap
etc. lf you are taking a portrait format picture, the flash
should be at the top, as illumination "from above" gives the
most natural effect. Another tip for portrait format photos is
to press the shutter release with your thumb, which helps
keep the camera steady.
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distance to the subject. The error is compensated for at a
a subject distance between 0.8 and 1.2m by composing the
picture within the close range frame.
c. Autofocus frame
The object which is within this frame is used by the lens tcl as the point of focus and to calculate the correct expo-
sure. (To focus on off-center objects, please read "Autofo-
a cus and Programmed Automatic Exposure" on page 18). To
the right of the viewfinder (15), there are two LEDs (Light
Emitting Diodes) which give the following signals:
The viewfinder
Upper, red LED (16)
a. With the subject at a distance of 1.2m or more, you will - glows steadily, when the shutter release is pressed half-
see about 85% of the final picture in the picture frame (a). way, indicating that the flash is ready,
The picture frame adapts itself to the focal length setting. - flashes, when the shutter release is pressed halfway, indi-
The following frames can be seen in the viewfinder: cating the flash is not yet ready (the shutter release will
lock. The recovery time between firings of the flash is
b. Close-up frame approximately 6 seconds with new batteries).
lf you are shooting a subject at a distance between 0.8
and 1.2m, what you see in the viewfinder is above what
the lens "sees". This parallax error becomes more notice-
able the longer the focal length and the shorter the
q2View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Lower, green LED (17) Taking photographs with the LEICA C 1
- glows steadily, when the shutter release is pressed half-
way, indicating that the distance and exposure have been The LEICA C1 is a completely automatic camera. The auto-
measured and stored, matic distance setting (autofocus), fully automatic, pro-
- flashes slowly when the shutter release is pressed halfway grammed exposure setting and, when required, automatically
and flash has been switched off, warning that camera activated flash enable uncomplicated, sure and quick photo-
shake could be a problem. lt is still possible to take a pic- graphy. When the camera is switched on, all these features
tu re, are active. lt is fitted with a LEICA VARIO-ELMAR 38-105mm
- flashes quickly, when the shutter release is pressed half- f /4-10.5 zoom lens, whose focal length can be adjusted over
way, indicating that the distance is too short (under 0.8m). a wide range. Many other functions are available to make the
In this case, the shutter release is locked. most of any subject or situation.
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Adjusting the focal length. The focal length of the lens can
be adjusted in 5 steps, using the focal length selector (18)
on the back cover. Using your thumb, press down on the
rocker: to the right, to increase and to the left, to decrease
the focal length. The five settings are 3Bmm, 60 ffiffi, 75mm,
90 mm and 105 mm. What you see in the viewfinder changes
in tandem with the selected focal length.
Autofocus and programmed automatic exposure. The
position of the main subject in your photo is important.
1. The autofocus in the LEICA C1 takes the information it
needs from the center of the picture, that is, from the
object in the autofocus frame.
2. The LEICA C1 's exposure meter averages the light from
the whole picture frame but it considers light from the
object in the autofocus frame as being the most signifi-
cant.
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lf the main subject is supposed to be in the center of your - sources of bright light in the picture (spot lights, ceiling
picture, point the camera towards it so that it fills the autofo- lights etc.),
cus frame as far as possible. This makes sure it sharpens - very shiny or reflective surfaces such as car paint, the sur-
and gets the right exposure. Then lightly depress the shutter face of water and mirrors,
release (2) halfway till you feel a stop. Once the green LED - light distorting objects like flames, glass, fireworks, and
(17) lights, confirming that measurements have been made, hair,
oress the shutter.release all the wav. In this standard mode, - very dark objects and light absorbing surfaces, ' (r a ":the fire if there is insufficient natural - objects behind glass, such as in a shop window or a show flash will autdribiicdtty
light. The red LED (16) shows the loading state (see section case elc.
The viewfinder" on page 16).
lmportant: For as long as you hold the shutter release fully
down, the camera will take shots at approximately 1.5
second intervals. This rapid sequence technique is useful to
document moving objects, for example. lt only works provi-
ded the flash isn't required.
When taking photographs where the main subject is not cen-
ter frame or, for some other physical reason, autofocusing
could cause a problem, consult the next section "Locking
autofocus and exposure settings in memory". Examples of
physical conditions that may affect autofocusing are:
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Locking autofocus and exposure settings in memory. lf and lock the distance and exposure settings from another the main subject is not in the middle of the picture (picture, object at about the same distance and in the same light as left), you should use the autofocus and exposure settings the real object. memory lock function. Aim the camera so that, when you look through the viewfinder, the main subject is in the auto- lmportant: The distance and exposure measurements are focus frame (this ensures it will be sharp and correctly expo- erased from the memory as soon as you let go the shutter sed). Next, depress the shutter release halfway. The green release. You can repeat the measurements as often as you LED glows to show that the distance and exposure measu- like before taking a picture. rements have been locked (picture, centre). Holding the shutter release depressed halfway, re-aim the camera to get the composition you want and, finally, press the shutter release all the way (picture, right). lf there are physical rea- sons why autofocus might cause problems, you can measure 56View original page 24
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Mode selection lmportant: When using the flash in any mode, check that
the main subject is within the flash range.
For certain situations or subjects, the LEICA C1 's automatic
program can be altered manually. Using the MODE button (7) Flash range. The usable range of the flash depends on the
additional modes can be chosen with different combinations diaphragme, which is set by the camera, and the film speed.
of practical functions. The display scrolls through the modes For good results, it is essential that the main subject is with-
as long as the button is held down. in the relevant range, as shown in the following table.
lmportant: The selected mode remains active until you ISO Film Speed Range at* Range at*
change it, switch off the camera or the camera switches it- 38 mm 105 mm
self off. When the camera is switched on again, it goes into focal length focal length
standard. automatic mode. 50 / 18", 64 / 19", 80 / 20", 0.8 - 2.3 m 0.8 - 0.8 m
100 / 21 ", 125 / 22", 160 / 23", 0.8 - 3.2 m 0.8 - 1.2 m
Photography with and without flash. The LEICA C1 has a 200 / 24" , 250 / 25" , 320 / 26" , 0.8 - 4.6 m 0.8 - 1.7 m
built-in flash, which fires automatically and can be manually 400 / 27", 500 / 28", 640 / 29" 0.8-6.5m 0.8-2.4m
forced on or off. There is also the facility of a preJlash light 800/30", 1000/31 ", 1250/32", 0.8 - 9.2 m 0.8 - 3.5 m
to reduce the "red-eye" effect. The camera controls the flash '1 600/33', 2000 / 34" , 25oo / 35" , 0.8-13m 0.8-4.9m
in relation to the diaphragme and the measured subject 3200/36" 0.8-18.4m O.B-7m
distance (Flashmatic principle).
* with diaphragme open at f 4 (38mm) and at f 10.5 (105mm)
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EV. The "red eye" Auto flash with exposure compensation, AUTO t +Auto flash with pre-flash light, AUTO / o.
effect is caused by light from the flash reflecting off the cor- The exposure meter is calibrated at a mid-range point on the
nea straight back to the camera and can occur when taking gray-scale, which corresponds to a normal photographic sub-
portrait and group photos. lt is therefore best if the person ject. lf the actual subject does not match this assumption,
being photographed doesn't look straight at the camera. The an appropriate exposure correction is necessary. With very
effect is worsened when the pupils are wide open in low light subjects, for example in the snow or on a beach, the
lighting conditions. Therefore, when photographing indoors, large amount of reflected light causes a false exposure cal-
switch on as much room lighting as possible, so that the culation and the film is under exposed. To compensate for
pupils become smaller. The LEICA C1 has a preJlash lamp this exposure calculation error, a correction needs to be
as a constant light source, that operates just before the made. Photography in the snow is the sort of situation where
shutter opens in order to close the pupils of a subject look- + zEV (Exposure Values) mode is appropriate.
ing at the camera and, therefore, to reduce the "red-eye" To select this function, press the MODE button (7) twice,
effect. assuming the camera is in standard mode to start. There are
To select this function, press the MODE button (7) once, the following indications:
assuming the camera is in standard mode to start. There are I On the LCD data panel AUTO ! *eV
the following indications: 2. red LED As in AUTO y' mode
3. green LED As in AUTO ! mode
1. On the LCD data panel AUTO , @
mode2. red LED As in AUTO I
mode3. green LED As in AUTO !
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