Film cameras
Topcon IC-I User manual
User manual for Topcon IC-I. 38 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Topcon
- Model / document
- Topcon IC-I
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 38
- File size
- 1.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
Congratulations on your choice of the TOPCON IC-1 single lens reflex camera. This compact, lightweight camera incorporates a new, modern electronically-controlled focal plane shutter system, with precision-made integrated circuit (I.C.) controls, for giving you complete exposure automation, based on the convenient and easy-to-use shutter-priority system and Thru-The- Lens center weighted exposure readings.4www.butkus.org While designed for maximum simplicity of picture-taking actions, under all sorts of conditions and with the many interchangeable lenses prepared for the camera, there is also complete manual override of the automatic exposure setting system. The user is, therefore, always free to revert-to manual exposure settings, with equal simplicity of actions, for taking pictures with special moods or effects. And, the TOPCON IC-1 is not limited in its capabilities, as a very wide range of interchangeable lenses and accessories have been prepared for the user, some even enlarging the field to include lenses and accessories available for the top-class TOPCON RE Super/Super D/ Super DM system. Although operations are very simple, may we suggest that you read instructions through once before you even touch the camera. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the working parts (so that your fingers work the camera automatically) before you even load your first roll of film, as your pleasure in using the TOPCON IC-1 will even be greater if you know the camera well.View original page 2
Page 4 · Read text
IMPORTANT
1. The batteries must be inserted into the camera before the exposure system and the electronically-controlled focal plane shutter will work.
2. Don't touch the surfaces of the lens, mirror and eyepiece.
3. Always stroke the film winding lever all the way--until it makes a full stop.
4. Wait until the shutter action is completed before stroking the film winding lever (especially at slow shutter speeds).
5. Cover the lens when not in use. (Cover the rear end of the lens, also, when it is detached from the camera, as well as the body mount, when no lens
is attached to the camera.)
6. Don't force movements but reread instructions once more.
7. Contact the nearest authorized dealer, if repair is required. Don't do it yourself.
IMPORTANT
1. The batteries are taken out of the camera for shipment to you.
They must, therefore, be inserted into the battery compartment
before the exposure system and electronically-controlled focal
plane shutter will work.4www.butkus.org
Open the battery compartment cover, with a coin or similar object,
and insert the batteries supplied with the camera.
2. The plus (+) sides of both batteries must be facing outwards, as otherwise the shutter system will not work.
Replace the cover when the batteries are correctly inserted.View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
19. Battery compartment cover
20. Eyepiece
SPECIFICATIONS
Standard Lens : 50mm f/2 Hl Topcor 6 element lens. 47° field of view; f/2 to f/22; minimumfocus60cm(2ft.); 49 mm screw in filter mount. t
Shutter : Electronically-controlled cloth focal plane shutter, with shutter speed ring on lens mount. Ten shutter speed settings 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15,
1/30, 1/60,1/125,1/250 and 1/500 second, plus Bulb. Internally 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 0.8x image (standard lens) and 33.5 mm x22.3 mm finder 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 UNI, Unirex and Unirex EE cameras.
Exposure Meter : Thru-The-Lens center weighted full aperture measuring system, with two compound CdS cells on both sides of the finder
eyepiece measuring the reflected light for a center weighted average reading of the full finder area. Exposure range is EV 5 to EV 18, with ASA 100
film and 50 mm f/2 lens.
Automatic Exposure : Shutter-priority exposure automation on AUTO setting, with shutter speeds 1/8 to 1/500 sec., apertures f/2 to f/22 (with ASA
100 film) and film speeds ASA 25 to 3200 (DIN 15 to 36). Complete freedom in aperture/shutter speed settings with manual override, by simply
taking the lens off the AUTO setting.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
Mirror Action : Quick-return mirror action. 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 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 : Exposure counter automatically returns to start-mark (S) upon opening camera back and shows the number of exposures made. The 20th and 36th frames are indicated with red-colored numerals. Lens Speed Compensation: Lens speed compensator dial is rotated for matching the exposure system to the maximum aperture of the lens attached to the camera. 4www.butkus.org · Wheel can be set to six f/numbers or 2, 2.8, (3.5), 4, (4.7) and 5.6. Film Speed Indication: 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), (80), 100, (125), (160), 200, (250), (320), 400, (500), (650), 800, (1000), (1250), 1600, (2000), (2500) and 3200. DIN speeds are 15, (16), (17), 18, (1g), (20), 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. Quick Guide to the IC-1 Taking pictures with the TOPCON IC-1 is very simple, especially if you already have had some experience with cameras. If this is your first camera, however, detailed explanations on how to handle the IC-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.View original page 7
Page 8 · Read text
1. Pull the rewind knob up strongly and the back
cover will spring open. Load the camera with a 35
mm film in daylight cartridge and push the back
cover close.
2. Advance the film to the first frame, as shown by
the exposure counter. (Three blank shots will
place the exposure counter on the first frame.)
3. Set the lens speed compensator dial to the
numeral or dot corresponding to the maximum
aperture of the lens on the camera.
4. Set the film speed index to the ASA/DIN film
speed corresponding to the sensitivity of the film
loaded in the camera.
5. Set the shutter speed ring to one of the settings from 1/500 to 1/8 second and the aperture ring to AUTO.
6. Compose and focus the picture in the finder. At the same time, check the aperture scale in the finder. The exposure needle should not be in the
warning areas.
7. Press the shutter release button softly if everything is satisfactory.
8. Upon exposing all frames, rewind the film back into the original cartridge with the rewind crank, after pushing the rewind button in.
9. Open the back cover and unload the film, by pulling the rewind knob up strongly.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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 24 mm x36 mm.
1. Pull the rewind knob up strongly and the back cover will spring
open. Open the cover all the way to expose the film chamber.
2. Pull the rewind knob up and insert the film cartridge in the film chamber; then release the spring-loaded rewind knob to engage the film cartridge.
If they do not engage, revolve the rewind knob slightly until the shaft engages the cartridge.4www.butkus.org
3. Insert the leading end of the film into one of the slots on the
multi-slot take-up spool as illustrated.
4. Advance the film winding lever slowly un. the film perforations
engage the film transport sprocket teeth, at the top and bottom.
Close the back cover strongly so that it snaps shut with a clicking
sound.
5. Rotate the rewind knob in the arrow-indicated direction to
tension the film inside the cartridge. Film winding action
thereafter will rotate the knob in the opposite direction, showing
that the film is actually being advanced.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
6. Stroke the film winding lever with the right thumb 120° or until it makes a full stop. There is a play of 20° in the lever action for inserting the right
thumb to permit immediate winding action after shutter release.
Exposure Counter
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 frames exposed and automatically returns to "S" when the back cover is opened.
Lens Speed Compensator
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 necessary when the lens is exchanged if the
maximum aperture differs from the previous lens.)
Film Speed Indicator
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, corresponding to the sensitivity of the film 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 film 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.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Holding the Camera
1. The basic method of holding the camera is used for taking pictures in the horizontal format.4www.butkus.org
Grip the focusing ring with the left thumb and index finger and support the camera on the left
palm. Place 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 around, without any change in the
basic holding position, until the film winding lever is on top.
In both cases, press the camera against the face 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.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
View-Focusing
1. The Pentaprism finder shows an erect image moving in the same direction as the subject and
thus is ideal for action shots in the horizontal format. The area covered in the finder is also nearly
the same as that of color slides.
The central microprism focusing spot is surrounded by a fine focus ring and ground glass over the
balance of the field.
2. When the subject is not focused, the image will be seen indistinctly and blurred in all three
focusing areas.
When properly focused, however, the subject will be seen distinctly throughout the finder area,
with the focusing spot providing specially fast focusing action for most types of subject matter.
3. The subject is focused by rotating the distance focusing ring in either direction until the image
is seen distinctly and sharply in the finder.
The distance focused can be found opposite the distance index (orange-colored line in the center of the depth of field scale).
Automatic Exposure Settings
Correct exposures are taken care of automatically when the TOPCON IC-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. It 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
judgments, both of which are automatically taken care of when the camera is set on AUTO.4www.butkus.orgView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
1. Revolve the shutter speed ring and set one of the shutter speeds from 1/500 to 1/8 sec. to the
index. Choose a shutter speed for the overall brightness or the action of the subject. Generally, if
the camera is set to 1/125 sec., the user will be prepared for most outdoor situations, when using
ASA 100 film
2. Set the aperture ring to AUTO, and the ring will be locked from revolving. (To move the
aperture ring off AUTO, the ring must be rotated while simultaneously pushing in on the release
lever at the same time.)
3. Check the aperture scale in the finder field.
The exposure needle should not be in the red warning areas (or set to a f/number exceeding the
maximum aperture of the lens being used).
Always check because the shutter can be released in spite of the needle position (for getting
special effects).
4. Press the shutter release button smoothly and gently. Do not jerk or press too
strongly, as there will be camera shake.4www.butkus.org
Wait until the shutter action is completed before advancing the film. As can be seen, the
shutter-priority automatic exposure system is very simple and speedy.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Shutter Action
All interchangeable lenses prepared for the IC-1 have fully automatic lens diaphragm
mechanisms which means that you can view-focus at full aperture and the lens diaphragm
will automatically close down to the required aperture, upon shutter release, and then reopen
back to the maximum opening, after the picture is taken.
In 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, as the lens diaphragm opens up fully for view-focusing at the full aperture.
Integrated- circuit (IC) electronically controlled shutter speeds means that the shutter system is precisely controlled for meeting exacting exposure
conditions.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
CLICK HERE FOR SHUTTER SPEED GUIDE Manual Exposure Settings The automatic exposure setting system of the IC. 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 1/8 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.View original page 15
Page 16 · Read text
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 shutter speeds from
1/500 to 1/8 sec., but move the aperture ring off AUTO. (To
do so, press the release lever in and rotate the ring at the same
time.)
2. Point the lens at the subject or point of interest and read the setting indicated on the aperture
scale in the finder. If the exposure needle is in the warning area, or pointing to a f/number faster
than the maximum aperture of the lens, shift the shutter speed within the 1/500 to 1/8 sec. range.
3. Transfer the indicated aperture setting to the aperture
ring, so that it is opposite the aperture index (orange-
colored dot). The setting can be modified, at this time, if
some special effect is desired. Or, the lens opening can be
stopped down for greater depth of field effect, in which
case, the exposure time must be increased by the same
number of steps.
4. Or, set any shutter speed that you consider appropriate for the subject, including slow shutter
speeds from 1/4 to 1 sec., or even B. and a suitable f/number, with the exposure determined from
the exposure chart included with film, previous experience, or by experimentation.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Shutter Speeds Full numbers are engraved on the shutter speed ring, from 1 to 500, as well as B. The numbers represent the shutter speeds, or, in other words, 500 is 1/500 sec. and 1 is 1 sec. B is for bulb and the shutter stays open as long as the release button is depressed, in this case. Larger numbers are, therefore, faster than smaller numbers and each larger number keeps the shutter open for 1/2 as long as the next number. Shutter speeds are electronically-controlled with a precision integrated circuit (IC) control system, for obtaining precisely controlled shutter speeds required in exacting exposure conditions. Choice of shutter speed is not only dependent on lighting conditions but also on the need for stopping action, or-- (1) A faster speed is required for a speedier object. (2) A faster speed is needed for movement nearer the camera. (3) A faster speed is required for a subject moving parallel to the camera, while a slower speed may be used for movement towards or away from the camera. (4) The degree of stopping, or "freezing", the action will also determine the speed to be used.View original page 17
Page 18 · Read text
Lens Openings
The lens opening controls the amount of light that passes through the lens
to the film plane, while the shutter is opened. The apertures or lens
openings, called f/numbers, also, have exposure ratios as noted
following:--
As can be seen, the larger numbers on the aperture ring are the smaller
lens openings and permit only 1/2 the amount of light of the next smaller
number.
IMPORTANT
1. Although the exposure meter cannot be used for readings at shutter speeds
1/4 to 1 second, and B (bulb), or the green-colored shutter speeds, the
aperture reading obtained with the meter for 1/8 second can be readjusted for
these speeds. In 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: 1/8--1/4--1/2-- 1 Aperture : 5.6--8 --11--22View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
2. The exposure reading can be unsuitable even when the exposure needle is not in the warning areas. This is so when a fast film is used at a slow shutter speed or a slow film is used at a fast shutter speed. Specifically, the following combinations should not be used:-- f/2 and 1/125 sec. for ASA 3200 film f/2 and 1/60 sec. for ASA 1600 film f/2 and 1/30 sec. for ASA 800 film f/2 and 1/15 sec. for ASA 400 film f/2 and 1/8 sec. for ASA 200 film f/2 and 1/4 sec. for ASA 100 film f/2 and 1/2 sec. for ASA 50 film f/22 and 1/500 sec f/2 and 1/1 sec. f/22 and 1/250 see for ASA 25 filmView original page 19
Page 20 · Read text
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 subject and shallower
before but grows progressively 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-subject distance is decreased.
The depth of field also increases when the wide angle lens is used and
decreases when the telephoto lens is used.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
4. The depth of field is greater as the aperture is closed down and less as the lens
diaphragm is opened up. In other words, the wide-open aperture of the fully automatic
lens always shows the least depth of field (besides being very bright) and is valuable for
precise, fast focusing.
5. The depth of field scale is used for a quick check of the depth of field.
For example, if the lens opening is f/11 with a focused distance of 10m (30 ft.), the
distances opposite f/11 on both sides of the scale will show that the depth of field is from
about 4m (13ft.) to infinity. Should an aperture of f/16 be used, however, the zone will be
seen to extend from about 3m (10.5 ft.) to infinity.
6. Or, the scale may also be used for covering two subjects at different distances. If the
near subject is 2m (7 ft.) and the farther 8m (27ft.), revolve the distance focusing ring
until these distances are opposite identical apertures (about f/16, in this case) and use this
lens opening.
The actual distance to the subject is measured from the film plane indicator position on the
camera's top deck.View original page 21Page 24 · Read text
Film Unloading
1. If the winding lever does not move easily, check the exposure counter. If it shows that the last
exposure has been taken, do not advance the film any more or you will tear it out of its cartridge.
Depress the rewind button, in order that the exposed film can be rewound back into its original
cartridge.
2. Unfold the rewind crank and revolve in the arrow indicated direction.
Rewind smoothly and evenly because erratic or very fast rewinding may cause static electricity
marks on the film.
Rewind until tension lessens, as the film slips out of the take-up spool, and then stop. Do not
rewind the leading end back into the cartridge.
3. Pull up the rewind knob to open the back cover and then let the film cartridge fall out, by pulling
the rewind knob up once more.
Bend the leading end of the film, as a sign that the film has been exposed, and return it to its
original package until development.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
Infrared Index -
The infrared index is the orange-colored line on the depth of field scale, with an
orange "R".
When using infrared film, focus in the normal manner (say, the distance is 10m
(30 ft.)), and then shift the distance thus obtained to the infrared index, as shown.
Such adjustments are required to retain sharpness on the infrared film because the
invisible infrared wave lengths are longer than the visible wave lengths seen by
the naked eye (and used for focusing).
The ratio of infrared wave length in the visible light is variable and, therefore, no
exposure indexes can be given for taking exposure readings, in this case. In any
case, shots should be made, according to the instruction sheet furnished with the
film.
Lens Exchange
Seven Topcor lenses, consisting of one standard lens and
six interchangeable lenses, including a 87 ~205mm zoom
lens, are available for the TOPCON IC 1 and may be used
interchanged, with a common bayonet mount permitting
simple, accurate and speedy exchanges of the complete
lens.View original page 25Related documents and language editions
From 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.