Canon A-1 - Manual (Page 6)

AE functions is also possible.
Shutter priority AE is especially useful
in action photography, aperture priority AE
in still photography. The programmed AE
mode, in which the camera controls both
aperture and shutter speed for correct
exposure, is good for general use and is the
easiest mode for beginners. These three AE
modes along with exclusive flash AE, are
performed with an FD lens set at “A” for all
the benefits of full aperture metering.
Stopped-down AE, in which the shutter
speed is automatically set, allows automatic
exposure with non-FD lenses and accessories
and is a big advantage in close-ups and photo-
micrography. And since all AE inputs have
been consolidated into the AE mode selector
and the AT dial, the operation of only these
two controls suffices to set the camera for
any one of the five AE modes.
For complete control for exposure cor-
rection or special effects, manual operation
is a simple matter of moving the FD lens
aperture ring from the “A” mark while the
shutter speed is set on the AT dial. The A-1
will even provide you with an exposure
readout as a basis for your exposure
adjustment.
Exposure Compensation
Along with the wide selection of AE modes,
the A-1 has two controls for wide-range
exposure compensation. These are the
exposure compensation dial for stepped
exposure correction between ±2 f/stops and
an exposure memory switch for temporary
correction. For special techniques such as
low- and high-key shots, contre-jour photo-
graphy, multiple exposures and flash photo-
graphy, you pros will find quick response in
the A-1. Even in AE, you have complete
control over the image results.
Field-of-view-only Viewfinder
This viewfinder is one of the A-1's most
unusual features. In the classic sense of the
word, this bright viewfinder shows only the
field of view for easiest focusing and com-
posing.
Using any one of three ways to take an
exposure preview, you will activate a
compact LED digital readout which clearly
conveys shutter speed, aperture, flash and
manual operation signals, a bulb indication,
improper exposure warnings and a mal-
function warning. The viewfinder readout is
below and out of the way of the field of
view, and the LED's are clearly legible with
no need for extra illumination even in very
bad light.
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