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CANON EOS FAQ Version 2.4
Date: November 1993
All original material is Copyright © 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 Alvin
Chia-Hua Shih and Robert M. Atkins.
Many of the EOS-related questions pertain to equipment. Canon
produces a number of publications which are very useful to almost
every EOS user. These publications provide first hand information
from Canon and are free for the asking (for the time being
anyway).
ACS
Canon publishes some very useful brochures that include
specifications for various components of the EOS system, as well
as including helpful background information. (Thanks to Robert
Groom for bringing these to my attention.)
- Canon EOS EF Lenses (PUB.C-E1-EFU 0692SZ32):
- Discusses the technology of the EF lenses (focusing motors,
glass, etc.) and has descriptions for most of the current EF
lenses. It also explains the principles of tilt and shift to give
one an appreciation for the TS-E lenses. The best part is that it
has a table in the back showing which lenses have which features,
down to the type of motor used, focusing method, how many
elements of FL or UD glass, closest focusing distance, angle of
view, etc., etc. [Note: this may soon be replaced by a new
publication on the EF Lenses which may (probably will) have a
different publication number]
- Canon EOS Close-up System (PUB.C-E1-CU 0692SZ68.5):
- Explains basic concepts in macro photography and discusses the
various macro options available, including the EF25 extension
tube, close-up lenses, and using the FD-macro adaptor. It has an
incredibly useful table at the back showing the magnifications of
each lens when combined with the EF25, and each of the close-up
lenses.
- Canon EOS Speedlite System (PUB.C-E1-SL 0692SZ68.5):
- Introduces the Canon Speedlite line for EOS cameras, and the
various flash accessories available. Explains the difference
between TTL and A-TTL, and the various combinations of shooting
modes. Has useful introductions to general flash concepts such
as: fill-in flash, exposure compensation, bounce flash, red-eye,
2nd curtain sync, etc.
- Canon TS-E Lenses (PUB.C-E1-TS-EA 1292SZ4.1):
- This brochure is quite thin compared to the others. It basically
contains a few more examples of the types of effects that can be
produced with a TS-E lens. [Note: out of print in 9/93. Maybe
reprinted or replaced later]
The brochures are full-colour and graphically illustrate some of
the effects achievable. Brochures for all of the current EOS
bodies are also available.
Other publications:
- The Speedlite Reference Guide (Out of Print):
- This contains more detailed information than the "Speedlite
System" brochure, but lacks colour photographs. I recommend
having both. The Speedlite Reference Guide (which I will refer to
as "SRG") deals more with the specifics of TTL and A-TTL flash
photography. It includes very useful program graphs which clarify
the inner workings of the Speedlite system. It also discusses
Flash Exposure Lock on the T-90 (which is now discontinued). This
is relatively heavy reading and should probably be read through a
few times so that all the nuances of flash photography with the
EOS cameras can be completely understood.
- The Art of Image (publication number unknown):
- This is a guide for professionals using the EOS 1. It includes
detailed sections about metering modes, exposure compensation
and "advanced" flash techniques as well as many pages of superb
photographs. It is not free, and probably only available through
Canon Professional Services. [I have also seen it advertised from
photo book stores RMA].
ACS
- Lens Work (CT2-1101-000)
- A remarkable book. Contains details of every current (as of early
1993) EF series lens (including the 1200/5.6L). It doesn't
include the 400/5.6L, the 50/1.4USM or the 20-35/3.5-4.5USM or
any other lens introduced in or after 1993. Technical specs
including "MTF" plots (see section 9.26) for all lenses and "L"
series telephotos plus 1.4x and 2x converters. It also has
pictures taken with each lens and a whole bunch of other stuff
including: A bried history of Canon. Examples of professionals
using EOS equipment, their comments and the lenses they use. A
very good guide to optics including "tutorials" on aberations,
depth of field, MTF plots, optics etc. About 200pages. Everything
you ever wanted to know about EF lenses. Great book. Buy one.
Available from Canon for $26 plus shipping and taxes. I was also
given the number 9-01500 by Canon Technical Services in reference
to this book, but the publication code given above is the one
which is actually printed in it. I ordered mine via the 800
number below and it came in a couple of days.
RMA
The publications, "Speedlite Reference Guide" and "The Canon EOS
Speedlite System" are now OUT OF PRINT. For "The Canon EOS Close Up
System", you can contact Chuck Westfall as detailed in section 1.4
below. Note that this applies ONLY to these three
publications. For ALL other publications call the Canon
Consumer Information Center at 800-828-4040. Avoid calling between 12
and 2 o'clock eastern time when they are 1/2 staffed for lunch. Canon
Canada can be reached at 416-795-1111. (I don't know of an 800 number.)
The toll free number in the UK is 0800 252 2233.[Phone numbers for
other countries are welcome.]
ACS&RMA
Call your closest Canon office (see section 9.19) and ask them
for one. There may be a fee on the order of $5 to $10 depending
on the manual.
ACS
Most of the brochures were authored by Chuck Westfall, Technical
Information Specialist at Canon U.S.A. If you can't get
publications via "normal" channels, Chuck Westfall can handle (or
at least redirect) requests. He can be reached at:
- Chuck Westfall
- Canon U.S.A., Inc.
- National Technical Department
- One Canon Plaza
- Lake Success, NY 11042
- USA
He can also be contacted at: 71170.1056@CompuServe.COM.
(Please try to route all questions through Bob Atkins
([bobatkins]-[at]-[hotmail.com]) so that he can record the answers in
the FAQ!)
ACS
Note: Keep trying at the 800 number given in 1.2. You may get a
variety of Canon literature before they finally send you what you
actually want, but if you are persistent enough you will
eventually get what you wanted in the first place. It took me 3
tries to get the EOS close up guide from them. The first two
attempts got me literature on the Rebel II, the EF-M and the FD
close up guide (which is also quite interesting)!
RMA
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