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Canon EOS IX

aka Canon EOS IX E

35mm AF film SLR camera

Canon EOS IX

Specification

Production details:
Announced:October 1996
System:● Canon EOS (1987)
Format:
Maximum format:35mm full frame
Film type:135 cartridge-loaded film
Mount and Flange focal distance:Canon EF [44mm]
Shutter:
Type:Focal-plane
Model:Electronically controlled
Speeds:30 - 1/4000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:Through-the-lens (TTL), open-aperture
Exposure modes:Programmed Auto
Aperture-priority Auto
Shutter-priority Auto
Manual
Physical characteristics:
Weight:485g
Dimensions:132x80x59mm

Manufacturer description #1

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 19, 1996 -- Canon U.S.A, Inc., is making a bold statement in function and design with the introduction of the EOS IX Advanced Photo System SLR camera. Originally showcased at the Photo Marketing Association's Annual Trade Show and Convention in February, the EOS IX camera offers all the benefits of the new Advanced Photo System while maintaining many of the features that have made the Canon EOS System the best selling SLR camera line in the world. The long-anticipated arrival of the EOS IX will be available exclusively as a System Kit with the new EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens.

Beyond its compact body design and beautiful stainless-steel finish, the EOS IX provides users with all of the advanced technologies, features, and performance that have made the EOS System the preferred choice of professional and amateur photographers worldwide.

While offering consumers full-function Advanced Photo System features, it also incorporates unique features which are distinctly Canon, including: complete compatibility with Canon's line of more than 50 EF lenses; Canon's exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-Point) control system which links 3-point autofocus to multi-zone metering for available light and flash; 10 exposure modes from Full Auto to Metered Manual, plus Exposure Compensation, Flash Compensation and Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB). The new camera also supports advanced flash system features including E-TTL, FE Lock and FP modes with the optional Speedlite 380EX and the newly introduced Speedlite 220EX.

"The new EOS IX furthers Canon's commitment to combining form and function based on new and existing technology to better serve the needs of our customers and bring the EOS System full circle as a truly integrated SLR system," said Ted Ando, director and general manager of Canon's Camera Division. "Canon will continue to provide photographers with advanced imaging tools to help them realize their visions through photography."

Unique Design in a Stainless-Steel Finish

The EOS IX exhibits a radically new design based on the use of SUS316 stainless steel, a material ten times stronger than that used in typical molded camera casings at one-third the thickness.Combined with the space-efficient Advanced Photo System format, the EOS IX represents an autofocus SLR camera of unprecedented compactness.

Full-Function Advanced Photo System Features

The Canon EOS IX provides maximum creative flexibility while supplying all the benefits and features of the Advanced Photo System including: Mid-Roll Change (MRC) for greater flexibility in film selection; Advanced Print Quality Improvement (PQI) for superb photofinishing results; Selectable Fixed Time Printing Method (FTPM) for special effects and greater creative control; Automatic recording and imprinting of exposure data on the back of each print; Date and time imprint options; easy-to-read Index Print provided when film is processed; and a choice of three print sizes including Classic (4x6-inch prints), High Definition-wide angle (4x7-inch prints) and Panorama (4x10-inch prints).

Mid-Roll Change (MRC) gives photographers an opportunity to switch from one film to another and re-insert partially exposed film into the camera at a later date. When partially exposed film is inserted into the EOS IX, the film transport system advances the film to the first unexposed frame. It then rewinds to the last exposed frame and once again advances forward. This process guarantees absolute accuracy in terms of frame positioning.

The Canon EOS IX has the ability to read and write Information Exchange data on the film cartridge. The EOS IX's ability to read Information Exchange data is what makes the Mid-Roll Change feature of the camera possible.

The Canon EOS IX includes the Print Quality Improvement (PQI) feature of the Advanced Photo System. This feature records specific exposure and lighting data on the film's magnetic strip, allowing the photofinishing machines to "read", and correct, exposure and color balance based on this data. Exposures which are underexposed or were exposed under poor or incorrect lighting conditions can now be corrected during the photofinishing process.

Print Quality Improvement information printed on the film's magnetic strip include: Cartridge Loading Direction; Magnification; Flash Fire; Flash Exposure; Camera Orientation; Rear (back) Light; Metering Range; Subject Brightness; and Artificial Illuminant.

Artificial Illuminant Flag allows the photofinisher to "analyze" specific lighting conditions in a scene and correct for proper color balance during the printing process. For example, the EOS IX can determine if a specific photograph was exposed under tungsten, fluorescent, flash or daylight conditions. Based on this information, the photofinishing equipment makes the necessary color balance corrections when making prints. This process is conducted with each exposure on the roll of film.

Selectable Fixed Time Printing Method (FTPM) gives photographers all the creative latitude they need and overrides any exposure or color compensation changes the photofinishing equipment wants to make based on improperly exposed film. While the photofinishing equipment corrects for inaccurate exposures, photographers often wish to purposely under or overexpose for creative effect. The FTPM mode indicates to the photofinishing equipment that the inaccurate exposure was intentional and should not be compensated during the print process.

When the camera is set to the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) mode, the three exposures -- normal, under and over -- are obviously printed as such in the photofinishing process.

Automatic Recording and Imprinting of Exposure Data gives photographers a complete and permanent record of the precise shutter speed/aperture combinations used for any given photograph. This feature can serve as a teaching tool for future experimentation or optional settings for similar shooting conditions in the future. Additional exposure data includes: ISO setting; metering mode; maximum lens f/number and lens focal length.

Date and Time can be printed on any or all exposures. This feature serves to document specific photographs or simply indicate when photographs were taken, making it an ideal function for photo album storage and other documentary uses. Date and Time can be printed on the front or back of each print.

Three-Point Autofocus System

The autofocus system is based on Canon's latest generation Multi-BASIS (Based-Stored Image Sensor) technology. Utilizing the camera's three-zone autofocus system, the BASIS system features a cross-type sensor at the center, coupled with vertical line sensors to the left and right, which encourages spontaneous photography with more emphasis on capturing the peak moment.

The wide AF coverage ensures perfectly focused images even when shooting off-center or moving subjects. In most shooting situations, the photographer can simply let the camera automatically select the focusing point. The user can also manually select any of the three focusing points by pushing the focusing point selector and rotating the camera's Main Dial.

Canon's Exclusive AIM System

Canon's pursuit of the ideal camera has long been the driving force behind their development of the most advanced imaging systems in the industry. The EOS IX brings the same level to camera sophistication as other EOS System cameras by linking focus and exposure -- with or without flash -- in a unique new system that gives maximum control to the photographer. At the core of the EOS IX is the AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-point control) system which provides greater accuracy and creative flexibility than ever before.

The Canon EOS IX provides users with three autofocus modes: --One-Shot AF, AI Servo and AI Focus. In the One-Shot AF mode, photographers can focus on a subject by depressing the shutter button down half way to lock focus. In the AI Servo focus mode, users can track moving subjects as they move from one focusing point to another at a rate of 2.5 frames per second, and in the AI Focus mode, the camera begins operation in the One-Shot AF mode, but will automatically shift to AI Servo for predictive autofocus if the main subject begins to move. Manual focus is available by moving a switch on the lens.

Sophisticated Metering System

The Canon EOS IX incorporates an advanced metering system that ensures properly exposed photographs under any shooting condition. The photographer can choose any one of three metering modes depending on the desired level of automation or creative flexibility.

Using the EOS IX's 6-zone Evaluative Metering system, photographers can be assured of proper exposure of the main subject, while rendering a "natural" exposure for the rest of the image. The three main zones of the 6-zone system correspond directly to the camera's three-zone autofocus system, ensuring proper exposure of the main subject.

Another feature of the EOS IX is its ability to use Partial Metering (6.5%) in the center of the picture area. Partial metering is ideal for extremely bright and dark backgrounds and can be used with the camera's Creative Exposure modes.

In the Center-Weighted Average Metering mode, the camera will view all the light available in a particular scene, placing emphasis on the camera's center zone. This mode is ideal for everyday shooting situations where the main subject is traditionally in the center of the frame.

Extensive Exposure Control

The EOS IX offers a wide array of exposure control options to suit every shooting situation. The key element to these options is the camera's Command Dial, conveniently located on the back of the camera beside the LCD Information Panel.

The camera offers 10 exposure modes, including six auto exposure programs, called Image Zones, designed for specific shooting situations. The Image Zones employ sophisticated algorithms that simultaneously control metering pattern, film winding mode, AF mode, flash mode, shutter speed, and aperture. Each Image Zone mode utilizes the 6-zone evaluative metering mode. Using icons to identify common subjects, users can simply rotate the camera's Command Dial to the corresponding icon for the subject they are photographing.

The Image Zone modes include: Full Auto; Portrait; Landscape; Close-Up; Sports; and Night.

The EOS IX also provides five Creative Zone modes for the more advanced photographer who wishes to set their own exposures. The Creative Zone modes include: Intelligent Program AE; Shutter Priority AE; Aperture Priority AE; Depth-of-Field AE; and Manual.

In the Intelligent Program AE mode, the camera selects the proper shutter speed and aperture settings for a correct exposure based on lighting conditions, film speed, focal-length and maximum aperture of the lens being used.

The Shutter-Priority mode allows the user to pre-select the shutter speed from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second while the camera designates the corresponding aperture for proper exposure.

In the Aperture-Priority mode the camera will automatically select the proper shutter speed based on the pre-selected aperture setting made by the photographer.

Manual exposure gives the photographer complete control over shutter speeds and apertures. A metering scale is provided in the viewfinder to determine the effects of any creative technique.

Additional exposure modes include: AE Lock; Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB); Series Scene Feature; Manual Exposure Compensation; and Manual ISO Setting.

The AE Lock feature can be used in any of the Creative Zone modes to provide increased exposure control in tricky lighting situations or to achieve special exposure effects.

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) can also be used in conjunction with any of the Creative Zone modes. Bracketing distances can be adjusted over a 2 EV range in 1/2-stop increments.

Series Scene is linked to the Print Specification information shared with the Advanced Photo System photofinishing equipment and works in conjunction with the camera's Auto Exposure Bracket and AE Lock functions. When the photographer selects either of these modes, the Series Scene Feature "blocks" the Advanced Photo System photofinishing equipment from correcting over or under exposed exposures throughout the use of these modes, rendering differences in print exposures as planned by the photographer. This is similar to FTPM, but can be applied to individual frames instead of the entire roll.

Manual Exposure Compensation is possible in any of the Creative Zone modes. Turning the Main Dial while pressing the Exposure Compensation button enables the photographer to increase or decrease the exposure in 1/2-stop increments over a 2 EV range. Manual ISO settings are also possible.

E-TTL Flash System Offers Tremendous Creative Latitude

Canon has taken TTL flash exposure systems one further step with its E-TTL (Evaluative TTL) flash system. While conventional TTL and A-TTL flash systems measure and control flash illumination reflected from the film's surface during exposure, Canon's new Speedlite 220EX and recently introduced Speedlite 380EX provide even greater convenience and accuracy.

With E-TTL, flash exposure is measured and controlled by the EOS IX's 6-zone evaluative metering sensor in combination with the AIM system. Ambient light levels, subject position in the frame and pre-flash data are instantly analyzed, providing a natural balance between subject and background.Working in conjunction with Canon's AIM system, E-TTL flash metering is linked to the active focusing points for precise exposure of the subject.

When the shutter release button is depressed, the flash emits a pre-flash to measure available light and other exposure factors to create a natural, even balance between the main subject and background. Unlike the A-TTL and TTL systems which control flash exposure by monitoring illumination reflected from the film, the E-TTL system uses the EOS IX's 6-zone Evaluative Metering sensor to read both the ambient light and pre-flash illumination reflected from the subject. An exclusive Canon algorithm is used to calculate the output of the main flash based on the pre-exposure data.

FE Lock Feature

The Flash Exposure (FE) Lock system works in conjunction with the EOS IX's Partial Metering (6.5%) capability and allows pre-calculated flash exposure information to be stored for up to 16-seconds. This permits the photographer to recompose the scene or make any other system adjustments while maintaining correct flash exposure information. The Canon AIM System links the autofocus information with ambient and flash exposure information to keep even off-center subjects sharp and properly exposed.

High-Speed Flash Sync to 1/4000 Second

When attached to the new EOS IX and set in the "FP" mode, the Speedlite 220EX or 380EX flash units give photographers the ability to select a shutter speed for synchronized flash from 1/180 to 1/4000 second. This feature provides photographers with the same shutter speed range available with daylight photography and can be used in conjunction with several "creative" modes of EOS IX camera including, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Intelligent Program, and Manual.

Built-in Flash Offers Creative Opportunities

The EOS IX offers a built-in retractable flash, providing TTL flash control. In the Full-Auto, Portrait, Close-Up and Night modes, the flash will automatically pop-up and provide optimum exposure in low-light conditions. The flash provides a wide angle of coverage and may be used with focal lengths as wide as 22mm.

The built-in flash features a red-eye reduction mode to minimize red-eye of subjects in low-lighting conditions. The flash features a guide number of 36/11 (ft./m) with ISO 100 film and a rapid recycle time of approximately two seconds.

Additional Advanced Features

The EOS IX features Canon's Whisper Drive transport technology. It reduces film advance noise to less than one-third that of conventional SLR transport mechanisms, even when shooting at 2.5 frames per second in the Continuous mode.

Two optional remote controls are available with the EOS IX. The Canon RC-1 Infrared Wireless Remote control is ideal for nature or candid photographs and self-portraits. The Canon RS-60E3 Wired Remote control is a useful accessory for macro and micro photography or during long exposures where camera shake is inevitable and must be eliminated.

The EOS IX also features a built-in electronically controlled self-timer with a 10-second delay. Self-timer activation is announced by a built-in beeper and a flashing auxiliary lamp, which remains lit for the last two seconds for red-eye reduction.

New EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

Canon is introducing a new wide angle lens to its extensive EF line. The new EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens will be packaged and sold as part of an EOS IX kit.

The lens' exterior was designed to match the sophisticated stainless steel finish of the EOS IX to create a very unique, and elegant, camera outfit.

The lens, with its 24mm wide angle focal length, opens up a new range of creative possibilities for expanding new photographic opportunities. The lens is constructed using 15 elements in 12 groups with an aspherical lens element to prevent aberrations and distortions.

The new lens features Canon's exclusive Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology for high speed and extremely quiet autofocusing functions. Full-time manual focusing enables deliberate manual control by the photographer at all times to allow fine focusing adjustments immediately before the shutter is released. Focusing range is from 1.6 feet to infinity.

The Canon EOS IX measures 5.28 (W) x 3.2 (H) x 2.3 (D)-inches and weighs 15.7 ounces without batteries. The new Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens measures 2-7/8 diameter x 2-3/4-inches and weighs 13.3 ounces.

The EOS IX and EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens will be available in October as a kit only.

Manufacturer description #2

The EOS IX is two cameras in one combining all the advantages of the Advanced Photo System with all the qualities of the well established EOS system. The camera's EF mount accepts a range of over 50 different lenses.

Accurate autofocusing

When you look through the viewfinder you see three small frames, these are the focusing points, the camera concentrates on the subject covered by the active focusing point. This means that the subject does not have to be in the centre of the frame to give a sharp image, leaving you free to concentrate on the composition of the picture.

AIM System

The Canon metering and focusing systems use Advanced Integrated Multipoint control. The principle is simple, the metering follows the focusing so that the main subject is always correctly exposed. If the subject is to the left of the frame, that is where the meter reading is taken.

Command Dial

With the Command Dial you have access to five programmed image control positions set to various camera functions to suit subjects such as portraits, landscapes, close ups, action and night scenes. You can also override the automatic ISO film speed setting and set the camera's built-in calendar and clock.

Built-in Flash

The EOS IX has a built-in retractable flash unit which pops up and fires automatically when the light is low.

Manufacturer description #3

This is an IX 240 SLR camera in the EOS line, making it compatible with EF lenses. It also features Eye Control which enables you to select the desired focusing point with your eye. A Multi-BASIS AF sensor (|+|) is used. The focusing point can also be selected manually. The exterior features a stainless steel alloy finish and the body is shaped as a circle around the lens mount for a futuristic look. Drop-in film loading, magnetic recording of all IX information, and midroll change make the camera a top-notch IX 240 camera. The EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM MS lens marketed at the same time matches the color of the camera body.

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Chromatic aberration

There are two kinds of chromatic aberration: longitudinal and lateral. Longitudinal chromatic aberration is a variation in location of the image plane with changes in wave lengths. It produces the image point surrounded by different colors which result in a blurred image in black-and-white pictures. Lateral chromatic aberration is a variation in image size or magnification with wave length. This aberration does not appear at axial image points but toward the surrounding area, proportional to the distance from the center of the image field. Stopping down the lens has only a limited effect on these aberrations.

Spherical aberration

Spherical aberration is caused because the lens is round and the film or image sensor is flat. Light entering the edge of the lens is more severely refracted than light entering the center of the lens. This results in a blurred image, and also causes flare (non-image forming internal reflections). Stopping down the lens minimizes spherical aberration and flare, but introduces diffraction.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism in a lens causes a point in the subject to be reproduced as a line in the image. The effect becomes worse towards the corner of the image. Stopping down the lens has very little effect.

Coma

Coma in a lens causes a circular shape in the subject to be reproduced as an oval shape in the image. Stopping down the lens has almost no effect.

Curvature of field

Curvature of field is the inability of a lens to produce a flat image of a flat subject. The image is formed instead on a curved surface. If the center of the image is in focus, the edges are out of focus and vice versa. Stopping down the lens has a limited effect.

Distortion

Distortion is the inability of a lens to capture lines as straight across the entire image area. Barrel distortion causes straight lines at the edges of the frame to bow toward the center of the image, producing a barrel shape. Pincushion distortion causes straight lines at the edges of the frame to curve in toward the lens axis. Distortion, whether barrel or pincushion type, is caused by differences in magnification; stopping down the lens has no effect at all.

The term "distortion" is also sometimes used instead of the term "aberration". In this case, other types of optical aberrations may also be meant, not necessarily geometric distortion.

Diffraction

Classically, light is thought of as always traveling in straight lines, but in reality, light waves tend to bend around nearby barriers, spreading out in the process. This phenomenon is known as diffraction and occurs when a light wave passes by a corner or through an opening. Diffraction plays a paramount role in limiting the resolving power of any lens.

Doublet

Doublet is a lens design comprised of two elements grouped together. Sometimes the two elements are cemented together, and other times they are separated by an air gap. Examples of this type of lens include achromatic close-up lenses.

Dynamic range

Dynamic range is the maximum range of tones, from darkest shadows to brightest highlights, that can be produced by a device or perceived in an image. Also called tonal range.

Resolving power

Resolving power is the ability of a lens, photographic emulsion or imaging sensor to distinguish fine detail. Resolving power is expressed in terms of lines per millimeter that are distinctly recorded in the final image.

Vignetting

Vignetting is the darkening of the corners of an image relative to the center of the image. There are three types of vignetting: optical, mechanical, and natural vignetting.

Optical vignetting is caused by the physical dimensions of a multi-element lens. Rear elements are shaded by elements in front of them, which reduces the effective lens opening for off-axis incident light. The result is a gradual decrease of the light intensity towards the image periphery. Optical vignetting is sensitive to the aperture and can be completely cured by stopping down the lens. Two or three stops are usually sufficient.

Mechanical vignetting occurs when light beams are partially blocked by external objects such as thick or stacked filters, secondary lenses, and improper lens hoods.

Natural vignetting (also known as natural illumination falloff) is not due to the blocking of light rays. The falloff is approximated by the "cosine fourth" law of illumination falloff. Wide-angle rangefinder designs are particularly prone to natural vignetting. Stopping down the lens cannot cure it.

Flare

Bright shapes or lack of contrast caused when light is scattered by the surface of the lens or reflected off the interior surfaces of the lens barrel. This is most often seen when the lens is pointed toward the sun or another bright light source. Flare can be minimized by using anti-reflection coatings, light baffles, or a lens hood.

Ghosting

Glowing patches of light that appear in a photograph due to lens flare.

Retrofocus design

Design with negative lens group(s) positioned in front of the diaphragm and positive lens group(s) positioned at the rear of the diaphragm. This provides a short focal length with a long back focus or lens-to-film distance, allowing for movement of the reflex mirror in SLR cameras. Sometimes called an inverted telephoto lens.

Anastigmat

A photographic lens completely corrected for the three main optical aberrations: spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism.

By the mid-20th century, the vast majority of lenses were close to being anastigmatic, so most manufacturers stopped including this characteristic in lens names and/or descriptions and focused on advertising other features (anti-reflection coating, for example).

Rectilinear design

Design that does not introduce significant distortion, especially ultra-wide angle lenses that preserve straight lines and do not curve them (unlike a fisheye lens, for instance).

Focus shift

A change in the position of the plane of optimal focus, generally due to a change in focal length when using a zoom lens, and in some lenses, with a change in aperture.

Transmittance

The amount of light that passes through a lens without being either absorbed by the glass or being reflected by glass/air surfaces.

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

When optical designers attempt to compare the performance of optical systems, a commonly used measure is the modulation transfer function (MTF).

The components of MTF are:

The MTF of a lens is a measurement of its ability to transfer contrast at a particular resolution from the object to the image. In other words, MTF is a way to incorporate resolution and contrast into a single specification.

Knowing the MTF curves of each photographic lens and camera sensor within a system allows a designer to make the appropriate selection when optimizing for a particular resolution.

Veiling glare

Lens flare that causes loss of contrast over part or all of the image.

Anti-reflection coating

When light enters or exits an uncoated lens approximately 5% of the light is reflected back at each lens-air boundary due to the difference in refractive index. This reflected light causes flare and ghosting, which results in deterioration of image quality. To counter this, a vapor-deposited coating that reduces light reflection is applied to the lens surface. Early coatings consisted of a single thin film with the correct refractive index differences to cancel out reflections. Multi-layer coatings, introduced in the early 1970s, are made up of several such films.

Benefits of anti-reflection coating:

Circular fisheye

Produces a 180° angle of view in all directions (horizontal, vertical and diagonal).

The image circle of the lens is inscribed in the image frame.

Diagonal (full-frame) fisheye

Covers the entire image frame. For this reason diagonal fisheye lenses are often called full-frame fisheyes.

Extension ring

Extension rings can be used singly or in combination to vary the reproduction ratio of lenses. They are mounted between the camera body and the lens. As a rule, the effect becomes stronger the shorter the focal length of the lens in use, and the longer the focal length of the extension ring.

View camera

A large-format camera with a ground-glass viewfinder at the image plane for viewing and focusing. The photographer must stick his head under a cloth hood in order to see the image projected on the ground glass. Because of their 4x5-inch (or larger) negatives, these cameras can produce extremely high-quality results. View cameras also usually support movements.

135 cartridge-loaded film

43.27 24 36
  • Introduced: 1934
  • Frame size: 36 × 24mm
  • Aspect ratio: 3:2
  • Diagonal: 43.27mm
  • Area: 864mm2
  • Double perforated
  • 8 perforations per frame

120 roll film

71.22 44 56
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 56 × 44mm
  • Aspect ratio: 11:14
  • Diagonal: 71.22mm
  • Area: 2464mm2
  • Unperforated

120 roll film

79.2 56 56
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 56 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 1:1
  • Diagonal: 79.2mm
  • Area: 3136mm2
  • Unperforated

120 roll film

89.64 56 70
  • Introduced: 1901
  • Frame size: 70 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 5:4
  • Diagonal: 89.64mm
  • Area: 3920mm2
  • Unperforated

220 roll film

71.22 44 56
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 56 × 44mm
  • Aspect ratio: 11:14
  • Diagonal: 71.22mm
  • Area: 2464mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

220 roll film

79.2 56 56
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 56 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 1:1
  • Diagonal: 79.2mm
  • Area: 3136mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

220 roll film

89.64 56 70
  • Introduced: 1965
  • Frame size: 70 × 56mm
  • Aspect ratio: 5:4
  • Diagonal: 89.64mm
  • Area: 3920mm2
  • Unperforated
  • Double the length of 120 roll film

Shutter speed ring with "F" setting

The "F" setting disengages the leaf shutter and is set when using only the focal plane shutter in the camera body.

Catch for disengaging cross-coupling

The shutter and diaphragm settings are cross-coupled so that the diaphragm opens to a corresponding degree when faster shutter speeds are selected. The cross-coupling can be disengaged at the press of a catch.

Cross-coupling button

With the cross-coupling button depressed speed/aperture combinations can be altered without changing the Exposure Value setting.

M & X sync

The shutter is fully synchronized for M- and X-settings so that you can work with flash at all shutter speeds.

In M-sync, the shutter closes the flash-firing circuit slightly before it is fully open to catch the flash at maximum intensity. The M-setting is used for Class M flash bulbs.

In X-sync, the flash takes place when the shutter is fully opened. The X-setting is used for electronic flash.

X sync

The shutter is fully synchronized for X-setting so that you can work with flash at all shutter speeds.

In X-sync, the flash takes place when the shutter is fully opened. The X-setting is used for electronic flash.

Unable to follow the link

You are already on the page dedicated to this lens.

Cannot perform comparison

Cannot compare the lens to itself.

Image stabilizer

A technology used for reducing or even eliminating the effects of camera shake. Gyro sensors inside the lens detect camera shake and pass the data to a microcomputer. Then an image stabilization group of elements controlled by the microcomputer moves inside the lens and compensates camera shake in order to keep the image static on the imaging sensor or film.

The technology allows to increase the shutter speed by several stops and shoot handheld in such lighting conditions and at such focal lengths where without image stabilizer you have to use tripod, decrease the shutter speed and/or increase the ISO setting which can lead to blurry and noisy images.

Original name

Lens name as indicated on the lens barrel (usually on the front ring). With lenses from film era, may vary slightly from batch to batch.

Format

Format refers to the shape and size of film or image sensor.

35mm is the common name of the 36x24mm film format or image sensor format. It has an aspect ratio of 3:2, and a diagonal measurement of approximately 43mm. The name originates with the total width of the 135 film which was the primary medium of the format prior to the invention of the full frame digital SLR. Historically the 35mm format was sometimes called small format to distinguish it from the medium and large formats.

APS-C is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the film negatives of 25.1x16.7mm with an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Medium format is a film format or image sensor format larger than 36x24mm (35mm) but smaller than 4x5in (large format).

Angle of view

Angle of view describes the angular extent of a given scene that is imaged by a camera. It is used interchangeably with the more general term field of view.

As the focal length changes, the angle of view also changes. The shorter the focal length (eg 18mm), the wider the angle of view. Conversely, the longer the focal length (eg 55mm), the smaller the angle of view.

A camera's angle of view depends not only on the lens, but also on the sensor. Imaging sensors are sometimes smaller than 35mm film frame, and this causes the lens to have a narrower angle of view than with 35mm film, by a certain factor for each sensor (called the crop factor).

This website does not use the angles of view provided by lens manufacturers, but calculates them automatically by the following formula: 114.6 * arctan (21.622 / CF * FL),

where:

CF – crop-factor of a sensor,
FL – focal length of a lens.

Mount

A lens mount is an interface — mechanical and often also electrical — between a camera body and a lens.

A lens mount may be a screw-threaded type, a bayonet-type, or a breech-lock type. Modern camera lens mounts are of the bayonet type, because the bayonet mechanism precisely aligns mechanical and electrical features between lens and body, unlike screw-threaded mounts.

Lens mounts of competing manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony etc.) are always incompatible. In addition to the mechanical and electrical interface variations, the flange focal distance can also be different.

The flange focal distance (FFD) is the distance from the mechanical rear end surface of the lens mount to the focal plane.

Lens construction

Lens construction – a specific arrangement of elements and groups that make up the optical design, including type and size of elements, type of used materials etc.

Element - an individual piece of glass which makes up one component of a photographic lens. Photographic lenses are nearly always built up of multiple such elements.

Group – a cemented together pieces of glass which form a single unit or an individual piece of glass. The advantage is that there is no glass-air surfaces between cemented together pieces of glass, which reduces reflections.

Focal length

The focal length is the factor that determines the size of the image reproduced on the focal plane, picture angle which covers the area of the subject to be photographed, depth of field, etc.

Speed

The largest opening or stop at which a lens can be used is referred to as the speed of the lens. The larger the maximum aperture is, the faster the lens is considered to be. Lenses that offer a large maximum aperture are commonly referred to as fast lenses, and lenses with smaller maximum aperture are regarded as slow.

In low-light situations, having a wider maximum aperture means that you can shoot at a faster shutter speed or work at a lower ISO, or both.

Closest focusing distance

The minimum distance from the focal plane (film or sensor) to the subject where the lens is still able to focus.

Closest working distance

The distance from the front edge of the lens to the subject at the maximum magnification.

Magnification ratio

Determines how large the subject will appear in the final image. Magnification is expressed as a ratio. For example, a magnification ratio of 1:1 means that the image of the subject formed on the film or sensor will be the same size as the subject in real life. For this reason, a 1:1 ratio is often called "life-size".

Manual focus override in autofocus mode

Allows to perform final focusing manually after the camera has locked the focus automatically. Note that you don't have to switch camera and/or lens to manual focus mode.

Manual focus override in autofocus mode

Allows to perform final focusing manually after the camera has locked the focus automatically. Note that you don't have to switch camera and/or lens to manual focus mode.

Electronic manual focus override is performed in the following way: half-press the shutter button, wait until the camera has finished the autofocusing and then focus manually without releasing the shutter button using the focusing ring.

Manual diaphragm

The diaphragm must be stopped down manually by rotating the detent aperture ring.

Preset diaphragm

The lens has two rings, one is for pre-setting, while the other is for normal diaphragm adjustment. The first ring must be set at the desired aperture, the second ring then should be fully opened for focusing, and turned back for stop down to the pre-set value.

Semi-automatic diaphragm

The lens features spring mechanism in the diaphragm, triggered by the shutter release, which stops down the diaphragm to the pre-set value. The spring needs to be reset manually after each exposure to re-open diaphragm to its maximum value.

Automatic diaphragm

The camera automatically closes the diaphragm down during the shutter operation. On completion of the exposure, the diaphragm re-opens to its maximum value.

Fixed diaphragm

The aperture setting is fixed at F/ on this lens, and cannot be adjusted.

Number of blades

As a general rule, the more blades that are used to create the aperture opening in the lens, the rounder the out-of-focus highlights will be.

Some lenses are designed with curved diaphragm blades, so the roundness of the aperture comes not from the number of blades, but from their shape. However, the fewer blades the diaphragm has, the more difficult it is to form a circle, regardless of rounded edges.

At maximum aperture, the opening will be circular regardless of the number of blades.

Weight

Excluding case or pouch, caps and other detachable accessories (lens hood, close-up adapter, tripod adapter etc.).

Maximum diameter x Length

Excluding case or pouch, caps and other detachable accessories (lens hood, close-up adapter, tripod adapter etc.).

For lenses with collapsible design, the length is indicated for the working (retracted) state.

Weather sealing

A rubber material which is inserted in between each externally exposed part (manual focus and zoom rings, buttons, switch panels etc.) to ensure it is properly sealed against dust and moisture.

Lenses that accept front mounted filters typically do not have gaskets behind the filter mount. It is recommended to use a filter for complete weather resistance when desired.

Fluorine coating

Helps keep lenses clean by reducing the possibility of dust and dirt adhering to the lens and by facilitating cleaning should the need arise. Applied to the outer surface of the front and/or rear lens elements over multi-coatings.

Filters

Lens filters are accessories that can protect lenses from dirt and damage, enhance colors, minimize glare and reflections, and add creative effects to images.

Lens hood

A lens hood or lens shade is a device used on the end of a lens to block the sun or other light source in order to prevent glare and lens flare. Flare occurs when stray light strikes the front element of a lens and then bounces around within the lens. This stray light often comes from very bright light sources, such as the sun, bright studio lights, or a bright white background.

The geometry of the lens hood can vary from a plain cylindrical or conical section to a more complex shape, sometimes called a petal, tulip, or flower hood. This allows the lens hood to block stray light with the higher portions of the lens hood, while allowing more light into the corners of the image through the lowered portions of the hood.

Lens hoods are more prominent in long focus lenses because they have a smaller viewing angle than that of wide-angle lenses. For wide angle lenses, the length of the hood cannot be as long as those for telephoto lenses, as a longer hood would enter the wider field of view of the lens.

Lens hoods are often designed to fit onto the matching lens facing either forward, for normal use, or backwards, so that the hood may be stored with the lens without occupying much additional space. In addition, lens hoods can offer some degree of physical protection for the lens due to the hood extending farther than the lens itself.

Teleconverters

Teleconverters increase the effective focal length of lenses. They also usually maintain the closest focusing distance of lenses, thus increasing the magnification significantly. A lens combined with a teleconverter is normally smaller, lighter and cheaper than a "direct" telephoto lens of the same focal length and speed.

Teleconverters are a convenient way of enhancing telephoto capability, but it comes at a cost − reduced maximum aperture. Also, since teleconverters magnify every detail in the image, they logically also magnify residual aberrations of the lens.

Lens caps

Scratched lens surfaces can spoil the definition and contrast of even the finest lenses. Lens covers are the best and most inexpensive protection available against dust, moisture and abrasion. Safeguard lens elements - both front and rear - whenever the lens is not in use.