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`Canon AE-1, the world's first camera with an embedded microcomputer, accelerated the incorporation of
`automatic and electronic technologies with the 35mm SLR camera. The flagship camera "F-1" was reborn as
`the microcomputer-controlled "New F-1." The Autoboy series, the world's first lens-shutter 35mm autofocus
`(AF) cameras were also marketed, symbolizing the shift of lens-shutter camera into that with AF function. The
`sign of the new era in the camera world was visible already by the developmental activities in movie video
`cameras and still video (SV) cameras.
`
`"AE-1," the Pioneer of Automated and Computerized Camera, Leading to the "New F-1," the Advanced
`Camera System
`
`During the first Oil Shock in 1973, Japan suffered from hyper-inflation, and it was said that the salary of Canon’s
`employees rose over 35% for two consecutive years. In those days there were calls within the company for
`development of a fully automatic camera. In January 1974, some 100 engineers were mobilized to form a
`product development team under the "New Model X Development Plan."
`
`In April 1976, Canon unveiled the new model X, that is the "AE-1" camera. The
`development concept of "AE-1" was that anyone could take pictures with high
`cost-performance. Canon successfully combined the advanced design
`technologies for camera electronics, precision mechanics, optics and computer-
`aided designing, with manufacturing technologies for ultra-precision machining,
`automatic machining and automated assembly. The "AE-1" was the world’s first
`35mm AE SLR camera equipped with the shutter speed-priority TTL metering
`and a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The accessory "Power Winder A" allowed
`continuous shooting at two frames per second, and so its tagline was
`"Continuous Shooting SLR." The "AE-1" had epoch-making automated functions
`such as automatic flash exposure control using dedicated Speedlites for the
`camera.
`
`"AE-1" newspaper ad
`[Larger image]
`
`Although Canon had already introduced the "EF," 35mm AE SLR camera for mass-market, the "FTb" camera
`with TTL manual metering was still a major leading force in mass-production models. Canon recognized the
`need to develop a new model to become the top 35mm SLR camera manufacturer. The "AE-1" gave the impetus
`to change the direction of the development of 35mm SLR cameras throughout the industry.
`
`While "AE" stood for "Automatic Exposure Control," the name of "AE-1" implied the company’s objective to
`provide a camera representing the top of the line of "Totally Automatic Systems by Electronic SLR Cameras."
`The catch phrase, "Continuous Shooting SLR" took the world by storm and permeated to general public. Canon
`initiated a TV commercial campaign on national networks, featuring world-renowned tennis and golf players. This
`was a first for a Japanese camera manufacturer. On release of the camera in United States, the campaign
`strategy proved to be a great success with record sales.
`
`"A-1," Fully Automated and Computerized Camera with Multiple Functions
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`Ex. GOOG 1022
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`9/26/2014
`
`History Hall - Canon Camera Story 1976-1986
`
`The "A-1" camera with five AE modes was launched in April 1978, while the "AE-1" continued to be a runaway
`hit. The "A-1" attracted attention from inside and outside of the camera industry for its sophisticated electronic
`mechanism and multiple functions.
`
`The five AE modes of "A-1" were Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Program AE, Stopped-down
`AE, and Speedlite AE. The shutter speed and the aperture could be easily set with the dials on the camera. The
`"A-1," with its superb operability incorporated a microcomputer, the first in the world. The electronically controlled
`fully automatic system ensured high-precision control for the entire photographic process including metering, a
`significant increase in the volume of information displayed, and also low cost production thanks to integrating
`several parts into a single component.
`
`With its multiple functions realized by full digital control, the "A-1" became very popular not only with conventional
`camera fans, but also younger users such as junior and senior high school students who loved mechanics.
`
`The automated and computerized technologies Canon nurtured with the "AE-1" made further progress through
`the development of the "A-1." Such advanced technologies evolved continuously and continued to the
`forthcoming "T" series and the current "EOS" series.
`
`New FD Lens Aimed at Further Enhancement
`
`As the automatic exposure control (AE) system of SLR camera
`advanced, the FD lens was also improved. The FD-series lens had
`enjoyed great support from users for employing such features as rear
`focusing and aspherical lens elements as well as realizing excellent
`image reproduction and superior color balance. There was still room for
`further improvement in the compactness and mounting system.
`Especially, the development of an easy and quick mounting system
`was the challenge for the New FD lens. In the previous series, the lens
`was tightened with an outer breach-lock ring, but an increasing number
`of professional and advanced-level amateur photographers who
`frequently used interchangeable lens cameras showed dissatisfaction
`with the mounting system and requested for a new one which provided
`a feel of complete lock. To meet the demand, Canon developed an
`instantaneous fit-and-lock mount system that retained
`interchangeability with earlier cameras and incorporated in the system
`into the New FD lens. The product markings were the same as those of
`FD lenses, but to differentiate them from the conventional FD lenses,
`"New" was added.
`
`New FD-series lenses with
`improvements upon FD-series lenses
`[Larger image]
`
`"New F-1," the Refined Version of the Flagship 35mm SLR Camera "F-1"
`
`Canon publicly announced its promise "not to change the basic specifications and functions of the F-1 for 10
`years," and the "F-1," remained Canon’s flagship 35mm SLR camera throughout 1970s but by the end of the
`decade it was time for an update. With the trend to automated cameras with multiple functions based on the
`computer technology, it was good time for Canon to set to remodeling. During the decade after the introduction
`of the "F-1," Canon gathered feedback from professional photographers and other "F-1" users. There were a
`tremendous variety of comments, wishes, and applications that the designers could have never imagined. In
`order to produce a new model representative of the next-generation cameras, this valuable input was given due
`consideration and combined with the advanced technologies in various fields such as precision optics, precision
`mechanics, electrical and, electronic engineering and physical optics. The "New F-1," next-generation high-
`quality flagship 35mm SLR camera was unveiled in September 1981.
`
`The basic philosophy or concept behind the development of the "New
`F-1" was, as in the case of the "F-1," putting an utmost emphasis on
`safety and reliability accented by high quality and precision. Following
`the "F-1" system, "New F-1" had even more advanced functions:
`Selectable AE modes from shutter speed-priority and aperture-priority,
`depending on the requirements and a hybrid shutter combining both
`electronic and mechanical mechanism to enable camera operation
`even without battery power. The external design was also based on the
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`http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/history/canon_story/1976_1986/1976_1986.html
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`9/26/2014
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`History Hall - Canon Camera Story 1976-1986
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`"New F-1" with electronic technology
`and its components consisting the "F-
`1" system
`[Larger image]
`
`"F-1" and kept the dignity as a top-of-the-line camera with state-of-the-
`art features. It had a palm grip for right-hand holding comfort, which
`was highly touted on the "A" series cameras. Thus several refinements
`were introduced in the "New F-1" to improve the portability and
`shooting speed. Due consideration was given to the shapes and
`locations of operational parts such as the shutter dial, shutter button
`and film advance lever. These remained similar to those of "F-1" so
`that the "F-1" user could operate the "New F-1" with a sense of
`familiarity. Although compatibility with accessories for the "F-1" was
`sacrificed due to the necessity to incorporate the latest functions,
`significant upgrades were made such as five interchangeable
`viewfinders, 32 focusing screens, a five-frames–per-second motor
`drive, and a film chamber enabling continuous shooting of 100 frames.
`
`The "New F-1," designed exclusively for professional use, achieved the development goal to ensure reliability
`even under the harsh conditions and was designated as the official 35mm camera for 1984 Summer Olympic
`Games in Los Angeles, U.S.A. The "New F-1" helped professional photographers in capturing a lot of valuable
`moments at big events around the world.
`
`In 1984, Canon completed a "New F-1" based model featuring a high-speed motor drive with the world’s fastest
`continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second. The "New F-1 High Speed Motor Drive Camera" was
`released as a limited edition for professional photographers in sports and other specialized fields.
`
`T-Series Camera Created by Groping for Clues
`
`During the second Oil Shock period, the demand for cameras declined, and an increasing number of consumers
`preferred low-priced lens-shutter cameras to the SLR. To cope with such unfavorable circumstances, Canon
`decided to develop the T-Series SLR cameras to replace the A-Series, based on a new concept of AE cameras
`to meet the diversifying lifestyles and tastes of consumers.
`
`Canon successively launched the T-Series cameras including "T50" in
`March 1983, "T70" in April 1984, and "T80" in April 1985. The "T80"
`employed pictographs for easy picture-taking by any user. The T-
`Series cameras incorporated thoroughly automated mechanisms for
`easy and simple shooting. In February 1986, Canon marketed the
`"T90" targeting at advanced amateur and professional photographers.
`But, those days the automated and computerized cameras were
`experiencing hardship finding the most appropriate functions. What
`type of cameras would users want? In response to the changing
`environment, the T-Series cameras were born.
`
`Birth of Autofocus Compact Camera, "AF35M"
`
`Spurred by the severe competition in the autofocus (AF) market, Canon
`developed its first AF lens-shutter camera, "AF35M (Autoboy)."
`Konishiroku Kogyo (currently Konica) succeeded in commercializing
`the world's first AF camera named "Konica C35AF" in 1977. Thereafter,
`all the major manufactures followed suit. The AF mechanism of these
`cameras employed an autofocusing element called Visitronic, which
`was developed by Honeywell of the United States. It was a passive AF
`system that electronically detects two patterns (images) of a subject
`and calculated the distance by triangulation. Canon decided not to use
`this AF module because it was inadequate for low-light or low-contrast
`subjects, and started research on its original AF system. The company
`completed an infrared active AF system, enabling focusing in the dark.
`Two years after the release of "C35AF," in November 1979, Canon
`launched the "AF35M," lens-shutter camera with the infrared active AF
`system.
`
`Pictograph of the "T80" that simplified
`shooting process
`[Larger image]
`
`Ad for "AF35M (Autoboy)" that
`employed the active AF system
`[Larger image]
`
`The active AF system incorporated in the "AF35M (Autoboy)" was based on the triangulation using a near
`infrared diode. Instead of having a moving rangefinder mirror as employed by passive AF system, a light-emitting
`diode was swung through an arc. The active AF system could achieve focus in the dark and work regardless of
`http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/history/canon_story/1976_1986/1976_1986.html
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`9/26/2014
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`History Hall - Canon Camera Story 1976-1986
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`subject brightness and contrast. And since it did not require two optical images to focus, focusing was possible at
`close distances. These unique features and other convenient functions such as automatic film winding and
`rewinding, program AE, and autoflash AE, the "Autoboy " soon became the generic name for fully-automatic AF
`compact cameras.
`
`End of the 8mm Film Cinecamera and Advent of the Video Camcorder
`
`Electronic imaging, or the video camcorder business, was outlined as a future project. Although tough
`competition was expected as many electric appliance manufacturers had entered into this business, there was a
`consensus in the company that Canon, a camera expert in high-quality images, should never lag behind in any
`new business for imaging technology, and thus was involved in development projects based on optical
`technology.
`
`As manufacturers in the world started to standardize on the 8mm video format in
`1981, Canon made an entry into the video camcorder business at full scale, a
`result of focusing on the 8mm video standards from the outset. In 1983, through
`the company's reformation, the Electronic Imaging division became independent
`of the Camera division. Then it entered the video camcorder market, competing
`with the household electric appliance manufacturers, who already boasted an
`ample track record. In 1985, Canon released the "Canovision 8VM-E1," the first
`integrated 8mm video camcorder in the world. The camcorder was equipped with
`a compact high-performance 6X power zoom lens with large f/1.2 aperture. With
`its lightweight compact body and various advanced functions such as still image
`playback and recording /playback, it was nominated for Good Design Award of
`the year.
`
`"Canovision 8VM-E1"
`received the Good Design
`Award
`[Larger image]
`
`Along with the advances of the sound mechanism for the 8mm film cinecamera, Canon introduced its first sound
`8mm film cinecamera "514XL-S" in September 1976, followed by a cine projector with sound function,"PS-1000"
`In March 1977. But, the major trend was shifting from the 8mm film cinecamera to the video camcorder. In
`September 1982, Canon released the "AF310XL," and its alternate version with sound function, "AF310XL-S."
`Production of both models was halted in1985, and the 30-year history of 8mm film cinecameras that started with
`the "Canon Cine 8T," came to a end.
`
`Development of Still Video (SV) Camera
`
`Although the silver-halide based camera with nearly 160 years of history had been dominant through that time,
`the development of an electronic technology based magnetic recording still camera had been quietly under way
`for quite some time. A magnetic recording still camera would not require the film developing process, because it
`would not use conventional film. In addition to the easy image processing, it would also have the merit of easy
`transmission of images. Although Canon was involved in the development of the magnetic recording technology,
`the possibility of its commercialization was considered low as the stringent standards of image quality that a
`camera manufacturer needed to follow was not satisfactory yet.
`
`Sony launched the "Mavica" still camera with magnetic recording system in
`1981. In anticipation of the arrival of the magnetic recording still camera era,
`Canon formed a task force to develop a magnetic recording color still camera in
`October 1981.
`
`In the course of developing the magnetic recording still camera, the 1984 Los
`Angeles Olympic Games provided an excellent opportunity for experimental use
`of image transmission. At the request of the Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri
`Shimbun, Canon was involved in the image transmission experiments. The time
`given for the entire process was only 10 months. After conducting field test,
`training for photographers, preparation of export documents, and taking other
`necessary procedures in Japan, only 5 months were left to develop and design
`the electronic transceiver and the playback machine, and complete the
`prototypes. Without question, the schedule was very tight. During the
`broadcasting of the men’s marathon, the automobile telephone attached to the
`electronic transmitter failed to work, and the information had to be transmitted
`over a public telephone. Anyway, the experiment proved successful, giving
`
`
`
`Color Video Printer "RP-
`601"
`[Larger image]
`
`Still Video Transceiver "RT-
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`http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/history/canon_story/1976_1986/1976_1986.html
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`9/26/2014
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`History Hall - Canon Camera Story 1976-1986
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`invaluable know-how in the development of magnetic recording still cameras.
`
`971"
`[Larger image]
`
`Still video (SV) camera system [Larger image]
`
`Based on data and experience from the tests at the Los Angeles Olympic
`Games, Canon started to produce a magnetic recording still camera. The still
`video (SV) camera "RC-701" and a group of system components were
`introduced in 1986. Since the release of the "Mavica" by Sony, several
`electronics appliance manufacturers and camera manufacturers had developed
`prototypes, but Canon’s "RC-701" was the world’s first commercialized product.
`
`The magnetic recording still camera used the analog recording system, but the
`know-how and technology gained through the research and development of the
`SV camera laid the groundwork for today’s digital cameras.
`
`Previous (1970-1975)
`
`"RC-701," the world's first
`commercial magnetic
`recording still camera
`[Larger image]
`
`Page of Top
`
`Next (1987-1991)
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`http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/history/canon_story/1976_1986/1976_1986.html
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