Canon A-1 - Manual (Page 5)

Quality from the Inside Out
The extraordinary qualities of the A-1 start
with its design. It is the first camera in the
world in which all information, both input
and output, is in the form of pulse signals,
enabling it to be the first camera with a
digital, rather than an analog, computer. It is
the first camera to have a Pure-Integrated
Injection Logic (Pure-PL), the most
advanced type of logic circuitry yet
produced by the electronics industry, which
is so highly integrated that it is capable of
processing many times the information
possible with simple IC's. It is also the first
camera in the world to have a program unit
with programmable logic array (PLA)
which makes sure that the camera receives
all information and in correct order. In
practical terms, all of this complex
electronics circuitry boils down to the first
camera which is capable of extremely
precise and reliable automatic exposure in
five different modes but which remains
remarkably compact and easy to operate.
The use of such advanced technology is not
limited to design alone. Building on the
special 'production technology system it
established with the design of the AE-1,
Canon has extended its use of computers
and automation from automatic production
of the main parts to at least partial
automation in all facets of production
including processing, assembly and in-
spection. In this contribution to a new
system of camera manufacture, Canon is
able to offer greater precision at less
expense.
Other benefits deriving from the design
concept of the A-1 include greatly improved
stability against great temperature changes
and remarkably improved meter response.
The A-1 will set AE exposure only a split
second before shutter release.
Despite all of this electronic circuitry which
would reasonably require a great deal of
power, the A-1 requires only one small
battery which normally lasts about one year.
Every part of the A-1, from its sequence
circuitry, where the power is sequentially
switched on and off, to its Pure-I2 L and
combination magnet, is designed to
conserve power.
Five AE Modes and Manual Override
Besides five AE modes which cover all forms
of photography, easy override of the A-1's
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