Canon A-1 - Manual (Page 85)

meter reading, the only thing you can see in
the bright viewfinder is the viewing area. All
other information is eliminated, leaving you
undistracted freedom to focus and compose
your picture.
The A-1 uses the Central Emphasis Metering
method of exposure measurement which
reads the entire viewing area with emphasis
on the central portion where the subject is
most likely to be placed. This metering
system ensures correct exposure even when
skylight is present in your picture.
This camera is equipped with a split-image/
microprism rangefinder focusing screen.
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