AE Prism Finder FE401

Prism Finder FP401

English Instructions

Features

The two prism finders, FE401 and FP401, are optically and mechanically identical.

Their precision roof prisms render a bright, unreversed and laterally correct image, and they both feature

eyepiece closures which prevent light from entering the finders during remote operations.

Special Feature of the Prism Finder FE401

The AE (automatic exposure) Prism Finder FE401 has built-in precision electronics that enable:

Viewfinder

Both prism finders feature roof prisms that

produce a bright, unreversed and laterally

correct image. Image magnification is 0.79x

with the 80mm f/2.8 lens with a built-in 2.5x

magnifier.

Specifications for Prism Finder FE401

Metering System

There are three metering modes: Spot, Average

and Auto-Shift (AUTO A-S).

Aperture Range

Compensation

± 3 stops with click-stops at 1/3 stop intervals.

Viewfinder LED

Display

In metered automatic mode, flashing LEDs

indicate full f-stop shutter speeds, while for

intermediate exposure times, two shutter

speeds will illuminate and flash. Overexposures

are indicated by flashing ‘OVER’ LEDs and

underexposures are indicated by ‘LT’ LEDs.

AE Lock

When the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial is set to

AEL (AE Lock) the exposure information is

stored in the finder.

Power Supply Power is supplied by the camera’s battery.

Names of Parts

1. Eyepiece Closure Lever

2. Metering Mode Selector

3. Lock Release Button

4. Exposure Compensation Dial

5. Diopter Lens Mounting Frame

10. Eyecup

12. Lock Button

1. Insert the two Attaching Latches (8) on the front of the finder into the mounting holes on the front of

the camera body.

2. Push down on the back of the finder until it click and locks into place.

Removing the Finder from the Camera Body, Fig. B

1. Push the finder’s Lock Release Button (3) while pushing down on the button the other side of the

finder.

2. Lift the finder up and off of the camera body.

Using the AE Prism Finder FE401

AE Photography

1. To enable AE (Automatic Exposure) Mode, set ‘A’ on the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial opposite the

5. Setting the Exposure Mode

 Average Mode

Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to its ‘AV’ setting. The finder will average the exposure

over the entire frame.

 Spot Mode

Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to ‘SP’. The finder will use the light from the central area

of the frame to determine exposures.

 Auto-Shift Mode

Set the Metering Mode Selector (2) to ‘AUTO A-S’. The finder will automatically switch

between ‘AV’ and ‘SP’ Modes based on the lighting condition.

Manual Photography

1. Set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to a setting other than ‘A’ and ‘AEL’, Fig. 5.

2. Press the camera’s Shutter Release Button down halfway. The correct shutter speed for the aperture

set on the lens will blink in the viewfinder.

3. If two shutter speeds blink, an intermediate speed will be selected and the shutter speed set on the

camera will illuminate. To obtain a correct exposure, turn the lens’ Aperture Ring or the camera’s

Shutter Speed Dial until only one shutter speed is illuminated.

 The finder’s display will illuminate for 10 seconds and then turn off to conserve battery

power. To re-illuminate the display, press the camera’s Shutter Speed dial down halfway.

AEL (AE Lock) Photography

memorize the exposure information. While keeping the Shutter Speed Button pressed down halfway,

recompose the subject, and then push the camera’s Shutter Release Button down all the way.

The Exposure Compensation Dial

While pressing the button in the center of the Exposure Dial, turn the dial to select the desired amount of

exposure compensation.

The dial has click-stops at 1/3 stop intervals within the range of ±3 EV.

Turning the dial in the + direction increases exposure while turning the dial in the - direction decreases

exposure.

The Exposure Compensation Dial can also be used for special lighting techniques, i.e. high key, low key, etc.

When using the 300mm f/5.6 N lens is used in AE Mode, turn the Exposure Compensation Dial to -2/3 EV for

the finder to calculate the correct exposures.

While pressing down the camera’s Shutter Release Button halfway, raise the camera’s Mirror Lock-up Lever,

Release Button for even an instant after raising the mirror, the exposure will increase, so use care when

photographing in the mode.

Diopter Correction Lenses

The viewfinder’s optics are adjusted for average eyesight.

For far- or nearsighted individuals that do not want to wear corrective lenses while photographing, select the

applicable diopter corrective lens and install it on the viewfinder, Fig. 8.

Six diopter corrective lenses are available providing a ±3 diopter correction.

To install a corrective lens, place the top of the lens into the top of the eyecup frame and snap it into place. To

remove a corrective lens, pull the lens out at the bottom, Fig. 8.

When using the Leaf-shutter Mode:

1. Set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to any setting other than ‘B’ (Bulb).

2. When you press down the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial halfway, an LED will display the correct

shutter speed in the viewfinder and the exposure value will remain in memory for 10 seconds.

AE Prism Finder FE401 Viewfinder Display

When the FE401 is used with the Self Timer, the exposure will be determined an instant before the shutter

fires.

Be sure to keep the FE401’s electrical contacts clean.

When the camera is not in use, turn the camera’s Shutter Release Selector to its ‘RED DOT’ position to prevent

an accidental exposure if the Shutter Release Button is pressed. Also, turn the Operating Indicator on the

Power Drive Grip WG401 to its ‘OFF’ position.

Tips on Selecting a Metering Mode

Use the Average Mode when you want to silhouette a subject against a backlit scene.

then complete the exposure.

In Auto-Shift Mode:

 If the area measured in Spot Mode is more than 1 ½ stops darker than the area measured by Average

 When the area measured in Spot Mode is about the same or brighter than that measured in Average

Mode, Average Mode is automatically selected.

When the area measured in Spot Mode is ¾ to 1 ½ stops darker than that measured by Average Mode, the

FE401 will automatically select an intermediate exposure value. In this situation, both the ‘AV’ and ‘SP’ LEDs

will illuminate in the viewfinder.