ACE Index FAQ, Camera Manuals and Instruction Manuals
This page is part of the ACE Index FAQ. Information about
camera equipment, photo equipment and digital imaging equipment.

Camera Manuals, Instruction Manuals

An excellent source for camera instruction manuals is John Craig, the owner of Craig Camera in Torrington, Connecticut. Mr. Craig maintains an inventory of instruction manuals for more than 12,000 different cameras, flash units, slide projectors, movie projectors and more. Many original manuals, some are available as high quality reprints, (xerox copies cut and bound to the original size.) John must have rooms full of filing cabinets. Most prices are $15-$20 for the original manuals, plus $5 S&H for insured UPS second day air; $4- $8 for airmail outside the US.

Relatively few camera manuals are reproduced on the web, limited mostly to selected popular cameras with a fan following and made before 1990.

Eight major camera manufacturers can supply user manuals for some older photo equipment, including cameras, camcorders and binoculars.

Canon USA's web site states "It is possible that operator's manuals for some discontinued models may no longer be available. All others may be purchased by calling ...Canon's Consumer Information Center at 1-800-828-4040." (See this page Canon USA) This service is available for US residents only.

Konica Minolta offers downloadable PDF instruction manuals for many SLRs, point and shoot and APS cameras, digital cameras, light meters, film scanners and photo accessories. Go here. Navigate from the home page.

Mamiya America offers PDF versions of instruction manuals for the following camera models: RZ67, RB67 Pro S, RB67 Pro SD, M645 Super, M645Pro, M645 Pro TL, M645 1000S, Mamiya 6, Mamiya 6MF, Universal camera and accessories, and the Mamiya twin lens reflex model C330. They also offer at a nominal price several original camera manuals (in some cases, only photocopies are available.) Go here.

Nikon's web site doesn't mention replacement camera manuals, however we understand some manuals can be obtained by phoning 1-800-NIKONUS.

Olympus can supply some camera manuals. Phone Olympus at 1-800-221-3000 and ask if your manual is available. You can also order manuals and brochures online and download pdf file versions of some Olympus digital camera manuals.

Pentax says "If you would like to order an instructional manual for a Pentax product, please call our Literature Department at (800) 729-1419 ext. 307. We are able to provide (via US Mail) manuals for all current, and most non-current products. There is a $2 charge for each instructional manual to cover shipping and handling. This service is available for United States residents only." (See this page on Pentax USA's web site.)

Vivitar's web site has an online form where you can request copies of Vivitar product instruction manuals. Go here. You can also phone Vivitar customer service at 805-498-7008, ext. 105.

Yashica continues to sell manuals for many models. Camera instruction books and manuals are available through the Yashica US-East Service location, ranging in price from US$4 for pamphlets to US$7 for manuals. For some models, only photocopies are available. For orders call (800) 526-0266 ext 4361, 8am-5pm EST, or you may fax your request to 732-563-0614. You may also e-mail your request to cameraparts@kyocera.com. Mailing address is Yashica Service Dept, 2301-200 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, New Jersey 08873. See this page.

Live Outside the US?
Those living outside the US should see if the manufacturer maintains a web site specific to your country, and whether they can supply a camera instruction manual. If you have a friend in the US, they can check with the manufacturer and possibly obtain the manual for you.

For people in the UK and Europe, Old Timer Cameras Ltd. in England sells copies of camera manuals and camera repair manuals.

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Revised December 25, 2005