INSTRUCTIONS English Edition
We are highly gratified that you have selected the Canon FT -a wise choice that promises you many delightful years of photographic experiences. Canon is recognized the world over as the foremost pioneer in the development of photographic equipment of the highest quality and performance. Whether your new FT is for the home, laboratory, or for traveling, make the most of your opportunities! Before Using ...
..--- - - -- - - - - - t-'re-Set Aperture Ring ~---------- Focusing - - - - - - -- - Rin g Flash Socket J..-- -- - - - - - - - Mirror Lock Lever ~--------A-IM Ring . . - - - - - - - - - - - -Bayonet Mount Ring ;--- - - - -- - - -- Film Rewind Crank Circuit Switch Lock ~---- Meter -'I,,----E-- -I-- -Film Advance Lever '---=,""",===-L...- --ASA Film Speed Scale - ",.-c..
Technical Data Type : 35mm single· lens reflex camera . Viewfinder : Eye·level using pentagonal prism . Waist·Level Viewer 2 can be attached. Focusing Screen : Highly efficient in resolving power, using Fresnel lens and microprism screen rangefinder. Mirror : Shockless quick return system . Mirror can be fixed upwards. Standard Lens : Canon Lens FL 50mm F 1 .8 , FL 50mm F 1.4, FL 55mm F 1.2. With FL (breech· lock bayonet) mount. Aperture : Automatic pre·set aperture mecha · nism built·in .
Contents Mercury Battery Loading and Checking ... .... .... ........ ....... .... ...... 8 Film Winding ........... ................. ... ..... .... ....................... ............ 10 Shutter and Aperture Adjustment .... ........... ....... .... .... ... ....... .. 12 Using Built·ln Exposure Meter ............ .... .. ...... ... ..... ..... ... ........ 16 Exposure Settings ..... .. .... .... ... .. .... ... ........... ...... ..... .. .... ..... .... .. 18 Coupling Range of Built·ln Exposure Meter ..
1 5 Load the film simply with the QL mechanism . Look through the viewfinder. 2 6 Set the ASA film speed. Focus and compose the picture.
3 7 Wind the film advance lever. Determine the exposure with built·in meter. 4 8 Remove the lens cap . Press the shutter release button gently .
e Central Contact Mercury Battery Loading and Checking The built-in exposure meter of the Canon FT functions only when the mercury battery is properly loaded. Press thumb against the battery compartment cover and turn to the left to remove. Face the central contact of the mercury battery inwards and insert. Replace the cover by turning it to the right. 1 2 3 • Before inserting, wipe all battery poles clean of fingerprints or stains with a dry cloth.
Sufficient Power Meter Needle _O.______t.. ____ _ t Insufficient Power (Must be replaced) Battery Check Check the mercury battery after loading it. Especially when loading a new battery, be sure to check the voltage . Set the film speed scale at ASA lOO/ DIN 21 and the shutter speed d ial at " X ". For the film speed setting, lift up the outer ring of the shutter speed dial and turn . See page 16. • An accurate check cannot be made if set· tings other than those mentioned above are used.
Film Winding The film advance lever winds the film , cocks the shutter, and prepares the aperture and mirror for the next shutter release all in one motion . Turn the film advance lever until it stops. The film will be advanced one frame and the shutter cocked. The frame counter is simultaneously advanced to the next number. When the shutter release button is pressed , the mirror flips up, the diaphragm simul · taneously closes down to the pre-set f/stop and the shutter operates.
Frame Counter Attaching the Cable Release Each winding will advance the number of the frame counter, indicating the number of pic· tures taken . When the back cover is opened, the indicator automatically returns to starting position "S". Separately available Canon Release can be attached to the FT by screwing it into the threaded hole in the center of the shutter release button. Even if the safety lock lever is at "L" position , the shutter will operate by using the release.
Make reverse turn when it stops at "X ". Make reve rse tu rn when it stops at •• B ". The dial cannot be turned between" B" and" X ". Shutter and Aperture Adjustment Exposures are adjusted by the shutter and aperture . The shutter controls the exposure time and the aperture controls the amount of incoming light. The Canon FT uses the zero· adjustment coupled meter, a very simple method of obtaining proper exposures.
• Time exposure is also possible by using the lockable cable release. • The" X" index is used for synchronizing an electronic flash unit such as the Canon Speedlite. Although the shutter speed at "X" is 1/ 60 sec., it is equivalent to a very short ex posure time during the flash of the flash unit . Aperture Incoming light and depth-of-field are adjusted by turning the pre -set aperture ring to the desired f / stop.
Index Index Pre-Set Aperture Ring Pre-Set Aperture Ring Manual Aperture Ring --:;r-- -A'M Ring Pre-Setting Aperture and Checking Depth-of-Field Lens with A·M Ring Pre-Setting of Aperture: Set the A-M ring at " A" _ Then set the desired f/stop on the pre-set aperture ring to the index_ The diaphragm will close down to the pre-set f/ stop only for the instant that the shutter is released_ Manually Operated Aperture: When the A-M ring is set at "M" the diaphragm closes down to any desired f/ stop by turnin
Relationship Between the Shutter. Diaphragm. and Mirror o Press the shutter release button. Mirror begins to snap up. o The s hutter clicks. The diaphragm closes down to pre-set f / stop_ Mirror is up. o The diaphragm returns to maximum opening. Mirror returns to the former position.
,....---l-- .....l.lL- - ASA Film Speed Indicator Window --'----;;::=~ DIN Film Speed Indicator Window 'l'iiiiI'' - - - - Lift up the outer sensitivity set-ring and turn. Using Built-In Exposure Meter The semi-spot meter reading system of the Canon FT enables accurate measurement of the main subject even in counter-light conditions. The rectangular frame in the viewfinder represents the light measurement area of the CdS photocell.
Meter Circuit Switch The exposure meter is actuated by pressing the meter circuit switch towards the lens. The meter circuit switch can be fixed for con· tinuous light measurement by pressing it towards the lens after setting the meter circuit switch lock at "L" position. If the lock is returned to its original position (white dot) the meter circuit switch will return to its original position. • Be sure to release the meter circu it switch lock after the continuous light measurement.
Exposure Settings The built·in exposure meter, which is of the zero·adjustment type, is coupled to the shutter speed dial and pre·set aperture ring . The exact exposure is easily determined according to the brightness of the subject to be photogra phed . There are two ways of determining the exposure -either by first selecting the shutter speed or by first selecting the f/ stop of the aperture. 18 Shutter Speed Priority Method Set the shutter speed dial at the desired speed .
fj Stop Priority Method 1 2 Set the pre -set aperture ring at the desired f/ stop_ Face the camera towards the subject, look into the viewfinder, and press the meter circuit switch_ While pressing or locking the switch, turn the shutter speed dial.
Coupling Range of Built-In Exposure Meter The built·in exposure meter couples to the following range of f/ stops and shutter speeds with respective film speeds . When using the Canon Lens FL 50mm F 1.4 and ASA 100 Film Speed I film, for examp le, the exposure meter couples ful ly within the range of f/ 1.4 at 1/4 sec. (EV 3) and f/ 16 at 1/ 1000 sec . (EV18) .
Focusi Ring Focusing The center of the viewfinder (circular section) is a microprism screen rangefinder made up of microscopic prisms for fast and precise focus· ing. While looking through the viewfinder, rotate the focusing ring. It is in focus when the image in the rangefinder becomes sharp and clear . • An optical curve may sometimes be visible in the lower part of the viewfinder according to the angle of the incoming light.
co • Eyesight adjustment lenses are available as optional attachment. When an eyesight adjust· ment lens is attached to the eyepiece, those who are far-sighted or near-sighted can take pictures without glasses. Four different diopters of + 1.5, 0 , - 2 .5 and -4 are available. 22 Composition and Viewfinder The exact picture image to be photographed can be seen on the focusing screen of the viewfinder without any parallax.
Holding the Camera Hold the camera firmly in order to take a clear picture. Hold the camera either in a vertical or horizontal position , look through the view· finder, and focus. Then press the shutter release button gently. The following steps are important. Hold the camera snugly in both hands. The camera should be pressed firmly to your cheek or forehead .
' - - - - - - - QL Cover ' - - - - - - - Sprocket Window " - - - - - QL Shaft " - - - - - - - - Film Set Mark " - - - - - -__ Sprocket ......
Film Loading The Canon FT accepts any standard 35mm film roll in cartridge for daylight loading. When loading a new film, always avoid direct sun· light. Raise the back cover lock and make a half turn counter-clockwise_ The cover will rise slightly. Open the cover fully. When the back cover is opened, the QL cover opens simultaneously . • The QL cover automatically opens and closes with the back cover. Do not touch the QL cover. 1 2 3 Raise the film rewind crank and pull it all the way up.
5 Bring down the QL cover to hold the film in place by closing the back cover. Look through the sprocket window to see if the film is correctly engaged on the sprocket. Press down on the back cover to prevent it from rising, and turn the back cover lock clockwise. • If the film is sagging, the cartridge will rise and the back cover will not close. Leave the lens cap on and make three blank shots, each time turning the film advance lever. The frame counter will advance from the" S" mark to .. 0".
Setting the Film Speed Checking Correct Film Loading When loading the film, be sure to set the film speed scale at the proper position . Refer to page 16 for setting the film speed . • When repacking a long·wound film for dark· room loading into an ordinary cartridge , be sure to trim the tip of the leader between perforations. The film is properly loaded and advanced if the film rewind crank rotates when you wind the film advance lever. If the rewind crank does not rotate.
Film Rewinding When the film reaches the end and the film advance lever stops, rewind the film into the cartridge as soon as possible. Be sure not to open the back cover before rewinding. Other' wise, the entire roll will be exposed and ruined as the exposed film is naked within the camera. Press in the rewinding button . 1 2 Raise the film rewind crank, turn it in the direction of the arrow, and rewind the film into the cartridge.
Using Self-Timer 1 2 Wind the film advance lever. Turn the self·timer lever in the direction of the arrow (counter·clockwise) until it stops. Depress the shutter release button . The shutter will be actuated approximately 10 seconds later. 3 • Be sure to wind the film advance lever. Otherwise, the self·timer will act but the shutter will not be actuated . • The self·timer lever can be used as a meter circuit switch as soon as it returns to its original position.
In sert the flash unit into the accessory shoe. Synchronizing Flash Unit By connecting the cord of the flash bulb unit or the electronic flash unit to the FT's flash socket, synchronization becomes possible with the following shutter speeds . • A lens hood should be attached when taking pictures with a flash unit.
Uses of lenses Coi ncide t he red dot and guide pin. Changing Lenses 1 Be sure to unlock the meter circuit switch lock. If the meter circuit switch is pressed or is locked, the red dot appears inside the camera mount. The pre·set aperture pin , at the back end of the lens, cannot be connected to the coupling part on the camera body and the pre ·set aperture will not function.
~".....,_=".."...- Dist a n c e Scale Indi ca t o r (centr al oran ge line) n f rar ed Ind ex " R" - - - - - - - - - -- - - / Distance Scale Infrared Index .. R" The distance scale indicates the distance be· tween the focused subject and the film plane . The scale is necessary for checking the depth · of·field, for flash and infrared photographies. • The correct position of the scale is in the center of each value .
• The position of " R " on the FT is based on using film with the highest wave-length sensitivity figure of 800m p, such as Kodak IR 135 film and Wratten 87 filter. Film Plane Indicator In case the focusing is done by actual measure · ment, measure the distance from the film plane indicator and interpret the measured distance on to the distance scale .
Depth-of-Field Scale The depth·of·field scale indicates the range of subjects which will be in focus sharply on the film. This range will vary with the following factors : The depth·of·field will be deeper the smaller the aperture opening, the further the distance of the subject, and/or the shorter the lens focal length. The depth·of·field will be shallower the larger the aperture opening, the nearer the distance of the subject, and/ or the longer the lens focal length . 34 t / 8 50mm Depth·ot·field 2.
o f / 16 50mm Depth -of-field 1.9m-7.6m 16'-25' ) Focu sed at 3m 110') If the aperture is closed down to f/ 16, the picture will become sharp between 1 .9m (6') to 7 _6m (25' ) from the camera . This range will vary with the f/ stop selected . • Canon FL lenses let you see the actual sharp· ness through the viewfinder by turning the manual aperture ring or the A-M ring . • Although air bubbles may sometimes be seen in a lens, they do not affect the resolution power or the sharpness of the picture .
Fixing Mirror Upwards In case the Canon Lens FL 19mm F 3.5 is used, the mirror should be fixed upwards . For mount· ing the lens, turn the mirror lock lever in the direction of the arrow. The mirror is thus fixed to a position under the focusing screen . The lens is then attached and used with the mirror in the fixed-up position. • Attach the lens quickly in the shade. The film will sometimes become foggy if the lens is left unattached.
, Double Exposures Although Canon FT is designed to prevent double exposures being made by mistake, a double exposure can be made by the following steps : When the first exposure has been made, press in the rew inding button. Rewind the film with the rewinding crank by watching the mark on the rewinding button carefully . Stop rewinding when the mark has made a 3/ 4 turn , i.e ., 2 70 ' . 1 2 3 4 Next, wind the film advance lever while lightly holding the rewinding crank.
Various types of 48mm (for FL 50mm F 1.8) and 58mm (for FL 50mm F 3 .5, F 1.4, 55mm F 1.2) screw·in type filters are available for special effects in both color and black and white photography. The TTL exposure meas· urement system of the Canon FT does not require exposure factor compensation. Filters UV for color and black and white Y1 Y3 01 R1 G1 ND4 NDB ) for color and black and white Sky li ght CCA4 CCAB CCA (12 equiv.) CCA4 CCAB CCA (12 equiv.) 38 ) for color • Absorbs only ultra·violet rays.
Proper Care of the Camera Moisture and dust are harmful to your camera . It should be taken out into the fresh air from time to time . If your camera is to be stored for a long time , it should be removed from its case , and si lica gel or another drying agent should be placed alongside it . When you use your camera on a rainy day , or at the beach , moisture and salt air adhere to it, which can result in stains, rust , and corro· sion . Use a soft brush to get rid of dust and a soft dry cloth for wiping.
Canon Zoom Lens FL 85-300mm F 5 Interchangeable Lenses and Accessories A wide range of interchangeable lenses from 19mm to lOOOmm and various accessories are available to further enhance your Canon FT. Canon Zoom Lenses Canon zoom lenses offer top performance with automatic pre·set apertures. Canon Interchangeable Lenses FL 19mm FL 28mm FL 35mm FL 35mm FL 50mm FL 50mm FL 50mm FL 55mm FL 85mm FLlOOmm 40 F 3.5R F 3.5 F 2 .5 F 3 .5* F 3.5 F 1.8 F 1.4 F 1.2 F 1.8 F 3.
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Viewfinder Eyepiece - -- - - - - - - -- ___...
Canon Booster A separately available Canon Booster is an auxiliary meter that is attached to the FT and PELLIX QL for measuring the subjects under dim lighting conditions. Technical Data Light Measuring Range : Using ASA 100 film; EV 2.5 1/4 sec. - EV - 3 .5 15 sec. at f/ 1.2. Measuring Method : Zero·method direct read· ing type. Photocell : Utilizes CdS photocell of the camera. Exposure Time Dial : In the case of FT ; 30, 15, 8,4, 2, 1, 1/ 2, 1/4, 1/ 8, 1/ 15, 1/ 30 , 1/ 60 sec.
CANON INC. 9-9, Ginza 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan CANON U.S.A., INC. 64-10 Queens Blvd., Woodside, N.Y_ 11 377 , U.S.A_ CANON AMSTERDAM N.V. Gebouw 70, Schiphol Oost, Holland CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC. Apartado 7022, Panama 5, Panama PUB . NO.
