1964 - 1969

After the Canonflex R-series, the Canon FX was the first in a new series having an aperture linkage on a new lens mount (FL).

The model designation's "flex" (for single-lens reflex) suffix was replaced with an "F."

The new aperture linkage was designed to reduce the film advance torque and to integrate TTL light metering. After the shutter was released, the lens reverted to the maximum aperture regardless of the film advance state.

The built-in CdS exposure meter indicated the proper aperture for the selected shutter speed. A lever switched between the high (EV9 to 18) and low (EV1 to 10) metering sensitivity ranges.

*Also had black versions.

This was an FX without the built-in exposure meter. For pro users who did not want or need the exposure meter. An external CdS exposure meter having the same specs as the FX's built-in meter was offered as an option.

*Also had black versions.

Canon's first 35mm SLR camera with TTL metering. A super-thin, semi-transparent film only 20/1000 mm thick was used as a fixed mirror. Since there was no mirror blackout, the user could see the image at the moment of exposure.

A stopped-down, TTL exposure meter used 12% spot metering at the viewfinder center. It was hailed for its accuracy and reliability.

The fixed pellicle mirror reduced the amount of light reaching the film by one-third. Therefore an f/1.2 lens was like an f/1.4 lens and an f/1.4 acted like f/1.7. However since the image could be viewed through the viewfinder even during long exposures, it was a popular camera.

*Also had black versions.

Introduced a year after the Pellix, the FT QL had a normal quick-return reflex mirror and stop-down TTL metering. The finder's condenser lens was cut at a 45-degree angle. Twelve percent of the image area surface was semi-silvered with vapor deposition. The incident light reflected by this semi-transparent mirror was directed to the metering element. The viewfinder had match-needle exposure metering. The distance to the metering element was the same as the distance to the focal plane. Therefore the camera had the same focal plane metering characteristics as the Pellix.

The Canon Booster for low-light metering down to EV 3.5 (23 sec. at f/1.4) was available as an optional accessory attachable to the accessory shoe.

An improved Pellix marketed at the same time as the FT QL. Film loading was easier, the Canon Booster for low-light metering could be attached, and the stop-down lever had a locking mechanism.

The newly designed FL 50mm f/1.4 II lens was highly rated for its high resolving power, excellent contrast, and color balance. This lens served as the standard for the later line of FD lenses.

*Also had black versions.

A simplified and cheaper version of the FT QL, this camera was for the overseas mass market. The maximum shutter speed was only 1/500 sec. The camera was without a self-timer and QL feature, but it retained stop-down TTL metering. Although most TL cameras did not have QL, some cameras did as shown in the photo.

*Might have black versions but this needs to be verified.