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FT QL was introduced in March 1966, a year after the sensational pellicle mirrored Canon Pellix. However, differed from the Pellix models, FT QL had a normal quick-return reflex mirror and offering stop-down TTL metering. The finder's fixed (Not the focusing screen) condenser lens was angled at a 45-degree angle (somehow it leads to the New F-1 which also use similar method as the basis for their metering system with the condenser lens system). |
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Approx. 12% 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. Inside the viewfinder, it has a match-needle exposure metering method. |
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 -
EV3.5 (23 sec. at f/1.4) was available as an optional accessory
attachable to the accessory shoe. Available in Black or chrome version.
Canon Booster Accessory In extremely dim light it is normally impossible for
the CdS exposure meter to register the intensity of the incoming light. By attaching
the CANON BOOSTER this light is amplified electrically. Now a light reading can be
taken under conditions hitherto impossible. Experiments have shown that a picture
taken at night under very poor lighting conditions can now be as sharp and clear
as a similar picture taken in daylight.
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Acceptable film speed has been increased to a range of between ASA 25 and an incredible ASA 12,800 by the use of the CANON BOOSTER. The light-measuring range of the newly developed CANON FT QL has been extended from a low of EV —3.5, f/1.2 15 seconds to EV 18 with ASA 100 film. This is the first time a TTL camera has been capable of such astonishing performance. The BOOSTER can be attached in a matter of seconds. |
With the addition of the CANON BOOSTER the CANON FT QL becomes a camera of unlimited possibilities where now accurate dim-light metering without artificial light source photography becomes a reality. This accessory, when fitted to the top of the camera, amplifies incoming light and enables the photographer to take an exposure reading which would otherwise have been impossible in poor lighting conditions.
CANON FT QL and the addition of the interesting CANON BOOSTER will open new horizons for exciting photography. The Pellix could be the first Canon SLR that employed with a modern concept TTL metering system. The FT QL's TTL (Through-The-Lens) exposure method is ideal for the beginner or advanced amateur photographer for simplified and more confident in handling exposure measurement. TTL system is based on the principle of the camera operator receiving "direct" information on exposure and focusing. Instead of relying on an indirect picture in the viewfinder you are able to see the actual image. Light from the subject enters the taking lens and is reflected by a quick-return mirror directly to the viewfinder. Some of this light is deflected by a half mirror in the condenser lens to CdS exposure meter. In this way exposure and focusing are calculated and adjusted from a direct reading. The moment the shutter release button is depressed the quick-return mirror flips upward allowing the light to pass to the film plane.
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The light from the subject being the same light used for exposure and focusing adjustments means a perfect picture. In fact, the New Canon F-1's (1981) metering system works very similar (Of cause more sophisticated when combined with the dedicated focusing screens). It was also adopting split beam of light from the focusing screen (Not the condenser lens) to the metering cell. |
Similar to the Pellix's metering method, partial metering (approx. 12% - while that time they referred it as "spot metering". The Spot Selection System is far superior to meters employing the averaging method in competitive SLR cameras. One-ninth of the total picture area is an exposure sensing area. More precise exposure readings can be calculated by concentrating a similar sensing area in the viewfinder on the objects you wish to emphasize most. The reading will be more accurate because the CdS exposure meter has been scientifically positioned so that it "sees" the original light from the subject as it passes through the taking lens. Whether you use a wide angle lens or the longest focal lens the "one-ninth" portion of the exposure sensing area never changes. Exposure readings, previously a complex procedure for beginners, now become a simple matter - and more precise.
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The Spot Selection System in CANON FT QL. Central dim area indicates the 12% partial metering area. |
| Next | The QL (Quick Loading) system and system accessories
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Maintenance Team: Kaipin, Terry Carraway & Dr Strangelove; Pawel Nabe for his image on the Data Memory Back. EEwyn Foo, my nephew, who has spent quite a number of nights converting the original manual in HTML format. Mr. Richard Yeow, General Manager -Optical Division of Canon Marketing for granting special permission to reproduce this manual into HTML format in his site as a form of obligation to all Canon FD mount users worldwide. * Canon, FD, FL Lenses, are registered trade names or trademarks of Canon Inc. Japan.