The Canon FT QL was introduced by Canon in March 1966. Canon offered this model to combat the growing popularity of the Pentax Spotmatic as well as the Topcon RE Super (the first Japanese SLR to offer TTL metering). The FT had a Canon FL lens mount compatible with a large range of FL series lenses. The built in light meter measured the light through the lens (TTL) with a “match needle” system. It worked well but required stopping the lens down to take the light reading. The TTL metering is semi-spot in nature and works through a prism incorporated in the viewfinder condenser/screen assembly.
The cloth focal plane shutter has speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 and B. The electronic flash sync. speed is 1/60. A delayed action timer gives 8 – 10 seconds delay, using the same front body lever that actuates the stop-down metering. The mirror can be locked up for vibration reduction or for use with special FL lenses which project deeply into the body and would foul the mirror.
The FT was the flagship model of the entire FL lens mount family and is packed with features. Perhaps the most noticeable fixture on the front apart from the lens is the beautiful multipurpose lever located under the “FT” badge. When pushed towards the lens, the lever functions as a depth of field preview button which can then be locked into place by sliding the switch at its base to the “L” position. When pushed in the other direction, the lever becomes a self-timer. On the other side of the lens mount is a mirror lock-up switch and a flash sync socket underneath.
The QL designation was a reference to Canon’s ingenious and successful “quick load” system. A stainless steel sprung hinged device inside the rear door makes film loading simpler than competing cameras of the era.
The FT QL was an important step for Canon that led the company down a path of increasingly popular cameras. It was solid, well built, reliable and it exhibited the classic form of the SLR for the 1970’s and 80’s. FT QL production ended in 1972 after the FTb was introduced.
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