Awesome Cameras

Canon T70 Camera Manual

Brief History

Released in 1984, the Canon T70 was a key part of Canon’s shift toward more automated cameras. It followed the success of the Canon AE-1 (1976) and Canon A-1 (1978), both of which introduced microprocessor-controlled auto exposure while maintaining a traditional, dial-based interface. The T70 pushed automation further, replacing mechanical dials with push-button controls and an LCD display—a major step toward the fully electronic SLRs that dominated the late 1980s.

Canon designed the T70 for advanced amateurs who wanted greater ease of use without sacrificing creative control. Unlike the AE-1 and A-1, which required manual film advance, the T70 featured a motorized film transport for faster and more efficient shooting. It also improved on the AE-1’s shutter-priority auto exposure with a more advanced Program AE system, allowing the camera to automatically adjust both shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.

While the AE-1 and A-1 remain more iconic due to their historical significance and enduring popularity, the T70 was a technological leap forward, laying the groundwork for Canon’s eventual transition to the autofocus EOS system in 1987. Though not as widely celebrated, it remains an important model in Canon’s evolution, blending classic FD lenses with a more modern shooting experience.

Key Features & Synopsis

  • Lens Mount: Canon FD mount, compatible with a wide range of manual-focus FD lenses. Shutter: Electronically controlled horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter, speeds from 2 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B) mode.
  • Viewfinder: Fixed pentaprism with LED exposure readouts.
  • Film Advance: Motorized film advance (up to 1.2 fps)—a major convenience upgrade.
  • Light Metering: TTL (Through-The-Lens) center-weighted metering for accurate exposures.
  • Exposure Modes:
    • Full Program AE for automatic exposure control.
    • Shutter-Priority AE for motion control.
    • Manual Mode for full creative flexibility.
  • Build: A mix of plastic and metal, giving it a lightweight but durable design.
  • Power: Two AA batteries, making it easy to keep running without specialty battery packs.

Why It’s Still Popular Today

  • Easier to Use Than the Canon AE-1: Push-button controls and an LCD screen make it more user-friendly.
  • Built-in Film Advance: Eliminates the need for manual winding, speeding up shooting.
  • Affordable Entry to FD Lenses: Offers a budget-friendly way to use Canon’s legendary FD glass.
  • Reliable TTL Metering: Delivers consistent, accurate exposures.
  • Common Battery Type: Runs on AA batteries, avoiding the hassle of hard-to-find power sources.

Potential Downsides

  • No Aperture Priority Mode: Unlike the A-1, it doesn’t allow aperture-priority auto exposure.
  • Electronics-Dependent: If internal components fail, repairs can be difficult.
  • Plastic Body: Though well-built, it lacks the all-metal ruggedness of earlier models.

Final Thoughts

The Canon T70 modernized the FD-mount SLR, introducing push-button controls and motorized film advance while keeping a manual-focus lens system. Though it doesn’t have the same cult following as the AE-1 or A-1, it’s a practical and capable film camera, offering a smoother, more automated shooting experience for those who still appreciate classic 35mm photography.