CANON FTB

Name: Canon FTb
Brand: Canon

The Canon FTb is a 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1971. It was a mechanical, professional-grade update to the earlier Canon FT. It brought the new FD lens mount and open-aperture TTL (through-the-lens) metering to Canon's manual focus SLR lineup, and serious amateurs and professionals of its era liked it a lot.

Overview

Canon launched the FTb in 1971 as a fully mechanical SLR for advanced photographers who wanted precision, reliability and accurate exposure metering without electronic automation. It succeeded the Canon FT. It came during the transition between fully mechanical cameras and the first electronic automation. It was part of Canon's push to gain credibility in the professional market, competing directly with Nikon's F and F2 series.

The biggest upgrade over the FT was the Canon FD lens mount, which allowed open-aperture TTL metering. You compose and focus at the lens's maximum aperture while the camera meters at the taking aperture. That improves both viewfinder brightness and exposure accuracy. The shutter is completely mechanical, so it works without batteries, though the light meter needs a power source. The body is brass and steel, and the cloth focal-plane shutter was built for demanding field use.

The FTb was succeeded in 1973 by the FTb-N, which added a metering needle visible in the viewfinder (via a secondary window on the top plate). The original FTb stayed in production until 1973. It laid the foundation for Canon's later FD-mount SLRs, including the popular Canon F-1 and later the AE-1. It sat between basic manual cameras and the more sophisticated electronically controlled models.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Manual Focus SLR
Film Format	35mm (135 film)
Years Produced	1971–1973
Lens Mount	Canon FD (bayonet mount, with breech-lock ring)
Shutter	Vertically-traveling cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Metering	TTL full-aperture CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) metering with stop-down activation
Exposure Modes	Manual only (stop-down metering via AE lock button)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with microprism collar and split-image rangefinder spot; 0.92x magnification, 94% coverage
Dimensions	148 × 95 × 50 mm (5.8 × 3.7 × 2.0 in); Approx. 705 g (24.9 oz) body only

Key Features

Canon FD Lens Mount: Introduced with the FTb, this mount allowed full-aperture metering and later evolved into the New FD (nFD) mount. Lenses feature a breech-lock design for secure attachment.
Stop-Down TTL Metering: Utilizes a CdS cell behind the lens for accurate exposure readings. Meter activates when the AE lock button is pressed, stopping the lens down to the selected aperture.
Fully Mechanical Shutter: Operates without batteries; shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second are mechanically controlled.
Battery-Independent Operation: While the light meter requires two 1.5V D batteries (originally PX625 mercury, now replaced with Wein Cell or adapters), the shutter functions mechanically.
Robust Build Quality: Constructed with a die-cast aluminum chassis, brass top and bottom plates, and a durable cloth shutter curtain.

Historical Context

The Canon FTb came out at a pivotal moment in SLR development. By the early 1970s, Japanese manufacturers like Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, and Olympus were rapidly advancing SLR technology, with better metering systems and improved lens compatibility. Canon had previously used the R and FL mounts. The FD mount, introduced with the FTb, was optimized for TTL metering and future electronic integration.

The FTb was designed to compete with models like the Nikon F2, Pentax Spotmatic, and Minolta SRT series. It was not as modular as the Nikon F2, but it was more affordable, with excellent ergonomics and reliable metering. Photojournalists and travel photographers liked it for its durability and consistent performance in varied conditions.

Market reception was strong, especially in North America and Europe, where Canon was building brand recognition. The FTb helped build Canon's reputation for quality engineering and laid the groundwork for the flagship Canon F-1 (1971), which shared many design elements. Its success also paved the way for the later consumer-focused AE-1, which brought Canon into the electronic SLR mainstream.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Canon FTb is a sought-after vintage SLR among film photography enthusiasts and collectors. It is not as rare as the F-1, and it is considered a classic example of early 1970s mechanical SLR design. In good working condition, prices typically range from $150 to $300 USD, depending on accessories, lens condition, and cosmetic state. Fully functional units with original lenses (such as the FD 50mm f/1.8 or FD 55mm f/1.2) command higher prices.

When buying an FTb, check that the shutter runs accurately at all speeds, that the light meter responds (though aging CdS cells often fail), and that the film advance and rewind work smoothly. Common problems are stiff shutter curtains (from dried lubricants), inaccurate metering (from degraded CdS cells or dead batteries), and worn leatherette. The camera uses a mercury PX625 battery (6.25V), now obsolete. Modern equivalents like the Wein Cell MRB625 or zinc-air alternatives are recommended, or you can modify the meter circuit for modern 1.5V batteries.

The FTb is still functional and repairable, and a strong community of technicians and parts suppliers supports the FD-mount ecosystem. It is mechanically simple and works with modern FD and even adapted EF lenses (via adapters), which makes it a practical choice for film shooters.

Similar Cameras

Nikon Photomic FTn – Nikon’s professional SLR with TTL metering, competing directly with the FTb in performance and target market.
Pentax Spotmatic F – Popular 35mm SLR with open-aperture metering and M42 screw mount.
Minolta SRT-101 – Known for its robust build and advanced CLC (Contrast Light Compensation) metering system.
Olympus OM-1 – Compact, lightweight SLR with excellent optics and mechanical reliability.
Yashica TL Electro-X – Electronically controlled but similarly styled Japanese SLR with CdS metering.

Repair & Maintenance

The Canon FTb uses two 1.5V batteries (originally a single 6V PX625 mercury cell) for its CdS light meter. Modern replacements include the Wein Cell MRB625 or alkaline 625A cells (with exposure compensation). The mechanical shutter needs no battery and is generally reliable, though periodic CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) service is recommended every 5-10 years for heavy use. Common maintenance issues are sluggish shutter speeds (from dried grease), light leaks from deteriorating foam light seals, and worn shutter curtains. The AE lock button and mirror mechanism should be inspected for smooth operation. Repair difficulty is moderate. Experienced technicians familiar with vintage Canon gear can source parts and perform calibrations, though original spare parts are becoming scarce. Regular cleaning and dry storage will extend the camera's functional life significantly.