CANON PELLIX

Name: Canon Pellix
Brand: Canon

The Canon Pellix is a pioneering 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1965, notable for its fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror that eliminated mirror blackout during exposure. Designed as a technologically advanced alternative to conventional SLRs, it offered continuous viewing and reduced vibration, targeting professional photographers and advanced amateurs seeking precision and innovation.

Overview

Launched in May 1965, the Canon Pellix represented a bold engineering departure in SLR design. At a time when most 35mm SLRs used a moving mirror that flipped up during exposure—causing viewfinder blackout and mechanical vibration—Canon introduced a stationary, semi-transparent mirror made of 0.02mm thick acetate film coated with aluminum. This pellicle mirror (designated "Pellicle Reflex" by Canon) allowed approximately 70% of incoming light to reach the film while reflecting 30% to the viewfinder, enabling uninterrupted viewing during exposure. This innovation was particularly advantageous for action and telephoto photography, where maintaining visual contact with the subject was critical.

The Pellix was positioned as a high-end model within Canon’s FL-mount SLR lineup, sitting above the Canonflex series but below the later F-1 in terms of system expandability. It featured through-the-lens (TTL) silicon photodiode (SPD) center-weighted metering, a rarity at the time, and was one of the first Canon SLRs to offer aperture-priority autoexposure. Despite its advanced features, the Pellix was not a commercial success due to its high cost, limited lens compatibility with stop-down metering, and the inherent light loss from the pellicle mirror. Production ceased in 1969 after approximately 27,000 units were manufactured, making it a rare and historically significant model.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24 x 36 mm image size
Years Produced	1965–1969
Lens Mount	Canon FL mount (compatible with R, FL, and early FD lenses with stop-down metering)
Shutter	Horizontal-travel, focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/2000 sec, plus B
Metering	TTL center-weighted silicon photodiode (SPD) metering via quick-return fixed pellicle mirror
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority autoexposure, manual exposure (with stop-down metering)
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism eye-level finder with split-image rangefinder spot and microprism collar; 92% coverage, 0.90x magnification (with 50mm f/1.8 lens at infinity)
Dimensions	140 mm (W) × 90 mm (H) × 54 mm (D); weight: approx. 670 g (body only, with battery)

Key Features

Fixed Pellicle Mirror: Eliminates mirror blackout and reduces vibration by using a stationary semi-transparent mirror, allowing continuous viewing during exposure.
TTL Aperture-Priority AE: One of the first SLRs to offer through-the-lens aperture-priority autoexposure, using a silicon photodiode sensor for accurate metering.
High-Speed Shutter: Capable of 1/2000 sec—the fastest among Canon SLRs at the time—enabling sharp images in bright conditions with wide apertures.
Compact Design: Despite its advanced optics and metering, the Pellix featured a relatively compact and lightweight body compared to contemporaries like the Nikon F.
Stop-Down Metering Compatibility: Works with FL and R-series lenses via stop-down metering, though full AE functionality requires FL lenses with automatic diaphragm coupling.

Historical Context

The Canon Pellix was introduced during a period of rapid innovation in SLR technology, as Japanese manufacturers competed to surpass German engineering dominance. Canon had previously released the Canonflex series, but these were large, heavy, and lagged behind Nikon and Pentax in market adoption. The Pellix was a strategic attempt to leapfrog competitors with a unique technological solution. The pellicle mirror concept was not entirely new—used earlier in the Asahi Pentax 1000 and some motion picture cameras—but Canon was the first to implement it successfully in a production still camera with TTL metering.

Competitors at the time included the Nikon F (1959), which dominated professional markets with its rugged build and extensive system accessories, and the Pentax Spotmatic (1964), which popularized TTL metering. While the Pellix offered superior technical innovation, it suffered from practical drawbacks: the pellicle mirror absorbed about 1 stop of light, reducing effective lens speed, and could not be cleaned or replaced by users. Additionally, the camera required a mercury PX625 battery (1.35V), now obsolete, which affects meter accuracy with modern substitutes. These factors, combined with its high price (nearly twice that of the Spotmatic), limited its appeal.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Canon Pellix is a sought-after collector’s item due to its rarity, historical significance, and unique engineering. With only around 27,000 units produced, original examples in good working condition command premium prices, typically ranging from $800 to $1,500 USD depending on lens inclusion, cosmetic condition, and meter functionality. Fully functional meters are rare, as the original mercury battery is no longer available, and modern 1.5V replacements can cause overexposure unless compensated with resistors or voltage regulators.

When purchasing a Pellix, collectors should inspect for pellicle mirror integrity—any clouding, delamination, or dust is irreversible and significantly devalues the camera. The shutter should be tested across all speeds, particularly 1/2000 sec, as lubricant degradation can cause timing inaccuracies. The film advance and aperture-priority mechanism must also be verified, as the complex linkage between lens and body is prone to wear. Despite these challenges, well-maintained examples are prized for their role in Canon’s evolution and their status as a technological milestone.

Similar Cameras

Pentax Electro Spotmatic (1975) – Offered TTL aperture-priority AE with a conventional moving mirror; more reliable and widely adopted.
Nikon F with Motor Drive (1971) – Used a pellicle mirror in the special F2H high-speed variant for sports and photojournalism.
Canon EOS-1N RS (1994) – A later pellicle-mirror SLR using a fixed mirror for 10 fps continuous shooting, aimed at sports photographers.
Minolta SR-T 101 (1966) – Competitor with TTL metering and robust build, but conventional mirror design.
Topcon RE Super (1963) – Early adopter of TTL metering with a fixed pentaprism and high-quality optics.

Repair & Maintenance

The Canon Pellix requires a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery for accurate meter operation; modern alkaline or silver-oxide replacements (1.5V) will cause overexposure unless a step-down circuit or adapter with a Zener diode is used. The fixed pellicle mirror is fragile and cannot be cleaned or replaced without factory-level tools—any internal contamination is typically permanent. Shutter maintenance is complex due to the precision mechanism and should be performed by technicians experienced with vintage Canon SLRs. Common issues include stiff film advance, inaccurate high-speed shutter timing, and degraded light seals leading to light leaks. Regular servicing every 5–10 years is recommended for active use, and storage in a dry, temperature-controlled environment is essential to preserve the pellicle and leatherette.