CANON PELLIX

Name: Canon Pellix
Brand: Canon

The Canon Pellix is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1965. Its fixed, semi-transparent pellicle mirror eliminated mirror blackout during exposure. Canon built it as a technologically advanced alternative to conventional SLRs, with continuous viewing and less vibration, for professionals and advanced amateurs who wanted precision.

Overview

Canon launched the Pellix in May 1965. Most 35mm SLRs at the time used a moving mirror that flipped up during exposure, which caused viewfinder blackout and mechanical vibration. Canon used a stationary, semi-transparent mirror made of 0.02mm thick acetate film coated with aluminum. Canon called it the "Pellicle Reflex". About 70% of the incoming light reached the film and 30% was reflected to the viewfinder, so the view stayed uninterrupted during exposure. That helped most with action and telephoto work, where keeping visual contact with the subject was critical.

Canon positioned the Pellix as a high-end model in its FL-mount SLR lineup. It sat above the Canonflex series but below the later F-1 in system expandability. It had 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. It still did not sell well. The cost was high, lens compatibility with stop-down metering was limited, and the pellicle mirror lost light. Production ended in 1969 after approximately 27,000 units, which makes it a rare model today.

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

Canon introduced the Pellix during a period of rapid innovation in SLR technology, when Japanese manufacturers were competing to surpass German engineering dominance. Canon had already released the Canonflex series, but those cameras were large and heavy, and they 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. It had been used earlier in the Asahi Pentax 1000 and some motion picture cameras. Canon was the first to make it work 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. The Pellix was the more innovative camera, but it had practical drawbacks. The pellicle mirror absorbed about 1 stop of light, which reduced effective lens speed, and users could not clean or replace it. The camera also needed a mercury PX625 battery (1.35V), now obsolete, and modern substitutes affect meter accuracy. Add a price nearly twice that of the Spotmatic, and the appeal was limited.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Pellix is a sought-after collector's item because of its rarity, historical significance, and unique engineering. Only around 27,000 units were produced. Original examples in good working condition typically sell for $800 to $1,500 USD, depending on lens inclusion, cosmetic condition, and meter functionality. Fully functional meters are rare. The original mercury battery is no longer available, and modern 1.5V replacements can cause overexposure unless compensated with resistors or voltage regulators.

When buying a Pellix, inspect the pellicle mirror first. Clouding, delamination or dust is irreversible and significantly devalues the camera. Test the shutter at all speeds, particularly 1/2000 sec, since lubricant degradation can cause timing inaccuracies. Verify the film advance and the aperture-priority mechanism too, because the complex linkage between lens and body is prone to wear.

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 Pellix needs a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery for accurate meter operation. Modern alkaline or silver-oxide replacements (1.5V) will cause overexposure unless you use a step-down circuit or an adapter with a Zener diode. The fixed pellicle mirror is fragile and cannot be cleaned or replaced without factory-level tools, and any internal contamination is typically permanent. Shutter maintenance is complex because of the precision mechanism, and it should be done by technicians experienced with vintage Canon SLRs. Common issues include stiff film advance, inaccurate high-speed shutter timing, and degraded light seals that leak light. Servicing every 5-10 years is recommended for active use. Storage in a dry, temperature-controlled environment is essential to preserve the pellicle and leatherette.