| Shutter | Vertical-travel, focal-plane electronic shutter. With multi-program AE: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. With shutter speed-priority AE or preset aperture AE: 2 sec. to 1/1000 sec. For manual: B. X-sync at 1/90 sec. (hot shoe). Built-in electronic self-timer (with beeper). |
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level pentaprism. Laser Matte with microprism/new split combination rangefinder. |
| - Magnification | 0.85x |
| - Coverage | 92% |
| Power | Two 1.5 V size-AA batteries |
| Size | 151 x 89 x 48 mm |
| Weight | 580 gr with batteries |
I own and use the T70, T80, and T90 cameras. The T70 is nice but I am not as enthralled with it as other reviewers appear to be. I do not like the top of the camera layout, but hey that's me. Its features are compatible with the AE-1P in my opinion, but with the addition of a built-in motor drive, which might make it more attractive to some users. Personally, I like manually advancing the film in my A and F series cameras. Basically, you choose shooting modes which best represent the scene in front of you. My concern with all of the T series cameras is that the more electronics there are in the camera the more likely the failure over time. Given a choice of buying the AE-1P or A-1, those A series cameras would be my choice, especially as both were still be made when the T70 was available. I today's market, however, the T70 is less expensive if you are just starting out. Other reviewers give all the technical specs below so I will not rehash those. Nice camera but does not make my heart beat faster like the T90 and New F-1.
Just the right amount of tech for an old-schooler... You can leave it in one of three program modes which give pretty good & consistent results, or have it totally manual (as long as you click the aperture ring away from 'a'). The simple LCD screen allows easy selection of shutter speeds & modes, and the camera itself is very straightforward. Film loading etc a breeze.
An inexperienced photographer can use one of these and get some pretty good shots, and someone who knows their way about can 'free it up' and use it in manual - which I think is really good for the era. It also handles really nicely, is pretty light but doesnt feel fragile.
The new computer age into SLR camera design
In 1984, a revolutionary new Canon camera was launched, changing the way we look at camera and photography. This camera is the Canon T70 model. A sleek profile, superb balance and handling. Power-saving design. Reliability-enhancing features. System accessories including multipurpose Command Back 70 and programmed Speedlite 277T.
Programmed Versatility The T70 is programmed for every conceivable photographic situation. A great improvement over the earlier versions used in the multimode Canon A-1 or the simpler AE-1 Program, as it has more options to fine tune exposures.
Data input into the T70's microprocessor brain give not one but three daylight programmed exposure modes. These select the most appropriate aperture/shutter speed combination for the lighting and the lens in use: wide-angle, standard or telephoto. Flash photography is also fully programmed. For fast-paced action, there's Shutter-Priority AE and when the situation demands, Manual override.
The second T-series camera.
The camera kit included an FD 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens or an FD 28-55mm f/3.5-4.5.
The large LCD panel and key-touch buttons had a major impact on 35mm SLR cameras that followed. The T70 features shutter speed-priority TTL AE, TTL multi-program AE, and preset aperture AE. The dual metering system gives a choice of center-weighted averaging metering and partial metering at the center. In 1984, the camera won the Good Design Award (from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and once again, the European Camera of the Year Award.
Type
35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera with built-in winder and multi-mode AE
Normal Lens
FD 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5
Lens Mount FD mount
Shutter
Vertical-travel, focal-plane electronic shutter. With multi-program AE: 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. With shutter speed-priority AE or preset aperture AE: 2 sec. to 1/1000 sec. For manual: B. X-sync at 1/90 sec. (hot shoe). Built-in electronic self-timer (with beeper).
Viewfinder
Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.85x magnification and 92% coverage. Laser Matte with microprism/new split combination rangefinder.
Viewfinder
Information Four LEDs and 7-segment LED for double-digit readout. Correct exposure, camera-shake warning, flash ready, aperture, shutter speed, safety shift, and manual.
Metering &
Exposure Control
Composite SPC for TTL full-aperture metering with multi-program AE, shutter speed-priority AE, program flash AE, manual, and TTL preset aperture AE. Centerweighted averaging or partial metering at center. AE lock provided. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV 1 - 19. Film speed range from ISO 12 to 1600.
External LCD Film speed (ISO), shutter speed, picture-taking mode, program mode, frame counter, battery check, film-loaded indicator.
Power Source
Two 1.5 V size-AA batteries
Film Loading &
Advance
After aligning film leader at mark, close camera back for auto loading. Auto film advance with built-in motor. Continuous shooting at 0.7 fps.
Film Rewind Power rewind with built-in motor.
Dimensions &
Weight
151 x 89 x 48 mm, 580 g (with batteries)
Love this Camera.
Task one: buy the T70, task two: get two AA batteries, task three: insert film, and of you go.... thats it, its that easy...
After I first bought mine it was a bit picky on the first role of film I tried to put in.. It didn't forward it correctly, which can not be checked as with the Canon T90.
I downloaded the manual, and found out that with the program feature this camera gives you more time to think about the composition and the subject. Its easy to handle and the functions and buttons are more or less logical. It made me feel like with my first Ipod. Its self explanatory, and intuitive using is no problem at all.
Okay, its a bit noisy. So sneak pictures on the beach or in Church, might be a problem. I didn't find it a problem during normal use however...
the Partial AE (select area metering) is something I used a lot, and makes great photography even better! a great clear viewfinder with al the important information (Shutter, P or M, Flash) on the right side. I teamed it up with a Command back, and then noght photograpfy with bulb is even more funn.
I use a T90 now, and yes it has more possibilities and is a better camera.
But the Canon T70 is my back-up camera, and its still a joy to use. because of its simpleness, its harder to do something wrong, and for people that want to get back in to analog SLR photography which is a trend at the moment, i would say its a great camera to start with. You have access to all these great FD lenses, and a self-explanatory camera which will help you at doing the important task of "making the right photo" without being distracted.
for the prices you pay for the Canon T70 on the internet at the moment you can't do anything wrong. check the battery lid, One of mine needed some gluing, because the sidewall where the lid clicks in is a bit thin, and it broke of. The lens mount might get loose at the T series after haevy use of big zoom and Tele lenses. but this is no problem, because after removing the front part of the camera, its easy to tighten the screws yourself.
I would take on any micro four third or consumer digital SLR with this simple but functional camera anytime ;o)
This was my first Canon FD camera - my first SLR of any kind. My father bought it for me new after I worked a summer in his research lab. I still have it in my camera bag and it has never missed a beat. I've taken it on loads and loads of hikes and trips all over the place. It's since been superseded by the F-1 that I now own, but I'd never sell it.
The camera itself is very well-designed and surprisingly well built. It's a really tough little number and has so far (25 years this year) never let me down in any circumstances. It runs on AA batteries (which you can buy in any corner of the surface of the earth where there are human beings) and the batteries last for ever anyway. The focusing screen is very clear and bright, and the display and controls are extremely easy to use and self-explanatory.
OK so it's a bit of a plain Jane - but when you're standing on the top of Machu Pichu that's kind of who you want to make sure that those shots of the view come back with you.
I do find the winder rather noisy and these days it seems alarmingly slow - something like 1 frame every second or so - no idea what the actual speed is, but I bet I could click and wind faster on my F-1 than the motor does on this one. Still. That's not important for everyone or for every situation. But if you are thinking this will be the perfect camera to take illegal photographs in a museum or to go unnoticed photographing women in Burkhas in Egypt, think again. This one may get you stoned to death for that because everyone will hear it.
A great tool for the right setting.