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Fondly dubbed the Black Beauty, the EF was Canon's first auto-exposure SLR, featuring shutter-priority auto-exposure in addition to a fully metered manual mode. It also supports Canon's CAT flash system (Canon Auto Tuning), an early attempt at flash automation, requiring the Canon 133D flash, the Flash Coupler F or L and a coupler ring that mounted to the lens, which was used to determine distance from the camera to the subject. Although the CAT system worked as designed, it was quickly obsolesced by flash thyristor technology. I first discovered the Canon EF camera after I'd already owned the original Canon F-1 for a few years. When I first saw it, I thought it was an F-1 until I looked a little closer. Well, I've always thought the original F-1 was a very handsome camera, so of course my sentiments toward the EF were the same. It's just a beautiful, elegant machine. Now, one of the reasons why I like the EF so much is because of its similarities to the original F-1, besides its good looks, that is: specifically its 4-in-1 self-timer/lens stop down/depth-of-field preview/mirror lock up assembly, all conveniently located at the self-timer location. I'm very fond of the way Canon designed this 4-in-1 tool; to me its operation is intuitive and I find it very handy having all four of those controls lie so easily to hand. The big bright viewfinder provides the photographer with a full-information readout with apertures displayed on the side and shutter speeds along the bottom. There were two different versions of the EF with respect to the focusing aids. The earlier EFs have a central microprism circle, whereas later EFs have a split-image circle surrounded by a microprism collar, as is more typically found in Canon's A-series cameras. The EF has shutter speeds that range from 1/1000 second to 30 seconds, plus B. Because it has a vertically traversing shutter, its flash sync speed is 1/125 second, one stop faster than the flash sync found on the old F-1. One of the nice, well-thought-out aspects of the EF is its oversized shutter speed selector wheel. It is positioned such that the wheel extends slightly beyond the camera body, which allows the photographer to grip the wheel easily with a forefinger to change shutter speeds without having to lift ones eyes away from the viewfinder. The AE-1 inherited this feature, as did the AT-1. Of course, the EF is designed to accept Canon's very wide assortment of top quality FD manual focus lenses, as well as its line of FL lenses that will mount, but which must be metered in stop-down mode. The EF is a very well made camera and was originally intended for a market segment consisting primarily of advanced, discerning amateurs -- people who wanted the quality of the F-1, but who didn't feel the need for its modularity and who also would be more appreciative of the EF's automation. Because of this, it was not a cheap camera when new, so its sales were always somewhat soft. But the camera has demonstrated its build quality and craftsmanship: it's been over 40 years since its introduction and it's still going strong.Read full review
I love this camera. I have another one just like this one. the reason i bought it is because some of the features don't work well on the older one. It's very heavy (for a camera), but it feels just right. I've used some of the new DSLR's, and there's just no comparison to how good this particular camera feels (maybe is just nostalgia for older cameras). Some of the functions are tricky to use if you don't have the manual (which I don't), but if you know a bit about photography, you shouldn't have a problem using it. Most of the pictures I've taken came out looking great, the ones that were messed up were due to photographer error.The only thing I don't like about this camera is that they haven't made it into a Digital SLR. If they did, I'd definitely buy it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love its reliable simplicity. ANd I wish that this model were turned into digital.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this camera because i used it in the past when I was younger, has been an excellent camera. But I bought it no more as a "souvenir"