Canon’s amazing 35mm SLR, the EF (1973-1978)

Chris and Carol
In many ways, it’s better than the much more famous F-1.

It’s also known as the Canon Black Beauty. It’s built on the F-1’s frame but does not have interchangeable viewfinders or the ability to use a power winder or motor drive.

The EF was first released in 1973, just two years after the F-1. It was Canon’s first aperture-priority camera, well before the AE-1.
The standard lens is the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. shown here with its lens hood.
Here, a Canon EF and its cousin, the Canon F-1. The F-1 is shown in a limited-edition olive drab.
Another EF in my collection.

The Canon EF is a worthy camera for your collection. The ability to electronically time exposures from 1/2 to 30 seconds accurately makes it more versatile than the F-1 in its base form.

From the Japanese instruction book.
The view in the viewfinder. The later EFs had a split-image and microprism focusing screen.
From my EF released in Japan.
An earlier EF with the FD 50mm F/1.8 S.C. lens.

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Comments are always welcomed, as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

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