Mastering the Canon FTb QL: A Comprehensive Guide to Shooting Film

The Canon FTb QL is a classic 35mm film camera renowned for its robustness, reliability, and fully mechanical operation. Released in the early 1970s, it represents a golden era of film photography and offers a fantastic entry point (or a return) to the world of analog photography. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using the Canon FTb QL, from loading film to developing your negatives, ensuring you capture beautiful images with this iconic camera.

What is the Canon FTb QL?

The Canon FTb QL (Quick Loading) is a 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) film camera. It features a fully mechanical shutter, meaning it doesn’t rely on batteries for its basic operation (the light meter does require one). This makes it incredibly dependable, even in challenging conditions. The ‘QL’ designation refers to Canon’s quick loading system, which simplifies the process of loading film. Its robust build quality and extensive range of available lenses contribute to its enduring appeal.

Essential Components of the Canon FTb QL

Before diving into the steps, familiarize yourself with the key components of your Canon FTb QL:

• Lens Mount: The bayonet mount where you attach Canon FD lenses.
• Lens Release Button: Located near the lens mount, this button releases the lens for removal.
• Shutter Speed Dial: Located on the top right of the camera, this dial controls the shutter speed (the duration the shutter remains open). Settings typically range from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, plus Bulb (B) mode for long exposures.
• Film Advance Lever: Located on the top right, this lever advances the film to the next frame and cocks the shutter.
• Shutter Button: Located inside the film advance lever, this button triggers the shutter to take a picture.
• Rewind Crank: Located on the top left, this crank is used to rewind the film back into the cassette after shooting.
• Rewind Release Button: Located on the bottom of the camera, this button disengages the film advance mechanism, allowing you to rewind the film.
• Film Speed (ASA/ISO) Dial: Located on the shutter speed dial, this dial allows you to set the film speed so the light meter can correctly calculate exposure.
• Aperture Ring: Located on the lens, this ring controls the aperture (the size of the lens opening), affecting both exposure and depth of field.
• Focusing Ring: Located on the lens, this ring is used to focus the image.
• Light Meter: The FTb QL has a built-in light meter that helps you determine the correct exposure settings. It displays in the viewfinder.
• Viewfinder: The window you look through to compose your image. It displays the focusing screen and the light meter needle.
• Battery Compartment: Located on the bottom of the camera, this compartment houses the battery for the light meter (typically a 625A or equivalent). Note that modern replacement batteries may require an adapter or recalibration of the meter due to voltage differences.
• Quick Loading (QL) Mechanism: A system designed to simplify film loading.
• Frame Counter: Displays the number of exposures you’ve taken on the current roll of film.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Canon FTb QL

1. Preparing the Camera

a. Battery Installation

The Canon FTb QL’s light meter requires a battery to function. The original battery was a mercury battery (PX625), which is no longer available due to environmental concerns. Common alternatives include:

• WeinCell MRB625: A zinc-air battery designed as a direct replacement for the PX625. It provides the correct voltage but has a limited lifespan once activated.
• Alkaline or Silver Oxide Batteries with Adapter: You can use a modern alkaline (LR9/AG9) or silver oxide (SR44/303) battery with an adapter to compensate for the voltage difference. However, this may slightly affect the accuracy of the light meter. Consider adjusting your ISO setting or using an external light meter to compensate.

Installation Steps:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera.
2. Use a coin or screwdriver to unscrew and remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert the battery (or battery with adapter) with the correct polarity (usually positive (+) side facing up).
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten it securely.
5. Test the light meter by half-pressing the shutter button and observing the needle movement in the viewfinder when pointing the camera at different light levels. If the needle doesn’t move, double-check the battery installation and polarity.

b. Lens Attachment

The Canon FTb QL uses Canon FD lenses. Attaching a lens is straightforward:

1. Align the red dot or mark on the lens with the corresponding red dot on the camera body’s lens mount.
2. Insert the lens into the mount.
3. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.

To remove the lens, press the lens release button located near the lens mount and rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it disengages. Store lenses properly in a cool dry place when not in use, preferably with caps on both ends.

2. Loading Film

The Canon FTb QL features a quick loading system designed to simplify this process. Here’s how to load film:

1. Open the Camera Back: Pull up the rewind crank on the top left of the camera. This will release the camera back, allowing you to swing it open.
2. Insert the Film Cassette: Place the film cassette into the film chamber on the left side of the camera, pushing it down firmly to ensure it’s seated correctly.
3. Thread the Film: Pull the film leader (the beginning of the film strip) across the camera back towards the take-up spool on the right side.
4. Use the QL Mechanism: The FTb QL has a series of prongs and guides to help you load the film. Gently push the film leader into the slot on the take-up spool and make sure the film lies flat across the film plane, aligned with the red marks on the camera body. The QL system will hold the film in place.
5. Advance the Film: Close the camera back. Use the film advance lever to advance the film two or three times. Observe the rewind crank on the top left; it should rotate as you advance the film, indicating that the film is properly engaged.
6. Set the Frame Counter: After advancing the film a few times, the frame counter should advance to ‘1’. If not, continue advancing the film until it does.

Important Considerations:

• Load film in subdued light to prevent accidental exposure.
• Ensure the film is properly engaged on the take-up spool before closing the camera back.
• Always check that the rewind crank rotates when you advance the film to confirm it’s loading correctly.

3. Setting the Film Speed (ISO/ASA)

The film speed (ISO or ASA) indicates the film’s sensitivity to light. It’s crucial to set the correct film speed on your camera so the light meter can accurately calculate exposure. The ISO value is printed on the film cassette. For example, if you’re using ISO 400 film, you’ll set the ISO dial to 400.

1. Locate the film speed dial on the shutter speed dial.
2. Lift and rotate the outer ring of the shutter speed dial until the correct ISO value aligns with the indicator mark.
3. Ensure the dial clicks into place at the correct setting.

4. Understanding Exposure: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

Exposure is the amount of light that reaches the film, and it’s determined by three key factors: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Mastering the relationship between these elements is fundamental to achieving well-exposed photographs.

a. Aperture

Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening, measured in f-stops (e.g., f/2.8, f/5.6, f/11). A wider aperture (smaller f-stop number) allows more light to enter the camera, resulting in a brighter image. A narrower aperture (larger f-stop number) allows less light to enter, resulting in a darker image. Aperture also affects the depth of field – the area of the image that appears in focus. Wide apertures create shallow depth of field (blurred background), while narrow apertures create deep depth of field (everything in focus).

Adjusting Aperture: Rotate the aperture ring on the lens to select the desired f-stop.

b. Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the length of time the camera’s shutter remains open, measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/60, 1/250, 1 second). A faster shutter speed allows less light to enter, freezing motion. A slower shutter speed allows more light to enter, blurring motion. Slower shutter speeds require a tripod to avoid camera shake.

Adjusting Shutter Speed: Rotate the shutter speed dial on the top of the camera to select the desired shutter speed.

c. ISO

As mentioned earlier, ISO represents the film’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values (e.g., 800, 1600) are more sensitive to light and are suitable for low-light situations. Lower ISO values (e.g., 100, 200) are less sensitive to light and are ideal for bright, sunny conditions. Higher ISO films generally exhibit more grain.

Note: With film, you can’t change the ISO mid-roll. You’re locked into the ISO of the film you’ve loaded.

5. Using the Light Meter

The Canon FTb QL has a built-in light meter that helps you determine the correct exposure settings. It’s a center-weighted meter, meaning it gives more importance to the light in the center of the frame. The light meter reading is displayed in the viewfinder as a needle that moves within a scale.

1. Half-Press the Shutter Button: This activates the light meter.
2. Observe the Meter Needle: Look through the viewfinder. You’ll see a needle moving within a scale. The scale typically has a ‘+’ sign on one end, a ‘-‘ sign on the other, and a ‘0’ in the middle.
3. Adjust Aperture and/or Shutter Speed: Adjust the aperture ring on the lens and/or the shutter speed dial until the needle aligns with the ‘0’ mark. This indicates that the meter believes you have achieved the correct exposure.

Tips for Using the Light Meter:

• Sunny 16 Rule: A useful rule of thumb for estimating exposure in bright sunlight. It states that you can use an aperture of f/16 and a shutter speed that is the reciprocal of the ISO value (e.g., for ISO 100 film, use 1/100th of a second).
• Metering Challenging Scenes: In scenes with high contrast (bright highlights and deep shadows), the light meter can be fooled. Consider metering off a neutral gray area or using spot metering (if you have an external meter) to get a more accurate reading.
• Exposure Compensation: If you consistently find that your images are overexposed or underexposed, you may need to compensate by adjusting the ISO setting on the camera or using an external light meter and manually setting the aperture and shutter speed.

6. Focusing

The Canon FTb QL uses a manual focusing system. The viewfinder typically features a split-image rangefinder or a microprism collar to assist with focusing. Here’s how to focus:

1. Look Through the Viewfinder: Identify the focusing aid in the center of the viewfinder (split-image or microprism).
2. Rotate the Focusing Ring: Rotate the focusing ring on the lens until the image in the focusing aid appears sharp and clear. With a split-image rangefinder, the two halves of the image will align when the subject is in focus. With a microprism collar, the image will appear sharp when in focus.

7. Composing Your Shot

Composition is the arrangement of elements within your frame. Consider the following compositional techniques to create visually appealing photographs:

• Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of your subject along these lines or at their intersections.
• Leading Lines: Use lines to guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject.
• Symmetry and Patterns: Look for symmetrical scenes or repeating patterns to create visually striking images.
• Framing: Use elements in the foreground to frame your subject.
• Negative Space: Use empty space around your subject to create a sense of balance and draw attention to the main subject.

8. Taking the Picture

1. Compose Your Shot: Frame the scene as desired.
2. Focus: Ensure your subject is sharply focused.
3. Check the Light Meter: Verify that the exposure settings are correct based on the light meter reading.
4. Take a Deep Breath and Gently Press the Shutter Button: Avoid jarring the camera during the exposure to prevent blurry images.
5. Advance the Film: Use the film advance lever to advance the film to the next frame.

9. Rewinding the Film

Once you’ve finished shooting the roll of film (the frame counter will indicate the last frame), you’ll need to rewind the film back into the cassette.

1. Locate the Rewind Release Button: This button is typically located on the bottom of the camera. Press and hold it.
2. Raise and Extend the Rewind Crank: Located on the top left of the camera.
3. Rewind the Film: Turn the rewind crank clockwise. You’ll feel resistance at first, then it will become easier as the film disengages from the take-up spool. Continue rewinding until you feel a sudden release, indicating that the film is completely rewound into the cassette.
4. Open the Camera Back: Pull up the rewind crank to open the camera back.
5. Remove the Film Cassette: Take the film cassette out of the film chamber.

Important Notes:

• Do not open the camera back until the film is completely rewound, or you will expose the film to light and ruin your images.
• Some cameras may have an automatic rewind stop. In this case, the film advance lever will lock when you reach the end of the roll.

10. Developing Your Film

You have two options for developing your film:

• Send it to a Lab: This is the easiest option, especially if you’re a beginner. Many photo labs offer film developing services.
• Develop it Yourself: This is a more involved process but can be rewarding and cost-effective. You’ll need developing chemicals, a developing tank, and a darkroom or light-tight bag.

Developing at Home (Simplified Overview):

1. Load the Film onto a Developing Reel: This must be done in complete darkness.
2. Develop the Film: Follow the instructions on the developing chemicals. This typically involves several steps: developer, stop bath, fixer, and washing.
3. Dry the Film: Hang the film to dry in a dust-free environment.

11. Scanning or Printing Your Negatives

Once your film is developed, you’ll need to scan or print your negatives to view your images.

• Scanning: Use a film scanner to create digital files of your negatives.
• Printing: Take your negatives to a photo lab for printing, or print them yourself in a darkroom.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Light Meter Not Working: Check the battery. Ensure it’s properly installed and has sufficient charge. Clean the battery contacts.
• Film Not Advancing: Make sure the film is properly loaded and engaged on the take-up spool. Check the rewind crank to see if it’s rotating when you advance the film.
• Blurry Images: Use a faster shutter speed or a tripod to avoid camera shake. Ensure your subject is properly focused.
• Overexposed or Underexposed Images: Check the light meter reading. Adjust the aperture and/or shutter speed accordingly. Consider using exposure compensation if necessary.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Canon FTb QL

• Experiment with Different Lenses: The Canon FD lens system offers a wide range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto.
• Learn About Film Stocks: Different film stocks have different characteristics in terms of grain, contrast, and color rendition.
• Practice Regularly: The more you use your camera, the more comfortable you’ll become with its settings and operation.
• Keep Your Camera Clean: Clean the lens and camera body regularly to prevent dust and dirt from affecting your images.
• Read the Manual: Download the Canon FTb QL manual online. It contains valuable information about the camera’s features and operation.

Conclusion

The Canon FTb QL is a fantastic 35mm film camera that offers a rewarding and engaging photographic experience. Its robust build quality, fully mechanical operation, and extensive range of available lenses make it a versatile and reliable tool for capturing beautiful images. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Canon FTb QL and enjoying the unique charm of film photography.