Mastering the Canon FTb QL: A Comprehensive Guide to Shooting with this Classic 35mm Film Camera

The Canon FTb QL is a classic 35mm film SLR camera renowned for its robust build quality, reliable mechanics, and fully mechanical operation. This makes it a fantastic choice for both beginners eager to learn the fundamentals of photography and experienced photographers who appreciate the tactile feel and control of a manual camera. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of using the Canon FTb QL, from loading film to taking perfectly exposed photographs.

A Brief History of the Canon FTb QL

Released in 1971, the Canon FTb QL was positioned as a mid-range option in Canon’s lineup, offering a balance of features and affordability. It quickly gained popularity for its solid construction, accurate metering, and compatibility with Canon’s FD lens mount. The ‘QL’ in its name stands for ‘Quick Loading,’ referring to a system designed to simplify film loading.

Understanding the Canon FTb QL: Key Features and Components

Before diving into the steps, let’s familiarize ourselves with the essential parts of the camera:

• Lens Mount (FD Mount): Where you attach the lens. Canon’s FD mount lenses are bayonet-style, making them quick and easy to attach and detach.
• Lens Release Button: Press this button to release the lens from the camera body.
• Shutter Speed Dial: Located on the top of the camera, this dial controls the duration the shutter remains open, allowing light to expose the film. Settings typically range from Bulb (B) to 1/1000th of a second.
• Shutter Release Button: Press this button to take a picture. It’s usually located on the top right of the camera.
• Film Advance Lever: Advances the film to the next frame and cocks the shutter.
• Frame Counter: Indicates the number of exposures you’ve taken on the roll of film.
• Rewind Crank: Used to rewind the film back into the cartridge after you’ve finished shooting.
• Rewind Release Button: Located on the bottom of the camera, this button disengages the film advance mechanism, allowing you to rewind the film.
• ISO Dial: Sets the film speed (ISO/ASA) for the light meter. Located around the rewind crank.
• Metering Switch: Activates the light meter. Usually located near the shutter release button. On the FTb QL, the meter is activated by gently pressing the shutter release button halfway.
• Viewfinder: The window you look through to compose your shot.
• Focusing Screen: Located inside the viewfinder, this is where you see the image and adjust the focus. The FTb QL typically features a split-image rangefinder and a microprism collar to aid focusing.
• Battery Compartment: Houses the battery that powers the light meter. Usually located on the bottom of the camera. The FTb QL uses a 1.35v mercury battery (now discontinued). Alternatives are discussed later.
• Film Door Latch: Secures the film door.
• Quick Loading (QL) Mechanism: A system to simplify film loading, featuring a slotted take-up spool.

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

1. Preparing the Camera

Before you even think about loading film, make sure your camera is in good working order. Check the following:

• Battery: The FTb QL requires a battery to power its light meter. Originally, it used a 1.35v mercury battery, which is no longer available due to environmental concerns. You have a few options:
  • WeinCell MRB625: A zinc-air battery that provides the correct voltage. However, it has a limited lifespan once activated and must be replaced relatively frequently.
  • Adapters and Silver Oxide Batteries: Adapters allow you to use a readily available 1.5v silver oxide battery (like the SR44 or LR44). These adapters reduce the voltage to the required 1.35v.
  • Using a 1.5v Silver Oxide Battery Without an Adapter: While not ideal, some users simply use a 1.5v silver oxide battery. The slightly higher voltage may cause the meter to be slightly inaccurate, but you can compensate by adjusting the ISO setting. For example, if your film is ISO 400 and the meter is overexposing, set the ISO dial to 200 or 100. Experimentation is key.

  To check the battery, install it in the battery compartment (usually located on the bottom of the camera). Then, with a lens attached and the ISO dial set, gently press the shutter release halfway to activate the meter. You should see the meter needle move in the viewfinder when you point the camera at different light sources.

• Cleanliness: Use a soft brush and lens cleaning cloth to remove any dust or debris from the lens, viewfinder, and film compartment.
• Shutter: Cock the shutter by advancing the film advance lever. Then, fire the shutter at different shutter speeds (listen to the sound and observe the movement of the shutter curtains if you can see them) to ensure they are functioning correctly. Listen for distinct differences in the shutter speed sounds. If the shutter seems sluggish or inconsistent, the camera may require a CLA (Clean, Lube, and Adjust) by a qualified repair technician.
• Lens: Inspect the lens for any scratches, fungus, or haze. Clean the lens elements with a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Ensure the aperture blades move smoothly and are free of oil.

2. Loading the Film

The Canon FTb QL features a quick loading system, which simplifies the film loading process. Here’s how to load film:

1. Open the Film Door: Pull up on the rewind knob to unlock and open the film door on the back of the camera.
2. Insert the Film Cartridge: Place the film cartridge into the film chamber on the left side of the camera, pushing it down until it sits securely.
3. Thread the Film Leader: Pull the film leader (the beginning of the film strip) across the camera body and insert it into one of the slots in the take-up spool. The FTb QL’s quick loading mechanism has a slotted take-up spool designed for this. Make sure the sprocket holes on the film engage with the sprocket teeth along the film path.
4. Advance the Film: Gently advance the film using the film advance lever. Do this two or three times, making sure the film is properly engaged with the take-up spool and that the sprocket holes are aligned. As you advance the film, observe the rewind knob. It should rotate slightly, indicating that the film is being taken up.
5. Close the Film Door: Close the film door until it clicks shut.
6. Advance the Film Again: Continue advancing the film until the frame counter shows ‘1’. These initial frames are usually exposed to light during loading and won’t be usable.

3. Setting the ISO (Film Speed)

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) setting tells the camera’s light meter the sensitivity of the film you’re using. This is crucial for proper exposure. To set the ISO:

1. Locate the ISO Dial: The ISO dial is typically located around the rewind crank on the top left of the camera.
2. Set the ISO: Lift and rotate the outer ring of the ISO dial until the correct ISO number for your film is aligned with the index mark. The ISO number is printed on the film cartridge. Common ISO values include 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600.

4. Setting the Aperture and Shutter Speed

Aperture and shutter speed are the two primary controls that determine the amount of light that reaches the film. Understanding how they work together is essential for achieving proper exposure and controlling the depth of field and motion blur.

• Aperture: The aperture is the opening inside the lens that allows light to pass through. It’s measured in f-stops (e.g., f/2.8, f/5.6, f/11). A wider aperture (smaller f-number like f/2.8) lets in more light and creates a shallow depth of field (blurry background). A narrower aperture (larger f-number like f/16) lets in less light and creates a greater depth of field (everything in focus).
  • Setting the Aperture: Rotate the aperture ring on the lens to select the desired f-stop. The ring usually has click stops at each f-stop.
• Shutter Speed: The shutter speed is the amount of time the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light to expose the film. It’s measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/60, 1/125, 1/500). A faster shutter speed freezes motion, while a slower shutter speed allows motion blur.
  • Setting the Shutter Speed: Rotate the shutter speed dial on the top of the camera to select the desired shutter speed.

5. Using the Light Meter

The Canon FTb QL has a built-in light meter that helps you determine the correct exposure settings. Here’s how to use it:

1. Compose Your Shot: Look through the viewfinder and frame your subject.
2. Activate the Meter: Gently press the shutter release button halfway down. This activates the light meter.
3. Read the Meter: Inside the viewfinder, you’ll see a needle and a circle (or two needles that need to be aligned). The needle indicates the current light reading. The goal is to adjust the aperture and/or shutter speed until the needle aligns with the circle (or the two needles meet). This indicates that the camera is set for proper exposure based on the light meter’s reading.
   • If the needle is above the circle: This means the image is overexposed (too much light). You need to either increase the shutter speed (e.g., from 1/60 to 1/125) or narrow the aperture (e.g., from f/2.8 to f/4) or both.
   • If the needle is below the circle: This means the image is underexposed (not enough light). You need to either decrease the shutter speed (e.g., from 1/125 to 1/60) or widen the aperture (e.g., from f/4 to f/2.8) or both.
4. Adjust and Re-meter: Adjust the aperture and/or shutter speed until the needle aligns with the circle. Re-meter by pressing the shutter release button halfway again to confirm the correct exposure.
5. Consider Sunny 16 Rule: As a backup, or if your meter battery is dead, learn the Sunny 16 rule. On a sunny day, at an aperture of f/16, the shutter speed should be the reciprocal of the ISO. For example, with ISO 100 film, the shutter speed should be 1/100th of a second (or the closest setting). You can then adjust aperture and shutter speed accordingly based on the lighting conditions.

6. Focusing

The Canon FTb QL is a manual focus camera, so you’ll need to focus the lens yourself. The viewfinder typically features a split-image rangefinder and a microprism collar to assist with focusing.

1. Look Through the Viewfinder: Center your eye in the viewfinder for the best view.
2. Use the Focusing Aids:
   • Split-Image Rangefinder: The split-image rangefinder is a circle in the center of the viewfinder that splits the image in two horizontally when the subject is out of focus. Rotate the focusing ring on the lens until the two halves of the image align to create a sharp, single image.
   • Microprism Collar: The microprism collar surrounds the split-image rangefinder. It makes the image appear grainy or shimmering when it’s out of focus. When the image is in focus, the graininess disappears, and the image becomes sharp.
3. Rotate the Focusing Ring: Rotate the focusing ring on the lens until the image appears sharp in the viewfinder, using the focusing aids to guide you.

7. Taking the Picture

Once you’ve set the aperture, shutter speed, and focus, you’re ready to take the picture!

1. Compose Your Shot: Make sure your subject is framed as desired in the viewfinder.
2. Take a Deep Breath: Gently exhale to stabilize the camera.
3. Press the Shutter Release Button: Press the shutter release button down smoothly and completely. Avoid jerking the camera, as this can cause motion blur.
4. Listen for the Shutter: You should hear the sound of the shutter opening and closing.
5. Advance the Film: After taking the picture, advance the film to the next frame using the film advance lever. This also cocks the shutter for the next shot.

8. Shooting in Different Lighting Conditions

The key to successful photography is understanding how to adjust your settings to suit different lighting conditions. Here are some tips:

• Bright Sunlight: In bright sunlight, use a faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/250, 1/500) and a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8, f/11) to avoid overexposure.
• Overcast Conditions: In overcast conditions, use a wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) and a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/60, 1/125) to let in more light.
• Low Light: In low light, use the widest possible aperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/2) and a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30, 1/60). You may also need to increase the ISO setting (if possible with your film) and use a tripod to prevent camera shake. Be mindful of reciprocity failure at very long shutter speeds (seconds or minutes).
• Indoors: Indoor lighting can vary greatly. Use the light meter to determine the correct exposure settings. You may need to use a wider aperture and a slower shutter speed.

9. Rewinding and Unloading the Film

Once you’ve finished shooting the roll of film, you’ll need to rewind it back into the cartridge before you can unload it from the camera.

1. Rewind Release Button: Locate the rewind release button on the bottom of the camera. Press and hold this button down. (Some FTb QL models require you to push and *turn* the rewind release button.)
2. Rewind the Film: Raise the rewind crank (located on the top left of the camera) and turn it in the direction indicated by the arrow (usually clockwise). You’ll feel resistance at first, but it will become easier as the film comes loose from the take-up spool. Continue rewinding until you feel a sudden release of tension, indicating that the film has completely detached from the spool.
3. Open the Film Door: Pull up on the rewind knob to open the film door.
4. Remove the Film Cartridge: Carefully remove the film cartridge from the film chamber.
5. Process the Film: Take the film to a photo lab for developing and printing, or develop it yourself if you have the necessary equipment and knowledge.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Canon FTb QL

• Experiment with Different Lenses: The Canon FD mount offers a wide range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto. Try different lenses to see how they affect your images.
• Learn the Sunny 16 Rule: This is a valuable tool for estimating exposure without a light meter.
• Use a Tripod: A tripod is essential for shooting in low light or when using slow shutter speeds.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use your Canon FTb QL, the more comfortable you’ll become with its controls and the better your photographs will be.
• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean your camera and lenses to prevent dust and dirt from affecting your images.
• Consider a CLA: If your camera is old or hasn’t been used in a while, consider getting it professionally cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted (CLA) to ensure it’s working properly.
• Explore Black and White Film: The Canon FTb QL is a great camera for experimenting with black and white film.
• Shoot in Manual Mode: Resist the urge to rely on automatic modes (because there aren’t any!). Embrace the manual controls and learn how each setting affects your images. This will significantly improve your understanding of photography.
• Keep a Notebook: Record your settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lens used) for each photograph. This will help you learn from your mistakes and improve your technique.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Light Meter Not Working:
  • Check the battery. Make sure it’s properly installed and has sufficient power.
  • Clean the battery contacts.
  • If the meter still doesn’t work, the camera may need to be serviced.
• Film Not Advancing:
  • Make sure the film is properly loaded and engaged with the take-up spool.
  • Check the rewind release button. It should be in the normal position (not pressed).
  • The film advance mechanism may be jammed. A CLA may be required.
• Blurry Images:
  • Make sure the lens is properly focused.
  • Use a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake.
  • Use a tripod.
• Overexposed or Underexposed Images:
  • Check the ISO setting. Make sure it matches the film speed.
  • Use the light meter correctly.
  • Consider the lighting conditions and adjust your settings accordingly.

Conclusion

The Canon FTb QL is a fantastic 35mm film camera that offers a rewarding and educational shooting experience. While it requires a manual approach, this allows you to fully understand and control the photographic process. By following this guide and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to capture stunning images with this classic camera and appreciate the beauty of film photography.