Pure Simplicity

Marketed: March, 1983 to Dec., 1989

Built-in winder, Auto loading, auto winding, Fully programmed AE, Fully programmed AE, Energy-saving design, Lightweight & compact.

The Canon T series models were a new breed of SLR cameras introduced by Canon to replaced the A Series model. The Canon T-50 was the first model within the T Series. It was built with the concept of everything convenient and easy to use, packed in a light weight body with a built-in integral winder to handle loading, remote control capability ready, offering automatic film advancing except for automatic rewinding and DX coding features from the high-end T-90 model - all sound too luxurious for a bare-bone A series model which may require the attachment of accessories like motor drive or power winder to perform similar tasks. And on its own, the T-50 stands between simplicity and sophistication. It is a simple to operate, inviting and user friendly SLR camera. It shares with most of the system accessories in the huge Canon FD lenses photographic system. It also patches some of the key weaknesses found in the A series model. The silk fabric shutter curtain was replaced with a newly developed vertically travelled metal curtain, which result in a higher achievable sync speed (varies with individual models) as compared with the standard 1/60 sec among all the A series models. The T50 featured here, was almost designed to handle like a P&S camera - other than the film rewind knob, other confusing knobs and switches

Technical Specifications:

Type: 35 mm SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) camera with electronically-controlled programmed AE (Automatic Exposure)
Exposure Modes: Programmed AE and programmed AE flash with Canon Speedlite 244T, 255T, 277T or any dedicated flash units
Format: 24 x 36 mm.
Usable Lenses: Canon FD series lenses only.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level Pentaprism.
Field of View: 92% vertical and 93% horizontal coverage of the actual picture area.
Magnification: 0.83X at infinity with a standard lens.
Viewfinder Information: Information is displayed by way of LED digital display positioned to the right of viewing area.
( P ): Programmed AE indicator. 2 Hz flashing indicates camera shake warning; 8 Hz flashing indicates underexposure warning
( M ): Manual aperture setting. 4 Hz flashing indicates exposure may be incorrect.
( ): Flash charge-completion display

Additional information on Canon T-Series Camera
The T-50

Have you noticed how most cameras can be placed in one of two categories? First, there's the "snapshot" division, with cameras which are easy to use, but limited in terms of what they can "see". Then there are the single-lens reflex models. These are more sophisticated, with their ability to change lenses, but they are also generally more complicated and more expensive. Bridging this gap between simplicity and sophistication is the Canon T50. This remarkable camera is as easy to use as the simplest pocket model and is the least expensive of the Canon SLRs, but will give you professional results -- provided you know a thing or two about basic photography, that is. If none, don't worry, the T50 will still give you good results.

Mode selector Normally, the mode selector remains on PROGRAM, giving fully automatic exposure (AE) control. However, if you want to put yourself in the picture, just set the dial to SELF, press the shutter release, and take your place in front of the camera. The shutter will fire after a 10-second delay.

Viewfinder display P indicates that all is ready for an exposure. The symbol blinks slowly if the use of a tripod or flash would help and blinks rapidly when flash is essential. The flash symbol lights up when the Canon Speedlite 244T is ready to fire. If the subject is too far away for correct flash exposure, the "P" symbol will blink rapidly

M blinks when the lens aperture ring is not locked on "A". Manual exposure control and Aperture-priority AE are not possible with the T50.

Auto film loading Just line up the film with an orange mark inside the camera and close the back. Pressing the shutter release will automatically advance the film to the first frame And after each exposure, the built-in micromotor will automatically advance the film to the next frame

Shutter release The soft-release shutter button switches on the viewfinder display when pressed lightly Further pressure fires the shutter. Once the correct film speed is set and the mode selector positioned for PROGRAM, no other adjustments are needed for perfect exposure.*

*The T50 uses centre-weighted average as its exposure metering control and there are no exposure compensation options or AE Lock available to alter the camera's settings.

Battery check Unlike many simple cameras, the T50 lets you check the condition of the two AA-size alkaline battenes which power all the camera functions. Turning the mode selector to "BC" provides an audible indication of the energy level

Flash facility The T50 has its own special flashgun, the Canon Speedlite 244T. Fit this to the camera accessory shoe, switch it on, and start shooting The Speedlite automatically sets all the camera controls for you It's foolproof flash photography. The Speedlites 277T and 299T can also be used.

Remote control A socket on the side of the camera accepts a remote release accessory or, via an adaptor cable, a quartz timer or infrared remote control unit. And the automatic film advance means that you can shoot a sequence of pictures without having to go near the camera. Remote photography has never been simpler.

Interchangeable lenses Like all SLR cameras, the T50 accepts interchangeable lenses. There is a wide range of Canon FD lenses to choose from, including many zoom lenses The FD 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom is an ideal "standard" lens for this camera, giving freedom and flexibility at low cost and was specially made for the T50 when it was launched in 1983.