This Canon EX EE QL, serial number 267472, was made in Tokyo, Japan between 1969 and 1972.
It is a heavy (900g with 50mm lens) all metal SLR camera with TTL metering (not working), Canon's "quick load" system, and a fixed rear lens element which is convertible by attaching one of a range of front elements.
With speeds of 1/8th – 1/500thsec and B, the cloth focal-plane shutter fires on all and the curtains are in good condition. Wind-on is smooth.
The electronic flash synch speed is 1/60 and the (working) self-timer gives 8 – 10 seconds delay.
Thisc amera currently has the 50mm f1.8 front element, serial number156648, which has light cleaning marks and a dent in the front ring but which remains perfectly useable. Focusing is via the built-in part of the lens and is smooth. It also has the 35mm f3.5, s/n 27469 which looks good optically but with a few marks to the casing and the 95mm f3.5 which has cleaning marks and marks to the casing. It does not have the 125mm f3.5 which did not become available until 1972 together with the EX Auto.
The camera should operate in manual or semi-automatic mode and another unusual feature is the ring around the rewind lever. This has 3sections - that marked “off” switches off the light meter, that segment marked 1.8-16 in which you can manually set the aperture(aperture chosen is indicated in the view-finder), and that marked “EE” in red, selection of which switches on the Electric Eye CdS TTL automatic metering which is should be fully operational when a1.35v battery is fitted. It should allow the user to set the shutter speed of their choice and the camera would pick the correct aperture for exposure. Unfortunately, this is not happening. I think marks in the battery chamber might indicate corrosion to be the problem. However, if a battery is not fitted or the light-meter fails, the camera can still be operated manually.
All in all it is a robust camera of good build quality and is in good cosmetic condition.
Considered by many to be a mistake on behalf of Canon, it nevertheless remains an interesting if quirky example of innovation and camera design, worthy of inclusion in a collection.
Ihave tried to describe the item honestly and to photograph anydefects but please bear in mind that I am not a dealer but acollector, of advanced years and failing eyesight, disposing of mycollection. Also note that I accept the return of any item that isnot as described. However, please study the pictures well as they areof the camera you will receive. Thankyou for your interest and please view my other items.