Canon FTb 35mm SLRs
Canon FTb 35mm SLRs
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[Nov 26, 2000]
Rex Stanley
Intermediate
Strength:
built like a tank--heavy, but indestructible. i bought it in '72, & it just won't quit. i'd guess close to 10,000 frames on it by now.
Weakness:
haven't found any yet life would be simpler if everything was built as well as this camera. probably the smartest money i've ever spent. Customer Service never needed any Similar Products Used: pentax, mamiya, nikon |
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[Dec 12, 2000]
Mike Sim
Intermediate
Strength:
Solid construction. All metal, built to get banged around and keep taking good pictures. Simple metering system (needle & ring). Have used this at basketball and hockey games, and still managed to get shots just as crisp as pro-level autofocus SLRs. Manual rewind and red dot on rewind button allows you to leave the film leader out if you dev your own film.
Weakness:
Some may find it a bit heavy -- but the weight is comparable to many of today's pro-level cameras, which also use metal construction. Biggest weakness is that it is out of production, and it is very hard to find lenses for it. Few months ago, found a 28-80 manual focus zoom for the FTb, and I grabbed it right then and there. My dad got this camera in the early 70s, and passed it on to me when I started photography a couple years ago. After 30 years, it hasn't had a single problem. With DOF preview and mirror lockup, it has features that compete with many of today's cameras. Was the only body I used up until very recently. An incredible amount of bang for the bucks my dad spent 30 years ago. Customer Service Not once in 30 years. Similar Products Used: Nikon F100, N80. |
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[Dec 29, 2000]
Jennifer T
Casual
Strength:
Extremely sturdy and well made, simple to use, takes beautiful clear photographs every time.
Weakness:
Heavy!! This camera came with my husband when I met him 13 years ago. As a keen amateur photographer he had run numerous rolls of film through it since he had bought it new in the early 70's. I have since used it to photograph our children as they have grown up and have a catalogue of first rate pictures to remember those years by. Customer Service Never been serviced though probably should be now. The light meter switch has become a bit "sticky" recently- sometimes has to be switched off and on again to get the light meter to work. Similar Products Used: None |
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[Jan 15, 2001]
Jim Jenks
Intermediate
Strength:
Solid!! Easy to use and easy to change lens's.
Weakness:
Flash syncro only at 1/60th flash syncro. Lately have had problems with winding film Excellent camera!! Has served me well over the years; Beauty pagents, weddings, outdoor, sports, honeymoon, kids and grandkid!!!! If I can get the winder fixed, I won't be tempted to but the Canon EOS 3! Customer Service Normal cleanings over the years. Similar Products Used: Nikon |
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[Jan 31, 2001]
Gikas Melachroinos
Intermediate
Strength:
It is built like a tank. The most reliable camera I have ever used, ideal tool for a beginner who wants to learn, not just take photos.
Weakness:
Hard to find lences anymore... I used through my army service.It never failed me.Bad weather means nothing to it. Customer Service None needed! Similar Products Used: Minolta |
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[Feb 13, 2001]
Paul Talbot
Intermediate
Strength:
Very reliable, very sharp. Canon lenses that I used with it excellent.
Weakness:
None Repaired once. Haven't used in 10 years, and want to get it serviced and back in shape. Would be a great camera for my kids to learn on. The foam inside has deteriorated and crumbled. The camera needs complete cleaning, inside and out, and probably needs to be oiled and overhauled. The local repair guy I used before doesn't work on these any more. Any suggestions about where to fix this? Customer Service Repaired once. Replaced when my main lens (a Tamron zoom) wore out. Similar Products Used: Olympus OM-1. |
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[Feb 18, 2001]
Parry Johnson
Expert
Strength:
Everything! Ruggedly built, solid feel, all basic shutter speeds (to 1/1000 sec.), mirror lock-up, depth-of-field lever, 12% center-weighted metering, bright viewfinder, excellent repair record, easy-to-find, the Quick-load feature (great for infrared film), cheap in comparison to other similar cameras,....
Weakness:
If only it had a winder or motor-drive option! If I ever were forced to have only one camera, this would be it! Customer Service Lacking indeed, except that there are still many used FT-B bodies out there which can be used for parts -- but you probably won't need them! Similar Products Used: Canon New F-1 (F1N), and the Nikkormat FTN (the competition when new). My 30-year-old FTB still works perfectly, while my Nikkormat's meter hasn't worked for the past 15 years! |
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[Feb 27, 2001]
marcia krick
Intermediate
Strength:
clarity, sharpness and dependability
Weakness:
weight - it gets really heavy when carrying it all day especially when adding lenses i would trust this camera over the Rebel. I am confident it will work and I know the picture it gives me is going to be what I saw. This camera is great for beginners, it started me. It is photography at its best. Customer Service never had to use it Similar Products Used: Canon AE1 |
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[Mar 23, 2001]
Steve Gangi
Intermediate
Strength:
Fully manual, does not depend on batteries to work. Has a mirror lockup. Simple "stick and lollipop" meter display. Virtually indestructable. Huge assortment of FD lenses.
Weakness:
No motor drive, and heavy after a few hours. This camera has seen hard use since it was made and never once needed any repairs, even after being dropped hard (the lens was crushed). If the battery dies, no matter since it is manual and mecahnical. No teeny tiny icons to puzzle over, no unwanted multiple auto modes to not use. This camera will probably outlive me. Similar Products Used: Pentax Spotmatics, Canon AE-1, various Yashica and Nikon SLRs |
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[Apr 06, 2001]
Juergen Bischoff
Expert
Strength:
robust,zuverlässig,
Weakness:
- Ich werde die Ftb auch weiterhin benutzen, Customer Service Nie einen Service benötigt Similar Products Used: T90, F1n |