Canon's shutter-priority FD SLR — the EF, silicon-cell TTL, Copal Square metal shutter, 1973.
The Canon EF, introduced in 1973, was a advanced FD-mount 35mm SLR positioned near the top of the manual-focus range below the professional F-1. Despite sharing initials with the later EOS EF lens mount, this EF is an FD-mount manual-focus body and was notable for its electronically controlled shutter and shutter-priority automatic exposure.
As a 35mm SLR the EF used the Canon FD breech-lock bayonet and a Copal Square vertical-travel metal-blade focal-plane shutter, with electronic timing for slow speeds and mechanical timing for the faster range. Shutter speeds spanned long exposures up to 1/1000. It offered through-the-lens silicon photocell metering with centre-weighted readings, supporting shutter-priority automatic exposure as well as full manual. The electronically timed slow speeds and the meter required a battery, though the faster mechanical speeds could fire without power.
The EF suits users wanting FD-system automation with shutter-priority AE and an unusually capable metal-blade shutter for its era. The mix of electronic and mechanical shutter timing and the silicon cell meter give responsive, accurate exposure, making it a strong general, documentary and travel camera. It is a well-rounded body for photographers who want automation within the manual-focus FD line.
On the used market, confirm the electronic shutter and AE function, as electronic components can fail with age; check that both electronically timed and mechanically timed speeds run correctly. Verify the meter and its battery; unlike some older bodies the EF was designed around a modern cell rather than mercury. Inspect the metal-blade shutter for damage, check for perished foam seals, prism haze and smooth advance. FD lenses adapt to mirrorless bodies.