Canon's early EOS SLR — the EOS 620, EF autofocus, shutter to 1/4000, full modes, 1987.
The Canon EOS 620, introduced in 1987, was among the first cameras in Canon's EOS system, launched with the new electronic EF autofocus lens mount that replaced the FD system. It sat as an upper-mid to enthusiast body in the early EOS line, aimed at serious amateurs and professionals adopting the new autofocus system.
As a 35mm SLR the EOS 620 used the Canon EF autofocus bayonet and an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/4000 and a fast flash sync. It featured through-the-lens metering with evaluative and partial patterns, autofocus, and a full range of exposure modes including program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual and depth-of-field. Being fully electronic, it required a battery to autofocus, meter, advance film and fire.
The EOS 620 suits enthusiasts and professionals wanting an early, capable EOS body with a high top shutter speed and full mode set, using the extensive EF lens range. Its autofocus and evaluative metering make it versatile for general, documentary and landscape work. It is a well-rounded early autofocus SLR with strong lens support that continues today.
On the used market, the EOS 620 is fully electronic and depends entirely on its battery, so confirm power and function; a common fault in early EOS bodies is a failed or sticky shutter and a degraded LCD display, so test the shutter and check the panel. The EOS 620 also uses a date/data feature that may show battery issues. Verify autofocus, all modes, foam seals and film transport. EF lenses continue on Canon EF and mirrorless bodies with adapters.