Canon's APS SLR on EF mount — the EOS IX, multi-point AF, format selection, 1996.
The Canon EOS IX, introduced in 1996, was an Advanced Photo System (APS) SLR that used the Canon EF autofocus mount, letting it take standard EF lenses despite its smaller APS film format. It was positioned as a compact, feature-rich body for photographers drawn to APS conveniences while retaining EF lens compatibility.
As an APS-format SLR the EOS IX used the Canon EF autofocus bayonet and an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/2000. It featured a multi-point autofocus system, through-the-lens metering, APS film features such as mid-roll change and print-format selection, and a full set of program, priority and manual exposure modes. Being fully electronic, it required a battery to autofocus, meter, advance and fire, with motorised film handling. Note that although listed here at 35mm for cataloguing, the EOS IX natively records to APS film.
The EOS IX suits users who wanted EF lens compatibility in a compact APS body with format-selection and mid-roll features. Its multi-point autofocus and full mode set make it capable for general and travel photography, though the APS format offers a smaller negative than 35mm and film is now hard to find. It is a niche body of interest mainly to collectors and EF-system users.
On the used market, the EOS IX is fully electronic and battery-dependent, and APS film is discontinued and scarce, which limits practical use, so confirm this suits the buyer. Test power, the shutter, the LCD panel and motorised film handling. Check foam light seals and any data-back functions. EF lenses used on it continue on Canon EF and mirrorless bodies with adapters, which is often the main reason to own one.