Canon's first autofocus SLR — the T80, FD AC lenses, icon program modes, motorised, 1985.
The Canon T80, introduced in 1985, was Canon's first autofocus SLR, part of the T-series and using the FD mount with special AC autofocus lenses. It was a short-lived transitional model that arrived before the EOS system replaced the FD mount, positioning it as a consumer body bridging manual-focus and autofocus eras.
As a 35mm SLR the T80 used the Canon FD breech-lock bayonet, with autofocus available only through three dedicated AC lenses, and an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter. It offered through-the-lens metering and a set of program-based automatic exposure modes selected by pictographic icons, aimed at simplicity. Being fully electronic, it required batteries to autofocus, meter and fire, and it used a built-in motorised film advance.
The T80 suits collectors and users interested in Canon's first step into autofocus and the brief FD AC lens experiment. Its icon-driven program modes make it simple to operate, though autofocus works only with the scarce AC lenses and is slow by later standards. It is a curiosity and light general-use camera rather than a serious system tool.
When buying, the T80 is entirely electronic and will not function without good batteries, so confirm power, the LCD and the motorised advance. Autofocus requires the rare AC lenses; with standard FD lenses it operates in manual focus. Check for perished foam light seals, the condition of the LCD panel for fading, and smooth motorised transport. FD lenses adapt to mirrorless bodies for continued use.