Canon FTB-n 50mm f1.8

A fully serviced Canon FTb-n complete with its original 50mm f1.8 FD lens and lens cap. This is the second version of the Canon FTb usually referred to as the  FTb-n (new).

The camera is in a worn condition consistent with its age (sometime between 1973-76) but has recently been fully serviced and calibrated. Shutter and meter are accurate to Canons own specifications as validated by our own professional grade shutter tester and calibrated light source.

The lens is perfect optically and mechanically and has been calibrated for infinity focus using our optical collimator.

All new seals and mirror bumper throughout as part of its full servicing and CLA.

Please Note: The FTb series were originally designed to use a 1.3v Mercury Battery. These are no longer available due to environmental restrictions on the use of Mercury. We recommend using a 675 Zinc-Air battery as a replacement which are cheap and plentiful – you will require an adaptor for these. Read our guide on classic film camera batteries HERE

The FTb launched in 1971 and was primarily intended to be a camera for the advanced amateur photographer, offering many of the same features and same build quality as the F-1, but without the option of interchangeable prism, focusing screens, or motor drives. The FTb used an unusual metering system which is in effect a spot meter. The metering zone is shown by a rectangle in the viewfinder and is around 10% of the viewfinder. This allows for quite accurate metering of the central area of the frame and can also be used a spot meter to get light meter readings from other aspects of the frame.

In 1973, the FTb design was revised slightly. The camera was given a plastic tipped film advance lever. The stop down lever was changed to the same style as that found on the F-1. The PC sync socket was given a spring-loaded plastic cover. The ring around the outer edge of the shutter speed dial was changed from a scalloped design to a diamond textured design. Finally, a shutter speed display was added in the lower left hand corner of the viewfinder. This model was marketed as the FTb-N, although the camera’s nameplate did not reflect this.

This camera was used as one of the cameras in our Servicing and CLA guide for the Canon FTb.
The camera has been stripped to carry out a full service and CLA which included replacing some internal parts with spares and replacement of internal seals.

Camera has been re-lubricated and calibrated back to its factory specification.

Pictures of the camera during its servicing are shown for your interest.

The lens was in excellent condition and apart from some light cleaning has been left alone.

Check the work we do to fully service a camera here

Mel & Claire