Introduction: The Canon FX at a Glance
The Canon FX is a 35mm single-lens reflex that came out in 1964. It follows the Canonflex series and carries a light meter inside the body. If you like browsing SLR film cameras, it is a good piece of Canon history to try.
The example pictured here wears the FL 50mm f/1.8. Nothing is automatic: you focus, pick a shutter speed and choose the aperture yourself, with a needle as your guide.
Working with a mechanical SLR is slower than using a modern body. You read the light, turn a ring, compose on the screen and press. Each frame costs film, so people tend to look longer before they shoot.
Design Roots and Historical Background
Where it sits in Canon's SLR family
Canon launched the FX in 1964 as the successor to the Canonflex series, which had been the more elaborate line.
Two relatives are worth knowing. The Canon FP was sold without a meter, and a model with dual Bell & Howell and Canon branding also existed. If you meet either name while shopping, treat them as siblings, not as the same camera.
A new lens mount
With this body Canon brought in the FL mount for interchangeable lenses, so you can swap focal lengths to suit the job. If you are curious about another Canon SLR, read our Canon AE-1 guide.
Key Technical Highlights
Metering and exposure
Light is measured by a CdS cell, fed by a mercury battery. The film speed dial covers ASA 10 through 800, and with ASA 100 set, the readings span EV 1 to 18. Shutter speed and film speed are coupled to the meter. A needle on the top deck indicates the f-stop, which you then copy to the lens aperture ring by hand.
Shutter, finder and flash
The shutter is a cloth focal plane type, offering 1 s to 1/1000 plus B. In the finder, a split-image spot sits at the center of a fresnel matte screen. Flash plugs into the PC terminal at the front, and a self-timer is built in.
One quirk: the stubby lever above that terminal raises and holds the mirror, a feature meant for the first FL 19mm f/3.5 wide-angle.
- Film: 35mm, Canon FL mount
- Shutter: cloth focal plane, 1 s to 1/1000 plus B
- Meter: coupled CdS, ASA 10 to 800, EV 1 to 18 at ASA 100
- Flash: PC terminal on the front, plus a self-timer
Modern-Day Use in 2026
Where the FX excels
The FX suits people who like to decide everything. The needle gives a starting point, but the aperture is your call, which teaches how speed, aperture and film work together.
Use it for:
- Slow, considered street and travel photography on 35mm film.
- Learning manual exposure with a meter as a guide rather than an automatic.
- Exploring FL-mount lenses on a body made for them.
- Flash work through the PC terminal, using a trigger or cable.
Practical shooting tips
- Set the film speed on the meter to match the film you loaded, and recheck it after every roll change.
- Bracket a frame or two in tricky light, since an old meter may drift.
- Focus with the split-image spot in the center of the finder for the sharpest result.
- Keep a small tripod handy for the slower shutter speeds.
Buying and Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying used
A camera this old deserves a careful inspection. Work through this list first:
- Fire the shutter at every speed and listen for consistent timing.
- Look for pinholes in the cloth curtains against a bright light.
- Check the light seals around the back for crumbling or stickiness.
- Check that the meter needle moves when you point the camera at light and dark areas.
- Look through the finder for haze or fungus and check the split-image spot.
Also check the lens: turn the rings through full travel and hold the glass to the light for haze, fungus or scratches.
Power and batteries
The meter calls for a mercury cell. Since those are hard to find, owners often use a suitable replacement and verify the meter against a separate reference.
- Check the battery compartment for corrosion before inserting anything.
- Take the battery out if you will not use the camera for a while.
- Test the meter with fresh power, not an old cell.
Basic care and accessories
A few photography accessories help:
- A padded bag for the body and lens.
- A lens cap and a hood.
- A soft cloth and a blower.
- A cable release or small tripod for slower shutter speeds.
Conclusion: A Mechanical SLR with a Meter
The Canon FX replaced the Canonflex series, launched the FL mount, and paired its shutter with a built-in CdS meter that guides your exposure without making the choice for you.
If you like working things out yourself, a sound FX with a lens such as the FL 50mm f/1.8 is a rewarding way to shoot 35mm film. Inspect the shutter, seals and meter carefully first.
FAQs
When did Canon introduce the FX? In 1964, as a 35mm SLR that followed the Canonflex series.
Does the Canon FX have a built-in light meter? Yes. A CdS meter is built in, and its needle on the top deck shows the aperture to set.
What shutter speeds does the Canon FX offer? 1 s to 1/1000, plus B.
Can I use flash with the Canon FX? Yes, through the PC terminal on the front.
Where can I find the Canon FX manual? The original instruction manual is available as a free PDF download on this page, under the first photo.
Ready to explore cameras like the Canon FX? Browse our SLR film cameras, discover more analog cameras, and pair them with photography accessories at DutchThrift.com.
Sources: original Canon FX instruction manual; Canon FX on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3.