Groundbreaking in its day (1984) for its use of electronics in a camera, the T70 is easy to use and has a good range of features. Lighter to carry, but also lighter on features, than its big brother, the T90, the T70 is a good, solid camera that will work with the huge range of Canon FD manual focus lenses that are available secondhand (despite being discontinued about fifteen years ago, Canon FD lenses are still available in large quantities in good condition on the secondhand market and look like they will be for the foreseeable future). All electronically controlled (push buttons, large LCD screen, no dials at all), with motorwind and a plastic coated body, and, unlike its older cousin, the F1, unable to work at all without two AA batteries (that it uses very slowly compared to digital cameras) this is perhaps not a camera for the staunch traditionalist, but its ease of use is surprising considering the age of the design, and, having had one for about five years now, I can report that the reliability is good (and, unlike older, mechanical cameras, the T70 does not need to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted to keep it in good order). Do not confuse the T70 with its smaller and much less capable sibling, the somewhat pointless T50 (with no manual controls), its abortive cousin, the autofocus T80 (that used non-standard lenses), or the poor build quality T60 (not actually made by Canon at all): the T70 and the larger T90 (favoured by professionals and enthusiasts alike) are the only cameras in the Canon T series worth buying. The T70 is good for both automated snapshots (albeit with manual focus), and fully or partly manually-controlled artistic shots. Also consider: Canon T90 (the top-of-the-range model in the T-series), Canon F1/F1n (the T90's predecessor), and Canon AE1 Program (mid-range camera from 1970s, model that the T70 replaced, more traditional design).Read full review
.... and if its electronics ever fail (mine haven't after 20 years despite being swung around on my shoulder in 4 continents at, until recently, about 200 shots a month, at least in summer).... but if they ever do, get a T90 instead or another T70 at the sadly-low prices they now command on eBay. I have all those great FD lenses (still especially love my 50mm Canon f1.4, Vivitar 28mm f2.8 and the Miranda 70-210)and, while my eyesight holds up, I'm perfectly happy with manual focus except for a few VERY fast-moving subjects..... and even then the AF on my 20d is hardly any faster. And my eye can do spot metering which the 20D still cannot. Also I cannot yet afford a Full-frame digital SLR (who can unless working for a media company?) and, thought the 1.6 crop in my 20d is fine for distant shots, it still cannot rival the wide angle shots I can still get with 35mm film on my T70. I use 2 digitals now (a quick point-and-shoot Ixus 750/aka Powershot SD550 and my sturdy 20d pending an upgrade to a future 40d or whatever Canon calls it whenever that offers CMOS cleaning and such things I never needed in 35mm). The 20d feels reminiscent of the T90 and I've had to buy it all those EOS/EF lenses. But all I have really done is to enable myself in 2005 to have the capabilities I had with my T70 in 1996 - apart from the auto-focus. Everything else on the T70 was automatic (unless I wanted to do a Tv/aperture-led over-ride, just as now). The only other thing was that I could not change the ISO as quickly on the T70 because it meant a film reload). And, of course, the films have to be developed and, nowadays, scanned into the same photo database where I keep my digital output. Funny thing about that though: my 35mm pics seem much better than the digital ones even at 7.1 Mpixels (Ixus/elph) or 8.2Mpixels (20d) even though my scanner is not the best. perhaps that's because I only bother the scan in the best pics, whereas my hard-disks are crammed with digital uploads I'd never have bothered to keep in 35mm! So, fo me, if you ever learned how to use an SLR (I started with light and sistance meters and a 1970s Topcon and moved to an AE1 before my T70 with its 277t auto-flash, each of which in turned seemed easier and more versatile though the quality of the photos in each could be memorable), keep one till they stop making affordable (to buy and develop) film and reach for it occasionally whenever something doesn't quite seem right with your fancy new digital. One day maybe around 2010, with x zillion Mpixels and lowered prices and maybe more "full-frame" (=35mm equivalent) sensors plus all the better electronics of lighting, focus and flash, it will be daft to waste time with your T70/90 except as a way of teaching photo principles which are masked in the fully auto digitals of the future). But in late 2006, there's still a big space for all this great gear which still does what it could do 20 years ago (viz: take great shots - if you have the eye and technique to take them!) And they ain't 'arf affordable, especially if you just get a new body on eBay if ever you need a quick repair.Read full review
This is a nice 35mm. from Canon. Simple and easy to use all that you have to do is focus and shoot. The first of Canons T series it comes already with the auto winding funcion thus eliminating the need for the motor drive add on. Also using Canon's FD mount, the T50 has access to a large selection of manual focus lenses. This is a fun camera to have with you if you like to have good quality film pictures for the every day. Not much room to grow if you wish to truely learn the ins and outs of film photography.
I was looking for a good backup camera, and thought the T70 would fit the bill. As I found out it is a superb camera. Most important feature is that is EASY to use. I've seen them go for a lot less than what I paid ($90 with shipping, including a zoom lens, filter and camera bag), but mine was in excellent condition (some dust in the VF). It takes great photos, and the metering modes & programs are just right 98% of the time. If I had to critique the camera on some downsides, I'd say it was bigger and heavier than my A1, and it shutter-release & wind is loud. The sexy Canon SLRs are the A1, the F1, the T90, and they go for more money than I'd be willing to spend on a second hand camera when new ones are practically being given away these days. The T70 has better metering than the F1 or A1, without the maintenance issues of the A series, takes the same lenses, comes close to the T90's capabilities, and regularly sells for half the price (lens included) of any of these three.Read full review
I bought a Canon T70 at a local auction about six weeks ago for $20. It came with two lenses and a 2x teleconverter. The camera happened to be sitting on a table in front of me when I spotted it. I didnt know what it was, but because of the low bidding, thought I would buy it to resell it. Lord knows I don't really need another camera. Until my wife bought me a 4 pix digital camera for displaying items on eBay, my experiences with photography has been with a host of Yashica rangefinders, which I own about 40, and that I like very much and which I still intend to pursue. I guess its all a matter of what you get used to. I downloaded a users manual for the T70 from the internet and began to explore this "new" camera. I was very surprised to find how easy the T70 camera is to operate. It takes excellent photos and, although a little heavier than I am used to, it has been an interesting experience. I have since purchased a like-new 200mm lens (also for 20 dollars) that I havent yet had the chance to use. I know it is getting some years on it now, but for a good SLR it will be hard to beat, for the little money I paid for it. I see several T70s and accessories listed on eBay at great prices. Would be worth it to take a look.Read full review
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Film Cameras