Canon T-50: The Amazing Canon FD SLR Point & Shoot Camera Part 2

blog by Michael Raso
When I read Brian Moore's guest blog on the Canon T50 camera my curiosity was piqued. I've been shooting with the Canon AE-1 Program camera since 1982 and since then, many other models using the Canon arsenal of FD lenses. I've simply ignored the 1983 T50 - mostly because the camera is completely automatic. I couldn't resist so I purchased not one but two T50 cameras on e-bay here in the states.



The manual focus Canon T50 is most likely the simplest camera in the FD arsenal. Program - Off - Battery Check are the only top controls. No "B" bulb, no PC flash input, no cable-release input. Turning the FD lens from "A" Automatic to f-stops switches the camera to 1/60th sec. This gives you the (limited choice) option of going manual and allowing the use of off-brand flashes.

The T50 is simplistic joy - allowing me to concentrate on my shots and leaving the exposure chores to the camera. As an all-manual photo guy - I must admit, it was difficult giving up the control of shutter and aperture, but the results were more than pleasing.

below: Canon T50 test shots - Butler, NJ USA









Canon designed the 244T flash specifically for use with the T50. While other flashes work just fine, the Canon 244T performed the best.
below: Canon T50 Flash Tests


Image using the Canon 177A Flash


Image using the Starblitz Pro-5000 GTZ-Twin flash


Image using the Canon 244T Flash

Film Photography Podcast listener and contributor Brian Moore's night photography using the T50 inspired me to venture out at night and try my luck at some night shots. Pretty pleasing results considering the T50 shutter is limited to a 2 second exposure.









Additional Canon T 50 shots in my T50 Flickr set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelraso/sets/72157625913470869/with/5460637628/

Canon T-50: The Amazing Canon FD SLR Point & Shoot Camera Part 1
by Brian Moore
http://michaelraso.blogspot.com/2011/01/canon-t-50-amazing-canon-fd-slr-point.html

Canon T50 Group on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1011582@N22/

I host the Film Photography Podcast
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com