Canon T80
The Canon T80 , presented in April 1985 and set in June 1986 , was Canon's first autofocus - 35mm - lens reflex camera . It was part of the T series with an FD bayonet connection and is not compatible with Canon's later EOS system and its autofocus EF bayonet lenses. Instead, three special lenses were offered for the T80. Other FD bayonet lenses could also be connected, but then without autofocus capabilities.
Autofocus
The T80's autofocus system works in a similar way to the focus assist system on the older AL-1 . A linear CCD checks the contrast in the focussing plane. The three special autofocus lenses were each equipped with their own motor and electrical contacts that connected the focusing drive to the camera's measuring system.
Automatic exposure and programs
Apart from the auto focus functions, the T80 was very similar to the earlier T70 . Both have four exposure programs in addition to the usual fully automatic exposure program, namely:
- Total sharpness - the camera selects the smallest possible aperture in order to achieve as much depth of field as possible.
- Selected focus - the camera selects the largest possible aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field. Can be used, for example, in portrait photography.
- Movement stop - the shortest possible exposure time in order to be able to capture moving subjects, for example in sports or animal photography.
- Motion effects - longer exposure time to achieve wiping effects with moving subjects.
- Standard program - usual full program.
Film transport
The film transport of the T80 was fully motorized in both directions. The clamping of the film was also automated, the user only had to pull the film strip up to an orange-colored marking and close the back wall. The LCD panel on the top of the camera indicated whether the film was being loaded, transported or rewound. The motor and camera electronics were supplied by four micro cells (AAA).
AC lenses
Three special autofocus lenses labeled AC were offered for the T80. Each had a built-in focus motor. The lenses stand out due to an asymmetrical bulge on the side, and a red ring around the front lens element indicates the special technology.
The lenses are:
- AC 50mm f / 1.8 '' '
- AC 35-70mm f / 3.5-4.5 '' '
- AC 75-200mm f / 4.5 '' '
All three, like the T80 itself, were only produced for a short time and are rare. The autofocus does not work on other camera bodies, but the AC lenses can be focused manually on other Canon FD cameras. However, the AC lenses do not have an aperture ring, so that meaningful work is only possible with cameras that can control the aperture from the housing.
Canon quickly gave up the attempt to develop an autofocus system with the "old" FD bayonet and took a completely new approach with the EOS system presented in 1987.
Data back
A Command Back 80 was available for the T80, with the help of which the recordings could be provided with a time stamp and a serial number. The component also gave the camera the ability to take interval photos and long exposures.
