on the accessory shoe and increases the metering sensitivity by a factor of 16 for measuring exposure in poor light. Its operation is somewhat clumsy and is best kept for tripod use. The Canon FT is one of a series of three basically identical cameras released around this time. The first was the Canon FX which had a built-in meter, but no through-the-lens (TTL) metering, instead using a window on the camera body front. The later entry level FP has no built-in meter. The final model was the top of this sector, the Canon FT QL, which was developed to combat the growing popularity of the Pentax Spotmatic variants as well as the Topcon RE SLRs. The FT QL and its sisters were an important step for Canon, leading to a number of improved versions such as the FTb and the full professional camera system the F-1. FT QL production ended in 1972 after the FTb was introduced. During the production run of the Canon FT QL, Canon quietly upgraded some components and made minor cosmetic changes. Some of the changes are listed below: - Text font size become bolder and more legible. - The battery charge lever font color has been changed from blue to black. - The serial number has been relocated from the rear of the camera, next to the viewfinder, to the top plate, below the battery charge lever. - The "Canon Camera Company. Inc." text is removed from the back of the camera. - The "Made in Japan" text is relocated from the rear of the camera, to the bottom of the camera. - The screw-in battery compartment lid adds a coin slot for easier access. - The film pressure plate is significantly larger for better alignment. - The mirror lock up lever is slightly larger for easier handling. - The circular hump is removed from the back of the camera. under the film rewind knob. - The rear film transport area next to the shutter has an extra step for smoother operation. References Photography in Malaysia *Canon FT QL camera Retrieved on October 22, 2005. Canon FT QL by luis triguez Canon FL cameras