The Canon EOS 5 is a single lens reflex camera. It is the predecessor of the Canon EOS 3. 35mm photo camera was also available on the market under the name “Canon EOS A2E“.
The EOS 5 was introduced in November 1992 and was the first camera with eye-controlled focus. The camera has five focus points. The desired focus point is selected with a single glance and the camera automatically focuses at this point. A focus point can also be selected manually.
The Canon EOS 5 comes with interchangeable lenses. An EF bayonet was installed for this purpose. The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 is often found with the 35mm photo camera. Other lenses of the Japanese manufacturer can of course be used as well.
The Canon EOS 5 has a built-in light meter. It is designed for shooting with films with a sensitivity of ISO 6 to ISO 6400. The camera determines the correct sensitivity of the film via the DX code. For this function, the film must be in the range between ISO 25 and ISO 5000.
The correct exposure is measured through the lens. The Canon EOS 5 has an automatic exposure control and sets aperture and exposure time automatically. The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected in manual mode. There are also other exposure modes.
The Canon EOS 5 has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. The built-in flash can be used in low light conditions. The use of an external flash is possible via the hot shoe. The 35 mm camera has a self-timer. There is also a thread for a tripod.
The dimensions of the 35 mm camera are 15.4 x 12.1 x 7.4 cm according to the manual. It weighs 675 grams. The required power for the camera comes from a 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS 5
According to the operating instructions, the Canon EOS 5 needs 35mm films. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. Two great films for the 35mm camera are the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*, both of which can be used to take beautiful color pictures or black and white shots.
The exposure area of the Canon EOS 5 is 24 mm x 36 mm. So at least 36 photos fit on a normal 35mm film. The film is transported with a built-in motor. Up to five frames per second are possible in high-speed mode.
Canon EOS 5 Quartz Date
In addition to the normal model, there was also the Canon EOS 5 Quartz Date. The special feature of the QD model is the option of imprinting the date the photo was taken. This is particularly useful for archiving and organizing photos at a later date. It should not be forgotten that there was no EXIF data back then, as is the case with digital photography today.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 15,4 x 12,1 x 7,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.06 x 4.76 x 2.91 inches |
| Weight | 675 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 131,30 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 135,00 Euro (146.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 120,54 Euro (129.89 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 131,17 Euro (141.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS 5
How many focus points does the Canon EOS 5 have?
The Canon EOS 5 boasts five focus points. You can select a focus point with your eye, and the camera will automatically focus on that spot. Manual selection of a focus point is also possible.
What kind of lens does this 35mm camera use?
The Canon EOS 5 uses interchangeable lenses with an EF bayonet mount. The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 is a common lens for it, but you can also use other Canon EF lenses.
Does the camera have automatic exposure?
Yes, the Canon EOS 5 has automatic exposure. It automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed. However, you can also manually select these settings and choose from other exposure modes.
What type of film does the camera use and what is its ISO range?
This 35mm camera uses 35mm film. The built-in light meter is designed for films with an ISO range of 6 to 6400, automatically detecting the film speed via DX code within ISO 25 and 5000.
What are the dimensions and weight of the camera?
According to the manual, the dimensions of the Canon EOS 5 are 15.4 x 12.1 x 7.4 cm, and it weighs 675 grams. It's powered by a 6V 2CR5 battery.