The Canon Pellix QL is an SLR camera. It was introduced a year after the Canon Pellix in 1966. The novelties of this model are the addition of the QL (Quick Load) function, which makes it much easier to load the film, a lock for the aperture lever and compatibility for the Canon Booster, this allows metering in low available light.
The lenses of the Canon Pellix QL are interchangeable, for which a Canon FL bayonet was installed. The 35mm camera is often used with the Canon FL 50mm f/1.4 II, which was introduced at the camera’s launch. There is no autofocus function on the Canon Pellix QL. The focus is set manually.
For measuring the exposure, the Canon Pellix QL has a light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 2000. The light meter is designed to measure exposure through the camera’s lens. The aperture and shutter speed can be freely selected. A bulb mode is available.
The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket. A clip-on flash can be attached to the camera’s cold shoe.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer. The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 14.4 x 9.1 x 10 cm. The power source of the 35mm camera is a 1.3V mercury battery.
Films for the Canon Pellix QL
What is needed for the Canon Pellix QL is 35mm film. There is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images for this film format. A nice film for color images is the Kodak Gold 200* and for black and white images the Ilford XP2 Super*.
The development process for color film is the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs. For example, you can drop off your films for development at many drugstores in Germany.
The exposure area of the Canon Pellix QL is 24 mm x 36 mm. This means that 36 exposures are usually possible per film (135-36). The film in the camera must be rewound manually by the photographer.
The Quick Load function is intended to make it easier to load the film. With this function, the inserted film only has to be pulled to a certain mark; after closing the back cover, the film leader is then threaded onto the spool by the camera itself.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon FL lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 2000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/55 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 1.3 V mercury battery |
| Size | 14,4 x 9,1 x 10 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.67 x 3.58 x 3.94 inches |
| Estimated value / Used price | 245,29 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 370,92 Euro (400.49 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 351,60 Euro (379.92 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 355,00 Euro (384.25 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon Pellix QL
Is the Canon Pellix QL an automatic camera?
No, the Canon Pellix QL is a manual focus camera. You adjust the focus yourself, and you also select the aperture and shutter speed manually. It doesn't have autofocus.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use?
The Canon Pellix QL uses standard 35mm film. You can use both color and black and white film. It holds a standard 36-exposure roll.
How does the light meter work on the camera?
The Pellix QL has a built-in through-the-lens (TTL) light meter. This means it measures the light through the lens, giving you a more accurate exposure reading. It works with ISO 25-2000.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash. The camera has a PC sync socket for connecting flash units, and a cold shoe for attaching smaller flashguns.
What makes the film loading easier on the Canon Pellix QL?
The QL stands for Quick Load, and it features a system that simplifies film loading. After inserting the film to a certain mark, the camera automatically advances the film to the take-up spool when the back is closed.