Canon EOS RT

The Canon EOS RT is a single lens reflex camera. It was introduced in 1989. The original price in Japan was 115,000 Yen for the body without lens.

The RT is basically the EOS 600 (which was also sold as the EOS 630 in some markets), but is equipped with a pellicle mirror instead of a conventional one. The pellicle mirror was first used by Canon in the 1965 Pellix. The fixed membrane mirror drastically reduced the shutter release delay. It takes only 0.008 seconds for the first curtain of the shutter to open and the second curtain to close after the film is exposed.

In combination with the film motor, up to five frames per second are possible. After only six seconds the roll of film is already full.

The Canon EOS RT offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. Lenses with an EF bayonet can be used with the camera. With the Canon EOS RT you don’t have to focus by hand. The camera has an autofocus.

The camera has a built-in light meter. The light meter is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 6 to ISO 6400. The camera reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge.

The exposure is measured through the lens. The exposure settings are automatically adjusted by the Canon EOS RT if desired. There are different programs and also a manual mode.

With the Canon EOS RT a bulb setting is available. The shutter can remain open for a variable time. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the Hot Shoe. The Canon EOS RT has a self-timer and a tripod thread.

The dimensions of the Canon EOS RT are 14.8 x 10.8 x 6.8 cm according to the operating instructions. It weighs 660 grams. The power supply of the 35 mm camera is provided by a 6V 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Canon EOS RT

The Canon EOS RT exposes 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. A recommendation for this camera is Kodak Portra 400* and for b/w shots Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films are well suited for professional use, but also for the classic holiday pictures.