The Canon EX AUTO is an SLR camera. It was introduced in the 1970s as a successor to the Canon EXEE. The innovations to the predecessor model are in marginal.
In the Canon EX Auto, several lenses are permanently installed in the housing. Before that, various attachments are screwed. There were four of these attachments in total. An EX 50 mm f/1.8, EX 35 mm f/3.5 EX 95 mm f/3.5 and EX 125 mm f/3.5. The latter was introduced together with the Canon EX AUTO.
The different maximum apertures can be detected by the EX Auto and no longer have to be set manually, as was the case with the EXEE.
For metering the exposure, the camera has a light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 800. The Canon EX AUTO has an automatic exposure (shutter priority). The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected in manual mode.
The shutter supports exposure times in a range from 1/500 s to 1/8 s. The camera also has a Bulb setting. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed.
Using an external flash is possible via the PC flash socket or the hot shoe, which was not yet available on the EXEE. If you use the Canon Speedlite D, the distance setting on the lens is taken over directly by the flash.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connection for a cable release and a self-timer. The camera weighs 900 grams. The dimensions are 14.3 x 9.2 x 8.4 cm.
The 35mm camera is powered by a 1.3V mercury battery. However, this is only needed for the light meter, the shutter works completely mechanically.
Films for the Canon EX AUTO
Exposures are made in the Canon EX AUTO on 35mm film. 35mm film is still readily available today and is developed by most photo labs. Nice films for black and white or color images are the Ilford Delta 400* and the Kodak Portra 400*.
The Canon EX AUTO exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. Per film (135-36), 36 exposures are thus usually possible. There is no automatic film transport. The film must be rewound by hand. However, the 35 mm camera has Canon’s quick loading system (QL) installed.
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 | - |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/8 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 1.3 V mercury battery |
| Size | 14,3 x 9,2 x 8,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.63 x 3.62 x 3.31 inches |
| Weight | 900 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 55,73 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 65 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 57,56 Euro (61.70 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 71,46 Euro (76.85 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 89,27 Euro (96.33 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EX AUTO
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Canon EX AUTO uses 35mm film cartridges. These are readily available even today and easily developed at most photo labs. You can shoot both color and black and white film.
How many lenses are built into the camera body?
The camera has multiple lenses fixed inside. However, it also uses interchangeable lens attachments; there are four different attachments available.
Does the camera have any automatic features?
Yes, it has automatic exposure metering for a range of ISO 25-800 and shutter priority auto exposure. You can also manually control the aperture and shutter speed.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, it has both a PC flash socket and a hot shoe for external flashes. Using the Canon Speedlite D flash will even automatically adjust the distance setting on the lens.
What is the weight and size of the camera?
The Canon EX AUTO weighs 900 grams and measures 14.3 x 9.2 x 8.4 cm. It's a relatively compact 35mm camera.