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EOS 500

 

• Marketed»

September 1993

 

The eye-level viewfinder uses a roof mirror, making this camera the world's smallest and lightest 35mm AF SLR when it was launched.

 

 

Canon EOS 500

 

 

 

 

 

Type

35mm focal-plane shutter multi-mode AF SLR camera

Picture Size

24x36 mm, panorama (13x36mm) enabled (Japanese version only)

Normal Lens

EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM, others

Lens Mount

EF mount

AF System

TTL phase detection. AF modes: One-Shot AF/AI Servo AF (automatic switchover). Multi-BASIS for the AF sensor. (automatic selection of 3 focusing points). Center focusing point selectable manually with AE lock button. AF operating range at ISO 100: EV 1.5 - 18.

Shutter

Vertical-travel, focal-plane electronic shutter. 30 sec. - 1/2000 sec., B. X-sync at 1/90 sec. (hot shoe). Built-in electronic self-timer (with beeper).

Viewfinder

Fixed eye-level roof mirror. 0.7x magnification and 90% coverage.

Viewfinder
Information

Center AF mark, wide AF frame, partial metering circle. 7-segment LCD displays numeric values, textual display, in-focus indicator, exposure display, shutter speed, aperture setting, red-eye reduction lamp, flash ready, panorama frame (set with external lever), and other indications.

Metering &
Exposure Control

Composite SPC for TTL full-aperture metering (6-zone evaluative, 9.5% partial at center, and centerweighted averaging) with shutter speed-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Intelligent program AE, depth-of-field AE, four program AE modes, and metered manual. Exposure compensation range of ±2 EV (in 1/2-stop increments). Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV 2 - 20. Film speed range: ISO 6 to 6400. Maximum 9 multiple exposures.

External LCD

Shutter speed, aperture setting, film speed, multiple exposure count, red-eye reduction, self-timer display, film status, exposure display, battery check, and other indications.

Built-in Flash

Located on pentaprism hump. Auto pop-up head. TTL autoflash control (fires automatically in backlight and low-light conditions). Off-the-film metering with a 4-zone flash metering sensor covering three flash metering points. Red-eye reduction lamp (AF-assist beam emitter) provided. Guide No. 12 (at ISO 100 in m).

Power Source

Two 3 V CR123A lithium batteries

Film Loading &
Advance

Align film leader at mark, then close the camera back for prewind loading. First, the entire roll is wound on the take-up spool. Then each time a picture is taken, the film advances back into the cartridge. Film transport with the built-in motor. Film advance speed: 3 fps and single advance.

Film Rewind

After the last frame is exposed, the film is rewound automatically.

Dimensions &
Weight

145 x 92 x 62 mm, 370 g

 

 

 

 

 

 

The built-in flash is controlled with TTL autoflash metering. Other features include One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, shutter speed-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, four Programmed Image Control modes, and metered manual. The world's smallest AF SLR body is thus packed with features.

With the prewind system, the entire roll is first wound onto the take-up spool. Then each time a picture is taken, the exposed frame rewinds into the cartridge. With its easy operation and friendly name of "Kiss," the camera became a major hit among young mothers and family snapshooters. It maintained top market share for an extended period.

 

Source: CANON CAMERA MUSEUM