Introduced in 1966, the FT QL had a normal quick-return reflex mirror and stop-down TTL metering. The finder's condenser lens was cut at a 45-degree angle. Twelve percent of the image area surface was semi-silvered with vapor deposition. The incident light reflected by this semi-transparent mirror was directed to the metering element. The viewfinder had match-needle exposure metering. The distance to the metering element was the same as the distance to the focal plane. Therefore the camera had the same focal plane metering characteristics as the Pellix.

QL (Quick Loading) and auto loading after camera back is closed. Advances with camera-top lever's 174° stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 21°.

The Canon Booster for low-light metering down to EV 3.5 (23 sec. at f/1.4) was available as an optional accessory attachable to the accessory shoe. (Canon Camera Museum)