The VT was Canon's first camera to have a hinged back, which opened to allow film loading. It is also the first Canon to be fitted with a lever in the baseplate to facilitate rapid film advance (also found on the VIT, VT deluxe and VT deluxe M). The name appears on the front of the baseplate.

Earlier Canon rangefinders (starting with the IIB) have a lever next to the rewind knob which operates the optical finder. This changed with the introduction of the VT, which has a finder window on the top plate in line with the viewfinder. A wheel to the side of the viewfinder sets the finder and moves an arrow in the finder window to one of three positions. These are marked 50, 35 and RF.

A built-in self-timer is fitted. Flash synchronisation is provided for FP, M or X.

The top of this camera has 'EP' engraving, which indicates that that it was for sale to American forces personnel. Cameras are found with and without this additional engraving.