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CANON RANGEFINDER CAMERAS - LEICA THREAD MOUNT (M39)
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| CANON II - B |
Année / year 1949-52 (january 1951 to
july
1952) SN 25634 About 14.400 cameras produced. 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. Thie II - B is the last model to carry the Canon Camera Company Ltd. maker's name. As successor of the model S-II , It was first called S-IIb but soon changed to IIB (originally II-b). It's also marked MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN on base plate (with the japanese CPO translation). Case is marked CPO in latin characters. The II-B is in fact a S-II with some improvments : - neckstrap lugs added - improved accessory shoe - and most important, the new viewfinder wich makes the II-B the most important camera model in Canon's history. The hallmark feature was the 3-mode optical viewfinder. It had a positive and negative lens element in an optical block which rotated to change the viewfinder magnification. A lever could set one of three magnifications from 0.67x to 1.5x to match the focal length of the interchangeable lens. This feature received very high acclaim and was the most distinctive attribute to set Canon apart from all the makers of Leica-derived cameras. This camera is clearly an early model : the body shell is bright metal alloy with interior painted black, the superstructure retaining screw is located at the right of the accessory shoe.
Lenses : - Rigid body early 135mm/f4 marketed in
1948. Semi Universal lensmount (intermediate type with exchange possible
between most but not all postwar Serenar and Leitz lenses). |
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| CANON II - C |
Année / year 1951 (march 1951 to
august
1953) SN 50460 Serial range 50200 to 57850 Only 800 cameras were produced. Production lasted only 5 months so the II-C is today one of the scarcer Canons. The II-C is similar to model III without top speed of 1000. This one is fitted with the Canon 50mm f1.9 Serenar colapsible lens. It was found along with a 35mm f3.5 and a 135mm f4 lenses ; see descriptions below A flash synchronization has been added on faceplate but it is not an original Canon modification (Canon always installed flash sync. at side of cameras). Specifications : Type : 35mm focal-plane shutter camera Picture Size : 24 x 36 mm Normal Lens : Serenar 50mm f/1.9 Lens Mount : Semi-Universal thread mount Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T (time exposure), 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, and 1/500 sec. Viewfinder : Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. Film Loading & Advance : After baseplate removal, drop-in bottom loading. Advances with camera-top knob. Frame Counter : Manually set from 0 to 39 at base of camera-top rewind knob. Film Rewind : Camera-top knob (the engraving on the film advance and rewind knobs consists of a diamond pattern). No film speed reminder.
Lens : |
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| CANON III - A |
Année / year 1951-53 (december 1951 to
september
1953) SN 65027 9025 cameras were produced. This one is probably a 1952 camera as it does not have the red dot to indicate exact film plane position. 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. The III-A is the first Canon to include some new features as : one-piece lever in replacement of the 2-piece assembly, new style wind knob with film speed reminder and restyled top speed dial. A more important modification was the new design of the shutter crate : not long after introduction of the III-A, Canon introduced a new design of the shutter crate (essentialy to provide better rigidity and simplify assembly). Further details about it hereunder in the IV-F specifications. This camera has the old style shutter crate , so it probably means it's an early model. No identification markings on the camera. Many variations exist. No flash rail. A PC flash sync has been professionally added on back of top cover just below the accessory shoe (in place of the central screw). Shutter speeds : slow dial T, 1, 2, 4, 8, 25 (red) no X position, no locking pin) - top speeds B, 25-1 (red), 40, 60, 100, 200, 500, 1000. Horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Finder adjustment through one-piece lever .
Lens : Chrome 28mm/f2.8 rigid model
made in 1957.
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| CANON IV |
Année / year 1951 SN 57971 Updated version of the Canon 1950 model (Inc instead of Ltd) It's identical to the model III with the exception of the flashbulb synch. through the flashrail : The Canon IV was the first generally Canon camera with factory installed synchronization. It was also the first model to carry the patent notice on its inner loading film diagram. Only 1400 cameras were produced so it's a quite rare camera. Specifications : Type : 35mm focal-plane shutter camera Picture Size : 24 x 36 mm Normal Lens : Serenar 50mm f/1.9 Lens Mount : Universal threaded mount Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. Flash Sync : Set automatically for FP-, F-, and M-sync (direct synchronization provided with flash rail). Viewfinder : Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. Two piece lever. Film Loading & Advance : After baseplate removal, drop-in bottom loading. Advances with camera-top knob (the engraving on the film advance and rewind knobs consists of a diamond pattern). Frame Counter : Manually set from 0 to 39 at base of camera-top rewind knob. Film Rewind : Camera-top knob Dimensions & : Weight : 140 x 72.2 x 69 mm, 785 g (with Serenar 50mm f/1.9) Remarks : From the latter half of 1951, a Serenar 50mm f/1.8 fixed-lens model was added.
Lens : Collapsible 50mm/f1.9 marketed
in 1949. Semi Universal lensmount.
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CANON IV NO SERIAL |
Année / year 1951 This is the same camera as shown above but with a unique feature making this a very rare camera : THERE IS NO SERIAL NUMBER ON THE TOP COVER ! I do not know how this is possible but it could have
been happened after a repair : the repairman (probably at the factory)
has replaced the top cover with an unmarked one rather than placing a
regular engraved top cover ?? (no more engraved top cover available in
the spare parts stock ??).
Lens : Collapsible 50mm/f1.9 marketed
in 1949. Semi Universal lensmount. Flash Unit model ...
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CANON IV - F |
Année / year 1951-52 (december 1951 to
august 1952) SN 70117 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. I've got some problems to clearly indentify this one : the serial number falls in the range of the IV-S (64000-85000) or III (50200-81850) cameras ; but it has the old style shutter crate of the IV-F (serial range 52610-69000). Also, there is a flash rail on side which is factory mounted as the camera does also have the patent notice on its inner film loading diagram. About 2000 IV-F (and 4900 IV-S) cameras were produced. Models IV-S are not easy to find in original condition : most of them were factory upgraded to model IV-SB cameras (see explanations under model IV-SB). The IV-F had the same film advance, rewind knobs and single-piece viewfinder mode selector lever which were introduced on the III-A. Externally, it is identical to this model IV-S produced in 1952-53 with a major difference : it has the pressed metal parts crate instead of the new die-cast shutter crate. Shutter speeds : slow speed dial T, 1, 2,4 ,8 ,25 ; top speed dial B, 40 ,60 ,100 ,200 ,500 ,1000. Horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Film speed indicator dial on top of rewind knob. Let's assume this is a model IV-F ! The present camera has been fitted with a PC flash connector on the flash rail on side. The conversion is probably not factory made though it's a neat job ; one should notice that Canon always fitted the additional PC flash sync at the side of the cameras (Non Canon dealers often installed flash sync on back or on faceplate). With case, lens cap and holder.
Lens : Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible made in 1951.
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CANON IV - SB also called IV-S2 (outside Japan) |
*Année / year
1952-55 (december 1952 to march 1955)
Serial 131191 35000 cameras of this type were made. It's a 35mm focal-plane shutter CRF camera for 24x36mm pictures. This camera is a model IV SB supplied with a Canon collapsible lens f3,5/50mm Serenar II type (diam. filter 34mm) (Universal threaded lens mount) and was bought in Belgium (according to original customs registering form). The IV-SB is actually a IV-S with two modifications : - a lock was added to the slow speed dial, - it has a provision for X-sync (X speed setting located on the slow speed dial between 8 and 25); As the conversion was a simple matter, many IV-F and IV-S were converted to IV-SB. It was the world's first camera of its kind to feature X-sync for Speedlites (electronic flash). The camera's precision and finish was high and the IVSB was the third best-selling Canon only surpassed by the P and the 7. An important model in Japan's camera history. Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8,x and 1/25 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for X, B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. Flash Sync : FP- and X-sync (direct synchronization provided with flash rail). Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. Frame Counter is manually set from 39 to 0 at base of camera-top rewind knob. Film speed indicator dial on top of rewind knob. With front lens cap and leather case.
Lens : Collapsible 50mm/f3.5 model II made
in 1952. |
     
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| CANON IV - SB also called IV - S2 (outside Japan) |
Année / year 1952-55 (december 1952 to
march 1955) Serial 104873 Similar to the above model but with slight variations. One of these is the small arrow engraved next to the top speed dial. It indicates the selected speed when shutter is not cocked (while the classic arrow located onto the accessory shoe indicates selected speed when shutter is cocked). Lens is the classic chrome 50mm/f1.8
model I non collapsible made c.1952.
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| CANON II - D |
Année / year 1952-56 (august 1952 to february
1955) SN 77647 About 21.725 cameras produced. 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. Mechanically similar to the III-A except for the top speed limited at 500 on the II-D. No film speed reminder. Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, and 1/500 sec. Viewfinder : Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. One piece VF selector. Film Loading & Advance : After baseplate removal, drop-in bottom loading. Advances with camera-top knob. Frame Counter : Manually set from 39 to 0 at base of camera-top rewind knob. Lens : |
    
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| CANON II - F |
Année / year 1953-55 (july 1953 to march
1955) SN 111998 About 11900 cameras produced according to Peter Dechert investigations. 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. Tip : the II-F is also known as the "PX camera" because almost all of them were sold through military post exchanges. Engraved PX in a diamond on top cover below Canon name. Similar to the IIAF with slow speeds. Particularity : this one is identified on the inner loading diagram (marked model II-F in a rectangle. Many II-F including all the earliest ones are not so marked. Shutter speeds : slow dial T, 1, 2, 4, 8, 25 (red) no X position, no locking pin) - top speeds B, 25-1 (red), 40, 60, 100, 200, 500. Horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Side rail flashbulb synchronization (no X sync).
Lens : Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible. |
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| CANON II - F |
Année / year 1953-55 (july 1953 to march
1955) SN 155304 Similar camera to the above model with only one visible improvment : This later one is fitted with the new rear eyepiece ; it was slightly larger and of a better design and made the finder easier to use. The camera is also identified on the inner loading diagram. Lens :
Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible.
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| CANON II - F |
Année / year 1953-55 (july 1953 to march
1955) SN 110158 Identical to the model serial 111998 Identified on bottom (inner loading diagram). Lens
(not illustrated) :
Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible.
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| CANON II - S |
Année / year 1954-55 (february 1954 to march
1955) SN 110757 (range 108870 - 160150) Only 1850 manufactured . The II - S is similar to a Canon IV-SB but with top speed of 1/500 rather than 1/1000 on the Canon IV-SB. Sometimes identified on the inner loading diagram. Lens
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Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible. |
     
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| CANON VT |
Année / year 1956-57 ( april 1956 to
february 1957) SN 508795 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. 15575 cameras produced. Identified on baseplate : Model VT The VT was Canon's first camera : - to have an hinged back for easy film loading, - to have a delayed action self-timing mechanism. Since it was the successor to the IV-series, the designation included a "V." (V = 5 in latin numbers) However, it had a totally new concept with a built-in self-timer, a different three-mode viewfinder, and a winding trigger. The T is for Trigger. In fact, the VT is a IV-SB2 with its improved shutter mechanism + some other improvements : - rapid wind baseplate with trigger mechanism, - PC outlet in place of the side rail, - Hinged back instead of bottom loading system. The only real innovation was the new three-mode finder (Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications : 0.4x magnification for 35mm lens a, 0.72x magnification for 50mm lens , 1.4x magnification at RF position for accurate rangefinding ). No frames for parallax correction but there was one important finding development : a small domed pin in the front of the accessory shoe rose and fell as the lens was focused, providing accurate automatic parralax correction with any of the V type accessory viewfinders that were introduced with that new camera. Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains equiped with built-in self-timer and shutter safety lock.. Top speeds dial : single-axis rotating dial (with index) for X, B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. Slow speeds dial : Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15 sec. Flash sync : FP-, M-F, and X-sync (1/50 sec. sync speed). Bayonet terminal on camera side provided. Film loading and advance : hinged camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-bottom trigger (single stroke). Rotating knob also provided (align the 3 holes and pull button up : see picture). Pop-up knob for film rewind.
Lens on this one is the Canon 50mm/f1.4 Model II made in 1959.
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| CANON L-2 |
Année / year 1956 (november 1956 to december
1957) SN 536384 (range 505850-583000) 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. 7350 cameras manufactured. The model L-2 is a model V-T with a film advance lever (rather than a crank wind knob), no built-in self-timer and normally without X sync. It was the first thumb lever wind Canon. This one is a model that is not described as is by P.Dechert in its excellent book about Canon RF cameras. Differences are : - No identification of model on the bottom of baseplate (it seems that some late models did not have it). - It has a X position on the top speed dial and a flash sync socket like the L-1. It could have been a L-1... but the top speed is 500 (rather than 1000) and the rewind system is a collapsible crank... It could have been a VL-2... but there is no built-in self-timer provided and curtains are cloth made (not metal)... It could have been a L-3... but the flash sync outlet on side is not blanked by a screw-in plug and the arrangement (small window and lever) in the speed dial area is present... Otherwise, the camera has all of the other features of the classic model L-2. Specifications : Normal lens : Canon 50mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 - Canon 35mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 Shutter : two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15and 1/30 (red) sec., and single-axis rotating dial (with index) for B, 30-1, X, 60, 125, 250, and 500 sec. No self-timer. Flash sync : FP-M and X-F sync (automatic-switching sync contacts, X-sync speed of 1/55 sec., and bayonet terminal socket on camera side). Viewfinder : coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. The finder adjustment is marked 50-35-RF. Accessory shoe's parallax correction pin coupled to lens draw to adjust accessory finder. Film loading and advance : after opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-top advance lever (single or partial strokes). Frame counter : manually set from 39 to 0 with built-in window. Film advance and rewind status indicator provided. Film rewind : pop-up rewind knob. |
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| CANON L-3 |
Année / year 1957 (october 1957 to december
1958) SN 535542 (range 529000-592000) 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. Identification of model on the bottom of baseplate : marked Model L3. 12975 cameras manufactured. The L-3 is similar to the L-1 model without the 1000 top speed and flash sync. The L-2 was a L-1 without the 1/1000 speed .The L-3 was the basic version of the L series. It was manufactured primarily for the japanese market and is difficult to find outside Japan. Specifications : Normal lens : Canon 50mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 - Canon 35mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 Shutter : two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/15 sec., and single-axis rotating dial (with index) for B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, and 1/500 sec. No self-timer. Flash sync : none (terminal socket hole covered). The L3 was the last unsynchronized Canon Viewfinder : coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. The finder adjustment is marked 50-35-RF. Accessory shoe's parallax correction pin coupled to lens draw to adjust accessory finder. Film loading and advance : after opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-top advance lever (single or partial strokes). Frame counter : manually set from 39 to 0 with built-in window. Film advance and rewind status indicator provided. Film rewind : pop-up rewind knob.
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| CANON VL |
Année / year 1957 (december 1957 to december
1958) SN 559452 (range 555000-59200) 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. No model identification on body. 5450 cameras manufactured. This was the first Canon with metal shutter curtains. It was the top of the V-series camera. It's similar to the L-1 with a selftimer and a silvered hal-mirror prism . Specifications : Shutter : two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with metal curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, and 1/30 sec., and single-axis rotating dial (with index) for X, B, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. Equipped with built-in self-timer. Flash Sync : FP-, M-F, and X-sync (lever-switchable sync contacts and bayonet terminal socket on camera side). Viewfinder : coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications. Accessory shoe's parallax correction pin coupled to lens draw to adjust accessory finder. Film loading and advance : after opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-top advance lever (single or partial strokes). Frame counter : manually set from 39 to 0 with built-in window. Film advance and rewind status indicator provided. Film rewind : collapsible crank |
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| CANON VL-2 |
Année / year 1958 (january to december) SN 576129 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. No model identification on body. 8450 cameras produced. Serial range 527000 - 585000 Simplified version of the Canon VL ; Differences are : - Rewind knob (pop-up like the VT model) instead of a crank, - Top speed is 1/500 instead of 1/1000 on the VL model. Specifications : Shutter : Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with metal curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, and 1/30 sec., and single-axis rotating dial (with index) for X, B, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, and 1/500 sec. Equipped with built-in self-timer. Flash Sync : FP- and X-sync (automatic-switching sync contacts, X-sync speed of 1/55 sec., and bayonet terminal socket on camera side). Viewfinder : Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder rotatable to set one of three magnifications (35-50-RF). Accessory shoe's parallax correction pin coupled to lens draw to adjust accessory finder. Film Loading & Advance : after opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-top advance lever (single or partial strokes). Frame Counter : Manually set from 39 to 0 with built-in window. Film advance and rewind status indicator provided. Film Rewind : Pop-up knob These VL-2 were mainly sold in Japan, so they are not easy to find. |
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CANON P |
Année / year 1959-61 SN 773139 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. This serial number makes this camera one of the latter cameras of the P serie (serial range 700000-798000). SN lens 330972 The Canon P is a very well constructed coupled rangefinder camera. It's the last of the Canon VI series. P = populaire... - The viewfinder offers a magnification factor of 1X, bright framelines for 35-50-100 mm with parallax compensation. It was the best selling Canon RF untill the Canon 7 : 87.875 cameras were produced (according to Peter Dechert’s book). - Horizontal stainless steel focal plane shutter. The Canon P accepts any Leica M39 Screw Mount lenses. Shutter speed range : X,B,1,2,4,8,15,30.60.125,250,500,1000 ; flash sync at 1/55 sec. Built in self-timer on front. Most Canon P's develop wrinkles in the stainless steel shutter curtains ; This one has none ! It's quite rare to find P models that doesn't have these crinkles. I found this camera in an exceptional condition, complete with its external selenium cell and original ever-ready leather case. - The Canon Meter is an aperture-reading selenium photocell coupled to the shutter speed dial : the meter slides onto the cold-shoe and then you push down a pronged attachment that "grasps" onto the shutter speed dial. The meter's upper shutter speed dial then controls the camera. Set your shutter speed then read your aperture on the display. Metering range (at ISO 100) switchable between EV 10 - 19 (high) and EV 4 - 13 (low). The clip-on selenium-cell meter works and even seems pretty accurate. The meter foot rotates to install it easier. The case has a hump in it to accomodate it. It also can be separated in 2 parts in order to use the bottom as holder : cool to avoid brassing on body edges. - Flash sync. : FP and X-sync (automatic-switching sync. contacts, X-sync speed of 1/55 sec., and bayonet terminal socket on camera side). - The frame counter on top counts from 0 to 40 and resets automatically when camera back is opened. Film advance and rewind status indicator provided. - There is a very elegant collapsible crank for film rewinding. - Coloured film reminder dial on the camera back (the leather case has a cutted half-moon window as you can read the Asa-Din scales). Lens
: Canon 50mm/f1.8 model III wich delivers excellent quality
(Planar type ) (1961-70).
ABOUT SPECIAL MARKINGS / ENGRAVINGS
I know of other engravings such as : |
       
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| CANON P |
Année / year 1959-61 SN 727770 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. Same camera as above but no special engraving on it.
Meter is similar to the model above in
design but non swivelling mounting foot.
Lens
: Canon 50mm/f1.8 model III
(Planar type) (1959-60). |
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| CANON 7 |
Année / year 1961-64 (june 1961 to
november 1964) Sn 833893 35mm coupled rangefinder camera for 24x36mm pictures. More than 137000 cameras produced. It's the Canon's bestselling Canon RF camera of all time. It was : - the first Canon's RF camera with built-in selenium exposure meter, - the first Canon to use new bayonet lens mount accepting the classic universal SM lenses, the new 50mm/f0.95 lens developped for this camera and some Reflex accessories( such as the Mirror Box 2). - first use of projected frame finder by Canon. - first Canon camera to use arabic numeral designation. The only negative point is that the model 7 did not have any accessory shoe (omitted due to the internal position of the meter). Shutter : two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with metal curtains. Single-axis non-rotating dial for X, T, B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. Equiped with built-in self-timer and shutter button lock. Flash sync. : FP- and X-sync (automatic-switching sync contacts, X-sync speed of 1/60 sec., and bayonet terminal socket on camera side). Viewfinder : Coincidence rangefinder integrated with universal mark finder featuring four manually-switchable projected frames for 35mm (fixed at 0.8x), 50mm, 85mm/100mm, and 135mm lenses for automatic parallax correction. Built-in Exposure Meter : Switchable between two ranges (high & low) coupled to shutter speed dial. Built-in selenium photocell meter for needle aperture reading. Metering ranges at ISO 100: EV 12 - 19 and EV 6 - 13. Lens : Canon 50mm/f1.4 Model
II made in 1959.
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| CANON 7 Black body |
Année / year 1961-64 (june 1961 to
november 1964) Sn 912411 Same specifications as
above but this rare camera is factory black painted. Lens : Canon 50mm/f1.4 Model
II made in 1959. There is something very unusual with
that camera/lens combination that I've never seen before :
More amazing detail ? OK, here it is : If someone around here knows of another similar combination, please drop me an email. ABOUT FAKE BLACK CANON CAMERAS. There are a
lot of "fake" black Canon cameras. These are mainly repainted chrome
bodies.
How to recognize a fake black camera ? BLACK PAINT CANON CAMERAS that
I've seen before (sometimes only on photographs) :
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| CANON 7 |
Année / year 1961-64 (june 1961 to
november 1964) Sn 806994 Similar camera to the chrome bodied model above.
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| A bit of (R)evolution |
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CANON Rangefinder Lenses |
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| Canon Lens 28mm/f2.8 |
Lens : Chrome 28mm/f2.8 rigid model
1 made in 1957. 6 elements in 4 groups - 6 blades - minimum aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Markings are : " CANON LENS 28mm f:2.8 Canon Camera Co. Japan No.11010" Lens cap. Filter diameter 40mm. Here is what the 1958 Canon Lenses catalogue said about this lens.
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| Canon Lens 35mm/f2.8 |
Lens : Chrome 35mm/f2.8 rigid model I made
in 1952 6 elements in 4 groups - 6 blades - minimum aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Markings are : " SERENAR f:2.8 35mm Canon Camera Co. Japan No.10677" Filter diameter 34mm. Screw in filters. In leather case with lens caps and finder n° 1493 |
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| Canon Lens 35mm/f3.2 |
Lens : Chrome 35mm/f3.2 rigid model
2 made in 1952. 6 elements in 4 groups - 6 blades - minimum aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Markings are : " SERENAR f:3.2 35mm Canon Camera Co. Japan No.72551" Filter diameter 34mm. Push-on filters only. In leather case with lens caps and finder n° 6328 Here is what the Canon catalogue said about this lens |
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| Canon Lens 35mm/f3.5 |
Lens : Chrome 35mm/f3.5 rigid model made in 1950-51. 6 elements in 4 groups - 6 blades - minimum aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Markings are : " SERENAR f:3.5 35mm Canon Camera Co. No.64233" Filter diameter 34mm. Push-on filters only. In leather case with lens caps and finder . Finder has paralax correction system. Made in occupied Japan is engraved on rear cap. Case is of a different shape and design than those shown above. Letters are embossed but not gold painted. This is probably an older case.
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| Canon Lens
50mm/f1.4 model II |
Canon 50mm/f1.4 Model
II lenses made in 1961 (to 1970?). 6 elements in 4 groups - 9 blades - min aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Filter size : 48mm. Markings : "CANON LENS 50mm 1:1.4 No.50864 Canon Camera Co. Inc. LENS MADE IN JAPAN". Markings : "CANON LENS 50mm 1:1.4 No.109344 Canon Camera Co. Inc. LENS MADE IN JAPAN". Markings : "CANON LENS 50mm 1:1.4 No.82411 Canon Camera Co. Inc. LENS MADE IN JAPAN". This 50mm f1.4 lens delivers superb performance.
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| Canon Lens 50mm/f1.9 |
Collapsible 50mm/f1.9 lens marketed in
1949. Semi Universal lensmount. 6 elements in 4 groups (Gauss type) - min aperture f11 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Filter size 40mm. Markings : "SERENAR f:1.9 50mm Canon Camera Co. No.20257" Here is what the Canon catalogue said about this lens I have also an other similar
model (found with the Canon IIc): |
 
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| Canon Lens
50mm/f3.5 model II |
Collapsible 50mm/f3.5 model II made
in 1952. 4 elements in 3 groups - min aperture f16 - focusing from 1m to infinity. Filter size 34mm. Markings : "CANON LENS f:3.5 50mm Canon Camera Co. Japan No.16642" Here is what the Canon catalogue said about this lens
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| Canon Lens
50mm/f1.8 model I |
Lens : Chrome 50mm/f1.8 model I non collapsible. 6 elements in 4 groups - 10 blades - min aperture f16 - focusing from 1 m to infinity. Filter size 40mm. Markings : "CANON LENS 50mm f:1.8 Canon Camera Co.Japan No.90250" Here is what the Canon catalogue said about this lens |
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| Canon Lens
50mm/f1.8 model III |
Lens : Canon 50mm/f1.8 model III (Planar type) (1959-60). 6 elements in 4 groups - 8 blades - min aperture f22 - focusing from 1m to infinity (distance markings in meters). Markings are : " CANON LENS 50mm f:1.8 Canon Camera Co. Japan No 274321" Filter size 40mm.
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| Canon Lens
50mm/f1.8 model III |
This is
slightly different from the model III above (see text) Lens : Canon 50mm/f1.8 model III wich delivers excellent quality (Planar type ) (1961-70). 6 elements in 4 groups - 8 blades - min aperture f22 - focusing from 3.5ft to infinity (distance markings in feet). Markings : " CANON LENS 50mm 1:1.8 No 330972 Canon Camera Inc. LENS MADE IN JAPAN " Filter size 40mm. Here is what the 1958 Canon Lenses catalogue said about this lens.
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| Canon Lens
135mm/f3.5 |
Lens
: Canon 135mm/f3.5 made in 1952. 4 elements in 3 groups - min aperture f22 - focusing from 1.50m to infinity. Markings : " CANON LENS f 3.5 135mm Canon Camera Co. Japan No 47056" Filter size 48mm. With case and
finder n°18868 Here are two 135mm lenses side by side
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| Canon Lens
135mm/f4 Serenar |
Rigid body early 135mm/f4 made in 1947.
Semi Universal lensmount (intermediate type with exchange possible between most but not all postwar Serenar and Leitz lenses). NOT coupled with the rangefinder. 4 elements in 3 groups - Minimum aperture f.16 . Filter diameter 40mm. Markings are : " SERENAR 1:4 f = 13.5cm Canon Camera Co. No.5348" With tubular finder and caps. The lens case has amazing markings style : have a look at the letters C and A of the Canon name ! Markings are "Canon 135m.m." Here is what the Canon catalogue said about this lens
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| Canon Lens
135mm/f4 Serenar RF coupled |
This is a lens similar in design to the above model but
this one does have the Rangefinder coupling and is probably a later
model. 4 elements in 3 groups - Minimum aperture f 16 . Filter diameter 40mm. With tubular finder, caps and leather case. The case is only marked "Serenar 135mm" on top. Markings are : " SERENAR f:4 135mm Canon Camera Co. No.39368"
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CANON Rangefinder accessories
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| Walz varifocal zoom finder |
I often use the 28mm lens with the
Canon P and the viewfinder of the camera has frames only for
35-50-100mm. The varifocal (Zoom 28mm to 135mm) Walz finder is very clear though the image is a bit smaller than seen in the camera viewfinder. It also has a parallax correction. |
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| Lens hoods |
Bel-view
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Lens hood for the 50mm/f1.8 lens : the
Bel-View hood is a 40mm screw-in hood ; nicely finished (black enameled
outside and mate black paint inside). marked "Bel-View for Canon".
Canon S-50 : Clamp-on type with Canon adapter ring, lens hood for the 50mm/f1.4 lens.
Canon clamp-on adapter in satin chrome finish marked Canon Japan 50mm with generic chromed hood (fits the 50mm f1.4 lens)
Another Canon brand hood (with its serie VI Canon adapter 40mm) ; this one is marked Serie VI Serenar f:1.8 50mm f:2.8 35mm f:3.2 35mm.
Vented hood Ednalite (with adapter and filters) for the 50mm f1.8 lens. The set is composed of the hood itself, the serie VI adapter that screws onto the lens and the filter holder. Filters can be sandwiched between the adapter and filter holder.
Canon square shaped hood with serie VI mount (42mm) of the push-on style. For use with 50mm f1.9 or 35mm f3.5 lenses. |
 
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Canon Flash Unit
Model III |
Fan-type flash unit for the
cameras equiped with flash rail such as models II-F, IV-F or S,... that
are not synchronized. It has been found attached on a model II-F. Uses bulbs ; There is also a PC connector for use with cameras that doesn't have the flash rail. Uses 2 batteries : one is a Canon brand capacitor and the second one is a classic 22.5 volts battery model B. Came with its leather case.
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Canon Flash Unit
Model Y |
Serial number 2130 Heavy quality Flash unit to use with synchronized bottom loading RF cameras with flash-rail such as models IV-SB (IV-S2). Uses Flash bulbs. Specifications : - incorporated Micro-sync dial (older Canon flash units do need the external micro-sync accessory), - test button, - removable reflector head that you can move back and forth, - two plugs marked Self-Ext and Ext (to plug in the external Battery unit ??) - plastic diffuser. - tripod socket on bottom. Found in its presentation box. |
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Canon Flash Unit
Model V |
Fan-type flash unit for the Canon V series
RF cameras (but should also work with the cameras which have the PC plug
with surrounding bayonet attachment. The Canon P instruction booklet shows the model P camera fitted with that Flash Unit. Almost same technical specifications as model V-2 ; see hereunder. Complete in its leather case.
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Canon Flash Unit Model V2 |
The model V-2 flash is a battery capacitor
unit with revolving flash head designed for use with the Canon 7 camera, Canonflex and previous models VI-T, VI-L and P
(on pictures). The capacitor cell is supplied with the unit. Specifications : - Ejector button - Test button and test lamp - Exposure guide on back cover - Self extention socket - Revolving head for bounce flash
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| Canon Meter |
Aperture-reading selenium
photocell coupled to the shutter speed dial.
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| PC Flash adapter |
Canon brand flash
rail adapter which slips onto the rail and provides a PC-sync socket. It is called : Canon PC sync. adapter It was mounted on the Canon IV-SB camera. It allows you to use today's electronic flash units. This adapter is more practical than the modification sometimes made (see the model IV-F above) in that way that you can use either the original Flash or the electronic unit.
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| Flash Unit Coupler |
This is really a very rare accessory ! Found onto a Canonflex camera but can be used with the Canon V, VI, 7, Canon P which were all equipped with the Bayonet flash plug on side. This is not a hot-shoe, you have to connect the flash unit with a cable to the plug on side. Some users are ready to pay more for that accessory than for the camera itself !
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| Soft release button |
This button was attached to the R2000 camera
but can be fitted on any other camera equipped with a cable release
provision.
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Canon Self-timer model 8 |
One of the latest Canon Self-timers. |
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Canon Self-timer Early HANSA model
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Early model marked Hansa and a Logo
including letters C and H (for Canon Hansa). It has a Japan patent number 363919:366274 |
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| Release cable | Release cable that can be adapted on Canon RF cameras |
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Canon Film magazine
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This is a Standard film magazine for Rangefinder cameras.
Found in its original box and its quite rare brown bakelite canister. |
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| Canon Auto-Up |
Close-up lens for use with the
50mm/f1.8 Serenar lenses.
Subject lying between 22 and 40" (50cm to 1m) can be
accurately focused with the rangefinder of the camera. It is not
necessary to dismount the lens to use the Auto-up ; simply mount it onto
the lens. Ideal for photographing flowers, insects and other small
objects (text found in a Canon catalogue...).
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| Canon Auto-Up II |
Serial 10650 Close-up lens for use with the 50mm/f1.5 Canon lens. Subject lying between 15 and 20" (39 to 52cm) Patent 174601
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