1959 - 1963

The top-class 35mm camera market gradually shifted from rangefinder cameras to single-lens reflex cameras.

The major reason was that SLRs could handle close-ups, photomicrography, duplication work, and other applications without being constrained by the limits of rangefinder camera lenses. When Canon introduced the Canonflex, its first SLR, there were already eight SLR models on the market.

The Canonflex used a high-quality, breechlock lens mount. The lens flange ring was turned to lock the lens onto the camera flange's bayonet lugs. The lens flange and camera flange did not rub against each other like today's lens mounts.The camera used Super-Canomatic lenses which had a fast, fully-automatic diaphragm. A 130-degree winding trigger at the camera bottom enabled quick film advance. An external selenium exposure meter could also be attached

Serial is : #104717

To cut costs, the camera had a fixed, eye-level pentaprism viewfinder. This was the economy or "Populaire" version of the Canonflex.

The self-timer was operated by a simple lever, and the pentaprism cover was part of the single-piece top cover. Other features and performance were the same as the original Canonflex.

Deluxe version of the Canonflex. With a top shutter speed of 1/2000 sec., the fastest ever for any camera, the R2000 was a high-performance 35mm SLR. Other than that, it was the same as the original Canonflex. The viewfinder used a Fresnel matte focusing screen without a rangefinder..

Although this camera belongs to the Canonflex series, it was developed as an entirely different model.

Although it used the same body shell as the Canonflex, the pentaprism was set very low, giving the body a unique shape.

The top cover looked high, and the film advance lever fitted stylishly into a slot on the top cover. Coupled to the large shutter speed dial was the built-in selenium exposure meter which indicated the proper aperture. Following the Konica F in 1960, the Canonflex RM was Japan's second SLRcamera to feature a built-in exposure meter. The RM's meter was based on the same concept as the Canon 7's built-in meter. A built-in exposure meter was deemed as essential for taking good pictures.