Canon's first SLR. And the world's best looking...
 |
| Canonflex 'Flex' CC Image courtesy of Joshua Blais on Flickr |
Back in 1959, Canon introduced it's first lineup of SLR s to the market, the Canonflex, with just a mere production of 17,000 cameras. Though the Canonflexes are not quite as popular as the Nikon F's, collectors nowadays starts to appreciate the amount construction and engineering that has been put into this beast of a camera.
During the 50's, SLR s were new and not so much a hit, as rangefinders are dominating most of the camera market. But before the realization of the masses about how easy and intuitive SLR s are, people were used to the old rudimentary technique of focusing through a separate viewfinder, trying to overlap two images to focus.
The first thing you'll notice once you've picked up the Canonflex is that it it built like a tank. Solid as a rock, and well made. The construction, I have to say, is quite phenomenal compared to what is on offer today.
The second thing after the build, you'll notice that the film advance level is situated at the bottom of the camera with a 130 degrees throw. Some say it is more intuitive to use, but after using it on the field for quite some time, it will become apparent that using this camera on a tripod is as challenge as it is handheld.
The first model (Flex) came out with a detachable viewfinder and a (small) line-up of R-mount lenses. The standard kit at the time included the Super-Canomatic R 50mm f/1.8, which was Canon's first attempt to produce a breech lock manual-focus lens, where late FL and FD lenses are modelled after. Before the production started, Canon used to make great Rangefinder lenses, including the infamous 50mm f/0.95, which uses the old Leica screw-mount. The Super-Canomatic R 50mm f/1.8 featured a fully automatic aperture operation until the production of the late EF lenses, where motors are utilized.
Aiming at a professional market, the late Flex R2000 also featured an interchangeable finder and could reach up to a shutter speed of a whopping 1/2000th sec, which is quite impressive at the time.
Below is the Canon RP, released a year after the 'Flex' to pursue the needs of enthusiasts and beginners as it was marketed at a slightly lower price. This was due to the removal of the interchangeable finder, replaced by a fixed eye-level prism to cut cost.
The first thing you'll notice once you've picked up the Canonflex is that it it built like a tank. Solid as a rock, and well made. The construction, I have to say, is quite phenomenal compared to what is on offer today.
The second thing after the build, you'll notice that the film advance level is situated at the bottom of the camera with a 130 degrees throw. Some say it is more intuitive to use, but after using it on the field for quite some time, it will become apparent that using this camera on a tripod is as challenge as it is handheld.
The first model (Flex) came out with a detachable viewfinder and a (small) line-up of R-mount lenses. The standard kit at the time included the Super-Canomatic R 50mm f/1.8, which was Canon's first attempt to produce a breech lock manual-focus lens, where late FL and FD lenses are modelled after. Before the production started, Canon used to make great Rangefinder lenses, including the infamous 50mm f/0.95, which uses the old Leica screw-mount. The Super-Canomatic R 50mm f/1.8 featured a fully automatic aperture operation until the production of the late EF lenses, where motors are utilized.
Aiming at a professional market, the late Flex R2000 also featured an interchangeable finder and could reach up to a shutter speed of a whopping 1/2000th sec, which is quite impressive at the time.
Below is the Canon RP, released a year after the 'Flex' to pursue the needs of enthusiasts and beginners as it was marketed at a slightly lower price. This was due to the removal of the interchangeable finder, replaced by a fixed eye-level prism to cut cost.
 |
| Canonflex RP CC Image courtesy of Hiyotada via Wikimedia commons |
The RM, like the RP was the economical version of the Flex, similar the to the 'Populaire' in the rangefinder world. The RM however featured many changes, including the design. The RM's pentaprism was set very low, almost in alignment with the camera's top plate, and the film advance lever was slotted perfectly into the body. Further improvements including a Canon 7 inspired selenium light meter built-in into the body was added to give the best photographic experience.
The Canonflexes, no matter what model they are is a great camera for collectors. It's beauty, and rarity in some cases makes this camera a little gem on your shelf, and an object to be proud about. This piece of Japanese engineering will never disappoint.
The Canonflexes, no matter what model they are is a great camera for collectors. It's beauty, and rarity in some cases makes this camera a little gem on your shelf, and an object to be proud about. This piece of Japanese engineering will never disappoint.
No comments:
Post a Comment