This was the first Canon camera to be given an English designation from the start. (Previous models were called “Standard Model,” etc., in Japanese.) The S II was probably so named because it was the successor to the camera which later came to be called the Canon S. It was the first new model after the war. The non-universal, threaded lens mount was identical to the Canon J’s. The viewfinder and coupled rangefinder were combined into a single window. During the post-war food shortage, Japan received various relief supplies from the Allied Powers. As collateral for these supplies, cameras were sold through occupation personnel exchanges. In effect, it was the company’s first export camera and it drew attention.

Consequently, it became a national policy to favor the company for the procurement of metals, lens glass, electricity, fuel, etc. In September 1947, the corporate name was changed to “Canon Camera Company Ltd.”