Film Cameras

35mm Focal-Plane Shutter Camera

II AX

II AX

II AX

  • Japan
  • Americas
  • Europe, Asia, Oceania
  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed June 1953
Original Price For export only (no Japanese price)

Often called the mysterious Canon, the II AX was named “Flash-dedicated Camera” during its development. It was a II A with 1/40 sec. X-sync and a side flash rail with built-in flash sync contacts. Shutter speeds slower than 1/8 sec. were not provided. The slow shutter speed dial hole was covered by a round patch like the II A. Altogether only about 20 II AX and II AF cameras were made.

Type 35mm focal-plane shutter camera
Picture Size 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens Canon 50mm f/1.8
Lens Mount Universal threaded mount
Shutter Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, and 1/500 sec.
Flash Sync X-sync (direct synchronization provided with Speedlite rail).
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 39 to 0 at base of camera-top rewind knob. Film speed indicator dial on top of rewind knob.
Film Rewind Camera-top knob
Dimensions &
Weight
136 x 72.2 x 31 mm, weight unknown
Remarks The slow shutter dial is replaced with a blanking cover having the body’s leathery covering.