Film Cameras

35mm Focal-Plane Shutter Scale Focusing Camera

J (Popular Model)

  • Japan
  • Americas
  • Europe, Asia, Oceania
  • Outline
  • Specifications
Marketed April 1939
Original Price 195 yen (w/ Nikkor 50mm f/4.5, lens hood, 2 film magazines, film take-up spool, case)

“J” for Junior. A Canon targeting the common consumer. This low-cost model had a distance scale instead of a rangefinder. The reversed Galilean viewfinder was all it had. Instead of the three-lug bayonet lens mount found on the Hansa Canon and Canon S, a threaded lens mount was used. The camera came with a Nikkor 5cm f/4.5 lens. After the war ended, it was this model which the company managed to build with the scarce leftover parts. The exterior looked like patchwork. The top cover came from the Canon S, and the slow shutter speed dial hole was patched with a cover.

Type 35mm focal-plane shutter camera
Picture Size 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens Nikkor 50mm f/4.5
Lens Mount Threaded (non-universal) (Pitch: 24 ridges/inch Flange back: 28.8 mm)
Shutter Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for Z, 1/20, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, and 1/500 sec.
Viewfinder Reversed Galilean viewfinder. Focusing with distance scale.
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
Dimensions &
Weight
136.5 x 69 x 30.5 mm, 620 g (with Nikkor 50mm f/4.5)