Canon III is a 35mm film Rangefinder camera and manufactured by Canon Camera Company, Inc. Tokyo , Japan. The Canon III is a very close copy of a Leica IIIc. But there are some differences, mainly Canon's combined view/rangefinder which surpasses the Leica, straight body edges, and lots of other technical features. Its finish is fully up to Leica standards. There are some 500 individual camera models originate from about 21 original Leica inspired cameras. Many of these were prototypes or produced low numbers. Main brands that produced large quantities are FED, Minolta 35, Nicca, Yashica YE, Zorki, and Canon III.
Single Lens Reflex serial numbers are not terribly important to the collector because the cameras all had name designations right on the body: F-1, FT, Rebel and so on. But with the early rangefinder cameras this is not the case. For two decades Canon produced cameras that were superficially identical although they were evolving internally. Although one might think that serial numbers would be extremely useful to determine which camera we are holding. Unfortunately, this is not true. Canon’s serial number ranges can only be an approximate guide. I have no idea if there is an underlying scheme to the numbering or it is just not important to the Company.
The Model III looks very like the IIB which was produced long after the III was introduced. At the beginning of 1951 the Canon Camera Company Ltd. became the Canon Camera Company Inc. and this new designation first appeared on the Model III. The requirement for the “Made in Occupied Japan” was also lifted in 1951 and most Model III’s did not have this text engraved on them although a very few did have an indication that they were made in Japan. But this is very rare.
The camera has no provision for flash synchronization This camera is also the model in which Canon’s pop-up take up spool first appeared. This became very popular with Leica users and Leica eventually copied this feature.
Production continued into 1952 but new parts for subsequent models were slowing making their way into this model.
In addition to being an improved version of the Canon II C, the III had a shutter curtain which remained at a fixed position even after the film was advanced. This became a status symbol for high-end 35mm cameras and allowed a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec.
The exterior finish was top-notch with optimized metal, high-precision machining, further standardization of parts precision, improved paint finish and plating, and synthetic leather.
| Name: | Canon III |
| Manufacturer: | Canon Japan |
| Made in: | Japan |
| N°: | 57534 |
| Production Date : | - |
| Type: | 35mm focal-plane shutter camera |
| Series: | III Series |
| Picture Size: | 24 x 36 mm |
| Normal Lens: | Serenar 50mm f/1.9 |
| Collection Lens: | Serenar 50mm f/1.8 |
| Lens Mount: | M39 |
| Focus: | Manual Focus |
| Shutter: | Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for T, 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec. |
| Dimensions & Weight: | 136 x 72.2 x 30.5 mm, 720 g |
| Production Period: | Feb 1951 - 1952 |
| N° Produced: | 10.175 |
| Original Price: | 63.000 yen (w/Serenar 50mm f/1.9) |
| Indexed Price (Approx.): | 3.200 EUR |
| Avg Ebay Value: | Body: 160-200 EUR w/ Lens: 280-400 EUR |
Canon III Rangefinder
General Overview
First introduced in 1951, the Canon III was a leap forward for Canon’s early Leica-style (LTM) rangefinders. Its improved shutter mechanism (1 to 1/1000 sec, plus B & T) and refined ergonomics compared favorably with contemporaries from Europe and helped establish Canon’s reputation for robust, high-quality 35mm cameras. Its use of the Leica Thread Mount (M39) meant photographers had access to an expanding universe of Canon and third-party lenses, further contributing to the camera’s popularity among enthusiasts of the 1950s.
Historical Significance
- Expanded Shutter Speeds: The Canon III boasted a top speed of 1/1000s and slow speeds down to 1 second, plus Bulb (B) and Time (T).
- Established Canon’s Credibility: Success of the III positioned Canon as a serious player on the world camera stage.
- Lens Mount Versatility: The LTM (M39) lens mount allowed users to pick from many Canon or third-party lenses.
- Foundation for Later Rangefinders: The III’s features influenced the IV, V, and 7-series rangefinders in subsequent years.
Collectibility and Value
Condition of the camera and lens is paramount. Many older Canon IIIs require a clean, lubricate, and adjust (CLA) service to restore shutter accuracy and rangefinder alignment. Most collectors look for a matching Canon/Serenar 50mm lens (f/1.8, f/1.9, or the rarer f/1.5) in good shape. On European auction sites, functional Canon III bodies typically list around €140–€250. Complete kits or rarer lenses can push values higher.
Canon III Specifications
| Name | Canon III |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Canon (early branding: Seiki Kogaku) |
| Made in | Japan |
| N° (Serial Range) | 50,200 – 81,850 (Prototypes ~50,000 – 50,200) |
| N° Produced | 10,175 units |
| Production Date | 1951 – ca. 1953 |
| Type | 35mm Rangefinder Camera |
| Series | Canon III Series |
| Picture Size | 24 × 36 mm (standard 35mm format) |
| Normal Lens | Usually Canon/Serenar 50mm (f/1.8 or f/1.9), plus rarer 50mm f/1.5 |
| Collection Lens | 50mm f/1.5 “Serenar,” 35mm f/2.8, etc. |
| Lens Mount | Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) |
| Focus | Manual, coupled rangefinder |
| Shutter | Cloth focal-plane, 1s–1/1000 + B/T |
| Dimensions & Weight | ~136 × 74 × 37 mm; ~600 g (body only) |
| Original Price | ~$130 (USD) in early 1950s |
| Indexed Price (Approx.) | ~€1,200 – €1,300 (adjusted for inflation & conversion) |
| Avg eBay Value | ~€140 – €250 (body only, good condition) |
Collector Notes
- Check Shutter Curtains: Look for pinholes or wrinkles in the cloth. Replacement curtains require specialized servicing.
- Viewfinder/RF Accuracy: Make sure the rangefinder is properly aligned or has had a recent CLA.
- Lens Condition: Vintage glass can be prone to haze, fungus, or separation; thorough inspection or professional cleaning is key.
- Accessories: Original cases, filters, and branded caps raise collectible appeal slightly.
With only 10,175 units produced, the Canon III is rarer than later Canon rangefinder releases. Whether you’re after its place in camera history or you simply want a classic 35mm rangefinder experience, the Canon III stands as a pivotal piece of Japan’s postwar photographic ascent.