Compact Camera

This was the world’s first Lens-Shutter 35mm autofocus camera at the time. It used a triangulation system with a near-infrared emitting diode (IRED).

The active AF system had the IRED emit a near-infrared beam so its reflection was received by a pin photo diode.

When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the IRED emits a near-infrared beam on the subject. The beam reflected by the subject was received by the pin photo diode. A triangulation was thereby created in the same way as with an optical coincidence rangefinder. The lens draw is adjusted automatically to match the subject distance for focusing. The near-infrared beam also enabled focusing under low-light conditions, making the camera a hit product. The name “Autoboy” became synonymous with AF compact cameras.

This is the same camera as the A35 Datelux minus the date imprinting function. It was marketed in the U.S. and China.

Based on the New Canonet QL 17, this was the Canonet series’ low-cost, mass-market model.

For exposure control, fully-automatic program EE was incorporated instead of the shutter speed-priority EE featured in previous models in the same series. The camera used a Copal mechanical program shutter which was coupled to shutter speed-priority EE.

The lowest-priced Canonet QL camera yet. To cut down the price, a SE 45mm f/2.5 lens, a 1/15 sec. slowest shutter speed, and a separate X-sync contact for Speedlites were incorporated. Other specs were identical to the QL 17 and 19’s.

A sibling of the Canonet, this camera was conceived for compactness and operation ease. The shutter speed and aperture were set automatically, making it easy to use by anybody. The zone focusing system divided subject distances into close, medium, and far with icons. Exposure was set automatically by the EE (Electric Eye) program. The film advance used a sprocketless spool. This made the camera 10 mm less wide and 60 g lighter than the Canonet.

The Canonets were a series of rangefinder cameras made by Canon from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. They were aimed at enthusiasts on a budget and more discerning point-and-shoot photographers. These cameras are considered have made Canon famous worldwide.

The Canon Canonet was released in 1961 and is remembered as Canon's first entry into the intermediate-class camera market, and also the first of the highly successful Canonet series of 35mm automatic-exposure rangefinder cameras.

The top plate only houses the shutter-release, with a locking ring for time-exposures, the frame counter and an accessory shoe.

The clean lines of the top are achieved by putting the advance lever underneath, together with the rewind crank, rewind release and back catch. The advance lever had an end which hinged downwards, making it easy to operate using the left middle- or third-finger. These controls on the bottom necessitate corresponding holes in the every-ready case.

Rangefinder focusing is controlled by a lever attached to the focus ring, also at the bottom of the camera.

The selenium meter cell is arranged around the Canon SE 45mm f1.9 lens - thus automatically compensating for filters; the aperture ring is scaled from f16 down to f1.9, followed by an "auto" setting (with a latch), for shutter priority automation. The Copal SV shutter has speeds from 1/500 down to 1sec, plus B. Film speed is set between 10-400 ASA by a lever in the shutter speed ring. The viewfinder features a bright-line frame, and a scale showing the aperture.

There is a PC socket beside the lens, and a switch on the lens barrel for X- or M-flash sync.

There is a self-timer - set by a lever on the lens barrel.

The Canonet was also sold by Bell & Howell as the Bell & Howell / Canon Canonet 19.

There were three versions of this camera. Version 1 had viewfinder arrows to indicate under and over exposure (there was no aperture scale in viewfinder), an ASA range of 10 – 200, and no Cloudy/Sunny settings on the lens barrel. Version 2 introduced the aperture scale in the viewfinder, retained an ASA range of 10 – 200, and added the Cloudy/Sunny settings on the bottom of the lens. Version 3 was the same as version 2, but had an increased film speed range of 10 – 400 ASA.

Historical Notes

Canon, at the time known as a high-end camera maker, caused commotion in the industry at the idea of this mid-priced camera. However, initial stocks sold out in only two hours after release. Within two and a half years, a million Canonets had been sold, and successive Canonet models continued into the mid 1970s. The Canonet name was also used for some 8mm cine cameras, as Cine Canonet.