Camera has a Slow Speed Dial

Of all the rangefinder models there are only 13 cameras with this set of characteristics. They are:

  • No Model designation on Body
  • Maximum Shutter speed 1/500th
  • Has a Slow Speed Dial
Model Date Model Date Model Date
Canon JS Apr 1945   Canon II D Oct 1952   Canon II D2 Mar 1955
Canon S I Dec 1945   Canon II D1 Oct 1952   Canon II S2 Feb 1955
Canon S II Oct 1946   Canon VL2 Jan 58   Canon II S Feb 1954
Canon II B Jan 1949   Canon II F2 Jun 1955   Canon II F Jul 1953
Canon II C Mar 1951    

Fourth Question:

Does the Camera have a View Finder Lever?

Early 35mm cameras had a view finder and a separate range finder. This is easily identifiable by the two round windows on the front of the camera on the right below. Canon developed a system whereby the rangefinder was in the viewfinder window. This is identifiable by the single round window on the camera below on the left.

Canon then went on to develop a viewfinder that had three magnifications which gave the approximate view for a 35mm, 50mm and 135mm lens, which were the most common lenses at the time. The level of magnification was selected by a lever that was placed under the rewind knob. This is the View Finder Lever.

On the right side under the rewind knob you can see the View Finder Lever.

On this camera there is no View Finder Lever.

If you make a wrong selection you can go back one step or all the way to the beginning one step at a time. If you simply get lost or want to look up another camera you can go straight to the beginning again and start over. Or, if you feel you don’t need all the explanations you can go to the Rapid Finder. You get the same questions but in abbreviated form with no discussion or photos.