Camera has No Range Finder
Of all the rangefinder models there are only 2 cameras with this set of characteristics:
- No Model designation on Body
- Maximum Shutter speed 1/500th
- No Slow Speed Dial
- No View Finder Lever
- No Rangefinder
| Model | Date | Model | Date | Model | Date | ||
| Canon J | Jan 1939 | Canon J II | Dec 1945 |
Sixth Question:
Does the Camera have a Flat Sided Rangefinder Cover?
These are two very early Canon models but they are easily distinguishable. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally the Model J had a larger rewind knob and the edge of the rangefiner housing was flat sided. The JII on the other hand, had a smaller rewind knob and the side of the rangefinder house had a pronounced curve to it.
These cameras are both hard to come by and I have neither of them. As a result, these are not my pictures and they are not the best quality. But they serve our purposes.
This is the Model J. Note the right side of the view finder housing by the rewind knob. It runs straight across the top plate. The JII on the right curves around the rewind knob. And note the JII’s smaller rewind knob.
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.