Canon Model L1
Your camera would appear to be a Canon Model L1. What a surprise considering the name is on the bottom plate. It has the following features:
- Model Name is on Camera
- Top Shutter Speed 1/1000th
- Has a Slow Speed Dial
- Viewfinder selectable by wheel next to Viewfinder Eyepiece
- Foldable rewind crank
- Back swings open for reloading
Dates: Feb 1957 to Dec 1957
Produced: 7,975
Ser. Nos.: 540000 to 566000
The L1 is an improved version of the VT. It is considered by many to be one of the best rangefinder cameras ever produced and it is very popular amongst collectors.
The L1 is the first Canon camera to use a rewind crank as opposed to a knob. The VTD and L1 were the first cameras Canon offered in black finish.
I am not in any way connected to or supported by Canon and I have no rights to any of their trade marks. I chose their camera line both for my personal photography and to collect for reasons lost to memory. I have been happy with Canon and have been totally impressed with the quality of their equipment. Other manufacturers make some excellent camera gear as well and nothing I say here is to disparage their offerings. Eventually I may add other brands to my range of collecting interest but that is for another day (and a bigger house).
Copyright (C) 2020 – R. Flynn Marr