Canon J

January 1939 - June 1941

Production: 200 units
Serial numbers: 1700 - 2125

“J” for Junior. A Canon targeting the common consumer. This low-cost model had a distance scale instead of a rangefinder. The reversed Galilean viewfinder was all it had. Instead of the three-lug bayonet lens mount found on the Hansa Canon and Canon S, a threaded lens mount was used. The camera came with a Nikkor 5cm f/4.5 lens. After the war ended, it was this model which the company managed to build with the scarce leftover parts. The exterior looked like patchwork. The top cover came from the Canon S, and the slow shutter speed dial hole was patched with a cover.