Canonflex RM
35mm MF film SLR camera
Specification
| Production details: | |
| Announced: | April 1962 |
| System: | ● Canon R (1959) |
| Format: | |
| Maximum format: | 35mm full frame |
| Film type: | 135 cartridge-loaded film |
| Mount and Flange focal distance: | Canon R [42mm] |
| Shutter: | |
| Type: | Focal-plane |
| Model: | Mechanical |
| Speeds: | 1 - 1/1000 + B |
| Exposure: | |
| Exposure metering: | Through the separate window |
| Exposure modes: | Manual |
| Physical characteristics: | |
| Weight: | 940g |
| Dimensions: | 145x92x47mm |
Manufacturer description #1
Lens: Super Canonmatic Lens R 50mm F 1.8 with completely automatic pre-set aperture and various interchangeable lenses from 35mm to 1000mm.
Shutter: Single pivot standard non-revolving shutter dial. Focal plane type.
Dial: 1/1000 - 1 second, B, (X).
Built-In Exposure Meter: Match-needle type coupled to shutter dial.
Exposure Meter Operating Range: Takes readings from indoors to bright snow or summer beach conditions. (LV6-17 for ASA 100 film.)
Sensitivity: ASA 10, 16, 32, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 are marked, or corresponding DIN sensitivity.
Viewfinder: Upright image eye-level viewfinder using Pentagonal Dach Prism. Canon Waist-Level Viewer Model 2, which has a high quality optical system providing edge-to-edge sharpness, can be attached.
Focusing Glass: Highly efficient in resolving power with special Fresnel lens system and built-in split-image rangefinder.
Mirror: Quick return, shock-proof type.
Flash synchronization: Canon's exclusive direct socket takes Canon Flash Unit V-2. Has built-in automatic time lag adjustor, and also takes standard flash connection.
Self-Timer: Built-in type. Self-timer for delayed action can be released only by shutter button.
Film Counter: Self-resetting type.
Film Loading: Back cover opening type. Uses both exclusive Canon Magazine V and standard cassette. One-operation mechanism for back cover lacking and Canon Magazine V opening.
Film Rewind: Push-button for clutch release. Rewind crank type. The push-button resets to advance position automatically when winding lever is wound.
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SUPER CANOMATIC MECHANISM THAT MOVES AS QUICKLY AS THE WINK OF AN EYE
WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED COMPLETE AUTOMATIC OPERATION RESETS MIRROR IN 1/15 SEC.
When the shutter button is pressed down... The mirror springs up, the diaphragm closes down to the pre-selected aperture stop and the shutter clicks, the mirror drops back down and the diaphragm reopens to full aperture, the viewfinder once again becomes bright.
The greatest feature of Canonflex RM is in its special mechanism which allows these 5 movements to be completed while your viewfinder winks its eye once. Thus, the Super Canomatic is a mechanism which, by the movements of the completely automatic pre-set diaphragm and the quick-return mirror, almost eliminates the blackout of viewfinder image in relation to the image retentive power of the eye. Therefore, it immediately satisfies the need to recheck the subject after the picture is taken.
SUPER CANOMATIC DIAPHRAGM
The Super Canomatic Diaphragm has an automatic mechanism which closes the lens to the pre-selected aperture stop for only that moment while the picture is being taken and then reopens to full aperture instantly. Thus, viewing and focusing before and after the exposure can be done with full aperture brightness.
The automatic diaphragm leaves can be freely moved by the manually-operated aperture ring.
Another exclusive feature is this complete manual aperture control which has the full advantage of preview and fixed aperture shootings, unlike a skelton device for mere preview. Manual aperture setting enables true focusing and composition. In either case, aperture ring setting, one not in use, should be set at full aperture to give the best advantage of the system.
IDEAL SHOCK-PROOF, QUICK RETURN MIRROR
The mirror of Canonflex RM is of the flawless quick-return type which returns to its original position immediately after exposure. For this reason, it has the special characteristic of always seeing the proper focusing.
In addition, the action of the governor absorbs all shocks during the movement of the mirror. This safety mechanism protects the unique Canon Mirror.
Smooth shutter and quiet operation: There is no worry of any movement of the camera itself with this smooth and light shutter. Its quietness is another outstanding feature among the single-lens reflex cameras.
SUPER CANOMATIC WINDING MECHANISM
Winding is accomplished with the 120 deg. revolving winding lever. The film, shutter, mirror and automatic diaphragm are all charged at the same time, and the Super Canomatic mechanism is ready for operation at the push of the shutter button.
COUPLED BUILT-IN METER AND SHUTTER
The workings of the Canonflex RM are controlled by the Super Canomatic mechanism. Of equal importance, however, is the built-in exposure meter. This is a unique feature in the high-quality 35mm camera following the Canon Camera Model 7.
COUPLED SHUTTER DIAL
The built-in exposure meter is the highly reliable Canon meter. It is of the match-needle type which is coupled to the shutter dial, and together with the small viewfinder pentaprism is compactly assembled. It is precision-built, very durable and has superior controlling functions. The range is from a well-lit room to bright snow and summer beach lighting conditions.
In terms of the Light Value System, it is LV6-17 for ASA 100 film. LV6 is equivalent to 1/30 second at F 1.4.
Only one operation is necessary
By only aiming the camera toward the subject, turning the shutter dial and setting the indicator to the pre-set aperture scale dial reading, the correct exposure can be automatically obtained. In this way, it is of extremely great advantage, especially when using color film which demands the absolutely exact exposure, as the troublesome determination of the exposure can be accomplished with ease.
CANONFLEX RM SHUTTER
The mechanism of the focal plane shutter, which is represen-tative, both historically and technically, of all Canon cameras, including the highest class Canon Camera Model 7, is also used in the Canonflex RM. Thus, the highest degree of stability, uniformity and precision is assured.
The shutter speed dial, coupled to the exposure meter, is of the single-pivot, click-stop type with equally spaced graduations. Its speed ranges from 1 to 1/1000th second, plus B and X points. (X point corresponds to 1/60 second.)
The two small windows on the dial are the ASA and DIN film speed indicators. They can be set by lifting and then turning the shutter dial.
CANONFLEX RM'S ADVANCED VIEWFINDER
What You See Is What You Will Have On Film
This Canonflex RM viewfinder was perfected after a search for a viewfinder with the same precision as the double image aligned focusing system of the rangefinder. Its brightness and accuracy, therefore, leaves nothing to be desired. Furthermore, as the result of strict inspections conducted not only on the optical system, but also on all mechanical parts, including the lens mount for the interchangeable lenses, this single lens reflex camera has the highest efficiency.
The pentaprism used is very small in size, but its outstanding performance can be instantly seen when looking through the viewfinder. Magnification 0.8X with 50mm F 1.8 attached, 0.9X with 58mm F 1.2 attached.
TRUE-TO-LIFE EYE-LEVEL VIEWFINDER
Using the pentaprism, the subject will appear in true dimension in the viewfinder. The entire view seen through the viewfinder will be faithfully recorded on the film.
FOCUSING GLASS WITH EDGE-TO-EDGE BRIGHTNESS
The finely ground, specially processed focusing glass has high resolving power, and its image is extremely clear.
Moreover, it is backed up with a high-condensing Fresnel lens which enables clear visibility all around the edges of the focusing glass and the whole view can be seen with exact uniformity.
FIELD-OF-VIEW WITH NO PARALLAX ERROR
The dimensions of the field-of-view seen through the viewfinder is that of a standard 22 X 34mm color slide frame.
Since the image seen through the viewfinder and the picture recorded on the film will be exactly the same there is no need to worry about any parallax error, and the total field-of-view can be used freely to compose the picture.
This means that during focusing there will be no chance of overlooking any delicate changes in size, range, dimension, and there will be the additional advantage of being able to study the view right up to the very last moment in order to obtain the best photographic effects. In this case, the manual aperture ring will be useful in checking the depth of field.
LIGHTING CAN BE DETERMINED THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER
The position of the camera will determine whether the best use of the lighting effects is being made or whether the lighting is nullified completely. Also, any slight change in the camera angle will affect the final picture. However, with Canonflex RM there are none of these worries.
In this sense, professional photographers give high praise to Canonflex RM, especially when taking color pictures which cannot be trimmed. Canonflex RM will surely surpass all your expectations as an exclusive camera for portrait pictures.
PRECISE FOCAL ADJUSTMENT & SPLIT IMAGE
The split image focusing mechanism located in the center portion of the focusing glass, makes possible, as does the coupled rangefinder, very speedy focusing. It is very convenient as there is less serious blacking out even when the aperture is stopped down considerably.
The split image in the Canonflex RM is made up of Echelette grating arranged in reverse order within a circle of 5mm in diameter (grating of right angle prisms cut into many small pieces and lined up).
ATTACHMENT OF THE WAIST-LEVEL VIEWER
This Waist-Level Viewer Model 2 is provided for those desiring to take pictures with a Canonflex RM from a low position, or for copying or microphotography. It need only be inserted into the eyepiece when using.
CANONFLEX RM INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES
The world-famous Canon optical engineering staff have made 14 different kinds of interchangeable lenses for Canonflex RM, ranging from the 35mm wide-angle to the 1,000mm extra-long-telephoto lens. Moreover, there is the additional advantage that the standard screw mount lenses can be used on Canonflex RM in conjunction with Canon Lens Mount Converter A for close-up shots. Thus, in succession to Canon Camera Model 7 the photographic field has been further widened. It can be said that the Canon System has scored another technical achievement here. Also, the resolving power of all Canon lenses is superb and there are very few equivalent lenses to be found anywhere else.
Canon lenses are outstanding for their ability to bring out harmony in color photography. Among them, the telephoto lens, which utilizes the functions of the single-lens reflex camera to its maximum, has an irresistible appeal for photographers, professional artists and newsmen. The 85mm to 200mm telephoto lenses, which have an extremely natural perspective for portrait photography, and the extra-long-telephoto lens, which boasts a uniquely clear view for use in gathering news material, are among the best.
1. SUPER CANOMATIC LENS R
A lens with an automatically-operated diaphragm which operates as quickly as the wink of an eye, together with a full manual control for preview and fixed aperture photography. Lenses are available from 35mm to 135mm.
2. CANOMATIC LENS R
A semi-automatic focusing lens in which the lens aperture is closed down by shutter release and is opened back fully by operation of the charge ring.
3. PRE-SET LENS R
A manually-operated pre-set aperture lens is provided with a long focal lens.
4. EXTRA-LONG TELEPHOTO LENS R SET WITH MANUAL APERTURE SYSTEM
Each with tripod socket, lens supporter, lens intermediate tube, Bellows R, lens hood, and metal carrying case.
FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION
The folding type Canon Flash Unit V-2, with revolving head, is attached to the socket without any conventional cord. When the flash is to be used away from the camera, it can be actuated by means of the Extension Cord Va (15 ft.) or Vb (3 ft.).
SYNCHRONIZING RANGE OF FLASH
FP-Class Bulb: 1/1000-1sec. (excluding 1/60•1/30 seconds).
M-Class Bulb: 1/250-1sec. (excluding 1/60•1/30 seconds).
F-Class Bulb: 1/30-1sec.
Speedlight: 1/60-1sec.
When taking flash pictures just set the shutter dial. There is no need to make any adjustments for the time lag.
FILM COUNTER
When the back cover is opened this counter will automatically return to starting position. The numbers can be read through the magnifier.
SELF-TIMER
A built-in self-timer lever which operates with the shutter button. Maximum delay time is approximately 10 seconds.
REWIND CRANK
The exposed film can be quickly rewound back into the magazine. The rewind button on the bottom releases the clutch of the sprocket.
SINGLE-ACTION HINGED-BACK COVER
Film loading and the interior of the camera can be checked readily. The film plane is held securely in place and film curling is prevented.
USE OF EXCLUSIVE AGAZINE POSSIBLE
Besides the standard cassette, the use of the exclusive type film magazine Canon Magazine V is recommended. The film surface will not become scratched because the mouth of the magazine will open automatically when loaded in the camera. A few extras will be handy on extended trips.
Manufacturer description #2
Canonflex RM is a single-lens relex camera that ranks among the top level cameras of the world. With its precision mechanism, comparable to the deluxe Canon 7 range-viewfinder type dream camera, it is creating a sensation in the camera world.
The well-known Super Canonmatic mechanism with focal plane shutter is a unique product developed by Canon after long years of research and is a perfection of the optical techniques which produced the superb interchangeable lenses.
In the field of the single-lens reflex camera there are a number of interchangeable lenses which faithfully reproduce what is seen through the viewfinder and which also allow on abundant variety of expression. You will enjoy photography when you use a Canon camera.
Manufacturer description #3
Although this camera belongs to the Canonflex series, it was developed as an entirely different model.
Although it used the same body shell as the Canonflex, the pentaprism was set very low, giving the body a unique shape. The top cover looked high, and the film advance lever fitted stylishly into a slot on the top cover. Coupled to the large shutter speed dial was the built-in selenium exposure meter which indicated the proper aperture. Following the Konica F in 1960, the Canonflex RM was Japan’s second SLR camera to feature a built-in exposure meter. The RM’s meter was based on the same concept as the Canon 7’s built-in meter. A built-in exposure meter was deemed as essential for taking good pictures.
From the Classic Camera magazine (May 1999)
The Canonflex RM, while keeping the same name and lens mount, was a new design, featuring a top plate mounted film advance lever, an internal, coupled light meter and a new design. There was no looking back. With this model, Canon aimed squarely at the amateur market. After two years in production, the Canonflex RM was replaced by the well known Canon FX model, which was the first to use the new camera-lens coupling that remained in production for over ten years, when the successful Canon FTb was announced. It was only ten years after the demise of the Canonflex R 2000, that Canon addressed the professional market again with the Canon F1, the success of which is in some measure due to the wisdom gained from the negative experience of the irreplaceable, but unlucky Canonflex product line.