[Canon] Hansa Canon (Standard Model) | Film Cameras | February 1936

 

The first production model by Canon and Japan's first high-end 35mm camera is an improved version of the KWANON camera. This model also integrated technology from Nippon Kogaku (Nikon). Some sources claim it was marketed in October 1935, but the actual marketing date was February 1936. The first lens mounted on a civilian camera was the Nikkor 5cm f/3.5. The rangefinder optics and focusing mount were produced by Nippon Kogaku. The viewfinder is of the reverse Galilean type and is separate from the rangefinder window. The viewfinder has a pop-up design activated by a button, earning it the nickname "surprise box." Saburo Uchida, who managed the company's business, changed the name from "KWANON" to "Canon." The term "Canon" can also mean a standard or law in biblical context. "Hansa" refers to the trademark of Omiya Photo Supply, the distributor of Hansa Canon, which is still in use today.

Type

35mm focal-plane shutter camera

Picture Size

24 x 36 mm

Normal Lens

Nikkor 50mm f/3.5 (Tessar with 4 elements in 3 groups)

Lens Mount

Dedicated bayonet mount with three inner lugs for interchangeable lenses

Shutter

Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for Z (Zeit or bulb), 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500 sec.

Viewfinder

Coincidence rangefinder and separate reversed Galilean pop-up viewfinder. Focusing enabled with rotating gear (with stopper released).

Film Loading & Advance

After baseplate removal, drop-in bottom loading. Advances with camera-top knob.

Frame Counter

Manually set from 0 to 36 on camera front.

Film Rewind

Camera-top knob

Dimensions & Weight

136.5 x 69 x 31 mm, 640 g (with Nikkor 50mm f/3.5)