[Canon] II B | Film Cameras | April 1949
The camera, initially named “S IIb” and later renamed “II B,” was positioned as the successor to the Canon S II. Its standout feature was a three-mode optical viewfinder that allowed users to switch between magnifications of 0.67x to 1.5x using a rotating optical block, earning it significant praise.
It featured a universal threaded lens mount compatible with Leica lenses. As production progressed, a new diecast body was introduced to enhance precision and productivity. Additionally, the fast Serenar 50mm f/1.9 lens, designed with 6 elements in 4 groups in a Gauss configuration, was included as the standard lens with the II B.
Type
35mm focal-plane shutter camera
Picture Size
24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens
Serenar 50mm f/1.9 (Gauss type, 6 elements in 4 groups)
Lens Mount
Universal threaded mount
Shutter
Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. Single-axis rotating dial for 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sec., and single-axis rotating dial for B, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, and 1/500 sec.
Viewfinder
Coincidence rangefinder integrated with reversed Galilean viewfinder, rotatable to set one of three magnifications.
Film Loading & Advance
After baseplate removal, drop-in bottom loading. Advances with camera-top knob.
Frame Counter
Manually set from 0 to 39 at the base of the camera-top rewind knob.
Film Rewind
Camera-top knob
Dimensions & Weight
135.5 x 71.5 x 30.2 mm, 630 g (with Serenar 50mm f/1.9)
