[Canon] J (Popular Model) | Film Cameras | April 1939
The "J" model, designed for the everyday consumer, epitomized Canon's commitment to accessibility. This low-cost camera featured a distance scale in place of a rangefinder and was equipped with a simple reversed Galilean viewfinder. Instead of the sophisticated three-lug bayonet lens mount found in the Hansa Canon and Canon S, the "J" utilized a more economical threaded lens mount. It came standard with a Nikkor 5cm f/4.5 lens.
In the aftermath of World War II, this model became a testament to Canon's ingenuity, crafted from the scarce leftover parts available. Its exterior bore the marks of its resourceful construction: the top cover was sourced from the Canon S, and a cover was improvised to conceal the hole left by the slow shutter speed dial. The result was a camera that not only fulfilled its function but also told a story of resilience and adaptability in challenging times.