The Canon Canonet (aka Bell & Howell Canonet 19) was groundbreaking when it arrived in 1961, delivering a high spec rangefinder from a high-end manufacturer for only modest prices. It was an instant success with stock selling out in 2 days and the camera going to sell over a million units. But how does it stack up against cameras of its day ?
Although not as remember as better selling Japanese rivals the Fujica 35 Auto-M is technological tour de force from the early 60’s offering features not seen on even SLR cameras for over another decade
Fujica 35 Auto-M 35mm classic rangefinder from 1960’s
The Isoly series is probably best known for the humble Isoly I, the camera that launched a 1000 Diana clones. But the series also feature a range of other models including the top of the range Isoly III which makes for a rather good 120 P&S
The 35X is perhaps the model that most folk remember when the word Halina is muttered. That Leica look-a-like is perhaps the best known of Haking’s creations but the Super 35X refines the mechanics and gave rise to a more unique style.
The Minister III is one in a long line of great Rangefinders from Yashica. This beauty in chrome popped up at the start of the 60’s and is good choice for an uncoupled rangefinder of the era
Sadly last week my Boots Pacemaker 35 died. This basic camera is actually a re branded Franka 125 made by the long gone West Germany company in the 1960’s. But was it retro fun or rightly dated ?
Okay I suspect the dog and his dinner has blogged about the Trip 35 but it feels like a right of passage for a camera blog and what the heck I love it.
This little design classic arrived in the Mid 60’s and set the standard for Point & Shoot (P&S) camera right into the 80s. The classic styling is married to an excellent sharp Zuiko lens and a simple but effective metering system. That meter is driven by the selenium array (the glass bubbly bit) around the lens. This means no batteries ever required.