The Rarest Canon Cameras & Lenses

Exploring the World of Rare Canon Camera Equipment

Canon, one of the world’s leading camera manufacturers, has a rich history of producing innovative and high-quality photographic equipment. While many of their products are readily available to photographers, there are some hidden gems in Canon’s history that have become exceedingly rare and sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a journey through the world of rare Canon camera equipment, including cameras, lenses, and accessories, and explore why these pieces are so coveted.

Rare Canon Cameras:

Canon VI-L

The Canon VI-L, produced in the 1950s, is a rare find due to its limited production numbers. It was one of Canon’s first cameras with interchangeable lenses and set the stage for Canon’s future success in the SLR market.

The Canon VI-L is a vintage 35mm rangefinder camera produced by the Japanese manufacturer Canon. It was part of Canon’s VI series of rangefinder cameras, which were popular in the mid-20th century. The VI-L is known for its classic design and functionality. Here are some key features and details about the Canon VI-L:

1. Rangefinder Design: The Canon VI-L features a traditional rangefinder camera design, characterized by its compact size and separate viewfinder and rangefinder windows. It lacks the through-the-lens viewfinder of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.
2. Interchangeable Lenses: The camera was compatible with interchangeable lenses, allowing photographers to choose from a range of focal lengths and capabilities.
3. Manual Focus: Like other rangefinder cameras, the VI-L is a manual focus camera. Photographers need to adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp images.
4. Mechanical Shutter: The camera typically featured a mechanical shutter with control over various shutter speeds, allowing for precise exposure control.
5. Film Type: The Canon VI-L used standard 35mm film, which was widely available and remains popular among film photography enthusiasts today.
6. Build Quality: Canon was known for producing well-built cameras, and the VI-L was no exception. It had a sturdy and durable construction.
7. Vintage and Collectible: The Canon VI-L, like many vintage cameras, has become a collectible item among photography enthusiasts. Well-preserved units in good working condition can still be found on the second-hand market.
8. Historical Significance: Rangefinder cameras like the Canon VI-L played a significant role in the history of photography and were used by both amateur and professional photographers during their era.
9. Manual Exposure Control: The camera offered manual control over aperture and shutter speed settings, giving photographers creative control over their images.
10. Viewfinder and Framing: The VI-L’s rangefinder system allowed for accurate framing and focusing, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic subjects.

It’s worth noting that while the Canon VI-L is a classic and iconic camera, it lacks the conveniences and modern features of today’s digital cameras. Nonetheless, it holds historical significance in the world of photography and remains appreciated by collectors and photographers for its timeless design and craftsmanship.

Canon 7sZ

This rangefinder camera was released in the 1960s as a limited edition. Only a small number of these cameras were made, making them highly collectible.

One distinctive feature that can help identify a Canon 7sZ camera is the presence of a larger rewind knob. However, it’s worth noting that some regular Canon 7s models also share this characteristic. A more subtle yet significant difference lies in the placement of the vertical RF (rangefinder) adjustment screw. On the Canon 7sZ, this screw is positioned over the second “n” in “Canon 7s” on the top left of the camera, as opposed to its typical location on the top right next to the shutter speed dial. This adjustment is necessitated by the improved mechanics of the 7sZ, which include a cylindrical rotary prism between the RF mirror and the camera chassis.

In terms of horizontal RF calibration, it closely resembles that of the Canon P and is situated on the camera’s front, positioned between the viewfinder and the frame line window. This feature is particularly valuable as rangefinders can be sensitive to impacts, and the ability to make adjustments without having to open up the camera is quite convenient. Experts have even noted that the rangefinder system in these cameras is more intricate than that found in Leica M series cameras.

The Canon Canonet 28 Black is a special edition of the Canon Canonet 28, a 35mm film rangefinder camera produced by Canon in the 1970s. The “Black” in the name refers to its black finish, which distinguishes it from the standard Canonet 28 models.

This is obviously the silver version, find yourself a black one ad you’re in the money!

Here are some key features and details about the Canon Canonet 28 Black:

1. Special Edition Finish: The Canon Canonet 28 Black is characterized by its black exterior finish, which sets it apart from the standard silver and chrome models. This black finish gives it a distinctive and unique appearance.
2. 35mm Film Format: Like other Canonet 28 models, it uses standard 35mm film, which was a popular film format for decades and is still appreciated by film photography enthusiasts today.
3. Rangefinder Design: The camera features a classic rangefinder design, known for its compact size, separate viewfinder and rangefinder windows, and manual focus.
4. Fixed Lens: The Canonet 28 Black comes with a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens, providing a versatile field of view suitable for various photography styles, including street photography and portraits.
5. Manual Control: The camera offers manual control over focus and aperture settings, allowing photographers to have creative control over their images.
6. Light Meter: It includes a built-in light meter to assist with exposure settings, making it user-friendly for photographers seeking accurate exposures.
7. Compact and Portable: The Canonet 28 Black is known for its compact and lightweight design, making it a convenient camera for everyday use and travel.
8. Collector’s Item: Due to its unique black finish and limited availability, the Canon Canonet 28 Black has become a collectible item among vintage camera enthusiasts and film photographers.
9. Historical Significance: The Canonet series, including the Canonet 28, played a significant role in the popularity of rangefinder cameras during the film photography era.
10. Adaptability: While primarily designed for 35mm film, some photographers adapt these cameras for modern digital photography, though they become fully manual in operation when used in this way.

Canon F Gold

The Canon F Gold is a special and limited edition camera produced by Canon Corporation. It is a variant of the iconic Canon F, one of the most legendary 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras ever made.

The Canon F Gold was created to commemorate the production of the 10 millionth Canon F camera. Here are some key features and details about the Canon F Gold:

1. Limited Edition: The Canon F Gold was produced in a very limited quantity, primarily as a collector’s item. It was not intended for general consumer use but rather as a commemorative piece.
2. Gold-Plated Body: The most distinctive feature of this camera is its gold-plated body. The entire camera body, including the top and bottom plates, was coated in a layer of gold, giving it a luxurious and distinctive appearance.
3. Special Engravings: To further emphasize its uniqueness, the Canon F Gold featured special engravings, including the production number and commemorative text.
4. Standard Canon F Features: Functionally, the Canon F Gold is similar to the standard Canon F camera, which was known for its robust construction and versatility. It was compatible with a wide range of Canon FD-mount lenses and various accessories.
5. Collectible: The Canon F Gold is highly sought after by collectors and photography enthusiasts due to its rarity and unique aesthetics. Well-preserved units can command high prices in the collector’s market.
6. Historical Significance: The release of the Canon F Gold marked a significant milestone in Canon’s history, as it celebrated the production of 10 million Canon F cameras. The Canon F series was renowned for its contribution to photography and its use by professional photographers worldwide.
7. Accessories: Along with the camera, Canon offered special gold-plated lenses and other accessories to complement the Canon F Gold.
8. Display and Showcase Piece: While it is a functional camera, many owners choose to keep the Canon F Gold as a display or showcase piece due to its limited production and unique appearance.

Rare Canon Lenses:

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM: Known as one of the longest telephoto lenses ever produced for 35mm photography, this lens is extremely rare due to its limited production. It is a favourite among wildlife and sports photographers who require extreme reach.

The Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is a super-telephoto prime lens produced by Canon, known for its extreme focal length and impressive optical capabilities. This lens is part of Canon’s prestigious L-series, which signifies high-end, professional-grade lenses. Here are some key features and details about the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM lens:

1. Extreme Focal Length: The most prominent feature of this lens is its exceptionally long focal length of 1200mm. This makes it one of the longest telephoto lenses available, allowing for extreme magnification and the ability to capture distant subjects in great detail.
2. Fixed Aperture: The lens has a fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6, which is relatively fast considering its extreme focal length. This aperture allows for good low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.
3. Image Stabilization: To assist with image stabilization and reduce the effects of camera shake, the lens is equipped with optical image stabilization (IS), making it more practical for handheld shooting.
4. L-Series Build Quality: The Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is constructed to the high standards of Canon’s L-series lenses. It features a durable and weather-sealed design, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
5. Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM): The lens incorporates Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor technology for fast and near-silent autofocus operation. This is especially important when tracking fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports events.
6. Super Spectra Coating: Canon’s Super Spectra coating is applied to lens elements to minimize ghosting and flare while enhancing overall image quality.
7. Rear Drop-In Filters: Given the large front element of the lens, it uses rear drop-in filters for convenience and to maintain image quality. These filters are inserted into the rear of the lens.
8. Limited Availability: The Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is an extremely rare and specialized lens, produced in very limited quantities. It is typically available only through special order and may not be readily found on the market.
9. Long-Range Photography: This lens is designed for long-range photography, such as wildlife and sports photography, where subjects are at a considerable distance from the photographer.
10. Heavy and Bulky: Due to its extreme focal length and optical components, the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is a large, heavy, and unwieldy lens. It often requires the use of a sturdy tripod or monopod for stable shooting.
11. Professional Use: This lens is primarily intended for professional photographers who require the longest possible reach for their work, such as wildlife and sports photographers.

In summary, the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is an exceptional and specialized lens designed for professionals who demand the utmost in reach and image quality. Its extreme focal length and impressive optics make it a valuable tool for capturing distant subjects with precision and detail. However, its size, weight, and limited availability make it a niche choice in the world of photography.

Canon FL 19mm f/3.5 R Lens: The FL 19mm lens is rare due to its unusual focal length. It was produced in limited quantities and is known for its unique wide-angle perspective, making it highly sought-after by collectors.

The Canon FL 19mm f/3.5 R is a vintage wide-angle lens produced by Canon in the 1960s and early 1970s. This lens is part of the FL series, which was compatible with Canon’s older manual focus FL-mount SLR cameras. Here are some key features and details about the Canon FL 19mm f/3.5 R lens:

1. Focal Length: The Canon FL 19mm lens has a fixed focal length of 19mm, making it a wide-angle lens. It provides a broad field of view, which is well-suited for capturing expansive landscapes, architecture, and interior shots.
2. Aperture: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5. While not extremely fast, it allows for decent low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.
3. Manual Focus: Like other lenses from its era, the Canon FL 19mm is a manual focus lens. Photographers need to adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp images.
4. Lens Mount: This lens is designed for Canon’s FL-mount cameras, which were popular in the 1960s and early 1970s. It’s essential to ensure compatibility with your camera or consider using an appropriate adapter if using it on modern camera bodies.
5. Optical Design: The lens features an optical design that aims to deliver sharp and distortion-free images, particularly in the center of the frame.
6. Compact Design: It is relatively compact and lightweight, which makes it a convenient option for travel and street photography.
7. Manual Aperture Control: The lens requires manual adjustment of the aperture settings using an aperture ring on the lens barrel. This allows for creative control over exposure settings.
8. Filter Compatibility: The lens typically has a filter thread for attaching screw-on filters, such as UV, polarizer, or neutral density filters, to enhance image quality or achieve specific effects.
9. Vintage Collectible: The Canon FL 19mm f/3.5 R lens has become a collectible item among vintage camera enthusiasts and film photographers. Well-preserved units are often sought after by collectors.
10. Adaptability: With the appropriate adapter, it is possible to use this lens on modern digital cameras, although it will be a fully manual lens without autofocus or electronic communication with the camera.
11. Focal Length Usage: Wide-angle lenses like the Canon FL 19mm are suitable for capturing expansive scenes, architectural details, and creative compositions that emphasize perspective.

In summary, the Canon FL 19mm f/3.5 R lens is a vintage wide-angle lens known for its compatibility with older Canon FL-mount film cameras. It can still be used on modern digital cameras with the appropriate adapter, making it a versatile option for those interested in vintage photography or seeking unique wide-angle perspectives

Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM: This lens is known for its incredibly wide aperture of f/1.0, which was ground-breaking when it was introduced. Its rarity lies in the fact that only a limited number were ever produced, making it a prized possession for photographers who appreciate its unique character and low-light capabilities.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is a legendary and highly specialized prime lens produced by Canon. Known for its incredibly wide maximum aperture of f/1.0, it is part of Canon’s prestigious L-series, which signifies high-end, professional-grade lenses. Here are some key features and details about the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM lens:

1. Ultra-Wide Aperture: The most remarkable feature of this lens is its extremely wide maximum aperture of f/1.0. It is one of the few lenses ever produced with such a large aperture. This allows for exceptional low-light performance and incredibly shallow depth of field, making it a favourite for portrait and low-light photography.
2. Professional Build Quality: The lens is built to the high standards of Canon’s L-series lenses. It features a durable and weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
3. Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM): The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM lens incorporates Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor technology for fast and near-silent autofocus operation. This is especially beneficial for quiet environments and when tracking fast-moving subjects.
4. Image Quality: Despite its unique and extreme aperture, this lens is known for its excellent image quality, including sharpness, contrast, and colour reproduction. It can produce stunningly detailed and creamy bokeh-filled images when used at its widest aperture.
5. Manual Focus Override: The lens allows for manual focus adjustments even when in autofocus mode, providing photographers with precise control over focus when needed.
6. Low-Light Performance: With its f/1.0 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to capture well-exposed images without the need for flash or additional lighting.
7. Portrait Photography: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is highly favoured by portrait photographers due to its wide aperture, which creates beautifully blurred backgrounds, isolating the subject and making them stand out.
8. Creative Possibilities: The lens’s extreme aperture opens up creative possibilities for photographers interested in experimenting with depth of field and artistic effects.
9. Adaptability: While primarily designed for Canon’s EF-mount cameras, it can also be adapted for use on some other camera systems with the appropriate adapter, though autofocus and electronic communication may be limited or absent.
10. Rare and Collectible: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is exceptionally rare and has become a collector’s item among photography enthusiasts and professionals. Due to its limited production, well-preserved units can command premium prices on the second-hand market.

In summary, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is a legendary lens known for its incredibly wide aperture and exceptional image quality. It is sought after by photographers who desire the unique and creative possibilities that a lens with an aperture of f/1.0 can offer, particularly in the realm of portrait and low-light photography.

Rare Canon camera equipment, whether it’s a unique camera model, a rare lens, or an uncommon accessory, holds a special place in the hearts of photographers and collectors. These rare pieces offer not only historical significance but also the opportunity to explore photography in unique and creative ways. While they may be difficult to come by, the pursuit of rare Canon camera equipment adds depth to the appreciation of Canon’s legacy and its impact on the world of photography.