Canon II-A
The Canon II-A is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1952. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1952
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- II-A
- Serial Range
- Unknown, observed examples are approximately 673xx to 703xx and production was very limited
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, three-position optical finder for standard framing, telephoto framing and critical focusing
- Shutter Speeds
- B, 1/25 s, 1/40 s, 1/60 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- None
Canon II-A
The Canon II-A is a rare 1952 LTM rangefinder derived from the III-A but built without the front slow-speed mechanism. Its slow-dial opening is covered by a leatherette-covered blank, and its cloth shutter provides B and speeds from 1/25 to 1/500 second.
The camera retains Canon's universal threaded mount and three-position combined rangefinder/viewfinder. It has no flash synchronization and no self timer.
History
Development and Launch
The II-A was marketed in March 1952. Collector research suggests it was commissioned by distributor Jardine Matheson, which accepted only part of the order.
Production Evolution
The reported production period lasted only several months. Exact totals are uncertain, although one collector estimate suggests approximately 99 cameras.
Special Variants
No finish or regional variation should be promoted to a separate profile without documentation. The II-A itself is a distinct production model, not a special edition.
Collector Notes
Confirm the factory-covered slow-dial opening, absence of flash rail, early fabricated shutter crate and serial-era construction. Modified III-A or incomplete bodies must not be identified as II-A without supporting evidence.
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