Canon

Canon Inc. (historically Seiki Kogaku or Precision Optical) is a Japanese optical manufacturer that played a critical role in the popularization of 35mm rangefinder photography. While currently known for its digital EOS ecosystem, Canon's relevance to the Leica M-mount community stems from its golden age of rangefinder production between 1936 and 1968. During this period, Canon produced arguably the most extensive and high-quality lineup of third-party lenses compatible with the Leica standard.

For modern M-mount users, Canon is defined by its extensive catalog of LTM (Leica Thread Mount) lenses. These optics are renowned for offering "classic" rendering, characterized by lower contrast and unique bokeh, combined with robust all-metal construction that often rivals contemporary Leitz manufacturing. The brand is also the creator of the legendary 50mm f/0.95 "Dream Lens," which, while originally designed for a proprietary bayonet, is frequently converted to M-mount and remains one of the most sought-after vintage lenses in the world [1].

History

Canon's entry into the camera market was explicitly driven by a desire to emulate and eventually surpass Leica.

The Kwanon and the Leica Copy Era (1933–1945) In 1933, Goro Yoshida founded the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory with the goal of producing a high-quality 35mm camera that was more affordable than the Leica II. This resulted in the Kwanon (1934), Japan's first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera. Early Canon cameras and lenses were heavily inspired by Leica designs, adopting the M39 screw mount (LTM) to ensure compatibility with the dominant system of the era. These early lenses were often branded as "Serenar," a name synonymous with Canon's early optical achievements [2].

The Golden Age of LTM (1946–1960) Post-war Canon aggressively expanded its optical lineup. Unlike Leica, which was slower to adopt faster apertures, Canon pushed boundaries with high-speed Gauss-type designs. In the 1950s, lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/2 established Canon as a serious optical house rather than just a copycat. This era cemented the LTM mount as a universal standard, allowing photographers to mix Canon bodies with Leica lenses and vice versa.

The "Dream Lens" and the End of RF (1961–1968) In 1961, Canon released the Canon 7, a rangefinder camera designed to dethrone the Leica M3. To showcase their engineering prowess, they released the 50mm f/0.95, the fastest consumer lens in the world at the time. Because the standard LTM mount was too narrow for the massive rear element, Canon utilized a unique external bayonet mount on the Canon 7. By the late 1960s, conceding the professional market to the Nikon F SLR, Canon discontinued its rangefinder line, leaving behind a legacy of glass that has seen a massive resurgence in the digital mirrorless age [3].

Product Lines (M-Mount Compatible)

Canon's rangefinder lenses are generally categorized by their branding ("Serenar" for older, chrome lenses; "Canon" for newer, black/chrome lenses) and focal lengths.

The Standard Primes (50mm) The 50mm focal length was the battleground for mid-century optical supremacy.

• 50mm f/1.4 LTM: Often referred to as the "Japanese Summilux," this lens is famous for its Planar-type design which offers a balance of sharpness and smooth bokeh. It is widely considered the best value standard lens for M-mount users today.
• 50mm f/1.2 LTM: An accessible "super-speed" lens. While softer than modern optics, it provides a distinctive, swirling bokeh and low-contrast "glow" favored by portrait photographers.
• 50mm f/1.8 LTM: A compact, high-performance lens often compared to the Leica Summicron for its sharpness and lack of distortion, available in both chrome (heavy brass) and black (lightweight aluminum) versions [4].

The "Dream Lens" (50mm f/0.95) The crown jewel of Canon's rangefinder history.

• Mount Details: Originally featuring a unique external three-lug bayonet for the Canon 7, this lens is not natively LTM or M-mount. However, it is the most frequently converted lens in the Canon lineup. Specialized technicians modify the mount to native Leica M, allowing it to couple with the rangefinder cam.
• Rendering: Known for its "ethereal" softness wide open and massive flaring capabilities, offering a look that cannot be replicated by modern f/0.95 lenses from brands like TTArtisan or Leica (Noctilux) [3].

The Wide Angles (35mm)

• 35mm f/2 LTM: Frequently called the "Japanese Summicron," this lens is a tiny, symmetrical double-Gauss design. It is prized for its high contrast and compact size, making it a favorite for street photography on Leica M bodies.
• 35mm f/1.5 LTM: A rare, high-speed wide-angle lens that is highly collectible due to its unique rendering and scarcity [5].

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Focus Type	Manual Focus (Rangefinder Coupled)
Native Mount	Leica Thread Mount (LTM/L39), Canon 7 Bayonet (50mm f/0.95 only)
M-Mount Compatibility	100% Compatible via LTM-to-M adapter ring
Build Materials	Solid Brass (Chrome era), Anodized Aluminum (Black era)
Aperture Control	Manual Clicked Aperture
Filter Thread	Common sizes: 40mm, 48mm, 55mm, 58mm
Coatings	Single Coated (Serenar), Multi-Coated (Late Canon versions)

Market Reception

In the context of the Leica M ecosystem, Canon LTM lenses occupy a unique position as the "premium budget" choice. They are significantly more expensive than Soviet (Jupiter/Industar) lenses but remain cheaper than genuine Leitz glass.

The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is universally recommended in forum threads as the "first lens" for new Leica film shooters due to its modern-leaning performance. Meanwhile, the 50mm f/0.95 has achieved cult status, driven by the popularity of "cinematic" photography and its use by directors like Zack Snyder, driving prices of converted copies into the thousands of dollars [6].

Sources

• Canon Camera Museum (History): https://global.canon/en/c-museum/history/story01.html
• Phillip Reeve (Dream Lens Review): https://phillipreeve.net
• Mr. Leica (Best 50mm Lenses): https://mrleica.com
• 35mmc (Canon 35mm f/2 Review): https://www.35mmc.com
• Blue Moon Camera Codex: https://bluemooncameracodex.com