I remember how excited I was when I first found out this existed. I've still never seen one, but I have seen some of those EX Auto cameras and half-lenses.
This was my first really fine camera. I bought it used inb1968.i paid $100. It had the clip on mirror. I paid for it with a check and the they called the bank to see if the check was good. Yes, they really did that in those days. I now have a copy of the Canonflex RM, the second version.
I think this series canonflex is amazing! I always look for references here on your channel. Thanks for sharing with us! 🤩 I have the Canonflex RM and RP
I have the first model Canonflex not The R2000 model and it is a great camera. I have run into 3 of these. Bought 2 (one for parts and one to fix) but all 3 had the same problem. The film advance lever was jammed. There is a small retaining spring for the latch that grabs the spindle to cock the shutter. After advancing the lever a cam is supposed to push it away. If the spring is damaged or missing it will never release so the shutter itself won’t be able to release. If it does happen to move out of the way then the film advance lever will just keep turning but never advancing the shutter. Both the Original Canonflex and Canonflex RP had this problem and in order to fix it I had to make a new spring. Kind of a tedious fix but it worked. Figured I’d share in case anyone else finds one with this problem.
I was shopping for my first SLR when the Canonflex was introduced. As he says, it came, it presented, and it died. IMO that outcome was not based so much on lack of or odd features compared to Nikon or the other well established cameras, like Pentax or Exakta. Nikon's F got into the market first, and it arrived with a variety of lenses and accessories exceeded only by the vast array of stuff made for the Exakta. Nikon pushed the F on professionals, and they had no reason to resist. Nikon then launched an advertising campaign that the Nikon F was the choice of professionals. Well, if you were in the market for an SLR then, you bought what the pros bought, even if the Pentax was in many ways a more practical and convenient camera to buy and use. Nikon smothered the Canonflex like a baby in its crib. It took Canon years to recover from its corporate shock at being killed over night. Canon took a few yeas off, then returned with some winners (Ftb) and losers (Pellex), coupled to a lens line up best known for the weakness of its wide angle offerings compared to Nikon.
I just received an R2000 and it has a problem. The film advance lever will not move. I can press down on the shutter button and nothing happens. The shutter curtain is closed. When I received it, the mirror was up but it isn't stuck. I can bring it down using the lever at the bottom of the mirror box, and then when I press the shutter button the lens flips back up. One other thing. The self timer lever is missing. Someone removed the part you talk about in the video. I'm guessing this is probably somehow related to my inability to advance the cocking lever. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!
Sometimes the shutter drums don't have enough tension to pull the shutter curtains all the way closed, this will cause the mirror to lock up, and the shutter not to wind. You can check this by firing the shutter with the film door open, and seeing if the curtains are closing fully.
My version of this camera, the lens mount is slightly loose. Not sure where to tighten it up if it's even possible as I don't see any mount/tightening screws.
It's very easy to tighten the lens mount. Remove the screws on either side of the chrome trim on the front of the camera around the lens mount, and it can be lifted off. Underneath you'll find the screws which hold the mount itself. These very frequently become loose.
Great camera but when you see it you understand why the Nikon F was a success and not this one… it is ugly and the Nikon F was beautiful :). Fortunately for them Canon reversed the tendency since the T90 and even more with their Eos line.
I remember how excited I was when I first found out this existed. I've still never seen one, but I have seen some of those EX Auto cameras and half-lenses.
This was my first really fine camera. I bought it used inb1968.i paid $100. It had the clip on mirror.
I paid for it with a check and the they called the bank to see if the check was good. Yes, they really did that in those days.
I now have a copy of the Canonflex RM, the second version.
I think this series canonflex is amazing! I always look for references here on your channel. Thanks for sharing with us! 🤩 I have the Canonflex RM and RP
Super nice review! I learned a lot! Thanks!
Good review of a very lesser known camera. Thanks
Canon made at least one auxiliary finder, that with the magnifier. I do own one.
I have the first model Canonflex not The R2000 model and it is a great camera. I have run into 3 of these. Bought 2 (one for parts and one to fix) but all 3 had the same problem. The film advance lever was jammed. There is a small retaining spring for the latch that grabs the spindle to cock the shutter. After advancing the lever a cam is supposed to push it away. If the spring is damaged or missing it will never release so the shutter itself won’t be able to release. If it does happen to move out of the way then the film advance lever will just keep turning but never advancing the shutter. Both the Original Canonflex and Canonflex RP had this problem and in order to fix it I had to make a new spring. Kind of a tedious fix but it worked. Figured I’d share in case anyone else finds one with this problem.
I also have this problem 😢
I have a Canonflex RP with the same problem and fixed it with a new spring.
I was shopping for my first SLR when the Canonflex was introduced. As he says, it came, it presented, and it died. IMO that outcome was not based so much on lack of or odd features compared to Nikon or the other well established cameras, like Pentax or Exakta. Nikon's F got into the market first, and it arrived with a variety of lenses and accessories exceeded only by the vast array of stuff made for the Exakta. Nikon pushed the F on professionals, and they had no reason to resist. Nikon then launched an advertising campaign that the Nikon F was the choice of professionals. Well, if you were in the market for an SLR then, you bought what the pros bought, even if the Pentax was in many ways a more practical and convenient camera to buy and use. Nikon smothered the Canonflex like a baby in its crib. It took Canon years to recover from its corporate shock at being killed over night. Canon took a few yeas off, then returned with some winners (Ftb) and losers (Pellex), coupled to a lens line up best known for the weakness of its wide angle offerings compared to Nikon.
one day I will buy from you. but there's so many camera that I want. lol
I just received an R2000 and it has a problem. The film advance lever will not move. I can press down on the shutter button and nothing happens. The shutter curtain is closed. When I received it, the mirror was up but it isn't stuck. I can bring it down using the lever at the bottom of the mirror box, and then when I press the shutter button the lens flips back up. One other thing. The self timer lever is missing. Someone removed the part you talk about in the video. I'm guessing this is probably somehow related to my inability to advance the cocking lever. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!
Sometimes the shutter drums don't have enough tension to pull the shutter curtains all the way closed, this will cause the mirror to lock up, and the shutter not to wind. You can check this by firing the shutter with the film door open, and seeing if the curtains are closing fully.
My version of this camera, the lens mount is slightly loose. Not sure where to tighten it up if it's even possible as I don't see any mount/tightening screws.
It's very easy to tighten the lens mount. Remove the screws on either side of the chrome trim on the front of the camera around the lens mount, and it can be lifted off. Underneath you'll find the screws which hold the mount itself. These very frequently become loose.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It was a fairly easy fix. Now it's a nice solid camera once again. Thanks!
The irony of doing this while wearing an Apple Watch showing two distinct periods of history.
A unique looking camera with it's black pentaprism. Looks very butch.
Great camera but when you see it you understand why the Nikon F was a success and not this one… it is ugly and the Nikon F was beautiful :). Fortunately for them Canon reversed the tendency since the T90 and even more with their Eos line.