What is Canon II AX Film Camera?
Before diving into the details of digital photography lets take a step back into the world of classic, film cameras. A perfect example of a classic film camera that played a significant role in the history of photography is the Canon II AX Film Camera.
The Canon II AX Film Camera was introduced by Canon Inc., a leading Japanese multinational corporation that specializes in the manufacture of imaging and optical products, including cameras, camcorders, photocopiers, steppers, and computer printers.
This camera model belongs to the Canon II series, renowned for their high-quality performance in capturing photographs. It’s a 35 mm rangefinder camera that stands as a paragon of old-world charm and sophistication in the realm of film or analog photography.
The Release and Pricing of Canon II AX Film Camera
The Canon II AX Film Camera was launched in 1953, marking a significant point in Canon’s history as it continued to expand its product range. At the time of its release, it was priced at around $170. Considering inflation and the increased value of vintage cameras today, if in good condition, this camera can fetch a price starting from $500 to even $1,000.
The Experience of Using Canon II AX Film Camera
My first encounter with the Canon II AX Film Camera was at a small vintage camera shop in Tokyo. The moment I held the camera in my hands, I could feel the weight of the history, tradition, and craftsmanship that it embodied. This isn’t simply a tool for capturing pictures; it’s a testament to the journey that photography as a craft has taken over the years.
Being an entirely mechanical camera, the Canon II AX offers a completely different experience compared to the digital cameras of today. It requires an understanding and appreciation of the basics of photography – aperture, shutter speed, and focus. But that’s where the beauty lies. It slows you down, forces you to think about each frame, and results in a photo that feels much more thoughtful and personal.
Key Features of Canon II AX Film Camera
The Canon II AX Film Camera features a lever-wind focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second and Bulb, an improvement on the previous models’ knob-wind and two separate slow and high-speed dials.
The camera also came equipped with several lens choices – the Canon 50mm f/1.5, 50mm f/1.8, and 50mm f/2.8 Serenars. This allows the photographers to experiment with different depths of field and focal lengths.
To sum it up, the Canon II AX Film Camera is a magnificent piece of photographic history. Whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or a digital photographer looking to dip your toes into the world of film, the Canon II AX offers a unique, tactile, and indeed, captivating experience.
