Canon Demi Rapid (1965)
A half-frame rangefinder camera made for the short-lived Agfa Rapid film system, released in June 1965.
Overview
Canon introduced the Demi Rapid in June 1965. It's a half-frame camera built for the Agfa Rapid Film System, a cartridge-based format launched to compete with Kodak's 126 cartridge film. It is one of six versions in the Demi series, made between February 1963 and April 1967. It has auto exposure, a fixed SH 30mm f/1.7 lens and a CdS light meter powered by a 1.3v PX625 battery. Canon calls it a rangefinder, but focus is set by scale, not by rangefinder coupling. The self-timer lever sits on the right front panel. Move it up and toward the lens barrel to activate it.
Specifications
| Lens | SH 30mm f/1.7 |
| Focus Mode | Scale |
| Meter | CdS |
| Battery | 1.3v PX625 |
| Film System | Agfa Rapid Film System |
| Exposure | auto exposure |
| Control | self timer lever on the right front panel, activated by moving it up and towards the lens barrel |
Context
The Demi Rapid was developed to support the Agfa Rapid film system, which came onto the market to compete with Kodak's 126 cartridge film. The Olympus Pen, released in 1959, was the first Japanese half-frame camera. The Demi Rapid came later, as part of Canon's broader Demi line. Its design follows the mid-1960s trend toward compact, easy-to-use cameras for amateur photographers.
Market
A used Canon Demi Rapid was listed for sale at C $109.12, which points to modest collector interest. That price comes from a single eBay listing, so there is nothing here to verify broader market trends or common mechanical issues.
eBay Listings
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