Canon ORIGINAL (1959)
A breech-lock bayonet lens mount introduced with Canon's first 35mm SLR camera.
Overview
The Canon ORIGINAL refers to Canon's first 35mm SLR lens mount, used on the Canonflex, the company's debut single-lens reflex camera. Introduced in March 1959, this breech-lock bayonet mount was Canon's entry into the professional SLR market and served as the foundation for later R, FL, and FD mount systems.
Specifications
| Mount Type | Breech-lock bayonet |
| Film Format | 35mm |
| Image Size | 36 mm x 24 mm |
| Shutter Speeds | 1s to 1/1000 + B |
| Standard Lens | Super-Canomatic R 50mm f/1.8 |
| Film Advance | Bottom lever |
| Viewfinder | Removable pentaprism |
| Mirror Lockup | Not available |
Design
The breech-lock mechanism requires turning a locking ring on the lens to secure it to the camera body, with alignment indicated by matching red dots. The removable pentaprism slides into place on backward-facing rails. The camera features a shutter lock around the shutter release and includes a self-timer. Lenses use an automatic diaphragm system, but depth of field preview requires manual operation via a secondary f-stop ring.
Context
The Canonflex and its R mount were launched in March 1959, the same month as the Nikon F, marking Canon’s first step into the 35mm SLR market. Despite its solid build and advanced features like a removable prism and high-speed shutter, it lacked an all-automatic diaphragm system and wide-angle lens options at launch. It was discontinued after five months with approximately 17,000 units produced and was succeeded by the Canonflex R2000 in 1960. The mount shares physical similarities with later FL and FD systems but is not fully compatible due to differences in rear lens connections.
Market
The Canonflex is increasingly appreciated by collectors for its craftsmanship and historical significance as Canon’s first SLR, though its lens mount system and bottom-mounted film advance were seen as less convenient in practice. Canonflex lenses are noted to have a higher incidence of mechanical issues compared to contemporaries.
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