Canon

Headquartered in Tokyo, Canon Inc. began in 1933 as Seiki Kōgaku Kenkyūjo (Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory). Throughout their existence they have concentrated on the 35mm camera – which has evolved into the modern-day DSLR.

In 1947, the company name was changed to Canon Camera Company. The name “Canon” was derived from “Kwanon” – the first 35mm cameras that the company produced in 1933. As their popularity increased, the Bell & Howell company became the USA importer. Consequently, many Canon cameras from the 1960s sported either – or both – company names.

Canon rangefinder and SLR cameras became quite popular with consumers. Probably their most popular model ever was the AE-1. It offered groundbreaking electronic exposure modes while at the same time keeping the costs down. It was a hit and great seller.

Additional Canon Resources

F-1 (Original) Focusing
Screens

Canon Camera Date Codes

Sales Brochure (PDF)
Lens Wonderland –
Canon FD Lens Guide Book

Canon saw itself during this time as a direct competitor to Nikon in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Nikon had won over many working pros with their Nikon F slr. Canon answered in 1971 with their pro-oriented, modular F-1 camera and system. This head-to-head battle continued on through the mid-’80s and the advent of autofocus technology. It was at this point that Canon took, arguably, the biggest risk of their entire existence and abandoned their manual-focus FD lens mount in favor of the brand new EOS auto-focus system and EF lens mount. While Nikon had chosen to develop new cameras that would still be compatible with their manual-focus F-mount, Canon seized on the new lens-mount technology to produce a spectacular series of lenses that would see the company eventually surpass Nikon’s popularity with amateur and pro shooters alike. Today, Canon has become a household name due to the popularity and legacy of that decision.

And – if you’re looking to determine the manufacturing date of your Canon FD or EOS body, check out the Canon Camera Date Codes page.