The Canonflex RM is a single-lens reflex 35mm camera, designed for both amateur and professional photographers. It features a pentaprism, eye-level type finder, and can be coupled with the Waist-level Viewer 2 RM. The focusing glass utilizes a specially treated Fresnel lens with high resolving power and a split-image type rangefinder for precise focusing. The camera is equipped with a quick-return mirror.

Lens System:

The camera uses a Super Canomatic system for its fully automatic pre-set aperture mechanism. The lens is ordinarily wide open, but when the shutter is actuated, it automatically closes down to the pre-selected aperture stop. After the shutter operation is completed, it reopens to full aperture. The manual aperture ring allows the lens to be opened or closed independently of the pre-selected aperture stop, enabling photographers to see the actual sharpness of the picture. When using the manual aperture mechanism, the automatic pre-set aperture ring should always be at the full opening position to prevent straining the internal automatic mechanism.

Canon offers a range of interchangeable lenses for the Canonflex RM, extending from 50mm F1.8 to 1000mm F11, with 14 lenses in total. These lenses are known for their high resolution, contrast, brilliance, and color fidelity, featuring Canon-exclusive Spectra-Coating. The Super Canomatic Lenses have a fully automatic springback diaphragm, which closes down to the pre-selected aperture stop when the shutter is released and then returns to full-opening view instantly, providing a bright view at all times.

Shutter:

The Canonflex RM features a single-pivot focal plane shutter, linearly calibrated from 1/1000 to 1 second, plus a "B" setting for bulb exposure. The "B" setting keeps the lens open as long as the shutter button is pressed, suitable for exposures longer than 1 second. For time exposures, the dial can be set to "B" and a cable release with a lock can be used. The 1/60 second scale on the dial is also used for X flash synchronization, specifically for speedlight (electronic flash) photography. Intermediate speeds other than calibrated settings should be avoided.

Built-in Exposure Meter:

The camera includes a needle-type exposure meter coupled to the shutter speed dial. With ASA 100 film, it has a sensitivity range from LV 6 to LV 17, effective with film speeds from ASA 10 to ASA 800. To set the film speed, the outer sensitivity ring of the shutter dial is lifted and turned. The outer ring can only be lifted and turned, and the dial cannot be turned beyond 10 to the right or 800 to the left in the indicator. Film speed information is typically found on the film box or in the film's instructions.

Exposure Meter Usage:

To decide the shutter speed, set the desired aperture stop, aim the camera at the subject, and turn the shutter speed dial to align the lens aperture reading with the needle. Ensure the shutter dial is set to a click stop. When reading the meter, avoid covering the photo-cell with your hand. The aperture stop reading is carried out along the guide line. Alternatively, to decide the aperture, set the desired shutter speed as recommended by the film instruction, point the camera at the subject, read the aperture stop indicated by the exposure meter needle, and set the automatic pre-set aperture ring accordingly, reading the corresponding position of the zebra pattern edges. While positions between numbers on the shutter speed dial cannot be used, positions between numbers on the aperture ring can. For correct exposure, it is recommended to set the shutter speed first and then adjust the lens aperture.

Zero Adjustment of Exposure:

The exposure meter can be adjusted so that the needle always points to "O" when the photo-cell is covered. To do this, turn the zero adjustment cover to the left and remove it. An adjustment pin with a groove will be visible; use a screwdriver or stick to turn the pin left or right until the needle points to "O". During this operation, the photo-cell must be completely covered. When photographing against a very bright background (e.g., blue sky), there's a tendency for the main subject to be underexposed if the photo-cell is faced too far upward. To avoid this, prevent the camera from tilting upward when reading the exposure meter. When shooting against the light, it's important to decide whether to emphasize the background or the main object to determine the exposure.

Flash Synchronization:

The Canonflex RM supports flash photography with the Canon Flash Unit V-2 mounted to the direct flash connector socket. Speedlight (electronic flash) can be used at 1/60 sec. setting. The camera automatically adjusts the time lag of the flash when the shutter speed dial is set. A lens hood is necessary for flash photography. The synchronization chart indicates which flash bulb types (FP, M, F) synchronize at various shutter speeds (1000, 500, 250, 125, X/60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1, B). A black mark indicates non-synchronization. The 1/60 sec. position is used for "X" contact. For extra small flash bulbs with very low light quantity, a speed slower than 1/15 sec. should be chosen.

Self-Timer:

The built-in self-timer is actuated by pressing the shutter release button. To use it, wind the film, turn the self-timer lever in the arrow direction, and press the shutter button. The shutter will click approximately 10 seconds later. The self-timer lever should be turned more than 2/3 of its complete turn. The time can be adjusted by the position of the self-timer lever. Film winding can be carried out after the self-timer lever has been set.

Winding and Film Counter:

Turning the film winding lever until it stops advances the film one frame and sets the shutter. This operation also sets the mirror's operating mechanism and the lens's automatic pre-set aperture mechanism. The film counter advances one number with each frame, showing how many pictures have been taken. When the back cover is opened, the exposure counter dial automatically returns to "S" (starting point). If the film winding is incomplete, the shutter will not release. In such cases, wind the lever once more. A cable release can be attached to the shutter button.

Film Loading:

The Canonflex RM can use either daylight loading film (in a cartridge) or film loaded in a special Canon magazine V.

Turn up the back cover opening key and make a half-turn to the left. The film magazine cannot be inserted unless the opening key is in the complete open position.
The back cover will float up slightly, then open completely by hand.
Lift up the rewind crank and pull out the rewind knob completely.
Pull out the end of the film and insert it fully into the film take-up spool. While slightly turning the spool's flange in the arrow direction, hook the protuberance on the groove side with the film's perforation.
Ensure both sides of the film perforations accurately fit the sprocket teeth. If there is slack in the film, slowly turn the rewind crank to the right to remove it.
Close the back cover. While holding it down, turn the back cover opening key to the right. The rewind crank should be folded.
With the lens cap on, wind the film and release the shutter twice.
The exposure counter dial will be at "S" (starting point) initially, but after two blank shots, it will indicate "0". The camera is then ready for taking pictures when the film counter is at No. 1 position.

Checking Correct and Incorrect Loading:

The rewind crank should turn each time the film is wound, indicating correct film winding onto the take-up spool. If the rewind crank does not turn, it means either the film end has come loose from the take-up spool or the film perforations are not caught on the sprocket teeth. In such a case, refer to the film rewinding section and then reload the camera.

Film Speed Indication:

After loading the film, ensure the film speed is displayed in the film speed indicator window on the shutter speed dial. Refer to page 9 of the manual for details on film speed settings.

Film Rewinding:

When the film roll is finished, rewinding the film back into the cassette (or magazine) involves the following steps:

Press the film rewind release button on the bottom of the camera, raise the rewind crank, and turn it to the right to wind the film back into the magazine.
Stop rewinding immediately when the turning of the film rewind release button stops.
Turn the back cover opening key to the left and open the back cover.
Pull out the rewind knob completely and remove the cassette (magazine). Once the film rewind release button is pressed, you can remove your finger; the button will automatically return to its normal position when the film winding lever is wound. Remember to attach the lens cap when rewinding the film. Forcefully winding the film after reaching the end of the roll can cut the film, making it impossible to rewind. In such a case, the film must be removed in a dark room.

Double Exposure:

Accidental double exposure is prevented by a built-in device. However, intentional double exposures can be made:

After the first exposure, press the film rewind release button.
While watching the dot on the film rewind release button, turn the rewind crank.
Stop rewinding when the dot shows 3/4 of one turn.
Lightly hold the rewind crank and wind the film winding lever. Release the rewind crank when you feel resistance.
Then, carry out regular film winding. This procedure can be repeated for multiple exposures on a single frame. In extremely cold areas, avoid exposing the camera unnecessarily. It is advisable to complete photography quickly to protect the camera.

Focusing:

Remove the lens cap and look through the finder. Turn the focusing ring. The picture in the circle in the finder is split in two by the center line when the object is out of focus. The object is in focus when the image seen in the center aligns vertically. The entire picture that will appear on the finished film can be seen in the focusing glass, eliminating parallax even with interchangeable lenses or altered distances. For special effects or specific situations, focusing can be done on the part outside the circle, disregarding the split-image method. A waist-level viewer can be attached to the eye-level finder, best suited for ultra telephoto lenses, copying work, and microphotography. Four types of adjustment eyesight lenses are available for the Canonflex RM (+1.5, 0, -2.5, -4), recommended for those who wear glasses.

Distance Scale:

The distance scale indicates the distance between the focused object and the film surface. While not essential for ordinary photography, it's useful for checking depth of field, infra-red photography, and flash. On the scale, exact positions for single-digit numbers are at the center of the number, for two-digit numbers midway between them, and for three-digit numbers at the middle number. When measuring distance, measure from the film position mark on the camera to the desired point, then turn the distance scale to the appropriate number.

Infra-Red Photography:

Canon lenses feature an "R" letter on the depth-of-field scale for infra-red film. When using infra-red film, focus normally. Read the object's distance from the red distance scale. Then, turn the lens barrel until the distance reading aligns with the "R" mark. For example, if focused at 15 ft., move the 15 to the "R" position.

Depth of Field Scale:

The depth-of-field scale shows the range within which a sharp picture can be achieved before and behind the point of focus. This range varies with the chosen F-stop; a larger lens aperture results in less depth of field. For example, with an F-stop of 5.6 and an object focused at 5m (15 ft.), the camera will yield a sharp picture from approximately 3.7m (12.3 ft.) to 7.8m (26 ft.). At F11, the sharp range extends from 2.9m (9.7 ft.) to 17m (56.7 ft.). The Super Canomatic Lens allows viewing the actual sharpness through the viewfinder eyepiece by manually rotating the manual aperture ring.

Photo Aids for Canonflex RM:

Canon Filters: Made of solid, specially selected optical glass, polished flat and hard-coated on both surfaces. Available in 40, 48, and 58 mm sizes to fit any Canonflex lenses. Types include:
- For Black and White: UV (Ultra Violet), Y1 (Light Yellow), Y3 (Yellow), O1 (Orange), R1 (Red), G1 (Green).
- For Color: CCA (Color Conversion A), CCB (Color Conversion B), Sky (Skylight).
- Neutral Density: ND4 (×4), ND8 (×8).
Film Magazine: Available separately, holds up to 36 exposures (five feet) of film. Nickel in black finish, with scratch-proof film slots. Supplied in a plastic case.
Bellows R: For close-ups, long-telephoto, extra-long-telephoto lenses, copy work, microphotography. It can be adjusted freely vertically or horizontally by a lever that rotates 90 degrees. The focusing device ensures precision performance. With rangefinder type camera lenses longer than 85mm, close-ups from infinity to 1:1 life-size are possible.
Camera Holder R3: Used to steady the camera for easy and versatile copy work. Has a tripod bush on two sides, allowing the camera to be used in normal and inverted positions. Copy work can be done with the camera on the holder attached to a tripod facing downward.
Lens Mount Converter: Two types (A and B) are available. Converter A mounts screw-in type lenses (for rangefinder type cameras) to the Canonflex's bayonet mount, allowing for close-ups and copy work. Converter B mounts lenses designed for Canonflex onto rangefinder type cameras. Using A and B together acts as extension tubes, enabling macrophotography.
Copy Stand 3R: Designed for easy copy work with the Canonflex. Includes a baseboard, stanchion, arm, camera holder, and close-up lens. With a camera-to-subject distance of 60 cm, it can capture a field-of-view about the full page size of LIFE magazine. Without the baseboard, a field-of-view of 580mm×385mm (newspaper size) or larger can be photographed. A cable release is recommended for steadying the camera. A waist-level viewer can be used for horizontal viewing.
Macrophotography: Canon provides a macrophoto unit for the Canonflex, coupled with the Bellows R and used with a Super Canomatic Lens R 50mm F 1.8, macrophoto coupler, extension tube, and lens mount converter A. Extension tubes are available in 6 lengths: 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm. Subjects can be magnified from 1.5 to 6.5 times their original sizes. A macrophoto strut is recommended for extension tubes longer than 75mm.
Microphotography: Performed with the Canonflex in combination with the Copy Stand 3R. A Waist-Level Viewer and Bellows R facilitate the operation, allowing for greater magnification than possible with a microscope. With a lens mount converter A and microphoto hood mounted on the Canonflex camera body, the unit couples to the ocular tube of any standard microscope with an outside diameter of 24.7 to 25.2 mm.

Order of Photography:

Open the camera leather case and remove the lens cap.
Wind the lever.
Set shutter speed and aperture.
Focus.
Compose the picture.
Release the shutter.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Maintenance: Moisture and dust are harmful. Store the camera in a dry place to prevent stains and rusting. Use the camera periodically to allow it to "breathe." For long-term storage, insert silica gel or another desiccant and remove the camera from its eveready case.
Cleaning: Dust, moisture, and salt can cause stains, rust, or "burns" on the lens. Use a soft brush to remove dust and a soft, dry cloth to wipe the lens. Avoid touching the lens with fingers. A blower with a rubber ball can also be used to remove dust. If wiping the lens is necessary, wrap a clean, soft cloth around a stick, moisten it slightly with alcohol (preferably with a little ether), and wipe lightly from the center outwards in circles. Be careful not to wipe with too much force or with a dusty cloth, as this can damage the lens surface. Do not touch the mirror. If the camera falls into seawater, wash it immediately with fresh water and wipe it completely clean, then send it for repair immediately. Delaying repair will lead to rusting and make cleaning and repair impossible.

Canon Canonflex RM - 03

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