Canonflex RM

The Canonflex RM represents Canon's second generation of 35mm single-lens reflex cameras, produced from 1962 to 1964. As an evolution of the original Canonflex introduced in 1959, this model featured improvements while maintaining the same basic design philosophy that positioned Canon as a serious competitor in the professional SLR market. The RM designation likely referred to refinements in the focusing screen or other operational enhancements over the earlier Canonflex models. The camera featured a focal plane shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000, interchangeable screw-mount lenses, and through-the-lens viewing, designed to appeal to advanced photographers and professionals transitioning from rangefinder systems.

Despite representing an important milestone for Canon as their first professional SLR system, the Canonflex RM ultimately struggled against competitors like Nikon's F series, which had established a stronger market presence. The Canonflex system was discontinued relatively quickly, with Canon soon shifting focus to models featuring through-the-lens metering—a feature that would become standard in subsequent SLRs. The camera's production run was brief (1962-1964), and while it showcased Canon's engineering capabilities during a transitional period in photography, its commercial impact was limited compared to more successful SLR systems of the era.