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The Canon Rangefinders are full frame 1960s lenses in modern cinema housings rehoused by TLS, Zero Optik & Works Cameras. The set is based around the legendary 50mm f/0.95 released in 1961. It was a technical marvel and was unrivaled for nearly 50 years. The other focal lengths are from the same era and have the same characteristics. Hiroshi Itoh, along with Jirou Mukai, were Canon’s Leica killers.

All the lenses in the set have their original 1960s single-layer coatings that produce beautiful low-contrast images, and golden flares. Despite their age, they are sharp, even wide open, with surprisingly low chromatic aberration, even for vintage, high-speed lenses. They also have a unique painterly bokeh, that gives images a texture and depth you can’t really get with modern lenses.

Lens Characteristics Overivew

• fast T stops
• consistent warm color tone
• unique bokeh
• pleasing field curvature with cats eye bokeh
• golden flares
• soft gentle glowing highlights
• extremely low chromatic aberration

The look is similar to K35s, Panchros and Super Baltars but with more controlled veiling glare and textured bokeh.

For more information between the 3 different sets can be found here – https://www.oldfastglass.com/news/2022/5/12/comparing-our-3-sets-of-canon-rangefinders

Fun fact

There was a very limited amount of lenses that were produced. See below for the production period and the number made. (more info)

How many have survived to this day is the big question.

35mm f/1.5 (T1.6) – 5,173 units sold (produced 1958 – 1971)

50mm f/0.95 TV (T1.1) (full back element) – 7,000 units produced (produced 1961 – 1984)

50mm f/0.95 (T1.1) (Rangefinder coupling back element cut out) – 20,000 units (produced 1961 – 1970)

85mm f/1.5 (T1.6) – 1,336 units sold (produced 1953 – 1960)

100mm f/2 (T2.1) – 6,655 units sold (produced 1959 – ?)

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