Canonflex R2000
General Overview
First marketed in September 1960, the Canonflex R2000 was Canon’s third model in the Canonflex SLR series. Its standout feature was a top shutter speed of 1/2000 second—a groundbreaking specification for a 35mm SLR at the time. With production running only from June 1960 to January 1962, the R2000 quickly gained a reputation for precision and superb build quality, though its uncommon design choices (such as the bottom-mounted film-wind trigger, inherited from earlier Canonflexes) limited mainstream acceptance. Today it is considered the rarest of the early Canon SLRs, with relatively few units ever reaching North American shores.
Historical Significance
- Fastest Shutter of Its Time: The Canonflex R2000 was the first 35mm SLR to offer a 1/2000 max speed, exceeding previous benchmarks like the Rectaflex (1/1300).
- Rare Production: Estimates place total output at only around 8,800 units, making it the scarcest model among the four original Canonflex versions.
- Canon’s Early SLR Legacy: Though well-built and innovative, the R2000 ultimately struggled against Nikon’s F system. Its lineage, however, helped Canon refine future SLR releases.
- Collector’s Challenge: Finding a functioning R2000 with its proper attachable meter (which includes the 1/2000 marking) is notably difficult, raising its desirability in the collector market.
Collectibility and Value
The Canonflex R2000 holds special appeal for collectors of early Canon SLRs, thanks to its short production run and advanced features for the era. Minty examples with matching accessories – including the hard-to-find Canonflex meter calibrated for 1/2000 – can command premium prices. Working bodies alone may be seen in the range of €350–€600 on European auction sites, depending on condition. Bodies requiring repair can be less expensive, but spare parts for the original Canonflex series are increasingly scarce.
Canonflex R2000 Specifications
| Name | Canonflex R2000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Made in | Japan |
| Production Date | June 1960 – January 1962 |
| N° Produced | Approx. 8,800 units |
| Introduced | September 1960 |
| Type | 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Lens Mount | Canon R (breechlock) Mount |
| Shutter | Cloth focal-plane, 1s to 1/2000 + B, “60/X” used for electronic flash synchronization |
| Picture Size | 24 × 36 mm (standard 35mm format) |
| Focus & Metering |
|
| Film Advance | Bottom-mounted trigger wind (one-stroke lever) |
| Viewfinder | Non-interchangeable pentaprism; older style eyepiece carried over from Canonflex |
| Dimensions & Weight | ~136 × 92 × 46 mm; approx. 800 g (body only) |
| Original Price | ~$200 (USD) in 1960 |
| Indexed Price (Approx.) | ~€1,700 in today’s money (inflation + conversion) |
| Avg eBay Value | ~€350–€600 (body only, good condition) |
Collector Notes
- Shutter Timing & Curtains: The cloth shutter curtains can become brittle or lose speed accuracy at 1/2000. A professional CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) can address these issues.
- Attachable Meter Matching: If you want authenticity, seek the meter that shows “1/2000” on its dial. These are quite rare and can boost collector value substantially.
- R-Mount Lenses: Canon R-series lenses were semi-automatic “Canomatic” or “Super Canomatic” types. Not all R lenses behave identically on the R2000, and lens interchanges with later FL/FD bodies can be limited.
- Load & Wind Mechanism: The bottom trigger film advance is ergonomic to some, awkward to others. Make sure it operates smoothly, as parts for the mechanism are difficult to source.
Among Canon’s earliest SLR designs, the Canonflex R2000 stands out for its pioneering 1/2000-second shutter and low production figures. While it never achieved mass success, its uncommon features and scarcity have turned it into a prized classic for collectors seeking a unique piece of Canon’s early SLR evolution.