Canon Canonet Junior

The Canonet Junior is a simplified 35mm rangefinder camera from the 1960s, designed for ease of use. It features a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens and a selenium meter surrounding the lens element, which allows for programmed auto-exposure without the need for a battery. The camera uses a zone-focusing system rather than a coupled rangefinder, making it a more basic entry in the Canonet series. For a used Canonet Junior, the primary concern is the selenium light meter; these cells often degrade over time, and if the meter fails, the auto-exposure will not function correctly. We check the viewfinder for clarity and ensure the zone focusing mechanism moves smoothly. As with most vintage Canonets, the light seals should be inspected and typically need replacing to prevent light leaks on the film.