Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Seiki Kogaku Canon Model S for the Japanese Imperial Navy

A very small number of Canon S cameras were produced for the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II. They can be identified by the Japanese writing on the top plate, an unusual serial number, and an anchor engraved on the baseplate. It is speculated that these cameras were used aboard Japanese submarines, and as most were sunk during the war, only a handful are known to exist today. They were equipped with the 50/2 Nikkor in Canon S bayonet.