Canon Dial 35

The Canon Dial 35 is a half-format camera. It was manufactured by Canon and presented in the 1960s. It was produced in a factory in Japan. The model was later followed by the Canon Dial 35-2. Under the name “Bell & Howell Dial 35” this model was also available.

The camera is already by its appearance a speciality and a popular collector’s item. Very unusual is already the fact that the camera is held in portrait format. In addition, there is the arrangement of the controls around the lens, reminiscent of the dial of an old telephone.

This model, unlike other cameras, does not have an interchangeable lens. The name of the lens is “Canon Lens SE.” According to technical data, the largest aperture is at a focal length of 28 mm the lens maximum f/2.8.

Manual focus adjustment is necessary with this camera, as it does not have an autofocus function. The distance to the subject must be estimated. It is recommended to keep a minimum distance of 80 cm to the subject to avoid blurred photos. Focusing is performed in different focus zones, which are displayed in the viewfinder and marked with pictograms.

The built-in exposure meter in the camera allows precise metering of exposure settings. The exposure meter allows the use of films with ISO values from 8 to 500.

The photographer sets the desired shutter speed. The camera then sets the appropriate aperture in the range of f/2.8 to f/22. The shutter offers the following values for selection: 1/30 second, 1/60 second, 1/125 second and 1/250 second. It is possible for users to freely choose the aperture and shutter speed if they want to use the flash.

For the use of an external flash, it is possible to connect it via the PC flash socket. The flash can be attached to the accessory shoe. Depending on the flash used, the highest flash sync speed differs. The safest is 1/30 second. At this exposure time, all flashes can be used.

The camera has a thread for a tripod. There is also a connection for a cable release. A self-timer was sold as an accessory. This model does not have an integrated self-timer function.

The camera weighs 430 grams and measures 9.9 x 7.55 x 4.35 cm. The camera is powered by a mercury battery such as National M-P, Toshiba TH-MP or Mallory RM-1, but these battery types are no longer manufactured.

Films for the Canon Dial 35

What kind of films does the Canon Dial 35 need? It needs 35mm films. 35mm film production is still going on, and it can be developed easily at most photo labs. Two great films for the Japanese 35mm camera are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both of these photographic films can be used to take charming color and black-and-white pictures, respectively. Other notable manufacturers include Lomography, Rollei, Adox and Foma.

The negatives of the 35mm photo camera are 24mm x 18mm, half the size of a normal photo taken with a 35mm camera.

A special feature, especially at that time, was the film transport. It was a mechanical motor that had to be tensioned before use. Then, after each shot, the motor transports the film and brings the shutter to readiness.

The motor has enough power for 20 shots, after which it must be rewound. So for 40 shots, you have to wind the motor twice.

Differences from the Canon Dial 35-2

The Canon Dial 35-2 is the successor. It is very similar in terms of the range of functions. However, it has a black nameplate. In addition, it uses a different type of battery, comes with a hot shoe and supports films with a sensitivity of up to ISO 1000. In addition, the clockwork motor for film transport lasts longer.