The Canonflex RM is a Canon camera from 1962 that belongs to the Canonflex series, but was developed as a completely independent model.
The housing was used from the Canonflex, but the prism for the viewfinder sits much lower, which makes the shape quite different.
The biggest innovation was the built-in light meter. At that time a novelty. Only the Konica F, introduced two years earlier, had this feature. The technology for the light meter was borrowed from the Canon 7 rangefinder camera, which already had a built-in light meter.
The lenses of the Canonflex RM are interchangeable. Lenses with a Canon R bayonet are usable with the camera. The Canon R 50mm f/1.8 or the Canon R 55mm f/1.2 are often found on the 35mm photo camera. It does not have autofocus and manual focusing is required.
The light meter is designed for shooting film with a sensitivity of ISO 10 to ISO 800. Exposure is measured by the metering cells on the side of the camera. No external power source is required for metering. However, the metering cells can lose reliability over the years or, in the worst case, stop functioning completely.
The Canonflex RM has a thread for a tripod. It can be triggered by self-timer or cable release. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket.
Films for the Canonflex RM
35mm film is exposed in the Canonflex RM. 35mm films are still manufactured and are developed without problems at most photo labs. Nice 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon R lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 800 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/55 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Estimated value / Used price | 122,01 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 142,03 Euro (153.70 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 118,90 Euro (127.72 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 145,50 Euro (156.95 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canonflex RM
Is the Canonflex RM a single-lens reflex camera?
Yes, the Canonflex RM is a 35mm SLR camera. This means you look through the lens to compose your image. It's a classic design from 1962.
How does the camera focus?
The Canonflex RM uses manual focus. You'll need to manually adjust the lens to achieve sharp images. There's no autofocus feature.
What kind of film does it use?
It uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. These are widely available and easy to develop at most photo labs.
Does this camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter, which was quite advanced for its time. It measures light to help you determine the correct exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with the device?
Yes, the Canonflex RM has a PC flash sync socket. This allows you to connect and use an external flash unit for photography in low-light situations.