The Canon VL started preproduction in 1956 but most were produced in 1957 or 1958. Total production is estimated at 5,450 units.

The VL was the first Canon with metal shutter curtains. The thin stainless steel is coated on both sides and became the standard for Canon rangefinders. Today the curtains are often wrinkled but still fully functioning. Feature and function is basically the same as the L1. With top speed of 1/1000 and a split speed control. Self timer on the front and selectable 35 or 50mm frame lines.

My Take:

I you want to shot screw mount Canon or Leica lenses (or other M39 screw mount lens), the Canon rangefinders are an easy choice. To me the VL or the L1 are the start of the most usable of the group. The speed of 1/1000 is enough for my use and I don’t normally shot below 1/60 so having a split speed control is not an issue.

Lens: Canon Lens 50mm f1.2

Film: Kodak TMAX 400

Links:

• https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00170/00170.pdf

• https://www.canonrangefinder.org/Canon_VL_VL2.htm

• https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/film33.html