Canon Demi Rapid Vintage Camera

Description

The **Canon Demi Rapid** is a **35mm half-frame rangefinder camera** produced by **Canon** in the late 1960s to early 1970s. It is part of Canon’s **Demi** series, which was designed to be compact, lightweight, and affordable while offering good image quality. The **Demi Rapid** is notable for its half-frame format, which allows users to take **72 exposures** on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, doubling the number of shots per roll compared to a typical 35mm camera.

### Key Features of the Canon Demi Rapid:

#### 1. **Half-Frame Format**:
– The **Canon Demi Rapid** uses the **half-frame format**, which means each exposure on the film is only half the size of a standard 35mm frame. This allows the user to take **72 exposures** on a standard 36-exposure roll of 35mm film.
– This format is great for cost-conscious photographers or those looking to take more pictures with less film, as it effectively doubles the number of exposures you can get from one roll.

#### 2. **Lens**:
– The camera is equipped with a **28mm f/2.8 lens**, which provides a wide field of view suitable for street photography, landscapes, and general snapshots. The wide aperture of **f/2.8** gives reasonable low-light performance for a compact camera of its era.
– The lens is **non-interchangeable** and has a **fixed focal length**, which makes it easy to use for general-purpose photography without the need for zooming or switching lenses.

#### 3. **Focus**:
– The **Demi Rapid** uses a **rangefinder** focusing system, which is typically more precise than the fixed-focus or zone-focus systems found in other compact cameras of the time.
– The camera is manual focus, and the user must align the rangefinder patch visible in the viewfinder to focus accurately on the subject. This gives the photographer more control over depth of field and focus precision compared to fully automatic or fixed-focus cameras.

#### 4. **Shutter and Exposure Control**:
– The **Canon Demi Rapid** has a **shutter speed range** from **1/30 to 1/500 second**, which is standard for cameras of its time. It also has a **bulb (B) mode** for long exposures.
– The camera features **manual exposure settings**, with an aperture range from **f/2.8 to f/22**, which allows the user to control the depth of field and exposure by adjusting the aperture size.
– The exposure is manually controlled, so the photographer must estimate or measure the light levels to set the appropriate exposure. While it lacks a built-in light meter, this gives experienced users full control over the creative aspects of their shots.

#### 5. **Viewfinder**:
– The **viewfinder** of the **Demi Rapid** is a **coupled rangefinder**, which means the focusing mechanism is integrated with the viewfinder. The rangefinder patch is used to align the image and achieve precise focus.
– The viewfinder also has framelines that show the field of view for the 28mm lens, making it easy to compose shots.

#### 6. **Flash Synchronization**:
– The **Demi Rapid** has a **hot shoe** for attaching an external flash, though it does not have a built-in flash.
– Flash synchronization is supported, but you’ll need to use an appropriate flash that fits the hot shoe or connects via a sync terminal.

#### 7. **Film Transport**:
– The **film advance** is **manual**, requiring the user to advance the film after each shot using the film advance lever. The camera is designed to handle **half-frame film**, so the user needs to manually wind the film after each exposure, as well as manually rewind it when the roll is finished.
– Since the film is half-frame, you can expect to get **72 exposures** from a single roll of 36-frame 35mm film.

#### 8. **Design and Build**:
– The **Canon Demi Rapid** is **compact and lightweight**, designed for portability and convenience. Its small size makes it a good option for casual street photography, travel, and everyday use.
– The body is made of durable metal, with some plastic components, giving it a solid and high-quality feel for a compact camera.
– It has a **retro aesthetic**, with clean lines and simple controls, making it easy to use for people who appreciate a straightforward, mechanical camera experience.

#### 9. **Battery**:
– The **Demi Rapid** does not require batteries for basic operation, as it is a fully mechanical camera. However, if you are using an external flash or if the camera has a light meter (depending on the specific model), you may need a battery.

### Advantages:
– **Half-Frame Format**: The ability to shoot **72 exposures** on a standard roll of film is a big advantage, especially for those who want to shoot more without constantly changing rolls.
– **Compact and Portable**: The **small size** and **lightweight build** make it easy to carry around, perfect for travel or everyday use.
– **Rangefinder Focusing**: The **coupled rangefinder** provides more precise focusing compared to zone-focus or fixed-focus cameras, which is ideal for achieving sharp images.
– **Manual Exposure Control**: Offers more control over exposure settings, allowing creative freedom for those who understand manual exposure.
– **Affordable**: The **half-frame format** makes it a **cost-effective option** for those who want to shoot more while using less film.

### Disadvantages:
– **No Light Meter**: While it gives you full control over exposure, the **lack of a light meter** means you’ll need to estimate or use an external meter for correct exposure, which might be tricky for beginners.
– **Manual Film Advance**: The manual film advance and rewind can be less convenient than automatic systems, especially for those accustomed to more modern cameras.
– **Fixed Lens and Focus**: The **fixed focal length lens** and **manual focus** may limit flexibility compared to cameras with zoom lenses or autofocus systems.
– **Flash Dependency**: While it supports external flashes, the lack of a built-in flash means you’ll need to carry one separately for low-light conditions.

Conclusion:
The **Canon Demi Rapid** is a **charming and compact half-frame camera** that offers **manual exposure control**, a **rangefinder focusing system**, and the ability to shoot **72 exposures per roll of 35mm film**. It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in **exploring manual photography** in a compact format or for those who want to **shoot more without changing film rolls constantly**. Its small size, precise focus, and affordability make it a great option for street photographers, travelers, and film enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-carry, mechanically simple camera that delivers high-quality results. While it may not be the best choice for beginners without access to a light meter, experienced photographers will appreciate the control it offers.

Note: We are just like other vintage and antique camera collectors, we buy cameras from different people and markets and places. We do not test, inspect or repair the cameras. We just sell them as we get. Please check the images and videos for better knowledge of the cameras. ONCE PURCHASED WILL NOT BE TAKEN BACK OR REFUNDED! So please check them before placing any orders!

The camera is packed securely and shipped immediately once ordered.

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