A Brief History of the Canon Canonet 28
What you’ll get: Context on when and why the Canonet 28 was introduced and how it stood out in Canon’s lineup.
Launched in 1971, the Canon Canonet 28 quickly became the accessible sibling within Canon’s popular Canonet range. Unlike its more advanced siblings with faster lenses and fuller manual controls, the Canonet 28 simplified the formula into a compact 35mm rangefinder camera with a leaf shutter and a reliable 40mm f/2.8 fixed lens.
My first step into film photography came via my uncle’s Canonet 28. I still remember loading my very first roll and listening for that soft click—the camera asked for nothing but the moment itself.
Key Characteristics That Define the Canonet 28
What you’ll get: A rundown of core specifications, handling traits, and the shooting experience.
Fixed Versatility
The 40mm f/2.8 lens strikes a balance that works for everyday shooting—from candid portraits to casual streetscapes. While not the fastest aperture, it keeps the camera compact and approachable.
Rangefinder Simplicity
With its bright focusing patch, the Canonet 28 makes manual focus intuitive, even for first-timers in rangefinder photography.
Beginner-Friendly Automation
Its shutter-priority auto exposure simplifies shooting. Just select your shutter speed, and the camera determines the aperture.
Quiet Leaf Shutter
Perfect for stealthy street shooting, the leaf shutter produces minimal noise compared to slapping SLR mirrors.
Who Should Consider This Camera Today?
What you’ll get: Insights into who will appreciate the Canonet 28 most in 2025.
The Canonet 28 remains an appealing choice for several groups. Analog beginners will love its ease of use. Street photographers benefit from its compact, discrete form. Anyone looking for a one-lens, consistent viewpoint camera will appreciate its undistracting limitations.
Shooting with only one focal length taught me to stop zooming with glass and start moving with my feet—the Canonet 28 trained my eye like few others.
Creative Work the Canonet 28 Excels At
What you’ll get: Inspiration for projects where the Canonet 28 truly shines.
Street & Travel Photography
Its compact size invites you to throw it in a bag and go. No fuss, no bulky gear.
Diary-Style Projects
The unobtrusive nature of the Canonet 28 aligns with personal, everyday storytelling.
Experimental Film Stocks
From gritty Kodak Tri-X to cinematic CineStill films, this simple machine adapts seamlessly.
Practical Tips for Using the Canonet 28 in 2025
What you’ll get: Practical techniques for modern shooting with an older camera body.
The Canonet 28 works effortlessly once you embrace a few best practices: shoot with higher ISO films, carry a modern PX625 replacement, and adapt metering as needed.
- Carry spare PX625 battery alternatives
- Load ISO 400+ film for general use
- Check and replace light seals for leaks
- Use small wrist or leather straps to maintain compact feel
On a trip abroad, I carried only the Canonet 28. Its limited lens gave every frame a cohesive style—less gear, more vision.
Second-Hand Buying Guide for the Canonet 28
What you’ll get: Essential advice for evaluating a Canonet 28 before you buy.
Inspection Checklist
- Focus patch is bright and visible
- Lens clean and free of fungus
- Shutter fires smoothly across speeds
- Light seals intact or replaced
- Meter responds to light with replacement battery
Final Thoughts: Why the Canonet 28 Still Matters
What you’ll get: Reflection on its enduring relevance despite modern tech.
The Canon Canonet 28 is more than an affordable classic; it’s a camera that continues to carve joy out of photography without distraction. Its mechanical soul contrasts beautifully with modern, menu-driven technology, reminding us that simple tools often unlock the most authentic creativity.
Compared to today’s feature-packed machines, the Canonet 28 feels like a breath of fresh air—quiet, focused, honest.
FAQs
Is the Canon Canonet 28 a good beginner camera? Yes, its auto-exposure and fixed lens make it easy to use, especially for those new to film photography.
What batteries does the Canonet 28 use today? Originally PX625 mercury cells; now alkaline, silver oxide, or Wein cells with adapters are used.
What should I check before buying a second-hand Canonet 28? Inspect lens, focus patch, shutter speeds, light seals, and meter response.
Can the Canonet 28 be used without a working light meter? Yes, apply the Sunny 16 rule or use a smartphone light meter app.
Quick decision
- Choose the Canonet 28 if you want a reliable, compact entry to 35mm film.
- Avoid if you demand interchangeable lenses or full manual modes.
- Ideal for street photographers craving discretion.
- Works best when paired with versatile ISO 400 films.
Pros
- Compact size, portable for travel and street
- Beginner-friendly automation
- Quiet operation thanks to leaf shutter
- Affordable gateway into rangefinder photography
Cons
- Limited to shutter-priority automation
- Requires alternative batteries for meter
- Fixed lens may feel restrictive to some users
Want to explore more film cameras? Browse our A cameras or dive into our R cameras selection.
Start your film journey with a trusted second-hand Canon Canonet 28 from Dutch|Thrift.
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