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    Canon is actively conducting market research on a “retro” style camera body

    By 138 Comments1 Min Read

    Back in August, we spent a bit of time reading between the lines about a “retro” influences Canon camera from comments made by a Canon executive. This topic was brought up in response to the hype around Nikon’s Zf retro camera body.

    Now it appears Canon is actively asking customers which of their most iconic camera bodies customers would like to see again, but with a modern take.

    According to The Federation of Independent Photographers, Canon has been officially conducting market research through multiple channels getting feedback from Canon shooters about which camera they’d like to bring back.

    The top 4 choices for a retro inspired EOS camera are the Canonet QL17, Canon P, Canon F-1 and the top selling Canon AE-1.

    While there are a few “Debbie Downers” out there that are on the ol’ “who cares what a camera looks like?” high-horse, we have seen a lot of excitement on the possibility of Canon paying homage to at least one of their iconic camera bodies.

    If we had a choice, we’d make two retro style cameras. A Canonet QL17 fixed lens camera body along with the Canon AE-1.

    Canon Canonet QL17
    Canon F-1
    Canon AE-1
    Canon P

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    138 comments

    3. While there are a few “Debbie Downers” out there that are on the ol' “who cares what a camera looks like?” high-horse, we have seen a lot of excitement on the possibility of Canon paying homage to at least one of their iconic camera bodies.
      Count me among them. All of the example cameras are blocky looking, and based on my personal experience with film cameras of similar design back when they weren't 'retro', current Canon cameras are far more comfortable to hold and use from an ergonomic standpoint.

      Will be a great camera for those folks driving around in a Karmann Ghia. :ROFLMAO:
    4. Count me among them. All of the example cameras are blocky looking, and based on my personal experience with film cameras of similar design back when they weren't 'retro', current Canon cameras are far more comfortable to hold and use from an ergonomic standpoint.

      Will be a great camera for those folks driving around in a Karmann Ghia. :ROFLMAO:

      Yeah, but I haven't seen you belittle the people that would love to see one. So you're not a Debbie!
    7. Whatever the design, I'm sure it'll look good if they make it - I just hope they don't cripple it so hard that there's no reason to use it. I would love to see the R5 sensor in a retro body, WITH IBIS, though I wouldn't be too upset about smaller batteries even though it'd be nice to get the full LP-E6NH. Something about a retro body makes me nostalgic and makes me want to go out and make art. If it doesn't have that effect on everyone, that's cool! I also appreciate the more covert shooting, as people would think it's a film camera, at least until they got a lot closer (or if you had a white lens attached), putting you at less risk for theft, and it also makes people act more natural in my experience.
    8. With current or future R 5 technology: that's a camera I'd immediately preorder.
      And a modern digital high-IQ Canonet: yes, please. Just see how popular Fuji or Sony compact cameras are!
      Why not an APS/C based on the M6 II features but with traditional design and an OVF/EVF ?
    10. Count me among them. All of the example cameras are blocky looking, and based on my personal experience with film cameras of similar design back when they weren't 'retro', current Canon cameras are far more comfortable to hold and use from an ergonomic standpoint.

      Will be a great camera for those folks driving around in a Karmann Ghia. :ROFLMAO:
      The Karmann Ghia convertible was one of my favorites I have owned over the years. During a trip through New England a few years ago I saw one just like it and it brought back sweet memories.
    12. On one hand I don't really get, why people would want old-school (un)ergonomics, but on the other hand there are a lot of people buying Sony cameras that feel like they're made for alien hands so I guess why not (y);)
    14. For years I've hoped Canon would do a mirrorless AE-1.
      I finally give up and get an X100V over the Summer, and now they start these shenanigans :cautious:
    15. Count me among them. All of the example cameras are blocky looking, and based on my personal experience with film cameras of similar design back when they weren't 'retro', current Canon cameras are far more comfortable to hold and use from an ergonomic standpoint.

      Will be a great camera for those folks driving around in a Karmann Ghia. :ROFLMAO:
      Could it be? Are the stills only photogs finally going to get their camera? What could be more retro than sharp edges and no video?:p Where's Goldwing?
    17. As the former owner of an FTb, AE-1, A1 and Canonet QL17, I vote for none of the above. I have to agree with Neuro. I like my R7, especially its size, but think the R6-2 has better ergonomics. Mostly I want Canon to stop changing the ergonomics with each new introduction.
    18. On one hand I don't really get, why people would want old-school (un)ergonomics, but on the other hand there are a lot of people buying Sony cameras that feel like they're made for alien hands so I guess why not (y);)
      Well, it depends...
      The Leica M digital has what you might call an old school design. Yet it is, in my opinion, an almost perfect camera in terms of ergonomics. The main settings are immediately visible and accessible, the menu is absolutely logical, also in winter times with "frozen" fingers. It's all a matter of implementation. Nothing to do with Sony's so-called ergonomics.
      I'm quite certain that Canon would not sacrifice ergonomics, one of their main strengths, just for a nicer design.
      You can have both, style and good haptic properties.
      People are different, so are cameras...
    19. Having had a few FD camera bodies, way way back...I think the most hansome film SLR ever made by Canon was the AE-1 Program. One of the prettiest looking cameras of all time. I had one of those in silver and an A-1 in black. I've always rolled with 2 camera bodies.

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