The Canon VT De Luxe

      From 1957 to 1958 Canon introduced three VT DeLuxe models: the VTD, the VTDZ, and the VTDM. According to http://ricardojfb.wixsite.com/fotofix the model shown here with an Industar-61 lens mounted is the VTD, of which just 3,475 units were produced. That low number qualifies it as a rare camera. Although collectiblend values it at $240-$600 (body only), I paid just $149 for it.
      Although it features a trigger wind on its bottom plate, you can also advance the film and cock the shutter by raising the knob (red dot) and turning it as you would on any other camera. To depress the knob and use the base-mounted trigger wind, you push a small button located at the back of the camera behind the knob.
     To accommodate the trigger wind, the VTD is almost one-half inch taller than the similarly configured Canon L2, P, 7, or 7S. It has a cloth shutter, a self timer, and a separate low-speed shutter dial. The small screw to the left of the viewfinder window covers an even smaller rangefinder adjustment screw. You'll find this screw on other 1950s Canons. A PC connector with bayonet mount is at the side of the camera at  the same level as the viewfinder window.

       A view from the top reveals several interesting features this camera offers. The white dot in the photo (left) marks the dial that adjusts the view (50mm, 35mm, RF) shown in the viewfinder window. The unmarked black circle above the eyepiece contains an arrow that  indicates the chosen view.
     The yellow dot in the accessory shoe denotes a small button that automatically adjusts for parallax when you use an accessory viewfinder. That's quite a unique feature.
       The dark blue dot marks the FPM XF selection lever, and the black dot indicates the window that shows the selected range.

       The light blue dot indicates the small red marker that revolves as you advance the film. The green dot indicates the button you press when you want to lower the film advance knob and use the trigger wind. By the way, the camera has a swing back for easy loading.

        This view shows the VTD with its trigger wind extended. To advance the film and cock the shutter you pull the trigger to the left (down in the photo). To fold it into the camera's base, you activate the little gizmo located next to the yellow dot. Note that the advance knob atop the camera (red dot) is depressed while the trigger is engaged.
       The Canon VT De Luxe is a wonderful example of Japanese creativity just twelve short years after the end of World War II. With all the features it offers, it's a worthy competitor to to the Leica M-2 and M-3. The only thing I don't like about it is the trigger wind. As I see it, either a knob wind or lever wind would be a better choice. But that's just my opinion.

COMING SOON: The Leotax TV