Canon's Canonet 28 — fixed f/2.8 35mm compact with leaf shutter and meter, 1968.
The Canon Canonet 28 was a 1968 model in Canon's Canonet line of fixed-lens 35mm cameras, positioned as a simpler and more affordable option than the faster-lensed QL rangefinders. The 28 designation reflected its slower fixed lens and its place toward the accessible end of the Canonet range.
As a fixed-lens 35mm camera, the Canonet 28 has a permanently mounted lens with no interchangeable mount and a leaf shutter in the lens. The 28 in the name refers to the f/2.8 maximum aperture. It uses a light meter for exposure, and the focusing and exposure arrangement should be confirmed from the specific example rather than assumed. Verify the exact focal length from the camera in hand.
The Canonet 28 suits general shooting, travel and beginners, offering a compact, easy-to-carry fixed-lens 35mm with a slower but practical lens. It is aimed at everyday use rather than low-light or specialist work, and its simplicity makes it approachable.
On the used market, check the foam light seals around the film door, which perish with age. Inspect the fixed f/2.8 lens for haze, fungus and separation, as it cannot be swapped. Test any focusing and metering mechanism, confirm the leaf shutter fires evenly, and look for corrosion at the battery and flash contacts. Verify smooth film advance and rewind before relying on the camera.