Canon's revised New Canonet 19 — fixed-lens 35mm coupled rangefinder with leaf shutter, 1965.
The Canon New Canonet 19 was a revised version within Canon's Canonet line of fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder cameras from 1965. The New prefix marked an updated model that carried forward the Canonet 19 designation while refining the earlier body, a pattern Canon repeated across the Canonet range through the 1960s.
As a fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder, the New Canonet 19 focuses via a coupled rangefinder rather than autofocus or zone focus, with the lens permanently fitted and no interchangeable mount. It uses a leaf shutter and a coupled light meter for exposure. Treat the specific focal length and maximum aperture as figures to confirm from the camera in hand rather than inferring them from the name.
The New Canonet 19 suits general, street and travel photography, offering quiet leaf-shutter operation and rangefinder focusing in a compact metal body. It is a sensible pick for someone wanting a mechanical fixed-lens 35mm, with mid-1960s ergonomics and metering conventions.
On the used market, check the film-door foam light seals, which commonly perish. Inspect the fixed lens for internal haze, fungus and separation, as it cannot be swapped out. Test the coupled rangefinder patch for contrast and alignment, confirm the meter still responds, and look for corrosion at any battery or flash contacts. Check the film advance and rewind feel for even operation.