New To Me Canon Vt Body!

[Nokton48]

I just purchased a very nice Canon Vt body here in the classifieds. I have wanted one for a while, as I have the Canon 19mm F3.5, the 35mm F1.5, the 50mm F1.2, and the 85mm F1.5. Makes sense to have the bodies as well.

Stephen Gandy likes the Vt, and alot of people have recommended it to me, over the years. What do you Guys think of the Vt?

Also, where is the best place to send it for a CLA? The slow speeds below 1/8 need some help, although the faster speeds are said to be OK.

Any thoughts?

 

[venchka]

I bought a VI-T in the mid 70s. One of two cameras from the period that I still own and use.
Enjoy!

 

[bennyng]

Whilst I like the VT, my favorite of the back loading trigger winder camera is the VI-T. Just like the convenience of the speeds all on one dial.

Cheers,

 

[Mackinaw]

The trigger wind is an acquired taste. I always liked the V-series chassis, which gave rise to the L1, which is my favorite Canon rangefinder. Both the Vt and L1 are superb cameras.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

The trigger wind is an acquired taste.

I totally agree. I have TomA Rapidwinders on M2 and M4-2, so I think I will probably really like the VT. I will probably send the VT to Essex Camera, for a CLA. They did a nice job on the CLA of my Canon lenses. Canon RF bodies certainly seem different to operate than the Leica M's.........

QUESTION--

If I want to use the VT with the 85mm F1.5, I will need the black parallax-correcting 85mm Canon Viewfinder, right? How well does these original finders work, it certainly is a cool idea. Is it worth looking for the 50mm, and 85mm finders for the VT?

Anything I am missing here?

 

[Mackinaw]

QUESTION--

If I want to use the VT with the 85mm F1.5, I will need the black parallax-correcting 85mm Canon Viewfinder, right? How well does these original finders work, it certainly is a cool idea. Is it worth looking for the 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm finders for the VT?

Anything I am missing here?

If you want auto-parallax correction, you'll need the special viewfinders Canon made for the V-series cameras (look for the little pin). Canon also made a line of manual viewfinders where you set distance on the viewfinder manually.

The auto-parallax viewfinders work well but are often more expensive than the manual ones. Of course you can use third-party viewfinders too.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

I received an email today, that my new VT body has shipped USPS Priority. Should have it in a few days.

I can see that the serial number is 503112, Can anybody help me date the camera? Thnx.

 

[Mackinaw]

According to Dechert, VT cameras were produced from April, 1956 to February, 1957. Serial number range was from 500010 to 540000.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

Thanks Mackinaw. Cool to know.

Also, Just picked up a Nice Canon 7 in the classifieds. Should work well with the VT.

 

[Mackinaw]

Yep, the 7 is a fine camera. While a big camera, it has a viewfinder that is similar to a Leica M3 (projected frames). While I don't use mine much, i do enjoy it when I do. Very solid and rugged.

Jim B.

 

[Vics]

I bought a VI-T in the mid 70s. One of two cameras from the period that I still own and use.
Enjoy!

I sold my VT in the mid 70s while living back in Arlington, Texas. Maybe you have mine! At the time I was lusting after more Pentax gear, and well, you know how it is.
I always felt that it was a bit big for an RF, But I did love the switchable 50/35 VF.
I had a Leica 35, probably an Elmar, and Canon 50 and a a huge 85mm/1.9. I think it had a sort of rapid winder on the bottom?

 

[Nokton48]

All of those points sound just great to me. I like big cameras.

Yep, the 7 is a fine camera. While a big camera, it has a viewfinder that is similar to a Leica M3 (projected frames). While I don't use mine much, i do enjoy it when I do. Very solid and rugged.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

Here's VT.

Here's VT.

VT arrived today, That was super quick! 🙂

Love it, Love it, Love it. The TomA Softie works well on the VT.

I am stoked. Canon 7 (completely overhauled) is on it's way.

Here's VT with my fave 19mm F3.5 Canon. The 21mm F3.5 Super Angulon Killer. What a combo!

 

[Mackinaw]

Cool 19mm lens! Not a bad camera too.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

I have figured out how the camera works, and it now has a roll of Eastman XX loaded in it, ready to go. Also put an A&A strap, TomA Softie, and hairtie on VT.

Shown here is my Canon kit of lenses. The 19mm F3.5 with finder, the 35mm F1.5 is on VT, the 50mm F1.2, and the 85mm F1.5 with Canon 85mm Finder.

Ready to expose some XX. Higher speeds seem fine, lower speeds not working, but I knew this when I bought the camera. Will send to Essex for a CLA after the initial tests.

I like the way the camera handles, and works with the original lenses.

 

[bennyng]

Nice! You are really building up quite a tidy collection there!

Cheers,

 

[Nokton48]

Thanks Benny! I was out shooting with the VT today. It's different from the Leica, but I enjoy using it.

Another question,
Is this the correct finder for the VT?:

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Rangefinder-Prisms-and-Viewfinders/1/sku-CR139990199380?r=FE

 

[Mackinaw]

Sure looks like it. Manual parallax viewfinders have a little lever on the back that you move to change parallax. Auto-parallax viewfinders don't have this lever, only the little "pin" on its base. I don't see the lever so this is probably the auto-parallax viewfinder.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

I've been notified that my freshly overhauled Canon 7 body is on it's way now. The seller says it's really smoothly operating, and works perfectly, including the meter. Can't wait.

I'm shooting another roll of XX (probably today) with the VT, then I'll make an XX film run. The shutter appears to be just fine at the faster speeds.

It has a cloth shutter, so I'm guessing it's an earlier VT.

Here's my Canon 7:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...duct/27193/title/canon-7-camera-w-2fcla/cat/3

 

[Nokton48]

I Really Like the Original Case Bottom on the VT.

I Really Like the Original Case Bottom on the VT.

Mr. Zhou dosen't offer this as far as I know, but as luck would have it the original everready case came with my camera. Turns out the case bottom makes a great Half-Case. The trigger winder is easily accessable, and I like the way the case makes it a bit bigger, and for me, a bit more comfortable to use. Has an authentic vintage smell, too.

I attached a "film reminder" to the back, so it now matches my other bodies. Still getting used to the adjustable prisms in the viewfinder, but they are quite usuable and presumed to be accurate. Racked off most of a roll of XX today. Testing the body with the 19, 35, 50 & 85. These lenses work particularly well on an original Canon body.

Also I have a line on an original VT 25mm Viewfinder that was in the classifieds. Now I just need to find a nice 25mm lens at a decent price. 😉

I really enjoying my VT experience so far. No wonder you guys like this camera!