1949 model IIB

[CanonRFinder]

During my research when I recorded the serial number of a lens, I also recorded the camera model and body serial # along with any markings found on that camera.

At the completion of my lens book I began to look into some of the variations of the cameras I owned. I noticed that there were differences in the details on the superstructure of some of the IIB bodies.

The early bodies had hangover details from the previous model S-II. The early models lacked the red infill colour in the "20-1" on the shutter dial, in the zero (0) on the frame counter dial and the number "20" on the slow speed dial.



Version 1
any model IIB which has BLACK infill colour and OFFSET screw under the accessory shoe and to date covers the serial numbers from #25015 to #25389

Version 2
any model IIB which has RED infill colour and an OFFSET screw under the accessory shoe and to date covers the serial numbers from #25636 to #39006

Version 3
any model IIB which has RED infill colour and a CENTRALLY located screw under the accessory shoe and to date covers the serial numbers from #40860 to #42178

Detailed photos can be seen on my Flickr account at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60780628@N08/6525102399/in/set-72157628453989013

My aim is to narrow down roughly, how many IIB bodies were affected by these changes.

Cheers Peter

 

[goamules]

Very interesting analysis, thanks!

 

[johannielscom]

Wish I had a Canon IIB to further your investigation a bit Peter, but alas, I don't own one. I will be following this though, since I love camera-related history!

 

[malkmata]

Is this a IIB? I bought it from Keh about two years ago. They had it listed as Canon III, but according to my research it could be a IIB, made in occupied Japan.


Canon IIB by malikmata52, on Flickr

 

[CanonRFinder]

Hi,

If you can supply a pic of the back to show position of the screw head under the accessory shoe as well as the serial #.Also tell me if there is red infill in the items I indicated in the original message. Then I should be able to help.

Generally only late issue 1946-49 models CCCo S-II and 1949-52 model IIB cameras had the Made in Occupied Japan (MIOJ) on the base plate. Peter

 

[malkmata]

Peter,
The serial # is 27942. The screw head under the shoe is off center to the right. Red infill on the 20-1 shutter speed dial and on 20 on slow speed dial but black on the zero of the frame counter dial. I guess my IIB is version 2?

 

[malkmata]

Looking at my photo above, the zero on the frame counter looks like it's red. It probably got filled with dirt recently.