"Affordible" Collectible-ish Canon RF

[kb244]

Ok, lets say for the sake of being a Canon whore I'd like to try to pick up another body dating back a little further than I already have. I already have a Canon P, so something like a VL or VT, or 7, or anything like that may be too similar 'to count'. What are considered some older, but somewhat affordible (in other words don't be recomending the original Kwanon or however it's spelled) Canon cameras say before the 50s that had some character about them. Also am I correct in assuming that for the most part prior to the V- series that most of the Canons were almost side by side clones to the Leicas at the time? I've seen a couple like a IIa or such, which I guess to a novice would look identical to a leica.

 

[back alley]

not many of the canons are really collectable, in that the prices are inflated because of rarity.
the canons were copies at first but quickly became the better camera when compared to most leica screw mounts.
if you want a good usable canon, the 4sb2 would be my choice, or even a 4sb.

 

[gtramctram]

what about a III-A? Only 8000 or so were made.

 

[xayraa33]

With their characteristic non rounded sides the bottomloader Canons looked different than the Ltm Leicas, not to mention their unique two window rf/vf setup from the model S-II (1946) on.
Mechanically they were certainly copying Leica internally wise, but so was Nikon to a lesser extent.
I think that the cameras made by Leotax, Nicca, Tanack and a few others in Japan, esp. after the war, were more likely to be mistaken for a Leica , as they were an out n out copy of the Ltm Leica.

 

[airds]

There is a Canon II F in the classifieds - I'm just waiting for Steve's IV-Sb to arrive 🙂

 

[xayraa33]

what about a III-A? Only 8000 or so were made.

the problem with bottomloader Canons starting from the IIB, is that they looked much alike, and they were alike.
the IIIA did not look much different from the IVSb, or any other Canon model from the same era, like the even less numerous IIS ( 1850 made in total).

 

[xayraa33]

Ok, lets say for the sake of being a Canon whore I'd like to try to pick up another body dating back a little further than I already have. I already have a Canon P, so something like a VL or VT, or 7, or anything like that may be too similar 'to count'. What are considered some older, but somewhat affordible (in other words don't be recomending the original Kwanon or however it's spelled) Canon cameras say before the 50s that had some character about them. Also am I correct in assuming that for the most part prior to the V- series that most of the Canons were almost side by side clones to the Leicas at the time? I've seen a couple like a IIa or such, which I guess to a novice would look identical to a leica.

a unique and affordable Canon would be the IIB.
1st Canon with the 3 finder system.
it still had the older shutter crate of the S-II.
plenty were made.
they do not sell for a bundle.

 

[KoNickon]

The Canons of that vintage were I think superior to the Leicas internally, in that they had a combined rangefinder/viewfinder and switchable magnifications of 50mm-100mm-135mm -- very useful.

 

[xayraa33]

The Canons of that vintage were I think superior to the Leicas internally, in that they had a combined rangefinder/viewfinder and switchable magnifications of 50mm-100mm-135mm -- very useful.

in actual use, I find the Leica set up superior to the Canon.

 

[kb244]

in actual use, I find the Leica set up superior to the Canon.

Most Leica Users Would....

Kidding Kidding... :angel:

 

[gtramctram]

I have a few I am going to sell. You can check out the IIIA in classifieds.

 

[kb244]

I have a few I am going to sell. You can check out the IIIA in classifieds.

After I get the CV 21/4 or 15/4.5 I most likely won't be able to afford it lol.

 

[xayraa33]

it is not because it is a Leica, I use a Tower Type 3, which is a direct copy of a Leica, and I prefer its rf layout over the bottomloader Canon.

 

[colyn]

in actual use, I find the Leica set up superior to the Canon.

I have used Leica screw mount cameras for over 40 years (got my first when I was 6) but today my Canon P arrived and I found it to be a better camera than the Leicas in that it is much easier to use with the larger view/rangefinder window and advance lever.
Back door loading is much faster too..

Now if I could find some original Canon film cassettes for this camera....😛 😛

 

[gtramctram]

What's a film cassette? I am not familiar with them?

 

[xayraa33]

I have used Leica screw mount cameras for over 40 years (got my first when I was 6) but today my Canon P arrived and I found it to be a better camera than the Leicas in that it is much easier to use with the larger view/rangefinder window and advance lever.
Back door loading is much faster too..

Now if I could find some original Canon film cassettes for this camera....😛 😛

comparing the P to the Barnack Leicas is an apples to oranges type of comparison IMHO.
the P to the M3 maybe
or a IVSb to a Leica IIIf

 

[colyn]

What's a film cassette? I am not familiar with them?

I bulk load my b&w film.. The felt lined cassettes available only work a few times before dirt gets trapped in the felt and scratches the film.

The film cassettes made by Leica, Nikon, Canon, and others are 3 piece metal cassettes and don't use felt and can be used without scratching the film. The key on the bottom of these cameras would open and close these cassettes.

 

[Bill58]

I'd get the latest Model 7 w/ the CDS meter.....or hoard as many Ps as you can afford. I don't think the earlier one are going to appreciate in value like their counterpart Leicas are/ will.

 

[colyn]

comparing the P to the Barnack Leicas is an apples to oranges type of comparison IMHO.
the P to the M3 maybe
or a IVSb to a Leica IIIf

In a way it is a fair comparison since the Canon P is in the family line starting with the original Canon Leica copy. The P still uses screw mount lens whereas the M-series Leicas were totally redesigned and given a bayonet mount but yes the P is quiet a bit different than the older models. That is why I got it instead of a direct Leica copy Canon..

 

[harry01562]

I second the recommendation of the IIB as a good choice for a user. It isn't as advanced as the last Barnack-like Canon, the IVSB2, but it is the first major export product of Canon. They were sold in considerable numbers in the Gov't PX system, and by distributors in a number of countries. It also incorporated the coupled RF/VF window, which Leica didn't seem to consider important until a bit later. 😀
As has been said before, their isn't a lot to differentiate the various models, but that is also true of the later Leica models, until the IIIf/g with the ST and/or extra viewing glass. I have a IIIa and a IIIf RDST, and am content with my Barnack-type Leica models. I have several more Canon models, but that is partly collecting interest, and partly financial, since they are considerably cheaper in most cases.
Many of these cameras are now in need of a competent CLA, and possibly shutter repair/replacement. There are a number of good repair options, since some of the Leica people will also work on Canon. That factor should be taken into consideration, unless you want just a shelf queen. The later M3-ish type Canons are excellent picture taking machines, and are as different from the early models as the M-series is from the Barnack Leicas. Either will deliver an excellent negative, but there is a convenience factor or a nostalgia factor that comes into play. I like both, for different reasons, and indulge myself for the pleasure of owning and using them. Gearheads of the World.. Rejoice, for prices are nice right now!

Harry