Aquired a canon P..

[Gazzah]

The curtains seem to be fairly wrinkle free, it does squeak when I cock the shutter, but Ive read that is normal...?
Im putting the first film through it now - is there anything I should look out for ( except the normal try every speed etc?)?

It came with a 50 F2.8 which seems tobe clean and working

TIA

Gary H

 

[jtzordon]

Awesome. Welcome to the fold. Hopefully everything checks out.

 

[xxloverxx]

I've read that the squeaks are due to the mechanics needing lubricant.

 

[Mablo]

Congrats for your new Canon P Gazzah! It's a great camera. The squeaking sound is not normal though, maybe you should have it CLA'd.

 

[Gazzah]

Quiet(er) now

Quiet(er) now

About 1/2 way through the first roll I noticed that the squeaks had become much less pronounced.. by the end of the roll they are almost gone. So I guess the camera had been sitting around for a while.

Really nice camera to use, my other RF is a bessa R and the canon feels really solid compared to it...

My only other experience of RFs was using an uncles S2 way back when ( 30-40 years ago?)... and I remember it feeling really heavy..

I will post some pics if/when I get them developed and I can find my scanner..

Gary H

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Sounds like a good one.

The 50/2.8 is "uncommon", came out near the end of the run. It is a good Tessar formula lens using newer glass. The glass is prone to etching, from lubricants used. Shine a light through it, check for haze on each side of the aperture. As yours looks clear and clean- I suspect someone took the time to correct the lubricant issue.

Nice camera and nice lens.

 

[Gazzah]

There is some slight hazing or cleaning marks on the rear element, I will get the film processed tomorrow and see what it looks like. Generally the camera is clean but dusty.
Im heading out today with the P and an old Zeiss Ikon Nettar folder that I also aquired recently.
I did have a hankering for an M, but I think I will make these bodies do me for now.

Gary H

 

[raid]

The P is a very functional camera for photography. Congrats!
I have a chrome P and a black P.
I sold the 50/2.8, but got then a 50/1.8. Both are good lenses.

Have fun with the Canon P.

 

[Gazzah]

Also meant to ask...

Also meant to ask...

if there were any lenses to be avoided? IE Im told that the J12 wont fit the Bessa R as it goes to deep into the body, likewise most of the Collapsing lenses cause issues with the R - is it the same with the P before I go off and buy some FSU to add to the bag.

TIA
Gary H

 

[Mablo]

Jupiter-12 fits the Canon P but j u s t barely. It is slightly kissing light baffles inside the body.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

There are different versions of the J-12, some have extra protection for the rear element that could cause a problem. The collapsible lenses hit the light baffle on the P and on the Canon 7. The Summitar did not get along with mine. I keep a J-3 on one and Sonnar on the other. I do not use the collapsibles with it. I can collapse the Sumicron on the Bessa R2.


On the lens: I would try to have the haze cleaned off of it. Left there, it could cause hazing. this is a 10 minute job for someone good with a spanner.

 

[Gazzah]

I think any cleaning will have to be done by myself - I dont think there is anyone here in N.Ireland that I can call on. I have several other lenses that I can use so I might give it a go..

Any adivce on what to use to clean the glass? I have some eclipse fluid that I use to clean the sensors in the digital world - would that do any damage?

Gary H

 

[januaryman]

Or just get another lens. the 50/1.8 is excellent, comparable to the more highly prized, much more expensive but not much better 1.4 - or get a nice 35/2.0 (Good luck finding one of those!) - Canon lenses, we're talking here! But a J8 or J9 works well.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

The 35/1.8 is still not too expensive, I don't think. I really like mine. And my P, too!

 

[Gazzah]

Other lenses...

Other lenses...

I have a J8, J3, I61 and a Komura 35 2.8 that I can use while I try and clean the canon.
I would like to get another 35 as this is what I use the most and maybe a 75/80 for the odd time I need it.. So maybe a few more FSU on the way.

Any sites that give guidance on canon lens rebuilding? and P maintinance in general? My RF is out vertically by a very small amount; I did see a site that gave instructions to fix this, but cant find it now I need it..😱

TIA

Gary H