Canon bottom loaders compared to Leicas

[Red Robin]

Hello all I have a Canon III as well as the Canon IIF. Just wondering how they compare to the Leicas that they were "copied" after. I've read the Canons are sturdier than the Leicas which I have never owned. So my Canon III is like a Leica __and the features of the Canon IIF are more like the Leica __. BTW both are great to use and I use them both often

 

[Robert Lai]

The advantage of the Canons is that they combined the VF and RF early in their development. The Leicas had two separate windows for each function to the very end (IIIG).

 

[Bingley]

I've got a Canon IVSB2 and a Leica IIIc. Both are great little shooters (if you can live with their quirks; I can). The Canon is every bit as well made as the Leica, has a quieter shutter, and a single rf/vf with adjustable magnification which is handy for fine focusing. Don't know if these features are on your earlier Canon models. The IIIc is lighter in weight than the IVSB2. I enjoy using each of them.

 

[goamules]

The canon shutters seem more robust than Leicas, and seldom need cleaning, lube, and adjustment (CLA).

Their bodies have the squared off edges, instead of rounded. Also, you'll never have the covering come off a Canon, compared to Leicas.

There are really a lot of improvements done by the Japanese Leica clones. If you have one or two you like, you won't notice any improvements if you change over to a Leica.

 

[Red Robin]

Still Happy with my Canons . .. ... KA-POW!

Still Happy with my Canons . .. ... KA-POW!

Both the III and the IIF I have are good shooters . It's just the "Leica snob" envy that seems to raise it's ugly head in my thoughts every now and then. Fact is it's like an old neighbor I had in Connecticut . This couple owned a XKE, an MGB and a Porsche. Three cars I admired(1968)back in the day . I complimented him and he replied "Sure, but ones always in the shop! I have to own three, just so we can get to work. Guess he was putting a sports car mechanic's kid through school. Summing up my hearty Canons have yet to need service. All working without the need of a CLA, like the day I unpacked-um from the BAY. 😎