Canon camera Identification help

[JLuke]

Hi everyone! I'm not sure I'm posting this in the right place, and I apologize if I'm not.

I am just looking for an ID on my grandfather's old camera, and have more questions than answers after attempting to read about these older models.

I know that the EP is a tax exempt stamp and that it was sold/purchased on a military base. That makes sense because he was stationed in Japan and the Philippines.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Duofold RF]

It is a IVSB2
Dates: Jul 1954 thru Jul 1956
Produced: 16,800
Ser. Nos.: 122490 thru 229000

For grandpas, should keep a little camera collection list with the model, serial number, and slap on a price tag in proper wine-speak: most of ‘em are ‘two-buck-chunk’ common, inexpensive, for the fancy grail tag as a bottle of Screaming Eagle.

 

[JLuke]

Thank you very much! I read your statement at the bottom 3 times thinking I had to solve a riddle before I saw the answer hahaha!

 

[splitimageview]

try this!

Model Finder

Determining a Canon Rangefinder Model is difficult. The Canon Model Finder makes it easy - answer a few questions and know the Model !

flynngraphics.ca

 

[Duofold RF]

Thank you very much! I read your statement at the bottom 3 times thinking I had to solve a riddle before I saw the answer hahaha!

You’re probably one of the smartest grandkids who didn’t chuck Grandpa’s cameras straight into the Goodwill donation bin. The Canon IVSB2 is the last and finest of those Barnack Leica copies—sharp, smooth, with that combined viewfinder that makes the old Leicas feel a bit clunky. You can honor the old man’s legacy by actually shooting with it (nothing beats the click of history in your hands), or—if you’re feeling practical—sell it off and treat yourself to a really fine bottle of wine. Either way, Grandpa’s smiling from the darkroom in the sky. Cheers to not being wasteful!

 

[JLuke]

Thank you SplitImageView for the very useful link!

Thank you Duofold RF for the kind words and information! We are definitely going to be displaying it in our new house when we move this year. We have a bunch of other old cameras from my wife's grandparents as well. From the accordion style Kodaks to Brownie boxes to Polaroids..Super 8's, projectors..that's all I can think of haha. We both like vintage and antique things, and have non conventional taste in decor.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[rfaspen]

That is a " vintage" camera, yes. But, it is also a quite competent film photograph machine that can hold its own in this modern world. The chrome 50/1.8 Serenar lens is rather good. I have one and it is a great performer. I do need to have it serviced (or I may do it) to address stiff focus ring that is common with aging lubricants. Easy and minor job.

I hope the attractive set we see in the OP will see some "film time" 😎

 

[Babblefish]

That's a very nice Canon IV SB camera that you inherited from your grandfather. Although old, it can still take great photos. It is the SB version and not the SB2 version because the shutter speed goes up to 1/1000 vs the SB2's 1/500. Your grandfather must have been in the military and bought his camera at his local PX store way back when. I'm guessing he was involved in the Korean war.

I have an EP version of the II-F myself and have been thinking about getting a IV SB too for the faster shutter speed.

 

[Duofold RF]

Arhhh, this grandpa disagreed

Canon IVSB and IVSB2

Because Canon manufactured a great many Leica copies that resemble each other during the 1950s, it's difficult to tell the differenc...

kellnerhank.blogspot.com

 

[xayraa33]

That's a very nice Canon IV SB camera that you inherited from your grandfather. Although old, it can still take great photos. It is the SB version and not the SB2 version because the shutter speed goes up to 1/1000 vs the SB2's 1/500. Your grandfather must have been in the military and bought his camera at his local PX store way back when. I'm guessing he was involved in the Korean war.

I have an EP version of the II-F myself and have been thinking about getting a IV SB too for the faster shutter speed.

The 2 end prefix just refers to the improved models, l own a llF and a IlF2 for instance. The improvements were the concentric high shutter speed index and a dial that you can set the high speeds before or after cocking the shutter, shutter speeds are now in a modern sequence. The exit pupil is now larger and there is now a gear like indicator under the wind knob to set to remind you on the number of exposure film you placed in the camera. The larger exit pupil is the most welcome improvement, as that dinky peep hole on the original models was too tiny. I do own two of the older models with the factory installed improved finder larger exit pupil and no other improvements, they do exist.