Canon IV SB2

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brianentz

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I have decided upon and just ordered a Canon IV SB2 rangefinder. I haven’t got my hot little hands on it yet but I am hopeful.

Anyone have any experience with this camera? How do you find it to wirk w different focal lengths. Do you think it requires viewfinders? What is your impression? Tips?
 
Take a look around in this forum.
You will find a lot of info about Canon and other LTM rangefinders.

Leica Screw Mounts, Canon & Other Leica Copies

All Leica Thread Mount ("LTM") cameras including Barnack, Canon and other Leica LTM Copies are combined here to encourage a more useful discussion of this entire fascinating group. Also LTM lenses from various makers
www.rangefinderforum.com www.rangefinderforum.com
 
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I had a IVSb that I had overhauled by DAG. It was a good camera, as good as a barnack style can be, for 50mm lenses. You have to use an external finder for anything else. I got tired of that quickly and got Canon 7 instead. I later used a Leica IIIf for awhile, sold it too. I currently have a Canon IID that I need to try out ;) and a Canon 7s that needs repair.

I hope you enjoy your camera.
 
A Barnack type is good for 50mm, 135mm and super wide angle lenses. IVSB2 is superior than Leica with combined range/viewfinder and can be used for 135mm guessing framing too. The craftsmanship is on par with or better than most Leica LTMs. Canon 7 has great viewfinder with projected frame lines, but 7 is clunky. YYe in Boston can do a CLA for reasonable price.
 
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Regarding my “I have yet to get my hands on” Canon IV S2: I am thinking about the Canon Universal Finder. I’ve read that a better choice would be the Nikon model or even a Soviet version. Any thoughts?
 
The Nikon is the best I've used, personally. The Soviet is the worst, by far (it's a clone of the Zeiss pre-war and it's just as bad. Ick. I did not like that turret) I always preferred single focal length VFs if I had the choice. Yeah, it's a pain to change both lens and finder. I taught myself how to use the edges of the cold shoe as the outlines of a 35mm frame. It wasn't perfect but it was close enough with practice so that I didn't waste time. Combined with using the RF patch for 135 that was three lenses... As I said, though, it got old quickly and I went to the Canon 7 instead. A different set of trade offs that I personally found easier to live with. I still own that Canon 7.
 
I am very happy with the Canon 7s. I need the cold shoe for my Russar's finder. My other lenses go without an external finder (35, 50, 85, 100 mm)

IMG_20250228_160035394.jpg
 
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I’ve heard good things about the Nikon. I am keeping my Canon 7sz, but I wanted an earlier period, better built cam to pair. What I’m thinking is that if you flip the magnification to 1 you are viewing the equivament of 100mm frames and then flipping to 1.5 gives you the frames of 135. Sooo, I don’t really need those finders. I have 35, 50, 100 and a 135 lenses. Sooo, I really only need a 35mm finder. No?
 
brianentz said:
I’ve heard good things about the Nikon. I am keeping my Canon 7sz, but I wanted an earlier period, better built cam to pair. What I’m thinking is that if you flip the magnification to 1 you are viewing the equivament of 100mm frames and then flipping to 1.5 gives you the frames of 135. Sooo, I don’t really need those finders. I have 35, 50, 100 and a 135 lenses. Sooo, I really only need a 35mm finder. No?
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Like I said, if you want to, you _can_ line the edges of the cold shoe up on left and right as you look from behind it, with where your 35 FOV will be. Close enough anyway, for me. I never was a tight framing kind of shooter.

Another option? Get a single use camera film camera that has a 35 FOV lens. Break it open and steal the view finder out of it and put it on a broken shoe. Ta-dah! One each 35mm finder! I've done that too and it can work ok, it just tends to be fragile.

Best cheap solution? A Leica CL with a broken light meter. They go stupid cheap. You get a M mount film camera and all you have to do is use a hand held meter. Bada Bing, Bada Boom! Got a LTM lens? Use an adapter. No problemo! 28mm lens? Use the whole area of the viewfinder. I did that with a Canon 28/3.5 (exquisite lens, highly recommended) worked fine with practice.

There are _ALWAYS_ options. Just keep trying. Anyone who gives you shit, needs to be given shit.
 
I've owned a IVSb2 for several years now. Superb camera. I rarely use a 50mm lens on it, mostly 35mm and 25mm. I just use the appropriate finder and scale focus.

Interesting story: A few years back, about 100 high schools students were protesting something in my small town and gathered along Main Street with their signs. I did some 1960's photojournalism and walked down the street taking pics of the protestors with my IVSb2 and 35mm lens. Several students were so fascinated by my camera they put down their signs and peppered me with questions about the IVSb2. Made me smile.

Jim B.
 
I have the Canon IVSb2, while it is better than the non improved models like the IVsb.. but in my opinion I still prefer the Leica IIIf or IIIc.
 
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