Canon M39 Rangefinder book update

[CanonRFinder]

HI Guys,

First, I will get those that have purchased my book to do an update on an error that I just noticed 😱. On Page 89 in the T4 column in the "Military markings" row can you please replace the "none" with <EP>. This mark first appeared in the middle of 1953, the 50mm f/1.5 lens was still being produced, and some were sold via the Military PX stores in Japan and Korea. I have recorded five examples to date so they are not rare but unusual. If anyone comes across lenses that are unusual or have a query don't hesitate to email me. Recently on eBay, two M39 Canon lenses appeared for sale with an extra digit in the serial number so the oddball lenses still pop up from time to time 😎. I had examples so didn't bid.

To date I have sold 100 books but with the current financial climate it will take some time to break even...but that’s life. Peter

 

[RF_newbie]

Your Books are THE most excellent resource for Canon RF i have ever seen.
Thanks for taking the time to build it.

 

[Erik L]

Your Books are THE most excellent resource for Canon RF i have ever seen.
Thanks for taking the time to build it.

in addition to his book the canon catalog (1969) is pretty insightful itself.

 

[bennyng]

And here is a picture of the lens that started the discussion between me and a fellow collector.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110343266887

The <EP> mark is visible in the last picture.

Cheers,

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Time for another plug for Peter's book....it is fantastic and uber-geeky. Peter, hope you sell a lot more...good luck...

 

[CanonRFinder]

Hi Benny, "fellow collector" was me and thanks for the link. From years of trying to decipher serial numbers edge on I think this is #26235, which places it in the T4 zone of 50mm f/1.5 lenses. The final price sort of floored me. Most 50mm lenses escaped the <EP> mark as they were attached to cameras when sold as a unit but if they had to be purchased as separate item from a PX store then the <EP> mark would appear on that lens. I recently picked up a 50mm f/1.9 Auto-Up with the <EP> mark. This is quite unusual as the f/1.9 lens stopped production early in 1953 and guess this is a very late issue or something left over in the Canon Co inventory. To pass them on quickly Canon stamped it <EP> and delivered it to the PX stores. MIOJ marked f/1.9 Auto-Ups are common. Peter

 

[bennyng]

Hi Peter,

I don't think you would have to worry about your book. Despite current economic climate, prices of Canon RF gear seems to be creeping up. With your book correctly listed amongst the gear in the respective sites, I'm sure sales will surely pick up steam. At this point in time, there is just NO better reference for Canon lenses. I'm seriously considering a second copy myself as my first is wearing out a bit from the frequent 'molestation'.

I am awaiting your second installation on accessories eagerly.

Cheers,

 

[raid]

Now we need the Canon book on cameras.
I wish you continuous success in selling books, Peter.

 

[CanonRFinder]

HI Raid and others. Thanks for the support 😀. Now with the Xmas festive season behind us and a new Air Conditioner installed in my stinking hot office, I will get stuck into my Accessory book and before the Moto GP season starts 😎. One reason why I have concentrated on the Lenses and then the Accessories before I look at the cameras is that Peter D has done a good job to date and all I could do is a more intensive research into each model and the variations I have found. Peter's book is still the #1. I intend to work on my website with the camera section to make it easier for collectors to identify models. In my own Canon RF accessory collection, I have over 700 different items so that will be a good start for the book. I had intended to do a detail description on how each accessory worked but my thinking is that one can find that out in the various instruction books or forums that are around. Peter