Canon P or Leica III?

[john neal]

I have a Leica IIIa that has been away for a CLA and new blinds for about 4 months (don't ask, the first guy fitted the blinds out of parallel).

I now have the opportunity to swap the IIIa for a Canon P in nice condition - OK the curtains are slightly wrinkled, but it all works just fine.

I have handled the P and it seems very similar to my M2, but with that lovely 1:1 vf - just great for 2-eyed shooting.

I can't decide - what would you guys do?

 

[dexdog]

IMO, it is hard to beat the P from a usability standpoint as compared to a IIIa. As you have pointed out, it has a great finder (although check to see that the framelines are in good shape). Easier to load than a bottom feeder, and has lever wind and rewind too. I am assuming that you don't have any sentimental attachement to the IIIa. I would go with the P, it's one of my favorite RFs

dexdog

 

[back alley]

i'm with dexdog on this one.

 

[john neal]

Well, thanks for that - I have no real attachment to the IIIa, except that it is pre-war and a Barnack model. I also have a IIIf RD, so I would still have a very usable Barnack.

I'm leaning towards the P - will check out the framelines, but from memory, they did look to be OK.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Broaden your horizons.....Nikon S2

Broaden your horizons.....Nikon S2

How about a Nikon S2...you get your 1.1 viewfinder and you get a Nikon 😎
Kiu

 

[john neal]

How about a Nikon S2...you get your 1.1 viewfinder and you get a Nikon 😎
Kiu

Hmm, nice idea - I'm actually saving for a (gulp!) D200 - trying to sell my F2 and FE2 to raise funds. I don't think I will be able to raise enough cash for a decent S2 and lenses though....

 

[raid]

The Canon P is (nearly) unbeatable for a user camera. It is 100% geared towards functionality and solidity. I would switch, if I were in your position, but then again, you are "you" and you know better what's better for you.

 

[jano]

Does someone have a side-by-side picture of canon P next to a leica III (any flavor)? I haven't seen a real-life III before, but the viewfinder is squinty, no?

 

[flipflop]

My votes for a P as well im looking for a good one as well...I have a summitar I am dying to try out!

 

[wlewisiii]

To me, for a user camera, that's a easy choice of the P as well. It's a very nice camera. Not as nice as a 7, mind... <G,D&R>

William

 

[flipflop]

Wisiii.
How accurate is the meter on the Canon 7? It would be the main advantage over the P for me. Not having to carry the handheld 100% of the time would be nice. Also the cheaper price tag!

 

[wlewisiii]

Mine is very good - It agrees well with my Sekonic L28c for example.

However, remember that it is a selenium meter so that below about EV 7 it's just not sensitive enough. Use it within its limits and it can be very good indeed.

I believe, though I haven't used one to know for sure, that the meter on the 7s is more sensitive in low light.

William

 

[raid]

I favor the P over all Canon rangefinder cameras. Use the P and then decide for yourself.

 

[john neal]

My thanks to all those who offered their views - I finally decided to go for the Canon. This was helped by the fact that the IIIa repair has taken 6 months and is still not right (shutter timing issues).

Anyway, I strolled around town with the P this lunchtime and must say I am very impressed with the VF - almost as good as my M2 for RF patch quality, plus the 1:1 size is fantastic - both eyes open is a real delight.

Here's to a long association with a great camera.

 

[wlewisiii]

Congratulations! You have a very good camera there and I hope you'll enjoy it for a very long time.

William

 

[john neal]

Thanks William,

I have had several other old Canons over the years - IVf, IISD, VI-T and 7, but I think I prefer this one to all of those, and it will be much more useable than the IIIa.

I just got home and screwed my f1.4 50mm on it, boy does it look good!

 

[back alley]

the 50/1.9 will make a compact kit also.

the p is certainly hard to beat. it is a rugged utilitarian workhorse.
joe

 

[john neal]

Hi Joe,

Sadly, the 1.9 will not collapse into the P due to the light baffles in the body. All is not lost, however, as the 1.9 has now taken up residence on my IIIf RD. I know that's mixing codes, but what the heck - I can feel the force from both sides now!!

Luckily, my 35mm Summaron will fit the P too, so that's quite a nice street shooting combo.

 

[back alley]

i forgot about the light baffles.

i am still prone to keep canon on canon but have let loose with the m mount gear.

joe

 

[flipflop]

anyone know if I can collapse my 50mm summitar into a P?
I dont want to mess anything up