Canon P questions

[Steve Bellayr]

Hey, Joe...Thanks. I appreciate your advice. I just found one at B&H for the price that you stated. I think I'll keep the filter as I've had too many experiences with people putting their fingers on my lenses and since as you said it's a clamp I'd rather have it clamped to the filter. Thanks again. I appreciate your taking the time out to advise me.

 

[back alley]

glad to help steve.
i used canon gear for a long time and just love some of that old stuff.

joe

 

[colyn]

the s50 canon shade is that an old item

The s-50 Canon hood was made by Canon for the 50mm f/1.4 Canon LTM lens. It is a clamp-on and takes series VII filters by unscrewing the hood from the ring. You drop the filter in the rim of the hood and screw it back onto the ring..

 

[rbiemer]

So I sent the P off for a CLA, have had it back for a couple of weeks now. And as nice as it was, it's really nice now.
There are scratches and rub marks on the chrome parts but no brassing that I can see other than on the flash bayonet, a little of the paint is gone: mostly on the high spots on the hinge and the back corners of the film door.
In other words a camera that has been and will be used but not abused.
I had been thinking of replacing the "leather" on this one but, once again, it looks too good to deface like that.
Did I mention that I'm liking this camera a lot?😀
Couple of further questions, though, if I may:
I've been looking at the Canon Meters for this camera and wonder, how likely is it to find one that still works? Are these meters repairable? I don't want one if it doesn't work but I like the idea of effectively having an "aperture priority" P.
And, who should I contact if repairs are possible? (I have seen lots of these meters that look good but don't work)
Thanks, all!
Rob

 

[back alley]

qlm is who i would send it to.
but i would get a good handheld and forget about one on the camera.

 

[planetjoe]

I agree with Joe on the use of an external meter. I have a working Canon meter for the P (I think that they were made for the VI-L, too), and while my informal testing has shown it's accurate enough, it's kind of fiddly for my way of shooting. I use an external incident meter, Minolta's Autometer IVf, for all my unmetered cameras.

What I like about the Canon meter, though, will probably make me sound very GAS-sy; it's actually pleasing to have a pretty complete "kit" for my P, including the meter, leather case, etc. In that regard, it's actually nice to get the meter.

Based on what others have said, though, it would seem that a more modern accessory meter, like Voigtlander's VCII, would be a good compromise on a camera like the P. It's not coupled to the shutter dial, but it probably has an edge on sensitivity and responsiveness.

In my opinion, though, its only fault is that it doesn't do incident metering. Enjoy your P!


Cheers,
--joe.

 

[rbiemer]

Thanks, joes!
I do have one or two🙂rolleyes: ) good handheld meters and do want one of the VCII meters but that the Canon meter is coupled to the shutter is exactly what appeals to me about it.😱 But, if I can't get a reliably working one, it ain't worth it.
I think I'll give qlm an email and see what George(?) has to say about 'em.
Thanks!
Rob

 

[back alley]

george milton

 

[caila77]

canon 35/2
canon 50/1,8
very nice lenses

 

[dexdog]

Rob, I don't think that Quality Light Metric uses email. I would suggest giving Mr. Milton a call at (323) 467-2265 and see if he will repair the Canon meter.

I had QLM repair a Weston Ranger 9. George Milton is a great guy to do business with.

 

[Bill58]

Get a used Gossen Luna Pro meter w/ SR44 battery adapter. You'll be happy w/ that gem.

 

[John Shriver]

I love my Luna-Pro, although it's partly sentimental remembrances of using one 30 years ago. I found that I did have to have it recalibrated after the battery adapter was added. But worth it. The ergonomics are great, even if the thing takes a lot of room in a pocket.

 

[back alley]

the luna pro is my meter of choice also.
i had 2 and sold them both after using the zi built in meter all of the time.
i kept a small pilot for hand held use.
but since getting the lla and the s2 i have since bought another luna pro. should be here soon i hope.

joe

 

[Bingley]

I have a Luna Pro too (dusted it off and started using again after 30 years), but am finding that I prefer the VC II meter when using my P. Still -- and apologies for being somewhat OT -- does anyone know where to get the Luna Pro recalibrated? I recently installed a battery adapter from B&H, and am thinking that the meter may be off slightly in view of the difference in voltage.

Back on topic: I agree that the P is wonderful, especially with the Canon 50/1.8. I'd like to try an Ultron 35, though.

 

[John Shriver]

Any decent camera repair place (that has a calibrated light source) should be able to calibrate a Luna Pro. Pry the rear cover, adjust four trim-pots. Cost me $60 at Sanford Camera Repair here in Arlington, MA.

 

[Bill58]

I truthfully haven't checked my meter's accuracy w/ the adapter, but can't believe Gossen would recommend and sell such an adapter w/o cautioning that calibration is/ may be necessary.

 

[rbiemer]

OK, one more question for y'all:
Has any one had any dealings with "Vintage Visuals"(LINK:http://www.vintagevisuals.com/index.html)? It's a camera store in Calgary, Alberta(Canada) that seems to have some good Canon stuff.
I found them sort of randomly--either the ACE list or google, can't recall--and am just looking for some firsthand experiences of them.
Thanks, folks!
Rob

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Rob

I bought a used lens from Vintage Visuals. No problems.

Chris

 

[rbiemer]

Chris,
Thanks!
The talk about the Retinas(in their forum) reminded me that I have one and should use it more. When I got it out to load it, I rediscovered the Kodalux meter that I got with it. Which reacts to light but I wasn't sure how to use it.
After following some of the links in the Retina forum, I found the instructions for the Kodalux! And now that I know how to use it, it appears to be at lesat as accurate as my Pilot2. Don't look bad on the P either.
And I picked up the first films I'd put through this camera this AM. Except for the ever present operator error, I'm very pleased with it.
Now I need to get serious about a 35mm lens and I'll be content--but not done.😀
Rob

 

[furcafe]

My P came w/its original Canon meter & it worked right out of the box, just like the camera itself. But since selenium meters are pretty useless for low-light shooting & I eventually got into the habit of using a Gossen Digisix, I sold the meter to Karen Nakamura (of Photoethnography fame).

I agree with Joe on the use of an external meter. I have a working Canon meter for the P (I think that they were made for the VI-L, too), and while my informal testing has shown it's accurate enough, it's kind of fiddly for my way of shooting. I use an external incident meter, Minolta's Autometer IVf, for all my unmetered cameras.

What I like about the Canon meter, though, will probably make me sound very GAS-sy; it's actually pleasing to have a pretty complete "kit" for my P, including the meter, leather case, etc. In that regard, it's actually nice to get the meter.

Based on what others have said, though, it would seem that a more modern accessory meter, like Voigtlander's VCII, would be a good compromise on a camera like the P. It's not coupled to the shutter dial, but it probably has an edge on sensitivity and responsiveness.

In my opinion, though, its only fault is that it doesn't do incident metering. Enjoy your P!


Cheers,
--joe.