GAS for a Canon RF

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ash13brook

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I went shooting with the Chicago guys yesterday and fell in love with Rogue_Designer's Canon P.
What other Canon rangefinders with interchangable lenses are there, which would be the most desirable, and what kind of money would they go for in good working order?
 
desirable rf Canons can range from the 1935 Canon Hansa to the 1968 7s(z) and all the models in between those years.
the Canon P is a good choice, prices should range from 250 to 380 dollars for the chrome body,condition and a recent cla will made the price on the higher side.
the P should stand for pretty , not populaire, although it was a very popular model and it still is today.
 
I have a P and love it – it's a great choice as long as you don't use 35mm lenses and wear glasses (the 35mm lines are right on the edge of vision, even without glasses).

Indeed, any of the later Canon RFs from the IVSB2 right up to the last 7S would be a good choice, but the earlier models had somewhat squinty finders, and the models with reflected brightlines are likely to have lost some of the clarity from their finder by now. Either way, get a good example of any of these models and you'll have a wonderfully usable rangefinder.
 
Canon VI-T

Canon VI-T

Whenever someone asks this question, I am prone to thinking about selling my VI-T body and meter which I purchased last year. Some folks like them. Some don't. I like the VI-T. Alas, I really don't need two.
 
A little shameless plug here.

You could get that stellar Canon P in the classifieds now, and to go along with it check out my vintage Canon 50mm f1.8 lens with the Auto-Up close focusing attachment also for sale in the ads. That would set you up with a great starter kit.
 
mr_phillip said:
I have a P and love it – it's a great choice as long as you don't use 35mm lenses and wear glasses (the 35mm lines are right on the edge of vision, even without glasses).
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Click to expand...

? I use a Jupiter-12 35/2.8 and voightlander 21mm f/4 just fine with it (even without the 21mm viewfinder attachment). Thus I still think it's a great choice. Would be like saying don't get an older leica ( or the Canon based off the older leica) because its' only a 50mm view with no bright lines.
 
I second the comments made about the "P". If it can be faulted, it's reportedly has a delicate RF mechanism, but I'm extra careful w/ mine. I also use a 35 lens on mine everyday, but also have a BRIGHT, CV 35 Accessory VF on top. I have a thin elastic safety cord on my VFs all the time so I don't lose it!
 
I try not to worry about the precise framing with 35mm lenses on the P. You get a general idea of where the framelines are, then go by feel. Even with glasses on, I've not had any real trouble.

and that 1:1 vf is so nice.

Bill - I've not noticed the RF to be particularly touchy, and I don't really treat my P's with any particular care in that regard. (besides, adjustment is a piece of cake, I keep a screwdriver for it in my carry bag, but I've never had to use it).

For me the P is the best of the Canon RFs. Only does what I need. No more, no less. And it does it in a robust, good looking, nice to use package.

I wish it were an M mount, but beyond that, I have no complaints at all about this little camera.

Buy one Matt. You know you want to. 😀
 
Just to add to rogue_designer's assessement. In my opinion there are two types of Canon rangefinders:

The Canon P

Then all of those other things🙂

Wayne
 
The points are being well made... the P is a superb camera, and the 7s may be the finest RF camera ever built. And I am also the owner of an M3 and Contax IIIa. The IVSb2 is also a lovely camera to shoot, if you like the Barnack style. It really is more up to date than the IIIf, as far as VF is concerned, and well made, of course.
I am also very enamored of the varied Canon lenses, from the monumental 50/0.95 to the very undervalued 135/3.5 black lens. I also use a 35/2 on the 7s frequently, when it isn't on the P. You won't be able to settle for just one, after you acquire the first. But you will have fun...

Harry
 
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