Identify this Canon Rangefinder

[NIKON KIU]

I thought this makes a good topic.
There are camera fans out there like me who wouldn't know a Kwanon from a Canon.
May be this thread could help in identifying which camera we may have or are looking to have.

To Start I ask, Which Canon is this?

Thanks in advance.

Kiu

 

[thirteen]

It's a IIIb. It came bundled with the Serenar f1.9 lens. The top plate speed dial includes speeds of 1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100 etc. If the camera was a IIIc the speeds would include 1/25, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100 etc.

 

[dexdog]

According to Dechert's book, it is a IIb. Serial number matches range given in book, and shutter speed split at 1/20 matches. The book says that the IIb usually had a 50/3.5 or 50/1.9 Serenar as the normal lens.

 

[Bill Snell]

I go along with Model II-B. 1948-50. Came with Serenar 50mm f2 Top speed 1/500. Replaced in 1950 by Model III with 1/1000 top speed. Source Canon user manual for IV-S2

 

[jan normandale]

mehhh ... it's only a ... Canon

humour! This is a good thread. Now I want this resolved in a civil manner without pulling guns or arm wrestling to determine the actual type of camera. I'm watching

 

[CanonRFinder]

YEP it is a model IIB be it an early version as is the lens. The <jap ideogram> marking on the baseplate is unusual but NOT uncommon. This marking only came out when the model IIB was introduced onto the market and replaced the <CPO> marking. Bit of a dog as it is also missing the infinity lock on the lens. It also has a PC connection placed on the front. All this plus the condition of the body covering kept it's value down. Tthere was a Nikkor lens with the outfit and wasn't sure of the value of that or it's place in the Nikkor line of lenses. Kiu should be able to throw some light on that. Peter K

 

[Wompa]

I think its fun with the litle text on the bottom. Made in ocupied Japan... Thihi!

 

[dexdog]

Kiu, I'm shocked that you would be the initiator of this Canon thread! Doesn't that get you kicked out of the NHS for treason, or something?

 

[xayraa33]

well, at least the very earliest Canon cameras had Nikkor lenses, so Kiu can be concerned about certain models much earlier than this IIb.

 

[dexdog]

There was a Nikkor lens with the outfit and wasn't sure of the value of that or it's place in the Nikkor line of lenses. Kiu should be able to throw some light on that. Peter K

I see, this was part of an auction. Did the auction have a 50/1.5 Nikkor, by any chance?

 

[fehutchings]

Is mine like Yours?

Is mine like Yours?

I own it's brother (sister???) sn 37113 with the 50 1.9 serenar sn 37072. There is NO flash sync, and the lens HAS an infinity lock. Suppose they traveled through life together. Both work flawlessly (less said about the viewfinder the better). Do have one thing I noted. Camera in the picture shows an engraved diamond shape above the "made in occupied japan." My camera does not. Is this significant? I like the IIb choice. Everything else seems to fit.

 

[xayraa33]

it is CPO written in ideogram for" central purchasing office," an early form of the EP mark for cameras sold in PX stores.

 

[KoNickon]

Let's avoid the slurs if we can ("jap ideogram"). The war's long over. If that wasn't the intent, my apologies.

 

[Solinar]

It's probably an Aussie slang.

Although, I must admit if an Aussie was to refer to the locals in certain bars as "Yanks" in parts of Texas or Alabama, it could turn out to be problematic .

 

[xayraa33]

someone has used the Jay word.

 

[pdek]

Iib

Iib

Don't know where I was when this string of correspondence was posted. The camera is definitely a Canon IIB, as many have replied, with the proper Canon Serenar f/1.9 normal lens, and the Japanese ideograms in a diamond that indicate the camera was made for US military sale outlets. Lens and camera were probably manufactured in early 1949.
Peter D

 

[harry01562]

I'd like to see a full clarification of the time frame that the Post Exchange markings were in use. As I recall, the <CPO> was used prior to <japanese>, and last was <EP>. I do know that the first two are not as common as the <EP> marking, but not certain of the period of real use...

Anyone??

Harry