IVSB, go figure!

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I have been casting about for a decent, smallish 50 for my M2, and was looking to spend about 200 bucks. I'm the one who started that thread about the Summitar and Summicron a few days ago.

Anyway, I was trolling eBay and found a Canon 50/1.8 serenar with 30 minutes to go, and put in an impulsive bid, since Raid likes this lens so much.

I won it for just over $200....

....with an excellent-condition IVSB attached to it! Didn't need another RF, but there you have it, I own one now. Anybody want to fill me in on some of this camera's charms/quirks while I wait for it to show? I've had a P and currently have a 7, so I know and like Canon RF cameras...what should I expect?
 
No quirks to speak of in re the IVSB, just a well-made bottom feeder. Can't speak to the summitar thing (never used one).
 
That's a great lens you just landed. The older chrome version is really solidly built. As for the IVSB, it's just like any barnack screw mounts, main differences are the 'zoom' viewfinder and the flash rail.

Cheers,
 
I used to own a IVSB 2 (which I sold as it was not in great order) and now own a IVSB. The IVSB2 was slightly better - bigger viewfinder but both are excellent cameras. The 50mm f1.8 is so good I own two of them - one chrome and one black and chrome. Both have great build and optical quality. The IVSB 2 had the much prasied 50mm f1.5 sonnar designed lens which is even better. I regret selling it but neither the camera nor the lens were in great condition. I now also own the 50mm f1.4 lens and two versions of the 135 mm f 3.5. All of these are wonderful lenses and quite competitive of the Leicas of the day.
 
I have tried the flash rail and can't seem to get it correct. I have a side rail flash connection off of Ebay but I guess I have not gotten it correct to take electronic flash pictures.

I too purchased a IVSB with a 50f1.8 but it had holes in the curtain. I had it fixed with a new shutter and the seller helped correct it. I just shot a roll with the combo and it was great. It was not used to get bokeh but shot to get clear pictures that I am very pleased with. Mine sounds solid and the one viewing sight makes it easy to get a quick shot. I have been experimenting with other cameras and lenses but I should have never doubted this camera. It is a lot of fun and the lens is as good as my Nikkor 50f2.0. I will never trade or sell my IVSB.
Joe
 
The Canon 50/1.8 is higher contrast than the Summitar, and probably sharper overall. It does not have the swirly bokeh of the Summitar.

The Canon IVSB is a fine camera, solidly built. The finder is squinty compared with the later Canon's. I grab the Canon P over the IIF.
 
Sounds great, everyone--I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on the camera. I should clarify, I assume this lens is not marked Serenar but Canon Lens, which if I'm not mistaken would be appropriate for the era...it is the same lens, right?
 
The 50/1.8 was produced in both Serenar and Canon versions. If it is called a Serenar, the lens should be marked that way. You can look it up using the serial number on Peter K's website (or using his excellent Canon lenses book).
canonrangefinder.com
 
I have the IVS-B2(?) and the 1,8 Serenar as well. Haven't used the combination in about 10 years. Had Canons over the years, and the Barnack types are quite good. I don't like the finders in them though. They tend to get foggy and are quite dim, compared to the equivalent finders found in a Leica or a Zorki/FED.

The lens is heavy. I don't see Summitar in it. The 1,8/50 I have seems to be snappier and more Jupiter-like (Sonnar maybe?) than Leitz.

I have tried the flash rail and can't seem to get it correct. I have a side rail flash connection off of Ebay but I guess I have not gotten it correct to take electronic flash pictures.
Click to expand...

Maybe your Canon's synch is set up for M flash? Its possible that some of them were synched for M instead of X. My IVSB appears to have X synch. I also modified the flash post by replacing the brass dot contact with a surplus PC contact.
 
not a sonnar design, more of a gauss type I believe, as judged from the schematics in Peter K's book. ferider would probably be the best person to ask, however.
 
The Canon 50/1.8 is a classic 6 element in 4 group Planar formula lens. The Leitz Summar and the modern Summicron are also 6 element in 4 groups, but the glass used does make a difference.
 
It's a very good lens. I have the black/chrome version, which has (I believe) an identical optical formula to the chrome Serenar, though different coatings and ergonomics.

My example is at least as sharp (subjective, hand-held) as my Summicron Rigid, and gives a warmer/richer color rendering. (I prefer the Summicron's rendering of tones in B&W, but I wouldn't say one's better than the other.)

The Canon is quite suitable for use as a general-purpose lens -- no prominent optical quirks like a Sonnar's focus fall-off or the Canon 50/1.2's swirly bokeh. And it's common enough and cheap enough that you can put it in harm's way without feeling to bad.

Congratulations, and enjoy!
 
Well, I just souped my first two rolls from the IVSB/Serenar combo. I must say, I'm stunned at how wonderful this camera is to use. It absolutely feels as nice as a Leica. I don't feel this way about the Canon 7, great as it is. The camera and lens, together, are very heavy and compact, and the film wind is unbelievably smooth. Also, this is a small thing, but the pictures were flawlessly spaced on the roll, and all shutter speeds were absolutely perfect. Can't say this about every 50-year-old camera you buy on eBay. The serenar needs a hood, which heavystar is helping me out with, but otherwise I just got perfect exposure after perfect exposure, in very tricky lighting conditions (under a tent in very bright daylight, and in an auditorium lit on one end). These are all from the Cornell University English Department graduation ceremony, in Bailey Hall at Cornell, where I teach.

Shot on 5222-XX and developed in D76, with minimal adjustments in Lightroom.

3560839185_860b788ca1_o.jpg


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3561656106_e557ba7f7f_o.jpg
 
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