Bladt
Newbie
When buying lenes for Canon P, which lens type should I look for, please?
Lens for Canon P
- Thread starter Bladt
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The Canon P uses Leica Thread Mount lenses. Lots of them to choose from.
Just a general reference for you- I'm assuming you are new to this,
en.wikipedia.org
If you post back what type of pictures you want to take, scenic, existing light, portrait- will help narrow down what focal lengths to look for.
The Canon P has framelines for 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm built into the viewfinder- which makes those the preferred focal lenghts.
Just a general reference for you- I'm assuming you are new to this,
M39 lens mount - Wikipedia
If you post back what type of pictures you want to take, scenic, existing light, portrait- will help narrow down what focal lengths to look for.
The Canon P has framelines for 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm built into the viewfinder- which makes those the preferred focal lenghts.
wlewisiii
Veteran
And also mention your preferred budget. There is a very wide range of possibilities in LTM lenses.
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
You cannot go wrong with a Canon 50mm f1:8 if it is in good condition, Common to find and not expensive for such a good lens.
Mark240590
Soviet Shooter
As said, the 50/1.8 is a fantastic performer at its price point you can’t go wrong.
peterm1
Veteran
I agree. I was about to suggest the same. Either the (early) chrome one or the later black and chrome one are good choices depending on the style of image the photographer likes. These would have been common everyday lenses on the Canon P and are still great choices.
Mark240590
Soviet Shooter
The results the great many have speak for its self. I’m a great believer that the 50mm focal length has been at its peak for many many decades. As such lenses such as this, the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 etc are still just as good today as they were.
However, lenses as a whole have become so good it’s led a lot to go for a more flawed lens. Even myself do love a sonnar 1.5 lens.
Horses for courses 🙂
mtnbkr
Member
I don't have the P, but I own or have owned other Canon rangefinders. The 50/1.8 is a great suggestion and what I started out with. Mine was the earlier chrome version and I liked the rendering it provided. I currently own the 50/1.4 and it's noticeably better. While it's bigger than the 1.8, it's lighter than the chrome 1.8. But, it's 2-3x more expensive. TBH, if I were to do it again, I'd get the chrome 50/1.8.
Chris
Chris
peterm1
Veteran
Very true..................I love a good Sonnar. In fact, I own too many of them. 😆 Including the Canon Serenar 50mm f1.5 which would suit as well.
I mainly limited my answer to the Gauss design Canons as I thought they might be easier for someone new to early Canon cameras and lenses to come to appreciate............
Sonnars sometimes take time because, as you say, they have some flaws. Flaws which I felt might best appeal to folks like myself, and I presume you, who have no doubt each become a little jaded by the more "perfect" lenses. But in general, I agree wholeheartedly.
Mark240590
Soviet Shooter
Oh yeah. I agree that canon is perfect for anyone new. But also just perfect. I even have one for time to time. It actually balances out the Bessa R when I use it better as it happens 🤣
Canon 50mm, Leica Mount by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrFeel free to ask questions about Canon Lenses...
mdarnton
Well-known
I have the chrome 50/1.8 and the later 50/1.4. They are both excellent in different ways, but I prefer the 1.8. The 85/1.9 is a secret gem (I prefer it to my early 90 Summicron and Nikon AF-D) as is the late black 135/3.5, which is absurdly cheap, so cheap that there is no reason not to buy it even if you don't want one. I haven't had any of the wides except the 50/1.5, which was a dog. The 85/1.8 was one of my best lenses ever, but they're too expensive now as is the 85/1.5 (had two, should never have sold them.)
And of course there are all of the modern LTM Voigtlanders . . . lots of great lenses there, my faves being the 28/1.9 and the 15mm.
And of course there are all of the modern LTM Voigtlanders . . . lots of great lenses there, my faves being the 28/1.9 and the 15mm.
The Spastic Image
Established
I use the Canon 50 mm/f2.8 on my L1. That lens in that era was the budget 50mm offering from Canon. It's an excellent lens option if you don't need the extra speed.
