Koanut
Newbie
After 40+ years of taking photographs, 30+ cameras, I have just bought my first interchangeable lens rangefinder, a very nice condition Canon P Ser # 785617. Tomorrow I'm trading for a Canon 135mm 3.5 (last version in black). I have spent the last hour trying to find a downloadable Instruction camera manual without results. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be very grateful. I realize I have a lot to learn (I just noticed there is no provison for setting film speed!) any good books on RF's anyone can suggest? Thanks to all in advance....
Bingley
Veteran
Have you checked out some of the websites on Canon Ps? You may find links to a manual. www.photoethnography.com; www.dantestella.com; www.cameraquest.com. Each of these sites has an article on the P.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
The P is so utterly straight forward that I have difficulty understanding why you would need a download. A hard copy to have as a collectable, yes, that would make a certain amount of sense, but there is nothing about the operation of the P that is not obvious from handling it. This is not, for ex, the EOS A2E with it's many varied complexities... 
William
William
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
Agree with William: no need for a manual. The P does not have auto exposure or a meter built in, so there's no question of setting film speed.
jarski
Veteran
Xmas
Veteran
Koanut
The P does have a film speed setting, it is a memo only and is on the film door.
As the P is mechanical if you use several types of film you need to either
- fold up the film box top, and stuff it in the flash/accessory finder socket/shoe or
- set the reminder on the back or
- stick a label on the top plate or
- you will use the wrong exposure or filter or use the camera when it is empty for sure.
Doing all the first three wont hurt.
The 135mm will need an accessory viewfinder.
And you need to use a meter or calculator or table for exposure.
We have all misloaded a 35mm camera, you need to check the little dot in the centre of the rewind crank is turning, other wise you will be shooting blanks.
Noel
P.S. the 'emp' on the memo is for empty
The P does have a film speed setting, it is a memo only and is on the film door.
As the P is mechanical if you use several types of film you need to either
- fold up the film box top, and stuff it in the flash/accessory finder socket/shoe or
- set the reminder on the back or
- stick a label on the top plate or
- you will use the wrong exposure or filter or use the camera when it is empty for sure.
Doing all the first three wont hurt.
The 135mm will need an accessory viewfinder.
And you need to use a meter or calculator or table for exposure.
We have all misloaded a 35mm camera, you need to check the little dot in the centre of the rewind crank is turning, other wise you will be shooting blanks.
Noel
P.S. the 'emp' on the memo is for empty
Bill58
Native Texan
Unless you have a specific need for the 135, I wouldn't get it. It's the least usable/ practical of all the Canon RF lenses. My advice is to get a 35 or 50 instead. Also get your prize Cleaned, Oiled, and Adjusted (CLA) by a competant repair shop, then shoot the heck out of it. I use a Gossen Luna Pro (w/ a battery adapter) for a meter, but there are others.
airds
Well-known
manual
manual
link to PDF document - as posted in an earlier thread .
ps
there is other Canon rangefinder manuals available from the same source here
manual
link to PDF document - as posted in an earlier thread .
ps
there is other Canon rangefinder manuals available from the same source here
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Koanut
Newbie
My P
My P
Thank you for all the replies. I realize this camera does not really need a manual, but I love camera porn. Thanks for the link. As for lenses, I am getting the 135 basically for free and I figure 1 lens is better than none. I am actively searching for a 35 F2 and a 50 1.8 or 1.4. I am coming from a heavy long term involvment with Nikon SLR's and I do not have a handle on RF prices yet. I wanted to buy a M2, but I liked the feel of the P so much more. I also shoot a Minox C so I will remember how to deal with a light meter soon enough...Thanks again
My P
Thank you for all the replies. I realize this camera does not really need a manual, but I love camera porn. Thanks for the link. As for lenses, I am getting the 135 basically for free and I figure 1 lens is better than none. I am actively searching for a 35 F2 and a 50 1.8 or 1.4. I am coming from a heavy long term involvment with Nikon SLR's and I do not have a handle on RF prices yet. I wanted to buy a M2, but I liked the feel of the P so much more. I also shoot a Minox C so I will remember how to deal with a light meter soon enough...Thanks again
airds
Well-known
See Exposure chart for your pocket in Rangefinder general discussion. Sorted
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Koanut
Newbie
New P lens
New P lens
So to complete my short term Canon RF goals, I picked up a chrome Canon 50mm 1.8 for $110. Interior very clean and nick free, exterior somewhat dirty, but not corroded. What do you recommend for getting general dirt out of the focus ring knurling. What are you guys using for straps? Favorites? As for a meter I found a Sekonic Studio Deluxe L-39 for free in someones trash. It seems to agree with my FE2, are these ok for this kind of work?
New P lens
So to complete my short term Canon RF goals, I picked up a chrome Canon 50mm 1.8 for $110. Interior very clean and nick free, exterior somewhat dirty, but not corroded. What do you recommend for getting general dirt out of the focus ring knurling. What are you guys using for straps? Favorites? As for a meter I found a Sekonic Studio Deluxe L-39 for free in someones trash. It seems to agree with my FE2, are these ok for this kind of work?
W
wlewisiii
Guest
That Sekonic is the one I have. Excellent light meter that has taught me a whole lot about light. It should suit you very well. Congrats on the 50/1.8, it's a really wonderful lens. Oh, and add the 35/1.8 to your short list as well - it's usually a bit cheaper than the 35/2 & an excellent lens in it's own right.
William
William
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
I like domke gripper straps for most cameras, but for the P and others in that form factor, I use one of Gordy Coale's leather straps. That way it can hang around my neck, or I can wrap the strap around my hand and just hold it at my side as I go.
The 50 1.8 is a fantastic lens, and that price is pretty good.
Enjoy - this is one of my favorite RFs ever.
The 50 1.8 is a fantastic lens, and that price is pretty good.
Enjoy - this is one of my favorite RFs ever.
peterm1
Veteran
What do you recommend for getting general dirt out of the focus ring knurling?
Generally I use an old toothbrush and the tiniest, tiniest amount of spray surface cleaner to dampen the brush. Make sure that there is not enough to run off into the innards and do not spray the lens or camera directly. I also bought a cheap (use it dry and clean) paint brush for removing loose dust from crevices in a camera / lens and I sometimes also use a little alcohol on a Q tip or a swab to remove some isolated spots of dirt on chrome.
Generally I use an old toothbrush and the tiniest, tiniest amount of spray surface cleaner to dampen the brush. Make sure that there is not enough to run off into the innards and do not spray the lens or camera directly. I also bought a cheap (use it dry and clean) paint brush for removing loose dust from crevices in a camera / lens and I sometimes also use a little alcohol on a Q tip or a swab to remove some isolated spots of dirt on chrome.
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alansoon
Established
Thanks for posting the links to the manual! I've used a Canon P over the past few years. It's simple enough that you don't need the instructions -- but hey, I'm a sucker for camera porn too.
Xmas
Veteran
Cocktail sticks make good camera cleaning aids
Sharpen them with craft knife
Noel
Sharpen them with craft knife
Noel