Peter's Canon Rangefinder Lens Book

[Mackinaw]

My copy of Peter's Canon Lens book arrived yesterday and I spent most of last night looking at it. Some quick observations: I really like all of the production data furnished, really gives you a good idea of how many of these lenses were made and when. I also like the names of the people that are associated with each lens. I often wondered who designed these lenses and now I know. One thing that really surprised me was that the TV version of the 50/0.95 was in production as late as 1984. I always thought this was a 1960's-only lens. I was also very surprised to learn that my 50/1.4 lens (serial number 120705) is the latest 50/1.4 that Peter has recorded. I bought this lens on eBay a few years back which I'm sure is where Peter saw it.

This is a great book folks!

Jim B.

 

[Al Kaplan]

The only 35mm film camera that had the external bayonet for the factory model 0.95(unmodified) was the Canon 7. Angenieux and Zeiss also made TV mount 0.95 glass. I suspect that the rangefinder moiunt was an afterthought on Canon's part to one-up Nikon's f/1.1. Zooms and improved TV camera sensors killed the market.

 

[harry01562]

I'd guess the RF mount was not an afterthought. The additional mount on the Canon 7 family was designed just for the oversize 0.95. The TV market couldn't have been large enough to justify designing and producing a specialized lens, with the high costs of an 0.95, in my very limited experience. That the lens remained in any form as late as the '80's is certainly a tribute to its then unique properties.

I own a very early production lens, with what I feel is a factory modification to TV, and possibly a prototype. This one has the cut in the rear element, but no focusing cam. It also came with a C-mount adapter, and a small plastic cap that fit on the adapter. This would seem to indicate Canon's realization of a market, but a modification of a RF lens. The lens in question, according to the SN, was among the first produced.

I am still waiting for my copy of Peter's book, so I don't know what he has to say about the lens early development and history.

Harry

 

[Mackinaw]

The only 35mm film camera that had the external bayonet for the factory model 0.95(unmodified) was the Canon 7. Angenieux and Zeiss also made TV mount 0.95 glass. I suspect that the rangefinder moiunt was an afterthought on Canon's part to one-up Nikon's f/1.1. Zooms and improved TV camera sensors killed the market.

Al, I guess I don't understand your comment. I was only referring to the long production run of the 50/0.95 which, unbeknownst to me, was in production in some form from 1961 to 1984.

Actually, one more thing I learned in Peter's book was that the TV version of the 50/0.95 was made from October, 1970 until December, 1984. I was always thought the TV version was produced concurrently with the rangefinder version, but apparently not (the rangefinder version ended production in September, 1970).

Again, this book is amazing!

Jim B.

 

[Hacker]

Yes, everyone should get Peter's book. I can't recommend it enough.

 

[CanonRFinder]

Thanks guys, glad to see some unknowns are now known.

Have no idea why the book is taking TWO weeks+ to get to buyers in the US but buyers in the UK and EU got there copy within a WEEK of me putting it into the OZ post office. Just picked up another 32 books from the binders as they are taking there time to case bound each book carefully.

When I was re-searching the .095 TV lens at the time was not being converted for use on the Leica M series cameras but since then there are some excellent technicians out there converting these lenses. All three models 7, 7s and 7sZ cameras had the external flanges to accept the .095 and have seen pics of a model P with the flange ring mounted. The inked code on the later T3tv.095 lenses is what gave me the dates of its production. This code appears in the film chamber of the 7sZ but unsure about the model 7s as I have not kept records on that particular oddity. The code is well known in the Canon FD camera lens circles as it can date both FD lens and cameras. Peter

 

[harry01562]

When I was re-searching the .095 TV lens at the time was not being converted for use on the Leica M series cameras but since then there are some excellent technicians out there converting these lenses. All three models 7, 7s and 7sZ cameras had the external flanges to accept the .095 and have seen pics of a model P with the flange ring mounted. The inked code on the later T3tv.095 lenses is what gave me the dates of its production. This code appears in the film chamber of the 7sZ but unsure about the model 7s as I have not kept records on that particular oddity. The code is well known in the Canon FD camera lens circles as it can date both FD lens and cameras. Peter

There were a fair number of the regular lenses converted to M mount shortly after they were released. I don't think there was a lot done with the TV lenses until quite a bit later. There are probably Leica specialists that would know a lot more than us about the remounting. I believe all of it was destructive early, and most of it still is, with some exceptions.

I have a 7sZ with the date code, and I think my 2 7s models are without it. Canon started it just about the time they switched to producing the Z variation, AFAIK. It does make it handy to have reference points like that available.

Harry

 

[harry01562]

Peter's book - first impressions

Peter's book - first impressions

My copy arrived yesterday, with US Customs probably the hold up. Book is in perfect shape, and a joy to behold. The book is oversize, horizontally, and allows the charts and photos to be laid out in an eye pleasing manner.

There is a fair amount of historical data, leading to the lenses themselves. Those are covered in detail, including much information in chart form that is easy to absorb. There is enough additional data given to make the book a must have for any of us collectors or serious users.

While no book of this type is ever totally correct or complete, the internet offers a practical method of updating. On an as needed basis, the errata could be placed on the web, and owners could then print out the page(s) to add to the book. Simple and very practical, at least to me.

The layout of the lenses and illustrations, and the additional information on some of the cameras is very well presented and interesting to read. It must place most of what is known in a readily accessable format. As Peter says, "Now for the other two books...".

I can hardly wait.

Harry

 

[raid]

I may get this book too. It makes good [repeated] reading, and it has to be good for the [Canon] soul.

 

[bennyng]

I may get this book too. It makes good [repeated] reading, and it has to be good for the [Canon] soul.

Get it Raid! Mine is already almost dog eared from the frequent thumbing through already. I must make it a point to wash my hands first and not eat when reading it.

Cheers,

p.s. I think this book alone could result in and overall increase in the value of Canon RF lenses. It certainly put a few more lenses on my radar.

 

[raid]

Benny: I just placed an order for one copy of Peter's book. I will not each chocolate and then flip pages!

 

[gdi]

Peter (or others),

I have a TV "stickered" lens with notched element and RF tab that came with some added adapters, like in the photo below, on the left and right. I assume they are some non-Canon adapters for TV use, but would appreciate any added information that could be offered.

Thanks!

 

[Sonnar2]

I have to wait, German customs duty offices are a pain in the neck. It must be a BIG parcel. Big parcels take looong regardless of their content. Very small parcels are not going through customs regardless of their value. Ironic. They must have gigantic sieves somewhere...

 

[Mackinaw]

I have a 7sZ with the date code, and I think my 2 7s models are without it. Canon started it just about the time they switched to producing the Z variation....

Harry,

Year's back, I recorded serial numbers and date codes for early Canon rangefinders and SLRs'. Date codes first popped up on late (serial number 8XXXXX) Canon 7 cameras. All 7s and 7sZ have date codes.

Jim B.

 

[CanonRFinder]

Hi, Cannot understand that as a friend in Munich received his five days after I sent it which was the same day as I sent yours but there again he is well known for buying stuff form OS. One I sent to Frankfurt arrived last week. Not sure if Ernst in Holland has received his yet but to the US, they are starting to dribble through in small numbers two and half weeks after I sent them. A friend in the UK got his in four days and sent a parcel out to me of another Canon book, which has just been released, and I got that in four days. It beats me. It is heavy and weighs just under 1700grms. I have been saying 21 days for delivery but it looks like I will have to increase that time. Some time ago, a camera sent to France too SIX weeks as the customs decided to open it. "Hang it in there" is the Aussie expression but let me know when it arrives so I can tick of 'received' in my database. Peter

 

[CanonRFinder]

HI,

What is the serial # of your TV lens and if it starts with 2xxxx then there maybe an inked code on the back of one of the locking flanges. This will date your lens. The right adapter
looks like it accepts the TV C mount thread but the left adapter at the back seems to have a raised piece that looks horrible like the latch found on the 50mm f/1.2 lenses. <br><br><br>

Peter (or others),

I have a TV "stickered" lens with notched element and RF tab that came with some added adapters, like in the photo below, on the left and right. I assume they are some non-Canon adapters for TV use, but would appreciate any added information that could be offered.

Thanks!

 

[CanonRFinder]

You should be able to wipe any marks of each page as they have a special PVC coating. This came about because when I was going to print the printer told me that they had run of the initial type of paper I wanted and there was a three-month wait for more to arrive in Perth. So instead of October it would have been January 09 for the final printing. However, they had another type, which was very close to the paper I had ordered but was slightly glossier. ANOTHER hold up was my first reaction. One of the printers suggested putting a PVC coating over each page and the difference would not be noticed. I was shown an example and stuffed if I could see the difference, so went with it. I was told later that process would have cost me $2500 extra but as it was there fault, I got it for zip. So wipe away as I just put some Vegemite on a page in one of my books and it came of with a damp sponge. Try it first in a small spot but it looks like it is OK.

Get it Raid! Mine is already almost dog eared from the frequent thumbing through already. I must make it a point to wash my hands first and not eat when reading it.

Cheers,

p.s. I think this book alone could result in and overall increase in the value of Canon RF lenses. It certainly put a few more lenses on my radar.

 

[dexdog]

must be pretty tough stuff to shrug off a Vegemite attack😀

 

[Hacker]

You should be able to wipe any marks of each page as they have a special PVC coating. This came about because when I was going to print the printer told me that they had run of the initial type of paper I wanted and there was a three-month wait for more to arrive in Perth. So instead of October it would have been January 09 for the final printing. However, they had another type, which was very close to the paper I had ordered but was slightly glossier. ANOTHER hold up was my first reaction. One of the printers suggested putting a PVC coating over each page and the difference would not be noticed. I was shown an example and stuffed if I could see the difference, so went with it. I was told later that process would have cost me $2500 extra but as it was there fault, I got it for zip. So wipe away as I just put some Vegemite on a page in one of my books and it came of with a damp sponge. Try it first in a small spot but it looks like it is OK.

Benny, the solution is to get another book, just like having multiple copies of the same lens. 😀

 

[Hacker]

p.s. I think this book alone could result in and overall increase in the value of Canon RF lenses. It certainly put a few more lenses on my radar.

I will be curious to know what Peter's Canon 35mm f2 will fetch which is currently for sale.