Query on Canon S-II default frameline

[marty_e]

I recently acquired a 1947-48 Canon S-II. After having downloaded the manual, I am confused as to what focal length the VF covers. There are 3 settings for VF magnification, "F", "1x" and "1.5x". While the manual states that the 1x covers 100mm and 1.5x covers 135mm - What does "F" cover then? Is this rangefinder VF set at 100m by default? Any feedback would be much appreciated, thank you!

 

[ray*j*gun]

F is 50mm, 1X is 100mm and 1.5X is 135mm.

 

[marty_e]

Thanks for clearing that up, Raymond.

 

[ray*j*gun]

No problem......I believe the best "Barnack" was the Canon II...I just love mine its my favorite LTM camera!

 

[John Shriver]

But the Canon S-II doesn't have the variable magnification viewfinder. Fixed magnifaction for a 50mm lens. That wasn't a feature until the II-B and III. Welcome to the challenge of "identify that Canon Rangefinder".

 

[marty_e]

Hi John you're absolutely right. I stand corrected. There is no magnification on the S-II, unfortunately. The VF is pitiful and now I appreciate the dual finder that I despised once on the Leica iiif.

 

[John Shriver]

Well, the finder mangification on the S-II is low, so that you don't get any magnification to help the rangefinder accuracy. But it should be a nice finder, with a good patch, unless the cemented prism with the half-silvered patch is failing. I remember it being pretty nice on the Canon S-II I used as a teen.