Should i get a Canon P

Although the P is well loved and very functional aesthetically I actually prefer some of the other later model Canons - the ones with the late styling but still with the slow speed dial on the front are my preferred cameras but then with most of these you have to be willing to use that odd base trigger winder. (Why on earth did they not do both the lever and the trigger on the same camera- now that would have been something.) But the only Canon I have is a IVSB - the earlier design which is fine too. I would be very surprised if you are disappointed with the P. The only potential issue I know of is that the later Canons have a metal foil shutter that can get wrinkled and usually does. Having said that this seldom seems to affect function.
 
The P is my favorite--it feels quite solid, the finder is simple and straightforward. I had an IVSB and liked it, but the finder is hopeless if you wear glasses. I had one for about a year, sold it, missed it, bought another a few months ago. Great camera.
 
I've not tried any other Canon LTM camera, but I do like my Canon P. It has everything you need, and nothing you don't (well, I do put a VC II meter on mine, though I keep intending to use a purpose-designed - and functional - Canon light meter I bought through RFF). I'm a ways from home for some months at present but when I get back I really want to try my Summaron 35mm/f3.5 in combination with the Canon P. I think that might be a very nice combination.

The framelines work for me at 35mm and 50mm (I've not used it with other focal lengths) - and while the RF patch isn't, well, a patch on something like a Leica M3 it is quite functional. The camera is solid in the hand, intuitive to use and I find it pretty to look at and nice to hold. Canon seem to have felt that film-theives were a big problem in the way they've secured opening the back - but it is still more convenient than loading my M3 (as used to that as I am).

I don't know what you want, but I think that a good-condition Canon P will always be a pretty good purchase.

...Mike
 
The P is my favourite camera too. Main advantage compared with something like M2 is definitely the hinged back door. Rangefinder patch is not nearly as fine as in Leica but it's not bad either.
 
The finder in mine is bright and like all big. Overall the Leica finder is excellent, a perfect fit of all compromises I think (until the ZI came along), but the 1:1 magnification of the P finder is a big plus. The 35mm frame lines are out at the edges of the finder but very usable, and for a 50mm lens you won't find too many better finders.
 
If you are looking for a non metered screw mount rangefinder camera that is a pleasure to use, then the Canon P is it. It has the advantages of a swing back for easy loading of film, unified vf/rf with multiple frame lines and is 1:1, it is compact, has a rewind lever and feels substantial. Just a very nice using camera.

Bob
 
For me the Canon P is more akin to the early Ms rather than the screw mount Leicas. It is easy to load & has the 35mm viewfinder. With the new Voigtlander lenses you will not need to search out the older lenses and the difficult to find hoods. Rewind knob is a pleasure.
 
I love my Canon P. If you wear glasses, the 35mm frames are tough to see, but still workable. If I'm shooting non-moving subjects with a 35mm, I take the time to look around the frame. If I'm shooting moving stuff, just shoot away, knowing anything around the 50 lines still has a little space.
 
I agree w/ everything said above. If you shoot a lot w/ LTM 50s, the P is really all you need. I have trouble seeing the 35 framelines (I wear glasses), but for 50 and 100 the P's vf is close to perfect. It's also an incredibly robust camera, easy to load, and you don't have to worry about burning a hole in the shutter curtains. Finally, w/ the CLA, the P's shutter is very, very quiet. Makes a good street shooter.
 
The OP asked about price. You should be able to find a P in good condition for around (or under) $200 US. I didn't see any for sale on KEH a few minutes ago, but they pop up for sale in classifieds here from time to time. Also, jiri_e is reputedly a good and reliable seller of Canon rf cameras and lenses on the 'bay.
 
I'm a bit late to the thread, but I'll add this: I got mine just a few weeks ago, and have had only a couple of rolls of film through it, but I love it so far. I found mine on eBay for USD 300 including the 50/1.8 standard lens, in very fine nick. As to the framelines, the 35 mm frame is entirely hopeless for spectacle-wearers as stated above and elsewhere. I'll add that for me, even the 50 mm frame is difficult to see. I can get about half of it in view at a time. I suspect this varies with your particular eyesight problems, how your spectacles sit on you nose, etc. (I'm near-sighted with something like 4 dioptres correction.) I'm about ready to get contact lenses (something I've avoided for 25 years) just because of this.
--Dave
 
I think that the Canon 50mm/1.8 is a great companion with a Canon P. I bought mine from KEH as "ugly" but I think it's one of my favourite 50mm lenses.

4407017738_dae9ccd607.jpg


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Mablo said:
I think that the Canon 50mm/1.8 is a great companion with a Canon P. I bought mine from KEH as "ugly" but I think it's one of my favourite 50mm lenses.
Click to expand...

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but: that's an UG lens?!?! The barrel looks cosmetically fine, and maybe (?) the front element too, at least as can be discerned in the picture you posted. I know KEH are famous for their conservative grading, but wow! So, "UG" is supposed to leave you with "marks, fungus, or haze" on the glass. Did it? I'm about ready to go buy something, anything UG from them to give it a try as this is not the first time I've heard of people getting serious bargains that way...
--Dave
 
Dave, no haze, fungus or anything like that. Clear and clean optics too. Just a small irregularity like a small drop of water dried on one of the lenses inside. Thanks KEH, I love you!
 
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