Thinking about a P (any for sale?)

[Chuck A]

Some people mentioned the VI-L during this thread. I did some reading on the VI-L and it seems that it is the same camera as the P but with the variable viewfinder. I know that a few of you have had the VI-L and the P. How do the viewfinders compare for brightness and useability? It seems that there are no framelines at the 35mm setting on the VI-L. I am not sure that I like that but I guess that I would have to see it to tell.

I still am leaning toward the P but if anyone had a VI-L for a decent price I might think about it. The main problem is that the VI-L seems to go for substantially more cash than the P.

Also, nobody has really said much about the comparison between the P and the R3A. I can get a handle on the size difference but how about shutter sound and the viewfinder.

 

[ScottH]

I've owned a P (fantastic shape) for all of 3 weeks now, and I love it as a general purpose, carry around camera. My dad's 1st response to holding it was "wow, this things really built". Indeed it is. I'm sticking to 50 mm for now, and will go to 85 mm next. As a glasses wearer, the 35 framelines are indeed a problem. I figure if/when I go wide, I'm going really wide and will just get the separate finder. Aside from getting an initial meter reading in a setting, I just shoot and make minor adjustments as the lighting changes. My exposures are way more consistent this way then with my other TTL camera's.

 

[David Murphy]

Kim,

Does the VI-L have framelines for the different focal lengths or does the frame zoom. I have never seen one and am trying to understand how this works.

I own a VI-L and its a winner.

I don't have it in hand now, but as I recall it has frame lines for: 35, 50, 85, and 100. It's as solid as a rock -- makes the Canon 7 look feeble !

 

[flipflop]

I have a P for sale with the 50mm in the classifieds...Great camera and lens. Wish I could keep it but I have bills. Sad but true.

 

[planetjoe]

Finally, an Answer.

Finally, an Answer.

It doesn't "fire" the shutter as such but both curtains do reset to the uncocked position. They normally travel together so there is no exposure as such.

Kim

I foolishly ignored this thread for some time, but I wanted to thank Kim for this explanation (a correction for me, in fact). I'll admit that I never really tested this phenomenon without any film in the camera - each time I came to the end of a roll, I realized I'd forgotten to prove it either way.

Oh, well - lots of handprints on lenses given to forgetfulness, I guess.

Thinking on this, I realize it's a fair bit of nifty engineering to get the shutter mech to un-tension without engaging the speed mechanism. I'm assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that's what allows the first and second curtains to travel without opening. Either way, I wish engineering was still that good.

...you know, generally speaking. And that says a lot, since I play an engineer in real life.


Cheers,
--joe.

ps. ...so, chuck, what did you buy?

 

[planetjoe]

...nevermind, just saw this thread. Good choice.


Cheers,
--joe.

 

[Chuck A]

Thanks all for your comments. I found Bessa R3A, so a P is on hold for now.

 

[flipflop]

I have my P listed for $450.00 with the canon 1.8 that is pristine. The camera has a couple small marks, all speeds are accurate and the rangefinder is spot on. I havent generated the interest I thought I would have. I am willing to take 425.00 shipped in the USA.
Super deal!

 

[Sonnar2]

What I've heard the viewfinders of V/VI/L series are often cloudy today. If you buy them because fearing not to see the 35mm frames of the P viewfinder you will find out that the eyepiece is a eyeglass-killer and quite small (and recessed). It's fare more easy to get a P in excellent shape, because of the much higher numbers produced.

I'm happy with my P (and the 7). P's are for users. The "looks cool" factor is a nice-to-have as well.

 

[Bill58]

" If you buy them because fearing not to see the 35mm frames of the P
viewfinder you will find out that the eyepiece is a eyeglass-killer" My eyepiece is PLASTIC--not metal.

 

[ChrisN]

" If you buy them because fearing not to see the 35mm frames of the P
viewfinder you will find out that the eyepiece is a eyeglass-killer" My eyepiece is PLASTIC--not metal.

Hi Bill

The P viewfinder surround is certainly plastic, but I think the VT and the L-1 had a metal surround, and maybe the others too.

 

[Kim Coxon]

The VI-L has a metal surround but a small felt ring works wonders. 😉

As to the finder brightness, I have had seen 2 VI-ls, one VI-T, a 7 and a P. Of the 4 the P was the dimmest with the most difficult lines to see. The 7 was pristine, not even a single wrinkle in the curtains and had a nice finder. One VI-l finder was clear the other was slighly cloudy but a quick clean soon brought it up. They are all old cameras and and any might have a problem but are cureable. IMHO, the decision would be better made on which finder works best for you rather than the number built and therefore the likelyhood of getting a good one.

Kim