Thinking About Canon P

[nhchen]

Hey Dez, This method certainly seems easier to me then the reverse electrolysis method I've read before. I'm definitely going to try it one day on a canon P...maybe I'll practice first on a Fed.

nathan

Yes, you can paint it black, but it needs to be done properly if you intend to use the camera. You can't get paint to stick to chrome, no matter what any manufacturers may say.

Take off the top and bottom plates and use a hydrochloric acid bath to remove the chrome; this only takes a few minutes. This acid is very dangerous, and may be difficult to get in Europe. In North America, it can be found in some hardware stores for etching and cleaning concrete.

Following that, the underlying nickel plate can be removed using a sulphuric acid bath. Car battery acid is strong enough for this step. This will leave you with a slightly matte finish on the brass parts. Although I have seen recommendations to polish the parts at this time, I disagree: the etched surface provides a "tooth" for adhesion of the paint. Make sure everything is very clean before proceeding.

Next, put on a thin coat of automotive black primer paint. I use something calling itself a "self-etching" primer, and it sticks well. If you like a relatively matte finish, such as the black chrome finish on Leicas, you can use this same paint as a top coat. Otherwise, after it has dried thoroughly, give it a few coats of high quality gloss enamel. Fill in the engravings with white paint stick, or a wipe of flat white water-based paint after the black is thoroughly dry, and you're good to go.




You really do have to strip down to the brass for the paint to adhere properly. If you are not experienced and comfortable with the handling of acid, just decide that chrome is beautiful. These chemicals are dangerous.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[iphoenix]

Hey Dez, This method certainly seems easier to me then the reverse electrolysis method I've read before. I'm definitely going to try it one day on a canon P...maybe I'll practice first on a Fed.

nathan

Excellent idea to practice on something cheap Nathan,
I have a 4 digit Leica I which someone has stripped, then found it too hard (or expensive) to go further.😱
The body is now pitted and "silvery" in colour.
Even if I used a "Textacolor" pen it would improve the appearance.🙄

 

[Jonathan]

Am never happier photographically than when wandering around with a P watching the world go by.
Each time I buy one I send it off for a fettle & then I know I am good to go!
Also, no one takes you seriously when you are shooting with such a dinosaur, so I find I can work unhindered.

 

[02Pilot]

Also, no one takes you seriously when you are shooting with such a dinosaur, so I find I can work unhindered.

Ironically, I've had more than one DSLR-toting person ask if my P was "one of those mirrorless cameras".

 

[farlymac]

Ironically, I've had more than one DSLR-toting person ask if my P was "one of those mirrorless cameras".

You do tell them "Yes", don't you?

PF

 

[02Pilot]

You do tell them "Yes", don't you?

PF

Well, there is technically a mirror in the RF mechanism, but nonetheless, yes, I do usually say "Yes. Yes it is." and move away quickly.

 

[teleparallel]

Thank you all.

I'm quite positive in getting one soon. I actually lost a vary nice one for US$100. Waited too long. But, in the right moment, I'll get one.

 

[Red Robin]

Thank you all.

I'm quite positive in getting one soon. I actually lost a vary nice one for US$100. Waited too long. But, in the right moment, I'll get one.

Good luck. That's about what I paid for each of my three. Sometimes I even got a good lens thrown in to boot! Just be patience and quick on the trigger.

 

[newfilm]

Have you got your's yet? incidentally I've got my P arrived in my mail yesterday, thanks to you all I'm now 150 dollars poorer 😛

Some first impression, holding it in my hand, it's surprisingly lighter than I would imagine, since there is no hand-grip I have to squeeze it a little in my hand to hold it tight, and I can feel the back casing flex! 😱 I am so afraid that I might damage it, very unusual feeling compare with my tiny Contessa 35mm folding (yes yes I know different camera). I wonder if other canon series like the V series are built the same?

On the plus side, the viewfinder is bloody awesome! I wish all camera has 1:1 viewfinder.

When winding the film, it feels like *alot* of pressure is going on and the camera creeeeek, I wonder if this is normal.

By the way, I've got a question about flash sync, I've read that it sync at 1/55, so does this mean I can use a flash when my shutter speed is anything bellow that? say if I go to 1/30 it's still perfectly fine?

 

[john neal]

By the way, I've got a question about flash sync, I've read that it sync at 1/55, so does this mean I can use a flash when my shutter speed is anything bellow that? say if I go to 1/30 it's still perfectly fine?

yes, anything slower will be Ok, as the shutter will be fully open when the flash fires. You may get more effect from ambient light as the shutter speed decreases (streaking, etc).

 

[teleparallel]

No, Still no P for me.

Ate the moment a can't spare the cash. On hold for now.

 

[Spicy]

had one and ended up consolidating it and my IIIc for a IVsb2. miss both of them, but the IVsb2 is a hell of a camera.

the 1:1 finder in the P is pretty epic (although i wish it had distinct edges), and it's a great design. very clean -- everything you need and nothing you don't. it's borderline big for an LTM camera, whereas the 7 is just too big to be an LTM-only camera.

never had the chance to use one with a 35mm, but the 50 and 100 frame lines are pretty wonderful to shoot two-eyes-open.

 

[newfilm]

No, Still no P for me.

Ate the moment a can't spare the cash. On hold for now.

Now that I've run a roll through it, I have to say I'm not very impress, the handling feel a bit "less solid?", i don't know how to describe the feeling. Maybe I have too high of expectation after reading all the rave, but my opinion is for $150 it's not very worth it (sorry if being harsh on happy canon-p user 🙂 ). Now if only my folding Contessa has that canon-p viewfinder 😉

 

[Red Robin]

Have you got your's yet? incidentally I've got my P arrived in my mail yesterday, thanks to you all I'm now 150 dollars poorer 😛

Some first impression, holding it in my hand, it's surprisingly lighter than I would imagine, since there is no hand-grip I have to squeeze it a little in my hand to hold it tight, and I can feel the back casing flex! 😱 I am so afraid that I might damage it, very unusual feeling compare with my tiny Contessa 35mm folding (yes yes I know different camera). I wonder if other canon series like the V series are built the same?

On the plus side, the viewfinder is bloody awesome! I wish all camera has 1:1 viewfinder.

When winding the film, it feels like *alot* of pressure is going on and the camera creeeeek, I wonder if this is normal.

By the way, I've got a question about flash sync, I've read that it sync at 1/55, so does this mean I can use a flash when my shutter speed is anything bellow that? say if I go to 1/30 it's still perfectly fine?

Go to that big selling site, drop a few more bucks and get one of those good looking 1/2 cases! They have a handy "BUMP" on its rt front side that helps with holding on ,plus it comes with your pick of red, black, of white stitching! I saved on shipping and got the wrist strap. Others may prefer the neck strap ,but an additional choice of a soft release (also in colors) turns this camera into a sporty shooting machine! An after-market shade to match your lens color(BK or silver) adds to the look and performance! My three "p" only had winding "creeeek" in one example. Can't say now which one now as it "went-away" with use. BTW I'm not affiliated with the makers of the above mentioned products or site. Happy shooting ! Red

 

[lxmike]

l just love the simple beauty of the Canon P

 

[mikyor1]

I have one, it is in need of a CLA, the advance is not smooth.
but aside from that it is a pleasure to use.

looks pretty too.

 

[newfilm]

Em, I have to be naysayer here, don't bash me 🙂

If you take away the question about the aesthetic of the camera (no doubt it is a beautiful camera), then the only thing worthy thing is the viewfinder, I absolutely love it. the build quality is so so, the film door flex when you grip it, you will feel it especially when you have a heavy lens in front of it and need a good grip.

I brought mine thinking that it will be a marvelous upgrade from my zorki(s), and I was disappointed, it did not feel sturdy in my hand, Canon P was made to be cheaper alternative in its days and I think that reflects the quality you will felt in hand.

If you can get one bellow $50, go for it, if you want a beater camera to use, the canon 7 feels much sturdier, if you don't mind the less appealing mostly now defunct selenium cell in front.

 

[raid]

I love my three Canon P cameras (in silver, black, and in olive green). They are the practical alternatives to a Leica M film camera if you don't mind using a basic camera without luxury feel.

 

[newfilm]

damn.... i just realizes this is an old post... from 2014.... no wonder it felt a little dejavu here...

 

[raid]

The last five posts are recent.