Canon Rangefinder Advice

[Jao]

My interest has been piqued by Canon Rangefinders. Tapping into the F&C hive mind, I wonder are there any Canon Rangefinder shooters that might offer insight into these LTM bodies and lenses. I have watched a few Youtube Videos, but there is no substitute for forum thoughts and reflections. Although I mostly shoot medium format, I do love 35mm with my Nikon and Olympus SLRs. The RF itch is one I want to scratch. Any thoughts advice gratefully received.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

In my opinion the choice is between the 'P' and the '7'. The older cameras are very nice but not as comfortable to use.

The 'P' has 3 frames always visible for the 35, 50 and 100 focal lengths while the '7' has switchable frames for 35, 50, 85 and 100. There are 2 types of '7': the older Selenium metered version and the later Cadmium Sulphide version, which requires a battery.

I personally preferred the 'P' because it was simpler and seems to have been tougher. If buying a '7' I'd go for the Selenium version, provided the meter is working OK. It's generally a lot cheaper than the Cadmium Sulphide version and you don't need to find a battery for it.

There are various detailed discussions of both cameras on line. Cameraquest and Camera Wiki are good places to start.

 

[Jao]

In my opinion the choice is between the 'P' and the '7'. The older cameras are very nice but not as comfortable to use.

The 'P' has 3 frames always visible for the 35, 50 and 100 focal lengths while the '7' has switchable frames for 35, 50, 85 and 100. There are 2 types of '7': the older Selenium metered version and the later Cadmium Sulphide version, which requires a battery.

I personally preferred the 'P' because it was simpler and seems to have been tougher. If buying a '7' I'd go for the Selenium version, provided the meter is working OK. It's generally a lot cheaper than the Cadmium Sulphide version and you don't need to find a battery for it.

There are various detailed discussions of both cameras on line. Cameraquest and Camera Wiki are good places to start.

Andrew, many thanks indeed for this, it is very helpful to me. I have seen a few 7s at reasonable prices, but the simpler construction of the P was starting to appeal to me. I also have a couple of Voigtlander Ultra Wide LTM lenses that need an additional finder, so the absence of a cold shoe is an issue for me with the 7. I didn't know there was a CDS version of the 7 either, so my Canon RF knowledge is increasing thanks to your post. Thanks again for taking the time to assist me, it is appreciated.

 

[PeterSpencer]

I have a 7 and a P. I bought the 7 to replace a Leica IIIA which I struggled to use because of the tiny viewfinder, no such problem with Canons. I also replaced a couple of Leica lenses with Canon alternatives, they are superb lenses by the way.

Both camera were bought from an ebay seller, eljaybe2018, both had been serviced and work perfectly even the 7's light meter. The seller seems to specialise in Canon rangefinders. By the way I have no connection with eljaybe2018, I just thought you might find the information useful.

 

[Jao]

I have a 7 and a P. I bought the 7 to replace a Leica IIIA which I struggled to use because of the tiny viewfinder, no such problem with Canons. I also replaced a couple of Leica lenses with Canon alternatives, they are superb lenses by the way.

Both camera were bought from an ebay seller, eljaybe2018, both had been serviced and work perfectly even the 7's light meter. The seller seems to specialise in Canon rangefinders. By the way I have no connection with eljaybe2018, I just thought you might find the information useful.

Peter, many thanks for the information, it's good to know about the viewfinders and the Canon glass. I'll look up that eBay seller. Like you I have found the viewfinders on the less expensive Leica II and IIIs a struggle for my raging eyes! I suspect a P or a & will be incoming son. Can I ask what your lens choices are? Thanks again for taking time to share your knowledge of the system, it is appreciated.

 

[desf]

I have a Canon P and very nice it is too. I have the 50mm f1.8 which is a bit beat up compared to the body but works fine. I need to get a 35mm next..

Rangefinder patch isn't as bright as my Leica M2 but very usable. Frame lines are well defined but the 35mm lines can be hard to see when wearing my specs as they are right at the edge of the viewfinder.

While not as solid feeling as the M2, it is a well built camera but look out for crinkled shutter curtains as I'm sure you will have read elsewhere.

canon_p by Des Ferguson, on Flickr


PS if you were anywhere near Edinburgh, you'd be very welcome to borrow it for a test...

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

but look out for crinkled shutter curtains

i used my 'P' for a couple of years with a rather alarming half moon mark in the first curtain. The good news is that it seemed to cause me no problems. The CdS metered '7' I sometimes borrowed had a very hard life as a press camera but also worked well. I have no way of proving it but I think that the Canon RFs were at least as tough and reliable as the Leicas. (I owned and used IIIc, M3 and M2). The Canons were also a lot easier to rewind and reload!

 

[desf]

The Canons were also a lot easier to rewind and reload!

Very true!

 

[Jao]

I have a Canon P and very nice it is too. I have the 50mm f1.8 which is a bit beat up compared to the body but works fine. I need to get a 35mm next..

Rangefinder patch isn't as bright as my Leica M2 but very usable. Frame lines are well defined but the 35mm lines can be hard to see when wearing my specs as they are right at the edge of the viewfinder.

While not as solid feeling as the M2, it is a well built camera but look out for crinkled shutter curtains as I'm sure you will have read elsewhere.

canon_p by Des Ferguson, on Flickr


PS if you were anywhere near Edinburgh, you'd be very welcome to borrow it for a test...

Des, many thanks indeed for your post, some really helpful information and a very kind offer. I'm in the wilds of east Anglia, so quite some ditch from, you but it was none the less kind for your to offer the loan of the camera. This is all helping me narrow down what I'm going to try and get. Thanks again for taking the time to share your insights, its very much appreciated.

 

[Jao]

Folks, many thanks indeed for all the information, the hunt is now on a for a decent P and 50mm as my Canon RF starter kit!

 

[ChrisR]

Folks, many thanks indeed for all the information, the hunt is now on a for a decent P and 50mm as my Canon RF starter kit!

Let us know how you go as I'm sorely tempted. I'm pretty much exclusively a Pentax SLR man, though I did use a Leitz Minolta CL and then a Bessa R3A for a while, both really shot up in price. The issue that's starting to rear its head for me is... focusing! I'm less and less confident focusing by looking at the screen (and neither of my main cameras has the micro-prism thingy). At least you can be reasonably confident focusing with a rangefinder!

 

[MrDrizz]

Glad this has been posted. The Canon P has been on my radar for a while too.
Most on eBay seem to come from Japan.

So got to consider import duty and what not.

 

[ChrisR]

Glad this has been posted. The Canon P has been on my radar for a while too.
Most on eBay seem to come from Japan.

So got to consider import duty and what not.

But by buying from Japan you are enriching this country's stock of great cameras! It's a public duty...

 

[Jao]

Let us know how you go as I'm sorely tempted. I'm pretty much exclusively a Pentax SLR man, though I did use a Leitz Minolta CL and then a Bessa R3A for a while, both really shot up in price. The issue that's starting to rear its head for me is... focusing! I'm less and less confident focusing by looking at the screen (and neither of my main cameras has the micro-prism thingy). At least you can be reasonably confident focusing with a rangefinder!

Thanks Chris, will do. Like you, for 35mm, I shoot a single brand although a lot of different bodies. I have always wanted to try serious RF kit. I had a dalliance with a Yashica 35GTN a few years ago, but didn't like the lack of controls for exposure on the camera. I missed the Leica boat some years ago and prices are now absurd. Spending the last 15 months in front of multiple screens, working from home has I think taken its toll on my ageing eyesight, so I think now is the time to try a serious RF system. The Canon looks an interesting prospect!

 

[Jao]

Glad this has been posted. The Canon P has been on my radar for a while too.
Most on eBay seem to come from Japan.

So got to consider import duty and what not.

Mark, I'll share the experience as I take some steps into this system. In terms of buying from Japan and the extra costs, this is very familiar to me. My fairly extensive Pentax and Fuji MF systems have exclusively been imported from Japan. You just need to be mindful that the cost on the screen is not what you will eventually pay. But the kit I have acquired exceeds what I could have easily sourced in the UK, with the exception of some of the kit I have bought from the good people in this group. Shout out to @Andysnap , the Rolleicord Va II is still going strong and has travelled the world with me, before Covid put the kybosh on globetrotting excursions ;-(

 

[PeterSpencer]

Peter, many thanks for the information, it's good to know about the viewfinders and the Canon glass. I'll look up that eBay seller. Like you I have found the viewfinders on the less expensive Leica II and IIIs a struggle for my raging eyes! I suspect a P or a & will be incoming son. Can I ask what your lens choices are? Thanks again for taking time to share your knowledge of the system, it is appreciated.

I have a 50/1.4 and a 35/2.8. I originally bought the 50 to use with the Leica as the Elmar 50/3.5 I had was a bit of a problem to use as the aperture engravings are tiny and to boot in a rather awkward place at the front of the lens.

 

[Jao]

I have a 50/1.4 and a 35/2.8. I originally bought the 50 to use with the Leica as the Elmar 50/3.5 I had was a bit of a problem to use as the aperture engravings are tiny and to boot in a rather awkward place at the front of the lens.

Peter, many thanks for sharing this. I now have a 50mm f1.4 on its way to me and the 35mm is on my wish list. Just a body to source and then I'll begin my Canon RF Odyssey!

 

[PeterSpencer]

Speaking of the 50/1.4, I checked it out in my copy of 'Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933-68' by Peter Dechert who asserts "Canon's 50mm F1.4 lens was the best of this speed avalable from any maker during the early 1960's". Of course words like 'best' automatically make the statement contentious!

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Of course words like 'best' automatically make the statement contentious!

This is true.

That said, the Canon lenses from the middle of the '60s seemed - to me - to have slightly more contrast than the Nikkors and Takumars I used. Of course, it all depended on what your film, developer and enlarging lens did to the image that ended up on the paper.

 

[PeterSpencer]

A few examples of pictures taken with the Canons. I'm not really exploiting their contrast and resolution and I'm not sure which lenses I used, 35/2.8 or 50/1.4. I'm sure you can do much better. More than sure you won't be disappointed with your Canon.

 

[Jao]

Speaking of the 50/1.4, I checked it out in my copy of 'Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933-68' by Peter Dechert who asserts "Canon's 50mm F1.4 lens was the best of this speed avalable from any maker during the early 1960's". Of course words like 'best' automatically make the statement contentious!

A few examples of pictures taken with the Canons. I'm not really exploiting their contrast and resolution and I'm not sure which lenses I used, 35/2.8 or 50/1.4. I'm sure you can do much better. More than sure you won't be disappointed with your Canon.
View attachment 320222View attachment 320223


View attachment 320224

Peter, Many thanks for information and the book reference, I have just ordered a copy. There are quite a few youtube videos about the 50mm 1.4 and even taking an average of the comments its sounds a cracking lens, with some commentators referring to it as the Japanese Summilux. I sourced a UK copy and the current owner shared some great images with the lens on his M10. I'm hoping it will be with me for the weekend. I also made contact with eljaybe2018, and I have a 7 in transit from him. It's very exciting indeed. Thanks fo sharing your images too. I'm going to defrost some Kodak Ektar 100 to test it. Thanks again for your insights they have really helped set me on the Canon RF road!

 

[Jao]

This is true.

That said, the Canon lenses from the middle of the '60s seemed - to me - to have slightly more contrast than the Nikkors and Takumars I used. Of course, it all depended on what your film, developer and enlarging lens did to the image that ended up on the paper.

Andrew, thanks for sharing this, as the post above shows I have 50mm 1.4 on the way!