I want a Leica

[flavio81]

Don't overlook Canon, the first Japanese 35mm camera maker and a maker of very fine LTM lenses during the 60s.

 

[JW PHOTO]

Don't overlook Canon, the first Japanese 35mm camera maker and a maker of very fine LTM lenses during the 60s.

Yes, the Canon's were sleepers and it seems the Japanese are dumping them on the big auction site for very nice/low prices. I've had most of the Leica RF cameras over the years and a few Canon RF and if I were to buy a LTM rangefinder right now it would be a Canon P or a Canon 7Sz. That would be over a Leica IIIG too. I used my brother-in-laws Canon P with black barrel 50mm f1.8 many years ago and it was one super sharp outfit and I was shooting with a Leica M2 w/50mm 2.8 Elmar at the time. Maybe that's why I'd like to jump on a nice Canon P right now. Anyway, give serious thought to the later Canon LTM cameras before you decide. Just my 2 1/2 cents! John W

 

[Xmas]

Yes, the Canon's were sleepers and it seems the Japanese are dumping them on the big auction site for very nice/low prices. I've had most of the Leica RF cameras over the years and a few Canon RF and if I were to buy a LTM rangefinder right now it would be a Canon P or a Canon 7Sz. That would be over a Leica IIIG too. I used my brother-in-laws Canon P with black barrel 50mm f1.8 many years ago and it was one super sharp outfit and I was shooting with a Leica M2 w/50mm 2.8 Elmar at the time. Maybe that's why I'd like to jump on a nice Canon P right now. Anyway, give serious thought to the later Canon LTM cameras before you decide. Just my 2 1/2 cents! John W

Canon copied Leica post WWII cause the patents were free.
They used USA production techniques and could manufacture cheap.
The assembly people did not need to file to fit, if they could do origami they could assemble canons.
They were not able to sell in volume till the VI and then the simpler P flew off the shelves.

They were always cheaper.
The P finder is better in low light than a M2 but not as good as a M3 if each camera is in premium condition.
The lever wind needs more effort but as fast.

 

[JW PHOTO]

Canon copied Leica post WWII cause the patents were free.
They used USA production techniques and could manufacture cheap.
The assembly people did not need to file to fit, if they could do origami they could assemble canons.
They were not able to sell in volume till the VI and then the simpler P flew off the shelves.

They were always cheaper.
The P finder is better in low light than a M2 but not as good as a M3 if each camera is in premium condition.
The lever wind needs more effort but as fast.

Xmas, You are right about the "P" in that it has a very good viewfinder. It might not be up to the Leica M3, but it's not very far behind it. I've had a few of the Canon LTM cameras and they seem just as robust as my old Leica IIIa and IIIc were. The only thing to watch for on the later Canons is the metal shutter might be wrinkled. A small dimple or two won't hurt a thing, but I've seen a few I wouldn't want to buy even if they trip and run smooth. John W

 

[Ian Grant]

Don't overlook Canon, the first Japanese 35mm camera maker and a maker of very fine LTM lenses during the 60s.

Canon were making screw mount cameras based on Leicas before WWII although not compatible with Leica screw mount until after the war, originally they used Nikkor lenses.

Ian

 

[Xmas]

Xmas, You are right about the "P" in that it has a very good viewfinder. It might not be up to the Leica M3, but it's not very far behind it. I've had a few of the Canon LTM cameras and they seem just as robust as my old Leica IIIa and IIIc were. The only thing to watch for on the later Canons is the metal shutter might be wrinkled. A small dimple or two won't hurt a thing, but I've seen a few I wouldn't want to buy even if they trip and run smooth. John W

Mine are all badly wrinkled I've stopped worrying after the 1st decade.

 

[gzinsel]

the "wrinkled curtain" you see is not the one for exposure, if my memory serve me right? The wrinkled curtain is for the advancing film.

 

[nathanbucs]

I find canons heavier than leica counter parts. The flash rail also irritates me. I've since accumulated a IIc, a If, a IIf and a IIIb

The joy for me is the size because in daylight i often use slower lenses and utilize hyperfocus. The 35 summaron and the 50 elmar shine in these types of shooting situations

I keep an M3 for posterity but I love my barnacks more *ducks for cover* hahaha

 

[sangetsu]

There are many choices when it comes to a rangefinder camera for your FSU lenses. The Leica III series are wonderful, they have far better fit and finish than the old FSU cameras (I own an FED S, and an original '48 FED/Zorki), and are much smoother in operation. I had Oleg rebuild my FSU cameras, and though they are in perfect working order, they simply don't match my old Leica IIIA or IIIF in smoothness. The ultimate III is the IIIG, which runs about the same price as an M body nowadays, but which looks quite nice with FSU lenses on it.

Leica M cameras are a completely different animal compared to the Barnacks. They are solidly made, fill the hands just right, and the viewfinders are superb, especially the focusing patch. But, they are not cheap, unless you get lucky and come across one at a thrift store.