Just Bought a Canon L1 and Canon 50mm f1.5 LTM!

[Colorado CJ]

I normally shoot large format 4x5 or dslr's, but I've slowly been getting into old rangefinders.

First with a FED 2, then a 1956 Kiev. Getting the rangefinder bug, I bought a Kodak Medallist, and last week a Zeiss Super Ikonta 6x9.

Now today, I just found the rangefinder I've been wanting for a long time, a Canon L1. It comes with a Canon 50mm f1.5 LTM Sonnar. I grabbed it up for $300.00 and I think I got a great deal. The camera and lens look like they are in great condition.. It was the seller's grandpa's camera and has been well cared for. I'm sure it will need a CLA, but I think it will be worth it.

Here's a couple of photos from ad. I'll take some better ones when it arrives.

 

[kb244]

Real stylish looking. I remember having that lens on a Canon P I had.(correction mine was a 1.8 but otherwise looked the same)

 

[Colorado CJ]

Just received the camera and lenses yesterday.

The camera wasn't working when I received it, but I took it apart last night and adjusted the first shutter tension, cleaned the slow speed gearing and adjusted the rangefinder.

The lens had the infamous Cannon haze on the back element, but after a careful disassembly and clean, it looks like new again.

Can't wait to run some film through it!

Both the lens and camera are now in good shape. I tested the shutter from 1s to 1/250s (all my audio shutter tester will go up to) and they all seem right.

I might use the lens for a while and resell it to fund more camera purchases. After seeing how the famous 1.5 performs though, I ma just keep it.

Canon L1 and 50mm f1.5 Sonnar by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr


Canon L1 and 50mm f1.5 Sonnar by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Canon L1 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Canon 50mm f1.5 LTM Sonnar by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

 

[kb244]

Lemme know how you like that 50/1.5 I'm still in the market for a Canon 50/1.8 or 1.4 for my Canon 7 (if I can find it decent condition under 250), but haven't looked too much into the 1.5. The 1.5 matches the Serenar chrome appearance of my 35/2.8

Your L1 though definitely looks much more classic and stylish. (I'm guessing the switch changes between frame lines and rangefinder double image?)

 

[Trask]

That's a very good price, though apparently the gear needed your expert touch, which most of us wouldn't know how to do. I have that camera, and that lens, and like both a lot. I'm sure you'll like the F/1.5 lens.

 

[Sirius Glass]

You got a great camera and a great deal. When you get tired of it, send it to me.

 

[Colorado CJ]

Thanks guys. As far as the Sonnar goes, I'm not sure if I like it yet, I need to run some slower film through it to see how well it shoots more wide open.

Here's a few shots from the first test roll run through the camera. Tri-x rated at 320 and developed in HC110 dillution E for 8 minutes.

Canon 50mm F1.5 Sonnar Test 1 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Canon 50mm F1.5 Sonnar Test 2 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Canon 50mm F1.5 Sonnar Test 3 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr