If you are looking to closely compare a Canon RF with a Leica, a better choice than any of these models would be the VIL or VIT. The VI models represent a significant advancement over the V models regarding build and shutter design.
I was fortunate enough to pick up a Canon 7 bundle last year that included the 50mm/1.4, 35mm/2.8, 85mm/1.9 and the 135mm/3.5 for around $550. Good glass is getting expensive for these things. Great vid, thank you.
When the Canon 7 was released, Nikon s lenses could be fitted i on the 7 too. But, the Nikon s lenses would fit on thr Contax ii and the Kiev versions, but they would not focus correctly. On the Nikon lenses that fit the 7, they would engrave it with a C to delineat it.
So much good info for the canon rf fans! I browsed your channel and saw you CLA cameras. Would be interesting to see a video of you painting camera bodies, especially since canon rfs are known to have people painting them
I have both Canon 7, and Vt, including my share of 39mm threaded lenses, as now I have obtain a lens adapter that will take the Carl Zeiss 50mm F/2.0 lens Contax Mount, as it is design for 39mm threaded mount. I also have the Pride Possession My Yashica YF which it was the Last model of the Nicca Brand in 1958 in which it too takes 39mm mounted lenses. So I have a system... Thanks for the video....
Allan- I share your enthusiasm and use of Canon ltm cameras, but you differ in some of your description from the definitive work on the subject by the late Peter Dechert. What I find most interesting in the cameras you describe is your L2, which is like no other L2 I have ever seen or heard of. But first let me point out that V series Canons were issued with three different rotating shutter dials: 1- 1/1000 top speed and X (1000,X) used on the VT, all three Variants of the VT de luxe, the L1 and VL. 2 - 1/500 top speed with no X setting (500,-) used on the L2 and L3 3- 1/500 top speed and X (500,X) used only on the VL2. The L2 was issued without X synch, only flash bulb synch so it lacked the selector tab coaxial with the top shutter button, which was used to select flash modes. Your L2 has the selector tab and the (500,X) shutter dial so it presumably has functional X synch （Please check). The astonishing thing is that the (500,X) dial was not introduced for VL2 production until after L2 production had ended. There was Definitely production of L3 cameras with (500,X) shutter dials and flash selection tabs. There is a discussion of these ongoing on facebook currently. I have postulated that in 1958 Canon’s supply of (500,-) dials had dropped to those needed for warranty replacement and rather than have more produced it made more economic sense to use (500,X) dials on L3 Cameras (very popular in Japan), particularly since V series production was set to end at the end of the year and the new VI series introduced. Canon probably upgraded the flash function as well since it would not do for a company as proud as Canon to issue cameras not fully functional; If there was an X on the shutter dial there damn well better be functional X synch! These were then sold as lowly L3s to a few lucky buyers. But I see no reason for your camera to exist! Sure it is an L2? The bottom plate should be marked, but bottom plates are easily exchangeable. Some L3s have blank bottom plates (maybe running out of L3-marked plates as well) but to the best of my knowledge all L2s have L2 bottom plates. If yours is blank I would postulate that it is actually one of those special (500,X) L3s. Please advise.
The camera described as a VL is actually a VL2 (1/500 shutter and rewind knob). VL has a 1/1000 shutter and rewind lever. A VL is properly pronounces as 'five -el'. not 'Vee-el'. the V is the roman numeral 5.
Well Allan is clueless and hasnt responded in a year, but this is almost certainly one of the variant L3 you describe above. There are a fair number of them out there. the flash shutter tab, (500,x) shutter dial, cloth shutter and no selftimer clinches the identification.
Congratulations, one of the best explanations of Canons RF development 60+ years ago. Its difficult to identify and seperate them (as Peter Dechert explained to us RF fans and novizes), because the P, VT and 7 (and perhaps two or three variations) were the first Canon models to have a model designation on the outside surface of the body.
Hi Alan, thanks for the excellent video. I have a Canon VT that needs some shutter work. It has jammed and partially detached. Do you have any information on how to work on these spring metal shutters? Thanks
Great Video. Looking forward! A comprehensive array of Canon rangefinders, which is under rated, but a very good camera also. Are you Pinoy !? Do you also do repair, on other SLR system? Have some vintage camera for cleaning & repair, because of there age.Thanks
Another great video, Sir Allan! :) I was thinking of getting either a Zorki 3m or Canon VL2. I've weighed the pros and cons and I still can't decide. What would you get? Thanks!
I'm looking for these Canons. Which one do you think is VL, VI-L, P? The best quality and functionality? And between VL1 and VL2, how can we tell them apart when buying?
They all are good cameras, but I prefer using the VI-L because of the finder and the lever, but its rare in comparison to the simple model P. The P viewfinder ist to busy, in my opinion. I also like the series V because of their special charme between the Leica III copies and the modern looking 7 and P/VI.
Hi, all these cameras are rangefinder cameras without a mirror. the F-1 (first model) was released more than ten years later in 1971 and it is a single lens reflex within a class of its own. In my very personal opinion the F-1 old is the best camera Canon ever built between 1946 and 2021 (that are those I worked with). When the P and the VI series were offered Canon introduced its first SLR, the Canonflex (original or 1000). That and the F-1 are very special items. By the way - the bajonet lugs on the Canon 7 did not only hold the 50/0,95, but also the mirror box II, that fits Canon telephoto lenses from 135mm to 1000mm.
