Comparing 5 Canon Rangefinder Cameras

[@randallstewart1224]

Best YT video I've seen regarding the Canon RF series. The P is very popular today, but this video shows why that is mainly based on social media hype rather than build quality or features. I share his preference for the VIT and IVSb2. My VIT is my Canon user, in the rare instance where I use them at all. Note on the 7, which lacks a cold accessory shoe. Canon sold an accessory show just for this model. In screws into the PC flash socket on the body end and is just a bracket on top of the body. It probably sold new for $3.00. Today, when you rarely find one, it can cost as much as the whole body. Even when I started collecting in the early 1980s, they were rare and overpriced, which is why I never acquired one for my 7. The issue presented here is that without one, you cannot mount any accessory lens viewfinder on the 7, although you still have the variable viewfinder settings for a few lenses.

[@Elimnio]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I'm planning to do more in the near future. You're right about the Canon 7s lack of cold shoe, maybe I forget to add that because I really use the accessory ports on old film cameras, although I since bought an external viewfinder for my IVSb2, you can see it attached in my newer video. One thing I also forgot to mention about the Canon P is that the viewfinder is in my opinion over-loaded with framelines, outdoors, maybe in harsh light I find it hard to quickly use the right line for framing. Other than that the P is also a really nice camera. I just prefer some ot the others in terms of looks and usability. Also maybe the Canon P is mentioned so often in other videos because it is less rare?

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

I own (4) VT Deluxe and (2) VT rangefinders. My very favorite 35mm rangefinders.🏆

[@Elimnio]

oh wow that's a lot. But I can understand why.

[@GOLDDYNACO]

Very good presentation of greatly underrated, classic Canon rangefinder cameras!! One of the best on the web! Here in Norway, we know these cameras well because we had a very good Canon importer in the 1950s and 1960s who delivered all Scandinavia their products. Here in Norway, we call V(L,T) generation five and VI(L,T) generation six because of the use of roman numerals. We also think that the L1 is old Canon's best model because the contrast for the area where we measure distance to the subject has a bright orange color and the use of cloth in the shutter that is easy to replace or repair. Generation six and P(opular) have a pale silver color that fades out over the years. For that reason, all-time favorites are L1 (or L2/L3) and VL. (BTW: Canon VT and VIT with "Leicavit"-triggersystem often have mechanical transmission issues. If you want the best viewfinder, the latest generation 7SZ is best, but big and ugly...)

[@Elimnio]

Thanks a lot for the nice comment! I was not to aware of the different colors in the rangefinder overlay, thanks for pointing that out. I had some issues with my VI-T on the first few frames, which were partially overlapping, but that may also be due to not perfect film loading or to fast advancing the film or something. Having multiple cameras I only have been able to shoot one roll through it, so will see :-) Do you still use your canon ltm and if so which model? L1?

[@GOLDDYNACO]

@@Elimnio Yes, I still use Canon LTM. I have an almost mint L1 that impresses me every time I use it. Last year I bought a Canon 135mm F:3,5. It should be almost impossible to use such long telephoto lenses with a rangefinder camera, but automatic parallel axis correction with the original viewfinder provides possibilities.

[@marlonsouza9224]

Thanks a lot!!! I finally got the differences between these cameras. Nice !! The Vi-T is fantastic.

[@Elimnio]

Happy to hear that, you're welcome! The Canon Camera Museum-Site is very informative, but there are so many models with quite confusing names in my opinion.

[@danielcalvocamacho4538]

I have the Canon Model 7. I am very happy with it, great viewfinder, easy camera to operate and the selenium meter still works! The only "issue" I find with this camera it is quite big and a bit heavy.

[@Elimnio]

yes this is exactly what I would say as well. Big and heavy but also very useable and enjoyable. I'm still holding on to all of the models I've shown in the video, can't really get rid of any in the moment :-)

[@sandnoodles]

Nice video, love the look and sound of that canon iv sb2. Looking forward to that nikon s2/3 video when you get the chance :)

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Very interesting, well done

[@Elimnio]

Thanks!

[@vietviet1310]

the Canon 4 looks really classic, definitely my favorite one among those!

[@timwickens7043]

Thank you for the very interesting video. Can you see all of the frame on the IV SB2 with your glasses? I have wondered how people with glasses experience this camera.

[@Elimnio]

Kind of, I have to wiggle a tiny bit around, but it's possible, since the finder is bigger than on previous models. I recently got a Leotax TV as well, this one has a tiny rangefinder window just for focusing and a bigger window with easy to see 50mm-framelines (even with glasses). thanks for watching!

[@timwickens7043]

@@Elimnio Thanks for answering my question. I had always wondered about the improved viewfinder on the IV SB2. Best of luck with your Leotax TV. They are lovely cameras.

[@albertogarcia1386]

Thanks for the video. Which one has the quietest shutter? Is the VL2 viewfinder magnification good enough? The viewfinder looks a bit small from up here.

[@Elimnio]

thanks for the comment, the IV(sbii) is definetely the quietest one, although the other ones are not loud. And yes, the VL2 viewfinder is relatively small, especially with glasses, but usable. With glasses you won't see all of the frame. Same for the Canon IV... Canon P, 7 and VI are definetely bigger viewfinders!