Canon p rangefinder

[uddhava]

Does anyone have any experience of this camera?
It seems like a pretty solid camera. Are there any issues with it?
What would be a good price for one?

Thank you.

[scsambrook]

Only just noticed your question - nice camera but check for condition of shutter blinds and, more importantly, the state of the viewfinder and rangefinder. The viewfinder set-up is prone to deterioration whch can cause the secondary rangefinder image to become unclear, dim or even invisible. That was fairly common even back in the 1980s when the cameras were a lot younger than they are now. Sorting this out can mean de-cementing or replacing some parts (so I've read) which can be hard to source. A good one is great, a problem camera is one to leave alone.

As for value, well, take a look at eBay international sellers. Plenty there with 'Buy-it-Now' prices that continue to be unsold - so you know the value is surely less than those

[uddhava]

[scsambrook]

I like the Canon rangefinder cameras - don't be put off by what I wrote, just be sure to get one in sound condition. From what I've seen in UK adverts, you might get a Canon 7 for less than the price of a P, but having had a 7 and a VI (=6) in the past I can understand anyone preferring the P, which is pretty much the same as the VI apart from the viewfinder. And I once, very, very, briefly, had a VI-T (6-T). All lovely cameras.

I don't know where you live but if you have a look at http://www.peterloy.com/stock-list.php you'll see this firm has several Canon rangefinder models for sale; they're not a cheapskate firm and although their prices aren't bargain basement they do have the reputation of being fair and reliable. I should say I have no connection with them and have never bought anything from them myself. I have bought some Canon rf gear from MW Classics - http://www.mwclassic.com/acatalog/ - and they were good to deal with, although once again not at rock-bottom prices.

Good luck in finding a nice camera

[scsambrook]

P.S - did you see http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CANON-P-35MM-RANGEFINDER-WITH-LEICA-M39-LTM-SCREW-MOUNT-/181456430265?pt=UK_Film_Cameras&hash=item2a3fa564b9 ?

[uddhava]

Thank you for all of the new information. I will be checking out a camera from a local seller first.
It will also include a lens.

Thanks again!

[uddhava]

scsambrook

Just an update about the rangefinder. I decided to go and look at it with my stepson after much consideration,
but first I had him read and translate the add from Hungarian to see if I missed anything using Google Translator.
Well I did miss one important thing, the person was looking for one himself! After I had spent so much time researching and thinking about whether to buy it on my limited budget! Anyway, I learned something about different
rangefinders and developed some desire to buy one in the future. Thanks again for your useful comments.

So for now, back to my Zorki 6.