Is The Canon P A Leica Alternative?

Canon P review

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0:00 Intro
0:13 Canon p features
1:26 The Design of the Canon P and why its a classic
1:57 Why I got this camera
2:33 How it inspired me
3:41 Issues with the camera
4:28 First impressions of the photos
5:46 Leica Alternative?

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#filmphotography #canonp #rangefinder #analogphotography #photography #creative

[tomdonaghy]

Not a doubt in my mind, based on photo results. I have a "P" with a 50/1.4 Canon lens, also a Voigtlander 354/2.5 which is also mighty fine. The actual camera functions perfectly. Move over, Leica. the 47 MP scans off the negs are stunning. And negatives will outlast digits for 125 years

[mvonwalter]

These cameras were made so incredibly well. The only thing that the P is missing that an M has is the mount itself and more minor details like long RF base length and projected frame lines (P has got frame lines but they are bright line, not projected). All of these are pretty easy to work around, Voigtlander made some great LTM lenses with modern coatings (the Canon lenses are great anyways), shoot with some DOF (stop down to 2.8 or 4). I have the Canon VL which is also great, a little easier to focus, but no frame lines. These cameras will last ages after a good CLA, and a lot of issues like RF adjustment or slow speeds sticking, are easy fixes if you are handy with tools.

To me these cameras are more satisfying to shoot with that a lot of modern RF cameras like the Bessa.

[randallstewart]

While I agree that the Canon rangefinder cameras of the 1950-60s are a better value and much more cost-effective than Leicas of the same vintage, I'll dispute and offer a counter-argument against the Canon P as the model to prefer. I collected Canon RF bodies and lenses for about 20 years in the 1980s and 90s, and have a good deal more than an average familiarity with the models. The Canon P was considered a lesser version of the group for most of its existence because it was designed to be a less featured, cheaper option to attract new buyers. It is built as well as its more expensive contemporaries. The P has been unmercifully hyped on YT for the last 5+ years, leading to something of "run" on it by people new to the Canon models. So, why not a P?
1. Its viewfinder. To save cost of manufacture, Canon eliminated its outstanding (for the time) variable magnification viewfinder, instead using a fixed viewfinder with frame lines in the view. The result is a wider than average finder view which is harder to focus and cluttered to look through.
2. Its shutter. It shares what then was the new shutter Canon developed for its great technical leap forward over Leica to be used in the 7 and 7S models. When new, it was that. It uses a steel foil shutter curtain which is indestructible compared to the cloth curtains used in the Leicas. However, those curtains have a lt more mass to move and stop. That required much higher spring-driven operating tensions. As a result, those shutters wear out more quickly and high speeds slow beyond the ability to adjust them. At that point, repair requires parts which have not been available for more than 40 years. Repair options: None. You live with slow speeds above 1/125. (This problem is equally shared with the 7and 7S, of course.)
Preference: With the over-pricing of the P these days, the VIT or VIL become better choices. They have a better viewfinder. Their shutter is still an improved version of the same shutter Leica used, cheap and easy to repair almost anywhere. The VT and VL are also an option, but they use an earlier design of the shutter.

[john_murch]

Hi, I used my Canon P for five years successfully before I bought a Leica. The P is a great rangefinder. I had a few issues with it so after 2 years I sent it for a full CLA to Kanto Camera. After the CLA it's like a brand new camera from the factory. Don't listen to the commenter below who says the slow shutter speeds can't be fixed, no parts etc. This is not true. Kanto services this camera. Enjoy your Canon P!

[GrainAndPixels]

I had been looking for a Canon P since a Leica M series was out of my budget, but ended up finding a old Leica IIIf with lens for really cheap at an antique store. Enjoy the camera!

[frentzensetiady]

Great review!! I recently bought a canon model 7 and bought some ltm lenses as well such as the industar 26 m and canon 50 mm f1.8 ltm. I haven’t tried both lenses and the camera itself using film but i def bought it with the same reason as why u did which is to reignite my passion with photography due to covid i got rly unmotivated with photography. Def cannot wait to go out and test out my canon 7 ☺️.

[ckhicks]

Nice! Thanks for the thoughtful review.

[myoung]

I like the viewfinder in my Canon P better than my Leica's. The canon you have superimposed images you align, in the Leica there is a focusing rectangle which find annoying.

[paultaylorphotography]

Nice review cheers. I fancied a P for so long I bid on plenty but they always went for way more than I wanted to pay. Recently I picked up a canon L3 for a bargain imho it’s an awesome camera my first effort with it will be on my channel very soon I can say I’m absolutely chuffed to bits with the L3. Canon made some awesome rangefinder cameras. Liked and subbed keep the content coming cheers

[anta]

Another good alternative is Canon VI. If memory serves well, the P's finder is fixed at 35mm frameline (yet you can also see the 50mm and 100mm). The Canon VI's switchable (via a dial). Oh, Canon 7 is also nice. At least all of them has the traditional stye film-advance lever, makes the camera easier to use in portrait orientation.

[DemyGhiani]

This and yashica electro 35 are great leica alternatives. Love both of these.

[WaitAMinute]

The only downfall of the Canon P are the prices. Gorgeous camera though.

[tonyperez]

Good job !! I just got one it’s a beauty

[codiecrieg]

I think Nikon SP is good Leica alternative ;3 i own Leica m4 but Nikon SP is so beautifull camera

[sputumtube]

I don't understand why people bang on about Leica cameras so much. Yes, they are beautifully made and reliable, but Leica lenses are what make decent images, not the camera bodies. Also, a good photographer can create excellent images with (relatively) cheap equipment. A rubbish photographer will not create nice photographs whatever gear he uses.