Leica style camera with Ernst Leitz Wetzlar lens

<p>I found this camera in my grandfathers closet and really don't know much about it. I've found out the lens is an "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summaron f3.5" but am uncertain about the actual camera. Can anyone help a film newb out? Thanks in advance.<br /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/andrewCW/IMG_4748_zps3ede743d.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /><br /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/andrewCW/IMG_4750_zpsa60f30ee.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /><br /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/andrewCW/IMG_4757_zpsa731655a.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /><br /> <img src="http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/andrewCW/IMG_4751_zps7dd3b2ff.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /></p>

<p>It obviously says "Canon" on the top. It's a post war Canon copy of a Leica. Do a search for "Canon rangefinders." The lens is a Leica screw mount, aka LTM.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

<p>I know Leicas but not Canon particularly well, however this<br>

<a href="http://www.cameraquest.com/crfvt.htm">http://www.cameraquest.com/crfvt.htm</a><br>

would suggest it's a Canon VT. The Leitz Summaron, if in good condition, is well worth keeping!</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure it's a canon L1.</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses. It is indeed a Canon rangefinder, but I'm confused because there is no model number on the bottom of the camera. All other Canon rangefinder's I've seen have the model clearly listed on the bottom-front or bottom of the camera. </p><div></div>

<p>here's another angle picture of the lens</p><div></div>

<p>The critical factor with the lens is the presence or absence of haze (thin uniform gray film) or mold (growth that looks something like ice crystals) inside the lens. The way to spot this is to open the lens aperture fully, shine a flashlight through the lens from one side and look at the lens from the other. If the glass is really clean, most people would grade the lens Exc++ (or even, if TOTALLY clean and with no marks on the mount, Mint-. which really means virtually unused). Here are recent e-bay prices:<br /> <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=3.5+summaron&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50">http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=3.5+summaron&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50</a><br /> which as you can see are all over the place! Your lens is the earlier version that takes 36 mm push-on filters (A36) and not the later version which uses 39 mm screw-in filters (E39). AFAIK there is no optical difference between the two - I have an A36 example.</p>

<p>Just by coincidence - a shot with the 35 mm Summaron just back from the lab - nothing special, except that it's proof that I finally managed to go out with a film camera and take some pictures! Shot with Leica M4 on Tri-X.</p><div></div>

<p>If in good shape the Summaron has good resale value should you not keep it. The Canons are fun cameras. You'll have fun shooting with this kit.</p>

<p>Andrew<br>

That may be a Canon VL No model identification on the body. Like the L-1 but has metal shutter curtains and self timer. Shutter speeds to 1/1000.<br>

A very nice old rangefinder and a great lens too. Have fun with it. </p>

<p>David, the VT has a Leicavit-style trigger wind in the base plate. I had one for many years. This camera seems the same as a VT but with a lever wind rather than a trigger wind. The rotating VF has three positions: 35, 50 and RF. I think John is right: though it may be that its designation is VL. The Canon Camera Museum on the Canon web site should have photos and descriptions.</p>

<p>Canon Rangefinder cameras will take Leica screwmount lenses but the lens should not be collapsed into the body as they have a good chance of striking the shutter. </p>

<p>Steve, I think that collapsible lenses do not reach shutters but there's a chance of their colliding with the baffles in late models like the P and the 7 series. There's sure to be many people here who know for certain.</p>

<p>Agree on the VL, since the L-1 has no self-timer. VI-L would have non-rotating shutter speed dial.</p>

<p>Thanks for the correction.</p>

<p>Hi,<br>

I would suggest Peter Dechert's 'Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933-1968' for more info. <br>

Your camera looks like a VL and on pages 156, 157 is an interesting read about one that Peter missed!<br>

The shutter curtains may look like cloth, but they are rubber covered stainless steel.<br>

Peter Dechert writes that in his view the L1 and VL are 'the best ......for actual use'.<br>

Interesting camera!</p>

<p>Andy.</p>