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Post by alexkerhead on Apr 28, 2008 17:12:35 GMT -5
So, during the weekend, I goto the fleamarket to work as usual(furniture guy) and there was a note in my ticket box(shows items sold, I sell computers there). It said "Canon Camera, Occupied Japan, $40, and the fellow's phone number. Intrigued by the Occupied Japan part, I called him immediately. He came two hours later with the camera. It was in a near-perfect condition case and the camera was pretty dirty, but I could tell it was a gem. Not knowing anything about it, I dished over $40 to the guy, who was pleasantly surprised I bought it. I got it home and looked values up, and found out I came out pretty darned well, makes up for al those darned cameras I paid full value for recently..hehe The retractable lens tube was the only scratched up part, so I buffed the scratches lightly, not to damage the chrome, and cleaned the camera all around with soapy water, and with a wet rag to remove the residue. I tested the shutter, and to my surprise, the old girl had life in her, working well at every speed. Here is a pictures of the scratched up tube. i15.photobucket.com/albums/a368/alexkerhead/cameras/canon_rangefinder_small8.jpgOdd thing about this Leica look-alike, they look a lot better in person, and while I still like TLRs and German SLRs a bit more appearance-wise, this camera is a looker for sure. Anyway, here are some pictures. You can see some Aluminum corrosion around the "serenar", but I cannot even notice it with my eyes, I think the flash reflected from those areas. Enjoy.     |
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Andrew
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Post by Andrew on Apr 28, 2008 20:53:44 GMT -5
what a bargin about 1/10th the price!!! and a great and interesting camera too. some people prefer the single veiw/rangefinda window. its an S-II by the looks of it. and is that a flash sync on the front that has been added? I cant quite see. congrats thats a ripper!
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Andrew
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Post by Andrew on Apr 28, 2008 21:47:45 GMT -5
again what a great camera...FWIW it has some interesting history, i notice there were about 7500 made and of course it is the first with the Canon name. Also the MIOJ mark was because the Supreme commanda of the allied forces in early 1947 issued a decree that all export items must have the MIOJ engraved, contray to what is said there are S-II around without the marking so they have either a replacement bottom plate or were purchased through some other means. yours possibly was purchased duty free or from an army PX store in japan and brought back to the US. great peice of history.
the order was recinded in 1949 and Canon was said to have either destroyed or replaced the sections of the items that had the engraving although for some reason i havn't found out there was some items sold still engraved up to around 1951 with the mark
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Post by alexkerhead on Apr 28, 2008 21:59:47 GMT -5
Thanks Weltur! No flash port, just some mis-aligned leatherette. I appreciate the information, looks like I finally got the deal of the year.  |
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Andrew
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Post by Andrew on Apr 28, 2008 22:33:40 GMT -5
Thanks Weltur! I appreciate the information, looks like I finally got the deal of the year. i'd say!!! i am looking around for a TLR or a german SLR i can swap ya for hahaha (just kiddin....well unless ya would hahaha) just call me Andrew BTW ...weltur was just the first thing that came to mind when i had think up a name...still i dont mind either way! |
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Post by alexkerhead on Apr 29, 2008 1:02:48 GMT -5
Thanks Weltur! I appreciate the information, looks like I finally got the deal of the year. i'd say!!! i am looking around for a TLR or a german SLR i can swap ya for hahaha (just kiddin....well unless ya would hahaha) just call me Andrew BTW ...weltur was just the first thing that came to mind when i had think up a name...still i dont mind either way! Alrighty Andrew! Well, I think this is my first highly collectible camera, and I plan on putting it in the collection case. |
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Andrew
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Post by Andrew on Apr 29, 2008 3:46:48 GMT -5
well just remember to take it out for a spin Alex, infact i would carry the little guy around everywhere for a while to become accusomed with all its handling-good and weak points. if it needs any attention it worth enough to invest a few dollars to get it right. although i am sure you can get books on these that show how to repair every detail in them if you were brave enough
amazing that you got it and didn't know anything about it!!! (must be good karma hehe)---thats going to make it like opening a new present every time you learn a little more about this cameras popularity and history.
the models after that are somewhat better equiped with features (only a bit) and make them quite popular among users but i would still choose yours as a kinda landmark camera
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Post by nikonbob on Apr 29, 2008 5:45:57 GMT -5
Your luck was sure in on that camera. Just a great classic that is as pricey as the same period Leicas maybe more. I hope you take it for a spin before consigning it to the show case, you might find that they are addictive. Congratulations on a truly wonderful find.
Bob
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Post by alexkerhead on Apr 30, 2008 11:39:27 GMT -5
I may have to give it a roll(pun intended). I do notice it may be a pain to load, but I can manage. Darn thing has been growing on me, this can't be good, as I am a poor college student.  |
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Post by nikonbob on Apr 30, 2008 19:38:53 GMT -5
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Post by alexkerhead on Apr 30, 2008 21:02:19 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Bob!
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Dave
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Post by Dave on May 14, 2008 0:28:24 GMT -5
Nice buy. There are times when you quickly pay what is asked without questions. That was the right time!
I picked up a nice Leica IIIC with a f2 50mm Summitar and case the same way -- and coincidentally for the same amount, $40. The camera was dirty. The lens has some separation in the elements. The case had the top missing. The camera cleaned up nicely and all of the speeds are fine, including the slow ones. The lens is okay at f4 or so. I had to fabricate a new top out of a piece of scrap leather, but no problem. I saw it. The seller said $40. I bought instantly without even knowing what model it was. As I paid the seller, I said to him, "Some people don't know the value of these things." He agreed. My wife walked away to avoid laughing.
Anyway, the camera is a beauty. Good Luck with it.
Dave.
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