View Full Version : Vi-l
I'd like to get my VI-L back and resell it at this price:
http://www.photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=607809
AFAIK it's not sold, and in my personal opinion that price is way high...
Or then maybe the VI-L is not getting the respect it deserves :)
Brian Sweeney
03-22-2005, 14:02
That is more than my Vt with the Canon 50mm F1.2 and CLA at Essex. I doubt that it will go for that price.
Raid has purchased a lot of Canon equipment over there recently, and is now apparently looking to make some handsome profits. I don't see any of the items he has listed running out of the house over there.
On the other hand, a nice Canon 50/1.4 in very good shape but for a slightly dented filter ring sold for just over $300 this weekend on ebay. Even in my flu driven feverish state that was well over my price range for that lens. I am glad I slept through the close.
back alley
03-22-2005, 14:49
he has a hood going for $250.
good luck!
he's been hanging out with those leica freaks tooooo long!
joe
he has a hood going for $250.
good luck!
he's been hanging out with those leica freaks tooooo long!
joe
Well, there's a Nikon 50/1.1 hood going for >$1000 out there on the bay now, and the Abrahamson one sells for $500 I think :)
Brian Sweeney
03-23-2005, 02:26
I looked at a 1991 Shutterbug. At Woodmere Camera, The Canon 50mm F1.4 in 9/10 condition was selling for $249. They also had a Canon 50mm F1.2 in 9/10 condition going for $179. Very good shop, still around, and I buy from them a lot. The Canon 50mm F1.4 always commanded a premium and it was used on Leica M's quite a bit.
chendayuan
03-23-2005, 04:45
I'd like to get my VI-L back and resell it at this price:
http://www.photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=607809
haha Frank, let me relist it for you if any taker we can split the profits
I have for sale an almost mint Canon VI-L (some small faint bright marks visible when tipped towards a light source) with its brown leather ever-ready case in very good shape. This model represents the zenith of Canon ....(delete few lines) Check out this model at the Canon Museum here: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/f_camera.
The camera has following flaws:
1. the shutter speeds of 1/30sec and 1/15sec become 1/4 sec and 1/2 sec. The faster speeds and the slower speeds are fine.
2. The viewfinder is clear and the rangefinder patch is contrasty and properly adjusted vertically and horizontally. except a small glass chip at the buttom of the viewfinder.
3. the shutter curtain has quiet a few dents and wrinkles on the second shutter curtain, as most do. Does not affect function. The first shutter curtain is Ok
4. there was a slipping problem with the winding mechanism, because the camera requires 2 strokes to cock the shutter while the back is open (and only a single stroke while advancing film when the back is closed.) The camera's function is 100% consistent however, at first I believe this is a design feature to facilitate film loading and advancing to the first frame but unfortunately it does not happen in my other Canon RF (P/VIL/7 et al), a call to Essex about this problem their answer is 1) the wind gear is strip or wear out 2) the clutch system is not working, a CLA will run $150 plus part labor to fix the winding problem. So I offer here to sell it $550 ($50 less than The Photo.net offer due to above probelms and you get a free case).
This camera is offered with a money back guarantee.
Any taker please drop me a line.
chendayuan
03-23-2005, 06:36
Raid has purchased a lot of Canon equipment over there recently, and is now apparently looking to make some handsome profits. I don't see any of the items he has listed running out of the house over there.
On the other hand, a nice Canon 50/1.4 in very good shape but for a slightly dented filter ring sold for just over $300 this weekend on ebay. Even in my flu driven feverish state that was well over my price range for that lens. I am glad I slept through the close.
If you image a member at a club, standby all the time as soon as other members offer to sale some of their stuff at reasonable price to the club member; that member bought all of them and set up a table in a minutes or so in the club, same stuff he just bought and ask for double or triple the price that other member had offered in the club.
back alley
03-23-2005, 06:38
he appears to be in it for the money.
not my style but what the heck?!
joe
chendayuan
03-23-2005, 08:35
he appears to be in it for the money.
not my style but what the heck?!
joe
nothing wrong or illegal, just not my style but what the heck?
Paul Connet
03-23-2005, 11:45
AFAIK it's not sold, and in my personal opinion that price is way high...
Or then maybe the VI-L is not getting the respect it deserves :)
After reading the posts on this forum for a while, with all the talk about the Canon 7, and P, and etc., I was suddenly stricken by the GAS and started looking at eBay auctions for something similar. I already have a M3 and a M6 so who needs a Canon? Me of course! So I bought a 7, and was happy for a while, but then the GAS struck again and I started looking for a P. Two weeks ago a VI-L showed up on eBay with a "Buy it Now" of $265. How could I resist that, even with a description that said it was less than perfect. After all, the VI-L is actually an upscale P that Canon could no longer afford to make and sell at a profit.
When I compare the features of the VI-L to those of the M3 I wonder why the M3 is so revered. Feature for feature the VI-L goes the M3 one better.
1. Film loading: M3, bottom load. VI-L, swing open back, captive take-up spool.
2. Shutter cocking/film winding: Both have lever wind, and so smooth.
3. Film rewinding: M3, knob rewind like the oldies. VI-L, very neat fold away crank, even nicer than the M6.
4. Viewfinder: M3, 90% lifesize with parallax corrected framelines for 50, 90 &135mm. VI-L, 100% lifesize with parallax corrected framelines for 50 and 100mm, a 65% view for 35mm, and a 150% magnified spot for the 135mm or for just improved rangefinding accuracy. The VI-L even has a parallax compensating pin in the accessory shoe for shoe mounted finders.
5. Flash connection: M3, right next to the viewfinder so it pokes into your eye/face. VI-L, on the side of the camera where it does not interfere with viewing.
My new VI-L came with a viewfinder that was showing the signs of age, with a lot of flare when pointed toward a strong light source. I took a page from Brian Sweeney, pulled the top off and gave the viewfinder/rangefinder elements a good cleaning. It is now a very nice camera to shoot with, not quite as bright as my M3, but close, and a delightful camera to use. Some previous owner had given the camera a change of attire as you can see in the photo below.
These cameras do deserve more respect. :cool:
Regards, Paul C.
Paul, is that a, gulp, 50 f1.5 lens? Have you got any photos taken with it posted?
It's different strokes for different folks I guess. The Leica M3 feels "right" in my hands, while the angular ends of the VI-L did not. On the samples that I own(ed), the viewfinder is brighter and the shutter is quieter on the Leicas. But you are correct, the Canon P/VI-L come very close and do deserve more respect.
Guys, will you stop it???
All this talk of how good the Canon's are, you'll drive the price up.......
;)
Paul Connet
03-23-2005, 12:21
Paul, is that a, gulp, 50 f1.5 lens? Have you got any photos taken with it posted?
It's different strokes for different folks I guess. The Leica M3 feels "right" in my hands, while the angular ends of the VI-L did not. On the samples that I own(ed), the viewfinder is brighter and the shutter is quieter on the Leicas. But you are correct, the Canon P/VI-L come very close and do deserve more respect.
Hi Frank, actually I put the 50/f1.5 on this camera to force myself to shoot some more with it. I got this lens a couple of years ago with a 35/f2.8 and a Canon II- S2. The lens is pristine in condition except that it is very, very stiff to focus. I have never found any info on how to get at the focusing helix to clean and lube it, so have not used it much. :confused:
Regards, Paul C.
Brian Sweeney
03-23-2005, 12:44
Paul,
I have not taken a 50mm F1.5 apart, but did clean the 50mm F1.8 that Joe has now. The rear retaining ring held the optics module into the focus helical. Same on the 50mm 1.4 and 50mm F1.2. Once the module is out, you can easily get at the focus helical.
Let us know if that is how it works.
Paul Connet
03-23-2005, 14:49
Paul,
I have not taken a 50mm F1.5 apart, but did clean the 50mm F1.8 that Joe has now. The rear retaining ring held the optics module into the focus helical. Same on the 50mm 1.4 and 50mm F1.2. Once the module is out, you can easily get at the focus helical.
Let us know if that is how it works.
Brian, maybe if I get real brave sometime soon I will try that. This lens does not look the same as the chrome 50/f1.8's that I have, but it does appear to have a couple of slotted rings looking at the back side. Similar, but not quite the same. It also has three slotted screws on the lens mounting flange positioned close to the infinity locking position. all three close together, maybe 1/4 inch apart that I have no idea what they are for.
I'll let you know when and if I get up the courage to dive in. :confused:
Paul C.
Guys, here you have something to lust after
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30063&item=7503319232&rd=1
No please, don't thank me...
back alley
03-24-2005, 04:54
oh that one should go cheap...;)
joe
Shhh, don't say anything.
chendayuan
04-04-2005, 03:52
haha Frank, let me relist it for you if any taker we can split the profits
I have for sale an almost mint Canon VI-L (some small faint bright marks visible when tipped towards a light source) with its brown leather ever-ready case in very good shape. This model represents the zenith of Canon ....(delete few lines) Check out this model at the Canon Museum here: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/f_camera.
The camera has following flaws:
1. the shutter speeds of 1/30sec and 1/15sec become 1/4 sec and 1/2 sec. The faster speeds and the slower speeds are fine.
2. The viewfinder is clear and the rangefinder patch is contrasty and properly adjusted vertically and horizontally. except a small glass chip at the buttom of the viewfinder.
3. the shutter curtain has quiet a few dents and wrinkles on the second shutter curtain, as most do. Does not affect function. The first shutter curtain is Ok
4. there was a slipping problem with the winding mechanism, because the camera requires 2 strokes to cock the shutter while the back is open (and only a single stroke while advancing film when the back is closed.) The camera's function is 100% consistent however, at first I believe this is a design feature to facilitate film loading and advancing to the first frame but unfortunately it does not happen in my other Canon RF (P/VIL/7 et al), a call to Essex about this problem their answer is 1) the wind gear is strip or wear out 2) the clutch system is not working, a CLA will run $150 plus part labor to fix the winding problem. So I offer here to sell it $550 ($50 less than The Photo.net offer due to above probelms and you get a free case).
This camera is offered with a money back guarantee.
Any taker please drop me a line.
In addition to above flaws, there is another flaw, the film to lens flage distance is incorrect, any lens wide than f4 will be soft, even you set the rangefinder correctly, do not blame the lens. the problem is due to someone has removed the lens mount in the past and never bother to put back the shim or washer under the lens mount.
due to this additional flaw, I will knock off another $100.
so $450, if you think the price is redicules, please make me an offer here.
Da Zang, I feel badly that this camera that I sold you has these defects that I did not know about. I sold it to you with a money back guarrantee, so if you wish, I'll refund your purchase price and the money you've put in for a cla.
chendayuan
04-04-2005, 05:06
Frank
This is just for fun to see how much this camera can fetch back, and you will never regret to get rid off it. By the way do you noted any out of focus problem when you use it?
Da, I didn't notice focus problems, and I even used the camera in low light/wide aperture coffeehouse band shots. (f2@1/30sec) Maybe my focus was off and counteracted the camera's problem?
Brian Sweeney
04-04-2005, 07:17
I had the same problem with a Nikon S2 bought on EBay from a seller who was a member of the Nikon Historical Society. It was in great shape, and was a great price, but someone had taken off the lens mount and did not put all of the shims back into place. The Nikon used "washer" type shims under the screws that hold the mount to the camera. I used some precision washers from out machine shop and calibrated it for the Zeiss Sonnar. The seller kept a 3.5cm F2.5 on it all the time and never noticed the problem.
The Canon uses a circular shim that sits under the lens mount. The one on the Canon 7 was quite thin. Some Aluminum Foil would probably work if you can't get Brass Shim Material.
On the F1.5: That one on Ebay went for over $400!!! I think it jumped ahead of the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 and Canon 50mm F1.4. I intend to find out why!
chendayuan
04-04-2005, 08:57
Da, I didn't notice focus problems, and I even used the camera in low light/wide aperture coffeehouse band shots. (f2@1/30sec) Maybe my focus was off and counteracted the camera's problem?
Frank
The VIL 1/15, 1/30 was not in working order(become 1/4 ish), you may not remember it correctly. if it is not in infinite the foucus may fall before or after your focus point. As far as I can see someone must pull off the shell, most likely a non-professional shoe repairman type and forget put back the shim and mess up the shutter speeds connection and chip the viewfinder.
John Shriver
04-04-2005, 08:59
The 50/1.5 on eBay was freshly CLA'd by Sherry Krauter, and was claimed to be in very fine condition. My $78 one came with a filter ring ding, a bit of dirt inside, and a helical so dry that it practically rattled.
As for lubing the 50/1.5 focusing mount, if anyone else is brave, I'll explain.
The outer slotted ring on the rear holds the lens barrel into the focusing mount. Remove with spanner wrench. It is tight. Don't lose the spacer ring.
To split the focusing mount, start by removing the slotted brass ring from the front with a spanner. It holds in the non-rotating stepped brass collar that the lens block mounts into. Pull out the brass collar.
Now, focus to infinity. Remove the three screws on the back of the lens. Using tweezers, slide out the stop that it holds. Now you should be able to split the focusing helix. As always, note VERY CAREFULLY the relative rotational positions of the two halves of the helix when they come apart.
If you need to take off the parts of the focusing collar, there's one curve ball. There are three obvious screws that hold on the front dress ring. There is a fourth, it's one of the ones holding in the black tabs, it's 90 degrees from two of the other screws.
There is a second set of 4 screws that hold the focusing ring to the back of the helical. You may have to pull them to get good access to the helical for cleaning.
You will also want to clean and lube the inside of the stepped brass collar.
I can't say what the ideal lube is. LaBelle Teflon grease was too stiff. Lubribplate lithium soap grease is what I have in there now, too slick.
When you are done putting it back together, the focusing cam should stick out 7.5mm from the mounting plane when focused at infinity. If not, you're on the wrong start of the helical threads. (Try again.)
Paul Connet
04-05-2005, 11:57
Thank you, thank you, thank you John Shriver.
The instructions given in your post above were just what I needed to get me moving. My very very stiff focusing 50mm/f1.5 is now so nice I am just sitting here turning it back and forth, and all of a sudden it is my favorite lens.
Brian Sweeney tried to help me a couple of days ago, but I was too timid. John's detailed instructions did the trick. His post should have a stickey on it in this forum but I do not know how to make that happen. :-(
Regards, Paul C.
Brian Sweeney
04-05-2005, 13:04
I'll be saving those instructions as well. The 50mm F1.5 that was on the IIf was in prime condition. I have one that needs attention coming in.
Thank you, thank you, thank you John Shriver.
The instructions given in your post above were just what I needed to get me moving. My very very stiff focusing 50mm/f1.5 is now so nice I am just sitting here turning it back and forth, and all of a sudden it is my favorite lens.
Brian Sweeney tried to help me a couple of days ago, but I was too timid. John's detailed instructions did the trick. His post should have a stickey on it in this forum but I do not know how to make that happen. :-(
Regards, Paul C.
Paul, the recent shots you have posted taken with this lens are great. Very inspiring for a chronic shopper.
back alley
04-05-2005, 14:56
His post should have a stickey on it in this forum but I do not know how to make that happen. :-(
no sticky but i moved a copy to the repair section.
joe
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