any love for the V series?

[msbarnes]

I ordered an L3 and a Canon 7 off keh.com just to try out.

I had a P but I didn't like the patch so I returned it...it was the worse patch that I had ever seen, but maybe I had an exceptionally bad sample.

I read a bit about the V/L series and it seems that the ergonomics are a little slower to use and with less features but the patches have aged better than the more common/popular VI and VII series canon's (Canon P and 7). The patch is the crucial to me so I think I might get along with the L3.

I'm going to see how I like these two Canon's then I'll probably be keeping one.

Anyone prefer to use their V series Canon's over the later ones? Just curious because 90% of all Canon RF discussion is limited to the P and 7, it seems.

[rover]

You had a bad P. A "normal" P finder is excellent, but now of course is 50 years old. The V/L Series is good, a little smaller finder than the P, but not squinty. The adjustible magnification for the different focal lengths is pretty cool and a useful feature. I have an L1, it is the prettiest camera I think that I have. As far as use, as none have a meter, if your process is to have the settings on the camera set before you bring it to your eye, then the process is the same, just focus and shoot, no matter what camera it is you have in your hands.

[Mackinaw]

I gave up on the Canon P ages ago (like yours, a bad viewfinder), but I'm sure folks are tired of hearing that story, so I won't repeat it.

I'm a big fan of the L-series. My L1 is one of my favorite cameras. Smaller than the VT, because of the lever-wind, it's very quick and intuitive to use. A 100% series rangefinder. A fun camera to use too.

Jim B.

[Teuthida]

The VT Deluxe is nice. Includes a Leicavit for no extra charge.

[Steve M.]

I've owned a few Canon 7 & and L3 cameras. The 7 had the best focus patch (as nice as an M, in it's own way), but the L was a great camera too. It seemed pretty big though, comparing it to something like a Bessa R. I had 2 faults w/ the cameras. The speeds didn't seem as accurate as other screw mount cameras I've owned (but since none of my cameras had been CLA'd, that may mean nothing), and for not much more money you can buy a smaller, lighter Bessa R w/ a meter. But the build quality of the Canons is far better. I still miss that L3 because it was so accurate to focus close up.

[Nokton48]

I have a VT, 7, 7S, and P. My VT gets alot of use. Great camera to use.