Canon P Camera
maker: Canon
format: film
lens mount: Leica Screw
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The Canon P or Populaire may have been an ironic name for this exclusive-looking camera. By omitting the three-mode optical viewfinder, the price could be lowered. The viewfinder magnification was fixed at 1x for the 35mm lens. Reflective frames for 50mm and 100mm lenses were inscribed for automatic parallax correction. The parallax correction pin on the accessory shoe featured in other V-series cameras was gone.
This camera was targeted people who used lens focal lengths from 35mm to 100mm. The compromise in price and features worked well to boost sales to almost 100,000 units.
The Canon P camera has a 39 mm screw mount used by Leica cameras at the time — before the Leica M3, which use M-Mount lenses. This is sometimes referred to as the Leica Thread Mount (LTM) or the Leica Screw Mount (LSM). It’s also sometimes abbreviated to M39, but that’s not accurate. The LTM was introduced by Leica with the Leica model I. It was used until the model IIIg.
Photos Taken with this Camera
Related Articles
Below is a list of articles in which this camera is discussed, or at least mentioned, on this site.
Leica Q Decision (sep 07, 2018)
Despite my well thought through decision a month or so ago to buy a new Leica M-mount camera, in particular one without a LCD screen (i.e., a Leica M-D), I’ve decided to buy instead a Leica Q compact camera.
My Madness Thus Far (may 29, 2012)
In case anyone is interested in charting my madness and sadness, here’s an update on how far down the path to sell almost all of my cameras and lenses and switch to a new system.
Is Still Life Alive? (aug 26, 2010)
Still life scenes have been popular among artists that draw or paint. However, I haven’t seen much done by photographers. I’m wondering why. I have some thoughts about this, but would like to know the thoughts of others about this topic.
Film Camera and Lens Combination (apr 19, 2010)
Lenses are key to taking high quality photo, but they can be expensive. This is a problem I had with film cameras. However, since I already own several excellent EOS L-series lenses, I bought an excellent Canon EOS film camera to use with these lenses.
Espresso and Leica Stores Don’t Mix (mar 28, 2010)
I went to an excellent camera store today, Foto Ottica Cavour in Milan. It has an amazing selection of Leica cameras and lenses. It was nice to see cameras that I’ve only seen on the internet. I wish I had had plenty of money with me.
Learning Monochrome (mar 17, 2010)
As part of my latest activities to relearn film photography, as well as to learn what escaped me about film in my youth, I have begun trying black and white film this week. It’s been an interesting experience.
Without a Built-in Meter (mar 10, 2010) ✨
Rangefinder cameras can be impressive looking, but some don’t have built-in light meters. For many decades photographers did without them, but now it’s frustrating. Using a simple guide and a hand-held meter, I’m learning how do without.