That’s a Little Confusing

The book covered the use of two cameras, the Model IVSb, called the IVS2 in the United States, and the Model V. The latter was shown in photographs on page 13 which is reproduced above. It was obviously inspired by the Leica M3 and was the first Canon camera to have a swing open back and to deviate from the Barnack styling. You can see in the top image “Model V” on the front edge of the bottom plate and in the bottom image the serial number 303002. Remember that number as we will see it soon again.

I found several advertisements from 1956 for the Model V. And then I realised that I had a user manual for the Model V. But then I found an image for same Instructions with the same cover only it said it was for the Vt. Unfortunately I only found an image of that manual cover and not the whole booklet.

Opening the User Manual for the Model V and turning to the image of the camera on Page 5 you will find the serial number of the camera:  303002! And I am guessing but I bet the same image and same serial number are in the User Manual shown here for the VT.

I then went back to Dechert and searched diligently and finally on page 132 I found a description of Canon’s work

to restyle their cameras after the 1954 introduction of the Leica M3. They did not copy the Leica camera but created a similar camera with many differences and what many think were improvements to the Leitz camera. And then Dechert says this:

“The new camera, tentatively called the ‘Model V’, used the new shutter design and its basic mechanism, ….. The ‘Model V’ prototypes have been pictured in various stages, with several different markings on their baseplate fronts including ‘Canon Rapid Wind System’, but all seem to have had the same serial, 303002. I have not yet located an example with this serial for study.”

The Vt appears to have been the Model V but the production run of the Vt was from April of 1956 to February of 1957 with serial numbers ranging from 500010 thru 540000. However, it appears that Deschin used photographs of one of the prototypes in his book. Even advertisements of the time appear to have pictures of the prototype. So what was it that Canon was selling out of their New York office?

These four ads from the United States in1956 are clearly marketing the Canon Model V. However, if you look at the ad in the top left you will see that the camera is Serial No. 303002. Yes, it is that number! Looking at the ad top right there appears to be writing on the front of the bottom plate, perhaps ‘Model V’? You cannot tell for sure. Below to the left the camera appears to have the same serial number but you cannot be sure. There appears to be nothing on the bottom front of the camera. The lower right ad does not reveal anything about the camera other than the Model V name. But there is no doubt that the camera being promoted is the Model V.

                          In this Canon Catalogue published for the us Market the prices for Canon equipment are given
for March 1st 1956. Pages 4 and 5 list the Canon Model V. On the image of the camera one can see by the side of the lens on the bottom edge the beginning of the label “Model V” and the serial number can be mae out: 303002.

I suspect that they were selling the Vt but they began their sales program before the production models were actually shipping and Canon supplied photographs of the prototype Model V. I am not sure about this but it seems the most logical explanation.

But I have to ask: did Canon sell any cameras in the US specifically marked “Model V” on the front bottom left? Dechert does not comment on this except to say that “Model V” was the designation for prototypes but the Manuals and advertisements suggest otherwise. Another Canon mystery. It needs more investigation.

Another interesting question: what camera did Deschin actually have in hand to review. If he had a Vt why would he not photograph it. Why did he use photographs of a prototype? And if he had a camera that said Vt on the front, as Vt’s do, why would he call it a Canon V and use photos of a Canon V? He was a reputable authority in matters photographic so it is hard to believe he did not actually have a camera in hand. But what camera?

So, you can see that it is a little confusing!

P.S.   5 November 2024

This Post inspired a discussion on the “Canon Historical Society” Facebook page which was very helpful. I include those posts here as they illuminate my comments above.