Sorry couldn't reply earlier as it was quite difficult to post on my iphone whilst on the road.
Congrats on such a fine purchase! Good price too!
This is indeed a Canon IVSB2, which was introduced in the same year as the Leica M3. The M3 obviously stole the limelight in the industry.
Anyway, Canon launched the last series of bottom loading rangefinder camera (IVSB2, IIS2, IID2 and IIF2) between July 1954 and June 1955. Most of these cameras were discontinued in 1956 except for the IIF2 in 1955, which has the shortest run of the 4 models. Subsequent models were all back loading.
One of the easiest way to tell these 4 models from their predecessor is to look at the film counter. there is a flower like marker between the film counter and the film advance dial.
Other obvious details includes:
- Slow speed dial starts at 1/30 sec instead of 1/25 sec.
- Shutter speed marker on the fast speed dial. Dial no longer rotates when film is advanced.
- Larger/improved viewfinder
By the way, some users (including Peter Dechert) claims the IVSB2 to be even better than the Leica IIIg, Leica's finest screw mount camera.
The Canon 50mm f/1.5 LTM has a satin finish aperture ring and distance markings, indicating that it's the late type, possibly matching the camera as they were often offered as a set when sold. If bought separately, the lens would have had it's own <EP> marking as required by the allied forces during occupation.
The rapid winder seems to be missing a handgrip, which really enhance the operation of the camera. Very unique design. Nevertheless, a fine addition to a fine camera.
Hope you'll have great fun with this camera when it's in your hands.
Cheers,
:thumbsup: Guru has spoken!:thumbsup: