Canon IVSB and IVSB2

        Because Canon manufactured a great many Leica copies that resemble each other during the 1950s, it's difficult to tell the difference, for example, between the Canon Models II, III, and IV. But help is on the way at http://ricardojfb.wixsite.com/fotofix.  That's where I was able to verify the model designations of several of the Canon vintage cameras in my collection.
       Consider, for example, the two cameras shown here. Not only do they resemble each other, they also resemble the Canon IIA, IIB, IIC, IID, IIIA, and others. Are you confused? Well, join the crowd. But rather than cause you more agita, I'll just go ahead and reveal the identity of these two Canons.
        The camera on top in the photo is the Canon IVSB2, 16,800 of which were manufactured from 1954-1956. It was the last of the Canon knob winds. At this writing, the Collectiblend website values the IVSB2 at $120-$320 for the body only.
         The camera on the bottom is the IVSB2s predecessor, the IVSB. Canon manufactured 34,975 units from 1952-1953. The IVSB was the first Canon model with X flash synch. At the Collectiblend website it's valued at $100-$280 for the body only,
        But if I hadn't revealed their identities, how would you be able to tell the difference? To answer that question, we need to take out our magnifying glass and study the two units closely.

       The Canon IVSB2 is at the top in this photo. Notice the progression of speeds (60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, B) shown on that camera's shutter speed dial  and compare those speeds to the shutter speeds of (40, 60, 100, 200, 500, 1000, B) shown on the IVSB.
        Note, also, that the shutter speed selector dial on the IVSB2 is marked 30-1 while the same dial on the IVSB is marked 25-1. 
       What's more, if you were to examine the slow shutter speed selector dials on the front of each camera, you would discover more differences.
        Another difference is that on the IVSB2, the shutter speed selector remains set at your selected speed after you depress the shutter release. On the IVSB, by contrast, it does not.

        Now look closely at the film counter dials located below the two cameras' film advance knobs. On the IVSB2 you see a scalloped ring with a red marking on it between the knob and the counter. This ring is missing on the IVSB.

        If I had to choose between the two cameras, which one would I select? Truth to tell, either the IVSB or the IVSB2 would work well for me. They're both beautifully crafted and mechanically sound. But if push came to shove, I'd have to select the IVSB2 simply because the viewfinder offers a slightly brighter and wider field of view. If you wear eyeglasses, as I do, you'd probably make the same decision.

COMING SOON: The Diax IIb