Canon IV-F
The Canon IV-F is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1951. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1951
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- IV-F
- Serial Range
- Approximately 52610 to 70149, with overlap during the IV-S transition
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, three-position optical finder for standard framing, telephoto framing and critical focusing
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, B, 1/25 s, 1/40 s, 1/60 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s, 1/500 s and 1/1000 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- Bulb synchronization only, speed depends on FP or M-class bulb; no X-sync
Canon IV-F
The Canon IV-F is an LTM rangefinder introduced at the end of 1951 as the synchronized counterpart to the III-A. It uses Canon's universal threaded mount, three-position integrated finder and cloth shutter with speeds to 1/1000 second [1][2].
Its side flash rail provides direct electrical connection for period Canon flash units. Synchronization supports FP and M-class flashbulbs, but the original IV-F does not provide electronic X-sync [2].
History
Development and Launch
Collector research dates production from December 1951 to August 1952. Canon's records partly combine the IV-F with the IV and later IV-S chronology [1][2].
Production Evolution
The IV-F introduced Canon's fully standardized universal LTM mount alongside revised controls. The later IV-S adopted a die-cast shutter crate, with substantial serial overlap during the transition [2].
Special Variants
Some cameras sold in the United States were later converted for X-sync. Such conversions belong in metadata and should not redefine the factory IV-F specification [2].
Collector Notes
The IV-F and IV-S can be difficult to distinguish externally. Identification should consider the shutter crate, serial number, flash controls, finder selector and signs of later synchronization conversion.
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