Canon VI-T

Canon produced the VI-L from 1958 to 1961. Production was reported to be 8,175 units. The T stands for trigger rewind located on the base.

The VI-T has all the same improvements to the viewfinder and consolidated shutter speed dial that were on the VI-L but with a trigger on the base rather than the conventional lever. Canon made a valent try during the 1950s to evangelize the trigger wind system. The VI-T was the last attempt.

The improvements for the VI models were an improved viewfinder and integrated shutter speed dial. The VI still used a triple-mode viewfinder like the prior Cannon rangefinders, but with improved magnification. Most notable the 50mm viewfinder is now a 1:1 ratio. The other big change is the loss of a slow shutter speed dial. Now all the speeds up to 1/1000 (including B and X) are integrated into one dial. Both were great improvements but the VI came after the Leica M3, M2, and Nikon SP.

My Take:

If you want to try a good rangefinder with a trigger wind the VI-T is a strong candidate. For less than the cost of adding a Leicavit Rapid Winder to a Leica M body, you can buy a VI-T and see if a trigger is for you. Personally, I am a traditional lever lover. Because of that, I would pick the VI-L over the VI-T. Both provide a nice range finder experience and the Cannon screw mount glass is worth experiencing.

Lens: 50mm f1.4

Film: Kodak Pro 100