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Canon P Rangefinder by Shueido Camera

The Canon P rangefinder camera holds a special place in the hearts of film photography enthusiasts. Launched in 1959, this compact, manual-focus rangefinder was designed by Canon to offer photographers a reliable, yet accessible camera for high-quality black-and-white and colour film photography.

It’s known for classic styling, simplicity, and sturdy build, ensuring that the Canon P remains a favourite among film aficionados and camera collectors to this day. Its minimalist design and, thanks to its mechanical operation, is a lasting piece of photographic history, which is a joy to use in a digital era.

This is especially the case with this particular model, which is a used film camera that features a custom Canon P Sandstone Flat Green Paint by renowned Shueido Camera. Join us as we explore this classic in greater detail.

The Appeal of the Canon P Rangefinder

The Canon P was developed as a part of Canon’s P-series rangefinders, and though it wasn’t the first camera in the series, it became one of the most respected, which was designed for serious amateurs and professionals. With a 50mm f/1.8 lens, this film camera was intended for manual focus shooting, with a bright and accurate viewfinder and a rangefinder system that allowed photographers to focus with clarity and speed.

What sets the Canon P apart from other models in its class is its simplicity. It’s entirely mechanical, with no automatic modes and no battery required for the operation of the camera itself, which makes the perfect choice for purists who prefer the tactile experience of shooting manually. This is a camera that forces the photographer to engage with aspects of the image-making process, creating a deeper connection between the user and the scene being captured.

In a world where modern cameras are filled with bells and whistles, the Canon P is a reminder of a simpler time in photography, where focusing, exposure, and aperture all required consideration.

The Canon P is often available at a more affordable price point than Leica rangefinders, giving photographers an opportunity to own a vintage camera with similar functionality and style to Leica’s legendary M-series.

Custom Canon P Sandstone Flat Green Paint by Shueido Camera

While the Canon P is already a celebrated model in its own right, it has recently received an exciting and visually striking customisation from Shueido Camera, a talented Taiwanese studio, known for creating unique and custom-painted classic cameras. Their green Canon P has been designed specifically for those who not only appreciate the art of photography but also the visual beauty of a one-off, bespoke camera.

This custom green paint job is a perfect combination of functionality and style, with a bold, modern twist on a classic camera. Shueido Camera’s craftsmanship ensures that this unique paint job doesn’t just change the appearance of the camera, but enhances its aesthetic appeal without detracting from its original functionality. The camera maintains its sharp lines and sleek design, but the green hues add an element of exclusivity, making this Canon P stand out from the crowd.

A camera like this doesn’t just attract attention for its rarity; it’s designed to be used and enjoyed. The custom green Canon P is as fully functional as its original counterpart, keeping all the features that have made the Canon P a classic rangefinder. This camera is being showcased in our second-hand camera department and is a rare gem for collectors – or anyone looking for a stylish, reliable model to take on their film adventures.

Sample image scanned film from Canon P camera

Why Rangefinders?

The charm of shooting with a rangefinder camera lies in its simplicity. Unlike single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, which allow you to view the scene through the lens via a mirror, rangefinders use a dual-image system that helps you focus. The Canon P’s rangefinder is sharp and easy to use, enabling quick and accurate focusing by aligning two images in the viewfinder. This system provides precision without the size and weight of an SLR mirror and pentaprism system, keeping the camera body compact and lightweight.

Additionally, the Canon P is extremely quiet and subtle to operate, with the tactile enjoyment of manual focus. You don’t have to rely on autofocus or automated settings, and instead, you’re directly involved with every step of the image-making process. Whether you shoot street photography, portraits, or landscapes, a rangefinder camera forces you to think about composition, timing, and focus in a way that many modern cameras don’t.

The fact that the Canon P requires no battery is another advantage for traditionalists. For those who appreciate fully manual control and the experience of shooting 35mm film, the Canon P offers unmatched purity. It’s not about the technical features or the convenience of automation; instead, it’s about the joy of photography and the satisfaction that comes from using a camera that demands your full attention, especially when capturing decisive images.

The Joy of Shooting Film

In an era dominated by digital photography, many are rediscovering the unique charm of shooting with film. There’s simply no substitute for the analog experience, especially for those who appreciate the tactile qualities of film from the grain and colours to the natural imperfections. The Canon P excels in capturing the raw essence of film, with its sharp 50mm standard lens delivering images full of character.

In a world where instant gratification is the norm, photography with film offers a refreshing break. The process may take longer, with images requiring time to develop, but the anticipation and satisfaction of holding a printed photo is a pleasure in itself.

As a classic rangefinder camera, the Canon P invites users into a more deliberate, immersive shooting experience. The frame markers and manual focus, aided by the central image circle overlay, initially seem daunting but quickly become second nature with practice.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the tactile nature of using the Canon P stemming from the gentle click of the shutter release, the winding of the film, and watching the remaining frames count down, which all combine to make each roll of film feel intentional.

It’s important to note that the Canon P lacks a built-in light meter. Many film photographers opt for a dedicated Sekonic light meter. I opted to use my digital camera for metering, which worked well, though it did mean carrying two cameras. Another point of note is the absence of an LCD screen, which, while expected, impacts how you compose shots at high or low angles. Unlike many compact digital cameras that lack optical or electronic viewfinders, film cameras generally forgo LCDs altogether, so prepare to move yourself!

While shooting with the camera, several people commented on its appearance, and there were nods of approval as people noticed the unique design and stylish aesthetics. It’s certainly a conversation starter!

The addition of the custom green paint job by Shueido Camera elevates this already popular version into the arena of collectibles, combining form and function in a unique way. In fact, according to their Instagram account there’s a waiting list right through 2027, which adds to the elusiveness of any repainted Shueido Camera.

Sample scanned film image from the Canon P

With its fully manual operation, battery-free design, and immersive rangefinder system, the Canon P continues to appeal to photographers who appreciate the joy of film photography and the experience of shooting film. The custom green Canon P isn’t just a camera but a statement piece, serving as a reminder of quality craftsmanship that sometimes accompanied film photography.

Available for a lucky photographer or collector in our second-hand camera department, this is a one-of-a-kind camera, which is ideal for anyone looking to own a functional piece of photographic history.

Nick Dautlich was fortunate to have access to this unique camera for a few weeks during the Christmas holidays and into 2025, during which he explored film photography and captured images for this post.

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By Nick Dautlich on 10/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.