thread-mount rangefinders: Leica vs. Canon

[pgs@pa.dec.com (Patrick Sobalvarro)]

I asked members of the group for advice on LTM bodies about a week
ago, and I got lots of good information -- thanks to all of you for
your responses.

Now I have a question.  I've pretty much settled on buying either a
Leica IIIf or a Canon VI-T body.  The Canon is a bit cheaper than the
Leica, and sounds like it's probably in slightly better cosmetic
condition (I haven't seen either of these cameras).  On features, it
sounds like the VI-T is the winner.  It has a Leicavit-type fast
winding baseplate and frame lines in the viewfinder.

However, I'm worried about the repairability of the Canon.  When I buy
mechanical things, I like to keep them for a long time, and while I
know there are lots of IIIf's around and lots of parts for them, I
don't think there are so many Canon VI-T's around.

Any advice from LUG members?

- -Patrick