Canon 7 questions

[scholzj1]

Hi everyone, I recently found a Canon 7 on my local Craigslist listed for $200 that was in pretty bad shape but it was connected to a 50mm 1.4 that is in pretty good shape. I was able to talk the seller down to $160 due to the condition of the camera. I got it for the lens and figured that I might be able to fix the camera up and use it as an everyday knock around body so I can keep my P nice. The seller said that the camera had a light leak and I am wondering if the 7 originally had light seals around the film door. This one doesn't and I can't seem to see any residue from old seals near the hinge or latch.
Also the camera is missing the prong that threads onto the film rewind knob. The part that connects to the film cartridge that allows the rewind knob to turn the film spool. Does anyone here possibly have a parts camera that they can spare that part from?
The mechanical workings of the camera seem to be in great shape and I just had to do some minor cleaning, re-glue the viewfinder frame illumination window back into place and re-calibrate the rangefinder and it seems to be a decent camera. Thanks in advanced for any help you guys can provide.

 

[Dez]

It sounds like you did great even if the Canon 7 is relegated to use as a paperweight.

I suspect Don Goldberg at DAG cameras may have the part you need. He is currently listing the equivalent part from a 7S, and I suspect it will also fit your camera.

http://www.dagcamera.com/canon_screwmount.htm

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Mackinaw]

There's a chance the prong you need can be taken from a Canon SLR of the same vintage. It wasn't unusual for Canon to share parts between SLR's and rangefinders at this time.

As for the light seal question, my Canon 7 has no sealing foam either.

Jim B.

 

[scholzj1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have looked at Canon SLR's and none that I have found look similar to the 7. I emailed Dag Camera to see if they have one.

 

[analogish]

I like the Canon 7 and 7s very much. My 7 and 7s have no light seals.

The 7(s) is relatively cheap, so I think the costs to have the camera fixed by a repair man may exceed the "value" of the camera. Most Canon rangefinders have wrinkled or damaged metal shutter curtains. If the shutter curtains are OK, I would definitely think about having the camera serviced and fixed.

Regards
Tom

 

[Frontman]

The Canon 7 does have light seals, in each of the channels at the top and bottom of the rear of the camera, and at the hinge. The Canon P does not use seals in the channels.

 

[Mackinaw]

I stand corrected, my Canon 7 does have light seals.

As for the rewind fork, I have a bunch of old Canon SLR repair manuals, and Canon did use the same rewind fork on the 7, 7s, Canon FX, FP and Pellix (but not the Pellix QL). Part number 13-2436 to be exact.

Jim B.

 

[scholzj1]

Thanks guys for all of the help. I contacted Don and he sent me the part. I ran a short roll thru the camera and there don't appear to be any light leaks, so I am thinking that the guy I purchased the camera from didn't really know what he was talking about. Anywho, I am loving the camera and lens so thanks again for helping me get it back up and running.