Just got a canon 7

[loneranger]

Just recieved my canon 7, it is mint, no signs of use, and I paid $200 for it. I probably overpaid, but I am AMAZED. It is beautiful, kind of big compared to the M6 but feels comfortable and solid. I've owned leica M6, MP and Nikon S3 as well as SP. Definitely feels better made than the M6, I know I will get flak for this, but to me it is in the same league as leica MP and Nikon SP. The shutter feels solid, the film advance is so much smoother than the M6 and the rewind is a breeze. I am truly amazed that these sell for so little. It makes the Voigtlander cameras seem like cheap toys, I dont know why anyone everyone in RFF does not have one of these.
With my Konica UC hexanon on the canon 7, for the first time I feel like I dont need any other camera. Well, actually I am thinking about getting a
canon 7s as back up, the cost is spare change compared to the competition.
Sure I can't put my M lenses on it, but there is a lot of solid LTM lenses going back 50 years. And the canon LTM lenses are a steal too.

 

[photobizzz]

I was thinking of getting one myself, there was one at KEH for $200 in EX (maybe the one you bought) but went the cheap route and went Kiev, I owned a VI-T before and it was made very well, definitely felt more solid than any CV RF, don't know if I can go as far as to say it was better than the M6 TTL I owned though.

 

[payasam]

Metal bodied Canon cameras are well made, no doubt about that. I have had several. However, to say that they are better built than X or Y makes little sense; except perhaps in the areas of fine mechanical engineering and materials science.

It seems to me that $200 is a low price for a Canon 7 in good shape, keeping use value in mind.

 

[ray*j*gun]

$200 for a mint 7 is cheap! Assuming that is also mechanically excellent as well....meter works etc.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I think people get down on the 7 because it's large, and because the meter is selenium and often doesn't work. But it is a fantastic piece of engineering, especially the finder.

 

[Platinum RF]

I have a mint one everything in working order including meter $200 drop me a line if you need one.

 

[Spider67]

A great camera. Though bigger than my other RF's it's nice to use. Enjoy it!
The only con: No hotshoe so I can't use it with ym 21/4 CV

 

[loneranger]

A great camera. Though bigger than my other RF's it's nice to use. Enjoy it!
The only con: No hotshoe so I can't use it with ym 21/4 CV

Agree, the lack of a hot shoe is a bummer, but ony a concern for real wides. My initial comparison to the leica M6 is ofcourse subjective and based on my experience. I just find the finder much clearer, and both the rewind and film advance much smoother. And according to DanteStella, and S.Gandy, the shutter is better than the leica shutter. The meter ofcourse is useless (but still working on my copy).

 

[DavidC]

I fully agree with the praise on the Canon 7. The only complaint I have is the rangefinder patch. It is not a crisp image like the Leica's so focusing can sometimes be a challenge. But durable! forty years of use and it goes on clicking. Needless to say they don't make them like they used to.

 

[wlewisiii]

The 7 is a glorious camera. Now just get yourself a nice selection of Canon glass and you'll be set.. 🙂

More seriously, because of the lack of an accessory shoe, I did learn that the whole VF area approximates the FOV of a 28mm lens quite well, so you can go that wide without having to track down the over priced monster that is the add-on shoe. (The Canon 28/3.5 Serenar is an exquisite lens... 😉 )

Enjoy!

William

 

[loneranger]

Here's the new baby with the konica UC hexanon. They make a nice pair, in my opinion.

 

[loneranger]

A few pics taken over the weekend with the canon 7 and 35 UC.

 

[bennyng]

Looks like you'll be having great fun with it. How do you find the rangefinder patch? Any focusing issues?

Cheers,

 

[loneranger]

The rf patch seems easy to see and use. I guess some others dont find it as nice. Mine is pretty contrasty.

Looks like you'll be having great fun with it. How do you find the rangefinder patch? Any focusing issues?

Cheers,

 

[RFluhver]

Hi all...newbie here.

I have the opportunity to buy one of these babies for AU$700 (about US$540). It will be the body only, which is the problem. I'll have to fork out money on a lens! Now I'd like to match this with a proper Canon lens, but the problem, I understand, is that original Canons are now very hard to find. Is that right?

Anyway, if I can't find a Canon lens, then I'll settle for others like Voigtlanders or some other brand that will fit. I'm interested in a 35mm. Any recommendations?

Please note that I know very, very little about Canon RFs although I do now own a QL17 (that works perfectly).

Tnx a lot all.

 

[Rogrund]

Hi all...newbie here.

I have the opportunity to buy one of these babies for AU$700 (about US$540). It will be the body only, which is the problem. I'll have to fork out money on a lens! Now I'd like to match this with a proper Canon lens, but the problem, I understand, is that original Canons are now very hard to find. Is that right?

Anyway, if I can't find a Canon lens, then I'll settle for others like Voigtlanders or some other brand that will fit. I'm interested in a 35mm. Any recommendations?

Please note that I know very, very little about Canon RFs although I do now own a QL17 (that works perfectly).

Tnx a lot all.

I think US$540 is way too much for a Canon 7 even in excellent condition. $200, like loneranger paid for his, is a normal price.

Canon RF lenses are easy to find, but if you're looking for a 35, consider the CV 35/2.5. Excellent lens for not much money.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

Mine was payed 300 €, in Italy, but in very excellent conditions, with NOT wrinkled shutter curtains. The RF/VF is very good, not at the same level of my Leica M3 but very amazing also.
I use the Canon 7 with VC Ultron 35/1.7, VC Apo Lanthar 90/3.5 and Leitz Summitar 50/2. Is a very plaesant camera to use.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Hi all...newbie here.

I have the opportunity to buy one of these babies for AU$700 (about US$540). It will be the body only, which is the problem. I'll have to fork out money on a lens! Now I'd like to match this with a proper Canon lens, but the problem, I understand, is that original Canons are now very hard to find. Is that right?

Anyway, if I can't find a Canon lens, then I'll settle for others like Voigtlanders or some other brand that will fit. I'm interested in a 35mm. Any recommendations?

Please note that I know very, very little about Canon RFs although I do now own a QL17 (that works perfectly).

Tnx a lot all.

Ludicrously high price, don't do it! The 7 is abundant and very affordable.

 

[former member]

I sold one not long ago for well under $200. The 7s and 7sz with CDS meters will go in the $500 range.

I've never had the frameline window cave in on any of mine, but bought one at a great price that had that happen to. Easy fix, and I used something to keep it there. Was not a hard hack to do.

 

[former member]

Top plate removal is easy: jeweler's screwdriver and fine needle-nosed pliers for the retaining rings. Worst part is getting to the three set screws that hold on the shutter speed dial: must rotate it until all three are visible. Second gotcha: frame line selector lining up with the mechanism. If it is misaligned, the top plate can be screwed back into place but the shutter release will jam. Took a lot of dumb looks to figure that out.