Canon LTM New Canon 7

Canon M39 M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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gary2881

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I just received this new to me Canon 7. Its a KEH bargain grade. Its in pretty nice shape except the gray window on the front is cracked, and the light meter is inop.

Should I expect the light meter to work on a camera of this age? Can some of the Canon 7 users weigh in on this.

Canon-7.jpg


The 50 f1.8, and 135 f3.5 are from my broken IID.

Thanks for your help

Gary
 
I think these are selenium meters arent they? Selenium meters eventually die but I did hear on this forum a while back, of someone who was offering a service of reviving them.
 
My Weston Master 615 is going to go out any decade now. It is from the early 1940s.

I hope I last so long.
 
Gary,

Did you buy it knowing the meter was inop or was nothing said? Are you asking to see whether you should return it?

KEH bargain grade is guaranteed to function regardless of cosmetic condition.

Giorgio
 
KEH will certainly stand by the sale; they will likely just send you another bgn grade body, which may have the same trouble.

My understanding from several sources (mostly gleaned from Karen Nakamura's site) is that you are very fortunate if the se meter works, and if it doesn't it is difficult to find a replacement cell.

Did anyone here actually have the built-in meter fixed?
 
It would be too much to ask to find an old Canon 7 with a working and accurate meter. I've had a dozen or so of these cameras in the past year, and of the lot, perhaps 3 had decent meters.

In any case, I generally don't use the built-in meter, it is suitable only as a rough guide.
 
A number of years ago I purchased a Canon 7 from KEH; I think it was in EX condition at the time, but when it arrived the shutter capped, so I sent it back and they sent me another sample that worked fine. And the meter worked in both of those camera bodies.

KEH has a no-questions-asked return policy, as long as you return the item w/in a specified period (I think it's two weeks). And if the ad did not disclose that the meter was inoperable, then you definitely should return it and ask for either a replacement of like grade (but with a working meter) or your money back. KEH is good to deal w/, and I predict you'll be treated fairly.
 
I wouldn't trust it it being accurate or long-lived. I'd get a Gossen Luna Pro and have it overhauled and re calibrated at Quality Metrics in Hollywood.
 
Thanks for the fast replies, everyone. It sounds like if the meter did work, It still wouldn't be that great. I wanted the convenience of not having to pack an external meter. Everything else about the camera seems to be very nice.

I probably should have bought a Bessa 2 when KEH had them, but I messed around and they sold out. If I send it back I would likely wait for a bessa. On the other hand, the Canon is built like a tank, and is a classic, only slightly newer than my lenses.

I'll develop the test roll in the morning. Hopefully I will post some pics tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Gary
 
I have a Canon 7 with a recent CLA, and the meter works correctly. It's not real useful in deep deep lower light, but it is useful on heavy overcast days, when I have to really guess about "sunny16". Or when it is just dark and stormy. It works well for that, and that is all I ask of it.
 
Bill58 said:
I wouldn't trust it it being accurate or long-lived. I'd get a Gossen Luna Pro and have it overhauled and re calibrated at Quality Metrics in Hollywood.
Click to expand...

Exactly! Likewise, I got a Lunasix from KEH, with no expectation that it would be accurate, and sent to QLM. Now I have a very accurate meter that I will cling to for the foreseeable future.
 
Nikkor 5cm F1.4 in LTM on the Canon 7.

Exposure using on-board meter.

picture.php


Same camera, years later.

Jupiter-3 wide-open.

picture.php
 
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I have a Canon 7, and the light meter still works -- pretty accurately, too!

Amazingly, my 7 also has UNWRINKLED shutter curtains. Will wonders ever cease?

Here's a recent shot, using Ilford XP2 400 + and Industar 52 55mm/2.8:


My son, the sleepyhead! 🙂


6025838933_723dc041f1_z.jpg
 
I was out shooting with Canon7 this morning, testing my new 25mm F3.5 RF Canon. I really like how this camera handles! Feels good in the hands. Love it.

With the optional shoe mount, you cannot see the meter, however. Have to remove the viewfinder, to take a light reading. Not an issue today, as I was using "Sunny16" and Eastman XX 5222.

Same issue with my 7S. Will take some getting used to.
 
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