Canon LTM new guy, new gear, ...and a fear

[meezy]

hi folks.
been shooting for a while w/ various cameras, including my beloved canonet 17, but just scored an immaculate 7sz w/ a 35mm/3.2 lens and felt it was time to join RFf.

anyway, i've got 1.5v LR9 and PX625 batteries that i think will fit, but i know it takes 1.35v batteries. i looked around for an answer to this in the forum because i'm sure this is something that's been asked before - but i didn't find the answers - so apologies, but - do i risk damaging the meter or the camera in any other way by doing this? i can just pick up an wein cell with appropriate voltage friday - but i want to see my meter work NOW!! i just got it in the mail! and i want instant gratification like any other red blooded american!!

btw - the only commentary i could find about the lens was on antiquecameras.com where it is labeled "average". anyone care to comment on their experiences with this lens?

thanks and looking forward to your comments.
~m

 

[bennyng]

Nice!!!! It does look to be in great condition! The 7sZ isn't the most common of Canon rangefinders. I think about 4000 or so were made.

I've used the PX625 on my camera to test my meter and it works. But I wasn't sure if it was accurate though.

As for the Canon 35mm f/3.2, it's not well loved by many as it's not exactly a speedy gonzales . In addition to that, it doesn't work so well with color film as it's relatively lower contrast than it's modern brothers (like the f/2.0 or f/1.8 version). However, it does give good tones when paired with black and white film.

One thing is to check the lens for haze, as it will further reduce your contrast and in severe cases, even affect the resolution of the lens. The tiny optics doesn't make it easy for a thorough check.

Cheers,

 

[meezy]

thanks for your comments, benny. i kind of thought that about my lens. i'll put a few rolls through her and see how i like it.

 

[gdi]

Meezy - the silver oxide battery will not hurt the camera, but you are better off going to Radio Shack (or the grocery store ) and getting some hearing aid batteries (675) they work great, but you will have to pad them with some foam, tape, tin foil etc. to make sure they make a good connection. They are 1.4 volts and should be very accurate in your 7sz.

That camera looks great - I have been looking for one just like it for a long time!