Canon LTM VL, L1 or 7 ?????

[lewis44]

Seems to be a few VL, L1 and & 7 cameras available for purchase on eBay. I don't need another body, as I just sold a few to downsize, but I have some good screw mount lenses, so!!!!!. Question is, which one?????????????????. I've had a "P" but now that I wear glasses, it would not work. Any advise???? Thanks

 

[back alley]

i still want to try a 6l someday.

if you liked the p this might work for you.

 

[rogue_designer]

I wear glasses and use the P with more than a little regularity. Why won't that work?

 

[lewis44]

As I recall, I could not see all of the frame lines. It seemed fine before my eyes went. Now I use an M6 w/diopter and all is well.
I have not had a P in years, but recall that all of the frame lines are in the viewfinder and it seemed a little cluttered. At that time I had a M2 as well, so that is my comparison, or at least recollection.

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[bobkonos]

I use both V1-T and L1 models with glasses and they seem to be fine to me. For elegant design and features, the L1 is tough to beat. And now I have a nifty VC II meter to use on those cameras. :~)

 

[lewis44]

You sure do. Glad you like it
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[davidbivins]

I have an L1 and I love it. It doesn't have framelines - you switch the viewfinder's magnification to approximate 35/50/135 (if I recall correctly - I'm out of town, away from it). I think it's the most beautiful and elegant of the Canons, myself. I'm sure they're all quite nice to use. The L1 is, I believe, considerably more rare than the others. If you find one in excellent condition, you might want to pick it up while it's still around.

 

[Bill58]

Go with the best seller of all--the P--and use a VC auxillary VF The best VF for the money anywhere/ anytime. I do for my 35s and 50s and they work great.

 

[dexdog]

I would vote for the 7. Switchable framelines are really handy. Plus, no annoying slow speed dial like on the L1.

 

[xayraa33]

the best seller was the Canon 7
I would go with this model if you wear glasses and use the 50mm lens alot.
the prices for the 7 are generally very reasonable and you get so much features on it, save a cold shoe.

 

[Kim Coxon]

My vote would be for the VI-L over the L1. The single speed dial is much more user friendly. The variable mag finder is a boon for the longer lenses and it is the one thing I really miss on the Leicas. However, I don't wear glasses, except for reading, so I can't comment on how user friendly it would be. If this was an issue, I would go for the 7. The P is a classic but it is not as capable as the other 2.

Kim

 

[rover]

Well, If I am looking correctly, he is looking at a VL not a VI-L. The VL and L1 are relatively the same camera. The VL having a self timer, metal curtain I believe and a cool colored RF patch of the later VI series cameras. Neither have framelines, but both have the variable magnification finder mentioned above, a pretty nice feature. In the cameras I have and have handled, the warm toned finder patch like that in the L1 has always been better defined and easier to use than the cooler tone patches of the later V series and VI series cameras. Between the cameras you are looking for question about the clearness of the finders and definition/contrast of the finder patch.

The 7 is another ball game. Designed totally independent of Canon's prior cameras and pretty well done. I always imagined them to be bigger than their older siblings, but they are not, just about the same size, any differences are measured in mm not feet. I do not yet have a 7, but anticipate it to be a much more modern design in use and usefulness with the multiple built in framelines and meter, though uncoupled.

 

[rover]

By the way, the L1 is an awesome looking and feeling camera. Where the Nikon RF appears a little huskier compared to a Leica M of the same period, the Canon seems sleek. Truth is they are all just about the same size. The L1 though, very handsome, every bit the looker as a Canon P.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have the VI-T, V-T, and Canon 7.

The 1x finder of the VI-T is great, but those framelines for the 50 are a bit close to the edge. It has brightlines and parallax correction. Alternate magnification for 35 and 135. Try one first.

The V-T uses a lower Mag finder, easier to see everything. Closer to a 0.7x for the 50mm finder. Alternate magnification for 35 and 135. The finder tends to have very little flare due to the lower magnification.

The Canon 7 will be the lowest priced of the three mentioned. It has a single 0.8x finder with switched framelines for 35-50-85/100 and 135. The 35 lines are close to the edge for glasses, but visible with mine. The 50 is no problem at all with glasses.

I use all three, plus the Canon IIf. I end up using the latter quite a bit. Also has three magnifications.

Am I a help, or what!

 

[Mackinaw]

All good comments. A quick personal summary of the 7 ad L1 (I own both), as a shooter, I much prefer the projected frame lines of the 7 compared to the squinty viewnder of the L1. The L1 is a smaller camera, which I like, but the rather pointy film advance lever is uncomfortable after extended use. No doubt the L1 looks much cooler than the ungainly 7.

Truth be told, I don't use either one much any more, much preferring my Leica M (superior viewfinder)

Jim Bielecki

 

[lewis44]

I just wanted to thank all of you for the input. So happens that David Murphy just listed a Canon VI-L in Classified's and I bought it. Maybe he read my mind, or at least the thread.