need help on the Canon 7 series.

[yongkiat]

hi guys,

i'm a 21yrs old ns man whose using dslr at the moment.

was reading up on rangefinders, as i find them interesting and i love vintage and old school stuffs.

basically, i like stuffs of the olden days, as they are build more in good quality than quantity.

i love old cars too.

love the design of stuffs in the older generation than the current ones.

but of all the rangefinders, the canon 7 series was the one that really attracted me.

i couldn't seem to be able to find one of them in the camera shops as 2nd hand, as they are collectables.

i was able to find some on ebay, and was thinking of maybe getting one when i saved enough for it, as i do not think the current owners in singapore would be letting go their set.

was attracted to the canon 7 or 7s with the 0.95 dream lens.

but as i have not seen one or felt one in reality before.. it sort of bothers me to whether am i making a right choice and if i would like it.

as all i know and saw are from the reviews and photos taken by others on the internet.

i'm thinking if any fellow clubsnap members own one and is willing to let me have a feel of it?

 

[alternatve]

The Canon f/0.95 dream lens is exactly that. Canon did not have the technology to produce a true f/0.95, so at the widest aperture, the subject isn't in focus, hence the "dreamy" look. Personally, I can do that too, with a click of a button in Picasa, I don't need a lens to do that for me. It's getting expensive now as the poor man's notilux. It can be modified to a LTM or M mount, so you don't need to use a Canon 7.

Samuel

 

[yongkiat]

The Canon f/0.95 dream lens is exactly that. Canon did not have the technology to produce a true f/0.95, so at the widest aperture, the subject isn't in focus, hence the "dreamy" look. Personally, I can do that too, with a click of a button in Picasa, I don't need a lens to do that for me. It's getting expensive now as the poor man's notilux. It can be modified to a LTM or M mount, so you don't need to use a Canon 7.

Samuel

i see.

thanks Samuel for the reply.

actually i'm more of interested in the canon 7 series rangefinder body itself.

it just sort of attracts me.

just that if i'm really getting it, i would wanna get a 0.95 dreams lens for it too.

as they seems like a match.

=)

 

[alternatve]

Well. you can go to www.keh.com to buy it. It's an online store located in the US, so everything there is in USD. They are reliable, and their grading system is conservative. You can check them online, a lot of people buy from them and are happy. Do note that even if the meter blows and the shutter curtains are crinkled, it's still useable. Those are the two most common problems, so it shouldn't affect you.

Happy searching!

Samuel

 

[chiif]

If you can save about SGD1200 for a return ticket plus accommodation (sleeping in capsule hotel) plus airport transfer to Ginza, there are plenty of Canon RF gears on the classic cameras stores. Price wise, expect to pay about SGD2000 (probably less) for a good Canon 7 with the dream lens you are talking about. Total, it will set you back by about SGD3200 plus the experience to explore the Tokyo.

Alternatively, you can check out the RF gears in the used market in Singapore, which have a reliable built-in meter and with a new Voigtlander lens, you are on your way to enjoy the good old days of film photography.

I have a Canon P, which is a scale down version of the Canon 7, without the meter. Most Canon 7 that you find today probably won't have a working or accurate meter, so might as well get a Canon P for it. If you want, you can come to my place and I can show you the Canon P plus the full range of Voigtlander gears.

If you can live with screw mount bodies, the Voigtlander Bessa R is a good body to start off with. Relatively inexpensive and has a good meter to rely on...

 

[jinglejangle]

you shouldn't try your luck with the canon P. heh, trust me yongkiat, i know. i'm 15, using a D80(and quite sick of it already, but it does come in handy at events). i kinda thought old school, cool looking cameras were built for me, WRONG. i shot merely three rolls on a zorki C, but i encountered a hell load of problems. almost torn film, pinhole burns affecting ALL MY SHOTS and the camera was really really heavy. to tell you the truth, get the Bessa R.

i got one, it's a workhorse. it's extremely reliable, it is also fully manual so it doesn't become a paperweight when it's out of batteries. oh, i dropped it from above waist level onto ground that was covered with THUMB SIZED gravel chips. well, no dings, no scratches. i'm not encouraging you to try this though, but believe me, chiif is (from what i see in his posts and from his advice) a pro at rangefinders. he probably won't jack you, so why not give the Bessa R a shot?

the bessa is a camera you'll use and probably grow to love, the Canon P ( and most other "coolio vintage" rangefinders) are toys you wanna buy when you're older (like chiif).

(kidding, chiif.)

 

[Tigor69]

Chiif recommendation worth to consider. Bessa is a good choice to start with. Pair it with 35mm Nokton or 28mm Ultron.
I got my Canon 7 with 28mm Ultron , they were made for each other ;p
It's true Canon 7 is hell heavy, but if you really want one, go get it now. Don't wait till you turn 60, by that time you can only hold pocket cam :bsmilie:

 

[jamesong]

I have both Canon 7 and 7s , one with the f0.95 lens. Meters are working fine and they are in near mint condition.

The Canon 7 and 7s lens mount are bridge lock system.

Regarding the f0.95 lens conversion to LTM or M mount. It is not so easy to convert, for conversion to fit Leica M6, you have to set aside US$600-$800 and have to send overseas. For my f0.95 fitted to my Leica Classic, I converted it myself with lots of sweat and many days and nights.:sweat:

Let me know if you want to see and feel it, I have to dig it up from my many collections.

James.

 

[alternatve]

you shouldn't try your luck with the canon P. heh, trust me yongkiat, i know. i'm 15, using a D80(and quite sick of it already, but it does come in handy at events). i kinda thought old school, cool looking cameras were built for me, WRONG. i shot merely three rolls on a zorki C, but i encountered a hell load of problems. almost torn film, pinhole burns affecting ALL MY SHOTS and the camera was really really heavy. to tell you the truth, get the Bessa R.

i got one, it's a workhorse. it's extremely reliable, it is also fully manual so it doesn't become a paperweight when it's out of batteries. oh, i dropped it from above waist level onto ground that was covered with THUMB SIZED gravel chips. well, no dings, no scratches. i'm not encouraging you to try this though, but believe me, chiif is (from what i see in his posts and from his advice) a pro at rangefinders. he probably won't jack you, so why not give the Bessa R a shot?

the bessa is a camera you'll use and probably grow to love, the Canon P ( and most other "coolio vintage" rangefinders) are toys you wanna buy when you're older (like chiif).

(kidding, chiif.)

I agree.

I went from a Leica IIIf to a second hand Bessa R2a. Though I had the full manual speeds, small size and great looks and studiness of the Leica, the Bessa was easier to use and has AE. As much as I try to kid myself to use older equipment, I find that mastering a good, newer body is essential training before I use classic equipment.

Samuel

 

[yongkiat]

Well. you can go to www.keh.com to buy it. It's an online store located in the US, so everything there is in USD. They are reliable, and their grading system is conservative. You can check them online, a lot of people buy from them and are happy. Do note that even if the meter blows and the shutter curtains are crinkled, it's still useable. Those are the two most common problems, so it shouldn't affect you.

Happy searching!

Samuel

i see.

thanks Samuel again.

i tried looking for the Canon 7 or 7s on www.keh.com.

couldn't find them. guess i have to try my luck on ebay if i really want one.

still would like to get a feel and try one before deciding on anything. =)

If you can save about SGD1200 for a return ticket plus accommodation (sleeping in capsule hotel) plus airport transfer to Ginza, there are plenty of Canon RF gears on the classic cameras stores. Price wise, expect to pay about SGD2000 (probably less) for a good Canon 7 with the dream lens you are talking about. Total, it will set you back by about SGD3200 plus the experience to explore the Tokyo.

Alternatively, you can check out the RF gears in the used market in Singapore, which have a reliable built-in meter and with a new Voigtlander lens, you are on your way to enjoy the good old days of film photography.

I have a Canon P, which is a scale down version of the Canon 7, without the meter. Most Canon 7 that you find today probably won't have a working or accurate meter, so might as well get a Canon P for it. If you want, you can come to my place and I can show you the Canon P plus the full range of Voigtlander gears.

If you can live with screw mount bodies, the Voigtlander Bessa R is a good body to start off with. Relatively inexpensive and has a good meter to rely on...

thanks chiif for your reply.

if i could, i would love to explore japan and hunt for a good condition Canon 7 or 7s there too with the dream lens. but as i'm still in ns, don't really have the budget.

i have browsed through the different rangefinders on the net, but i still was only attracted to the Canon 7 or 7s. haha

ya.. think i sound rather stubborn. =X

haha.

guess its the Canon 7 series that leads me to fall for the rangefinders at the moment, as i do not know much about them as i have yet to shoot one. but would love to shoot one to try if i would love it.

 

[yongkiat]

you shouldn't try your luck with the canon P. heh, trust me yongkiat, i know. i'm 15, using a D80(and quite sick of it already, but it does come in handy at events). i kinda thought old school, cool looking cameras were built for me, WRONG. i shot merely three rolls on a zorki C, but i encountered a hell load of problems. almost torn film, pinhole burns affecting ALL MY SHOTS and the camera was really really heavy. to tell you the truth, get the Bessa R.

i got one, it's a workhorse. it's extremely reliable, it is also fully manual so it doesn't become a paperweight when it's out of batteries. oh, i dropped it from above waist level onto ground that was covered with THUMB SIZED gravel chips. well, no dings, no scratches. i'm not encouraging you to try this though, but believe me, chiif is (from what i see in his posts and from his advice) a pro at rangefinders. he probably won't jack you, so why not give the Bessa R a shot?

the bessa is a camera you'll use and probably grow to love, the Canon P ( and most other "coolio vintage" rangefinders) are toys you wanna buy when you're older (like chiif).

thanks jinglejangle.

i understand what you mean and the concerns of using and maintaining a vintage rangefinder.

just would like to at least try or get a feel of this particular model, at least if after trying it and i don't like it.. i could kill my heart on it.. rather than keep thinking about it.

Chiif recommendation worth to consider. Bessa is a good choice to start with. Pair it with 35mm Nokton or 28mm Ultron.
I got my Canon 7 with 28mm Ultron , they were made for each other
It's true Canon 7 is hell heavy, but if you really want one, go get it now. Don't wait till you turn 60, by that time you can only hold pocket cam :bsmilie:

thanks Tigor69 for the reply.

finally found one of the Canon 7 users.

would like to hear more from you. =)

or could i get a feel of it? haha.

i do not really mind about the weight issue, as if i really like something..

its gonna be worth it, despike the cons of it.

will contact you thru private message.

I have both Canon 7 and 7s , one with the f0.95 lens. Meters are working fine and they are in near mint condition.

The Canon 7 and 7s lens mount are bridge lock system.

Regarding the f0.95 lens conversion to LTM or M mount. It is not so easy to convert, for conversion to fit Leica M6, you have to set aside US$600-$800 and have to send overseas. For my f0.95 fitted to my Leica Classic, I converted it myself with lots of sweat and many days and nights.:sweat:

Let me know if you want to see and feel it, I have to dig it up from my many collections.

James.

thanks james for your reply.

glad to find another Canon 7 series user.

especially with both the Canon 7 and 7s and also the 0.95 dream lens.

could we arrange a meeting for me to have a feel or try out both the camera and len?

would love to know how it is like.

and to stop my mind of keep thinking about them almost everyday.

haha.

 

[ckuang]

my vote is for the leica MP. mmmm....love mine and it feels like something i can use for the rest of my life.

 

[Rurouni]

I'd also recommend a Bessa-R as a low cost start to RF. Well built, easy to use and quality meter.

If you're willing to bump up to 3k+ for a RF, maybe you might want to look at 2nd hand Leicas or RD1s (if u want digital)?

 

[sim4nee]

I just sold my Canon 7s a week ago, sorry! Great camera, much more feature than camera of same range like M3 or Nikon S3. Bought it, used it and sold it, just to fullfil my dream.

 

[sim4nee]

Hahaha!! Brother you compare Ferrari and Nissan Sunny!! How many more MP you still own? Me sold my M4-P and Canon 7s already, Bessa R soon as well.

 

[yongkiat]

thanks guys.

i have met up with james.

felt the Canon 7 and the 0.95 dream len.

its heavy but very nice rangefinder!

i still love it. lolx. but the M6 he showed me was more attractive. haha

well.. there is a price to pay i guess.

at least feeling it let me know how is it and what would i want.

thanks james!

will go look for u when i'm free? hope i'm welcomed.

haha.

I just sold my Canon 7s a week ago, sorry! Great camera, much more feature than camera of same range like M3 or Nikon S3. Bought it, used it and sold it, just to fullfil my dream.

thats the same way i think bro, to fullfil my dreams.

at least feel it, tried it, own it and finally.. if its not for me, its not for me.. time to let it go for the next person to fullfil his dream.