Canon's Old Rangefinder is Truly Magical
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- Опубликовано: 5 апр 2023
- On a quest to shoot with a 35mm Rangefinder camera, I obviously considered a Leica... lol. I ended up becoming very interested in a series of Canon rangefinder cameras. When doing my research I found that the Canon 7 was my best option when considering usability, condition, cost and accessibility. While this camera is not something most people would consider, as a camera enthusiast and street photographer I am very happy with the experience and use case of this camera so far.
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I have Canon rangefinders and Leicas. Both are great cameras and I have to say, Leicas are not at all worth the additional money. These Canon rangefinders are the hidden gems. I find the Canon cameras easier to use, easier to load film, and rarely need servicing. A Leica is like a Rolex, its a status symbol. Older Leicas and all Canon rangefinders that accept different lenses use the same screw mount. If you like Leica glass, you can put it on a Canon. Unless you have money to burn, buy a Canon Rangefinder. You are likely to spend 10 times or more on a Leica verses a Canon.
That's great to hear, I've just been out shooting with mine and I'm completely in awe of the experience
Don’t leicas have parallax correction? Thats a big deal if so. Also, bring a seiko into a rolex dealer and ask to try on a similar model rolex. Compare them. You will feel the difference immediately. You get fit, finish, reliability, ridiculous precision, and support for old models. We are talking a 70 year piece vs a 300 year piece. Also good glass will change your life. Its so much better when it has aspherical precision lenses and can do everything you need it to. It really is.
I’m definitely no expert on leica in particular, but just cause the cheap option works doesn’t mean you’re paying for nothing. Eventually you have to pick a price thats “good enough” for you and you will always be sacrificing something
@@melody3741 Canons have parallax correction too. They also allow you to select your framelines, and have a superior metal shutter, not rubber. Superior film loading too.
Leica's are built well, and that's really about it.
With leaf shutters you can flash sync at almost any shutter speed because opens up equally not a shutter curtain go up and down too slow to get a even exposures at slower shutter speeds😉
Incredibly well done review. I was having a hard time finding a review on this camera that was engaging and informative. You accomplished both - subscribed!
I'm happy to help and thank you very much!
This camera is recommend for purists who are into street photography. All of the pioneers used rangefinders using zone focusing. This camera is a excellent option to a Leica body because you can slap a m39 lens on it. Or use alternative m39 lenses (voigtlander, Jupiters, Canon etc) meter for the shadows wherever you are and fire away. Not using the built in light meter of course.
Yes exactly!
Zone focusing is indeed fine, i use it here & there. Voigtländer does have at least still serveral lenses with "modern" optics. Heck, there's even a LLL Summicron 35/2 clone for M39/LTM, too...but too expensive for my needs, and always being sold out.
Why do you need a rangefinder to zone focus? You can do that even with modern auto focus lenses if you have a bit of experience
@@Pspet no shit
Had this for years , epic camera with lovely results , go back and forth w this and Nikon F
Love the video!! It’s so interesting and love the pictures you show! Love the colors and the overal photo! Looks great. Left a like for sure!
Thank you! Yeah luckily Ektar film does an amazing job with zero editing 😄
@@GeorgeHolden good to know!! Also my 24-70mm just arrived and can’t wait to test it :D
@@muTeBeasT awesome!
Really love my Canon 7, I bought a Canon 35mm f2,8 lens for it and this setup works for me 🙏
I didn't expect to see a Canon Rangefinder video in my feed today!
I've been shooting 2x Canon P's for about 6 years now on a daily basis, with fast canon lenses. By far my favourite cameras to use because they're so simple, and well made. The Canon 7 was more of a step down in build quality but added features. Canon's full range of Rangefinder cameras and lenses from the 50's from my understanding, were technically better than Leica's offerings because Canon began to develop their own ideas with these cameras, which is what helped them developing their SLR's. Kinda the same story for Nikon who copied Contax cameras until about the same time Canon made their first SLR. The Nikon F had parts from their S Rangefinder, mainly the titanium shutter I believe
Thanks for the info Stuart! Yes that's similar to what I have learned, definitely keen to try some Canon lenses of the era too
Graflex Graphic 35 is cool looking. I have used it a few times when I was much younger. It was bought by my Dad decades ago. I have no need for film these days, so my Brownie Holiday Flash, Canon TLb, and Pentax SF1 shall rest on a display self.
Oh nice I'll check it out! Yeah I feel that, for me hopefully it can last a while longer during this time of my life but I doubt it'll last forever
The Voigtlander lenses are modern designs with multi-coated surfaces, equal to the Leica stable for the most part. So there are good screw mount lenses available. Enjoyed the Leica alter-ego! Good storytelling!
Thanks very much!
Nice vid and very nice camera! One slight nitpick from me though: 8:20 You mention that the difference in shutter mechanism between the rangefinder and the SLR is that the SLR (and DSLRs) uses the mirror flicking up and down to expose the image. This is not true, both the SLR and the rangefinder in question have focal plane shutters.
The X-700 specifically has a horizontal-traverse, cloth, focal-plane shutter. (Try saying that 5 times fast). The mirror goes out of the way before the shutter opens and gets back in the way after it has finished exposing.
The canon 7 has the same thing but metal. It is even said that the Canon 7 shutters are nearly identical to the ones used on the Canonflex SLR and other early Canon SLRs, but those were cloth instead of metal like on their rangefinders.
You were right about the leaf shutters though!
The biggest difference between the two shutters I'd say is that the Canon 7's is fully mechanical and the X-700's is electronically controlled.
Hi, I did point that out in a pinned comment!
@@GeorgeHolden Didn't see that! Alright cool
I bought a super cheap Kiev 4 with a Jupiter 8 lens and it’s surprising how sharp the focus is and it’s probably my favorite 35mm camera. I had the sudden urge to buy a Canon 7, but probably stick to my Kiev, even though the shutter doesn’t work below 125.
I'm relatively new to film now with now 2 cameras in my possession after one year (the ae-1 and the Olympus xa2) but became really interested in these Leica-like rangefinders. just love how small they are. i love a mirrored camera but i just don't like carrying it with me. the Olympus is great for quick snapshots but just lacks the options like a lens-mount. So been on the lookout for something more portable like this, small with tiny lenses but without the fear of going bankrupt, please.
this canon looks really interesting. thought the lack of a hot shoe mount could be the dealbreaker...
I have used the Canon 7, a very good camera. Also have owned several Canon P rangefinders, which I prefer over the Canon 7. Built like a tank and very good quality. I’d still be shooting film if film and processing were not getting so expensive. Good review. Cheers.
Thanks Daniel, yes the P was definitely the top of my list but condition and price weren't great when I was looking. So far the 7 has been a dream for me
If it wasn't for the price I would have got a P....
Went a bit nuts for film cameras last year and bought loads. Of all the rangefinders I bought the leica does have the clearest focusing smudge, but what a massive ball ache putting film in the bloody thing.
Hahaha exactly!! Looks kind of cool but so much effort
Great video, very well explained and thought out. My only experience with rangefinders is my Canon Canonet QL19 and my recently acquired Minolta CLE. The Minolta CLE is as close to a "real" Leica that I ever care to get, as it is technically a Leica camera made by Minolta. It still cost me a pretty penny but compared to any Leica body it is a reasonably priced camera. I've shot 4 rolls through it now and I'm hoping the photos all turn out well. Has been a joy to use!
I know where everybody goes after this video...it begins with e and ends with a bay...Very interesting George! Looks good
Hahaha let's see! 😅
If budget is a restriction, look at the Russian options… the Fed 2 is a fantastic little fully manual rangefinder. Can be had very cheap too. Like any old camera though, there’s always risk buying used. So do your research or buy from a reputable seller/shop if you’re unsure.
Great advice Derren, thanks!
Just got an Olympus 35SP and it’s awesome 🎉
Nice!
FINALLY! A VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE ACTUAL RANGEFINDER WORKING
Thank you for appreciating it! This camera features again in this week's new video on Thursday
A beautiful camera, love mine as well and yes it doesn't cost me an arm, leg or any kidney to own a 35mm film range finder camera. Great video and pictures.
Thanks for sharing!
9:18 a good amount of soviet cameras have a leaf shutter.
Oh really?! Do you know any models worth checking out? Would be keen to try 😄
How cool is this! I really wish zeiss, Voightlander and Minolta had m mount digital rangefinders ,they did film versions. Leica has virtually no competition. The M11 is nine grand. If the market had other choices Leica wouldn’t be a** R***
Ta
Same here! Would be a much more interesting landscape of digital cameras
Yo, and some Soviet lens Индустар-61 too! If you look closely, most of older Soviet lenses are either produced with assistance of Germans or made on decals of Zeiss lenses from Leica. Damn, you can even test Zorki-4 or FED-2 to have ultimate Leica experience
Thanks for the tip! Definitely keen to test a Zorki
i actually picked one of these up the other day for the same reasons, funny to see
Hahaha no way! You liking it so far?
@@GeorgeHolden still on the hunt for an affordable lens, but as far as looking at it and touching it it’s great!
Leaf shutters are common in fixed lens cameras as they do not need to worry how to protect the film during lens changes.
Modern mirrorless typically have first curtain electronic shutter as they start with shutter open unlike film cameras. Though some have option for fully mechacal.
Thanks!
Cool 😎 Man! Like it!
Cheers!
@@GeorgeHolden cheers!!!! ❤
I've bought a ton of older cameras -- never had a problem... because I always buy in person, confirm that everything is working. ;)
Have you tried an old Agfa or Voigtlander? Inexpensive and generally solid -- it's just that you're stuck with the "standard lens" it comes with. :)
Thanks! I haven't yet, heard great things about the Agfa, and I may pick up a Voigtlander lens for M39 mount but only when my budget allows 😂
I won one last year on Ebay for $60...I like it, I little hard on the pinky finger while holding but love it none the less. I did buy the canon 35 f2 ltm for it.
Nice! How much did the 35 cost you?
@@GeorgeHolden I think I paid around $340 for a copy with glass that was in the best condition I could find...I figured glass was the most important thing and read that the Jupiter lenses thread mount is too long and scrapes and crinkles the metal shutter sheet so I went with the 35 f2 ltm which is known as the Japanese Summicron. It's not the coolest looking lens but its tiny and has a nice throw and is pretty sharp.
@@kevin.itruth6880 That's great to hear, yes I'd heard similar things about the Jupiter lenses - I',m also considering a Voigtlander Ultron which costs a bit more but they're found in good condition usually
@@GeorgeHolden I wanted the Voigtlander, it looks cool and has the focus tab but I couldn't justify the price and heard the 35 f2 was better optically. Either way good luck with whatever you pickup!
@@kevin.itruth6880Sorry to say, but your'e wrong. Not the 35mm f/2 is called the Japanese Summicron, its a complet different lens. The 50mm f/1.4 is the so called Japanese Summicron, and it was interduced 2 years before the Leica Summicron came out. A good Canon ltm 50mm f/1.4 copie sells for 200-350+ bucks.
I purchased a “P” with 50mm f/1.4 lens, “Canon meter” and the original leather case, all in very good/near mint condition with CLA and 1 year warranty. It was a collector's copy, sold on behalf the collector by a technician specializing in rangefinder cameras.
For what it's worth to future lens shoppers, a great three lens kit for a camera like this might be Canon RF lenses: 355mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, and 100mm 3.5. These are all at the cheaper end of the options available in the Canon lineup. I owe these as well as the more costly options (35mm 2.0; 50mm 1.4; 100mm 2.0), but these are much lighter physically and smaller build, so easier to carry around. You do not give up significant image quality. They also match the viewfinder options built into the 7/7S
RF mount will adapt to M39..?
when you shoot in snowy conditions you should always overexpose by nearly a stop, the metering is basically looking for 18% gray, and the snow throws it off so bad
Good to know thank you!
The lieca loading system is to help avoid light leaks.
No foam needed.
Swing backs need foam and every one i have had has developed a light leak at some point.
Not so with my Leica.
I learned the hard way after making this video!
The kit lens with that camera was a 50mm f1.8 which has the problem with haze. The Jupiter lens is an slightly more expensive Soviet lens, but good bang for the buck. A copy of the Carl Zeiss' Sonnar lens design.
You didn't just say the mirror controls exposure right? SLRs have a proper shutter behind the mirror too, the mirror just moves out of the way first.
Also look into jupiter lenses, they're pretty nice and affordable.
Sorry yes the shutter curtain in SLRs too, I noticed my error after uploading but was too last minute to fix 🤦🏼♂️ may do a pinned comment to be fair. And thank you I have looked at some recently!
Why $ in your video titles?
loving the absolute Leica slander 😊
Hahaha I'm glad!
I got a Canon 7 with the 50mm 1.4 LTM because I wanted the rangefinder experience without spending a lot of money. I now own a Leica M2. The focusing patch in the viewfinder is so much easier to see on a Leica. That's gotta be the biggest drawback of the Canon. If whether it's worth the price difference is debatable.
hi George what analog camera would u recomend for cheap? i do some digital photography ,already i have over 80k shutter count lol but i want to try analog, just dont know where to begin
I only have experience with 3 analog cameras, if you want a rangefinder like this one it may be worth trying something like a Minolta Hi Matic or Canon Canonet - does depend on if you want a rangefinder or SLR
@@GeorgeHolden i would like some that will help me with exposure and have nice mirror sound :D
@@ladislavzenk2139 hahaha! The SLR family, sure like the Canon AE1 or Minolta X-700 have metering and nice mirror sounds
@@GeorgeHolden canon ae1 also looks sexy but its for more then 350usd for body only here in very used condition
@@ladislavzenk2139 AV 1 from canon may be cheaper, or Olympus OM10
Not from the Real Camera Company that lens by any chance George? Looks like it’s had a bit of a battering but those older lenses can take a knock or two, unlike todays lot.
I really want a smaller film camera I can take anywhere, don’t shoot a lot of film, down to cost really, still got two films here that need processing, I’ll drop them in to “Come Through Lab” next time I’m in Town.
It is indeed! And yes come through are the go to the days, great scans!
Great Video! I agree with you, I started with a Pentax K2 which has a TTL lightmeter it helped me a lot to gain confidence in the proper exposure settings since I do a lot of street I just have to focus on composition and follow the lightmeter. But right now I use my Canon 7 since I have a proper understanding of exposure and sunny 16 rule, But I still have backup handheld lighmeter and sometimes phone apps when I get stuck. I love the canon 7 its quieter and low profile, zone focusing helped me a lot too!
Thanks and yes agree once you have a system around exposure it's such a great tool to shoot with!
For those who want the old-school, Barnack-style rangefinder, Canon II or Canon IV2B is a must. They already had integrated finder, which Leica didn't do until they released the Leica M. And of course in general, Canon lenses are great performer. Probably won't match Leica's ASPH lenses in terms of sharpness/microcontrast/bla bla bla, but with 1/100 price tag...well hard to complain.
Yes, Canon system is a great budget friendly choice.
Thanks for sharing that!
I bought a brand new Leica MP in 2020, it's gone up in value since, similar used models sell for more than what I paid for a factory new MP with warranty. You can't lose money with a Leica. It's an investment.That essentially make them the cheapest option to use. Like Ken Rockwell said: poor people pay twice for what they want.
😅
That's great! Yeah definitely better investments even bought from the source 😅
Check back in 20 years, and don't forget to allow for inflation and "opportunity cost" (how much you could have earned if you had done something else with the same money.) You'll find that Leicas aren't as great an investment as everyone thinks. Better to just enjoy it as something to use, if that's what you like and you have scads of money. Don't get me started about Rockwell...
Another vote for the P. Much cleaner design than the 7 and just as capable. I own both and never use the 7.
Thanks good to know!
Well, the 35mm frameline in the P is almost impossible to see, and it has no frameline for an 85mm lens. The 7 solves both those problems, and all its framelines are much more visible under a variety of lighting conditions. Of course it's hard to resist the P because it's so awesome-looking, and I admit if I'm going out for casual picture-taking with a 50mm lens, that's the one I reach for first... but if you can only have one rangefinder camera and you want to use a variety of lenses, the 7 (or better yet 7s) is a more versatile choice...
@@jlwilliams I disagree about the frame line visibility. Mine are bright and clear. And I use an 85mm just fine with the 100mm lines. Just sold my 7; it’s just too clunky compared to the sleek lines on the P, imo.
This Canon 7 is right up there with the Leica M cameras, the leicas have a slight edge on sleekness and ergonomics however the canon has the edge on everything else including price ,i definitely have to get a backup before the prices go nuts.The Canon 7 is also better than the Canon P, the P ,i've used both and glad i didn't get the P , it's just a sleeker closer to Leica M design look,The Canon 7 wins out on built in meter if you want to use it,shutter design,frame line selector instead of all bundled on one screen on the leica P.
If you insist on cool points get the all black Canon7SZ it'll cost maybe 4 times as much but it's still cheaper than a leica 😄.
This is everything I was learning before buying and very happy with the Canon 7 decision!
Agree that the much hyped P is functionally inferior to the 7/7s series, mainly for the much better viewfinder of the 7. Two issues to consider: (1) The 7 requires a unique cold shoe accessory to have any mounting shoe on the camera. If you can find one today, it's likely to cost more than the 7 body. (2) The P, 7 and 7S share an all (then) new shutter. It's problem is that it tends to loose speed at the faster settings. It is adjustable to a point, but when that adjustment runs out of range, the shutter is practically not repairable, for lack of unique parts. I have both a 7 and a 7Sz, however I use a VI, one reason being that is shutter is like a Leica, and it is easy and cheap to service forever.
The 7Sz was never produced in black. Even repainted ones are as rare as hens teeth.
Why bothering with film 😂 all the headaches to develop the negative and then to expose for the final picture. My Xpro 3 gives me the same kick like a range finder style film camera. I just keep the LCD closed and develop my shots once in awhile electronically
Fuji love as a German. Though I would recommend you Voigtländer M lenses to try. The Ultron F/2.0 35 mm is an excellent choice.
I don't find it a headache, I go to a very good local lab and it's a great experience! It's not my main shooter but I usebif for personal projects 😊
In Poland you can buy this lens for 10 pounds or even less
Oh wow makes sense why so many Poland listings are expensive 😂 profit goals
@@GeorgeHolden If you want you can buy it, for example, Jupiter 9. For around 120 pounds. Jupiter 9 ich really nice lens.
aaaaaand now it's a grand lol
sure 😂
Trust me, i've owned Leica Ms before and its just a hyped up camera. Apart from looking sleek, you're basically paying a premium for the lens and brand name. I have take much better photos on my Hasselblad 500cm and Mamiya 67ProS than what a leica can do (and don't get me started talking about 4x5). If you're just looking for street photography, just use a fuji x100 system. 35mm is just too small to even compare to a smaller sensor, its not like you really need that DOF in your street anyways. What you have is probably better than than the leica. P.S. I loved using the minolta, it was cheap and easy to use.
Thanks for reassuring my decision and yes love the Minolta
Try a Zorki 4K, more like the real thing.
Thanks! May try one out 😄
One thing to be aware of is to put a cap on your lens every time cause if your facing the sun without it, it will burn a hole in the shutter curtain…
Burn a hole in the shutter curtain? My latest roll had a few light leaks - should I be keeping the cap on in between shots more often?
@@GeorgeHolden yes, the lens is acting like a magnifying glass so if the camera is pointing directly to the sun it will burn a hole… it’s not like a slr who has the mirror to protect the shutter curtain, on a rangefinder it’s direct on it.
@@buchsg that is so simple, here's me thinking shutter curtains are perfect if they don't have tears. Can this cause tears in the shutter too?
@@GeorgeHolden i don’t think this can cause tears by itself but maybe it can help tears to start in the future, weakening the curtain
That can happen with a Leica, but it won't happen with a Canon 7 (or P or VI-T or VI-L) because the shutter curtains are made of epoxy-coated stainless steel. Nikon used titanium-foil curtains on the late SP and S3 for the same reason, and Contax had burn-proof metal-slat shutters since the 1930s... it's strictly a Leica (and Leica-copy) problem...
For the lenses, Jupiter 8 are great for 50mm and Jupiter 12 for 35mm… they are cheap
Thanks I've taken a look at some Jupiter lenses!
Bestimmt ein tolles Video, ich hab leider sehr wenig verstanden. Gibt es das auch in deutsch? Bitte mehr deutschsprachige Videos. Dann eben mit englischen Untertiteln.
Hallo, es sind deutsche Untertitel verfügbar - waren diese nicht hilfreich? Ich überprüfte die Grammatik und fand, dass es gut aussah
@@GeorgeHolden naja, Ansichtssache. Beiträge von deutschsprachigen Menschen finde ich halt auf deutsch entspannter. Wenn es um die Reichweite geht, dann Untertitel in englisch und anderen Sprachen zur Auswahl. Bei mir ist es 50 Jahre her, dass ich englisch in der Schule hatte 🤪
@@uwekienle8939 Ich verstehe, mein verbales Deutsch beschränkt sich auf "Hallo, wie heißt du? Mein Name ist George" 😂 Meine Untertitel sind das Beste, was ich kann, leider ist mein Italienisch nicht viel besser 🤣
@@GeorgeHolden 😆 schade
You'll end up with a Jupiter 35mm did you?
Canon
@@GeorgeHolden 😏🤑HI-Brow dude. I thought It was about being budget friendly 😁Anyways, that's even better. I really love your videos especially your solo acting skits. Cracks me up all the time!
No Leica rangefinders have a leaf shutter. They're all cloth focal plane shutters.
Thanks, I think I mixed up with just the Q2 - my bad
True for Leicas with built-in rangefinders, but... the Leica B, introduced in 1926, had a leaf shutter. It was made for people who wanted shutter speeds down to 1 sec. (the original Leica A only went down to 1/20.) It turned out that there weren't many such people... the Leica B was in sporadic production for 15 years, but a total of less than 2,000 were made. So if you find a clean one in a car-boot sale, don't turn up your nose at it -- they're worth silly money because of their rarity. Neither of these cameras had a built-in rangefinder, but many were used with a separate shoe-mount rangefinder...
And this will be $350 in t minus 3…2….1
Unlikely 😅 everyone knows this is the least nice option from Canon, the P is the pricey one
Imagine if canon kept up with rangefinders AND SLR's. Hell their first "true" SLR wasn't until the late 70's with the F1 anyways.
Imagine a far more technologically advanced rangefinder than the over priced shit coming out of LEICA.
I always say, if Leica-philes weren't such dinosaurs, Leicas would have ultimately ended up similar to xpro3's..That fact hurts them.
Jokes on leica users I use a zorki 💀
Best vintage LTM camera, better than any Leica. The rangefinder for intelligent people. The later Canon 7s does have a quite accurate CDS meter.
My only LTM so far but I love it