I have a 7S with the 0,95 lens, and it is a great camera. The common problem with these cameras was, that the light meter would fail over time. Not a big deal, but annoying none the less. I don't know if I would go along with your suggestion that it is the best rangefinder camera, I have a couple of Leicas, an M3 and a IIIf, that are impressive cameras. The IIIf is more difficult to load and requires a little more skill to operate properly, but it is a compact, reliable camera. which constantly produces impressive results.
Thanks for the informative video. I'm considering a return to photography after a 20yr lay-off. I've never really used a 35mm camera but I am quite taken by the Canon rangefinders. Judging from your accent mi duck, we're in the same part of the country.
I find the split screen hard to read in my 7. My Fed-3 is easy by comparison. However, the frame lines move depending on how close you focus, giving you a better idea of what will be in the image.
I was wondering how the Color Skopar lenses would look on a Canon rangefinder. Looks great. Do you happen to have the 28mm version of this lens? Do you know if the back end has issues hitting the light baffles of the camera?
I had a Canon RF with that 0.95 lens, but sold it. The lens was very soft. It might've been haze. Can't remember which model I had now. Did not have a light meter.
Good review of camera features. While the slow shutter speed control here is slicking, probably needing a cleaning to fix, the bigger problem is the high speeds. Few if any Canon 7 or 7s cameras will accurately function at shutter speeds above 1/125, each higher speed being progressively slower than rated such that 1/1000 is often only a bit over 1/500. This problem is based on shutter design issues and it today not repairable for lack of parts and know how. Most repairman refuse to work on these shutters for any problem. Earlier models use a very ordinary shutter, easily repaired. So, this is a great camera for display and occasionally to play with. If you want a regular user, a much better, if exotic, choice would be the VIT. It has no shutter issues; it's much lighter (the 7/7s is a brick); and with the fast trigger advance built in, its a hoot to use.
Not knowing how much you paid for it but my first and knee jerk reaction to your return of this cosmetically pristine condition camera (Irrespective of any functional defect or even being totally Non-functional) was: " *What a Shame* "! I seriously hope by now you haven't undergone a huge regret reaction to your action!
Yes it was a shame, but I don't regret it. I contacted the seller and he offered to refund me £20 for the fault, which nowhere covered the cost of the repair!
