A Canon Model 7 35mm rangefinder camera fitted with the desirable Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM / L39 Leica Screw Mount lens.

Camera Body

The camera body appears to be functional in all respects tested. The rangefinder operates correctly, the selenium light meter responds to changes in light, the shutter operates at distinctly different speeds which appear plausible, and the self-timer works.

The film advance, rewind and other mechanical controls are also operating as expected.

Please note that no film has been put through the camera, so it has not been film-tested.

50mm f/1.4 Lens – Please Read

The lens is free from fungus and I cannot see any significant scratches, but it does have internal haze and should therefore be regarded as requiring attention for optimum photographic use.

The filter ring has also suffered a significant knock. I have been able to straighten this considerably using a lens filter-ring repair tool, but some deformation remains and this is clearly shown in the photographs.

The lens may be usable in its present optical condition, although the haze is likely to reduce contrast and otherwise affect image quality. Given the desirability of this particular Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens, I would regard it as a good candidate for dismantling and internal cleaning by somebody with the appropriate lens tools and experience.

The video attached deliberately shows a bright torch being shone through the lens. This is a particularly unforgiving test which tends to exaggerate optical imperfections, but I have included it specifically to make the extent of the internal haze as clear as possible.

I have also photographed a US dollar bill through the lens, and this demonstrates that it is nevertheless capable of forming a clear image in its present condition.

The coating on the front element appears somewhat uneven, possibly as a result of previous cleaning. This is also shown as clearly as possible in the photographs.

Lens Compatibility

The Canon Model 7 uses the Leica Thread Mount, also known as Leica Screw Mount, LTM or L39. The camera body can therefore accept a wide range of compatible L39 lenses, while the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens can similarly be used on other compatible LTM/L39 cameras.

Overall

This is an attractive and apparently functional example of Canon's classic Model 7 rangefinder, supplied with a valuable Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens which requires optical attention.

It is being sold on the basis that the camera body appears functional from the tests described above, while the lens has the clearly disclosed haze, filter-ring damage and coating condition described and photographed.

Please study all of the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and have deliberately been taken to show both the general condition of the camera and the optical condition of the lens.

Applications & Collectibility

The Canon Model 7 is one of Canon's best-known interchangeable-lens rangefinders of the early 1960s and remains an interesting alternative to contemporary Leica screw-mount cameras. The fast Canon 50mm f/1.4 is itself a sought-after LTM lens and makes this an appealing combination for a collector, rangefinder enthusiast or someone prepared to have the lens cleaned and serviced.