Canon 7 Black With 50mm f.95 Dream Lens
This is not the first time I have shot the Canon 7 for this project, but this time two things are different. This one is black, so obviously a better camera. This one is paired with the Canon 50mm f0.95 dream lens.
The Canon 7 was introduced in 1961 and sold until the release of the Canon 7s in 1965. It was the fist of the Canon range finder cameras to include a built in meter (selenium so no battery). Like the other Canon range finders, the 7 is designed to use Canon screw mount lens that are also compatible with the Leica screw mount lens. But with the 7, Canon also introduced an outer bayonet mount, specifically designed for this monster 50mm f0.95.
The 50mm f0.95 is a huge chunk of glass. It blocks the bottom right section of the viewfinder. It is called the “dream lens” because of the blur that you can get with it. Not just background blur, the focal plain is so shallow that everything gets a soft finish when shot wide open. At more reasonable f-stops, the lens behaves and gives clear images. But the magic and only reason to lug such a chunk around happens wide open. The f0.95 was the only lens released by Canon that used the bayonet mount and was only compatible with the Canon 7 and latter Canon 7s. There are example of converted lens for other mounts, especial for the Leica M mount but they have been modified.
My Take:
Let me start by saying that I love this camera. I is a beautiful camera that just looks fantastic in black with the brass peaking through. It fells good in the hand and has a quality feel. It is heavy and not what you want to carry all day. The lens give that great dream image but is a real pain to focus. As much as I like the feel of the photos, my ability to consistency get the focus right is the problem. But it is fun to try.
Would I suggest you get one? If you want to shoot any of the great old Canon or Leica screw mount lens, the Canon 7 is a great option. They are not that hard to find and built like a tank (harder in black). Note that there is not an accessory shoe for flash or external meter.
As for the Dream Lens: they are hard to find and expense. Great fun to use but not an everyday carry lens for me. Too big, too heavy and too hard to focus for most shots. Best saved for the specific use. It is a special enough combination that I will be keeping it, despite the infrequent use. The lens does have a cult following including in the digital world because of that look.
Lens: Canon 50mm f0.95
Film: Fuji 100