Canon Model 7 Instruction Booklet – 1968

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I was rather surprised to find such a late date booklet for the original Canon 7 35mm rangefinder camera (August 1968) since the camera went out of production in 1964. The Canon Model 7s was in full production during this period (it followed the Model 7 with only slight improvements).

A scan of the front cover and inside back cover from the booklet. Canon didn’t feature their 50mm f/0.95 lens in this edition.

A scan of the back cover – take note of the 08/68 date code (bottom center). Again the f/1.4 lens is featured.

I haven’t had the opportunity to use my Model 7 yet as I’ve been super busy with a refresh of my kitchen (paint, new floors, and new cabinets) but I hope to soon. Here in Florida COVID-19 the Delta variant is running rampant so the thought of a walkabout with the camera is on hold for now. I’m vaccinated but apparently not many of my fellow Floridians and tourists are (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view). What a shame as the local hospitals are nearly full with sick unvaccinated people.

Thanks for stopping by and be safe.

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

It’s just a box

August 7, 2021August 7, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Chasing boxes — sounds pretty lame and it is in the big picture of collecting classic and vintage cameras but a camera box from the early 1960s can be either a rat or a gem after all these years. They’re just colorful cardboard with some stickers here and there after all and cardboard doesn’t do well if stored improperly. Moisture, bugs, sunlight, heat, pollution and crushing are just a few of the nasty things that can degrade 40, 50, and 60 year-old cardboard.

So, knowing all of the things that are stacked against finding a collectible camera box I’m happy to say that this one is a pleasant surprise. It’s far from perfect but it’s still very nice (no not so funny smells either).

My best guess is that this box was made in late 1962 based on the serial number of the camera that’s written on the bottom of the box.

Originally the area that’s blacked out said 50mm f1.4 lens but a previous owner carelessly modified the box when the body was separated from the lens when sold.

Here’s the camera that came with the box (a nice bonus). The box is nice because the camera is in near mint condition and is fully functional. The Canon Model 7 accepts LTM screw-in lenses from Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Leica, and a bunch of others. The bayonet part around the opening was designed to accept Canon’s ‘dream lens’ the 50mm f/0.95 which you can discover more about it at https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s43.html

So there you have it… another aspect to collecting classic film cameras, collecting the boxes that went with them. Most people dispose of the camera box right after they took their new camera out of the box (I’m guilty) and some left the original box at the camera shop when they took their camera home (not guilty).

A scan from a *Canon Product Catalog* from March 1967 (the Canon 7S had already been released). Note the ‘dream lens’ is affixed in this catalog’s image.

Chasing the Canon Model 7

August 5, 2021August 5, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Being a fan of most of Canon’s cameras and lenses it was only a matter of time before I started chasing after the Model 7. Although this model was released while the world was catching the SLR craze, it stood out as one of the best rangefinders Canon had produced up to that point. It also served notice to Nikon and Leica that Canon was a serious competitor capable of building outstanding cameras and lenses. Here’s my Canon 7.

Super bright and accurate view-rangefinder (Leica M challenger).

Dual range selenium cell light meter that’s still very much active and hopefully still accurate.

I haven’t decided on a lens for it yet but I’m looking for a nice 50mm f1.4 lens that would have a serial number in the range of this body. From what I can tell, this camera left the factory with a lens in the range of 114000 to 116000. The chase is on!

I’ll post additional updates on this camera as I get the original box and case “in the studio” for some glamour shots. I’m also chasing after the appropriate instruction booklet for it in either English or Japanese (or both), a brochure, and of course, the proper lens. For now, my trusty Nikkor fits nicely.

Canon S.L.R. Series Brochure – Japan 1979

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I wanted to share this gorgeous sales brochure from Canon dated 11/79. The cover (above) is one of the best images that I’ve seen on a Canon brochure from that period. Amazing shot! Awesome cameras and lenses.

**The back cover with a nice list with prices of available Canon FD lenses.**

**The Canon F-1 and available accessories with prices.**

I purchased this brochure directly from a collector in Japan. I hadn’t seen this brochure in an English version previously so I was happy to add it to my collection. Missing is the AE-1 Program and AT-1 as well as any of the cameras in the new T Series.

Chasing Classic Sales Brochures

July 8, 2021July 8, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

In addition to chasing after classic cameras I enjoy chasing down vintage sales brochures as they can be a great source of detailed information direct from the manufacturer. Often times it’s the only avenue for discovering which accessory goes with which camera. Here’s a great Canon brochure from Japan dated 05/1980 (PUB. CJ01 – 022).

Actually Canon refers to this as a catalog.

Although I have this same information in other brochures and catalogs they’re scattered around in different albums so it’s nice to have them all here in one place. Since this catalog was released in May of 1980, some early and discontinued accessories are not shown. Also missing from this publication is the Canon AE1-Program and the AT-1 and it predates the release of the T Series (T50, T70). I’ll scan and post some additional pages over the next few days. Stay tuned!

New Arrivals

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hi all… thanks for stopping by! Just in time for Father’s Day I’m offering a nice 10% discount on almost everything in my shop – CC Design Studios at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Lots of unique items from our vast collection of photo gear and other collectibles from our travels over the years. Here’s a small sample…

We also have a bunch of gear and cameras that haven’t been listed yet. If there’s a particular item you’ve been searching for lets us know as we just might have it. Contact us here or at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Hard working Canons past and present

June 5, 2021June 5, 2021Chris and Carol 2 Comments

I purchased this Super 8 camera from a friend way back in 1977 while stationed in Japan on the USS Midway. I ran quite a few reels of film through it before the video revolution took hold in the early 1980s. I’ve since sold the camera to another collector (a few years back) but I still miss not owning it. What a beast but man was it an awesome camera to use. It’s macro and slow motion capabilities were not to be believed.

Here I am in the Philippines (near the Subic Navy Base) using the Canon with a curious onlooker.

As time went by my original Canon F-1 became somewhat obsolete as new advances in technology and electronics could deliver a lot of camera features in a “compact” 35mm SLR.

The Canon A-1. Lots of stuff packed in a compact camera (compared to the F-1).

I still have a couple of A-1s in my collection – one for show and one for go. Pictured above is the go-to camera in my bag. My Canon F-1 pictured below. This was a beast to carry on a photo walk!

The monster F-1 with all of its goodies. This is my original F-1 that pretty much went with me everywhere in the 1970s and 1980s. See pic below.

Me with the F-1 while walking on the outskirts of Kowloon (Hong Kong) around 1978 or so.

I should mention that both images of me were taken by my very good Navy buddy and dear friend Jim. Sadly Jim and his wife were killed in an airplane crash in late 2001. Jim was a Nikon guy and it was always great fun to see who got the best from their cameras.

CC Design Studios

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Good day, all! My camera shop http://www.ccstudio2380.com is filled with an eclectic mix of some really cool and rather rare items this month. Here’s a small sample.

There’s a little bit for most everyone in the shop from rare historical pictures to vintage film and of course, classic and vintage cameras and photogear collectibles. I’m about to list a few Fuji and Fujifilm cameras from my personal collection – a new in the box Fuji Discovery 90 35mm camera set and a new in the box Fuji Discovery 3000 Zoom 35mm camera set. I’m always open to offers and if there’s something you’re looking for to add to your collection just contact me at ccphotographyai@gmail.com – I just may have what you’ve been looking for.

Monday’s Camera – 1936 Hansa Canon

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I wish! If it was the real camera, Canon’s first, it would be worth around ten thousand dollars in average working condition and well a lot more in mint condition. Instead this is a replica of that very first Canon made by Canon to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Canon (2012).

A 1:1.4 scale model (replica) of the original HANSA Canon 35mm rangefinder camera.

Like most of my collectibles this one is still unopened and un-played with.

BTW, the original lens was made by Nikon for Canon. See image below.

The real thing. This is what an original Hansa Canon looks like and it’s available online for around $17.5K on eBay **353374854594**

Since the real thing is beyond my and most people’s budgets, then this fine replica will just have to do. The HANSA Canon existed at the same time as the original 1930s Leicas. Which one was the better camera?

The replica is available in my camera shop.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chasingacoffee

Canon Snappy LX

May 9, 2021May 9, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon Snappy LX 35mm Film Camera – New in Unopened Box

The Canon Snappy LX is a fully automatic compact point and shoot film camera that’s simple to operate. It features a large bright viewfinder, built-in flash, and a fixed focus Canon 35mm f/4.5 lens (3 elements/3 groups). The lens cover release acts as an on/off switch, and the built-in flash allows for day and night-time photography, capturing clear photos with good color rendition. Uses (2) AA batteries (not included). Takes standard color negative and slide film capable of 24 or 36 exposures. Automatic film advance and automatic rewinding. DX coded for automatic setting of film speeds. It’s rare to find an unopened film camera from this period so it’s a perfect addition to your collection. I’ll mail it via USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance FOR FREE in the USA!

$65.00

Here’s a chance to buy this still new in its original factory box Canon camera directly from my blog at a great price over my Etsy camera shop. PayPal is a secure way to get exactly what you want without a bunch of fees or hassle. I’ll mail this virtually worldwide but please contact me for a shipping quote for purchases outside the US. Thanks a bunch! – Chris

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

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Category Canon Collectibles