Canonet Ql17 Vs Canon 7: Uncovering The Hidden Gems Of Slr Photography
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the similarities and differences between the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17, helping you decide which one is the better choice for your photography needs.
- The Canon 7’s shutter speeds range from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, while the Canonet QL17’s shutter speeds range from 1/500th of a second to 1 second.
- The Canon 7 is a more traditional camera with a larger viewfinder and a wider range of aperture settings, while the Canonet QL17 is a more compact camera with a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window.
In the realm of classic rangefinder cameras, two models that often come to mind are the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17. Both cameras offer a unique blend of features and capabilities that have made them popular among photographers for decades. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the similarities and differences between the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17, helping you decide which one is the better choice for your photography needs.
Build Quality and Design
Both the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 are well-built cameras with solid metal bodies. However, there are some notable differences in their design. The Canon 7 is slightly larger and heavier than the Canonet QL17, giving it a more substantial feel in the hands. The Canon 7 also features a more traditional rangefinder design, with a separate viewfinder and rangefinder window. The Canonet QL17, on the other hand, has a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window, which makes it more compact and easier to carry around.
Lens and Optical Quality
The Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 both come with fixed lenses. The Canon 7 has a 50mm f/1.8 lens, while the Canonet QL17 has a 45mm f/1.7 lens. Both lenses are capable of producing sharp and detailed images, although the Canon 7’s 50mm lens is slightly longer, which gives it a narrower field of view.
Viewfinder and Focusing
The Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 both have bright and clear viewfinders. The Canon 7’s viewfinder is slightly larger than the Canonet QL17’s, but both cameras offer a good view of the scene. Both cameras also have coupled rangefinders, which means that the focusing mechanism is linked to the viewfinder, making it easy to focus accurately.
Shutter and Speed
The Canon 7 has a leaf shutter, while the Canonet QL17 has a focal plane shutter. Leaf shutters are generally more reliable and durable than focal plane shutters, but they can also be more expensive to repair. The Canon 7’s shutter speeds range from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, while the Canonet QL17’s shutter speeds range from 1/500th of a second to 1 second.
Aperture and Exposure Control
Both the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 have manual exposure control, which means that you need to set the aperture and shutter speed manually. The Canon 7 has a wider range of aperture settings, from f/1.8 to f/16, compared to the Canonet QL17’s range of f/1.7 to f/16. This gives the Canon 7 more flexibility in terms of controlling the depth of field.
Film Loading and Advance
The Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 both use 35mm film. The Canon 7 has a top-loading film compartment, while the Canonet QL17 has a bottom-loading film compartment. Both cameras have a lever that advances the film after each exposure.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 are both excellent classic rangefinder cameras. The Canon 7 is a more traditional camera with a larger viewfinder and a wider range of aperture settings, while the Canonet QL17 is a more compact camera with a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for alternatives to the Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17, there are a few other classic rangefinder cameras that you might want to consider. These include the Leica M3, the Nikon S3, and the Olympus 35RC.
Summary: Finding the Perfect Classic Rangefinder Camera
The Canon 7 and the Canonet QL17 are both excellent classic rangefinder cameras that offer a unique blend of features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these cameras can help you capture beautiful and timeless images. Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them out for yourself and see which one feels the best in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which camera is better, the Canon 7 or the Canonet QL17?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, the Canon 7 is a more traditional camera with a larger viewfinder and a wider range of aperture settings, while the Canonet QL17 is a more compact camera with a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window.
Q: What are the advantages of the Canon 7?
A: The Canon 7 has a larger viewfinder, a wider range of aperture settings, and a more traditional rangefinder design. It is also generally considered to be a more durable camera than the Canonet QL17.
Q: What are the advantages of the Canonet QL17?
A: The Canonet QL17 is more compact and lightweight than the Canon 7, and it has a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window. It is also generally less expensive than the Canon 7.
