Canon 7 Vs. Olympus 35 Sp: The Ultimate Film Camera Comparison Guide For Shutterbugs

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are two of the most iconic rangefinder cameras ever made. Both were released in the 1960s and quickly became favorites of street photographers and photojournalists for their compact size, sharp lenses, and intuitive operation.

In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the Canon 7 vs Olympus 35 SP and compare their features, performance, and overall usability. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this comparison will help you decide which camera is the best choice for your needs.

Build Quality and Design

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are both well-built cameras, but they have different design philosophies. The Canon 7 is a more traditional rangefinder, with a solid metal body and a classic black finish. The Olympus 35 SP, on the other hand, is a more modern camera, with a sleek silver body and a number of innovative features.

In terms of size and weight, the Canon 7 is slightly larger and heavier than the Olympus 35 SP. However, both cameras are still very compact and easy to carry around.

Lens and Image Quality

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP both have excellent lenses. The Canon 7 has a 50mm f/1.8 lens, while the Olympus 35 SP has a 42mm f/1.7 lens. Both lenses are sharp and produce great image quality, even at wide apertures.

However, there are some subtle differences between the two lenses. The Canon 7’s 50mm lens gives it a slightly longer reach than the Olympus 35 SP’s 42mm lens. This can be an advantage for shooting portraits or street photography. On the other hand, the Olympus 35 SP’s 42mm lens is slightly wider than the Canon 7’s 50mm lens, which can be an advantage for shooting landscapes or group photos.

Viewfinder and Focusing

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP both have bright and clear viewfinders. However, the Canon 7’s viewfinder is slightly larger than the Olympus 35 SP’s viewfinder, which can make it easier to focus and compose your shots.

Both cameras also have rangefinder focusing systems. The Canon 7’s rangefinder is coupled to the lens, which means that you can focus simply by turning the focus ring until the two images in the viewfinder overlap. The Olympus 35 SP’s rangefinder is not coupled to the lens, which means that you need to estimate the distance to your subject and then set the focus ring accordingly.

Shutter and Film Advance

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP both have mechanical shutters. The Canon 7’s shutter has a speed range of 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, while the Olympus 35 SP’s shutter has a speed range of 1/500th of a second to 1 second.

Both cameras also have manual film advance levers. The Canon 7’s film advance lever is located on the top of the camera, while the Olympus 35 SP’s film advance lever is located on the bottom of the camera.

Metering and Exposure Control

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP both have built-in light meters. The Canon 7’s light meter is located on the front of the camera, while the Olympus 35 SP’s light meter is located on the top of the camera.

Both cameras also have manual exposure controls. The Canon 7 has a shutter speed dial and an aperture ring, while the Olympus 35 SP has a shutter speed dial and an exposure compensation dial.

Flash and Other Features

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP both have built-in flash units. The Canon 7’s flash unit is located on the front of the camera, while the Olympus 35 SP’s flash unit is located on the top of the camera.

Both cameras also have a number of other features, such as self-timers, hot shoe mounts, and tripod sockets.

The Verdict: Canon 7 vs Olympus 35 SP

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are both excellent rangefinder cameras. They both have sharp lenses, bright viewfinders, and intuitive controls. However, there are some subtle differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

If you’re looking for a classic rangefinder with a solid build quality and a traditional design, the Canon 7 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more modern rangefinder with a sleek design and a number of innovative features, the Olympus 35 SP is a great choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.

Wrapping Up: Canon 7 vs Olympus 35 SP – A Classic Rivalry

The Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are two of the most iconic rangefinder cameras ever made. They both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, but they are both capable of producing beautiful images.

If you’re looking for a classic rangefinder camera, the Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are both great choices. Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera is better, the Canon 7 or the Olympus 35 SP?

A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, both the Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are excellent rangefinder cameras that are capable of producing beautiful images.

Q: What are the main differences between the Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP?

A: The main differences between the Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are their design, lens, viewfinder, and focusing system. The Canon 7 has a more traditional design, a 50mm lens, a larger viewfinder, and a coupled rangefinder. The Olympus 35 SP has a more modern design, a 42mm lens, a smaller viewfinder, and an uncoupled rangefinder.

Q: Which camera is better for street photography, the Canon 7 or the Olympus 35 SP?

A: Both the Canon 7 and Olympus 35 SP are good choices for street photography. However, the Canon 7’s longer reach may be an advantage for shooting portraits or candid photos. The Olympus 35 SP’s smaller size and lighter weight may be an advantage for carrying around all day.