Canon 7


The Canon 7 was a rangefinder system camera produced by Canon Inc., the last compatible with the Leica M39 lens mount. It was introduced in September 1961, with an integrated Selenium meter cell. Further versions, branded Canon 7s and Canon 7s Type II, modified the design slightly by introducing a cadmium sulfide cell.
The Canon 7 came as the first Canon reflex cameras were already on the market, but it was felt that there was a need for a fast-shooting rangefinder camera for reportage. In this niche, the Canon 7 came into direct competition with the Leica M3.
Some Canon 7s were sold in the US as a Bell & Howell; the Canon/Bell & Howell partnership lasted until 1975.