The front opaque window is not a flash. It is a window that allows light to illuminate the projected frame lines inside of the viewfinder. With regards to your missed focus images, you can focus with the central rangefinder patch inside the viewfinder. Match the double image inside the focusing patch and this is the sure way to know if you're in focus or not. Your rangefinder patch might need adjustment or worse case scenario, it is faded or dim and needs internal cleaning or repair. These cameras are easy to focus with if the patch is still clear and usable. The lenses that this camera can take are only Leica Thread Mount lenses or aka LTM screw mount lenses. It will not work with the newer Leica M-mount lenses which is a bayonet mount.

Nice clean copy, i wouldn't say "beginner" btw ,that's one of the best rangefinders made.And that specific version is even better,and i have both a leica and the regular Canon 7 not the 7s .

Considering I don’t want or need the light meter in this camera, I’d prefer the Canon P for the lower weight. The selectable frame lines on the 7 are nice, but not enough to overcome the nicer profile of the P imo.

If you're having a whole lot of trouble with focusing, the problem may just be that the camera's rangefinder needs to be re-callibrated. It doesn't seem likely that it has anything to do with the lens. It could also just be user-error with getting used to the rangefinder system, which certainly is a thing. But you might even try focusing on some things and physically measuring the distance and comparing it to the camera and see if it seems a little off (though I think you should just be able to focus on something at infinity and make sure that lines up correctly).

The biggest drawback on the lenses for the Canon 7 series is that they only focus to 1 meter. You can focus down to .8 meter with newer voigtlander cosina lenses. Light meters on these cameras rarely work and I would suggest getting a new light meter or use your cell phone light meter.

Looking at getting one of these 7S's. Just wondering if you are using a straight 1.5v or 1.55v battery? Or if you are using some kind of adapter, like a MR-9 adapter to enable a modern battery being used in the 7S, that was made for mercury batteries? Like to hear from VanRenzler or anybody who are using the light meter in this camera.

I prefer my Canon VT Deluxe, the best Canon rangefinder ever made.👍

Why beginners? Why slap a label on the 7s?

Great video! Can I ask where you got that camera strap?

There is nothing accurate about this video. "if you've done your research..." indeed.

What exactly makes this a best beginner camera? An SLR makes much more sense...as your experience clearly shows Of course if you decide you like to have a range finder type camera for whatever reason go for it.

Not sure how a canon 7s is a “cheap” leica, just talk about the canon 7s not a leica