EOS 7D Viewfinder Dims With Battery Removed

[normadel]

I have EOS 50D, 60D, 6D and 7D bodies. Have had the 7D the shortest time. 

I just noticed that on the 7D only, the viewfinder image dims greatly with no battery in it. Full brightness with battery. This is whether the camera is turned on or off. 

Tried other lenses. Same thing.

Seems like the 7D requires a battery for the lens aperture to be wide open, regardless of the camera being powered or not.

Is this typical/normal for the 7D?

[normadel]

Not a surprise that film cameras don't do it. Looks like 50D is the first DSLR. 

I wonder why Canon's pro-level DSLRs don't except in OneShot mode?  Canon must not think pros need help seeing the focus spot.

[deebatman316]

My 5D Mark IV allows AF Point illumination in AI Servo. My friend's dad used to own the 7D Mark II. I believe he said it illuminates AF Points in AI Servo.