Canon 7 - Cracked Meter Window

[mrmonde]

The knobbled plastic window that covers the Selenium meter has a crack running through it, although it dosen't affect the performance of the meter.
I'm concerned that the glass is becoming loose and may break in two. Any ideas on how I can secure the plastic in it's mount.

 

[lmd91343]

There is a bracket that holds that plastic meter window. There are tabs on the back of that bracket, accessible under the top plate that holds the bracket. The top plate must be removed to bend those bracket tabs in order to remove the bracket and window. The tabs will likely break once bent.

Purchase a new meter window and bracket from DAG, for only $10. You will need the mirror window which is glued to the old meter window. Soak the old meter window in a small cup of alcohol to remove the window cover then glue it in the new meter window.

Here is the DAG parts URL. It is wrongly identified as a 7s meter cover. I bought one from them before.

http://www.dagcamera.com/canon_screwmount.htm

 

[mrmonde]

Thanks Lance for the advice and link, is removing the top plate a simple job or will I end up with a table full of bits.

-Paul

 

[lmd91343]

Buy the part, go to a repair shop

Buy the part, go to a repair shop

Paul,

If you have not opened a camera before it will be a bit tricky. If you do not have the proper special tools, you will scratch or mar the top plate parts. Upon reassembly, care must be taken to get the meter, fame selector, shutter speed, and advance/rewind selectors lined up. There are eight small screws among the 20 loose parts to be removed.

Just your asking the question implies that you have not done this before. It is best to buy the part and find a local experienced friend or repair shop to do the work. A Canon 7 should not be the first camera that you tear apart. It has a more complicated RF/finder system than a Leica M! Your camera is almost 50 years old. It probably could use a CLA. That is another reason to go to a repair shop. With the top off for a CLA, it will only take a minute to change the meter window. I got a CLA for my Canon 7 for $98.

I have opened my Canon 7(s) cameras to re-glue loose windows, REPLACE THE METER WINDOW, and adjust the light meter. However, I worked on FED 2s, FED 1s, Zorki 4s, a Zorki 1, FED 5s, Argus RF, and Canon Ps before. It is best to buy the part and find a local experienced friend or repair shop to do the work.

Good luck,

 

[mrmonde]

Thank you again for your advice, I think I'll leave well alone, Ill try to find a repairer in London, any suggestions.

-Paul