Has anyone fixed the canon 7 lightmeter?

[DavidC]

There are literally thousands of non-functioning meters on the Canon 7 rangefinder. Mine only reacts when switched to the high sensitivity function.
Was wondering if anyone has spared the effort to repair their dead meters and who can do the service? Is it worth the trouble?

 

[Mackinaw]

Worth the trouble? Probably not.

I heard that Quality Light Metric in California fixes selenium cell meters. Don't know if they would tackle a Canon 7.

Jim B.

 

[Robert Lai]

QLM ran out of replacement selenium meter cells a few years ago.

 

[View Range]

Unfortunately the number of working selenium meters on any camera model from any manufacturer is extremely low. It's just a matter of time for these cells. As a last gasp attempt you may want to contact Don Goldberg at DAG Camera Repair. Don will have the definitive answer on Canon 7 repairs. If you really love the Canon 7, you may want to upgrade to a 7s with a CDS meter. The prices are high, but not unreasonable for this class of camera.

 

[ForestCap]

I ripped the non working meter out of my Canon 7. It would the good to 3D print a new cover to replace the “insect-eye” meter cells cover.

 

[DavidC]

update

update

Thank all for the useful information. I heard from QLM that they only fix hand held meters so camera meters are out. It would be nice to take out the non-functioning meter altogether and replace the top with one that has an accessory shoe.

 

[markk]

Mine didn't work when I first got it. I opened it up to clean the RF/VF and the frame select mechanism. I GENTLY moved the needle with my little screwdriver and it came back to life! The 7 I have I expect was stored for years with no activity and the needle simply had frozen in place.

Also, IMHO there is alot of opnions about selenium meters. Mine is as accurate as it needs to be for most 400 speed film....taking in account exposure errors. Most of us compare these to our ultra sensitive digital camera meters and proclaim these selenium meters as "unreliable and innacurate" Keep it in perspective. Also, you probably know this already, but there is a zero adjustment screw available just under the top cover to bring the meter to the black zero mark if it is off. I also have been able to coax the meter into working on another 7 simply by adjusting this screw.

I love my 7...Hope this helps and happy shooting!

 

[pagpow]

I ripped the non working meter out of my Canon 7. It would the good to 3D print a new cover to replace the “insect-eye” meter cells cover.

Don't remember whether it was here at RFF, but I once saw a Canon 7 repainted black with the meter cell taken out and replaced with... who knows. Looked nice.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Selenium meter element replacement:
https://tomtiger.home.xs4all.nl/zenrep/meter.html