Improved M VF?

[hlockwood]

Where can I find out whether the VF on my M7 is the improved version? S/N is 28847xx.

Harry

 

[Ben Z]

Measure the OD of the rubber eyepiece. If it's 15mm (roughly 3/4") you've got a new finder (and a dust ingress issue unless it's been sealed). If it's 12mm (roughly a tad over 5/8") it's the old finder. However if you bought it used, someone could've had it upgraded, which doesn't change the eyepiece. In that case you'd have to face the camera at a bright light and, looking thru the eyepiece, move the right side (from your position) of the camera toward and away from your face slightly (<1" either way) and watch for the rangefinder patch to turn bright white. If that only happens partially and/or only with the right side enough askew you can only see about half the frame, then chances are you have an upgraded finder.

 

[hlockwood]

Measure the OD of the rubber eyepiece. If it's 15mm (roughly 3/4") you've got a new finder (and a dust ingress issue unless it's been sealed). If it's 12mm (roughly a tad over 5/8") it's the old finder. However if you bought it used, someone could've had it upgraded, which doesn't change the eyepiece. In that case you'd have to face the camera at a bright light and, looking thru the eyepiece, move the right side (from your position) of the camera toward and away from your face slightly (<1" either way) and watch for the rangefinder patch to turn bright white. If that only happens partially and/or only with the right side enough askew you can only see about half the frame, then chances are you have an upgraded finder.

Thanks, Ben. I purchased my M7 new a few months back. The OD of the rubber eyepiece is actually 18 mm while the (glass-area) ID is 12 mm. I did the test you suggested and got no bright white effect, so I guess I have the improved version.

Thanks again,
Harry

 

[waileong]

2885xxx onwards is the flare-free version from factory. Andrew Nemeth gives details in his FAQ.

 

[hlockwood]

2885xxx onwards is the flare-free version from factory. Andrew Nemeth gives details in his FAQ.

So, given that my SN is 28847xx, I do not have the improved VF. How do I get the upgrade, and is it covered by Passport? If not, how much can I expect to pay.

TIA

Harry

 

[waileong]

Check the FAQ.

 

[Ben Z]

2885xxx onwards is the flare-free version from factory. Andrew Nemeth gives details in his FAQ.

That number was arrived at by hearsay off internet forums (particularly p.net), it was never corroborated by Leica, and does not take into account the fact that 0.58, 0.72 and 0.85 models all ran in parallel, not consecutively-numbered batches. The upgraded VF was incorporated in the M7 at the same time the MP came on to the market. At that time also the M7 top plates started to be made with the same CNC as the MP, with the large hole and 3 threaded attaching screws for the newly-redesigned eyepiece, vs the threaded lip that was on every M since the M3. The new eyepiece requires a larger rubber protector, contoured to hide the 1mm gap at 9 o'clock (where the dirt gets in unless it's sealed), and the OD was increased. From what Harry describes, 99.9% certain his has the upgraded finder.

 

[hlockwood]

That number was arrived at by hearsay off internet forums (particularly p.net), it was never corroborated by Leica, and does not take into account the fact that 0.58, 0.72 and 0.85 models all ran in parallel, not consecutively-numbered batches. The upgraded VF was incorporated in the M7 at the same time the MP came on to the market. At that time also the M7 top plates started to be made with the same CNC as the MP, with the large hole and 3 threaded attaching screws for the newly-redesigned eyepiece, vs the threaded lip that was on every M since the M3. The new eyepiece requires a larger rubber protector, contoured to hide the 1mm gap at 9 o'clock (where the dirt gets in unless it's sealed), and the OD was increased. From what Harry describes, 99.9% certain his has the upgraded finder.

Thanks very much for that information, Ben. Indeed, the eyepiece is contoured such that a ~1-mm gap would appear at about 9 o'clock if it weren't filled in (it is.)

Before reading your note I sent an email (suggested on the Leica Forum) to Robert Fisk at Leica to inquire about an upgrade under warranty. When he returns to the office on the 17th, he will probably confirm your conclusion.

I've also read of an upgrade from mechanical to optical for the DX reader; I included a question about that to Fisk as well. Would you know anything about that upgrade?

Thanks again,
Harry

 

[Ben Z]

I'll bet Fisk says he can't tell you anything unless he sees the camera 😉 I never heard of any upgrade to the DX code reader. My interest in the M7 was only in passing, so I haven't followed it closely.

 

[peter_n]

I've also read of an upgrade from mechanical to optical for the DX reader; I included a question about that to Fisk as well. Would you know anything about that upgrade?

Thanks again,
Harry

I'm interested in this too as I have a Passport M7 that I think has a mechanical reader. They may only upgrade if you report problems with it... 😉

 

[Harry Lime]

Ok, here's a simple question. Does the RF patch flare (ie turn white), when struck by strong light? You can make the 'flare' go away by perfectly centering your eye over the patch.

I have one of the very early M7 bodies and it came without the flare fix. I had Sherry upgrade my finder and now it works like a charm. The serial number of my M7 is 2777###. The rubber eyepiece on the back looks identical to what's on my ttl.

 

[hlockwood]

Ok, here's a simple question. Does the RF patch flare (ie turn white), when struck by strong light? You can make the 'flare' go away by perfectly centering your eye over the patch.

I have one of the very early M7 bodies and it came without the flare fix. I had Sherry upgrade my finder and now it works like a charm. The serial number of my M7 is 2777###. The rubber eyepiece on the back looks identical to what's on my ttl.

Since I do not experience the flare problem, and since Ben Z offered an explanation for the SN confusion, I'm led to believe that I have the improved VF. If I learn anything further, I'll report back, but until then, I think we can safely put this thread aside.

However, I would like to thank all who took the time to help on this question. This is truly a great group. But, occasionally, you will have to put up with questions from Leica-newbies like me. I do appreciate your patience.

Harry

 

[JNewell]

Just to be clear, the "upgrade" (maybe we should call it a "retrograde" or a retrofit, since all it represents is putting a part back in that was eliminated ca. 1980ish) reduces, but does not eliminate, flare. You can still get any M2/M4/M5 or any late MP/M7 to flare under certain conditions, but they do it less than the bodies that don't have the condenser lens.

I also agree with Harry (and others) that eye position relative to the VF/RF is important.