Leica M7 Exposure Problem

[fleetwoodjazz]

Hi,

I have one problem with my Leica M7 that is every time it exposes for 38 seconds under Auto mode (regardless of aperture setting and film speed).

I bought this one mint some months ago and it worked just fine until recently after some weeks staying idle. I was thinking maybe the meter is affected by the humidity of the coming summer but not too sure.

Did you experience the same problem before? Should I send my Leica to a repair shop?

Thanks

 

[Hilm3]

I can make this happen with my M7 simply by leaving the lens cap on 😉.

If this is not the case, time to get a technician to take a look at it. I cannot imagine it has anything to do with humidity, unless it went underwater.

 

[fleetwoodjazz]

Hi,

Yes, a lens cap is duly removed actually. Everytime I switch on the camera, the meter (in the viewfinder) shows 400 (in a faint rectangular) and then it turns to flashing 3>2" and if I press the shutter, it exposes for 38 seconds.

Once the lens is removed, the camera seems to meter better so I believe this is a problem with the camera's meter that is getting less sensitive with incoming light.

 

[35mmdelux]

Do you have the meter (rear wheel) zeroed out? That is the first thing I would check. These cameras are top of the line and its often pilot error. Rotate the wheel a few times to loosen up any dust that may be stuck underneath. Start there first.

 

[alun severn]

If there is no 'mechanical' reason (lens cap on, speed set incorrectly) then I'd say this is either a problem deriving from the DX reader or a malfunctioning circuit board -- possibly both. It isn't a problem I have had with my M7 but just about every other exposure-related problem I have had has been solved by the replacement of the DX reader and a circuit board.