M7 film counter does not start at 0. Why?

[psychokiller]

Hi all,

I have noticed on my recently acquired M7 that when I load the film, the frame counter is not set at 0 but one frame before (-1 if you like).

Why is this the case and how can I fix this? It makes it difficult to determine how many frames are left in the roll.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Rafael]

When you take the bottom plate off, the film counter should reset to -2. It does this to account for the frames that you will have to kill when you load a new roll.

 

[psychokiller]

You are correct Rafael...the film counter does reset to -2.

However, when the film is loaded and the lever cocked it only brings it forward to -1. So the first shot taken is in fact at -1. Is this normal? Shouldn't the first shot be 0?

 

[santino]

no, it shouldn't. some people need to fire two shots, some need only one. (depends on how good you can load your film)

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Safety factor. Try an experiment for yourself. Shoot frame -1 and see whether you get anything useful. If so, great! You've just gotten a free photo. Note, this is how Leica's have been designed since the 1950's (with the exception of the M2).

Ben

 

[Rafael]

No, the counter will only advance one frame if you cock the shutter once. I usually kill two frames at the beginning of the roll. I believe that you must do so in order to roll past the film that is exposed when you load the camera.

EDIT: Oops, others got in ahead of me.

 

[psychokiller]

Thanks you guys!

I was starting to fret that there was a problem with my new toy.

BTW, best camera I have ever owned!

Best forum too!

Cheers.

 

[Justin Low]

You can usually get away with a single wind-on at the start of the roll. But...if you lose half a 'keeper' due to this, you'll forever kick yourself.

 

[tmfabian]

Like everyone is saying kill off a few frames...I crank off the -2 and then crank it up to frame #5 due to the fact that my negative sleeves hold only 35 frames and when i shoot it from 1 i end up with some orphans that always get left behind...