M7 On/Off Switch Problems

[Johann Espiritu]

I've had the same problem happen twice to me on the same M7 - the on/off switch gets a little "stuck", resulting in horribly stuck shutter release. Sometimes the shutter gets stuck and won't pop up, and other times it refuses to shoot at all. 😡

I sent it to Leica for a quick repair the first time, and now will be sending it over again. :bang:

Has anyone else had this problem? A friend and fellow RFF'er had the same dillema and this prompted him to switch his M7 for an MP, upon receiving info that there was a design flaw in the on/off switch of the M7.

While I like the convenience of AE, the same problem happening twice in about a year is enough for me to consider the same option - swapping my M7 for an MP. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks in advance,

Johann

 

[chut]

That fellow RFFer would be me. I had a string of problems with a brand new M7 last year. Everything from complete battery drain to shutter sticking, several times over. I had to send it in for servicing five times in one year, not an easy task when you're based in Manila and the nearest Leica service center is in Hong Kong. After the fifth service, I gave up on the M7 and switched to an MP.

I feel that the MP is really a highly evolved M3 where all the bugs have been worked out over the decades. Mine has been trouble free since I got it and I'm confident I'd be able to pass this camera on to my son many years from now.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

M7 Leica Repairs and Suggestions

M7 Leica Repairs and Suggestions

UPDATE:

Getting my M7 back from Leica today. According to their technician, this is not an uncommon problem (another friend of mine just had the same problem last night). The tech suggested that the locking pin that keeps the shutter release from being depressed be removed, as this is the culprit (it gets dented when pushed in the off position). The release will thus freely move (even when "off") but will not fire in the off position the shutter unless the shutter speed is set to 1/60 or 1/125 since all electronics are not functioning.

Just wanted to share that! 🙄

 

[35mmdelux]

I've owned two M7 without any problems. My MP, on the other hand, developed battery drainage problems and was repaired at Leica New Jersey under warranty two years ago. No problems since.