MP frame counter issue

Timmyjoe

Timmyjoe

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Picked up a used MP (the new MP that came out in 2003, not the original) to shoot with while my M6 TTL is serviced for the shutter problem. Looks to be in pretty good shape. One thing I noticed, the frame counter only counts up to 38 frames. The scale goes past 40, but the counter stops on 38 and keeps repeating 38. Is this a known issue with the MP? I don't recall my M6 doing that, and I sometimes shoot Kodak snap-caps loaded with Double X, which have enough film for about 42 frames. Just wondering if this may be an indication of other possible problems, or if it's a known issue with the MP.

Any and all input will be appreciated. Thanks.

Best,
-Tim
 
After a Google search, I found this was an issue with the M7 cameras. And since, going by the serial number, this was one of the first 1000 MP's made, maybe the issue effected the MP as well.

Again, if anyone has personal experience with this, I would love to hear. Thanks.

Best,
-Tim
 
I can confirm that both on my MP (300xxx) and M7 (294xxx), the counter will stop at 38 but can shoot beyond 38 exposures. I sometimes roll my own B&W films to 40 exposures if I am taking a long weekend trip.
 
Thanks folks. If I may, quick question, are either of you having issues with the "dust in the viewfinder/eyepiece". I keep reading about this, and keep hearing that the earlier MP's, with serial numbers in the 288XXXX range (like mine is) have this dust issue. The eyepiece on the camera right now is very clean. Just wondering how big a deal it is.

Thanks again.

Best,
-Tim
 
Timmyjoe said:
Thanks folks. If I may, quick question, are either of you having issues with the "dust in the viewfinder/eyepiece". I keep reading about this, and keep hearing that the earlier MP's, with serial numbers in the 288XXXX range (like mine is) have this dust issue. The eyepiece on the camera right now is very clean. Just wondering how big a deal it is.
-Tim
Click to expand...


One test apparently is to try and slide a piece of paper behind the rear VF cover and see if it will show in the eyepiece. If so, it's not so well sealed, but I wouldn't worry about it.
 
I tried that test, and the paper doesn't go through, even the tip, so maybe someone sealed the eyepiece sometime in the past.

Thanks for the replies.

Best,
-Tim
 
Timmyjoe,

I am a happy owner of a brand new MP, bought early this day.

I asked at the Leica shop I bought my camera, then tryed by myself to reproduce the issue about the frame counter you were describing. On my 3831XXX MP, counter blocks at 38, even if you are still able to go on and on as long as there is film left.

This seems to be a well known thing, not considered as an issue at all. The leica guy told me that the "40" in the frame counter was just there in order to set a visual "border" to frame counting, as you actually can go to 39/40 taking pictures, but the counter in itself will compute as far as 38.
 
... and then have the roll length jam up in the Paterson reel that easily accomodates 36-37 exposures a roll, but definitely not 40.

Ever tried fixing that in pitch black darkness without scratching up the whole roll or dropping it on the floor? 😱

Nope, I think I'll happily stick to 36 exp. a roll, even if self-wound!
 
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