"New" M7- Confused or upset- Not quite sure

[spicoli]

Hey guys,

I added an M7 to the stable today and I think Ive got issues. I understand when I turn it on, for the first few seconds the film speed will blink in the display. OK, got it. So why sometimes will it display different speeds? For example, I have 400 in there now, but sometimes when I turn it on it will say 100? I reaaalllyy hope Im missing something here.....

 

[tmfabian]

it has to do with the fact that leica made very tight tolerances for where the dx-code is read and some film companies do not share this tolerance. I always had trouble with fuji cartridges but kodak and bulk cartridges always worked fine.
But like everyone has said, it's best to set the film speed manually.

 

[spicoli]

Yes, Ive got a new roll of film and there are no issues with the DX contacts. There are also no battery faults showing, but Ill more tomorrow and test again. Ive never owned or used an M7, but Ive read the manual enough to think I may have an issue. But I hope its nothing more than operator "head space and timing".

Its weird, its seems the electronic shutter changes to match whatever film speed is shown on the initial "start up" display, although the actual film has stayed the same.

Granted I could set this manually, but thats not why I bought this camera.

 

[spicoli]

OK, lets assume I do NOT set it manually and leave it on DX. At the current scenario part of my shots would be 2 stops off, like I said it doesnt do this all the time.

 

[mr roberts]

if it really bugs you

if it really bugs you

I believe that you can send it in for the optical DX upgrade. The mechanical system has been known to have issues. Many here seem to shoot at other than default ISO's so they'd be setting manually anyway.

 

[spicoli]

Am leaning more towards upset. This is not what I expected for $2400. Nice build quality though.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I'd take the time and find out how to clean the DX contacts. Then, try different rolls of film to find out if there's some kind of pattern (like, problem reading Fuji but not Kodak).

As for your photos two stops off... it depends of the film. If you use negative film, two stops won't matter terribly. If you shoot slide film... then, sit down before looking at the slides.

All in all, once repaired, the camera will give you faultless service for years. Just keep that in mind. 🙂

 

[mr roberts]

Don't let it get to you

Don't let it get to you

just set manually and have some fun.

I use 2 M6TTL's and have always thought that a 7 would be fun to try. Unfortunately my financial advisor thinks what I have far outstrips my needs and has "limited" any further M spending. Marriage is another word for compromise.

 

[spicoli]

Whats interesting right after I bought my M6 I had to send it in for a CLA as the framelines wouldnt work properly, and Ive had issues with it since. Now this. What I had hoped I would find in the M7 was a "German FM3A".

Pardon the sarcasm, am just a little bitter right now.

 

[lewis44]

As I remember, you bought this from Tamarkin, so just call Eric in the morning and explain it to him. It is covered under their warranty and while it may be a little frustrating, Its not a real big deal. He gets quick turnaround if it needs to be repaired, but it may just be the contacts need cleaning. You really don't need the DX if you need to shoot with it, just set the film speed manually.

 

[spicoli]

Ironic dont you think the topic of my last thread?

 

[waileong]

I don't have a problem with kodak or fuji or ilford.

 

[pfoto]

There have been problems with the optical readers too. I used bulk film in mine so I mostly set the film speed manually. To be honest, I never really took too much notice of the display readout.

 

[pesphoto]

you spent $2400 so you could have a camera that sets film speed via DX coding?

 

[mervynyan]

I spent $2400 just to get rid of DX on MP...-🙂

 

[M. Valdemar]

This is probably the worst thread ever for the use of the word "issues".

Cameras do not have "issues", they have "problems" or "mechanical flaws".

English is turning into gabbleblook.

 

[pesphoto]

English is turning into gabbleblook.

...is that a word 🙂

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

...is that a word 🙂

It is now--I saw it on the internet.

 

[Tuolumne]

Why is it that $100 P&S cameras almost never have a problem reading the DX code but a $3,000 camera does? :bang: That just seems weird to me. There is no excuse for it at all. Just one of those Leica bizzarities that makes the cameras so much more loveable. 😱

/T

 

[M. Valdemar]

Rufus T. Firefly: Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Chicolini I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll take five and ten in Woolworth.