Reliability of M7

[aniMal]

Today I had a look at an M7 that is offered for a reasonable price.

I really want to have an M body which is as close handling-wise to my M8 as possible, and the M7 seems to be ideal.

So, I was just wondering - how reliable is it compared to say an M6? I am thinking in terms of not needing any repairs the next years, and also working in all conditions.

I have heard that the first versions were somewhat unreliable, that they tended to get electrical faults. Is this right? This one has a serial number starting with 278 (then 4 more digits).

 

[jfujita]

No problems with mine. Mine is also 278xxxx.

 

[spicoli]

Hopefully you fare better than I did:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61246
or
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60833

I still wouldnt mind having one, too bad the butterflies would be there too...

 

[TJV]

five years with mine and not a single problem. I use it a lot, probably have put a thousand rolls through it. Only thing I've always done is set the film speed manually. Not because the DX doesn't work but because it's a good habit to get into.
One thing I have noticed is that the VF does flare a bit more than my old M3 but if you're using a M8 you'll notice no difference.

 

[jfujita]

I too also set the film speed manually. I process with diafine so that equates to about a +1 push on most emulsions.

 

[George S.]

If the M7 makes you nervous, why not get an M6 Classic or TTL? Then no electronic worries.

 

[dcsang]

I've had mine for about 2 years (bought used) and recently snagged another one (used again) - so far, no issues with my first one and am putting first roll of film through my second one currently.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[TEZillman]

I have also had mine for 5 years with no problems. I purchased it new. The serial # starts 288.

 

[aniMal]

This sounds good - I guess the few unlucky ones will always stick out on the net...

I got very close to getting a G1 - really want to test it out later on. I have also pondered whether I should get another M8, but I want the second hand prices to come down first.

I have a good feeling on this M7 - the owner seems to be very reliable indeed. I also want to be able to use some film, I realize that I will probably be using both film and digital in the foreseeable future.

 

[tmfabian]

aside from the idiotic implementation of a dx-reader the m7 is pretty fantastic. I've had mine for 2 years now and i've run a good volume of film through it in all kinds of weather and situations and it hasn't let me down yet.

One thing you may consider is nabbing an M6 TTL, same dials as the m8 and m7 but not battery dependent which could be quite a nice thing.

Either way you can't go wrong, they're both dandy cameras, the real toughy is always chrome or black...i'm still kicking myself for not getting a chrome body yet.

 

[kdemas]

I love my M7, never an issue with this one or the 2nd one I owned for a few years. Nice quiet shutter with electronic accuracy and AE, nice combo.

You'll enjoy it if you get one.

Kent

 

[stnolan]

I have a 300XXXX and I haven't had any issues at all. There are some who don't like that it has batteries, but for alot of my shots I really like AE and I can always go manual when I want. Also, try to get one with the MP viewfinder. I find that mine is noticebly brighter and less resistant to flare.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Have also a 278xxxx, much used, never had any problems.

 

[silverliner]

Mine begins with 294xxxx and what I heard is M7 made before 288xxxx did not get the anti-flare RF feature of the MP. Setting ISO manually is also my natural instinct. My M7 is still working on its first battery set and I never turn the meter switch off but I leave the film unadvanced. Mine is also fitted with TA rapidwinder II, the outfit is quite on a heavy side.

 

[faris]

Had mine for just over a year. serial 288xx. used it at home and long travels. no problems whatsoever.

lovely machine, complements my m8, though i set the iso manually too.

 

[chut]

If reliability is of primary concern, you might be better off with an M6 or an MP. As explained to me by a Leica technician, M7 electronics employ integrated circuits or chips while the M6 uses transistors, the latter being more reliable. Some M7's have had issues of batteries draining after one or two rolls, although Leica is very good about repairing this issue if it does happen.

One other flaw of the M7 is in its on/off lock on the shutter release. If you repeatedly press down on the shutter release while it is on the off mode, the shutter may get stuck in the depressed mode and won't pop back up. I was using both a Bessa and an M7 in the past and the on/off mode indicators of both cameras are reversed and it would confuse me sometimes. On the M6, the off setting is on the shutter speed wheel so it is free of this problem. Again, if this occurs Leica is able to fix this, but it's more downtime for an M7 owner if it occurs.

Both these issues are brought upon by product innovations that in my view were not yet perfected. On the other hand, the MP is perhaps Leica's most highly evolved product. Most everything is mechanical, (where Leica's strength primarily lies) so there are no electronics that may eventually fail. It can function at all speeds without batteries too, so you could go off to Ulan Bator for months and shoot all the film you brought.

I think the chances of you passing on a working MP to your child in 20 years are greater than that of an M7.

 

[RichardB]

I have two M7's with Motor M's, no problems including supposed flaws!-Dick

 

[silvalis]

I've had one hiccup where the m7 though the batteries were flat around roll #5. Up to around #30-35 now and the same batteries are still fine, no issues at all.

 

[aniMal]

Either way you can't go wrong, they're both dandy cameras, the real toughy is always chrome or black...i'm still kicking myself for not getting a chrome body yet.

I always preferred black bodies, but would not mind my backup being silver.

But; I just got an offer on a black one at the same price! Mint in a box, surely a great opportunity at making the first dents and scratches on it... 😉

Will perhaps need to check it out first - and then the agony of choosing goes on... Hehe

 

[peter_n]

I've used two M7s for over 3 years without any problems, if you want AE they are an excellent choice. Try to get one with the MP finder and the optical DX reader. If you like the idea of a mechanical camera, the M6TTL has a shutter speed dial that rotates in the same direction as the M7 and M8, and is also a great body.