M7 Flashing Shutter Speed Display?

[Keith (M)]

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My not quite three year old M7 (bought new) returned two days ago from its second warranty trip to Solms for electronic problems. Today I started to run a test roll and noticed that with the film speed dial set to a different value than the film's DX, (my normal methodology) after a few seconds into the 16sec shutter speed readout display, the shutter speed starts to flash alternately with the flashing lower point. This occurs at varying times into the 16sec period. When the dial is set to 'DX', the shutter speed readout stays steady. Now, my memory may be playing tricks, but I do not recall previously having the shutter speed readout flashing part way through the 16secs that it is displayed. Certainly the relevant table in the handbook speaks only of the flashing lower point.

 

From the random time that the flashing begins, this behaviour seems to indicate that a new fault has been introduced. Anyone seen a similar issue?

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The manual also speaks about a flashing seconds display during the exposure; one possible explanation is when there is not enough light to remain within the sensitivity of the exposure meter.

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[Keith (M)]

Yes, if the required shutter speed is faster than 1/1000sec, then the display will be a flashing '1000'. Similarly if a speed longer than 32sec is required.

 

With my M7, the flashing occurs well within normal shutter speed/aperture settings and begins at random times into the 16sec display period.

[Keith (M)]

Definitely a problem. Now the display is flashing with the DX dial in the normal position. Will have to contact Solms tomorrow and arrange for it to be returned yet again. Just what is going on there if they cannot even repair an M7 properly. Yet another seemingly worthless test certificate.

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[pico]

Just to be sure, are you using fresh batteries?

[Keith (M)]

Well, unless they were replaced with nearly flat batteries after being repaired, yes. Will obtain some fresh ones next week just to try. The camera used to 'eat' batteries when it was just a few months old and then suffered total power failure, which necessitated its first trip to Solms.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Keith (M)

[Keith (M)]

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New batteries fitted, display steady. Took six shots indoors (display steady) then went for a walk. After another six shots, the display began flashing again. Turn off/on, display flashes. Removed/refitted batteries, display (for the moment) steady. Have notified CS of the misbehaviour.

 

PS - not mentioned in my first post is that the first time I turned the camera on after receiving it back from repair, there was no display. First thought was they had sent it without batteries. Then found that they were actually there and after taking them out, giving them a wipe and refitting them the display came to life.

[Nicolas Soldati]

New batteries fitted, display steady. Took six shots indoors (display steady) then went for a walk. After another six shots, the display began flashing again. Turn off/on, display flashes. Removed/refitted batteries, display (for the moment) steady. Have notified CS of the misbehaviour.

 

PS - not mentioned in my first post is that the first time I turned the camera on after receiving it back from repair, there was no display. First thought was they had sent it without batteries. Then found that they were actually there and after taking them out, giving them a wipe and refitting them the display came to life.

 

Mmmmmmh...... Very annoying indeed! After several years of digital, I came back to analog two years ago. My MP is now the main camera I use. But I was considering to move for a M7 instead of a MP ...... (I don't like the speed selector on the MP. I find it tiny and not handy located).

 

 

 

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[Keith (M)]

Well, after a week's delay in receiving a response to my emails, I now have a UPS collection label and the M7 makes yet another trip to Solms tomorrow, just ten days after coming back from being 'repaired'. Impressed? Definitely NOT.

[alun]

My M7 (which I no longer have) went to Solms twice with similar problems. The first time the old style DX reader was replaced - that was indeed the source of some of the faults. But it developed a number of different faults (including those you mention) and this was a malfunctioning electrics board not previously diagnosed. Once that too was done the camera was fine.

[Keith (M)]

Well, the malfunctioning M7 arrived back in Solms this morning (Thurs). I have pointed out to CS that the failures are all related so the camera could be judged to be 'not fit for purpose' and that the electronic module should be replaced in its entirety to prevent any further failures. I now await the response...

[wattsy]

I had two M7 bodies, one of which had intermittent DX issues that I (assuming a design, rather than individual camera, fault) just learned to live with. That body also had about 1mm of play in the top plate which never ceased to unimpress me. I know the M7 has its fans and it can be argued that it is the film body offering the greatest utility but it's not a product that I particularly miss. If I could go back in time I would have stuck with the perfectly good M6TTL bodies that I had prior to the M7.

[Keith (M)]

Email received today from Solms:-

 

Thank you for returning the above mentioned camera.

We are very sorry that we had to find out that the camera is still not

in good order. We are now exchanging the electronik of the camera.

Please excuse the inconvenience this once again has been causing

for you.

Please note that our customer service is moving into our new

headquarter building in Wetzlar and that this will lead to a delay in

repair.

Kind regards

Andrea Frankl

Leica Customer Care

 

Labour costs

adjust/replace flexible board

adjustment of shutter times

adjust exposure meter

adjust range finder

clean range finder

adjustment of all parts

cleaning and end control

repair free of charge

Neccessary parts

flexible board MS cpl 1,000 ST

leather covering 1,000 ST

Finally the electronic sub-assembly is being replaced instead of another repair attempt. Fingers crossed that this is the last trip to Solms that the camera makes! Looks like it will be a few weeks before I receive it though. Good level of communication again from the ever-helpful Frau Frankl.