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Buying M7 - unused for sometime - things to look for ?


colonel

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Film relative newbie here :)

 

Buying a new old M7

Its in perfect condition, circa 2003, which leads me to suspect it hasn't been used much. Probably sitting on someone's shelf for 10 years ??

 

What do you guys recommend I check and how best to check it ?

 

The focus I know how to do, just have to waste a film but that's fine.

 

Wind on, shutter and examining inside I wouldn't know what to look for

 

FYI its a 2885 serial number and has the original VF and DX reader (I set DX manually anyway)

 

Thanks in advance

Edited by colonel
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Since Leica tells us to remove the batteries for long storage, I would check the compartment carefully. Use new batteries. Does everything appear to work? Then the usual M camera checks for hazy viewfinder, dim patch.

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The batteries are obviously the first thing to check (I hope the PO has removed the batteries before storage!).
Bring a set of brand new batteries to test the camera.
 
Test the viewfinder display and all it's functions - do all the segments light up properly? Does the meter work? Does the warning light blink when setting manual ISO? Does the AE lock indicator light up (same as on digital M when using Auto exposure) when half pressing the shutter release button?
 
 
Being from the first version M7, it will have the older DX coding reading (in my opinion not an issue when manually selecting ISO as I do as well).
Leica still does exchange for the newer reader at no charge when the camera is in for service (they did when I had mine repaired and modified in Wetzlar earlier this year).
 
The viewfinder did have a design flaw in the seal (my MP of first generation shares this flaw with the 1st gen M7 and shows a thin layer of dust against the rear lens after years). Leica will replace this seal when in service.
 
Functional wise all general Leica M check lists apply with differences regarding the shutter speed mechanism which is electronically governed with the M7.
The most important test is to fire the camera at all speeds A LOT, over and over and over again!
 
When my M7 went out of alignment up to its complete advance lockup it would occasionally malfunction.
 
A healthy M7 should fire at all speeds 100% reliably all the time.
If you experience any lockup during normal dry firing - a service might be on the horizon.
 
Generally I would plan for a non used, never services 1st gen M7 to be potentially in need of a professional look over.
The price should reflect this as well.
 
If you buy it, use it until it throws a fit, get it properly services and it will last for years.
If in service have the modifications done you think you need (finder flare fix would be high on my list + matching it to a Leicavit or Motor-M if you plan to use it that way).
 

 

If in good shape M7 bodies are great cameras. I would buy one again. 
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I would check the battery compartment, check the LED's are working correctly, check that the DX reader works correctly, check shutter speeds, and check curtains for any sign of damage or holes, put a film through it to make sure that the winder mechanism is working correctly - sometimes the rewind spool jams due to some issue with the washers in the later mechanism (in addition to usual rangefinder alignment etc).

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