M7 DX reader issue - no confirmation when switching on

[Guest )-(]

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I've just acquired a second hand M7 in reasonable condition, the serial (I think) puts in the range of updated DX reader/viewfinder (299xxxx)

 

When I switch it on, it doesn't show me the chosen ISO in the viewfinder, it just jumps straight to shutter speed.

 

I've tried making sure all contacts are clean, changing batteries, turning the rear ISO dial several times at different settings, pushing in on the dial a little to see if it's loose. I've tried with/without film loaded. No change.

 

Is this abnormal? I think it is. I have no confirmation of selected ISO for A mode? I don't receive any error message, no flashing ASA etc.

 

I could really use some advice as I don't want to contact the seller before I've tried everything obvious and am sure what I'm saying to them. Thanks.

[Daniel Beacock]

When not set on A do you get confirmation of ISO when you switch on? It should show briefly and then show the exposure indicators. Haven't got my M7 with me but I think on A it will only show shutter speed, so it sounds like it is working.

 

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[Guest )-(]

Thanks. Switch on with shutter off A mode just shows me under/over exposure triangle, in A mode shows me shutter speed.

 

I should add that the meter itself seems to be working correctly, changing to reflect different selected ISO speeds. My concern is that there's something not quite right with the electronics and the camera needs a CLA.

[Daniel Beacock]

Ok. Are you looking through the viewfinder when you switch on when not on A? The ISO doesn't display for very long before it switches to over/under indicator so you may miss it if you switch and THEN look through. If the DX reader was not working, or you move the ISO dial to a different film speed than that of the loaded film you should get a small blinking red light. Try that off A as well. If you get that it means the DX reader is definitely working.

 

For what it is worth the DX reader on the M7 is prone to being a bit flaky. Mine plays up a little but 90-95% of the time it works perfectly.

 

 

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[Guest )-(]

Definitely no ISO displayed when switching on in any scenario.

 

DX reader appears to work. I put 400 film in on DX setting, I get 400 speeds in A mode, no flashing dot.

 

If I change to different ISO on dial, I get different speeds in A mode and flashing dot.

 

If I switch on without film loaded, I get flashing dot.

 

The camera seems to show expected behaviour in all ways except the Viewfinder never shows what it should in the first 2 seconds.

 

Page 81 of the manual has what should display in Viewfinder in first 2 seconds. I get none of these. It's like this facility is missing.

 

I have another M7, so know the DX can be 'spotty' sometimes. It's only already having one that I noticed the missing start up display.

 

I could live with this odd behaviour but I'm definitely worried that it's a hint that there's something wrong with the electronics that will cause me bigger trouble down the track. And it's a bit edgy never being sure if the meter is using the right ISO.

 

It'll be a pain and cost to return it.

[Daniel Beacock]

Yep, agree, that behaviour does sound strange. I wish you the best for getting it sorted.

 

 

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[Robinyuill]

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Saw this post and I have bought an M7 which possibly has similar issues. There are inconsistencies when switching on and the display of the film speed. It's still in warranty and the dealer says send it back. I do like the camera and it's the model with the metal pins to read the DX code on the film can. If I was to send it to Leica is there a ball park figure for the cost of changing the DX reader to the later optical one? I've seen other posts suggesting that it's done for free which I find hard to believe.. Any information gratefully received. Regards Robin.

[Daniel Beacock]

If it is still under warranty I doubt there would be a charge. Whether they would/could swap out from the pins to an optical one I have no idea.

 

 

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[andybarton]

A few years ago I had the DX reader changed by Leica. It was done for free, and they checked over the rest of the camera too.

 

Give them a call tomorrow and they will soon tell you whether they still offer this service.

[wattsy]

The change to optical reader certainly was done for free, no matter how old the camera. I don't know whether Leica still have that policy but it would be easy enough to find out. For what it's worth, I've owned a couple of M7 bodies in the past and have recently acquired a nice condition #294xxxx example (post viewfinder upgrade, pre-optical reader). All (including the one I recently bought) have shown at least some signs of flakiness in terms of the ISO being displayed, flashing dot, etc., even if the camera gets the exposure right when it counts. Sadly, I think the flakiness goes with the territory of these (otherwise very fine) cameras.

[pico]

I've just acquired a second hand M7 in reasonable condition, the serial (I think) puts in the range of updated DX reader/viewfinder (299xxxx)

[...]I've tried making sure all contacts are clean, [...]

FYI - If your DX reader looks like this, then you have the old type.

You can run your finger down the contacts and they recess.

The newer one does not use physical contacts.

 

[Guest )-(]

Thanks pico, it is the older style (as above) in that case.

I've begun the return process with it, it's too unusual a problem with a camera so reliant on electronics for me to risk it.

 

It's put me off the M7 a bit to be honest. My other body often needs a little rear dial nudge to jump from default ISO 100 to DX 400, which means every time I turn it on I have to wait/check, and diminishes the benefit of Aperture priority for speed. 

[Matlock]

Thanks pico, it is the older style (as above) in that case.

I've begun the return process with it, it's too unusual a problem with a camera so reliant on electronics for me to risk it.

 

It's put me off the M7 a bit to be honest. My other body often needs a little rear dial nudge to jump from default ISO 100 to DX 400, which means every time I turn it on I have to wait/check, and diminishes the benefit of Aperture priority for speed. 

 

I have never had any problems with my M7 DX reader. Leica installed the latest reader when I had a (unrelated) problem sorted. My "go to" Leica.

[acmineiro]

If you are still having the issue. Make sure before you turn on the M7 that the M7 is cocked and ready to shoot. If it is cocked and ready to shoot turning on the M7 you should see the ISO value for a few seconds.

 

ACM

[Guest )-(]

Thanks ACM. This wasn't the case for me, I always keep my cameras ready to shoot.

 

I had to return this one in the end as defective, I don't know what happened to it from there.

 

But perhaps the answers will be useful to anyone finding the thread in future.

 

I decided my future lies with the MP and went out and got one instead of another M7.

[Robinyuill]

Hi there. I've been watching this thread as I had a similar problem with the M7 I recently bought from Ffordes in Beauly. Returned it to them under a warranty question and they sent it to Germany. Result, new dx reader and the usual adjustments etc for free, plus getting the new MP viewfinder for £200. Quality service from Ffords and Leica. Can't wait to get it back. Regards Robin.