Leica R7 weird mode selector

[Glere]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi! I have a mint Leica R7, worked always without any issue but today I noticed when attaching the Summicron the "A" (full and centered) modes were no displaying when changing the modes (it displayed "m" and even the controls were manual), the same for the program mode (where it said time priority").

is it possible that maybe the metal contact of the selector needs a clean or the electronic has a big problem? or what can it be?

(the lens I'm using is a "R only" lens, I had the R4s2 before and it functioned in all modes with no problems)
Thanks

Edited April 21, 2020 by Glere

[Glere]

Trying "program" it set the correct aperture but when i fire the shutter the lens remain f16 (the minimum in case of the Summicron)

[wlaidlaw]

Before you disassemble to clean the contacts on the mode switch, which is what I had to do on the R4-MOT I was given free, as it was apparently "dead", I would try the basics like putting in a fresh battery and cleaning the battery contacts with switch cleaner fluid, such as Servisol or failing that with iso propyl alcohol or sensor cleaning fluid. I use a soft fibreglass brush for contacts where you can cut off the old dirty part of the brush with scissors and wind out more like a propelling pencil. Taking the top cover off is quite fiddly and there are a number of extremely fine wires and thin ribbon cables, which you have to be very careful not to damage. 

Wilson

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Glere]

thank you very much.
Now I have to figure out how to remove the top plate as no service manuals or tutorial are present in the web

[wlaidlaw]

Watch this video 

The Minolta SRT has quite a lot in common with the R7. 

Wilson

[Bogatyr]

I have the same problem with my R4: everything works but in my display the changes made with my mode/shutterspeed selector get stuck. It seems purely mechanical. I put it in aperture priority mode and keep on going.

Edited June 27, 2020 by Bogatyr

[wlaidlaw]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I think you may need R cam lenses for either shutter priority or programme mode to work. I will check today with my R4 and a 21 Angulon, which is three cam rather than R cam, as I use it on my Leicaflex SL2. 

Wilson

[masjah]

1 hour ago, wlaidlaw said:

I think you may need R cam lenses for either shutter priority or programme mode to work. I will check today with my R4 and a 21 Angulon, which is three cam rather than R cam, as I use it on my Leicaflex SL2. 

Wilson

Either 3 cam or R cam only lenses should work fine with R3 to R9 inclusive (though of course ROM lenses optimise performance on the R8/9).