Help for M7 Shopper

[psmith2383]

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I'm doing my research on buying an M7. I have three questions that I haven't been able to find an answer to. I'm sure they are fairly mundane to most here but I haven't a clue:

 

1. I notice that when a Leica body is described, the model is listed and following that is something like 0.72, or some other number. What does that number mean?

 

2 I plan to buy a 35mm focal length Leica lens as my first lens. Does the viewfinder (like on my Contax G2) adjust to the focal length of the lens being used?

 

3. I noticed that some lenses as they are listed by dealers are sometimes listed as "coded." and they seem to be more money. What is the significance of a coded lens?

 

I would appreciate learning from you about these questions. Thanks so much, Phil

[earleygallery]

Hi I will try to answer the questions;

 

1) Viewfinder magnification. 0.72 is the 'standard' and best for all round use. You could also order other magnifications which were better for wider angle or telephoto lenses.

 

2) The viewfinder itself doesn't change, but mounting the lens will bring up the appropriate frame lines. The little lever under the viewfinder is for manually selecting different framelines so that you can quickly see what coverage an alternative lens would give you.

 

3) Coded lenses are for the M8 digital camera - the coding tells the camera which lens is mounted so that it can record the data and also make appropriate changes to the in-camera processing. You can use any M lens on the M7, and also any LTM (screw) lens with an adapter. Don't worry about buying coded lenses unless you think you will buy an M8 too.

[doubice]

Phil,

 

Welcome to the ‘club’…..

 

The 0.72 number refers to the magnification of the viewfinder. Currently, the only finder available on the M7 is the 0.72 however, the 0.58 and 0.85 magnification finders are available from Leica on their ‘a la carte’ program. Here is the link to the Leica AG site to explain what ‘a la carte’ means: Leica Camera AG - Photography - Leica à la carte

 

The differences between the finders are as follows:

0.58 displays frames for 28, 35, 50, 75 and 90mm lenses. Advantageous for those who use wide lenses and those who wear glasses - you can see more than just the 28mm lens’ view.

0.72 displays frames for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135mm lenses - good for general photography. The 28mm frame may be somewhat difficult to see, particularly for those who wear glasses.

0.85 displays frames for 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135mm lenses - good if extra precision in focusing is required and if lenses longer than 50mm are used often. The 35mm frame may be somewhat difficult to see, particularly for those who wear glasses.

 

The Leica viewfinder will automatically display the frame of the lens mounted. Mostly, they are displayed in pairs - 28/90, 35/135 and 50/75.

 

Coded lenses are those that have so-called 6-bit coding. This is only useful on the Leica M8 and provides correction necessary in digital photography. This is a rather simplified explanation - let’s say that if you are not planning to get an M8 the coding is not necessary. Most Leica lenses can however, be ‘retro-coded’ if needed - by Leica themselves or third parties.

 

This just briefly addresses your queries; I would recommend that you spend some time on the Leica website - many of your questions will be answered there. Also - don’t forget Google…..

 

Best,

 

Jan

[doubice]

Phil,

 

Another great site which will explain the differences in the finders:

Leica MP Chrome 0.58x rangefinder camera - Index Page

 

Best,

 

Jan

[underground]

I'll tell you one thing. My M7 is the best camera I have ever used in my life.

I hope When you figure out the details you end up with one.

[rubenkok]

Hi Phil,

Welcome to the forum.

Leica M: Advanced Photo School by Gunter Osterloh is a great help

ISBN: 9781579906375

 

regards

Ruben

[twittle]

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3) Coded lenses are for the M8 digital camera - the coding tells the camera which lens is mounted so that it can record the data and also make appropriate changes to the in-camera processing. You can use any M lens on the M7, and also any LTM (screw) lens with an adapter. Don't worry about buying coded lenses unless you think you will buy an M8 too.

 

Just a point of clarification. The code is for the benefit of the M8, but the lenses can be used with any M-mount camera, including the M7. All new M lenses manufactured by Leica are coded, with the sole exception of the 135.

 

Not trying to step on toes, just clarify.

[etp095]

Another reason the coded lenses are more expensive is because they are the newest lenses that Leica makes.I don't know what year the coding started but those lenses can't be older than 3-4 years old.I personally would buy the newer lenses.

[christer]

Another reason the coded lenses are more expensive is because they are the newest lenses that Leica makes.I don't know what year the coding started but those lenses can't be older than 3-4 years old.I personally would buy the newer lenses.

 

For many newer lenses the additional coding is nothing more that. Does not improve your M7 pictures at all. What newer means is of course open to interpretation.

 

Normally a second hand, but recent, lens will give you just as fine pictures as a brand new one.

 

And, psmith, your first Leica lens could well be your one and only if you choose the 35mm.

[jpattison]

And don't forget, an old lens could have been coded, so best to check the approximate date of manufacture here... (up to 2000)

LeicaLenses serial number and production year - Leica Objektiv Serienummer

 

The M7 was "enhanced" after the MP came out. The MP has a viewfinder that has better flare avoidance. This was used in the M7 from then on. You may see an M7 advertised with "MP finder", Usually there is a label on the box.

 

My favorite camera, too

 

John

[psmith2383]

I was overwhelmed not only by the rapidity of your responses but also how each of you added something extra that advanced my understanding and thus my ability to make an informed decision. You were all so helpful and nary a one made me feel that because of my ignorance, rather than a Leica, I ought to be buying a Disney Hannah Montana Pink Pix Click Camera (with certificate attached, signed by herself).

 

Thanks again for your clear responses. I truly appreciated them. This is a great site. Phil

[SJP]

I think you need one of these or is it this one you were thinking of?

 

How do these things work anyway? Ah, here we have the specs.

[underground]

I think you need one of these or is it this one you were thinking of?

 

How do these things work anyway? Ah, here we have the specs.

 

Only $24.99 !! I just ordered mine I can't wait till it gets here.

I'll have to sell my M8. I hope It will cover the costs.

[dfbldwn]

PLEASE!

When you load your first roll of film, first set the shutter speed to 1/60 or 1/125. Do not set it to AUTO.

 

Too many people forget the lens cap causes the AUTO position to leave the shutter open for 60 seconds and, when they try to advance the film, they end up breaking the shutter.