[Leica] Long term M7 satisfaction?

[Michiel Fokkema]

I've had mine for 8 years and never had a problem. Still has the original
DX reader and that still works flawless too. I have other Leica's and tried
a Konica RF but always come back to the M7.



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Michiel Fokkema

michiel.fokkema at gmail.com

info at fokkemafoodtechnologyservices.com

www.photographyschool.nl

GSM:+31 (0) 615569576

On 13 January 2015 at 19:32, Steve Barbour <steve.barbour at gmail.com> wrote:

>
> > On Jan 13, 2015, at 7:38 AM, Mitch Zeissler <zeissler at mac.com> wrote:
> >
> > This is to all the M7 users out there.
> >
> > I've been searching high and low online for anecdotes of long term M7
> reliability and satisfaction (and I'm talking years, not a few days, weeks,
> or months).  I know about the early issues with the mechanical DX reader,
> the switch to the MP viewfinder later in production, etc.  What I'm
> interested in is whether the M7 is more/same/less reliable than an M6, M6
> TTL, or MP, particularly the electronically controlled shutter curtains.
> Anytime I read about an M7 issue, it's usually followed by a dog pile of
> non-M7 users just dragging it through the mud – like it's the modern
> version of the M5.
> >
> > I've got an M7 and like it, though I've only had it for a few months (it
> has the optical DX reader [useless for my bulk loaded film] and the MP
> viewfinder upgrade).  I've also got an MP and like it.  I bought both used
> in great condition, each at an excellent price, and they both date back to
> 2002-2004.
> >
> > I recently discovered that my primary hand meter (a Sekonic L-308DC)
> doesn't measure nearly as well in very low light as the M7 does.  Actually,
> the hand meter didn't measure anything at all (ISO 50 @ f/1.2), while the
> M7 gave a reading of 3.5 seconds.  I've since confirmed this repeatedly;
> once the light gets dim, the M7 begins to really shine and is able to shots
> I simply cannot obtain with the MP.  I've got other hand meters and have
> tested them with the same results.
> >
> > Up to this point I've been leaning toward the MP and hand meter combo as
> my primary camera.  I'm asking because whichever route I go – MP, M7, or
> the new M-A – I'll want a second body of the same model.  That way I can
> have a different emulsion in each camera (B+W in one and color in the
> other), and one body can always be used as a backup whenever the other is
> being serviced.
> >
> > So based on the low light metering, I'm now flip-flopping on the M7 and
> whether to rely on it as my main camera.  An M7 would give me all sorts of
> benefits that the other M bodies would not, but it seems to be treated like
> the red-headed step-child of the modern M cameras.
> >
> > What is your experience with the M7?
>
>
> My M7 was my favorite film M camera, I used it all the time for a couple
> years. So favorite and so dependable that I took only it to Paris , where
> it irreversibly  jammed three days into the trip. La Maison du Leica said
> send it to Solms where repair will take some time. On my return to the US I
> sent it to Solms, they returned it two months later, working fine, no
> explanation for the problem, the bill was $450. I used it with out problem
> for a year, then sold it.
>
>
> Steve
>
>
>
> >  Has it had the same level of reliability as the M6 or other M bodies?
> >
> > If you don't want an M7 dog pile here, please send me a response
> privately – either way, I'd like to hear about your long term M7 experience.
> >
> > Mitch Zeissler
> > ===
> > Website: http://exploratorius.us
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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>
>
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