View Full Version : Buying an M7. Advice?
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 08:25
I recently committed myself to buying an M7, and have been selling some stuff to get the money together. I'm ready to pull the trigger, and in fact bought a LN- silver .72 from KEH for $2100 two days ago, but they sold it out from under me and didn't let me know until I called today wondering why it hadn't shipped.
There's a black .72 on there now, but it's $100 more because it's black, which seems asinine to me, but whatever. Now I'm kind of leery about the whole experience--when I was choosing rashly I was happy, but now I want to make sure I get one I like.
Where is a good place to look? Are there eBay sellers who are reputable enough to be relied upon? Tony is very reliable, I know, but his prices are generally outside my budget. $2000-2200 is where I'm at. I still might get that other KEH camera even though I'm annoyed at paying more for black. I've been scanning the classifieds, of course, but not many M7's seem to show up there. (The one there now is in New Zealand.)
What I really want, of course, is Akiva's new "stealth" M7, but something tells me he's going to be buried with it. ;)
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 08:36
Recently there was a RFF member from New Zealand who put up his Chrome Leica M7 for sale on the Classifieds, it looked like a fair deal to me.
Otherwise I recommend patience, buy when You feel that it's the one You want ;-)
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 08:39
Yeah, it's hard to know it's the one you want from afar...there's one on eBay I'm watching that looks good, but how does a guy know, ultimately?
If people could give me some of the advantages/disadvantages of the different finder sizes, that would be helpful, too. I like wearing glasses to shoot a 50, so .72 is my current preference, but I'd love to hear your impressions.
This will be the most expensive thing I've ever bought that is not a house or car...I don't want to be disappointed...
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 08:50
I currently have the Black Chrome Betriebsk Leica M7 with .72 finder, and I'm really satisfied when I used it with my Leica 35mm Summicron ASPH and Canon LTM 50mm f/1.2
It depends on what lens you like to use most. In my case, it's either 35mm or 50mm, therefore the .72 finder is the best for me ;-)
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 08:53
I'll mostly be using 28-50, probably a 50 maybe 75% of the time, so I'm thinking the same thing.
I see you have glasses there in your av, Shane--can you shoot a 28 with them on?
sepiareverb
08-21-2009, 09:01
I'd suggest Popflash or Photo Village, both have been great in every transaction I've had with them- I've gotten two bodies from Photo Village (they handled my a la carte order, and found me a .85 M7 later) and three lenses from Popflash. Top notch folks at both places. Popflash manages lightning fast shipping even to VT from CA somehow, two days tops via the post office.
If you're going for a .72 the updated optical DX reader is a nice feature, easier to unload films with it as the film can drop out more like in other M's- the older DX reader makes one pull the film out. A minor quibble, but the optical reader is much easier to find on a .72 than on the other magnifications.
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 09:13
Yeah indeed my friend, I used to have the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 (sold it to fund the Leica 35mm Summicron purchase), and mounting it to my Leica M7 was good enough for me even if I always wear my glasses, I hate contact lenses LOL ;-p
Here's two photo examples shot with the Ultron 28mm and my Leica M7:
http://www.pbase.com/shanelam/image/114871114
http://www.pbase.com/shanelam/image/114871115
I'll mostly be using 28-50, probably a 50 maybe 75% of the time, so I'm thinking the same thing.
I see you have glasses there in your av, Shane--can you shoot a 28 with them on?
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 09:19
By the way, if you're going to use the 50mm lens most of the times, I also recommend you to get the 1.25x Magnifier later on, I got one from a HK Ebay Seller and it was cheap around 35 USD compared to the Leica magnifier ;-)
When I shoot with my Canon LTM 50mm f/1.2, and precise focusing is important especially when shooting wide open at f/1.2, I use the 1.25x magnifier as it does help a lot...
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 09:23
Hey you guys, what about Tamarkin? They have a few in my range--are they a reliable seller?
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 09:25
From what I've been reading, Tamarkin has good reputations. Someone else should confirm that I'm sure ;-)
kshapero
08-21-2009, 09:58
Well, I would just keep looking, although KEH is pretty good to work with. Oh and yes I am totally buried in stealthness right now. LOL.
thomasw_
08-21-2009, 09:58
......it's either 35mm or 50mm, therefore the .72 finder is the best for me ;-)
A .72x and then you use a 1,25x attachment for the 50? I think it would be better to use a ,85x VF for both your 35 and 50 shooting. Certainly it is better for the 50, and it is easy to learn composing using a 35 with both eyes open. Then the .85x becomes a great all-round VF magnification for accuracy of focus.
OP--->consider talking to Don [xray] about his red chrome .85x MP. It might be a little more than your 2200 limit, but there's no harm in discussing a possible deal. Perhaps you could sell something or save a bit more to make up the difference?
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 11:08
Don't want an MP--I've got an M2! I'm after the M7 because of AE.
I find it surprising that the 0.72x goes for a higher price than the 0.85x. I would have thought it would have been the reverse. I use both magnifications and like both, but there's no denying that the 0.72x is a good all-rounder. I've used a 90/2 on a 0.72x without problems, but I have excellent eyesight in my camera eye. The 0.85x is definitely handy if you use a Noctilux, and I've found it to be good with the new CV 15/4.5 that focuses too, which I didn't expect.
wjlapier
08-21-2009, 11:33
Check getdpi's Buy/Sell forum. I've seen M7's less than $2000 a couple of times. In fact, I'd drop a WTB there and see what happens.
A little off topic--I found my 35 'cron ver III there using a WTB and the seller sent the lens first to see if I'd like it then I could pay by check. Price was lower than what I've seen these sell for.
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 11:45
I believe I've found a good MP-finderized M7 at a good price, knock wood!
I'm kind of curious what's different about the original .72 and MP-finder .72. Better coatings, less flare, I assume?
Less flare and a bit more contrast. I compared it, the difference is not to big, only in certain situations is relevant.
I would prefer a M7 with guaranty.
I believe I've found a good MP-finderized M7 at a good price, knock wood!Great! Does it have the optical DX reader as well?
sepiareverb
08-21-2009, 13:37
Never dealt with Tamarkin, but he has been around a long time if that says anything.
The M7 in the classifieds is mine and I haven't sold it yet. I'm going to reduce the price to $1800US as my credit card is really screaming at me! It breaks my heart to sell it but I have to keep telling myself it's only a camera... Let me know if you're keen.
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 14:18
Great! Does it have the optical DX reader as well?
Not sure...it's from fbf (Chris)...doesn't matter all that much to me, though. I'm used to loading and unloading an M2, which no longer seems at all like a chore.
35mmdelux
08-21-2009, 15:54
28/35/50mms go great with the .58 M7. The M7 is an underrated camera, and priced accordingly. Ive seen many $1750-2000. Switch it on and go. Mine is motorized. Use some patience, or go wit Tamarkin. $1895 wit warranty not bad.
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 16:04
Like I sez, I found one! Should be here next week.
In what way exactly is the M7 underrated? This relates perhaps to my question in the other thread about why they generally sell much more cheaply than the MP. I don't get it, honestly. It would seem to be the most functional of the film M's.
I also can recommend Tony R. (PopFlash.Photo), bought my M7 from him end of April. Optical DX reader and MP-finder upgrade, 1 year Leica US warranty. It is a black-chrome M7 with 0.72x finder.
Me, I wear glasses too and therefore the 0.72x is best suited, using 35mm and 50mm lenses. 28mm is a stretch but works. I also use a Leica 1.25x magnifier for my Noctilux and 90mm Summicron-M. I agree with Thomas that the 0.85x is a better choice for the latter lenses but I had problems with the 35mm frame-lines.
Roger Hicks
08-21-2009, 16:35
Like I sez, I found one! Should be here next week.
In what way exactly is the M7 underrated? This relates perhaps to my question in the other thread about why they generally sell much more cheaply than the MP. I don't get it, honestly. It would seem to be the most functional of the film M's.
Purists/traditionalists don't like battery dependent cameras, and the shutter speed dial goes the wrong way.
How is it more functional than an MP? They're different cameras for different people. I must say that after using (battery dependent, backwards shutter dial) digital Ms for three years I'm a lot more reconciled to battery dependency but I still like the MP better. Pure personal preference/prejudice/historical accident.
Cheers,
R.
mabelsound
08-21-2009, 16:50
Purists/traditionalists don't like battery dependent cameras, and the shutter speed dial goes the wrong way.
How is it more functional than an MP? They're different cameras for different people. I must say that after using (battery dependent, backwards shutter dial) digital Ms for three years I'm a lot more reconciled to battery dependency but I still like the MP better. Pure personal preference/prejudice/historical accident.
Cheers,
R.
Well, you can do everything with it that you can do with the MP, plus there's AE. A pretty big increase in functionality in my book, though I haven't even touched one yet, and may well find that it lacks that particular mechanical-M mojo.
So nothing against the manual M's--I'm getting the M7 to complement, not replace, my M2, which I adore. And which will always be available if my batteries die and I'm nowhere near the Radio Shack. Or whomever on this earth carries those batteries.
In what way exactly is the M7 underrated? This relates perhaps to my question in the other thread about why they generally sell much more cheaply than the MP. I don't get it, honestly. It would seem to be the most functional of the film M's.Traditionalists don't like em, internet "wisdom" about LED blinks in the VF, batteries run down, etc., etc. I use both M7 and MP and they are both terrific cameras. I'm sure you'll love your M7! :)
SolaresLarrave
08-21-2009, 17:05
Batteries for your M7? Two of the Duracell 276 will do. They're easy to find; even my local Wallyworld and Walgreens have them. Now, there's a 3V battery that fits perfectly but I cannot recall the type right now. I find it longer lasting... something like 1/3 DV...
Congratulations on the M7¡ :)
I had an M7 and it felt great to use ... the quietest shutter (aside from leaf) I have ever heard.
Exposure compensation was dumb and the viefwinder patch disappeared constantly due to flare and I wasn't about to shell out for the upgrade to MP style.
My Ikon has none of these issues!
Ken Tanaka
08-21-2009, 17:11
Roger's remarks are on-target. As a long-time M7 user who's spent his first week with an MP I echo the "personal preference" opinion. The M7 is a faster and more accurate M. The MP, like M's of yore, is a slower / more approximate camera that effectively imposes a shutter speed priority exposure mode.
You'll enjoy the M7. It does everything an MP does plus...
35mmdelux
08-21-2009, 17:44
Like I sez, I found one! Should be here next week.
In what way exactly is the M7 underrated? This relates perhaps to my question in the other thread about why they generally sell much more cheaply than the MP. I don't get it, honestly. It would seem to be the most functional of the film M's.
They're underrated because most Leica photogs prefer the fully manual cameras -- so the hubub is on the M3, M2, M6, MP, not the M7. My first M7 (Mint) took some getting used to. My second won me over.
thomasw_
08-21-2009, 17:53
Traditionalists do not like the red dot or the big "M7" engraved on the front. I hope these things do not infringe on your enjoyment while using the camera :)
Seriously, though, I found AE to slow me down and distract me, not the reverse. I think it comes down to how you like to shoot. Some of my favourite Leica shooters use M7s and swear by them and their work is beautiful; of course, just because it works for them, doesn't mean it will for me or everyone. Likewise for the MP. For me the MP does just enough and leaves me alone; it works so well for me but it may not be the tool for others.
sepiareverb
08-21-2009, 17:56
Batteries for your M7? Two of the Duracell 276 will do. They're easy to find; even my local Wallyworld and Walgreens have them. Now, there's a 3V battery that fits perfectly but I cannot recall the type right now. I find it longer lasting... something like 1/3 DV...
Congratulations on the M7¡ :)
Not correct- it would need four of the 76 batteries, not sure they could load in the battery compartment right. The M7 takes two 1/3N batteries, not easy to come by in my neck of the woods. Radio Shack, or online for me. Peter turned me on to a great place to buy them, and I stocked up so there are spares in every bag and every coat I wear.
I won't use AE because I waste more time outsmarting the AE than it would take to just take a manual reading. I dislike exposure compensation because it's too easy to leave it on accidentally - either to over or underexpose. At least with a DSLR you can see right away if you've over or underexposed. The fundamental flaw of any AE system ,no matter how sophisticated is that it's based on taking a reflected light reading. Cameras are not smart enough to know if you're photographing something that's black or white, so black or white objects are over and underexposed if you use AE without compensation. But if you use exposure compensation you have to remember to set it back to zero after you shoot any subjects that are darker or lighter than "average".... So AE is just a nuisance for me. I do perfectly well when I meter manually... I even meter manually with the DSLR's - with the spot meter. This is why I never got an M7, not after the CLE and Hexar, both of which were a pain to use on manual exposure. Also why the Ikon does not appeal. (I like my M6 bodies just fine)
elshaneo
08-21-2009, 20:41
Great then, it seems that You've found a Chrome Leica M7 at a bargain price.
Would you mind telling us how much it was? So that we can get a good idea about a fair price deal these days ;)
Like I sez, I found one! Should be here next week.
In what way exactly is the M7 underrated? This relates perhaps to my question in the other thread about why they generally sell much more cheaply than the MP. I don't get it, honestly. It would seem to be the most functional of the film M's.
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 00:15
Well, you can do everything with it that you can do with the MP, plus there's AE. A pretty big increase in functionality in my book, though I haven't even touched one yet, and may well find that it lacks that particular mechanical-M mojo.
And if the battery runs out, you've got a paperweight -- an enormous decrease in functionality in my book. I'm not being combative, merely stating the opposing viewpoint. As for AE in non-digital cameras, I completely agree with Pablito. I have to spend more time thinking about how to outwit the AE than I do about metering manually.
Either is a very functional camera. It's just that I know which I prefer, and why. Doesn't mean you'll agree.
Cheers,
R.
The two battery's you need for the M7 are always in my bag. Just to put things in perspective. :D
I think that this battery "disadvantage" shouldn't overrated.
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 01:17
The two battery's you need for the M7 are always in my bag. Just to put things in perspective. :D
I think that this battery "disadvantage" shouldn't overrated.
True, but it shouldn't be underrated either. The point is that the batteries are in your bag, not mine.
I quite rarely carry a camera bag, and even if I do, I have more than one bag, so I have to keep moving batteries around. Yes, I could buy half a dozen sets, but then I'm turning into a battery stockist, not a photographer.
This is one of those things where there are two different mind-sets, and neither is going to convince the other, regardless of how pig-headed and stupid the other may seem to be to anyone who can think clearly.
Cheers,
R.
And if the battery runs out, you've got a paperweight -- an enormous decrease in functionality in my book.
Umm, not quite. In a pinch, you can keep shooting without battery at 1/60 and 1/125 which is actually not as restricting as one may think...
mabelsound
08-22-2009, 04:14
I usually keep my M2 at 250 when shooting street, so having a paperweight at 125 doesn't sound so threatening.
I am eager to see how I manage with the exposure compensation on the M7. You have to sympathize with Leica--they would have had to add ANOTHER CONTROL on the top plate to work it otherwise. God forbid!! But in the end I suspect it will be OK for me. I usually "compensate" by taking a reading in a direction that's more like the object I want to expose, locking the exposure, then recomposing. That said, I will probably never use DX, so that I don't have to spin the whole damned wheel around in order to compensate a little bit. I'm accustomed to setting ISO manually anyhow.
As for price, I bought a black M7 (with black dot!) for $1750, a very good deal I think.
elshaneo
08-22-2009, 04:20
1750 USD for a Black Chrome M7, that's a bargain price indeed !!!
Let us know when you finally get it in hand, with also a snapshot of it ;)
As for price, I bought a black M7 (with black dot!) for $1750, a very good deal I think.
mabelsound
08-22-2009, 04:33
This is one of those things where there are two different mind-sets, and neither is going to convince the other, regardless of how pig-headed and stupid the other may seem to be to anyone who can think clearly.
Ho ho ho!
Seriously, Roger, I'm not arguing that one camera ought to be considered "better" than the other...like I said, I still haven't even used the M7, and use the M2 regularly, so I understand the appeal of an all-manual camera.
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 04:51
Ho ho ho!
Seriously, Roger, I'm not arguing that one camera ought to be considered "better" than the other....
Nor I. Just that the 'battery -- no battery' divide often seems unbridgeable, with each side completely failing to understand that there are arguments on both sides.
Have fun with it! (I'm sure you will).
Cheers,
R.
hlockwood
08-22-2009, 05:15
I won't use AE because I waste more time outsmarting the AE than it would take to just take a manual reading. I dislike exposure compensation because it's too easy to leave it on accidentally - either to over or underexpose. At least with a DSLR you can see right away if you've over or underexposed. The fundamental flaw of any AE system ,no matter how sophisticated is that it's based on taking a reflected light reading. Cameras are not smart enough to know if you're photographing something that's black or white, so black or white objects are over and underexposed if you use AE without compensation. But if you use exposure compensation you have to remember to set it back to zero after you shoot any subjects that are darker or lighter than "average".... So AE is just a nuisance for me. I do perfectly well when I meter manually... I even meter manually with the DSLR's - with the spot meter. This is why I never got an M7, not after the CLE and Hexar, both of which were a pain to use on manual exposure. Also why the Ikon does not appeal. (I like my M6 bodies just fine)
You're entitled to your preferences for a manual camera, but getting the right exposure with AP-AE is not rocket science. I never use exposure compensation on my M7. If a scene doesn't appear to approximate "average" reflectivity, i.e., 18%, I take a reading nearby of something that does, then set the shutter accordingly. I can say honestly that I almost never get a badly exposed frame with the M7. My lack of skills as a photographer, unfortunately, run deeper than getting the exposure right.
Harry
wjlapier
08-22-2009, 05:36
As for price, I bought a black M7 (with black dot!) for $1750, a very good deal I think.
Excellent price. Congrats on a fine camera.
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 05:50
. . . getting the right exposure with AP-AE is not rocket science. I never use exposure compensation on my M7. If a scene doesn't appear to approximate "average" reflectivity, i.e., 18%, I take a reading nearby of something that does, then set the shutter accordingly.
Harry
Dear Harry,
Very true, but I just find it easier to meter that 'average' subject (which ISN'T 18%, by the way, but 12-14%) than to use the AE lock. Why? No reason: habit, probably. But if it works, that's all I ask.
For notes on 18% grey, see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps%2018%20per%20cent.html
Cheers,
R.
I bought the Chrome M7-- dealer was surprised when I requested chrome, just think it is more durable on a camera I bought to use, he was thinking of the +$100 in resale or so.
I did arrive in Mexico with a dead battery, should have learned this lesson long time ago, had it happen with a Mamiya 1000s in Paris-- am guessing after a few times we would all learn to carry spares, especially when your battery is a bit more rare.
With the M7, I would carry two, pants and suspenders. ;-)
I could not find the appropriate battery, checked watch shops and all.
I did hear later there was a substitution using four watch batteries, don't remember the recommendation.
But I do now remember to lock the shutter release off, and carry a spare.
Almost any camera bag I pick up has some spare batteries, I suppose this makes the vendors happy.
I do wish Leica had chosen a more common battery, but I like the camera, and adjusting to equipment is part of what we do.
Regards, John
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 05:56
Actually I've just realized that I don't meter an 'average' subject with AE (which I use on the M8/M8.2). If the exposure doesn't look right, I swing the camera towards something darker or lighter until it does. Then I half-depress the shutter release...
So in a sense I suppose I'm guessing after all.
Cheers,
R.
Dear Harry,
Very true, but I just find it easier to meter that 'average' subject (which ISN'T 18%, by the way, but 12-14%) than to use the AE lock. Why? No reason: habit, probably. But if it works, that's all I ask.
For notes on 18% grey, see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps%2018%20per%20cent.html
Cheers,
R.
Roger, right after you reorganize Neobrom in Brno to make wonderful paper again, would you please have camera bags made with a 12-14% gray option? Or at least some large microfiber cloths, OK cargo pants or T shirts, they could have a snappy alliterative phrase of some sort, will leave that up to you?
Just was thinking of useful projects to occupy your time for you. ;-)
As you talk to the bag folks, would think this would be an easier place to start for you as I am sure you know enough reps. ;-)
Regards, John
mabelsound
08-22-2009, 06:01
Actually I've just realized that I don't meter an 'average' subject with AE (which I use on the M8/M8.2). If the exposure doesn't look right, I swing the camera towards something darker or lighter until it does. Then I half-depress the shutter release...
So in a sense I suppose I'm guessing after all.
Cheers,
R.
Yes, that is precisely what I do, too, with my AE SLR's.
mfunnell
08-22-2009, 06:04
...I just find it easier to meter that 'average' subject (which ISN'T 18%, by the way, but 12-14%) [...] For notes on 18% grey, see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps%2018%20per%20cent.html
I find that comment about 18% quite disturbing. I've been searching high and low for an 18% neutral grey cat, so I can take a perfect internet photograph :rolleyes:
Are you telling me I may have passed up a "correct" specimen? And can you be a bit more precise? I'd like to know whether I'm after a cat that's 12%, 13% or 14% - or do I need three cats?
...Mike
Roger Hicks
08-22-2009, 06:35
I find that comment about 18% quite disturbing. I've been searching high and low for an 18% neutral grey cat, so I can take a perfect internet photograph :rolleyes:
Are you telling me I may have passed up a "correct" specimen? And can you be a bit more precise? I'd like to know whether I'm after a cat that's 12%, 13% or 14% - or do I need three cats?
...Mike
Dear Mike,
At least 9 cats: 12, 14 and 18 per cent (the latter for some spot meters, though why anyone would use a spot meter on a grey card is beyond me). Then you need each cat in neutral, warm-tone and cool-tone.
Of course, the thing about 'average' reflectance is that it's not very critical anyway. An awful lot of people look for a precision in photography which does not exist and cannot exist.
Cheers,
R.
35mmdelux
08-22-2009, 07:03
Umm, not quite. In a pinch, you can keep shooting without battery at 1/60 and 1/125 which is actually not as restricting as one may think...
Before I learnt to slow/speed up the camera I shot at 1/60 and 1/125 for about 20 years and produced a nice body of work wit it (slow learner).
The M7 has AE LOCK if needed. The exp comp works like a charm. I add +2/3 to negs and shoot null wit transparency.
Why is your way of manual reading faster ? In a backlight situation and using the M7 you lock the shutter-speed by half pressing the shutter-button, open the aperture 2 stops and shoot ... no rocket science. The AE of the M7 outsmarts you in most of the situations. ;)
I won't use AE because I waste more time outsmarting the AE than it would take to just take a manual reading. I dislike exposure compensation because it's too easy to leave it on accidentally - either to over or underexpose. At least with a DSLR you can see right away if you've over or underexposed. The fundamental flaw of any AE system ,no matter how sophisticated is that it's based on taking a reflected light reading. Cameras are not smart enough to know if you're photographing something that's black or white, so black or white objects are over and underexposed if you use AE without compensation. But if you use exposure compensation you have to remember to set it back to zero after you shoot any subjects that are darker or lighter than "average".... So AE is just a nuisance for me. I do perfectly well when I meter manually... I even meter manually with the DSLR's - with the spot meter. This is why I never got an M7, not after the CLE and Hexar, both of which were a pain to use on manual exposure. Also why the Ikon does not appeal. (I like my M6 bodies just fine)
Why is your way of manual reading faster ? In a backlight situation and using the M7 you lock the shutter-speed by half pressing the shutter-button, open the aperture 2 stops and shoot ... no rocket science. The AE of the M7 outsmarts you in most of the situations. ;)
It's just faster for me, maddoc. It's the way I like to work. When I use any sort of AE I am not as aware of the shutter speed and aperture. When I use manual, I ALWAYS know what the shutter speed and aperture are.
With your method, you have to open up two stops. But then what if that gives you too little depth of field? Of course you can deal with that, but for me it's not my intuitive way of working. Also, as soon as you release the shutter button, you loose whatever value you locked in. If you take many photos of the same scene it's just more direct to lock in your exposure by just setting it - manually.
To each his own. Perhaps I'm just an eccentric. I have no complaints about my DSLR's being battery dependent but I don't like my Leicas that way. OTOH, the DSLR's have matrix metering I just use them on manual. The world is one big contradiction.
mojobebop
08-22-2009, 15:08
my advice is be aware that there are some used
older models that have battery drainage issues.
i've had one since march and have gone through
3 sets of batteries. am on my 4th.
in comparrison to an m6 i purchased a year and a half ago,
only went through one set. (and these were the batteries
that came with the camera).
35mmdelux
08-22-2009, 15:26
my advice is be aware that there are some used
older models that have battery drainage issues.
i've had one since march and have gone through
3 sets of batteries. am on my 4th.
in comparrison to an m6 i purchased a year and a half ago,
only went through one set. (and these were the batteries
that came with the camera).
My black paint MP (circa 2003) had battery drainage problem using 3 sets in 1 week. Fortunately repaired under warranty or would have cost ~$300. Now in the last 2-1/2 years running with the same set of batteries.
mabelsound
08-26-2009, 13:08
Well, got my M7 today from Chris--he's a standup guy, I gave him a big thumbs-up in the feedback thread. Unfortunately it's pouring and I have an upset stomach, so no snap-happy wanderings today, but wow, what a lovely machine. The film advance feel is not as nice as the M2's, but the .72 MP-style finder is spectacular. The shutter is actually quieter than my M2. And I actually kind of like the exposure compensation method--it's neat how they turned the old dial into something useful, and I'm not getting blinking problems. (It's the old DX reader, not the optical.)
Future upgrades: the leatherette is peeling a bit and I don't really dig the feel, so I will probably replace it someday with vulcanite or griptac. It seems as though the leatherette would be very easy to get off cleanly, is that right? And I would love to replace the advance lever with the MP type--I am aware that it's not swappable, that you need a custom part.
Oh yeah, and I like the black dot! Not as stealthy as Akiva's, but nice.
Thanks for the advice, guys--this is shaping up to be a keeper.
Well, got my M7 today from Chris--he's a standup guy, I gave him a big thumbs-up in the feedback thread. Unfortunately it's pouring and I have an upset stomach, so no snap-happy wanderings today, but wow, what a lovely machine. The film advance feel is not as nice as the M2's, but the .72 MP-style finder is spectacular. The shutter is actually quieter than my M2. And I actually kind of like the exposure compensation method--it's neat how they turned the old dial into something useful, and I'm not getting blinking problems. (It's the old DX reader, not the optical.)
Future upgrades: the leatherette is peeling a bit and I don't really dig the feel, so I will probably replace it someday with vulcanite or griptac. It seems as though the leatherette would be very easy to get off cleanly, is that right? And I would love to replace the advance lever with the MP type--I am aware that it's not swappable, that you need a custom part.
Oh yeah, and I like the black dot! Not as stealthy as Akiva's, but nice.
Thanks for the advice, guys--this is shaping up to be a keeper.
err, i think the advance lever is an off the shelf item that leica can do pretty quickly.
if you feel like being without your camera for 6-8 weeks, leica will now replace the DX reader for FREE! the only downside is that it has to go solms and takes time...mine is there now for a new DX, MP finder and to have the MP levers put on it.
bob
ps--griptac is awesome.
mabelsound
08-26-2009, 13:20
err, i think the advance lever is an off the shelf item that leica can do pretty quickly.
if you feel like being without your camera for 6-8 weeks, leica will now replace the DX reader for FREE! the only downside is that it has to go solms and takes time...mine is there now for a new DX, MP finder and to have the MP levers put on it.
bob
ps--griptac is awesome.
As long as I'm not in blinky hell, I'm not bothered by the film not dropping out...it actually fely kinda good to tuck it in there and feel a bit of resistance. I'm accustomed to loading an M2 after all. And no I don't feel like being without it for 6-8 weeks!
Apparently you can't swap in any old black chrome lever, but I'm sure you're right that it'd be a cinch for Leica to do. I'm mulling over finding the part and doing it myself.
Griptac is indeed miraculous...
kshapero
08-26-2009, 13:37
I believe I've found a good MP-finderized M7 at a good price, knock wood!
I'm kind of curious what's different about the original .72 and MP-finder .72. Better coatings, less flare, I assume?less flare.
kshapero
08-26-2009, 13:42
Traditionalists do not like the red dot or the big "M7" engraved on the front. I hope these things do not infringe on your enjoyment while using the camera :)
red dot, big M7?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3837233949_4a506227d4.jpg
Thomas:
he won't be needing to talk to xray about the red MP....
It's in my kit!
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