M7 Film Advance Lever Problem -- Insights and Solutions Welcome

[JHenry]

Hello All,

I have a "small" problem/dilemma, and hope the experts here can help. I'm current traveling with my M7 and Zeiss Ikon, and while out shooting today the M7 stopped working. By that I mean the film advance lever (aka quick wind lever) will not move--at all.

I was able to take one picture today, and when I went to advance the film afterwards the lever went about 1/2 way and then would go no further. (imagine the feeling on the film advance lever at the end of a roll, except in this case I was on frame 15). I can depress the shutter, but since I can't advance the film nothing happens.

I tried several things, including:

- Pulling and replacing the batteries.
- Attempting to use non-Auto mode with 1/60 and 1/125 second selected.
- Thought maybe the frame counter was off, so rewound the film and tried a new roll.
- Tried to fire the shutter with no film in the camera.

None of the above worked. I can not, not even in fully manual mode, get the shutter to fire, or get the film to advance.

The camera worked great a few days ago during a long hike on the Great Wall, with several rolls put through it. But, today I might as well have been carrying a brick. Bought the M7 used a few months ago from the most reputable dealer in Beijing, and have probably put 50 rolls through it without any problems.

Any help or insights would be appreciated. I tried searching on Google, and came up with nothing of value. I also tried searching RFF, but every time I search RFF I get a "your search term is below the 3 word minimum" message, even though I use more than 3 words.

Thanks,

Jeff

[goodtimes]

I suggest that you look at the film rewind lever. Below it is a small nut which actually has the shape of a thin Washer, with 2 radial slot diametrally opposed (180 degrees apart).
Sometimes that nut unscrews a little each time you unwind some film by cocking the shutter, up to the point that it ends in the maximum high position, blocked by the base of the rewind lever itself.
When it is at the highest position the film cannot be pulled anymore from its cannister and therefore you cannot pull on the advance lever anymore.
Check it.

[cole]

Jeff,

I had the same problem w/ my M7 a few months ago. In my case, it happened right after loading a roll of film - I fired the shutter w/ the rewind lever still down (not my brightest moment) and after that, the advance lever was stuck, as was the shutter release. I don't know if the rewind lever had anything to do w/ it, but the situation was exactly as you described.

I had to send mine into Leica NJ, but they covered it under warranty. They replaced the entire transport mechanism and lubed/adjusted a few other areas. My M has been flawless since then.

Sorry to be the bearer of grave news, but it looks like yr M7 is due for a trip to the closest Leica HQ.

Best of luck!

[lic4]

Originally Posted by goodtimes

I suggest that you look at the film rewind lever. Below it is a small nut which actually has the shape of a thin Washer, with 2 radial slot diametrally opposed (180 degrees apart).
Sometimes that nut unscrews a little each time you unwind some film by cocking the shutter, up to the point that it ends in the maximum high position, blocked by the base of the rewind lever itself.
When it is at the highest position the film cannot be pulled anymore from its cannister and therefore you cannot pull on the advance lever anymore.
Check it.

If this is the reason, the film advance lever should work if there is no film in the camera. Maybe I didn't read the original post clearly, but was it possible to advance when there's no film?

I've heard that the on and off switch can come lose and cause some problems. I wonder if that's causing it. It sounds to me like a camera repairman needs to look at it, since it could be any number of things.

[lic4]

Originally Posted by cole

I had to send mine into Leica NJ, but they covered it under warranty. They replaced the entire transport mechanism and lubed/adjusted a few other areas. My M has been flawless since then.

Leica NJ - prepare to say goodbye to your camera for 6 weeks or more. They send them all the way to Germany. Mine's there now getting a DX reader upgrade.. it's been a while, but I think he's right that Leica NJ would be the place to send it.