About the new flarefree finder

[adebartolo]

Season's Greetings to all out there!

I just picked up a new M7. This unit was shipped directly 12/22/04 to my local dealer from Leica in NJ. It serial number is 2854XXX. There is a large Black Orange Taped Band around the box with the statement "new with improved viewfinder" with up to 5 year warranty. I've read that those camera's with serial numbers below 288XXXX have issues with battery life and finder flare. I'm am somewhat disappointed because the dealer had in inventory another camera with serial number 2851xxx and having read all the negitive reports asked specifically for a "factory" fresh unit. The dealer was happy to comply and ordered it in my presence from his factory rep.

My question is this, because the serial number falls below the 288xxxx threshold is this old stock? Will it have the same battery life problems all you have been experiencing ? I have the option of returning it and the dealer promisses to ask NJ for a "higher serial number" unit but the holidays are here and that is the reason I bought the camera. Should I use the M7 and hop for the best relie on the "passport warranty" or keep it on ice till next week and wait for an other unit?

I'd appreciate all your comments.

Tony

 

[ruben_blaedel]

I have no experience with the problems you mention as I do not have a M7 - but I would - hard as it may be looking at the box over the hollydays - get it exchanged to a newer model if this is a serious problem - just imagine that you have to have it fixed over the warrenty and the cameras is in and out of the workshop for weeks - you spend a lot of $ - you have the right to get the right stuff

 

[ted_grant]

Anthony, I don't know where this thing about battery life comes from, probably a few people who've not turned the camera off, put it in the bag with the shutter cocked. Then in closing the bag put pressure on the shutter release which constantly drained the battery. But I've never experienced it since late 2002 when I purchased 3 M7's for my work. And for a use perspective on the first book project, "Women in Medicine" we shot close to 500 rolls of Tri-X in approximately 4 months. Never with a battery failure! Actually two of them still have the same batteries in them from the beginning!

I thought you may find it interesting that my serial numbers are... 277xxx.... 278xxx.. 265xxx. So as far as I'm concerned from pure every day use under work conditions, this battery stuff is a crock. And when it occurs, it's more than likely due to handler failure than camera-battery! Heck if I was you, I'd get film in it and get cracking! And if there's a problem of any sort Leica NJ. will look after it, besides it's warranty covered anyway so who cares. Just get using it!

Have a great Christmas with many successful holiday pictures with your new Leica M7! ;-)

ted

 

[Colin645]

Anthony, If it says it has the "New with Improved Finder" then I think the issue of the flare problem is gone.
Colin

 

[adebartolo]

Ted

Thanks for the quick response! It makes sense. I'll take the camera out of the box and use it. I'm comfortable with the flare problem issue being resolved.

Thought you might be interested that the display models for "ala cart" are in the 300xxxx and 2999xxx range. That for M7 and MP and that also contributed to my frustration. Glad to hear that 265xxx are working properly.

To all a happy and healthy Holliday Season.

Tony De

 

[billpalmer]

"...I don't know where this thing about battery life comes from, probably a few people who've not turned the camera off, put it in the bag with the shutter cocked. Then in closing the bag put pressure on the shutter release which constantly drained the battery."

Ted, It's no urban myth, and I for one am not that stupid...!

I had one of the first M7 .85s in the UK. It chewed through three sets of batteries in a week. It went back to Leica who confirmed a battery drain problem, and replaced it. After the second drain, I put in new batteries, turned the camera off and left it on a shelf for a day. Result - one dead camera. I have had no problems with #2, however.

Regards,

Bill}