Leica M7 Instructions Manual
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Leica M7 Instructions Manual

Leica M7 Instructions Manual

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LEICA M7
Bedienungsanleitung /
Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Leica M7

  • Page 1 LEICA M7 Bedienungsanleitung / Instructions...
  • Page 3 10 11 12...
  • Page 4 28 27...

  • Page 5: Ce-Notice

    Any possible electrostatic charges can be fully discharged by deli- berately touching radiators or water pipes (conductive, earth-connected objects). Please avoid soiling and oxidizing the electrical contacts by assuring that your LEICA M7/MP is stored in a dry place with the protective covers in place.

  • Page 6: Foreword

    Foreword Dear Customer, Congratulations on your decision to purchase the LEICA M7. You have chosen an excellent and unique rangefinder camera. We wish you many years of pleasure and success- ful photography with your camera. We recommend that you read these instructions first in order to derive full benefit from the photo- graphic possibilities offered by your new camera.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    The power supply .....71 Leica M lens design ....85 Compatible batteries .
  • Page 8 Eyesight correction lenses ... . .118 Metering fields in the viewfinder .102/104/105 LEICA MOTOR M .....119 General information on exposure metering .106 Bags and cases .

  • Page 9: Nomenclature

    Nomenclature 13. Accessory shoe for flash control with: • Central (triggering) and 1. Base plate holding pin • Control contacts 02. Battery compartment cover 14. Bright-line frame illumination window 03. Lens release button 15. Angled rewind crank 04. Eyelets for carrying strap 16.

  • Page 10: Viewfinder Displays

    • Reference to any exposure compensation set, Earlier Leica M lenses with additional viewfinder op- • Display of the automatically controlled tics for adjustment of the image field size cover the shutter speeds in aperture priority mode, outside brightness sensor in the viewfinder window, •...

  • Page 11: Attaching The Carrying Strap

    Attaching the carrying strap...

  • Page 12: The Power Supply

    To control the shutter – apart from the two me- chanical and therefore permanently available shutter speeds of 1/60 s and 1/125 s – and for exposure metering, the LEICA M7 requires two 3 volt DL N type lithium batteries. They are also necessary for the electronical triggering of a connected flash unit.

  • Page 13: Automatic Battery Check

    metering based on estimation or using an external hand exposure meter. Note: The electrical circuit can be broken by oxidation of the battery surfaces; this will also cause the LEDs to go out. In this case, remove the batteries and clean them with a clean cloth. If necessary, also clean the contacts inside the cam- era.

  • Page 14: The Main Switch

    on page 80/81). The display then changes and the the exposure meter results light up for 14 s. If the shutter is not cocked when turning on, there is no display. In manual mode the shutter can be released im- mediately after the main switch is turned on;...

  • Page 15: The Shutter Speed Dial

    The LEICA M7’s shutter speed dial is used to se- lect the two exposure modes – aperture priority mode by setting it to the "AUTO” position marked...

  • Page 16: The Quick-Wind Lever

    The LEICA M7 shutter speed dial does not have a stop, i.e. it can be turned in any direction from any position. It engages at all engraved positions; this can be felt particularly at the "AUTO”...

  • Page 17: Exchanging The Film

    Exchanging the film Note: With the back of the camera open, three contacts (36) for transmission of the set film Always start by making sure that there is no film speed to the camera’s controls can be seen on the already in the camera by turning the rewind crank back and inside the camera housing.

  • Page 18: Loading The Film

    Notes: • The film leader must be trimmed as is the case with all ready to use films. • If the film leader is pulled so far out that it pro- trudes slightly from one of the slits on the op- posite side of the take up spool;...

  • Page 19: Advancing The Film To The First Frame

    Advancing the film to the first frame 12. Advance the film to the next frame by means of the quick-wind lever (10), and release the shutter. 13. Pull the film taut by carefully turning the rewind crank (15) in the direction of the arrow. The film is being properly transported if the rewind crank turns in the opposite direction to the arrow when the quick wind lever is operat-...

  • Page 20: Setting The Film Speed

    Note: Because of the spring-loaded DX contacts, which press onto the film cartridge, you will feel slight resistance when removing the cartridge from the camera. If necessary, you can lightly tap the camera on your hand to assist you. If a film is not correctly attached to the cartridge reel, e.g.

  • Page 21: The Following Settings Are Possible

    The following settings are possible Film speed displays in the viewfinder The section with a grey background represents Depending on the film loaded, the film speed set- the speeds that can be set automatically by DX ting and the exposure correction setting, different code.

  • Page 22: The Set, Displayed And Used Film Speed

    The set, displayed and used film speed Film type Film speed Exposure Viewfinder displays Value used loaded setting compensation for exposure first 2 s remaining 14 s metering DX value exp. met. display DX value DX value flashes exp. met. display, result.

  • Page 23: Setting An Exposure Compensation

    Setting an exposure compensation With the LEICA M7, exposure compensations can be set at EV intervals in the range ± 2 EV. Exposure meters are calibrated to an average grey (18 % reflection), which corresponds to the bright- To do this: ness of a normal, i.e.

  • Page 24: Example Of A Compensation To Plus

    Example of a compensation to plus Example of a compensation to minus For very bright subjects, e.g. snow or a beach, the For very dark subjects, which do not reflect much exposure meter will give a relatively short expo- light, the exposure meter will give an exposure sure time due to the high level of brightness.

  • Page 25: Attaching A Lens

    Attaching a lens Removing a lens 01. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (17), 01. Hold the lens by the fixed ring (17), 02. align the red lens alignment button (5) with 02. depress the lens release button (3) on the the lens release button (3) on the camera camera, body,...

  • Page 26: Leica M Lens Design

    For details on focusing, see the "The rangefinder” section on page 94. Leica M lens design The Leica M lenses are equipped with a fixed ring with an index for setting the distance, an align- ment button for changing the lens and the depth...

  • Page 27: The Aperture Ring

    The aperture ring The aperture values are standarised world-wide. The direction in which the aperture ring turns They are selected such that the amount of light (like that of the shutter speed dial) corresponds to reaching the film is always halved when the lens is the exposure meter displays in the viewfinder for stopped down between two successive apertures manual setting.

  • Page 28: The Depth Of Field Scale

    The depth-of-field scale in conjunction with the focusing ring indicates the range of sharpness at the set focus distance. For example, using the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 lens focused at 5 meters, the depth of field at f/4 ranges from approximately 4 to 8 meters.

  • Page 29: Lens Hoods

    Summicron 50 mm f/2 with close focusing. Lens hoods Each Leica M lens is supplied with a lens hood the design of which is geared to the lens. Several lens- es have built-in telescopic lens hoods. The lens hoods should always be used as they provide both shade from stray light and glare and protection against raindrops or fingerprints.

  • Page 30: How To Hold The Camera Correctly

    How to hold the camera correctly For vertical pictures, turn the LEICA M7 to the left and keep your hands in the same position as for In order to achieve sharp, well-focused photo- horizontal shots. You can however also rotate the graphs, the camera must be held as steadily and camera to the right.

  • Page 31: The Bright-Line Viewfinder

    The bright-line viewfinder When the LEICA M7 is used with the higher 0.85x viewfinder magnification, five frames are reflect- The bright-line viewfinder of the LEICA M7 com- ed into the viewfinder for the focal lengths from prises not only a high-quality, large, bright and 35mm upwards (90mm, 35+135mm, 50 +75mm).
  • Page 32 LED for flash operation Bright-line Bright-line LEDs for shutter/aperture balance frame frame 35 mm 135 mm Metering field for focusing...

  • Page 33: The Frame Selector

    The frame selector The frame selector lever (21) extends the possibil- ities of the LEICA M7 viewfinder. Using this integrated universal viewfinder, you can view frames which do not correspond to the lens which is actually fit- ted. Thus, you can test whether the composition would be better served by a different focal length.
  • Page 34 50 mm + 75 mm 28 mm * + 90 mm * not for LEICA M7 0.85...

  • Page 35: The Rangefinder

    Thanks to its high effective base width, the For a portrait, for example, align the eye with the rangefinder of the three LEICA M7 models permit rangefinder field and turn the focusing ring of the very precise control. This is particularly advan-...
  • Page 36 Double image = out of focus Coincident image = in focus Interrupted line = out of focus Continous line = in focus...

  • Page 37: Exposure Metering

    LED is lit. Exposure metering Switching on the exposure meter On the LEICA M7 exposure metering uses the The exposure meter is turned on by lightly press- available ambient light selectively through the ing the shutter release button (9) to its first pres- lens at the working aperture.

  • Page 38: The Exposure Modes

    If the finger is released without the shutter being The exposure modes depressed, the exposure meter remains switched The LEICA M7 offers photographers two exposure on for approx. 14 s and the corresponding LED (s) modes: aperture priority mode or manual setting.

  • Page 39: Metering Memory-Lock

    106, the selective value shown. If, for example, "1 1 6 6 ” (as the nearest metering of the LEICA M7 deals exclusively with value) is shown in the display before the shutter is the center of the image and is calibrated to an released, but the calculated exposure time is average grey.

  • Page 40: Setting The Exposure Manually

    Note: When using the camera with a motorised Note: For shutter speeds slower than 2 s, the re- drive, e.g. LEICA MOTOR M, metering memory- maining exposure time is counted down in the lock can only be used for individual exposures, not display after the shutter is released.

  • Page 41: The "B" Setting

    The "B" setting Meter sensitivity The "B" setting, at which the shutter remains open At room temperature, normal humidity and an for as long as the shutter release button is de- aperture of 1.0, the measuring range is from 0.03 pressed, allows exposures of any length.

  • Page 42: Switching Off The Exposure Meter

    Switching off the exposure meter The working range of the LEICA M7 focal plane shutter is represented schematically by the shad- If the camera will not be used for a long period, or ed area in the adjacent column. With the "B” set- is stored in a bag, it should always be turned off at ting, the upper section is unrestricted.
  • Page 43 However, the following reference value applies to By contrast, with the aperture priority mode, the all lens focal lengths: LEICA M7 automatically calculates shutter speeds The diameter of the circular metering field is up to 32 s, so that in the example highlighted, approx.

  • Page 44: Metering Diagram

    Metering diagram 0,03 0,063 0,125 0,25 1000 2000 4000 8000 16000 32000 63000 125000 cd/m 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000...
  • Page 45 LEICA M7 LEICA M7 LEICA M7 Viewfinder magnification 0.58x Viewfinder magnification 0.58x Viewfinder magnification 0.72x...
  • Page 46 LEICA M7 LEICA M7 LEICA M7 Viewfinder magnification 0.72x Viewfinder magnification 0.85x Viewfinder magnification 0.85x...

  • Page 47: General Information On Exposure Metering

    General information on exposure metering a wide-angle lens should be metered with the LEICA M7 pointing downward to exclude the Most scenes contain an even distribution of bright bright sky. Metering memory-lock allows this and dark subject details and reflect an average of technique to be used conveniently even when 18 % of the light falling on them.
  • Page 48 If there is considerable contrast between light and Deliberate over- or underexposure often enhan- dark parts of the image, the exposure latitude of ces the character of a picture and can be used as the films ceases to be sufficient to register the full a good compositional aid.

  • Page 49: Flash Photography

    3000 system and have the SCA-3502/3501 In addition to the photocell for ambient light, the adapter. LEICA M7 is equipped with a second photocell for If the flash unit used has the appropriate func- flash (arrow). This silicon photocell, located on the...

  • Page 50: Compatible Flash Units

    Thanks to its compact dimensions and its dedicat- ed design, the LEICA SF 20/SF 24D is particularly suitable for use with the LEICA M7. It is very sim- ple to use, as it is equipped with an integrated ad- apter foot with additional control and signal contacts for automatic transfer of a range of data and settings.

  • Page 51: Attaching And Connecting The Flash Unit

    Attaching and connecting the flash unit TTL flash mode When mounting a flash unit on the hotshoe of the On the LEICA M7, this mode is available with both LEICA M7, ensure that the adapter foot of the exposure modes, aperture priority mode and...

  • Page 52: Settings For Ttl Flash Mode

    SCA 3502/3501 adapter "TTL” mode, proceed as follows on the LEICA M7: In the LEICA M7 viewfinder, an LED in the shape 01. Before each flash exposure, first of all turn on of a flash (A) is used for acknowledgement and to the exposure meter by lightly pressing the indicate the different modes.

  • Page 53: Displays In Manual Flash Mode

    "High speed synchronised flash” func- remaining displays go out: tion. In such cases, the LEICA M7 does not Flash exposure was correct, however the flash trigger the flash unit even if it is turned on and is no longer operational.

  • Page 54: Synchronisation On The 2Nd Shutter Curtain

    SCA-3502 adapter is being used, curtain often gives a more natural effect. the LEICA M7 allows the flash to be triggered on The function is available for all camera and flash either the 1st or the 2nd shutter curtain. This unit settings, for both aperture priority mode and makes it possible to have the –...
  • Page 55 The synchronisation is selected on the flash units simply place the camera in standby mode with with the corresponding features. For more details, the main switch. If the camera was not activated, refer to the relevant instructions. these flash modes can function incorrectly (e.g. no triggering or full flash instead of strobe Important! function).

  • Page 56: High Speed Synchronisation Flash Mode

    With standard flash techniques, focal plane shut- setting must be made using the flash unit’s aper- ters like those in the LEICA M7 can only be syn- ture calculation function. The displays correspond chronised with shutter speeds at which the to those for normal manual flash mode, as des- camera’s shutter window is completely open at a...

  • Page 57: Strobe Flash Mode

    If the set shutter speed is sufficient for or slower function and an SCA-3501/3502 adapter is being than that required for the desired strobe exposure, used, the LEICA M7 allows movements to be cap- the flash is triggered and the flash symbol tured in single stages using stroboscopic flashes appears.

  • Page 58: System Accessories For The Leica M7

    A universally valid correction fac- tor is not possible as the red sensitivity of black The Leica M system is ideal for fast and candid and white films varies considerably. photography. The range of lenses comprises focal lengths from 21 to 135 mm and widest apertures of f/1.

  • Page 59: Viewfinder Magnifier

    50 mm. It can be used on all available (dioptres, spherical): 0,5/1/1,5/2/3. Leica M models and magnifies the central area of the viewfinder image by a quarter: The 0.58x view- finder becomes 0.72x, the 0.72x becomes a 0.9x and the 0.85x becomes a 1.06x viewfinder, which...

  • Page 60: Leica Motor M

    LEICA MOTOR M Bags and cases The LEICA MOTOR M can be attached to the For the LEICA M7 with lenses from 21 to LEICA M7 and allows automatic shutter cocking 50 mm (except M 50 mm f/1) an everready case and film advancing for single shots or series at with a detachable small front is available.

  • Page 61: Tips On Maintenance Of Your Leica Camera And Lenses

    The lenses camera should never, therefore, be put aside with- If your Leica is to be stored for a longer period of out protection against strong sunlight. time, please remove the batteries and make sure...
  • Page 62 It is recommended to use the lens hood since it also protects the lens against fingerprints and rain. Note the serial number of your LEICA M7 (en- graved on the accessory shoe!) and lenses, as they are extremely important in case of loss.

  • Page 63: Alphabetical Index

    Alphabetical index Page Page M lenses ..............85 Aperture priority automatic exposure mode ....97 - Design ..............85 Aperture setting ring...........86 - Use of older lenses ...........88 Bags and cases............119 M viewfinder magnifier 1.25x ........118 Battery................71 Main switch ..............73 Bright line viewfinder ..........90 Metering diagramm .........101/103 Correction lenses ............118 Metering fields in the viewfinder .......104/105...

  • Page 64: Technical Data

    EV steps can 100/21° this corresponds to EV -2 to 20 or f/1.0 and 4s to f/ 32 be set on SCA-3501/3502 adapter. On the LEICA SF20/SF24D, and 1/1000s. Flashing of the left-hand triangular LED in the ± 3 EV in EV steps can be set or from 0 to –...
  • Page 65 Framing Projection of pairs of bright-line frames: For 28 and automatically calculated shutter speed in aperture priority 90 mm (90 mm frame only on LEICA M7 0.85) or for 35 and mode, indication of the use of metering memory-lock, warning 135 mm (35 mm frame only on LEICA M7 0.58) or for 50 and...

  • Page 66: Other Leica Products

    Leica precision mecha- Brass top plate and base plate, both chromium plated in black or silver. nics are the common denominator of all Leica pro- Frame selector Allows the bright line frame pairs to be man- jectors and projection lenses.

  • Page 67: Leica Academy

    Current information about products, news, Leica not only manufactures high-performance products for everything from observation to re- events and the Leica company is available on our production: it offers a special service in the form homepage on the Internet at: of the Leica Academy.

  • Page 68: Leica Service Center

    For maintenance of your Leica equipment, or in case of damage, Leica AG’s Customer Service center, or the repair service of the Leica national offices, is available to assist you (see your gua- rantee card for address list). Please contact your nearest authorised Leica dealer.
  • Page 69 Markenzeichen der Leica Camera Gruppe / LEICA M7 = registriertes Warenzeichen Änderungen in Konstruktion und Ausführung vorbehalten. ® Trademark of the Leica Camera Group / LEICA M7 = Registered Trademark Illustrations, descriptions and technical data are not binding. German/English edition...
  • Page 70 Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D–35606 Solms www.leica-camera.com / info@leica-camera.com Telephone +49 (0) 6442-208-0 / Fax +49 (0) 6442-208-333...

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