M7 burnt shutter

<p>Just picked up films from M7 showing a very obvious light leak and on inspecting the camera there is a visible hole in the "white dot" shutter curtain. This has obviously been burnt by the sun, I'm currently trying to source an affordable repair (UK, if you have suggestions). The questions I have are: - <br>

I've been using Leica M cameras for around 14 years and never had a curtain burn is it just bad luck or is it linked to the following?<br>

I recently upgraded to M7 from M6s is the M7 more susceptible to this?<br>

I have been using my 50 summilux a lot more recently are there certain lenses that are more prone to this issue? <br>

in any case you can tell I'm gutted having just (6 weeks ago) traded a bunch of gear & cash for the M7 only to this happen to it, and you can be sure that I'll be more careful with lens caps in the future.<br>

cheers<br>

davidc</p>

 

<p>David, it's a normal thing that happens to cloth shutters as a result of pointing into the sun. It's a relatively easy fix at a repair shop. Don't worry about lenses or models.<br>

Good luck.</p>

<p>This is common with rangefinder cameras. Rangefinders unlike SLRs do not have a mirror in front of the lens. If the aperture is left open sunlight will pass thru and the glass will act like a magnifier burning a hole in the shutter. It is not advisable to leave the aperture open on the lens when not in use. The lens should be turned to f16 and or capped. </p>

<p>A follow on question, do you think I could claim on my insurance for this?</p>

<p>Usually a good Leica repair person can patch a burn hole in a Leica cloth shutter. It happens. I had it happen once with an M3 and probably a 50 Summicron a long time ago. Silly me, I left the camera lying on a blanket in the sun with the lens facing up and no lens cap just like you can start a fire with a magnifying glass in the sun. Wisdom comes from experience and experience often comes by making mistakes. Live and learn.</p>

<p>David, Whether you can claim from your insurance depends on what type of insurance you have.<br>

If you have a photographic equipment policy or a Rider/Endorsement on a Home insurance policy (All Perils) listing your equipment, you probably can.<br>

You can always "submit" a claim. Whether it's approved will depend literally, on the "small print."As for the future, keeping you lens close- focussed, rather than at infinity will help.(but not as much as a lenscap).<br>

However, an M7 is a relatively recent camera and I for one would net even consider a "patch". I'd get a quote from Leica and Malcom Taylor regarding replacing the shutter curtain. Obviously, if it is an insurance claim, then you may wish to insist that Leica do it.<br>

Good luck.</p>

 

<p>It can happen from shooting sunsets even. Focused to infinity at a high f-stop. I did it on a M6 a few years ago.</p>

<p>Steve, its only common with cloth shutter range finders. doesn't happen on metal shutter range finders. It's not inherent to the range finder design.</p>

<p>Tough luck, but truly (and luckily!) a rare event. Try Solms, too, and send them an e-mail. Even with the higher shipping costs, the repair may cost less, surprisingly. Tell them 'curtain only' or they will include a CLA automatically!<br>

I carry my M Leica with the lens 'looking in'. An alternative (not my practice): Parking 50mm and wider lenses always at the closest focus instead of infinity. Takes some getting used to at the focussing stage of shooting...<br>

All the best for the repair and more luck for the future! Pete</p>

<p> </p>

<p>It's worth giving CRR Luton a call to get a repair quote:</p>

<p>http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Mix a small amount of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pliobond-P141-1OZ-PLIOBOND-ADHESIVE/dp/B00176HL9Y">Pliobond</a>" with a dab of fine <a href="http://www.naturalpigments.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=480-50S">lamp black powder</a>. Touch the tiny offending hole with this mixture and once this <strong>small dot</strong> of adhesive dries, apply a light touch-up of "flat white" paint. This allows it to blend in with the metering dot.</p>

<p>Certainly less invasive and less expensive than the extreme teardown of a labor intensive curtain replacement.<br>

Besides, this tiny patch holds fast and doesn't alter the balance of the repaired curtain.</p>