Film cameras
LEICA R7 User manual
User manual for LEICA R7. 68 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Leica
- Model / document
- LEICA R7
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 68
- File size
- 4.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
We wish you a great deal of pleasure Leica Akademie. -and many years ofsuccessful photography Leica not only develops and manufactures
with your new LEICA R7. high-performance products for photo-
graphy, projection, observation and photo- ITo enableyou to fully enjoy and take advan- graphic reproduction - an additional service
tage of the wide range of possibilities offered availableto you is the Leica Akademie. For
by this high-quality,precision camera,we many years, this internationally famous
recommend that you first read this manual school has been teaching photographic
carefullv. know-how in application-orientedseminars
and training courses. It meets the needs
of photo enthusiasts, both beginners and
advanced students, for special training in
demanding areas of 35mm photography,
projection, and enlargement.
Up-to-date, well-equipped classrooms at
our Solms headquarters are available for
courses, which are held by experienced
instructors, with syllabuses ranging from
generalphotography to specializedfields of
interest. They provide a wealth of practical
suggestions, help, and advice. Further
information and details of seminars are
available from:
Leica Camera GmbH, Leica Akademie
Oskar-Barnack-Strasse11,
D-35606 Solms, Germany ,l
Telephone + 49 (0 64 42) 208- 421
This user manual was printed on paper bleached
without chlorine - a processwhich protects our natural
water resourcesand the environment.View original page 3Page 6 · Read text
Contents Page Program functioning in different shutter speed
Brief description III, VI settings 29
Attaching the carrying strap 2 Characteristics, tendeny and application of the
Changing the lens 3 variable automatic program mode 32
Inserting the batteries 4 Supplementary light for aperture scale 33
Compatible batteries 4 Eyepiece adjustment 33
Automatic battery check 5 Focusing with the universal focusing screen 34
Exposure release without batteries 5 Eyepiece shutter 35
Quick-wind lever 5 Using flash equipment 36
Inserting the film 6 TTL flash-exposure control in manual mode @ 37
Automatic DX-code film speed setting 8 TTL flash-exposure control in aperture
Manually setting film speed 9 priority mode @,6 38
Rewinding and removing the film 9 TTL fill-in flash control in shutter
Exposure metering modes 10 priority mode E 38
Full-field integral metering 11 Variable TTL flash-exposure control.in automatic
Selective metering 11 program mode El 39
Working diagram of exposure meter 12 Overview of flash exposure programs 40
Switching on the exposure meter 14 Flash readiness display 4l
Using the exposure meter at full aperture 14 Flash control display 4 l
Using the exposure meter at working aperture 15 Self timer 42
Low-light warning 15 Independent mirror release 42
Manual override control 16 Multiple exposures 44
Shutter speed setting dial l7 Depth of f,reldlever 45
Viewfinder image 18 Depth of field scale on lens 45
Mode selection 20 Holding the camera 46
Manual setting of shutter speed, selective mode @ 21 Using filters 47
Aperture priority, Using existing LEICA Lenses and accessories 47
full-field integral metering 6l 22 LEICA M-Lenses on the LEICA R7 48
Aperture priority, selective metering @ 24 Tips on care 48
Exposure metering memory 24 Accessories 49
Aperture priority, Camera spare parts 54
full-field integral metering ED 26 Enlarger, Projectors 54
Automatic program mode, Customer Service 55
full-field integral metering [B 28 Technical Data 57
Reference index VIIView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
d G
Attaching the carrying strap
To attach the carrying strap to the eye- a
lets lll:
o Slide back the safety sheath at the end of
the strap (fig. a).
o Remove the metal hook from the strap
(fig. b and c).
o Insert the hook in the eyelet l4l, with the
bent part of the hook parallel to the side
of the camera (fig. d and e).
o Insert the strap through the open ended,
narrow part of the hook, then turn it
through 90o for a proper seating on the
D-shaped loop (fig. f, g and h). h i tI
o Slide the safety sheath fully home over
the hook (fig. i and j).View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Chengingthe lens Removing the lens: To avoiddamageto your LEICA R7, do not Hold the lens by the fixed ring llll. Pressin attemptto fit any lens that doesnot havea the bayonet lock 16l on the camera body. control cam for a LEICA R Camera(see Turn the lens anticlockwise and remove. page47). Always change lenses in the shade or in To inserta LEICA R-Lensregardlessof the your body's shadow. focus and aperture settings, proceed as follows: Hold the lensby the fixed ring llll. Position the red dot ll2l on the lens mount opposite the dot on the bayonet lock 16l on the camerabody.Insertthe lensin this position. A slight clockwiseturn locks the lens into positionaudibly.View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
Notes on battery crre and use:
Store battery cells in a cool, dry place. Keep
away from children. Never use old and new
battery cells together. Do not mix battery
cells of different makes. These battery cells
are not rechargeable.
Batteries contain toxic and environmen-
tally damaging substances.Do not discard
used battery cells, but return them to your
camera dealer for recycling or dispose of
them at special waste collection points.
Compatible batteries
Inserting the batteries Silver oxide button cells suitable for theThe exposure meter and shutter release of LEICA R7 (valid Sprins 1992):the LEICA R7 require a 6V power supply,
either four silver oxide button cells (1.5V) Duracell D 3s7(10L 14)
or two lithium cells (6V). EverReady EPX 76
Open the battery compartment cap l37l bV Kodak KS 76
pressing the locking button 136land push NationalMaxell sRSR4444
the cap in the direction of the camera front. Panasonic sR 44
Use a clean cloth to wipe offany oxidization Philips 357
on the surface of the battery cells and insert Ray-o-vac 357
the batteries in the battery cap; position Sony SR44
them as marked by symbols in the battery Ucar EP){ 76 Varta V 7 6 P Xcap. Close battery compartment cap and
push it toward the camera back until it
clicks shut.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Lithium cells
(valid Spring 1992):
Duracell DLtls N
Kodak K 5 8 L
Philips CR'/sN
Ucar 2 L 7 6
Varta CR'/sN
Automatic Battery Check
If battery power is low, the symbol "BC"
lights up in the lower right corner of the
viewfinder. This indicates suflicient power
for the camera to operate,but the batteries
should be replaced as soon as possible.
If battery power is too low for camera Quick-wind lever
functioning,the exposurereleaseis blocked The quick-wind lever 1271winds the film,
and all displays, except the "BC' symbol cocks the shutter, and turns the frame
extinguish. If the battery is completely flat, counter 1281.When hinged out in the
the "BC" symbol no longer lights up. stand-by position, there is room to slide
your thumb behind it and firmly support
Shutter releasewithout batteries the camera. After each exposure, the film
You can still use the camera when the should be advancedimmediately to the next
battery cells are flat or have been removed. frame to ensure instant readiness for the 6(8"To do so, set the shutter speed to or next photograph.
"r00t'.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Inserting the film Pull up the rewind crank [7[ and knob past the spring resistance to release and open the camera back. The frame counter resets to "S" (start).View original page 11
Page 12 · Read text
Incorrect Correct
Pir!. up the film cartridge as shown above, Pull up the rewind crank as far as it will go
with the emulsion side facing up. Slide the and insert the film cartridge in the empty
end of the film obliquely from-above into cartridge chamber, then push in the rewind
one ofthe slots ofthe take-up spool, making crank. The edge ofthe film must be parallel
sure that the film is gripped by at least one ol with the film guide. As you move the quick-
the retaining clips and projects under the wind lever, the sprockets of the transport
next clip. drum must engagein the edge perforations
of the film.
Use the quick-wind lever to wind the film
one frame forward, to ensure that it lies
tensioned in the film guide and that the
mouth of the cartridge does not project too
far. You may occasionally wish to tale out a
partly exposed film and later insert it again.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
To ensure that the film is always inserted
under the same conditions, use the quick-
wind lever to cock the shutter, then release
the shutter before you insert the film.
Snap shut the camera back to close the
camera. Release the shutter. IV'ind the film
one frame forward, release the shutter
again, then wind on one more frame. The
camera is now ready for use. The frame
counter l28l stands atnl'.It counts up too36'.
Important: Bright light may enter through the
mouth of the cartridge and damageyour film.
Nweys insert filn in your body's shadow; Automatic DX-Settingnever in bright light. If DX-coded films are used, push the
locking button l20l to switch the setting ring *DX'position,Normally, the film speed setting ring IlSl as displayedin the llSl to thecan be left in the "DX" position, other film window. It appears at the end of the ASAspeeds can be manually set (see following scale, i. e. next to the ASA setting "12800'.section). The camera is now ready for ex- "Reading'and setting the film speedoccursposure. automatically for all speedsfrom ISO 25ll5o
to ISO 5000/38".
If, in this setting, a non DX-coded film is
inserted, or if there is no film in the camera 'AS^f at all, the symbol blinks in the view-
finder display. The outer LED l2l I also
blinks.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
The setting range covers all values from
ISO 619" to ISO 128001420 inclusive.
(However, only the ASA-value is displayed, '12800') i.e.'6" to
Rewinding and renoving the exposed film
Exposure ofthe last frame blocks the action
of the quick-wind lever. Rewind the film
into its cartridge before removing it from
the camera. Pressthe rewind releasebutton
lSglin the camera'sbaseplate,hinge out the
rewind crank IlTland turn it clockwise in the
direction indicated by the arrow until you
feel a slight resistanceas the film is pulled
out of the take-up spool. Pull up the r-ewindIf exposure is nevertheless released, the crank and knob to open the camera back,selectedaperture and shutter speed settings and remove the cartridge with the exposedare activated, regardless of the camera film.mode chosen.
In the case of discrepancy between the
manually set film speed and the DX-code,
the manually set valqE becomes operative.
The warning symbol V lights.rp right in
the viewfinder display. "t
Setting the film speed manually
To set the film speedin ISO units, pressthe
releasebutton l20l and turn the setting ring
llSl at the same time until the window llgl
displays the required film speed in ASA.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Full-field integral metering Selectivemetering
Exposure metering modes The exposuremeter measuresthe light that
The LEICA R7 has an exposure-meter passes through the lens (TTL exposure-
system that provides two alternative mete- metering system). It uses a silicon photo-
ring modes: diode, placed in the base of the camera to
protect it from straylight. Whenyou use anyE Full-field integral metering
LEICA R-Lens with an automatic spring-O Selectivemetering
back diaphragm,the exposuremeter works
at full aperture.The symbol displayedin theThe exposuremetering modes are linked to
window l23l next to the mode selector 126lthe camera mode chosen, i. e. they form
independent programs. and at the lower left of the viewfinder
indicates the program (mode) selected.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Full-field integral mode Selective mode Most photographic subjects contain details This is the method of choice with high- of varied brightness. The light reflected by contrast subjects that have a wide bright- this type of subject has a mean grey value of ness range and correct exposure ofa certain 180/0,i.e. it is the same as that of a standard detail is particularly important. grey arca that reflects 180/oof the light it The large central circle in the viewfinder receives.This is the calibration value for all indicates the field covered in this mode, in exposure meters. which the exposure meter measures only The full-field integral mode is suitable for the light reflected by the exact area of the all subjects in normal light, with no extre- subject that you want determine the expo- mes of light or color, and where the light sure. The field is the same size on all focu- and dark areas are fairly evenly distributed sing screens and for all lenses, whatever over the entire visual field. For this type of their focal length, and is clearly marked in subject, chooseone ofthe programs that use the viewfinder. For selective mode, choose the full-field integral mode El, El or El. programs @ and @.View original page 16
Page 17 · Read text
Working diagram of the exposuremeter For correct exposure, the points of inter- The diagram shows the relationship between section of the vertical Av and the horizontal film speed Sv (speedvalue) and brightness Tv lines must always lie exactly on a Bv (brightness value) on the one hand, and diagonal Ev line. In the example, three such between shutter speed Tv (time value) and combinations are shown: A: stop 2 att/ts; aperture Av (aperture value) on the other, B: stop 8 at 4s; and C: StoF16 atl6s. Each together with the resulting exposure value corresponds to the correct exposure value. Ev. The diagram is in two parts connected by diagonal lines that represent the expo- In the modes shutter priority and aperture sure values Ev. A typical example, marked priority, one of these values is preset, the in red, shows how these values correlate. correspondingvalue is set automatically;in Assuming a film speed of ISO 400/27", automatic program mode, the camera auto- follow the vertical line to the point where it maticallv sets both. intersects with the horizontal line for brightness, in this case 0.5 cd/m2, typical for night-time photography. A diagonal which passesthrough this point of intersection leads to the relevant exposure value, in this case Ev 4. Various combinations of aperture and shutter speed can produce this value, i. e. transfer to the camera's working range.View original page 17
Page 19 · Read text
Exposuremeteringat full eperture
Most LEICA R-Lensesfeaturean automa-
tic spring-backdiaphragm.This meansthat,
when you takean exposuremeterreadin5,t
springopensthe diaphragn to full aperture
regardlessof the presetstopand then closes
it againto the required aperturesettingfor
the exposure.V[hen using the following
lenses, exposure metering takes place at
working aperture:
O PC-SUPER-A}.IGULON-R
f12.8128mm,
PA-CURTAGON-R
fl4l35 DD,
Switchingon the exposuremeter o TELYT-R f16.81400mm,
Turn the shutter speedsetting dial to any o TELYT-R f16.81560mm und
valuebetweenll2000sand 4s. Presslightly o TELYT-S f16.31800mm
on the shutter-releasebutton l25l as far as
the first pressurepoint or pressthe locking
button on the selectorswitcbl2gl.Whenthe
LEICA R7'sexposuremeteris switchedon,
the LED displayin the viewfinderlights up.
Ifthe shutteris cockedwhenyou releasethe
button you haveusedto activatethe system,
the LEDs continueto light for about 12s.If
the shutteris not cocked,they extinguishat
once.View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Exposuremetering at working aperture
Somelensesand accessoriesdo not have an
automatic spring back diaphragm or lack
the linkagemechanismfor it. In thesecases,
you have to obtain the exposure-meterrea-
ding at working aperture, stopping up or
down to adjust the amount of light reaching
the exposure meter's photocell.
With lensesand accessoriesnot equipped
with automaticspringbackdiaphragm,the
modesEJ, @ and @ian be used.
Low-light warning
The camerahas a linear measuringrangefor
correct exposures.When there is too little
light for this range, the exposure meter's
photoelectric cell can no longer produce an
accuratereading and the exposure that the
viewfinder displays may produce a poor
result. To avoid this, the LEICA R7 has a
low-light warning: the A symbol lights
up at left bottom in the viewfinder. In the
borderline range the signal may blink.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Example for "plus" (+) override correction
For a very brightly lit subject,such as snow,
sand, or water, the high reflectivity causes
the exposure meter to indicate too short
an exposure. The snow itself is likely to
appeargrey, people much too dark: under-
exposure.To correct this, the time of expo-
sure must be increased,i. e. set the override
control to +2.
Example for "minus" (-) override correction
For a very dark subject that reflects only a
small amount of light, the exposure meter
indicatestoo long an exposure.A black car
appearsgrey: overexposure.The exposureManual override control time must be reduced i. e. set the override(exposurecorrection) control to - 1.Exposure meters are calibrated to a
standard grey (180/oreflection) value for an To set the override control, press theaveragephotographicsubject.If the subject locking button ll4land turn the setting scaledoes not conform to this standard,manual [5] to the required value by lever [16l.Tooverride correction of the exposure-meter lock the button [4], press it in and turn itreading becomes necessary. anticlockwise.When the override control isManual override is more often necessary at 0, the lever [6lfits snugly into the camerawith full-field integral exposure metering. body. The override control can be set inIn selectivemode, the more limited mete- stepsof one-half of an exposurevalue, fromring field makes it possible to measure a Ev +3 to Ev -3. When override is active,therepresentativedetail with an averagegrey symbol V flashes at bottom right in thevalue, thus ensuring accurate measure- viewfinder.ment.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
*plus' (+) ovenide correction Example for
For a very brightly lit subject, such as snow,
sand, or water, the high reflectivity causes
the exposure meter to indicate too short
an exposure. The snow itself is likely to
appear gr€y, people much too dark: under-
exposure. To correct this, the time of expo-
sure must be increased.i. e. set the override
control to +2.
Example for "minus" (-) override correction
For a very dark subject that reflects only a
small amount of light, the exposure meter
indicates too long an exposure. A black car
appearsgrey: overexposure.The exposureManual override control time must be reduced i. e. set the override(exposure correction) control to - 1.Exposure meters are calibrated to a
standard grey (180/oreflection) value for an To set the override control, press theaveragephotographic subject. Ifthe subject locking button lllland turn the setting scaledoes not conform to this standard, manual
override correction of the exposure-meter llSl to the required value by lever 116l.To lock the button [4[, press it in and turn itreading becomes necessary. anticlockwise. When the override control isManual override is more often necessary at 0, the lever 116lfitssnugly into the camerawith full-field integral exposure metering. body. The override control can be set inIn selective mode, the more limited mete- stepsof one-half of an exposure value, fromring field makes it possible to measure a Ev +3 to Ev -3. When override is active,therepresentative detail with an average grey symbol V flashes at bottom right in thevalue, thus ensuring accurate measure- viewfinder.ment.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Shutter speed setting dial
The shutter speed setting dial should be set
to "OFF'when the camera is not in use. In
this setting, the exposure meter is switched
off and the electronic shutter release
blocked, preventing unnecessary battery
drain.
In the program modes Eland @ ttre shutter
speedbetween 112000s and 4 s must be set
manually by turning the setting dial 1201.
Half values can also be set.
In the El program mode, the shutter speed
setting influences the tendency of the auto-
matic program mode.
In program modes EI and @, the shutter 'When using non-system flash units, thespeed setting dial can be engaged at any shutter speedmust be set to "100t".In thevalue except "B" or "100t". The shutter "B" setting, the shutter remains open for aspeed is automatically computed to values long as the exposure release button isbetween l/2000 s and 16s. pressed down. The symbol "bulb" is
displayed in the viewfinder.
In "Bc6 and "100r", the shutter can be
released without battery power. In these
settings, no exposure metering occurs
(except TTl-flash exposure metering),
even if batteries have been inserted.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
The viewfinder image The illustration opposite shows all the
The viewfinder of the LEICA R7 acts as available displays:
composition and control center for all a low-light warning - out of exposureimportant information : metenng rangeIt lets you assessfocus, perspective, and b program mode symbolspicture frame; the measuring field for selec- c set aperture (reflected display)tive exposure metering is clearly marked d symbol for fill-in flash(the larger circle in the viewfinder center). e set or computed shutter speedThe viewfinder area is 920/oof the frame f light balance for manual settingsize; with the eyepiece at 0 diopters and a g computed aperturestandard 50mm lens fitted and focused to h warning "override activated" (blinks);infinity, it has an 0.8x magnification. warning for discrepancybetween manual
film speed setting and DX-codeThe viewfinder displays all essential data (lights up)for the program you have set. The LEDs i low battery warning
light up when the release button on the j flash ready and flash control symbolprogram selector is activated or when the k measuring circle for selectiveshutter releasebutton is pressed.With the exposure metering.shutter cocked,the LEDs light for about 12s.
The LED bightness automatically adjusts
to the subject in view, ensuring easyreading
of all display data. To avoid confusion, the
viewfinder displays only the essential data
in each program mode.View original page 24Page 26 · Read text
You can choose between the following
programs:
@ Manual setting of shutter speed and
lens aperture, selective mode.
@ Aperture priority, selective mode.
EJ nperture priority, full-field
integral mode.
EJ Variable automatic program mode with
full-field integral metering.
EI Strutter priority with full-field
integral metering.
Mode selection
To choose a mode, press the releasebutton
and at the sametime slide the mode selector
l2glto the required position. By pressingthe
release button, the camera is switched on.
The viewfinder displays the mode you have
selected in the lower left-hand corner. The
window l23lnext to the shutter speedsetting
ring also displays the mode setting. Check
that the mode selector engagesproperly. To
change the setting, the releasebutton must
be pushed first.View original page 26Related documents and language editions
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Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.