I don't know how to load my film into my pentax zx-7

I think the 'o____' is intended as a pictorial representation of a roll of 35mm film, the 'E' signifying an error in loading it. Not used this particular Pentax model myself, but some of them have a slot in the take-up spool where the 'tongue' of the film should be inserted - is that the case with yours ?

there are a number of things that can cause this, but the most common cause is the dirty phase switch. It is located under the metal plate on the bottom of the camera and requires careful disassembly so as not to tear flexes that go over the plate

This camera can be notorious for these types of film advance issues. The bad news is that a ZX-7 is probably not repairable. Good news is that there are many used Pentax bodies out there that will work with you lenses.

lens cap ? ;-]

Did you have the asa film speed set correctly? Thats usually the cause unless your battery isn;t quite right.

Repair would be at least $139 from Blue Moon Camera. I would buy another MZ-50 (ZX-50 is the same) off eBay or you could buy a ZX-30 from Blue Moon Camera for $75 with 1 year warranty. They are professional.

http://www.bluemooncamera.com/services.php

When loading film, make sure to draw the film all the way to the receiving spool. If you don't pull the film far enough the camera thinks it's empty and rewinds the film.

When loading film, pull it all the way to the receiving spool.

Jammed Advance Motor Assembly.

Others here have suggested the problem lays with the plastic gear on the advancing motor beside the mirror.

This might cost $100 or so...?

There is a good review on the following link: http://members.tripod.com/ZXM/zxm_test.html Really you do need to get the full manual, it is "only" 56 pages & there is no better guide. You can download the manual from the link below: http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/ZX-M.pdf Please update the question & let us know if the information given was useful to you - Good Luck!