Leica M7 Silver Chrome. This particular unit is the JAPAN version, featuring the Leica logo printed on the top cover. Its catalog number is 10504, and the viewfinder magnification is 0.72x. The serial number is in the 2,780,000 range, indicating it was manufactured in 2001, making it part of the earliest production batch of the M7. Notably, the M7 was officially launched in 2002.
The M7 was introduced as the much-anticipated Leica M model equipped with AE (automatic exposure). The bright frame in the viewfinder supports focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, and 135mm. While the camera primarily uses an electronic shutter, it also features mechanical shutter speeds of 1/60 and 1/125, ensuring functionality even in the event of a battery failure.
With its user-friendly design, even those lacking confidence in manual exposure settings can enjoy film photography with this M-series Leica. Recently, the popularity of the M7 has been rapidly rising.
There is a minor scuff and a small scratch about 1mm on the side of the top cover near the film advance lever, but overall, this is a very clean unit. In November 2024, it underwent a comprehensive inspection, including viewfinder cleaning and switch maintenance. Although a faint haze remains in the rangefinder prism after cleaning, it has minimal impact on visibility. The AE function is working correctly, making this an M7 you can use with confidence.
Included accessories are the instruction manual (in German and English), warranty card, inspection certificate, Leica Barnack Club membership guide, strap, and the original matching serial number box.
