Leica M7 Black Chrome. Leica catalog number: 10503. Viewfinder magnification: 0.72. This particular unit has a serial number in the 2.88 million range and was manufactured in 2002, the year the M7 was first introduced.

The long-awaited Leica M model with built-in AE (aperture priority auto exposure). The bright-line frame finder supports focal lengths of 28/35/50/75/90/135mm. While the shutter is primarily electronically controlled, the 1/60 and 1/125 speeds are mechanically operated, allowing the camera to function even in the event of battery failure.

A Leica M that makes film photography accessible even to those less confident with manual exposure—no wonder its popularity has been rising rapidly in recent years.

There are a few light surface scratches on the top cover, but overall the camera shows minimal signs of use and remains in good cosmetic condition. There are no noticeable dings or dents.

In January 2025, the previous owner had the camera serviced by Leica Japan, including replacement of the electronic circuit board and battery cap, as well as adjustment of the bright frame selector. However, as is common with many M7 models, the DX code reader is not functioning properly on this unit. That said, the camera works perfectly fine when the film speed is manually set using the rear dial.

The included base plate is not the original one from the time of the M7's release, but rather the current new base plate provided by Leica for M7 models.