robertc Posted February 7, 2009 Share #1 Posted February 7, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I wonder if any members have bought their M7 in an à la carte design and what their experience was? I am normally a standard product buyer, and I am interested in adding an M7, but I am less of a fan of the M7 in an aesthetic sense. I find the black leather a bit ordinary and the Leica logo against black is a bit of an eyesore; it is far less noticeable on the chrome. I am influenced by my M6 which is a titanium version wrapped in (I think) ostrich leather. It is also of course smaller and makes a very attractive combination which always gives me a thrill to look at. Looks are important but then so is the price premium for the à la carte. I am attracted by the black, no engraving, vulcanite version. Almost an MP version of the M7. Frankly I think Leica is missing an opportunity in not marketing a few more specials, but in a modest way, not like the safari M8.2 which I feel is a bit silly and frivolous and not even attractive to my eye. The Japanese MP(?) in anthracite, and the LSA MP special edition in vulcanite were really beautiful versions. An equally understated but attractive M7 might put some zip into M7 sales and should not need to attract a crazy price premium. This could refresh the M7 product line and help turn some heads back to film. Am I alone in this view? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 Hi robertc, Take a look here M7 à la carte?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tgray Posted February 7, 2009 Share #2 Posted February 7, 2009 If I were you, I'd buy a used M7. Get the red logo replaced with a black one, replace the covering with something from one of the 3rd party suppliers, and use something to remove the enamel in the M7 logo. Pretty much what you want, less than half the price While I can't say the red logo pleases me, it's not something I ever spend any time thinking on. It's a camera. Just my opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 7, 2009 Share #3 Posted February 7, 2009 Frankly I think Leica is missing an opportunity in not marketing a few more specials, but in a modest way, not like the safari M8.2 which I feel is a bit silly and frivolous and not even attractive to my eye. The Japanese MP(?) in anthracite, and the LSA MP special edition in vulcanite were really beautiful versions. An equally understated but attractive M7 might put some zip into M7 sales and should not need to attract a crazy price premium. This could refresh the M7 product line and help turn some heads back to film. I know what you mean about the anthracite MP. A few weeks ago I was able to hold one, and it was so beautiful. So, when I saw that Ffordes were listing it as a new item at only a little over the standard camera's cost out came the plastic. The MP3 is also a thing of great wonder, as was the titanium M7 produced for the 50th anniversary of the M system. The latter in particular now seems to go for stupid money sadly. Another crack at that particular whip would be nice. 99% of specials merely provoke incredulity chez moi, but when Leica gets it right, they really do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
budrichard Posted February 8, 2009 Share #4 Posted February 8, 2009 M7's are a tool, I have two, both stock 0.85 finder models. The last one cost $2200USD new from Bergen Camera, sold as a store model but was absolutely Mint with all. I wouldn't spend a single $$ more on an 'ala carte' M7, no matter what they did or didn't put on it. I don't change the dots or do anything but use the cameras. They work fine.-Dick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted February 8, 2009 Share #5 Posted February 8, 2009 I too toy with an M7 a la carte. 0.58, Black Paint, classic top (full engraving), MP controls,4 frames (35 and 50 on their own), vulcanite. Then the price comes up....... £3160 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted February 8, 2009 Share #6 Posted February 8, 2009 I also only get the bog standard models, although I'm lucky enough to use an MP3, found by accident at my local dealer. You see a la carte models unsold quite a bit, it seems to me that resale is tougher for the specials - you need to find that someone who thinks your wacko choice of options is as amazing as you think it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sepiareverb Posted February 8, 2009 Share #7 Posted February 8, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I currently shoot with a .58 a la carte M7, black chrome, no engraving, no logo, regular M7 covering, with the less cluttered VF. I got it used through Best Camera Seller in Hong Kong. I had the M3 style wind-on lever added so I can more easily tell it apart in the bag by feel from other M7's. Besides the framelines it is exactly as I would have ordered it, and it came at quite a savings from new, even after swapping the wind-on. I did order a .58 MP a la carte, the near twin of the M7 except for the preview lever. Angled rewind for easier rewinding with a big aux VF on there. I wouldn't hesitate to order a la carte- the whole process was quite simple and the camera arrived exactly on schedule, about one year ago. I'm toying with ordering another MP now, if I can move some other equipment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mindlessdocumentation Posted February 9, 2009 Share #8 Posted February 9, 2009 As a minor (but related) thread hijack I've noticed the à la carte price hasn't moved a bit, despite the fact that prices for good used equipment seem to be going way down (downright fair and affordable!). I'm patiently waiting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted February 9, 2009 Share #9 Posted February 9, 2009 Way down? Not here in the UK in my experience. FFordes have, for them, low stocks of M bodies and the BP MPs coming up are more expensive by hundreds of pounds than last year. Other bodies are holding prices. Lenses are also holding up and the choice pieces are snapped up for top "dollar" this is empirical evidence I'm not sad enough to keep records of them but sad enough to look. The only down trend is the M8 understandably given a new update is available. The surprise is the a la carte prices are not showing an increase from Leica, yet, maybe this is a good time to buy your dream configuration, For the OP I have yet to read of an a la carte buyer being disappointed and many are serial purchasers but the SH price, should that be an issue, is usually only a small premium and that for the non stock magnifications. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrh68uk Posted February 9, 2009 Share #10 Posted February 9, 2009 I have my M7 ALC here with me... as my PC wallpaper. Sadly, this is likely to be as far as it goes, for the forseeable future, at least. Chrome, engraved, no front logo, MP-style wind-on, burgundy leather. I can't justify the cost (actually, I probably can, but my wife wouldn't let me!) and I do have a lovely standard black M7. One day, it will be mine... oh yes... it will be mine... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joechan Posted February 10, 2009 Share #11 Posted February 10, 2009 Here's my M7 ALC which I bought three years ago. It's my favourite Leica M and makes me want to go out and shoot more film. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/76264-m7-%C3%A0-la-carte/?do=findComment&comment=805309'>More sharing options...
innerimager Posted February 11, 2009 Share #12 Posted February 11, 2009 Anyone have both a .72 and .85 M7? I'm considering adding a 0.85. Do you find enough uses for both? Thanks....Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted February 11, 2009 Share #13 Posted February 11, 2009 I used 0.72x and 0.85x M7s, and now I use 0.72x and 0.85x MPs. Absolutely more than enough use for both, my two pairs are 28/50 and 35/75 with one or two other lenses in the bag depending on circumstances. For travel I take the two MPs and a 24, 35 and 75mm lens and those three seem to cover everything. I use the 0.72x for lenses <= 35mm and the 0.85x for lenses >= 50mm. I've got so used to the two bodies together I don't think I could go out on a serious shoot with only one any more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerimager Posted February 11, 2009 Share #14 Posted February 11, 2009 Thanks Peter, very helpful. There's a mint black 0.85 in my future! A 50/1.4 asph lives on my 0.72, and I'll probably leave it there, and also use my 28/2 and 35/1.4 on it, while the 0.85 will hold a 50/1, 75/1.4, 90/2 and 135 at different times. Unfortunately, I'll be trading my 24/2.8 for the M7. best...Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted February 11, 2009 Share #15 Posted February 11, 2009 The 28 on your 0.72x and a 50 on the 0.85x would pair very well. My 75 is an f2 mainly for travel purposes, I love the look of the f1.4 but don't fancy carrying it around all day. You certainly have the range of lenses to utilize the two bodies, but I'm sorry to hear you might let the 24 go. I love that lens! Maybe bread & water for awhile instead? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerimager Posted February 11, 2009 Share #16 Posted February 11, 2009 , but I'm sorry to hear you might let the 24 go. I love that lens! Maybe bread & water for awhile instead? I hear you Peter, I hear you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kivis Posted August 30, 2009 Share #17 Posted August 30, 2009 Anyone have both a .72 and .85 M7? I'm considering adding a 0.85. Do you find enough uses for both? Thanks....Peter I have an M7 ala carte .85. Take a look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted August 31, 2009 Share #18 Posted August 31, 2009 Anyone have both a .72 and .85 M7? I'm considering adding a 0.85. Do you find enough uses for both? Thanks....Peter I have both 0.72 and 0.85 MPs (none ALC). I use the AA 90 Summicron a lot, and the 0.85 finder helps me frame more precisely with those nice big framelines. Also, it's 75 framelines are possibly the optimal framelines at that magnification. I've even used my 35 on it without any problem, and I wear specs. In short, I agree with Peter about not being able to do without both. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
innerimager Posted August 31, 2009 Share #19 Posted August 31, 2009 I have both 0.72 and 0.85 MPs (none ALC). I use the AA 90 Summicron a lot, and the 0.85 finder helps me frame more precisely with those nice big framelines. Also, it's 75 framelines are possibly the optimal framelines at that magnification. I've even used my 35 on it without any problem, and I wear specs. In short, I agree with Peter about not being able to do without both. I did add the 0.85 and have been very happy using the pair. My 75/1.4 is most often on the 0.85 finder body, I agree that the frame lines are just right and accurate focusing wide open is very reliable. My 50 1.4 still lives on the 0.72 finder body. Great shooting combination to have both for sure. best...Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted September 1, 2009 Share #20 Posted September 1, 2009 Did someone say they might add a M7 with a 0,85x VF? I recommend it highly. I use 2 MPs both with 0,85x VFs, and I have grown to prefer the highest magnification possible with the framelines I want. Controversially I have learned to prefer shooting my 35s on the ,85x lines with both eyes open for focusing and composing. The focus accuracy, especially in lower light, with faster lenses, is very helpful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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