which version of the M7?

[jbl]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi,

 

I'm interested in picking up a new or used M7. I was wondering, in the used market, is there a way to tell—by serial number perhaps?—which M7's are the early models and which ones have the updated, less-flare viewfinder and more reliable DX sensor? Or is it not that big of a deal?

 

Thanks!

 

-jbl

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[chris roberts]

As far as I know, the vf mod happened at serial number 2886.... or thereabouts. There doesn't seem to be a specific number after which you can assume that the new DX reader was fitted. Once you have found an M7 you are interested in, get the s/n and 'phone Leica to find out whether that camera has been modified. DX problems seem to be quite random accross the lifespan of the M7 and quite varied in cause imo.

[wattsy]

It should be obvious enough whether the optical DX reader is fitted or not. It's not quite as obvious whether the 'flare-free' finder is fitted but it is pretty easy to test for (assuming that you are able to handle the camera). If you've ever owned an M6TTL you'll be very familiar with the white-out and how to induce it.

 

If there isn't a huge difference in price I think both improvements are worth having.

[biglouis]

I just bought a M7 with serial number 285xxx so I'm below the threshold. It does suffer from the patch whiteout but so far this is no big deal. The DX reader works fine. Just my experience which may not be any indication of what you find.

 

LouisB

[budrichard]

I would purchase on price and condition and not worry about which versions.

I have two without modifications and they both work just fine.-Dick

[Pedro]

I have an M7 without modifications. The DX reader works great. Flare in the RF may make you miss focus on ~1% of the pictures - not a big deal (to me).