Incorrect M7 shipped to me. How can I tell if viewfinder is updated MP version?

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parasko

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Hi all,

I was so excited to open the box and view my very first Leica, an M7. I did my homework as I wanted a like new version with updated MP viewfinder.

However, the serial no. I was quoted was 2946xxx but I received a camera with the no. 28858xx.

How can I tell if the camera has the updated viewfinder?

I wouldn't have a problem with the purchase if I could confirm that the viewfinder is the updated version (as the camera was rated as LN- but I would rate it as LN. There is not a single mark on this camera. It is brand new!).

I paid alot for this camera and with shipping and import duty it cost me a total of $3300 Aussie dollars (approx $2900 US).

So my dilemma...firstly, does anyone know if the serial no. above has the updated viewfinder?

What do I do about this purchase? Do I send back the camera (it will probably cost more money to do this!)?

Please advise.

Thanks.
 
from what I've seen, the exterior of the mp's window has a blue tint to it. I don't believe you can tell by serial anyway.
personally though I would expect to recieve the camera I'd paid for and I would send it back and get the seller to pay shipping both ways. It's their mistake!
 
Thanks for all your comments so far. There is a bluish/ purple tinge to the viewfinder when viewed at a particular angle but it is very slight/ barely noticeable.

EmilGil said:
Just out of curiosity, which finder improvement are you referring to? The flare issue fix or the dust sealing of the eyepiece?
Click to expand...

I was referring to the flare issue. Was there an update on the dust sealing as well? How can the updated sealing be recognised?

If I contacted Leica directly, would they know of the upgrades based on serial nos?
 
I have the upgrade in my M6, and it is very noticable for me. With the original M6 finder, if my pupil was not dead center, it was hard to see the vf image and if there was a light source in front of me it became very difficult to focus. If you are not having those types of problems it is probably upgraded. d be wrong with it.
However, if it is not the one you bought you should send it back. You never know what else coul
 
This may be obvious, but I would see whether you can get the RF patch to flare when pointed obliquely (that is, off-axis) at a light source. My M6 will flare in this situation, my M5 will not.

BTW, I understand why people want the more modern version of this, but my advice would be not to get too hung up about it. Just go take some pictures. I have never missed a shot with my M6 because of this problem. User-stupidity on my part, yes, but flaring RF patch, no.

Ben
 
Did you purchase it privately or from a reputable business? If privately, I would have reservations. If from a reputable business, then there should no problem: simply phone/email them and tell what has occurred. A reputable business would want to put this mistake to rest. From what you have relayed, it sounds as if this M7 has had the MP VF upgrade. But in your shoes, I would want the body I had been promised with the newer SN..
 
S/Ns are assigned in batches. The Leica assembler in the next room could be assembling a body with a much different S/N than the one you are assembling on the same day. Don't get too hung up on slight differences in S/Ns of a current body.

While these numbers seem quite different, I'd ask the seller if he made a mistake in his original report of the serial number. Could be just a typo, maybe from a previous camera sold, and not a sinister bait and switch. I'd certainly discount the bait and switch since the body sent is in perfect condition.
 
If the camera came from a commercial source, double-check that the serialnumber in the documentation (invoice, guarantee etc) is the same as the one on the camera, instead of the same as the one you ordered . . . otherwise they could say "this is not the one we sent you".
 
The serial numbers are used in batches and a camera or lens with a lower serial number can sometimes be manufactured more recently than one with a higher one. Having said that and on the basis of anecdotal reporting, a s/n 2885xxx should have the MP type finder. I had an M7 converted and when it came back the VF reflected purple in fluorescent light. However the best test is as Ben describes above, get a light source in front of you then pan away from it gradually and see if the RF patch in the VF whites out. It will be very noticeable. It sounds to me like you may have the MP type finder.
 
Put a lamp i the upper right or left just outside the field of view. If you can get the patch to disappear or flare out, it is not up graded.

My M6 did this to me one time since 1986. I have not updated it.
 
RITskellar said:
I had a similar thing happen with a Summilux lens last year from a NYC dealer, and that thing went straight back to them. They claimed it was brand new, and it clearly wasn't. Not only that, but there was a partial sticker on the lens box that described it as used and a lower price than I paid. At any rate...
Click to expand...

Can you tell me what dealer this was so I remember never to buy from them?
 
Thanks for your comments and advice. Much appreciated.

I am not currently at home but I will have another look at the camera when I finish work.

The camera was purchased from a reputable dealer who mainly deals with used goods. I don't want to mention their names as they have been very helpful to me in closing this deal (as I suppose they should considering the money spent!).

The dealer has emailed me indicating that it was a mistake and that the cameras can be exchanged but they did not mention that they will be pay shipping costs to return the incorrect one.

As I do wish the camera to have some resale value (even though I will hopefully use it to its death!), do serial numbers matter to potential buyers (it did matter to me because I was looking for the updated viewfinder)?

If serial nos are not such an issue, I am inclined to keep this body if I can confirm the updated viewfinder (I have emailed Leica in case they know of the upgrade based on serial no).

Cheers.
 
if you are happy with the camera don't send it back , but maybe ask for a partial rebate or a deal on a lens .

i am sure it would be easier for you and the camera shop to go this route .
 
parasko said:
As I do wish the camera to have some resale value (even though I will hopefully use it to its death!), do serial numbers matter to potential buyers (it did matter to me because I was looking for the updated viewfinder)?
Click to expand...
It depends on the buyer. Normally you would expect a later s/n to be a newer item, but Leica are weird. They also seem to use random bits and pieces left over in the factory during manufacture and so end up with a production run with some part of the camera that's unique. Maybe this habit stemmed from post-WWII shortages but it sure causes frenzy among collectors. 🙄 As for me I bought a brand-new M once that had a lower s/n than a used one I had bought that was two years old. Could have been the s/n trick, or it could have been sitting on the dealer's shelf all that time. Whatever, the camera was fine. Personally I don't worry too much about serial numbers.
 
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