Leica M7 0.72x "Test Camera USA" LtdEd w/BX, IB: Rare!????

I understand they did these as give-aways to the principal distributors.

Obviously USA got 50 or so, and Albania got just one camera.
 
Test or Loan?

Test or Loan?

Weren't they put out by Leica for their main dealers to offer as "loan" cameras to prospective purchasers, so they could try the cameras out before making the plunge and parting with bulk money?
 
No one is bidding with 4 hrs to go and the price is $1500. If I didn't already have two M7's I think I'd make a bid.
 
I'm almost sure this camera was for sale in the store for $2499 for quite a while (1year+), so the winning bid for $1495 is a real bargain - for a M7 in that condition. The edition is a bonus if the buyer cares - or he can use black tape to cover the flag...
 
If these were from a very early production run, as I recall they were, shouldn't the serial number be lower? I know of early numbers in the 277xxxx range, this is 285xxxx.
Or am I remembering wrong?
 
George S. said:
... I know of early numbers in the 277xxxx range, this is 285xxxx. Or am I remembering wrong?
Click to expand...

You are remembering wrong. These "flag" cameras were produced prior to the introduction of the MP, but some months into the M7's production. Therefore, it goes without saying, these will not have the upgraded MP condenser in the finder.

IMHO, these are not highly desirable "collectables." The flag is silk-screened onto the camera and can easily be scrapped off. I have seen a number of these with scratches and scrapes on the flag.

Having said all that, I would not walk away from one if offered at a good price - I just wouldn't pay any premium on it whatsoever.
 
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