Leica M7 evolutions

[_goodtimez]

Hi Folks,

The M7 has apparently received modifications since the first issue.
Does anyone know what they are and whether some are applied free of charge by Leica?

 

[John Lawrence]

From memory I think the modifications were to the DX film reader - from mechanical to optical and an upgraded anti-flare viewfinder (the same as used in the MP). As to when they were done and whether they were applied free of charge, there are some details and dates here:

http://nemeng.com/leica/002bb.shtml

Sorry I can't be of more help - but my M7 still runs the original DX film reader and viewfinder.

John

 

[_goodtimez]

John, thank you that is an interesting link.
I used to have an M7 which had a habit of going mad sometimes. It used to not indicate the ISO when turned on but an error code and nothing moved from that.
I wonder if that was possibly due to the DX reader

 

[illuminati_02]

That is the DX reader.

They still offer the upgrade to the optical reader free of charge. Mine was in Germany last month getting a checkup and having it done. No charge.

The other change was upgrading to the MP finder, somewhere around the 288 range. I have a 294 and it has the newer finder.

That can be done at the factory as well on older M7's but runs around $500 I believe.

 

[John Lawrence]

John, thank you that is an interesting link.
I used to have an M7 which had a habit of going mad sometimes. It used to not indicate the ISO when turned on but an error code and nothing moved from that.
I wonder if that was possibly due to the DX reader

Could be the DX reader. There's quite a bit of discussion on various boards about error codes / lock ups on the M7 and I do seem to remember some users reporting that Leica upgraded their cameras for free. I've not had a problem with mine though, so have never had to go down that route. I do see some dealers differentiating between the M7 cameras as mark 1 and mark 2 - although they don't seem to differentiate their prices much!

Great camera though - really enjoy using mine.

John

 

[peter_n]

Yes they are still fixing the DX reader free of charge. Back when the M7s needing a VF upgrade were under warranty they did that free too, and they threw in a quick CLA as well. My M7 was sent to Solms from Leica NJ for the work.