M7 flag series

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Does the M7 flag test camera come standard with build in MP finder?

If you have one, can you show a pic

 

[sepiareverb]

I'd say no, the MP came after the M7, and if I'm remembering right the M7 flag cameras were very early.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

I'd say no, the MP came after the M7, and if I'm remembering right the M7 flag cameras were very early.

There wasn't much time between the M7 and MP. The M7 was released in 2002 and the MP showed up at PMA (March) 2003.

Even so, the flag series cameras were produced prior to the MP.

 

[BillP]

I always thought the "flag" models were just the Leica reps' demo kit. The flag just denotes the country to which it was assigned. There is nothing special about them?

Regards,

Bill

 

[hlockwood]

The "flare free" MP finder was installed in the M7 from this serial number onwards:

The viewfinder of the M7 was improved from SN# 285xxxx onward to include increased flare resistance through coatings applied to the viewfinder window.

http://www.kbcamera.com/m7profile.htm

Beware of people who sell older M7s and demand the higher price of the more recent flare free finder M7s.

Hmm, my M7, SN 2884700, has the older flare-prone VF which is being replaced by Leica at this moment, under Passport warranty. I think the SN is not a reliable indicator.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

The "flare free" MP finder was installed in the M7 from this serial number onwards:

The viewfinder of the M7 was improved from SN# 285xxxx onward to include increased flare resistance through coatings applied to the viewfinder window.

http://www.kbcamera.com/m7profile.htm

Beware of people who sell older M7s and demand the higher price of the more recent flare free finder M7s.

Well I saw one in new condition, with a 278- number so I guess with the old finder.

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

I always thought the "flag" models were just the Leica reps' demo kit. The flag just denotes the country to which it was assigned. There is nothing special about them?

Regards,

Bill

I am looking out for a nice looking M7, and if there is hardly any price difference, I would go for the flag ones, they where provided in limited nrs, and.... I like the colors of the flags....

 

[BillP]

I am looking out for a nice looking M7, and if there is hardly any price difference, I would go for the flag ones, they where provided in limited nrs, and.... I like the colors of the flags....

Fair enough - whatever floats your boat 😀

Just curious.

Regards,

Bill

 

[sepiareverb]

My .58 M7 is #2853XXX and has the old VF, about to go in as soon as Gerry Smith gets a part on backorder. My .72 is #294XXXX and there is a very clear difference. Mostly in cleanliness, but in frameline legibility as well. VF is absolutley upgradable, so not a huge deal if the price is right.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... I think the SN is not a reliable indicator.

This is correct.

The MP serial numbers started at 288xxxx. However, the serial number break for the M7 finder condenser "upgrade" was somewhere between 285xxxx and 288xxxx with no definite breaking point.

AFAIK the serial number break was unrecorded because based solely on the serial number (in this range), Leica can't even tell you if it has the new finder or not - with the exception of the camera actually upgraded by them.

The most likely scenario in this case is cameras received the upgraded finders once the parts bin was empty of the old parts.