M7 questions...

[TJV]

Hi all.
I'm considering selling my chrome M7 but have a few questions first.

Looking at ebay's completed listings, it seems an excellent + condition M7 sells for between $2000 - $2300US with box, papers etc. Does that sound about right to those in the know? Mine still has the protective film on the base plate and only a very minor mark beside the eyepiece where the (only) previous owner must have rubbed it with his glasses.

Although the serial number places mine within what people say is the group of cameras fitted with the "new" less flare prone finder, from use I think it flares about the same amount as my old M6 Classic. Any advise on how to word an add regarding this? I've never sent it to Leica for service so wouldn't know what it's fitted with, to be honest.

Lastly, do people think it's better to sell here, via the classified section or on Ebay? I've sold a few finders and bought a SLOOZ in the classifieds without issue but am not sure about protection when selling larger value items. Does anyone think it'd be better to sell one way or the other?

Thanks.

 

[elshaneo]

2000 to 2300 USD seems to be the going rate these days. Sell it first on RFF, then Ebay if no one is interested to buy it. Use Paypal, post it by USPS with registered tracking and insurance.

Where did you get the information about the Leica M7 serial numbers fitted with the new flare resistant finder?! Thanks !!!

 

[Tim Gray]

I think 2000-2300 is a decent price. Does yours have the optical DX reader?

 

[TJV]

Where did you get the information about the Leica M7 serial numbers fitted with the new flare resistant finder?! Thanks !!!

Hey mate.
Thanks for the quick reply. I read here of RFF and LUF that after a certain serial number (I can't remember the exact number) new coatings, or something like that, were applied to the RF windows to reduce flare. The MP already has these new coatings, hence many people advertise the fact their M7 has the "MP finder fitted" when selling. Sorry I can't be more specific!

I'll try here on RFF first I think. It'll break my heart, though. It's just I also have an M4-P but actually prefer shooting with my Mamiya 7ii and medium format. I never use internal meters, either. Just a handheld Sekonic out of habit. I am thinking of selling the Leica M7 only because I want to buy a Nikon 9000ED scanner while they're still available. Nikon have told me they've produced their last run and after they have sold out there will be no replacement.

 

[TJV]

I think 2000-2300 is a decent price. Does yours have the optical DX reader?

How can I tell? I didn't know there was two types. I've only ever set mine manually.

 

[elshaneo]

Alright mate, I guess that someone else might know where to get this specific information.

Good luck for the sale, hopefully for you, someone is looking for an excellent condition Leica M7 at a good price ;-)

Hey mate.
Thanks for the quick reply. I read here of RFF and LUF that after a certain serial number (I can't remember the exact number) new coatings, or something like that, were applied to the RF windows to reduce flare. The MP already has these new coatings, hence many people advertise the fact their M7 has the "MP finder fitted" when selling. Sorry I can't be more specific!

I'll try here on RFF first I think. It'll break my heart, though. It's just I also have an M4-P but actually prefer shooting with my Mamiya 7ii and medium format. I never use internal meters, either. Just a handheld Sekonic out of habit. I am thinking of selling the Leica M7 only because I want to buy a Nikon 9000ED scanner while they're still available. Nikon have told me they've produced their last run and after they have sold out there will be no replacement.

 

[TJV]

Thanks.

It seems after reading Puts' M7 FAQ my camera has the early DX code reader and original finder. Interesting, seeing as I never noticed either of these two "flaws" in practice. Only hint might have been the film cassette did take a little shake of the camera to coax out. Never thought anything of it!

 

[Vlad]

Not to hijack the thread, but I have a question on the same subject. I have a chrome M7 with updated VF and the new DX reader. I am toying with the idea of replacing it with an MP... how much could that fetch on a good day? Still in the $2300 area?

 

[TJV]

Not to hijack the thread, but I have a question on the same subject. I have a chrome M7 with updated VF and the new DX reader. I am toying with the idea of replacing it with an MP... how much could that fetch on a good day? Still in the $2300 area?

No worries, you're not hijacking the thread as I'm wondering the same things. Maybe you'rs would fetch at the high end and mine the bottom? As I said, I've never really noticed the VF or DX reader issues but maybe to some diehards they are big problems?

 

[mgd711]

I am thinking of selling the Leica M7 only because I want to buy a Nikon 9000ED scanner while they're still available. Nikon have told me they've produced their last run and after they have sold out there will be no replacement.

I'm interested to know where you got that information. I'm also considering one but would hope to buy it later rather than sooner.

 

[TJV]

I'm interested to know where you got that information. I'm also considering one but would hope to buy it later rather than sooner.

Directly from the Nikon rep here in New Zealand, I'm afraid. I'd get in quick if I were you as he said they sell pretty well and couldn't understand why they'd discontinue a popular product.

 

[mgd711]

Thanks, I guess I'd better go and bust open that Piggy Bank!

 

[TJV]

Thanks, I guess I'd better go and bust open that Piggy Bank!

That's exactly what I thought!

OT: Actually, I was looking at eventually getting an Imacon 848 to replace my works Nikon 8000ED. I did some tests side by side and while the Imacon was a little better (I mean very little,) the Nikon, for about a quarter the price, was a real stand out product. A real shame it's being discontinued.

 

[35mmdelux]

Here's a pricing guide I use when judging the value of Leica or Hasselblad gears. $1700-2000 is pretty much the norm nowadays for M7.

 

[urban_alchemist]

Totally off topic: The MP finder upgrade is totally worth it! A friend bought my old M7 a couple of years back, and recently had the finder upgraded - and it really was a revelation to see the difference.

Completely agree: I put in the MP finder when my M7 went to Solms for repair. Night-and-day difference (and they upgraded the DX reader for free as a "sign of goodwill")...

 

[TJV]

Completely agree: I put in the MP finder when my M7 went to Solms for repair. Night-and-day difference (and they upgraded the DX reader for free as a "sign of goodwill")...

How much for the upgrade? Didn't know it'd make such a difference.

 

[urban_alchemist]

How much for the upgrade? Didn't know it'd make such a difference.

Just checked my records: €298 for the work... It does make a big difference - I've had no problems with flaring and disappearing overlay images since the swap was done...

 

[Tim Gray]

Yeah I was asking about the DX reader (and finder upgrade) because if I was looking for an M7, I'd want one with those features. It'd be worth 2000-2300 then, to me. Without those, I'd pay less.

 

[maddoc]

I have read somewhere that the M7 produced with the MP-type VF and optical DX reader were produced starting from SN 2885xxx. Also the box has an orange sticker saying that it has the improved VF.

The coatings on ALL M7 were improved to reduce flare compared to the previous M6TTL.

I bought mine - black-chrome- with some signs of use and complete with box, strap etc., low SN 2777xxx but upgraded to optical DX reader and MP-type VF by Leica NY and one year of warranty from Tony Rose for ~ $1900 in May this year.