M7 with top engraving?

[jackbaty]

I just received an M7 (from KEH) and was surprised to find the top plate engraved with the Leica script and "LEICA CAMERA AG GERMANY"

It is a .58 viewfinder. Could it have been originally ordered a la carte? Odd thing about that is the serial number is only 2854XXX which would seem to date it prior to when the a la carte system was introduced, which I thought was in 2004. The camera has the original DX reader also.

Or is this normal and I'd just never noticed?

 

[RFluhver]

There are a few like that in Japan. These are supposed to be "Japan Limited" M7's (as well as M6's) that have this engraving. My otherwise normal black chrome M6TTL has this engraving, too. But without verifying from serial number, it could just as easily be a custom request by a previous owner to have the engraving done. I read somewhere that Leica used to that do that sort of thing.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Here's page 5 and 6 from the Japanese language sales brochure for the M7. In the bottom right corner, it says that official Japan imports are engraved with the Leica logo.

 

[jackbaty]

Well look at that. Seems to explain things, thanks!

I kind of like it.

 

[segedi]

Sweet camera!

 

[Bill Blackwell]

I have heard the Japan 'engraving' was actually silk-screening.

Which is it?

 

[JHP]

Why does Japan always get special editions? This M7... MP-6 etc?
They are always so lovely.

 

[jackbaty]

It *feels* engraved. Not nearly as deeply as the M3, though. Here's a quick snap of the camera.

 

[jackbaty]

Nice!

I shot with my fairly new (to me) M3 yesterday and then put a roll through the M7 around the house today. I think I've found a perfect pair!

The .58 is just awesome with the 35, and I can actually see the frame lines with the 28mm even with glasses. So nice. The 50mm might be a bit trickier, but certainly doable.

 

[RFluhver]

I have heard the Japan 'engraving' was actually silk-screening.

Which is it?

My M6 is definitely engraved despite what Cameraquest has to say about it.

 

[Nelson Tan]

I used to own a M7 which I purchased in Japan. It is definitely not engraved... it's a silkscreen logo is really nicely done.

 

[dreamsandart]

I had an M7 a few years back - 'Japan' silk screened - 28499xx. Nicely done, but don't think it would be very durable in use for the long run, sold it before I found out.

On the M7s in Japan that have the top information engraved the box has the fact they are 'engraved' printed