Question on M7 with Upgraded Viewfinder

[lewis44]

I'm considering a M7 purchase and have a question on the viewfinder. I remember Leica changing the viewfinder in the new MP and offering an upgrade for the M6, etc. I had my M6 upgraded that way. Now I'm looking for an M7. I know the latest ones have the newer viewfinder, but does anyone know at about what serial number the change was made. I liked the newer one with "Less Flare", but don't want to spend the money for the mod if I don't have to.
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[peter_n]

If you do a search here or on photo.net you will find a serial nr. that is supposed to be the start of the MP VF on the M7. However the modern Leica manufactures using serial nrs. in batches and an "earlier" serial nr. can actually be manufactured after a "later" serial nr. I've experienced this myself. So the serial nrs. can't be trusted as an absolute guide.

If you buy new, and the VF is of the "old" type I believe Leica will install the "new" VF under warranty. I think this is the case at least for US Passport warranty purchases.

 

[charlesfoto]

I could be wrong, but I think the ser #s w/ the upgraded finder start at 277xxxx. My M7 has the newer finder, ser # 288xxxx.

 

[TJV]

Be careful when deciding this based on serial number alone. My camera is supposed to have the new finder but it flares really badly. Still love the camera though.

BTW, my serial # is 27869** and that was supposed to be the "new" batch according to another post I read here. I don't think the serial numbers are ordered logically?

Tim

 

[furcafe]

Absolutely. E.g., my M7 was #2884***, supposedly after the new VF was introduced (see charlesfoto's post), but had the old VF, like TJV's M7.

If you do a search here or on photo.net you will find a serial nr. that is supposed to be the start of the MP VF on the M7. However the modern Leica manufactures using serial nrs. in batches and an "earlier" serial nr. can actually be manufactured after a "later" serial nr. I've experienced this myself. So the serial nrs. can't be trusted as an absolute guide.

If you buy new, and the VF is of the "old" type I believe Leica will install the "new" VF under warranty. I think this is the case at least for US Passport warranty purchases.

 

[charlesfoto]

Wow, that's odd, as I have the M7 2885xxx, and it does have the upgraded finder. Sounds like there is no rhyme or reason to Leica's serial #s.

 

[nitrox1]

Mine's 2885XXX also, and if I'm not mistaken, it said that it had the upgraded finder on the outer box. I think it was a sticker or something. I'll have to get up into the attic and see if I can find the box.

John

 

[peter_n]

Be careful when deciding this based on serial number alone. My camera is supposed to have the new finder but it flares really badly. Still love the camera though.

BTW, my serial # is 27869** and that was supposed to be the "new" batch according to another post I read here. I don't think the serial numbers are ordered logically?

Tim

I'm sure it was one of my posts that you read. I have two M7s, one is serial nr. 2942xxx and the other 2786xxx. Externally, the VFs are identical and neither flare so I have always assumed both have the MP finder. The 2786xxx is currently at Leica NJ because it is tough to get the cassette out of the cam sometimes (a known problem). The camera is under warranty and I have asked them to check on the VF and replace it if it is not the flare-free type. They will do that under warranty but I would be very surprised if they need to; my understanding was that serial nrs. 2786500-2786999 have the MP finder.

 

[Nachkebia]

Mine has old viewfinder and it flares a lot! but still enjoy it! 😀

 

[PhotoJ]

hi,

i just went through this myself so i feel your pain. it should say right on the box - a big orange sticker! i spoke with leica NJ some time ago and they said that “In Feb 2003 the MP viewfinder was installed in to the M7.”

I have no flare what so ever with the better finder.

be sure to double check with leica directly what their policy is on upgrading the finder re: warranty if you get one that was not upgraded.

regards,

photoj

 

[peter_n]

My M7 serial nr. 2942xxx has the flare free finder and no sticker on the box. However it is not a US Passport body, I bought it from Australia and the original purchaser bought it in Kowloon. My US Passport M7 doesn't have a sticker on the box either.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[peter_n]

I got a letter from Leica today about my M7 serial nr. 2786xxx; it doesn't have the flare-free finder. 🙁 Among the list of "work to be performed" is:

Update viewfinder to MP type
Occasionally, mild flaring remains which cannot be removed (what does that mean?)

So the internet theory about serial nrs. 2786500-2786999 having the MP finder doesn't work for my camera at least... 🙁 but I am getting the VF replaced for free! 🙂