Leica M7 Rangefinder 35mm Camera w/ .58x Viewfinder, Black (Model 10503)

by Leica

Product Details

Data Sheet [963kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 1 x 3.8 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006FRO9
• Item model number: B00006FRO9
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,077 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 6, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Leica's M7 35mm compact rangefinder camera has been historically renowned for its build quality and outstanding performance, as field-tested by the most demanding photojournalists and avant-garde artists. The lens is built with the Leica M design and has a focal length of 21 to 135mm. All manual operations continue to be present, but this newest update now sports electronic control and operation with an on/off switch that starts it all.

You can now make automatic exposures with the stepless electronic shutter speed control with metered value storage. The cloth focal plane shutter has turned electronic, controlling exposure time silently and accurately. An unusual but undoubtedly useful feature is the viewfinder with LED display, a total of 33 different readings are visible to keep you on top of all the information.

With an additional flash unit installed, the second shutter curtain can trigger the flash. The two film-speed settings, manual and automatic, eliminate bad exposures that come from setting the wrong film speeds. Film loading, advance, and rewind remain manual for greater control.

Product Description

Classics are works that clash with the present. They are never modified, instead they are re-interpreted on the basis of a changed world: With the LEICA M7, a classic celebrates a new premiere. Convenience and fast operation of the camera have been enhanced even further with automatic shutter speed control and detail improvements. The Leica cloth focal plane shutter, with its vibration-free and quiet action is a must for a genuine Leica M camera, is now controlled electronically.

Form, size and the proven operating concept were retained without changes. Virtually all system components of the preceding models remain compatible. Photography with the new LEICA M7 is a surprisingly new and yet unchanged experience

Comes with Neck Strap, Body Cap, Two 3-Volt Lithium Batteries & 3-Year Passport Warranty

Key Features

• Make automatic exposures: stepless automatic shutter speed control with metered value storage
• Work more accurately: cloth focal plane shutter controls exposure times electronically
• Stay informed at all times: Unique LED integrated in the viewfinder
• Start immediately: An ON/OFF switch is positioned ergonomically right next to the release button
• Flash at ultra-high exposure times: In conjunction with special Metz flash units can now flash at synch speeds up to 1/1000 second
• Use flash creatively: Flash unit can also be triggered by the second shutter curtain
• Prevent faulty exposures: DX coding and override feature in the automatic exposure mode

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leica M7 rangefinder camera optimized for wide angle lenses, December 23, 2004

By 

John Kwok (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leica M7 Rangefinder 35mm Camera w/ .58x Viewfinder, Black (Model 10503) (Electronics)

This version of the Leica M7 has the same features as the standard M7 with 0.72x viewfinder, most notably aperture priority automation and TTL (Through The Lens) flash, but lacks the frame line for a 135mm lens. It is designed for those interested in using primarily wide angle lenses and for those who wear eye glasses. Unfortunately, the Leica M7, unlike the Leica MP, is virtually dead except for two shutter speeds when your batteries die out. And yet despite this inconvenience, the Leica M7 is the quietest, best handling Leica M rangefinder camera I've come across. Regrettably, the 0.58x viewfinder model is no longer in production, except via the expensive Leica A La Carte program, so if this version of the M7 appeals to you, buy it soon!

Is the Leica M7 a 35mm camera for everyone? Of course the answer is no, since a rangefinder camera, unlike a single lens reflex (SLR) camera, has a very limited range of lenses. It is superb with wide angle and normal lenses since it is often easier to focus with a rangefinder than a SLR, and can be as fast, if not faster, than the latest autofocus SLRs. The Leica truly excels as the ideal tool for discrete documentary photography, producing what the late Henri Cartier-Bresson referred to as the "decisive moment" photograph. So if you care deeply about making great documentary photography images, then perhaps the Leica M7 should be your premier 35mm camera.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars classic, March 21, 2005

By 

Michael Mongeon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leica M7 Rangefinder 35mm Camera w/ .58x Viewfinder, Black (Model 10503) (Electronics)

The Leica M7 is a superior intstrument in the realm of 35mm film cameras. The name alone stands for over 70 years of excellence.

Its through the lens metering system helps the photographer get the right exposure, without the use of a light meter. This is particularly essential when shooting street photography. With a muted shutter and compact metel frame you can allow yourself to act as a vouyer as you silently snap away.

Unlike most SLR's (single-lens-reflex) which offer a wide variety of lens, the range of lens avaliable for this model are limited to the classic 35mm, as well as a few wider angles.

But I warn you, this particular camera is not for the weak wallets. A starting price of about 2,400 dollars leaves room only for those commited to owning optimum equitment. However you'll be safe in the knowledge that you'll probably have more money around your neck than most rappers.

Any serious photojournalist who is seeking a professional carrier should invest in this purchace.