Leica M7

Leica M7 was produced between 2002-2019³⁵⁷. It was the first model in the M series to feature an aperture-priority mode. It had an electronically controlled shutter capable of mechanically producing two different exposure times when necessary. This aperture-priority mode, along with the shutter speed display in the rangefinder, was subsequently adopted by all digital M models. Additionally, the housing and technical specifications were consistent with those of the Leica M6 TTL³⁵⁷.

Leica has made significant advancements to the Leica M6A by partnering with Metz to address the sync speed issue. This camera features aperture priority auto exposure and displays the selected shutter speed in the viewfinder. The shutter speed range extends from 32 seconds to 1/1000 of a second, with an AE lock that activates by slightly pressing the shutter release. The display brightness adjusts automatically according to ambient light²⁴⁰.

Manual exposure metering is similar to Leica M6 TTL, utilizing a center diode and arrows for guidance. The rubberized cloth focal plane shutter is now electronically controlled and operates even more quietly than before. Manual shutter speeds range from 4 seconds to 1/1000 of a second, with two mechanical speeds—1/60 and 1/125—available without the need for batteries. TTL auto flash control is also similar to Leica M6 TTL, with an automatic sync speed of 1/50 second set in 'auto' mode²⁴⁰.

Flash synchronization up to 1/1000 of a second is possible (non-TTL) when using a 3502 adapter and a compatible flashgun. The camera includes DX coding for film speed, which displays the set speed for 2 seconds upon power-up and indicates if there is no film or if manual settings differ from DX²⁴⁰.

The rangefinder and bright line frames are akin to those on the Leica M6, while the top plates of the Leica M7 and Leica M6 TTL are now made of brass instead of zinc alloy. The dimensions remain the same as Leica M6 TTL, with the camera weighing 610 grams²⁴⁰.

The Leica M7 is set to be delivered in March 2002, with various models expected in the following months. Stefan Daniel noted that development received approval in February 1999, facing design challenges particularly with the new viewfinder display and shutter²⁴⁰.

The camera is priced at $2,350, which is 20% higher than that of M6 TTL²⁴⁰.

Special Editions of Leica M7: ^355,³⁵⁷

Model	Name	References	Year	Quantity	Serial Numbers	Notes
M7	Flag M7	357	2002			this special series of demo cameras was delivered to Leica agencies in 19 countries. The cameras had a coloured reproduction of the flag of the respective country on the top plate, usually with the words "Test Camera France", "Test Camera Austria", etc. There were also some additional national motifs.
M7	Titanium "Sheikh Al-Thani"	355, 357	2002 or 2003	1		a one-of-a-kind, commissioned by Sheikh Al-Thani. The camera was made entirely of titanium, without eyelets for the carrying strap and without leather. The owner's name and the year were engraved on the top plate. "Handmade Titanium Camera" was engraved on the back of the top plate and the Leica logo was engraved on the front. The serial number on the hot shoe was 8 888 888, the special numbering 1/1. The camera was delivered with five lenses also made of titanium: Elmarit-M 21 f/2.8, Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH., Noctilux-M 50 f/1, APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. and APO-Telyt-M 135 f/3.4.
M7	50 Anniversary Midland Leitz	355	2003	50
M7	betriebsk	355	2004	100
M7	Titanium "50 Years LEICA M System"	355, 357	2003 or 2004	500 or 1000	3000001-3001000	on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Leica M. The camera and the matching Summilux-M 40 f/1.4 ASPH. were made of titanium. The camera bore the engraving "1954-2004 50 Jahre M-System" on the top plate. To match the silky matt lustre of the titanium surface, the M7 was fitted with a black leather cover made from greased saddle leather. The set was delivered with a copy of the book "50 Jahre Leica M" (50 Years Leica M) by Günter Osterloh.
M7	Titanium "50 Years LEICA M System, set of 3"	357	2004	50		parallel to the special edition called Leica M7 Titanium "50 Years LEICA M System", a further set limited to 50 units was also offered. In addition to the camera, this set contained three titanium lenses: a Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH., Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH. Each of these sets represented a year in the history of the Leica M, which was also engraved on the top plate. The set was delivered in a Rimowa case and with a copy of the book "50 Jahre Leica M" (50 Years Leica M) by Günter Osterloh.
M7	Titanium "9/11 Memorial"	357	2005	1		John Botte, a New York police photographer who documented the attacks of September 11, 2001, designed this special edition of the camera and commissioned it from Leica. The camera, made of titanium, was delivered with a matching Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH. lens, also made of titanium. The camera had an engraving of part of the destroyed steel structure of the World Trade Centre, the emblem of the New York Police Department 23 and the words "To Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, September 11, 2001" on the top plate. John Botte's signature was engraved on the back of the plate. The black leather cover was stamped with the abbreviation NYPD in several rows.
M7	CPA Edition	357	2006			this special series was produced on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the China Photographers Association. The silver camera with à la carte vulcanite leather and a special engraving on the top plate was delivered as a set with a black Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH.
M7	Edition Hermès	355, 357	2009	200		created in collaboration with Hermès. The silver chrome-plated camera was available in a calfskin version - orange or étoupe - supplied by Hermès. There were 100 of each version, which were specially numbered on the hot shoe. The cameras were supplied with a matching Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH. and a Leicavit.
M7	China's 1911 Revolution	357	2011			launched in China to mark the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. The black-painted cameras had a green leather coating. They were supplied with a Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 lens, which was also painted black. A quote from Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China, was engraved on the top plate and the lens hood. On the back of the top plate "Centenary of the Xinhai Revolution 1911-2011" was also engraved in Chinese.