"M7" will be launched in March and Leica recommended retail price at the moment set at 3200 Euros (about US$ 2850). Leica will at the same time launch a high end digital camera. This news is via a fresh source and is not a repetion of earlier posts in various forums. Happy waiting.

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), January 25, 2002

Answers

state your source!

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), January 25, 2002.

One "close to Leica UK" source was heard to mention - 1/4000 and sync at 1/250....

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), January 25, 2002.

I found this on the Leica forum: New M7 Do, 24. Januar 2002 - 18:39:38 Fabio Basso The M7 or M6a is about to be released and my informations are: It is similar to M6 but with aperture priority and higher shutterspeed. Price is around US$2600

It looks like an M6 TTL, except:

The shutter speed dial has an Auto setting on it. Not and "A" but the word "Auto." The shutter speed dial goes from 4 seconds to 1000th. A line between 125/60 to indicate the two batteryless back- up shutter speeds.

DX (which is overrideable) on the back of the camera. A different film speed dial. No din.

A collar around the shutter release like on the F3 as an on off switch.

A longer shutter release throw. Probably as a method to freeze an exposure setting.

-- John Abela (jamriman@yahoo.com), January 25, 2002.

What happens to the m6 ttl? Are they going to continue to offer it?

-- Ken Kwok (kk353@yahoo.com), January 25, 2002.

In my opinion they would be foolish to kill the M6. I doubt they will now.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), January 25, 2002.

According to the information I am given, M6 will continue, the new camera is not a replacement but an additional line. No I cannot reveal my source.

-- sait (akkirman@clear.net.nz), January 25, 2002.

Does anyone have any info on which viewfinder magnification this camera will have?

-- Steve Rosenblum (stevierose@yahoo.com), January 25, 2002.

So far as I know, this is based on the current M6TTL body casting, so all viewfinders should be compatible, and I'd expect all to be offered, although Leica may introduce it with just a .72 or whatever they're overstocked with 8^).

Most AE shutters with a backup shutter speed have just one speed, and it's usually the same as the flash sync speed, so my bet is that the line represents 1/90 or 1/100 and that that is the new sync, as well. That's just my bet!!

I don't expect the M7 will replace the mechanical M6 any more than the FE2 replaced the FM2 (in fact the FM2 outlasted the FE2 by 15 years or so.) Especially if they share a lot of parts anyway. Demand will tell the tale - if you like the M6, keep buying them and tell your friends.

FWIW the local Leica dealer has not yet received a price list that lists an M7 - but the rep comes for a visit Monday, so I'll keep checking. They had prices for the .58 body, 28 'cron, new motor, and the "0" camera 3-4 weeks before the official introductions at Photokina 2000, so I've learned to check that source whenever rumors start up.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), January 25, 2002.

M7 will have flash sync at all speeds with a special Metz dedicated flash (something like the Olympus OM4Ti) and something special in shutter (double shutter/double curtain or something like that). DX film speed (+manual), exposure lock, etc. Price about 3,000 €

-- Jordan Koussis (jordan@koussis.com), January 26, 2002.

I do not know anything with this "M7 rumor" I had tried the Hexar RF, doesn't like it and sold it after three months. From what I see above, the M7 wil be like the Hexar but with manual winding and one piece chassis. The M6a will be like the FM3a, in terms of function. I am always and will be faithful to my M6ttl and M3. I think they fulfil all my needs. If I am interested in the so call "M7", I may as well wait for the rumored G3. Contax's Biogons are very good, and the only hold back is the G2 body.

I do not find 1/4000 useful, as I do not have any M-lenses faster than aperature f/2. 1/2000, if you will, will be plenty.

As a backup body, I will not be spending more than a M6ttl, period.

-- Jeff (fats@quamnet.com), January 26, 2002.

Leica will make a 0.58, 0.72 and a 0.85 version of the M7, I received a pricelist from my representative starting at 3100Eur.

-- vincent (beeldkunst@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

Leica M7 ist eine tolle M6 mit Zeitautomatik, perfekt und kostet in Deutschland genau 3000 Euro, perfekt

-- Bugdoll (bugdoll@bugdoll.de), February 24, 2002.

Anyone knows if they are thinking of issuing a Black Paint M7 ? That would be the ultimate clickbox. Cheers,

eclerjeaud@dc.com

-- Eric Clerjeaud (eclerjeaud@dc.com), March 01, 2002.