I suppose a black paint M7 is inevitable at some stage, but does anyone know whether it is planned by Leica?

Does the fact that the M7 top and base plates are made from brass makes a black paint version more likely?

-- Paul Hart (paulhart@blueyonder.co.uk), May 20, 2002

Answers

I'm sure sooner or later the M7 will be featured in various special finishes and engravings. After all to make a profit on the 18 years of R&D they put into designing the M7's amazingly advanced features, Leica needs to sell M7's to more than just serious photographers. The $499.50 price premium ($500 less the $0.50-worth of paint)is good for the bottom line.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 20, 2002.

Yep, with a brass top plate, you can count on it. We just don't know when.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), May 20, 2002.

There will be a 50th M anniversary coming up in a few years. Maybe a Black M7 then.

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), May 20, 2002.

Yes, there's always a 50th anniversary of something around the corner. But the 50th Anniversary of the Model A Leica was in 1975, and Leica issue a whole series of Anniversary cameras for that occasion: M4 black Wetzlar, M4 black Canada, M5 black, M5 chrome, CL, and SL2. I think they've shot the wad with 50th anniversaries.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), May 21, 2002.

If the company survives till 2004, I think one of the surest bets one could make would be a 50th anniversery M. After all, the M6J was the offering for the 40th.

And most certainly it will be available in both chrome and black paint. Probably 500-1000 units of each. Maybe 25-50 of a pair of one each with consecutive serial numbers. About $4,500 for the former and 10-12 grand for the latter. Not to mention some specially marked lenses also. It will be like stealing money from the faithful.

If it keeps them in business though, I don't mind.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerry Pfile (Jerry Pfile@MSN.com), May 21, 2002.