Leica's finest film M — the M7 in Black Chrome with aperture-priority and electronic shutter.
The Leica M7 in 0.72 viewfinder magnification and Black Chrome finish is the final mechanical Leica M film camera, introduced in 2002 and produced alongside the digital M series. The 0.72 magnification is the standard M7 variant; other magnifications (0.58, 0.85) were also available. The Black Chrome finish is a classic Leica aesthetic.
The M7 uses Leica M bayonet with 6-bit lens recognition, provides aperture-priority automatic exposure alongside full manual operation, an electronically controlled metal focal-plane shutter (unlike the fully mechanical predecessors), and all standard Leica M features. It requires battery power for shutter control in AE mode.
The M7 distinguished itself from the M6 by adding aperture-priority AE — a first for a fully interchangeable Leica M. This made it significantly more practical for documentary and available-light photography where manual exposure was time-consuming. It is the last Leica M produced specifically as a film camera, making it historically significant.
Test AE mode accuracy across multiple lighting conditions. Verify manual mode at all shutter speeds. Check 6-bit coding recognition. Inspect viewfinder rangefinder patch for clarity. Test with fresh batteries — the M7's electronic shutter requires battery power for all non-mechanical speeds.