5 Reasons Why the Leica M7 is the Perfect Film Camera for 2023
- The Look and Feel of the Leica M7
- The Image Quality of the Leica M7
- The Aperture-Priority Autoexposure of the Leica M7
- The Viewfinder of the Leica M7
- The Lens Selection of the Leica M7
- Final Thoughts on the Leica M7
- Camera Type: 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera
- Lens Mount: Leica M Mount
- ISO: 6 - 6,400 (25 - 5000 with DX coding)
- Focus: Manual focus only
- Viewfinder: 0.72x magnification
- Exposure Metering: Through-the-lens (TTL) selective center-weighted
- Exposure Modes: Manual & Aperture-priority autoexposure
- Metering Range: EV -2 to EV +20 (when using an f/1.0 lens and ISO 100)
- Video: None
- Size/Weight: 138 x 79.5 x 38 mm / 610 grams
- Batteries: Two 3V 2L76 (DL 1/3N) lithium batteries
- Voigtlander Nokton Classic MC 40mm f/1.4 VM - Leica M Fit
- Leica 135mm f/4 Elmar
- Leica 75mm f/1.4 Summilux-M
- Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
- Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH
Despite the technological advancements of modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras, 35mm rangefinder cameras remain a popular choice for photographers today. And if you are old-school like me and prefer shooting on film, you will absolutely love working with the award-winning Leica M7!
In this Leica M7 review, we share everything there is to know about this amazing film camera. Here, you will learn about its design and construction, image quality, lens compatibility, price, and more!
One fantastic resource with tons of used Leica M7 cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless photo and video gear throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Additionally, every camera at MPB is meticulously hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another outstanding feature of MPB is that you can trade in and sell your old camera equipment to help offset the cost of new-to-you gear you want and need.
With that in mind, it’s time to jump in and discover five reasons why the Leica M7 is the perfect film camera for 2023!
Check out the video above by Awasos Entertainment to learn more about the extraordinary Leica M7.
Table of Contents
The Look and Feel of the Leica M7
The Leica M7 is a high-end 35mm rangefinder that boasts the same simple and timeless design as classic film cameras like the Leica M3. The top dial controls the camera’s shutter speed, the rear dial controls ISO, and you adjust the aperture on the lens. Furthermore, you can easily add exposure compensation using the ring on the ISO control dial.
The M7 is extremely durable thanks to its all-metal design and weighs only 610 grams. This makes it ideal for travel and everyday use. Also, the mechanical shutter is unbelievably quiet and perfect for stealth shooting situations like street photography. Two shutter speeds are fully mechanical (1/60 and 1/125), and the camera can run battery-free at these speeds.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Leica M7:
The Image Quality of the Leica M7
One of the main advantages of working with film is the excellent image quality, and in that regard, the Leica M7 is one of the best cameras I have ever used. Manual exposure and focus ensure the photographer has complete control over every image shot on the M7. While it takes longer to set up your shots, you will be blown away by the sharpness and detail of its photos.
The low-light performance of the M7 is also superb. The ISO goes up to 6400, and the lightning-fast Through-The-Lens (TTL) flash synchronization is a game changer. The TTL flash tops out at 1/1000/second, pairs electronically with lenses, and is great for night photography.
Learn More:
The Aperture-Priority Autoexposure of the Leica M7
Traditionally, all three parts of the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) have to be adjusted manually on a film camera. However, the Leica M7 has an exciting new autoexposure mode typically only found on digital cameras, Aperture-Priority (AP).
AP is a semi-automatic mode where the photographer manually adjusts the aperture and ISO, and the camera selects the corresponding shutter speed to create a balanced exposure. It’s an incredibly useful tool that helps speed up workflow and productivity. Event and street photography are ideal times for playing around with AP.
The Viewfinder of the Leica M7
Next up, there’s the innovative viewfinder of the Leica M7. It shares the same beloved shape and crystal-clear quality as all Leica M cameras but also received some modern electronic upgrades. Information, including shutter speed, shooting mode, flash, and more, is now visible when looking through the viewfinder.
In addition, the brightness of the viewfinder’s information is adjustable. So, whether you are working in the dark of night or the middle of the day, you will always be able to know your camera settings. This nifty feature leads to consistently better photos and less money wasted on film.
The Lens Selection of the Leica M7
Lastly, I must mention the killer lens selection of the Leica M7. Most film cameras have only a handful of compatible lenses, but the M7 has 36 unique options. Every Leica M lens is a premium prime lens made of high-quality glass. Moreover, the focal lengths range from 18mm wide-angle lenses to 135mm telephoto lenses.
Here’s a short list of some of the best Leica M7 lenses:
Final Thoughts on the Leica M7
While the Leica M7 price is currently hovering around $3,500 for a used camera, that’s an absolute bargain if you are a film lover! The image quality is off-the-charts, and unlike digital cameras, which have a limited shutter count, this 35mm film camera will long outlive you and me both.
Finally, for those who want to shoot on film but aren’t 100% sold on the Leica M7, here are a few more great options:
