M7 Black dot instead of red

[bob irvin]

Can anyone tell me why an M7 would have a black dot instead of the red one. Would that indicate an import body? Will Leica USA(NJ) repair that camera if I were to purchase it?

Thanks ..
Bob

[Nikon Bob]

It could be that somebody has replaced the red one with it. They can be bought at DAG for instance http://www.dagcamera.com/leica_m.htm and scroll down.

Bob

[jamriman]

I think your talking about my beloved M7. I think it looks much cooler than the red dot. You can always replace it with a red one.

[ClaremontPhoto]

Originally Posted by bob irvin

Would that indicate an import body?

The black dot Leicas are all imports.

In fact the red dot Leicas are imports also.

If you like the camera buy it and change the color of the dot if that bothers you.

[Flyfisher Tom]

the black dot can be changed by DAG ...

[rpsawin]

Maybe your M7 was abducted by aliens.....? I'd watch it closely.

Bob

[bob irvin]

Will Leica NJ repair import cameras? Are there any service issues with buying an import body. Anything I should look for before I get this camera? Thanks for the info so far guys...much appreciated.

Bob

[MadMan2k]

They're all made in Germany or Canada as far as I know, and people seem to be able to get service on them...

[NB23]

Import? I was sure Leica was an American company...

[colinh]

The dot colour determines the *type* of import.

Black dot - black import
Red dot - red import
Grey dot - grey import.

Official importers don't like grey imports. Sometimes.


Sorry, if that's not helpful.

colin

[Flyfisher Tom]

Gentlemen,

is this level of sarcasm towards a new member asking an innocent question really necessary , or welcoming ?

[Flyfisher Tom]

Bob,

1) the dot has nothing to do with import (greymarket) / nonimport status ... all modern Leicas come with a red dot. some owners for aesthetic reasons, have the dot custom replaced with a black dot. An easier and cheaper way is just to place gaffers tape over it if you don't wish to broadcast the Leica dot.

2) as far as I know Leica NJ will service import/grey Leicas. In any event, other great service specialists such as DAG (Don Goldberg) or Sherry Krauter will happily service ALL Leicas including import/greymarket bodies

Welcome to the forum

[bob irvin]

Thanks Tom and others for the replies.

I am looking at an M7 to purchase and noted the black dot when all others I had researched had the red dot. This would be my first Leica and I am trying to be aware of differences and also make a smart purchase.

Thank you
Bob

[Nikon Bob]

Not a darn thing wrong with with being careful when purchasing an expensive item like an M7 especially as a first purchase. My thoughts were exactly as Tom's on some of the replies you got. Sort of reminded me of that other forum frequently mentioned here and not in a good light. A warm welcome to you and I hope your purchase gives you many hours of pleasure.

Another Bob

[saxshooter]

It could be that somebody has replaced the red one with it. They can be bought at DAG for instance http://www.dagcamera.com/leica_m.htm and scroll down.

Wow. $15 for a black dot sticker. At a repair shop once I saw a sheet of red dot stickers. A SHEET!

OTOH when a complete dish and utensil set from Wetzlar costs $270, 15 bucks ain't so bad!

[Nikon Bob]

Originally Posted by saxshooter

Wow. $15 for a black dot sticker. At a repair shop once I saw a sheet of red dot stickers. A SHEET!

OTOH when a complete dish and utensil set from Wetzlar costs $270, 15 bucks ain't so bad!

If it says Leica... Well, you know the rest of the story.

Bob

[bob irvin]

Thanks Nikon Bob. Its no longer and issue. I have sent payment on an M6TTL and it should be here next week.

Bob

[Nikon Bob]

Originally Posted by bob irvin

Thanks Nikon Bob. Its no longer and issue. I have sent payment on an M6TTL and it should be here next week.

Bob

That is great and I am sure you will let us know how you like it.

Bob