Strange "Betriebst" M7 model

[farrow_wilcox]

Hi.. im looking at bying this second hand M7 but it has the word "betriebst"

engraved on the top plate... i couldn't find out any information on the internet

about it, the serial number is:

2886525

i looked up the what "betriebst" is in english.. and it says "operated" so im

guessing it might be a factory test or training camera?? please help me with

some more info? thanks Shaun

[l._david_tomei1]

Shaun,

 

A "Betriebstkamera" translates to "works camera" or a camera that was intended to be used strictly within Leitz. They were (and are) used for testing as you had suggested. I am only familiar with the old RF models, so I can't say how an M7 got out of the factory. Perhaps some of the others can add more information. I know that the betriebst cameras are a bit more valuable for the old models but i don't know about the newer ones.

 

ciao

 

David

[dan flanders]

It could be that a house camera was sold to an employee who later put it up for auction, or more likely, someone engraved an ordinary M7 in hopes of enhancing its market value.

[christer_almqvist2]

What does it really say on the top plate? Please be complete and also careful with spelling

when you reply.

 

One sure way to know that your screw mount Leica is a fake is when the engraving reads

"Luftwaffen" because there is an "n" too much

 

I have not heard of any M7 fakes, but neither of any "Betriebstkamera" either. There is one

"t" too much there, the second one to be specific.

 

Chris

[l._david_tomei1]

There was one other M7 Betriebsk camera that appeared on P/N. See DENNIS CHENG, Mar 30, 2004; 10:31 a.m.

 

David

[Bill Blackwell Images]

The "Betriebst" engraving appeared on the top plate of 100 (each) MP and M7 cameras in 2003/4.

 

There were also a batch of R9 cameras, but they were silk-screened "Betriebst" - not engraved.

 

If I recall correctly Leica offered them to dealers at a discount price to be used as demos.

[clayh]

I have one of these M7 Betriebsk cameras that I got from B&H about 3 or 4 years ago. Works the same as any M7.

[l._david_tomei1]

I get the impression after doing some background that the last true betriebsk was the M3. The M7's and MP's that Bill mentions were "special editions" that appeared some time after their introduction to the market and they were not factory test cameras, just smart marketing. Whether or not this is the case, they probably will have greater value on the basis of the additional engraving.

 

David

[Bill Blackwell Images]

Actually, it's "Betriebsk" (as David says):

 

For discussions when they were first available, look here:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=007qOb

 

and here:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=007gD9

[roger_michel]

it's always wierd to see your own old posts!

[farrow_wilcox]

thank you so much for all your help! this was my first posting on photo.net and everyone has been great.. yes.. i also didi a little more research.. and i believe it is one of those 100 M7's released to dealers..