Introduced in 1992, the Leica R-system cameras are popular with both amateur and professional photographers. Shutterbugs will like them for their solid build, quality, and excellent lenses. In program mode, the R7 offers complete and automatic control, which is selected as necessary by the camera. In any setting, flash ready automation will select synchronization based on the shutter speed. The Leica R7 was extensively reworked to become the first Leica model with a microprocessor to take on its new electronic modules. This fully automated control allows the camera to select between ambient light and artificial exposure. Other changes include an added digital viewfinder display of shutter speed with backlighting and an automatic DX sensitivity setting. It also has a taller body with superior ergo dynamics. The R7 was the last of the R4-R7 series, which was a joint design venture with Minolta from 1972.The Leica R7 is equipped with a full-featured TTL flash mode designed for use with Metz SCA-compatible units. The camera does not make the noise of other traditional models. There is no beeping when the camera is turned on or focused. This makes taking a candid photo convenient. Like all traditional SLR bodies, there is an eye-level viewfinder which offers a 92 percent viewfinder image. As famous photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson could testify, Leica is the quintessential choice for street photography. Both amateurs and professionals can appreciate the superior design inherent to the genre's fine art appeal. This black camera comes with the body only. The Leica R7 uses 35mm film, so it's ideal for photographers who are looking for superior quality of design and the timeless quality of actual film. The unit measures approximately 3.7 by 5.5 by 2.4 inches and weighs 23 ounces.The Leica R7 has manual focus and a Leica R Bayonet lens mount. It offers TTL/flash metering with a dedicated hot shoe as well as aperture and shutter priority. Shutter speeds range 16s-1/2000 in auto or 4s-1/2000 in the manual setting. The manual ISO/DX speeds range 25-5000. The film is advanced and rewound manually. The R7 has programmable AE with center-weighted and spot metering. These are displayed in an easy-to-read LED display in the viewfinder. The viewfinder display is digital with backlighting. AE can be locked, and there are settings for exposure compensation. The Leica R7 features a self-timer and a mechanical release socket for a separate cable release. There is also a bulb setting, which is great for getting awesome nighttime shots of the stars. There is a PC and high-speed sync at 1/100. The unit offers multiple exposure capabilities as well as interchangeable screens with a DOF preview. The R7 takes four LR44 batteries.The Leica R7 was engineered to withstand the rugged conditions of outdoor photography. Its aluminum, zinc, and brass frame protect the elegant mechanics from both the elements and temperature extremes while remaining lightweight. This was the first microprocessor-controlled model created by Leica.