Leica MP

cliveh · May 16, 2015

Does anyone own one of these? and if so what are they like to use? As a camera it looks interesting.

NB23 · May 16, 2015

They're like your M2 but with a P instead of a 2. Really.

Richard S. (rich815) · May 16, 2015

I have both the MP and the M2. Similar but not the same. I had an M3 too for a spell but prefer the M2. MP really is something special. How so will vary person to person. The MP is pretty much Leica film-body perfection in my opinion. Easier to load than the M2 or M3 (can be done without a table). Has a meter. The advance feels smoother than either my M2 or formerly owned M3. Rewind knob also designed to not "unwind" if you lose your grip, like the M2/3 do. Film counter resets automatically like the M3 (not the M2). Viewfinder (my MP is the 0.85) is terrific. Has 75mm frame lines too. Mine is also the black lacquer which is gorgeous and a real joy to look at and yes, display around your neck. As for feel overall in use not all that different than any of the other very, very adequate Leica bodies but having a beautiful, modern hand-built MP around your neck for shooting has a mind-set itself. Of course some may say "whatever" to all that, and I'd understand.

Pioneer · May 17, 2015

The MP is basically the M6 with some upgrades to the viewfinder. It is a terrific camera and represents some of Leica's finest work with film rangefinders.

I have the M-A, which is basically a meterless MP, and I have been shooting a lot of film with it recently.

Xmas · May 17, 2015

Yea all true but you can get a beaten up M2 for 1/10 the GBP.
If you fit the Quick load kit and MP fast rewind or 3rd party version --/ It is more expensive but as fast a shooter as a MP.

I mainly use a 35mm /2.5 Cosina or a 35mm LTM Canon so the standard finder is uncluttered, not really critical since I normally use instinctive point at six foot.

The black finish is pretty but I sold my BP M2 too easy to steal.

An MP is ok if you don't use IXMOO the chassis casting is in (was in) common with a M7.

TheToadMen · May 17, 2015

Are we talking about the original MP (1956-57) or the recent analogue model: the new MP?
Certainly not the digital M-P (2014).

MP – 1956–57 (Total 402 sets were manufactured). The original MP was based on the M3 and could be fitted with a Leicavit trigger winding device. MP originally stood for "M Professional"; the camera was intended as a photojournalist's camera.

MP – 2003 – current model (as of 2008). A homage to the original MP, the new MP (this time standing for "Mechanical Perfection") cosmetically resembles the original (even down to changing the rewind crank back to a knob) but is functionally closer to the M6 Classic. A notable improvement over the M6 was the modification of the rangefinder to eliminate flare. The Leicavit M is an accessory introduced with the new MP, allowing trigger wind with the right hand at speeds up to 2–2.5 frame/s. The new MP is available in chrome and black paint and with viewfinders of .58, .72 and .85 magnification.

(source)

Richard S. (rich815) · May 17, 2015

Xmas said:
Yea all true but you can get a beaten up M2 for 1/10 the GBP.

Yeah, which is why I have an M2 as well. ;-)

I got my MP (newer 2003 version) as a reward to myself after a very good year back around 2006 or so. Tamarkin in New York had it listed as pretty much mint except for a gouge next to the flash shoe mount. Had a year so left on the Leica passport warranty too. For $1850 USD. I grabbed it. Since the 0.85 finder version is now only available by a la carte ordering it's become a semi-rare bird (relatively speaking) especially in black lacquer. From what I've seen similar MP bodies going for lately it was not a bad investment though I have no plans to sell it, ever.

Got my M2 from Youxin Ye in 2012. I emailed him and asked if he had a user functional one for sale, aesthetics no issue, as long as it worked. He sold me a total "user" but perfectly functional (after he replaced the whole shutter and adjusted and cleaned the heck out of the viewfinder, and did a complete refurb and CLA). $550 USD.

They both work. Well. But do have a different feel. And yes, some of that is in my head.

Richard S. (rich815) · May 17, 2015

ToadMen, the original 1950's MP goes for tens of thousands if and when they show up. Extremely rare.

cliveh · May 17, 2015

Since Pioneer mentioned the M-A I checked it out and think I prefer that. However, I would still use the M2, so even an M-A would be a toy for occasional use. Nice toy though.

TheToadMen · May 17, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
ToadMen, the original 1950's MP goes for tens of thousands if and when they show up. Extremely rare.

I know, thanks, but still, looking at some of the replies I wasn't sure.

darinwc · May 17, 2015

Hey you can buy one for only $235,000 (or best offer!)

Leica MP

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