Wikipedia

Leica MP

The Leica MP is a 35 mm film camera manufactured by Leica Camera AG that was introduced in 2003. It is an all-mechanical rangefinder focusing camera that follows in a long line of cameras since the Leica M3 was introduced in 1954. The camera uses the Leica M-mount, which accepts all Leica bayonet-mount lenses (21 mm through 135 mm) made since 1954. The 'MP' designation stands for "mechanical perfection."

Leica MP
Overview
Type35 mm rangefinder camera
Released2003
Lens
LensInterchangeable lens, Leica M-mount
Sensor/medium
Film format35mm
Film size36mm x 24mm
Film speedISO 6-6400
Film speed detectionManual setting
Film advanceManual
Film rewindManual
Focusing
Focus modesSplit and superposed-image rangefinder
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesManual (M), and Bulb (B)
Exposure metering12 mm Silicon Photodiode
Metering modesCenter-weighted (13% of full film format)
Flash
FlashHot Shoe, PC Sync
Flash synchronization1/50s
Shutter
Shuttermechanically timed horizontal running cloth shutter
Shutter speed range1s - 1/1000s with Bulb and 1/50s flash sync
Viewfinder
ViewfinderBrightline frame viewfinder with automatic parallax-compensation
Viewfinder magnification0.58x, 0.72x, 0.85x
General
Battery3v from 2x PX76/SR44 silver oxide cell or 1x DL 1/3N lithium cell
Optional motor drivesLeica Motor-M, Winder-M, Winder 4-P and Winder 4-2
Dimensions138 mm × 77 mm × 38 mm (5.4 in × 3.0 in × 1.5 in)
Weight585 g (20.6 oz)
Made inGermany

Design

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Unlike the preceding Leica M7, the camera has adopted many retro design features from the earlier M3. These include a M3 type metal film advance lever, knob film rewind design and M3 type frameline adjust lever. The basic classic design remains unchanged and the design for loading film from the bottom has been retained. The camera comes in black paint or silver chrome finishes and could be further customised with Leica AG's à la carte program until July 7, 2019 when Leica officially discontinued the program.

Leica MP special editions

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The Leica MP, the same as the M6, also includes limited special editions.

  • Leica MP-6 - 2003 - 250 cameras
  • Leica MP Hammertone LHSA - 2003 - 1000 sets
  • Leica MP Edition Hermès - 2003 - 500 cameras
  • Leica MP Anthracite - 2004 - 600 cameras
  • Leica MP Classic Black Paint - 2004 - 500 sets
  • Leica MP Ralph Gibson Black - 2004 - 50 cameras
  • Leica MP-3 LHSA - 2005 - 1000 sets
  • Leica MP Republic of Korea - 60th Year of Independence 2007 - 2005 - 60 cameras
  • Leica MP Titan Ginza Leica Store - 2007 - 150 cameras
  • Leica MP Olive Kyoto Leica Store - 2008
  • Leica MP Gold PRC - 2009 - 60 cameras
  • Leica M3-P Leica Store Vienna - 2011 - 20 cameras
  • Leica MP Republic of China Centennial Limited Edition - 2011 - 100 cameras
  • Leica MP Black Paint 70th Anniversary Republic of Korea - 2015 - 70 cameras
  • Leica MP Meister Edition "Blue Stain" - 2017 - 10 cameras
  • Leica MP Terry O' Neill - 2018 - 35 cameras
  • Leica MP Leica Historica 1975-2020 - 2021 - 45 cameras

Features

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Features include an integrated silicon photodiode TTL lightmeter that works from EV-2 to EV20. Only the lightmeter requires batteries to operate; the rest of the camera is fully mechanical, unlike the M7, and will operate without electricity. The camera's viewfinder is available with different magnifications of 0.58x, 0.72x and 0.85x and is improved to reduce flaring with multicoated glass elements and a condenser lens. The camera is also compatible with Leica Motor-M, Winder-M, Winder 4-P and Winder 4-2 motorised film winders and the Leicavit manual winder.

References

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