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amurt

By amurt
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aymoon

aymoon

Posted
Posted (edited)
Why is this so expensive? Worth it?

 

According to my local dealer (and probably nicked from a Leica press release):

 

It was in 1956 that the first LEICA MP was made, in a very limited run of just 400 units. Today prices of up to 94,000 Euros are paid for them. With an exclusive anniversary edition, the world's largest group of Leica enthusiasts is commemorating the legendary MP. The LHSA Special Edition combines the classic design of the earlier MP with the precision and durability of the latest production LEICA MP in the series. The limited edition 1,000 unit production run includes 500 black lacquered and 500 silver chrome-plated models. 375 LHSA sets are also offered, consisting of the camera, lens with lens hood and metal cap, Leicavit, leather carrying strap and case. There are also a further 125 LHSA Special Edition single items available: the camera with case; the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens with leather case, and the engraved LEICAVIT MP with case.

Truly exclusive The look of the LHSA Special Edition is true to the original 1956 LEICA MP - including the frames around the viewfinder window, for example, and the historic carrying strap eyelets. The texture of the leather trim is also in line with the classic vulcanite finish.

Perfect in every detail Just like it was back then: the classic bright line frame set for 35, 50 and 90 mm lenses, corresponding to the full negative format of 24 x 36 mm, the external frame counter, shutter speed dial, image field selector, and rewind release lever all correspond to those of the original MP.

 

I personally would love one of these, and would probably buy one if I was rich. BUT, I am not a collector and would want to use it properly, and I am not rich; therefore an MP is as far as I would dream.

 

Having said that, you do get the Leicavit and the 50 lux, which if you were to buy separately with an MP would push the cost up considerably. So if you wanted this combination, it could be a really good investment.

Edited by aymoon
Having said that...
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ddp

ddp

Posted
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It's a limited edition kit - in whole, which are harder to come by these days. The 50/1.4 asph is extremely difficult to find in any variation right now - new or used and the new ones run over $3500. If I recall, many people broke up the kits to sell the lenses or bodies depending on demand.

 

I have always thought the MP3 was very well built, and great looking to boot. Only 3 framelines - 35-50-90, a very uncluttered viewfinder overall. Great to use.

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Guest dk_samurai

Guest dk_samurai

Posted
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...50mm 1.4: $3695 (old model pictured)...

 

Old model?? The lens that goes with the MP3 kit is in fact the new aspherical version of the 50mm summilux. The outer cosmetics have simply been changed to look classical. Plus the lens barrel is made of brass and filter size is 43mm.

 

Best,

David

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aymoon

aymoon

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@aymoon: No, it's the latest ASPH Summilux, but on the exterior build like the original Summilux when the first MP came out. It's a tribut to the original MP and the Summilux, but with today's technology.

 

The picture next to the 50 lux being sold alone on b&h is the old one.

 

Old - Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical Manual Focus Lens 11891 -

 

New - Red Dot Cameras - Leica Cameras, Leica Binoculars, Metz Flashguns, Manfrotto Tripods, Leitz

 

The MP3 lens is based on the new one, but with a different exterior.

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aesop

aesop

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...sounds like we've got a bit of confusion here. I agree with aymoon's assertion that the relevant B&H image is outdated.

 

The B&H pages for the Leica 50mm 1.4 Summilux ASPH (black and chrome) currently display incorrect images, namely, the final version of the 50/1.4 Summilux pre-asph (cat. #s 11628 and 11856). The actual items are correctly listed as catalogue numbers 11891 and 11892, but the images are currently incorrect. For correct imagery of the current 50/1.4 Summilux ASPH, click here.

 

To clarify further - fingerprinz, the "scalloped design" 50/1.4 (LHSA Edition) lens you allude to was sold as a set with the LHSA MP3+Leicavit, but was also available individually in very limited numbers. Internally, it is the same design as the 50/1.4 ASPH. I do not believe this lens is listed on the B&H website and cannot recall the exact quantities produced by Leica.

 

Catalogue numbers for the LHSA special edition MP3+50/1.4+Leicavit are as follows:

 

10318 - MP3-SET LHSA+50/1.4 (black paint)

10319 - MP3-SET LHSA+50.1.4 (chrome)

10320 - MP3 LHSA (black paint)

10321 - MP3 LHSA (chrome)

11627 - 50/1.4 LHSA (black)

11628 - 50/1.4 LHSA (chrome)

14460 - Leicavit M LHSA (black)

14461 - Leicavit M LHSA (chrome)

 

Hope this helps.

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ddp

ddp

Posted
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This is what the black paint version looks like, sans the 50/1.4. My opinion - the build quality on this is a little different than the standard MP or M7. Closer to my 1966 M3. Not a bad thing.

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Edited by ddp
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aesop

aesop

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This is what the black paint version looks like, sans the 50/1.4. My opinion - the build quality oin this is a little different than the standard MP or M7. Closer to my 1966 M3. Not a bad thing.

 

 

...sorry to disappoint you, ddp - MP/MP3 differences are purely aesthetic. Still, no matter.

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ddp

ddp

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...sorry to disappoint you, ddp - MP/MP3 differences are purely aesthetic. Still, no matter.

Please note - I said my opinion...I am simply speaking as someone who owned two MP's previously to the MP3 and feel that the transport is a little smoother. It's subtle. I sold an M7 due to it's height. Perhaps I am little off the deep end though!

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aesop

aesop

Posted
Posted
Please note - I said my opinion...I am simply speaking as someone who owned two MP's previously to the MP3 and feel that the transport is a little smoother. It's subtle. I sold an M7 due to it's height. Perhaps I am little off the deep end though!

 

 

...point taken, ddp. Your opinion is your opinion. And the innards of both cameras are the same. ;)

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