Thinking about an MP

[pharyngula]

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What can I say - I just traded in my M8.2 for a black MP when my dealer informed me that he had just received a pair from Leica. He says the demand has been surprisingly high for the MP this year.

 

I've run 3 rolls through it this week and could not be happier. I'm in the honeymoon phase of course but as a process, using the MP has brought a sense of contentment and enjoyment back to my shooting. That same sense could be had for a lot cheaper but I figure I'll be keeping the MP until film dies or I do - and I'm betting one of my kids will still be shooting film through Dad's brassed up MP down the road.

 

It just feels like photography again.

[RITskellar]

The OP indicates he has sold current to replace, this means he is on a budget.

 

An MP is merely what the marketing people thought would sell, to complement the M7, it seems to have exceeded their predictions.

That does not mean it is a good or bad camera, merely that it is selling.

 

Really? You were able to infer a great deal from the OP and Leica's product strategy. Well done. I stand corrected.

 

As for the OP's follow up question. My first two MP's were a silver chrome and black chrome. I have since sold those and replaced them with black paints 2-3 years ago and won't go back. Black paint is warmer and a little nicer to grip, and it simply looks decent and fairly inconspicuous whether new or used.

[thomasw_]

Black paint rocks....but this shot was taken by a chrome mp

 

Mechanical Perfection by thomasw_, on Flickr

[StS]

(...)

I've had two chrome Leicas and love them, but that black gloss lacquer finish is pretty unique. Is it something I can keep for life or is it a novelty with the gloss black? I can't decide. (...)

 

The black paint is for life, if you like the patina look of the brass showing through at the edges after some years of use. This is not meant in an ironic way, it is one point, where I would prefer an MP over my black anodized M6. I saw some brass scratches from the (initially black painted) brass buttons of my coat on the back side of my M6, it turned out the material is from the buttons, the anodization is still intact...

 

Stefan

[earleygallery]

If you want it, get it. Life's too short.

[farnz]

An M4-2 is a lot cheaper, ... If you bump into a MP owner they will look down their nose at you though.

This one won't.

 

To the OP, I went the black paint way because as soon as I handled it I was hooked. I'm very happy with black paint as it now has some very (to me) attractive brassing and I agree with RITskeller when he wrote "Black paint is warmer and a little nicer to grip, and it simply looks decent and fairly inconspicuous whether new or used."

 

Pete.

[Gotham Historian]

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I am definitely on a budget. I read with envy, the posts by people who own more than 1 Leica as I greatly regret selling my Leicas (except the M8, it just didn't do it for me). I really miss my Digilux 2 and Digilux 1 (which was a blurry little camera with a slippery body, but it was my first Leica).

 

I'm still lurking on the "I love my MP" thread and am leaning towards the chrome. It's more classic Leica to me and I think I'll be happier with the chrome.

 

I'm a novice manual camera guy (I had the D2 on "A" during almost all of my pictures) but greatly enjoyed learning about aperature etc on the M8, so I'm looking forward to slowing and patiently learning about film cameras with the MP.

 

I don't know why the chrome 0.58 chrome MP was $1000 less than the 0.72 black MP, except maye it was NOS and the price reflected it?

 

I'm saving my pennies to pick up the MP, ETA is early Spring 2011, although with my strong will, I will probably cave and pick it up by mid December when I get my next paycheck.

[budrichard]

Of course we all know that black paint Leica's take better pictures than chrome or black chrome Leica's!

 

My M6 and two M7's are all black chrome, the M7's purchased at a substantial savings from ala carte black paint, in fact I got two M7's for the price of one M7 ala carte and one was new with Leica warranty that was extended for $150.

For me the camera is a tool, not an object of reverence.

Purchase what you like and can afford and don't let anyone one make the decision for you or go with 'group think'.-Dick

[Xmas]

Really? You were able to infer a great deal from the OP and Leica's product strategy. Well done. I stand corrected.

 

As for the OP's follow up question. My first two MP's were a silver chrome and black chrome. I have since sold those and replaced them with black paints 2-3 years ago and won't go back. Black paint is warmer and a little nicer to grip, and it simply looks decent and fairly inconspicuous whether new or used.

 

Hi

 

I was trying to help the OP, I was not trying to be a smartass.

It is received wisdom Leica did the MP as a special and although it was priced to reflect lower volume sales, it has sold better then expected, hey could be an internet rumor, donno.

 

Marketing people don't always get things correct.

 

Black paint is just tooo tooooo toooo nice, even when it rubs off.

 

Noel

[farnz]

Of course we all know that black paint Leica's take better pictures than chrome or black chrome Leica's!...

No one has suggested that.

 

... My M6 and two M7's are all black chrome, the M7's purchased at a substantial savings from ala carte black paint, in fact I got two M7's for the price of one M7 ala carte and one was new with Leica warranty that was extended for $150. ...

Congratulations, you bought what was important to you and got a good deal by the sound of it.

 

... For me the camera is a tool, not an object of reverence. ...

For me too. But do they need to be mutually exclusive? Surely using a bastard file with a wooden handle shaped to your hand is preferable to using one with just the bare metal tang isn't it?

 

Purchase what you like and can afford and don't let anyone one make the decision for you or go with 'group think'.-Dick

The OP will make up his own mind so I can't see how patronising him helps him. The OP expressed a concern about brassing so some of us have offered alternative views on brassing and black paint which the OP may find useful in making his decision.

 

Pete.

[budrichard]

"Of course we all know that black paint Leica's take better pictures than chrome or black chrome Leica's!..."

 

I will admit to being facetious!

 

But not to being "patronizing",

 

"Purchase what you like and can afford and don't let anyone one make the decision for you or go with 'group think'."

 

I stand by the last quote.-Dick

[samuelphoto]

I've owned every film M made except the M1. IMHO, the MP is the best in terms of build quality and smoothness, with the M4 a very close second. All of the cameras, if operating correctly, will get the job done. To me it is more of a matter of having one that bets fits as a soul mate. For me, my black paint MP is my photographic soul mate.

[SteveYork]

It's hard to find used ones, but at $4995(for a new one) -- the cost now in the states -- doubled what I paid back in '03, I don't think so. The M7 costs the same and that makes even less sense. But it's a nice camera.

[kemal_mumcu]

I'm saving my pennies to pick up the MP, ETA is early Spring 2011, although with my strong will, I will probably cave and pick it up by mid December when I get my next paycheck.

 

Go for it! Don't allow yourself to be swayed. I have the un-metered cousin of the MP (M2) and have never regretted my leica purchase. Soon you will have your Leica MP.

[costakarl]

In 2005 Leica seemed to be on the verge of bankruptcy. I panicked and ordered an MP .85. I don't know if I had anything to do with their recovery but the choice of an MP was inspired.

[BRJR]

 

I'm saving my pennies to pick up the MP, ETA is early Spring 2011, although with my strong will, I will probably cave and pick it up by mid December when I get my next paycheck.

 

There is currently a Leica chrome MP in-stock at B&H Photo, but we can assume not for long. Here's the direct link:

 

Leica MP .72 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Body - 10301

[NZDavid]

You might like to check out some more useful info on the MP and comparisons here:

Leica FAQ — M Topic Index