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MP 3 LHSA question


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Hello,

 

I am seriously considering purchasing an MP 3 chrome (body only) from B&H. I however cannot find any specific literature or documentation specifically regarding this particular special model. I was wondering if a possible MP 3 owner here could answer these questions:

 

Does the MP 3 use the old removable film take-up spool like the M3/M2 bodies of the past or does it have the more modern fixed film loading spool like the M6?

 

Does the MP 3's baseplate have that ugly "CE" certification sticker on it?

 

Where is the [LHSA] logo engraved on the MP 3? I heard you can see it on the inside when you remove the base-plate. Is this true?

 

Is the rangefinder base length the same on the MP 3 as the M3? The top plate has the stylish raised frames and frosted glass finder-line window like the Original M3, but is the rangefinder base-length the same?

 

Also, what sort of special LHSA or Special Edition materials come with the package? Any special booklets/Certificates of Authenticity? Or is it just like buying a regular MP?

 

The MP 3 looks like its gone back to the classic M dimensions (Before the M6TTL grew taller). Is this true? Is it heavier than a modern MP?

 

Oh yeah, most importantly is the top-plate and bottom-plate of the MP 3 made out of Brass like the modern MP and M7 or is it made out of zinc like the M6's?

 

I'd like to thank you for your responses in advance.

 

Eagerly awaiting some answers,

~Justin

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>Does the MP 3's baseplate have that ugly "CE" certification sticker on it?

 

I believe that by law that sticker has to be there. It peels off quite easily. ;-)

 

>Is the rangefinder base length the same on the MP3 as the M3? The top plate has the >stylish raised frames and frosted glass finder-line window like the Original M3, but is the >rangefinder base-length the same?

 

It uses the standard .72 RF unit that's in the curent MP, with a reduced set of framelines (35/50/90). The big question is do they show coverage at 1 meter like the older cameras, or coverage at 70cm like the modern cameras (starting with the M6)?

 

 

>The MP 3 looks like its gone back to the classic M dimensions (Before the M6TTL grew >taller). Is this true? Is it heavier than a modern MP?

 

Should be the same size as an MP, so 2mm shorter than the TTL etc.

 

>Oh yeah, most importantly is the top-plate and bottom-plate of the MP 3 made out of >Brass like the modern MP and M7 or is it made out of zinc like the M6's?

 

Brass.

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Does the MP 3 use the old removable film take-up spool like the M3/M2 bodies of the past or does it have the more modern fixed film loading spool like the M6?

 

Where is the [LHSA] logo engraved on the MP 3? I heard you can see it on the inside when you remove the base-plate. Is this true?

 

Also, what sort of special LHSA or Special Edition materials come with the package? Any special booklets/Certificates of Authenticity? Or is it just like buying a regular MP?

 

 

Loading spool is same as any current M body...LHSA logo is indeed on the inside when base plate is removed. The body comes with a certificate and the box is different than standard MP / M7 offerings. I believe Leica's site gives some info on this as well.

 

I will add that I feel the MP3 is the best handling modern M I have used. I think the MP3 wins in the cosmetic category as well as the functional category - it has become my main M body. They really hit a home run with this one.

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Loading spool is same as any current M body...LHSA logo is indeed on the inside when base plate is removed. The body comes with a certificate and the box is different than standard MP / M7 offerings. I believe Leica's site gives some info on this as well.

 

 

Thanks for the info ddp. The Leica site has a brief paragraph about the MP 3 and all marketing materials show the box set for the MP 3, Summilux and Leicavit. I on the other hand am looking to obtain the body-only set. There seems to be little documentation as to weather the body-only kit gets the red-velvet treatment as well.

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Body only kit comes in the red box...it's not velvet, but it's still nice. That's the route I went...although I did pick up the matching Leicavit afterwards

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The MP3 Leicavit has "Leicavit" in script on the front followed by block lettering "MP" The rear of the unit is inscribed in blcok lettering with:

 

"LEICA CAMERA AG

SOLMS

GERMANY"

 

I put my standard MP Leicavit up for sale and was able to obtain an MP3 'Vit.

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Depending on how much of the kit you would like to replicate - a standard Leicavit will be fine for the MP3. If you're going to find an MP3, my suggestion is to spend the extra $105 on the LHSA MP3 Leicavit...it's a very nice looking package.

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I own the MP3 in chrome as well as a regular MP. I bought the complete set with the 50/1.4 and the Leicavit.

 

The MP3 may be the nicest M ever made. A truly beautiful camera.

 

You asked about the viewfinder, and yes, it is 0.72. But be aware that it does not have the same layout as the normal MPs. If I am not mistaken (should go home to check) there are no 28mm, 75mm and 135mm frames. You therefore get a very clean viewfinder with only one set of frames at the time (35, 50 or 90).

 

I also found out that you cannot use the regular cases for the other M models with the MP3, due to the special strap lugs. I therefore had Luigi make me one case at no extra cost compared to the normal Luigi cases.

 

I know it is expensive, but the 50/1.4 ASPH LHSA is really something also....

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Ivar - you are correct regarding the viewfinder - it is indeed 35, 50 and 90. The only other current Leica M body that is similar to this is the Ralph Gibson signature MP...that is a 0.85 finder with 35, 50 and 90 seperate framelines.

 

I will again add that it is the nicest M I have yet owned....

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  • 6 months later...

Robert,

 

When you get the MP3 you may want to protect it by using an everready case. Take care that due to the special strap lugs, none of the Leica cases fit. I bought a lovely case from Luigi, who modifies his case to fit the MP3.

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Robert,

 

When you get the MP3 you may want to protect it by using an everready case. Take care that due to the special strap lugs, none of the Leica cases fit. I bought a lovely case from Luigi, who modifies his case to fit the MP3.

 

I'm no collector, I shoot every day, and don't mind wear on the camera. I was thinking of the Neoprene case for protection from condensation here in the frozen north. Anyone know if the Neoprene case fits over an M with the Rapidgrip?

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  • 5 years later...
Shouldn't these people be standing up and applauding at this simpler design? :confused::)

 

If simple means a total fiction, then Why Not because what we are shown is a fantasy drawing. The designers have no clue about using the camera.

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