Leica MP Serial Number?

[Pelesit]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello,

 

I’m looking to buy a used MP with the serial number starting with 4983. Does anyone know which year it might be from?

Also, I read about issues with the MP, are there any I should be aware of? What should I check for when receiving it to make sure it’s flawless?

 

thanks 

[davidmknoble]

1 hour ago, Pelesit said:

Hello,

 

I’m looking to buy a used MP with the serial number starting with 4983. Does anyone know which year it might be from?

Also, I read about issues with the MP, are there any I should be aware of? What should I check for when receiving it to make sure it’s flawless?

 

thanks 

If unsure, get a CLA.  That needs done every 4-5 years anyway on a film camera.  I’ve used MP film cameras for almost 20 years, and they are fantastic bodies.  I think they are really solid.  Check out the Wiki for serial numbers and years, but I think the number you listed is a more recent copy.   You won’t know if its flawless.  Unless it has had a recent CLA, I recommend one highly, then you know where you are starting from and if there are any issues....

[michali]

4 hours ago, Pelesit said:

Hello,

 

I’m looking to buy a used MP with the serial number starting with 4983. Does anyone know which year it might be from?

Also, I read about issues with the MP, are there any I should be aware of? What should I check for when receiving it to make sure it’s flawless?

 

thanks 

Go this link: http://www.summilux.net/numeros/index.php

You'll see "Type de matériel" there's a box with a drop down arrow "Objectif" or "Boitier" click on "Boitier"

Below that is "Numéro de série" enter your MP's serial no. & click on box below with "Interroger la base"

It should give you the year of manufacture. It's accurate with older equipment, have never tired it with more modern gear.

 

[mole73]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb Pelesit:

Hello,

 

I’m looking to buy a used MP with the serial number starting with 4983. Does anyone know which year it might be from?

Also, I read about issues with the MP, are there any I should be aware of? What should I check for when receiving it to make sure it’s flawless?

 

thanks 

My MP starts with 4984 and was manufactured in February 2019. So the numbers beginning with 4983 should be from the same time, perhaps a bit earlier.

Don't be afraid of possible issues. Mine is absolutely smooth and a real joy to use. 

Good luck in finding a used one, it´s not easy. They disappear immediately after appearing on the used market.

Edited March 4, 2020 by mole73

[250swb]

7 hours ago, Pelesit said:

Hello,

 

I’m looking to buy a used MP with the serial number starting with 4983. Does anyone know which year it might be from?

Also, I read about issues with the MP, are there any I should be aware of? What should I check for when receiving it to make sure it’s flawless?

 

thanks 

You read about 'issues' because you aren't hearing from all those people who don't have a problem with their MP. Mine is from 2003, and it doesn't need a CLA and it has never had a CLA.

[michali]

48 minutes ago, 250swb said:

You read about 'issues' because you aren't hearing from all those people who don't have a problem with their MP. Mine is from 2003, and it doesn't need a CLA and it has never had a CLA.

+1  My MP's a 2004 vers. never had any issues. 

[earleygallery]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

5 hours ago, davidmknoble said:

If unsure, get a CLA.  That needs done every 4-5 years anyway on a film camera.  I’ve used MP film cameras for almost 20 years, and they are fantastic bodies.  I think they are really solid.  Check out the Wiki for serial numbers and years, but I think the number you listed is a more recent copy.   You won’t know if its flawless.  Unless it has had a recent CLA, I recommend one highly, then you know where you are starting from and if there are any issues....

Shock and horror! You must seriously abuse your cameras! 

I'd guess more like 20-40 years. Personally I don't bother with any kind of service unless there's something that needs fixing. 

[wattsy]

I get a CLA after every roll of film. just to be safe.

[earleygallery]

12 minutes ago, wattsy said:

I get a CLA after every roll of film. just to be safe.

I prefer to do it before every roll.........

[wattsy]

10 minutes ago, earleygallery said:

I prefer to do it before every roll.........

Isn't that the same thing (at least after the first roll)? 😀

[davidmknoble]

1 hour ago, earleygallery said:

Shock and horror! You must seriously abuse your cameras! 

I'd guess more like 20-40 years. Personally I don't bother with any kind of service unless there's something that needs fixing. 

Abuse, no, but I shoot 100 rolls a year or so and carry it with me about every other day (digital on the odd days).  I take it backpacking.  I take it in the snow and on the beach regularly.  The issue isn’t abuse, it’s lubrication and spring settings at the highest shutter speeds and rangefinder alignment.  CLA’s don’t cost very much for film cameras.

So, I’d ask a question:  If you bought a used car, would you not have a mechanic look at and tune it up?  Would you never get the oil changed and the front tire aligned?  You don’t need to, but it will run smoother and last longer if you do.  Less miles means  more time between service.  If you wait for your car to run out of oil, you’ll need a new engine!

I love my MP’s and I’ve shot M3’s, M2R’s, M4’s and M6’s.  It’s just a mechanical device that I personally don’t know how to tune up, so its worth it.  My suggestion is that you at least get it tuned up after you buy it.  After all, why is it being sold?  Maybe because it’s not being used, and maybe because it has a tune up issue that’s not ever been addressed.

I bought an MA new from the factory that had a misaligned rangefinder and every lens was out of focus.  They tuned it up and all was fine.  So, I get the satire, but Pelesit asked about how to tell if one was flawless and used, that doesn’t happen.  If I’m going to pay $4k USD for a camera, I’m going to take care of it.

Just my opinion!

[Topsy]

I learned from experience that a CLA was required on purchasing a "pristine" little used M2 that had very irregular shutter speeds only noticed after the second film had gone through but sadly after I had left feedback (1st film seemed ok some frames were oddly exposed but I put that down to poor meter technique at the time,. I sent it for CLA and it is fine now. Since I have bought an M6 and MP both with evidenced recent CLA and both fine (M6 re-sold once I sourced my MP). As for how frequently they will need re-doing I can't say but I think as long as I keep them in use they will carry on unless I knock out the rangefinder.

[250swb]

10 hours ago, davidmknoble said:

Abuse, no, but I shoot 100 rolls a year or so and carry it with me about every other day (digital on the odd days).  I take it backpacking.  I take it in the snow and on the beach regularly.  

Only 100 rolls a year! It should be good for 1000 rolls a year without even breaking sweat, take it to another techie person, you aren't getting your moneys worth. Do you seriously imagine a professional photographer would be sending their camera to Leica every 100 rolls when they can average ten rolls in a day? I shot fifteen rolls a night doing theatre photography, and that was nothing if I'd also been on another job earlier in the day. I seriously think this '100 rolls a year' is an overreaction to the trepidation in newbie Leica users because of the perennial hype about always 'needing a CLA' and thinking of a CLA as a badge of honour rather than treating it is as 'you've been ripped off'..... again.

Edited March 4, 2020 by 250swb

[davidmknoble]

1 hour ago, 250swb said:

Only 100 rolls a year! It should be good for 1000 rolls a year without even breaking sweat, take it to another techie person, you aren't getting your moneys worth. Do you seriously imagine a professional photographer would be sending their camera to Leica every 100 rolls when they can average ten rolls in a day? I shot fifteen rolls a night doing theatre photography, and that was nothing if I'd also been on another job earlier in the day. I seriously think this '100 rolls a year' is an overreaction to the trepidation in newbie Leica users because of the perennial hype about always 'needing a CLA' and thinking of a CLA as a badge of honour rather than treating it is as 'you've been ripped off'..... again.

250swb, please take a moment and read, I think you misunderstood.  My first post was depending on your usage, every 4 to 5 years.  Not once a year and not after 100 rolls , and it was based on buying something used that you have no direct knowledge of how it was treated.  Unless you know of a way to tell that a used item is 'flawless' that was the original poster's question.  I've never been able to tell without buying and using it.

[250swb]

8 hours ago, davidmknoble said:

250swb, please take a moment and read, I think you misunderstood.  My first post was depending on your usage, every 4 to 5 years.  Not once a year and not after 100 rolls , and it was based on buying something used that you have no direct knowledge of how it was treated.  Unless you know of a way to tell that a used item is 'flawless' that was the original poster's question.  I've never been able to tell without buying and using it.

No, suggesting a camera needs a CLA by default is as ever saying something just for the sake of saying something. It feeds the very uncertainty the OP has, it is scare mongering. The OP should have no fear at all if the advice is 'buy from a Leica dealer'. Then they have good time to discover faults because it will have a warranty, they don't need to spend extra money on something that may already have been done, and they aren't buying it in trepidation they need to to do more than simply load a film.

The whole CLA thing on this forum is like a nervous tick. 99% of the time it only serves as a way for people to join in with seemingly sage advice without understanding that it's the very thing that creates the fear in the first place. Yes sometimes a CLA is necessary, but problems with Leica cameras are over-perceived because the individual with a problem rightly comes to the forum for CLA advice, but many thousands don't need to. Then to add lard on top of the butter we get the knee jerk reaction to 'factor in a CLA' every time somebody asks about buying a camera! It's a never ending horror story, if I hadn't already been using Leica M's for over forty years I'd be too scared to buy one based on the advice here.

[davidmknoble]

11 hours ago, 250swb said:

No, suggesting a camera needs a CLA by default is as ever saying something just for the sake of saying something. It feeds the very uncertainty the OP has, it is scare mongering. The OP should have no fear at all if the advice is 'buy from a Leica dealer'. Then they have good time to discover faults because it will have a warranty, they don't need to spend extra money on something that may already have been done, and they aren't buying it in trepidation they need to to do more than simply load a film.

The whole CLA thing on this forum is like a nervous tick. 99% of the time it only serves as a way for people to join in with seemingly sage advice without understanding that it's the very thing that creates the fear in the first place. Yes sometimes a CLA is necessary, but problems with Leica cameras are over-perceived because the individual with a problem rightly comes to the forum for CLA advice, but many thousands don't need to. Then to add lard on top of the butter we get the knee jerk reaction to 'factor in a CLA' every time somebody asks about buying a camera! It's a never ending horror story, if I hadn't already been using Leica M's for over forty years I'd be too scared to buy one based on the advice here.

Sorry you feel this way.  The OP never asked about buying from a Leica dealer and the cold hard facts are that Ebay and other sources sell Leica gear because it is expensive, and they sell it as in great shape, when in fact it isn't.  I guess we can agree to disagree. I believe in maintenance, when necessary, to keep things working.  It  appears you feel different.

My best to you in the UK....

David.

[Topsy]

11 hours ago, 250swb said:

No, suggesting a camera needs a CLA by default is as ever saying something just for the sake of saying something. It feeds the very uncertainty the OP has, it is scare mongering. The OP should have no fear at all if the advice is 'buy from a Leica dealer'. Then they have good time to discover faults because it will have a warranty, they don't need to spend extra money on something that may already have been done, and they aren't buying it in trepidation they need to to do more than simply load a film.

The whole CLA thing on this forum is like a nervous tick. 99% of the time it only serves as a way for people to join in with seemingly sage advice without understanding that it's the very thing that creates the fear in the first place. Yes sometimes a CLA is necessary, but problems with Leica cameras are over-perceived because the individual with a problem rightly comes to the forum for CLA advice, but many thousands don't need to. Then to add lard on top of the butter we get the knee jerk reaction to 'factor in a CLA' every time somebody asks about buying a camera! It's a never ending horror story, if I hadn't already been using Leica M's for over forty years I'd be too scared to buy one based on the advice here.

 

3 minutes ago, davidmknoble said:

Sorry you feel this way.  The OP never asked about buying from a Leica dealer and the cold hard facts are that Ebay and other sources sell Leica gear because it is expensive, and they sell it as in great shape, when in fact it isn't.  I guess we can agree to disagree. I believe in maintenance, when necessary, to keep things working.  It  appears you feel different.

My best to you in the UK....

David.

Wow, this is getting heated.

I have not been shooting Leicas for 40 years or even 10 years or even 5 years but I've personal experience of 4 film Ms and 3 digital Ms, forgetting the digital because they are all M9s that came with certified recent sensor replacements my contribution is this;

1. First purchase on eBay M4P that was in very good condition, turned out to have infinity focus issues so was returned because it wasn't as advertised, CLA would have cured it but seller wouldn't even contribute.

2. Second purchase was a "pristine" M2 that had sat unused for several years, first roll was mixed but second roll shutter speeds were all over the place, a CLA has fixed that unfortunately I had already left positive feedback for the seller who then blanked me when I raised the issue.

3. Third purchase was for a recently CLAd M6 Classic that was just fine (now re-sold) because of my last purchase.

4. Last purchase was a 2003 MP that had been recently "serviced" and is working fine.

I'd say that if I had purchased from "reputable dealers" my experience would have been better but the cameras I was after at the time weren't available from the "reputable dealers" so I took some chances which as it happens have eventually worked out for me but have probably cost me a bit more than I might have paid.

All in all I am not complaining I'm happy with my kit now but have pitched in because everyone has different experiences and we should recognise that, hell I've even read where folks have had to send brand mew cameras back under warranty for effectively CLAs (re-calibration).

Just my 2d.

[250swb]

1 hour ago, Topsy said:

 

Wow, this is getting heated.

I have not been shooting Leicas for 40 years or even 10 years or even 5 years but I've personal experience of 4 film Ms and 3 digital Ms, forgetting the digital because they are all M9s that came with certified recent sensor replacements my contribution is this;

1. First purchase on eBay M4P that was in very good condition, turned out to have infinity focus issues so was returned because it wasn't as advertised, CLA would have cured it but seller wouldn't even contribute.

2. Second purchase was a "pristine" M2 that had sat unused for several years, first roll was mixed but second roll shutter speeds were all over the place, a CLA has fixed that unfortunately I had already left positive feedback for the seller who then blanked me when I raised the issue.

3. Third purchase was for a recently CLAd M6 Classic that was just fine (now re-sold) because of my last purchase.

4. Last purchase was a 2003 MP that had been recently "serviced" and is working fine.

I'd say that if I had purchased from "reputable dealers" my experience would have been better but the cameras I was after at the time weren't available from the "reputable dealers" so I took some chances which as it happens have eventually worked out for me but have probably cost me a bit more than I might have paid.

All in all I am not complaining I'm happy with my kit now but have pitched in because everyone has different experiences and we should recognise that, hell I've even read where folks have had to send brand mew cameras back under warranty for effectively CLAs (re-calibration).

Just my 2d.

Sometimes the problems aren't with the sellers on eBay but the buyers. Ignorance of problems isn't uncommon with old cameras, I mean my grandpa said it was working fine before he died. If you want to play roulette don't blame the LUF forum or embellish your own experience to imply 'all'.

Edited March 5, 2020 by 250swb

[Topsy]

1 minute ago, 250swb said:

Sometimes the problems aren't with the sellers on eBay but the buyers. Ignorance of problems isn't uncommon with old cameras, I mean my grandpa said it was working fine before he died. If you want to play roulette don't blame the LUF forum.

Where did you get me blaming anyone let alone the LUF Forum, I outlined my experience is all I said I'm happy with my kit. Chill out man, yours is not the only valid opinion out there.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[250swb]

Just now, Topsy said:

Where did you get me blaming anyone let alone the LUF Forum, I outlined my experience is all I said I'm happy with my kit. Chill out man, yours is not the only valid opinion out there.

Like I said.