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just woud like to know what a leica mp 253 is worth.the complete package.kevin

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As I've mentioned in the other thread, shouldn't an MP be fitted with a Leicavit, and they weren't fitted with self timers, apparently. Curious.

 

It's possible that a standard baseplate has been substituted for the Leicavit by someone who didn't know better. Maybe if we could see a photo of the base of the camera with the baseplate removed that would help?

 

We ought to be able to see whether it is fitted for Leicavit operation, as you mention, and the camera number should be repeated in white (Hasbroeck page 162) on the bottom of the internal structure.

 

IIRC it was possible to get a standard M3 converted to MP format - but it should have retained its original number if that was done.

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There are 2 details that are proper of the MP : non self-resetting frame counter (M2-style) and the engraving with specific s/n (and 253 belongs indeed to a chrome version). But, as mentioned above, there also 2 details not belonging to MP (self timer and standard baseplate) : direct expertise is needed to identify and evaluate this camera, first of all, a look at the bottom without the baseplate.

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There are 2 details that are proper of the MP : non self-resetting frame counter (M2-style) and the engraving with specific s/n (and 253 belongs indeed to a chrome version). But, as mentioned above, there also 2 details not belonging to MP (self timer and standard baseplate) : direct expertise is needed to identify and evaluate this camera, first of all, a look at the bottom without the baseplate.

 

Apparently some MPs were retrofitted with 'non-standard' details, such as the self-timer, according to one of my reference books.

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i took the base plate off .the inside part has a white P 253 .i will try to take some better pictures so you can see it in more detail. kevin

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OK, the number inside looks right... and I noticed that also the strap lugs are of the correct shape and position...the std. baseplate and selftimer can be easily explained and, as said by jlancasterd, is officialy recognized that such modifications were carried on; so, kevin, is rather probable you own an ORIGINAL MP... a camera built in about 400 items that is a VERY VALUABLE collectible... let's say in the range of THOUSANDS of Euros (5 to 10 ?); of course, if you should like to sell it, or even only to confirm that it's really an original one, you need a written expertise : it's too an important item to be simply put on ebay...;) and, given its close relantionship to the M3, is unfortunately a camera that is worth to fake from a M3...

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Any competent Leica repairman can have a look at the gears. The gears of a MP are steel, not brass as in any M3.

I think this MP is a real one. The selftimer says nothing, many were retrofitted. The Leicavit is not everyones cup of tea, so the first owner could have split from it.

To fake a MP top cover from an ordinary M3 top cover is not easy, as the opening of the frame counter is quite different from the opening of the screw (frame counter indicator) from the MP.

 

Erik.

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thank you for all the help.i live in the united states in virginia.i'm not sure where to take it to see if it is authentic.i called the local camera shop' and i,m not sure if he knows how to use this camera.i think i would like to see if it works and take some pictures with it.but as you can tell from the pictures i posted i can't even get a good one with my digital.i took some photos with my 35 mm nikon that self focus.if i can get them put on disk, i will post a better quailty picthure of this camera and it lenses.i think its best for someone that would enjoy this camera to own it. i just seem to be lucky to get this camera before it was trashed. so how do you take a picture with this camera? what kind of film does it use? kevin beginer :confused:

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I think you should definately take it to a Leica specialist (not just any camera shop). If I were you I'd sell it and let a collector/enthusiast have the pleasure of it. The lenses are standard items, you can fit them to a Leica M2 or M3 which looks similar but is only worth a fraction of the price and get the same results.

 

Sell and you'll have plenty of money to buy another decent camera, as well as taking a very nice holiday!!

 

Lucky you!

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i took the camera, to the camera store .you were right, he did not know much.we did get the film loaded and set it up so i can take some pictures.everything seems to work.i will know more tomarrow when i get the film developed. kevin:D

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i took the camera, to the camera store .you were right, he did not know much.we did get the film loaded and set it up so i can take some pictures.everything seems to work.i will know more tomarrow when i get the film developed. kevin:D

 

I would first go and see my insurance broker before using the camera... it really sells easily for more than 10000$...

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i do not think so.my wife is chinese and she can not stand to see how we american's throw our old stuff away.she brings home junk all the time.i think i will stop fussing at her now;). i think i will sell it.it will make someone very happy.and of course i will be very happy to:) .where would one sell a leica mp-253.sherry krauter home of the golden touch,asked how much.she has one for sell for 28,000.00 us.but the housing shell has been replaced .what price do you think i should ask for?

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Luckily for you, you can sell this for enough to finance the Leica rangefinder addiction you're going to develop as a result of running film through this windfall. ;)

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Take it to Sherry Krauter and ask her to sell it for you on commission. There's no one in the US better placed to know how genuine this camera is and she is as honest as the day is long

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