I can't be without an analog camera. However, I recently sold my Leica M4 and, rather unexpectedly, mine at the end of last week Leica M3 placed in very good hands. Suddenly there was a 35mm camera vacuum in my closet. Luckily, I came across a very well-preserved Leica MP at one of the smaller photo shops in Hamburg at a price I couldn't say no to. Fortunately, my loved one has gradually gotten used to the prices for used Leicas, so when she mentioned the amount for the surprise purchase at the dinner table in the evening, she just waved it off with a mild smile...
What is it about?
Leica MP? For the non-camera nerds here in the readership: yes, this is one of the few analog cameras that are still being made. It is the successor model to the more well-known Leica M6 with many nice improvements, for example in the rangefinder's sensitivity to reflexes. I had always heard good things about this model, but when I held it in my hands it felt particularly good. And I just love cameras that work without batteries. The only reason the Leica MP has space for two small batteries is so that three archaic LED lights in the viewfinder provide a recommendation for exposure.
Of course, I had to immediately check the camera's functionality. On Saturday I surprisingly ran Markus from the blog TextundBlog, which is worth reading over a path that I was fortunately able to persuade to take a quick photo.
First studio test with the Leica MP
In the afternoon I had my good friend Marco Larousse for coffee and was able to test whether the Leica MP can handle the modern flash unit and whether the rangefinder is calibrated well enough to work with it Noctilux to capture enough sharpness on the film.
With the Leica MP on the sidelines
On Sunday I still had film in the camera and I wanted to know whether the camera really worked. So I took her to the Millerntor and - mainly - attended the team's final lap alongside took a few more photos. Lo and behold: yes, it works. The aesthetics of the film almost suggest a leap in time. Maybe it's just me, because when I learned to take photos on the sidelines, the year was 1984 and digital technology had just arrived on crude clocks with bold numbers.
Conclusion
In any case, I quickly became very happy with the Leica MP. When compared to the one that is the same size and looks very similar, but is equipped with modern technology Leica M10 she doesn't have to take a backseat in any way. Rather on the contrary: here the sledgehammer that solves almost all problems (M10), there is the fine chasing hammer that gives photography its heartbeat back with every delicate shutter sound.
Which film was in it?
HP5 at ISO800
And aperture 8-11 or what?
Sun is shining, 1000 eight.
And aperture 8-11 or what?
@hamburgcam Nice photo from Marco!!
Wouldn't an M7 have also been an option?
Sure, but the M7 regulates a lot of things electronically and doesn't work without a battery. (Except for a safety exposure time)
They have a very special charm ❤️
Hey Stefan, what kind of “friendship price” could you expect for a Leica M3? 😉
The question became unnecessary last week...
Awesome stuff and congratulations on the MP!
Thank you!
One more question:
Noctilux open aperture with the limited time range of the MP - there has to be filtering, right?
True, especially with iso800 film :)
Cool new camera, very nice images! The MP has the charm of the M3 and the practicality of the M6. I recently treated myself to an M4 (black chrome, I couldn't resist), but the first film with it is still in development. You never know if times aren't a little long.
On the other hand, the nice thing about Leica is that this is easy to fix. Since my M2 was in the factory with the CLA, it's been working like a charm again!
Which scanner do you use to digitize the negatives?
This is what it looks like. With the advantage that the MP is still being built and spare parts are not a problem.
Congratulations on the M4 too. Black chrome plated was definitely not cheap :)
Luckily, I was able to buy a Nikon Coolscan 5000 from a friend cheaply...
Hello Stefan!
It's your fault, no one else's. I also bought an MP - just beautiful!
Regards
Achim
Congratulations!
I have no problem being guilty of certain points 🙂
I still have the Leica M6 and have no reason to complain. But the MP is a real eye-catcher. Have fun with it!
Thank you
Hi Stefan,
cool pics on chemistry sensor 🙂
I have a question,
I plan on purchasing an analog M after years of using the M9; whichever.
I would be interested to know if you can use the M's with a radio trigger for flash units.
TTL, not TTL, not interesting, just want to "play with light", I can do that manually.
Are there any requirements for the flash units or can old “alternators” be used?
(I have a Leica SF20 and a 30 year old Nikon SB15)
Thank you for your feedback in advance and best regards from the south.
Hi,
The analog Ms have a sync socket at the back for flash systems. You may also be able to trigger your old flashes using appropriate adapter cables, but I don't know whether they have a corresponding input. The hot shoe on the camera is just a cold shoe...
Hello dear Stefan!
First of all, big praise for these beautiful, grainy b/w shots from the Millerntor!
I just stumbled across this article while looking for a Leica M6 TTL or Leica MP and wanted to ask if you have one or two tips for small camera shops in Hamburg that have used Leica equipment on offer and where it's worth stopping by?? ?
Greetings and thank you
Tamo
The first address is of course Master Camera. But then Photohaus and Photo Wannack.
BTW: I wouldn't take an M6. It is popular and therefore expensive. The viewfinder reflects because Leica saved on the glass. I would look for an M4 or even M2.
And of course: the MP is beyond any doubt.
First of all, thank you very much for your tips! Didn't Leica improve that with the reflective viewfinder in the newer TTL version?
May I ask at what irresistible price you purchased your MP?
Best regards, Tamo