Specifications

LEICA
35mm Manual Focus Rangefinder Camera
Mechanical perfection. Nothing else. The Leica MP is a tool. Made by
hand, created for the photographer’s craft. Tailored to the decisive
photographic parameters. In compact form, with clean design, clearly
laid out. Unobtrusive, quiet, reliable. Concentrated technology for
concentrated photography, without distraction by automation.
For pictures that only a photographer can see, compose and record.
Modern, because it captures the present. Current, because all its
features have been optimized. Traditional, because it builds on
the accumulated experiences of the pioneer in 35mm camera
construction. Not a photographic whim, but a camera for life.
CAMERAS & LENSES
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FEATURES
◆ The MP is the purely mechanical
alternative to the M7, whose electronically
controlled shutter and aperture priority
automatic exposure control offer more
convenience and functions. The MP is
dependent upon the skill of the photogra-
pher, but independent of, for instance,
batteries. The latter are only needed for
exposure metering. Those who set shutter
speeds and apertures themselves can
dispense with the electronics altogether.
◆ All control elements
are made completely
of metal. The pull-up
rewind knob is espe-
cially handy and
impact-resistant.
◆ Tailored ideally to the preferences and
needs of the photographer, the MP is
available with the three viewfinder
magnifications of 0.58x, 0.72x, and 0.85x:
0.58x magnification for a great overview
with wide-angle lenses and for eyeglass
wearers. 0.72x as a universal standard.
0.85x for accurate focusing with medium
focal length and telephoto lenses.
◆ Photography means writing with light.
Photography with the MP also means
being able to create dramatic images even
in low light situations. Lenses that deliver
rich contrast and full performance at full
aperture; focusing with pinpoint accuracy
with the Leica rangefinder; and the
vibration-free release of the cloth focal
plane shutter are the basis for that
capability.
MP
◆ The MP has been designed for longevity and
value retention. To that end, Leica uses only
selected materials and sophisticated
fabrication processes. Before it was ready
to be marketed, the MP was subjected to
numerous and exhaustive field- and
laboratory tests to prove its solidity. In
extremely cold temperatures, in which no
battery-dependent camera would function
any longer. With shutter release cycles in
numbers that hardly any other camera can
sustain. That’s why Leica can offer an
unusually long 5-year warranty period.
◆ Difficult light situations can be mastered
accurately with the MP, because the camera
does not attempt to think on behalf of the
photographer. Instead, its selective exposure
metering provides the photographer with
accurate, unequivocal data on which he can
base his decisions. The MP goes one step
further with a newly improved viewfinder :
A new type of mirror and an additional lens
element present a measuring field rich in
contrast and clearly delineated bright-line
frames for the various focal lengths, even
with particularly critical lateral light.
◆ The MP is available in two finishes: silver chrome and black lacquer. And when, after long and
intensive use, the black lacquer wears down to the bare brass on some edges and corners, you’ll
know that you shared many experiences with the camera.
MP Hammertone (LHSA)
The special edition MP LHSA model was commissioned by the Leica Historical Society of
America (LHSA) on the occasion of their 35th birthday. Its surface finishing evokes the style
of 1960s machinery and tools: top plate and base plate are given a grey Hammertone finish.
MP Hermes Edition
The MP Hermes Edition is a special edition of 500 silver-chrome MP cameras covered with
exquisite Barenia calfskin supplied by Hermès. The processing of Barenia leather, which has
a very fine, natural grain, gives it its unmistakable luxurious “feel”. The naturally brown
leather harmonizes particularly well with the silver chrome finish of the camera. In addition
to a 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH lens that is also finished in silver chrome, this special
edition includes a handcrafted camera strap using the same exquisite Barenia leather.
The lens hood, the camera body cover as well as the front- and rear covers of the lens are
made of solid brass and they too, are finished in silver chrome. Special serial numbers
from 001/500 to 500/500 are engraved on the lens and on the camera. Shipped in a textile-
covered box, which is lined with pure silk.