Leica MP a definition

[working camera]

There seems to be a certain amount of interest in the new designer

MP3 and some confusion about how it fits within the Leica M model

tree and nomenclature so I put together an explanation which may be

of some help Newbies and those who are not collectors.

 

First the basics, an overview of major M series Leica models.

 

M3 (1954-1966)

 

Leica introduced the first M series camera in 1954. Instead of

following on from the traditional numeric model system Leica called

it the M3, from the German word Messsucker 3. The number three

describing the frame lines brought up in the view finder (VF). M3s

have a VF magnification 0.92 showing 50, 50+90, 50+135 frames.

 

Original M3s had a wind on action that required the level to have two

complete strokes inorder to fully advance the film to the next frame.

These are referred to double stroke M3s. In 1958 from camera number

915251 the film advance mechanism was changed to a single stroke

action. Production of the M3 ceased in 1966.

 

M2 (1957-1966)

 

The M2 was introduced in 1957 as a simplified and wide-angle version

of the M3. It had redesigned RF optics with a finder magnification of

0.72. This design became the basis for all other M series RFs. The M2

VF included individual frame lines for 35, 50 and 90 mm lenses.

 

The face of the M2s "windows" sit flush. As opposed to the M3 that

has a protruding frame around these windows. The frame counter on the

M2 is an external disk that sits exposed under the film advance level

and needs to be reset manually. Variations on the basic M2 are many,

eg. button type rewind release, models with self timer M2-S and those

without M2-X, etc.

 

Both the M3 and M2 were replaced by the M4 (original) in 1966. It is

distinguished by its oblique folding film rewind crack which replaced

the old fashion knob. The traditional knob film rewind was later

reintroduced on the current MP model. The M 4 has 4 VF frame lines

for 50, 90, 35+135mm lenses. The M4 was followed by the M5 in 1971.

The M5 was the first Leica M to incorporate TTL metering and was a

major departure from the classic M styling. It is considered the ugly

ducking of Leicas and has maintained black sheep status to this day.

 

The general styling of the M4 was reintroduced with M4-2 and the M4P

the precursor of the M6. The M4P is basically an M6 without TTL

metering. The M6 reintroduced TTL metering to Leica rangefinder

cameras and has 6 VF frame lines appearing as pairs 28+90, 50+75,

35+135.

 

MP (original) 1956-1958

 

Apparently initiated on Alfred Eisenstadt's recommendations the MP

was developed in late 1955 and launched at Photokina in 1956.

 

The official name was M3P for "M3 Professional" but production

cameras were inscribed MP1 to MP402, for each unit produced. The last

MP came off the production line in August 1958. A batch from MP12 to

MP150 came in Black Paint.

 

The MP was based on a double stroke M3 with a Leicavit rapid winder

and lacked a self-timer. The film counter was of the external manual

reset "M2" type disc. The VF frame lines corresponded to a normal M3

0.92 magnification finder, ie. showing, 50, 50+90, 50+135 frames.

 

MP2 (1958-59)

 

The MP2 model was essentially a silver chrome "button rewind" M2

supplied with a Leicavit. The MP2 was additionally fitted with

circuitry which allowed for the fitting of a Motor Drive unit in

addition to the Leicavit. The frame lines for the MP2 were for 35, 50

and 90mm FL lenses, the same as the standard M2. Released in two

batches 1958 (935001 to 935511) and 1959 (952001- 952015). Only two

were though to be supplied in Black Paint.

 

Reference Filippo Giunta, Leica M mount Cameras, Giunta Libri,(1996)

 

MP (2003-)

 

The current MP model is essentially an M6 with improved mechanical

shutter mechanism and non-flare rangefinder patch. As with the M6 TTL

(called TTL because it introduced a TTL flash function to Leica M)

optional viewfinder magnifications of 0.58, 0.85 and the standard

0.72 finder are available.

 

Leica also reintroduced the Leicavit bottom fitted rapid winder

accessory for the new MP. The styling is retro, based on the M3/M2

(1950s) models to differentiate it from the M7, which has M6 TTL

looks but relinquished the traditional mechanical shutter for

electromagnetic release governing, AE and DX coding.

 

MP3 LHSA limited edition (2005)

 

The Leica MP3 is a special limited edition (of 1000) produced in

association with the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA)

 

Basically the external aesthetics of the LHSA's MP3 is reminiscent of

the original MP from 1956, with modern mechanical model innards. The

MP3 has the beaded mold around the viewfinder windows etc, smooth,

matte glass in the center bright line illumination window, original

M3 type triangular strap lugs, and an external disk manual rest film

counter. Inside however, it incorporates the usually M6 type TTL

metering and display information. The VF is based on current MP 0.72

mag. finder but only has frame lines to correspond with 35, 50, 90mm

lenses. Like the M2.

 

 

[working camera]

I should have added I invite any corrections to the above (I'm sure they will

come) and please add any further information and pic of the different models

for illustration.<div></div>

[howard_roarke]

Great job on that introduction to Leica M's, Craig. This post should become a standard link, or a faq for the site, as it answers a lot of questions that come up regularly!

[howard_roarke]

One point to add is that, although the M5 was introduced in 1971, and M4 production ceased briefly, the M4 was produced until 1975. There are fewer M4s in circulation than M2s and M3s.

[brambor]

I like what you have done with this. Nicely put. It should be one of the stickies on top.

[emanuel_lowi1]

The MP3 50mm frameline is not the same as that of a stock .72x

MP.

 

The proportions of the frame are larger, delineating a larger

portion of the image shown on film, as was the case on Leica M

cameras into the M4-2 era, when the 50mm frame size was

decreased to show less of what appears on film.

 

Second, the MP3 50mm frame does not have much of a bottom

frameline. Instead, it has brief line dashes at the bottom

extremities of the 50mm frame, as on a .72x M7.

[stephen_w.]

The windows of the M2 are not flush with the top plate. Flush windows didn't appear before Zinc alloy was used for the top plate.

[tim_franklin]

From Laney's "Leica Collectors Guide"

 

On the original MP - he says "An early M3 was adapted for Alfred Einstein and engraved

"MPE". Two were made for Alfred Eisenstaedt, the second of which was engraved M3E-1.

Four were made in black finish for David Douglas Duncan and engraved M3D-1, M3D-2,

M3D-3 and M3D-4.

 

The gears in the MP were of hardened steel rather than brass. This was to withstand the

action of the Leicavit wind-on, and made the 'feel' slightly harsher.

 

Laney also notes that "some MP cameras were returned to the factory and acquired M3

accoutrements such as depth of field indicators, self-timers and round strap lugs."

 

On the MP2, he says:

"The Leica MP2 was a modified M2 (not a revised MP as the name might suggest) that

never went into regular production. Two batches of MP2s are recorded in factory records,

Nos.935,001-935,512 in 1958 and Nos.952,001-952,015 in 1959 - 527 cameras in all.

Most of these were ordinary M2s fitted with a Leicavit base and were clearly a successor to

the MP. Most professionals would have preferred the M2 finder with its 35mm frame to the

M3 finder of the MP. This was one of the reasons that the M2 finder became the basis of

all future M viewfinder cameras. These cameras did not carry 'MP2' engraving, only 'M2'.

 

The genuine MP2, engraved as such, is equipped with electrical circuitry for the Wetzlar

experimental motorwind. Two specimens in black are known, from the small batch

Nos.935,501-935,511, as well as the 1959 batch listed above, all in chrome. In some

cases the shutter was released from a button on the front of the motor, in others from the

camera. Rogliatti (1985) says these motorised cameras were actually made in 1962 and

1963."

[lucien1]

My bet is that Leica will offer a new M3.

 

A current MP inside with the M3 look outside.

 

PMA or Photokina ?

 

This is a pure guess.

[malcolm_tentt]

Craig, it's five minutes to Wapner.

[canfred]

Good work Craig, my only contribution a small typing error occured.

The word is Messucher combination of two words measure and finder exact translation is measuring viewfinder.

[mike-images]

Craig,

 

Great work. One small error: The SS M3 started from 919251 NOT from 915251. There is a typographical error in Eastland for instance that says 91525 in one place and 919251 in another. But cameras between these two numbers are in fact DS and Leica records as quoted on CameraQuest say 919251.

 

Regards

 

Mike

[colin_elliott]

Craig, When you say the MP3 has "the usually M6 type TTL metering and display information", do you men the 2 arrows in the M6 or the 2 arrows and central dot of the M6ttl version?

[working camera]

Colin and others

 

This was never intended to be a definitive treatise on Leica M camera models, rather a

very generalist overview to set the scene. All I did was basically sit down at the

keyboard and type from memory. Gee if one were to list all the minor features of each

of the respective models it would have been a very very long post indeed. Take the

point about the M2 and M4 windows sitting flush with the camera face. It is true that

they are actually recessed into the face of the top plate. Genuine flush fitted windows

were of course a feature of the M6 and later cameras. That additional information

would have just added more lines of text to an already long and, to the uninitiated,

complex post.

 

Quite large books have been published on this subject and similar information can be

found at the Puts and cameraquest sites and elsewhere. But I am toying with the idea

of preparing a more comprehensive literature review for the PN Leica review area.

 

If this thread gets referenced next time an MP question crops up then it has served its

purpose.

 

C.

[kivis]

<p>Still say the M3 is the ultimate Leica M, but I will take an MP any day.</p>