giles_poilu

Hmmmm.....a lot of you seem to be <i>really</i> trying hard to convince yourselves you don't want/need one.....but we know the truth!<p>The Leica MP is the only Leica in my lifetime that I would consider purchasing new. Up until now I have had to make do with the better products of yesteryear (obviously secondhand) that were IMO vastly superior to current offerings.<p>The MP changes all that.<p>I am mighty impressed, well done Leica.<p>The M7 created some interest but nothing compared to this it seems, at last they give us what we want.

The Leica MP is the first Leica in my lifetime that I would consider purchasing new. Up until now I have had to make do with the better products of yesteryear (obviously secondhand) that were IMO vastly superior to current offerings.

 

The MP changes all that.

 

I am mighty impressed, well done Leica.

<<<<I am also wondering about the Leicavit. Is there a limited edition of that to go with the MP-6 or will all Leicavits be equal>>>

 

I believe the MP6 Leicavit is engraved on the front (like the original), the mass market(!) MP Leicavit will be engraved on the back.

 

Sneaky as hell, and a little unfair I think...

Having downloaded the MP brochure the more I look at the spec etc the more impressed I become. This is absolutely the best Leica since the M4 and re-affirms Leica's position as the true manufacturer of stunning mechanical cameras.<p>This comes after the blips of the awful 'fiddled about with' backward step that was the TTL M6 and the unfourtunate, unfinished marrige of electronics held back by mechanics that is the M7. These two models are poor relations in the Leica family as were the M5 and CL.<p>As I say short of replacing the meter with a delayed action (or maybe in addition to) this is near perfect. What is most incredible is that Leica have paid so much attention it would seem to forums such as this; to quote from the brochure: "And because many Pros love the red Leica dot but discreetly cover it up on their cameras, we have dispensed with this round logo right from the start." They have even listened to the 'black tape' brigade! Also: "A new type of mirror and an additional lens elment...rich in contrast...clearly delinated bright-line frames...even with particularly critical lateral light." At last they listen to the complaints and re-instate the fameous 'removed' lens from the M4/3/2 etc to stop the dreaded flare. And of course the all-metal wind lever we all wanted is back as is a replacement for the awful M6 'leatherette'.<p>All in all I think there is going to be rather a glut of M6TTL's and perhaps even M7's on the secondhand market.

Having downloaded the MP brochure the more I look at the spec etc the more impressed I become. This is absolutely the best Leica since the M4 and re-affirms Leica's position as the true manufacturer of stunning mechanical cameras.<p>This comes after the blips of the awful 'fiddled about with' backward step that was the TTL M6 and the unfourtunate, unfinished marrige of electronics held back by mechanics that is the M7. These two models are poor relations in the Leica family as were the M5 and CL.<p>As I say short of replacing the meter with a delayed action (or maybe in addition to) this is near perfect. What is most incredible is that Leica have paid so much attention it would seem to forums such as this; to quote from the brochure: "And because many Pros love the red Leica dot but discreetly cover it up on their cameras, we have dispensed with this round logo right from the start." They have even listened to the 'black tape' brigade! Also: "A new type of mirror and an additional lens elment...rich in contrast...clearly delinated bright-line frames...even with particularly critical lateral light." At last they listen to the complaints and re-instate the fameous 'removed' lens from the M4/3/2 etc to stop the dreaded flare. And of course the all-metal wind lever we all wanted is back as is a replacement for the awful M6 'leatherette'.<p>All in all I think there is going to be rather a glut of M6TTL's and perhaps even M7's on the secondhand market.

I think it's impossible but I would like to see the meter and the timer - but no space for both...

Having downloaded the MP brochure the more I look at the spec etc the more impressed I become. This is absolutely the best Leica since the M4 and re-affirms Leica's position as the true manufacturer of stunning mechanical cameras.<p>This comes after the blips of the awful 'fiddled about with' backward step that was the TTL M6 and the unfourtunate, unfinished marrige of electronics held back by mechanics that is the M7. These two models are poor relations in the Leica family as were the M5 and CL.<p>As I say short of replacing the meter with a delayed action (or maybe in addition to) this is near perfect. What is most incredible is that Leica have paid so much attention it would seem to forums such as this; to quote from the brochure: "And because many Pros love the red Leica dot but discreetly cover it up on their cameras, we have dispensed with this round logo right from the start." They have even listened to the 'black tape' brigade! Also: "A new type of mirror and an additional lens elment...rich in contrast...clearly delinated bright-line frames...even with particularly critical lateral light." At last they listen to the complaints and re-instate the fameous 'removed' lens from the M4/3/2 etc to stop the dreaded flare. And of course the all-metal wind lever we all wanted is back as is a replacement for the awful M6 'leatherette'.<p>All in all I think there is going to be rather a glut of M6TTL's and perhaps even M7's on the secondhand market.

There are a lot of MP threads around at the moment! Here are my cut and pasted comments from earlier threads:<p>Alex, the The MP <b>is not a limited collectors piece</b> you are confusing it with the MP6 - a run of 400 similar to the MP but with special engraving and different covering. The standard MP is a reintroduction of the mechanical Leica with improved mechanics, finish, asthetics etc.<p>Repeating my thoughts from the threads last week; For those who desire an electronic (battery dependant) AE model we have the M7 but when the M6 was killed off that left a gap for those for whom mechanical operation and non-battery dependancy is more important.<p>Despite the howls of derision there is a large user base of Leica devotees to whom engraved brass top plates, black paint, a fully mechanical shutter (in terms of dependancy and 'mechanicalness'), 'old type' top plate height, 'Vulcanite' type material, no red (or black) dot, small shutter dial, all metal levers etc are important. Witness the endless trade in M2's, 3's and 4's - they are not all bought by collectors - countless users value the quality and simplicity of these beautifully engineered tools from another era.<p>It is of course impossible for Leica to turn back the clock to the good old days of Leitz and remake the M2 and M3 as it was then by true craftsmen in the 1950's and 1960's but this is as close as we will probably get.<p>Speaking personally this M6J for the masses is a very desirable camera. I have always thought the M2/3 rewind knob to be far more asthetically pleasing than the angled crank and conversely I also prefer the straight across top plate of the M4 as against the M2/3 style.<p>Leaving aside the minority like me that prefer a delayed action to the built-in meter, Leica have almost produced the perfect modern interpretation of a classic mechanical M.<p>At the end of the day if it does not sell then it is Leica's error but at least we again have a choice, and IMO the M6P/MP is a far more desirable camera than the stop-gap M6TTL ever was or even the half-baked M7.<p>The M6TTL with it's supposedly improved flash facility is in-operable with flash if the battery should die, not so the original M6. The 'rushed' M7 is severly in need of refinement.<p>If the M7 is improved and if they can just perfect a digital M perhaps we can all be happy!<p>Adding to this we now know that Leica have re-instated the RF lens that stopped flare, improved the fit and finish of the gears (to supposedly give M3 quality feel) and improved the shutter button feel - this together with the better quality body covering, 'proper direction' rotating and smaller shutter speed dial, original and better all-metal winder lever, original size all brass top plate and improved electronics make this most certainly the most desirable M since the M4.<p>Finally the re-introduction of a Leica made rapid winder must surely be welcommed also.<p>I am no great fan of Leica's direction in the last few years but his is a step in the right direction, I really think this myth that they somehow do an inventory of the warehouse to see what they can cobble together is utter crap. I repeat the MP is not an over-priced collectors piece it is a precision mechanical tool, I see no reason why it should be priced less than an M7 which with its mass-produced electronic insides is surely cheper to manufacture.<p>Having downloaded the MP brochure the more I look at the spec etc the more impressed I become. This is absolutely the best Leica since the M4 and re-affirms Leica's position as the true manufacturer of stunning mechanical cameras.<p>This comes after the blips of the awful 'fiddled about with' backward step that was the TTL M6 and the unfourtunate, unfinished marrige of electronics held back by mechanics that is the M7. These two models are poor relations in the Leica family as were the M5 and CL.<p>As I say short of replacing the meter with a delayed action (or maybe in addition to) this is near perfect. What is most incredible is that Leica have paid so much attention it would seem to forums such as this; to quote from the brochure: "And because many Pros love the red Leica dot but discreetly cover it up on their cameras, we have dispensed with this round logo right from the start." They have even listened to the 'black tape' brigade! Also: "A new type of mirror and an additional lens elment...rich in contrast...clearly delinated bright-line frames...even with particularly critical lateral light." At last they listen to the complaints and re-instate the fameous 'removed' lens from the M4/3/2 etc to stop the dreaded flare. And of course the all-metal wind lever we all wanted is back as is a replacement for the awful M6 'leatherette'.<p>All in all I think there is going to be rather a glut of M6TTL's and perhaps even M7's on the secondhand market.

 

 

 

 

A third for the Weston - the perfect 'mechanical' battery free companion to a M. But having said that I now prefer the conveinience, speed and features of the Sekonic 308!

It spins the wrong way if you are a previous Leica user.

<a href="http://www.leica-camera.com/produkte/msystem/mp/tecdat/index_e.html">And see here.</a> <p>This info seems to suggest this is the highest quality Leica yet built, a 5 year guarantee...better certainly than the M7....hmmmm?<p>They have even gone so far as to remove the TTL flash so the camera is truly non-battery dependant.

Arrggghhh.....another MP thread.....

???

There are a lot of MP threads around at the moment and as some people don't always look at the earlier threads I will just cut and paste my comments from there!<p>The MP <b>is not a limited collectors piece</b> - it is a reintroduction of the mechanical Leica with improved mechanics, finish, asthetics etc.<p>Repeating my thoughts from the threads last week; For those who desire an electronic (battery dependant) AE model we have the M7 but when the M6 was killed off that left a gap for those for whom mechanical operation and non-battery dependancy is more important.<p>Despite the howls of derision there is a large user base of Leica devotees to whom engraved brass top plates, black paint, a fully mechanical shutter (in terms of dependancy and 'mechanicalness'), 'old type' top plate height, 'Vulcanite' type material, no red (or black) dot, small shutter dial, all metal levers etc are important. Witness the endless trade in M2's, 3's and 4's - they are not all bought by collectors - countless users value the quality and simplicity of these beautifully engineered tools from another era.<p>It is of course impossible for Leica to turn back the clock to the good old days of Leitz and remake the M2 and M3 as it was then by true craftsmen in the 1950's and 1960's but this is as close as we will probably get.<p>Speaking personally this M6J for the masses is a very desirable camera. I have always thought the M2/3 rewind knob to be far more asthetically pleasing than the angled crank and conversely I also prefer the straight across top plate of the M4 as against the M2/3 style.<p>Leaving aside the minority like me that prefer a delayed action to the built-in meter, Leica have almost produced the perfect modern interpretation of a classic mechanical M.<p>At the end of the day if it does not sell then it is Leica's error but at least we again have a choice, and IMO the M6P/MP is a far more desirable camera than the stop-gap M6TTL ever was or even the half-baked M7.<p>The M6TTL with it's supposedly improved flash facility is in-operable with flash if the battery should die, not so the original M6. The 'rushed' M7 is severly in need of refinement.<p>If the M7 is improved and if they can just perfect a digital M perhaps we can all be happy!<p>Adding to this we have learnt from Mr Putts that Leica have re-instated the RF lens that stopped flare, improved the fit and finish of the gears (to supposedly give M3 quality feel) and improved the shutter button feel - this together with the better quality body covering, 'proper direction' rotating and smaller shutter speed dial, original and better all-metal winder lever, original size all brass top plate and improved electronics make this most certainly the most desirable M since the M4.<p>Finally the re-introduction of a Leica made rapid winder must surely be welcommed also.<p>I am no great fan of Leica's direction in the last few years but his is a step in the right direction, I really think this myth that they somehow do an inventory of the warehouse to see what they can cobble together is utter crap. I repeat the MP is not an over-priced collectors piece it is a precision mechanical tool, I see no reason why it should be priced less than an M7 which with its mass-produced electronic insides is surely cheaper to manufacture.

Ned, and everyone else who seems confused - the MP <b>is not a limited collectors piece</b> - it is a reintroduction of the mechanical Leica with improved mechanics, finish, asthetics etc.<p>Repeating my thoughts from the threads last week; For those who desire an electronic (battery dependant) AE model we have the M7 but when the M6 was killed off that left a gap for those for whom mechanical operation and non-battery dependancy is more important.<p>Despite the howls of derision there is a large user base of Leica devotees to whom engraved brass top plates, black paint, a fully mechanical shutter (in terms of dependancy and 'mechanicalness'), 'old type' top plate height, 'Vulcanite' type material, no red (or black) dot, small shutter dial, all metal levers etc are important. Witness the endless trade in M2's, 3's and 4's - they are not all bought by collectors - countless users value the quality and simplicity of these beautifully engineered tools from another era.<p>It is of course impossible for Leica to turn back the clock to the good old days of Leitz and remake the M2 and M3 as it was then by true craftsmen in the 1950's and 1960's but this is as close as we will probably get.<p>Speaking personally this M6J for the masses is a very desirable camera. I have always thought the M2/3 rewind knob to be far more asthetically pleasing than the angled crank and conversely I also prefer the straight across top plate of the M4 as against the M2/3 style.<p>Leaving aside the minority like me that prefer a delayed action to the built-in meter, Leica have almost produced the perfect modern interpretation of a classic mechanical M.<p>At the end of the day if it does not sell then it is Leica's error but at least we again have a choice, and IMO the M6P/MP is a far more desirable camera than the stop-gap M6TTL ever was or even the half-baked M7.<p>The M6TTL with it's supposedly improved flash facility is inoperable with flash if the battery should die - a backward step, not so the original M6. The 'rushed' M7 is severly in need of refinement.<p>If the M7 is improved and if they can just perfect a digital M perhaps we can all be happy!<p>Adding to this we have learnt from Mr Putts that Leica have re-instated the RF lens that stopped flare, improved the fit and finish of the gears (to supposedly give M3 quality feel) and improved the shutter button feel - this together with the better quality body covering, 'proper direction' rotating and smaller shutter speed dial, original and better all-metal winder lever, original size all brass top plate and improved electronics make this most certainly the most desirable M since the M4.<p>Finally the re-introduction of a Leica made rapid winder must surely be welcommed also.<p>I am no great fan of Leica's direction in the last few years but this is a step in the right direction, I really think this myth that they somehow do an inventory of the warehouse to see what they can cobble together is utter crap. I repeat, the MP is not an over-priced collectors piece it is a precision mechanical tool, I see no reason why it should be priced less than an M7, which, with its mass-produced electronic insides is surely cheper to manufacture.

Or all the other threads before that...

This is all getting a bit pathetic - it is hardly a secret anymore, anyway, judging by my watch it is only 5 hours and 7 minutes to go until the 2nd March.

 

If the moderator removes it will he reinstate it in a few hours?

We are not allowed to tell you until the 2nd March or we will have to shoot you...

Erwin, you are absolutely correct of course. I was not the one to publish your review but you know the way the Leica community like every other internet community talks.<p>Out of all the receipients <i>someone</i> would have posted it!

 

Perhaps the moderator will remove this thread.

 

The review was very interesting, thank you for sharing it with us.

Lucien, this is strange - if the only difference is the top plate script and body covering, and the MP will be a standard production model it will not be that much of an incentive to buy the MP6 - now, if they had gone one step further and replaced the meter with a D/A that would really be a collectors (and users, IMO) piece.

 

Compare the M6J to the M6, big differences, especially as it was the only .85 available in those days.

 

Regardless, if Mr Putts comments on the internal gears, general smoothness and re-instatement of the flare combatting lens are true it really is the best Leica since the M4.

 

What is the official price for the MP and the MP6?

I much prefer the MP6 Ltd Edition top script and body covering to that of the standard MP.

Who else has found Erwin's follow up email in their inbox? - Complaning that we have all distributed details of this camera when he kindly asked us not to! Come on Erwin, what did you expect

 

<<<It seems so simple:

...I asked very specifically to keep quiet till 2 March, a date that

is not too far ahead.

 

What happened??

My text is on websites and on newsgroups there is reference to my

report etc within an hour after posting my newsletter.

 

URGENT REQUEST:

REMOVE my text on the MP from your websites, if you have posted it

IMMEDIATELY.

Hold your tongue on the various newsgroups till 2 MArch.

 

I hoped to do you all a favor by giving you my thoughts on the MP, as

the discussion on the newsgroups was a good example of misinformation.

Some of you returned that favor in a peculiar way. Thanks for putting

me in a awkward position.>>>

And Jay, I usually enjoy your postings but what is this endless obsession you have with this vision of digital conquering all before it, you seem to be a one man grim reaper for the end of film.

 

Film will be around for my children's children - I use digital but I also use film - and it will be as useable in the future as it is now.

Spot on Feli - what is wrong with you lot? Leica's tradition is built on the mechanical excellence of the M2/3/4/6 line, not the psuedo electronic halfway house that is the M7.

 

It is absolutely essential that they continue to make a non-battery dependant mechanical alternative to the electronic M7. Ideally a digital M will also be produced to complete the line up.

 

The MP is not a limited collectors piece. It is the re-issue of a proper mechanical M in a far more attractive traditional layout than the un-necessarily fiddled with and oversized M6TTL.

 

If you don't like it don't buy it but don't whine at Leica for offering a choice!!!

Perhaps I should translate my first answer for Dennis: "My God, why do you spend all your time talking about Leicas - go and take some photos!"

 

BTW, I did not know we are all (quote) "stupid Americans"...?

 

Just for the record I am British.