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Site preview 2nd
draft 10.09.2008
LEICA MP 0.72X Black Lacquer
Finish Rangefinder camera model (10302), 2003
During the PMA in Las Vegas 2003, Leica had surprised the photo community by officially
announced a remake of the original MP but given a new Y2003 dressing. The Leica MP
2003 has retained most of the basic configurations for old days photographic parameters
but it also has a few points which can be totally different from the original 1956/7
models. Essentially, the new rebirth MP is still carried with a quintessential mechanical
range/viewfinder camera concept. It shares many of the original LEICA MP as well
as the classic M3 basic common features which include old-style film advance lever,
rewind knob mechanism, extra-long rangefinder base. Top & bottom base plate with
reinforced brass etc. One of the marketing concept by Leica AG for the MP was adopting
the multi-options in viewfinder magnification. It was offered in 0.58x, 0.72x and
a high magnification finder 0.85x. Further, the LEICA MP is available with two different
surface designs: silver chrome finish (10301) or black lacquer (10302). In addition
to this, more options are available in the Leica à la carte range - a service
Leica AG offered to tailored made a particular combination that suits individual
preferences.
The Leica MP has a universal finder magnification of 0.72x that works with a wide
range of Leica/Leitz lenses. If lenses with the focal lengths 28, 35, 50, 75, 90
or 135mm are used with the LEICA MP 0.72x, the associated built-in brightline frame(s)
automatically adjusts in the combinations of pairs i.e. 28+90mm, 35+135mm, 50+75mm
with automatic parallax compensation. The Eyepiece is calibrated to -0.5 dpt with
alternate options for correction lenses from -3 to +3 diopter. The bright line frames
activated in pairs and automatically displayed when the lens is mounted.
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For any previous Leica rangefinder-M owners, one of the
most distinguished feature in the MP is the materials used for the leatherette or
more to resin coating rather than conventional vulcanite leatherette. According to
Leica, it is made of a "proven, practical and wear-resistant plastic material
that lends the camera its timeless and inconspicuous look" - it has a very rough
surface texture, came close to high density sand-blasted kind of feel and
look, except it is not as rough as sandpaper. One may have to get accustomed to this
change - but uniquely it makes the MP very easy to be identified - although only
time will tell if the surface texture will last as Leica stated it should be.
Viewinder Magnification with corresponding Brightline Frames for various Leica Lenses
in gaphical display (Gif files): 0.58X | 0.72X
| 0.85X
| Combined (50k Gif)
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But other major components in the LEICA MP are retaining
traditionally high built quality and majority of the parts are made of metal. The
top and base plates are diecast solid brass. For silver-chrome MP models, the surface
is initially copper plated, nickel plated and then given an extremely durable fine
matte shiny chrome finish. For black lacquer parts, a layer of a modern artificial
resin lacquer with excellent adhesion property is applied. The entire camera body
chassis is made of a lightweight magnesium alloy. The bayonet mount, which may have
to encounter frequent change of lenses, has been chromium plated and essentially
all-metal controls are also made of brass and each was provided with a sealed surface.
Generally, silver chrome surface has a more scratch resistance property than a comparing
black lacquer type. Further, the shinny white finishing stealth well and not as contrasty
of ever a scratch of surface on a black finished MP body. Although some photographers
thought black would be less noticeable in photojournalism or street photography but
overall, I guess getting down to a choice between a silver chrome or a black lacquer
MP can be entirely personal. Personally, black still looks great over a comparing
silver chrome but if you are a collector cum photographer and wish to see your investment
in a MP to appreciate over time, you probably have to spend triple the effort in
maintaining it, as the black lacquer finishing may not be that forgiving to constant
physical abuse.
With its universal compatibility with a wide range of M-lenses, 0.72x finder MP was
the most used model even for special edition MP collectibles as well as other commemorative
set. Shown below is a profile on a typical black lacquer LEICA MP 0.72x model. |
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Leica MP 0.58X model maintains a high
quality Leica tradition. Except for the rear film reminder disc section which I thought
can be improved upon, overall, I would still think the physical built quality is
exceptional and could lasts a few decades of hard use. In a world dominated by digital
imaging, it remains a a purist camera which serves the traditional photographers.
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<<<--- ABOVE: A typical
LEICA MP 0.72 Black Lacqure finish model sold in Japan.
Credit: Image(s) courtesy of MATSUMOTO
camera Japan ®. The group
also operates their own active, popular Online Website, trading for many major camera brands and collectibles Leica & other
major labels. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the
visual property of the contributing photographer.
LEFT:- Closeup view of the Shutter Speed dial on a LEICA Black Laqure finish 0.72x
model.
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A short visual profile on a typical LEICA MP 0.85x
Silver Chrome model
LEICA MP-Specific
models/variants - Visual Profiles on selective Leica bodies:- Leica MP Prototype, 1955 | MP Betriebsk w/Electric Motor, 1956 | Leica MP-88/MP-150
Black paint, 1957 | Leica
MP-167; Leica MP-171/MP-313/old/new Leicavit visual, 1957
| Leica M3E1 / MP 271/288 Alfred
Eisenstaedt | Leica MP 367 & 368 Dual, 1957 | Leica
MP-375, MP-368 &
MP-386 | Leica
MP 'Edition Hermès', 2003
| Leica MP Betriebsk 0.72x | Evential production model MP 0.72x Black paint, 2002
| Leica MP classic
Kit Set 1 / Set 2 | Leica MP chrome
0.58X(2 parts) | Leica
MP
Black Lacquer 0.58x
| Leica MP Black Lacquer
0.72x Standard | Leica
MP 0.85x Finder Mag. model | Leica MP Anthracite* Limited Edition Set |
Leica MP
LHSA 1968~2003 Special Edition Grey Hammertone
Finish (3 parts) | Brief
Introduction on Leica
à la carte:-
Leica MP Red Leather 0.85 / Nappa racing Green Leather 0.58X | Others:- Visual
case study on counterfeit LEICA MP ; Leica MP Prototype
w/Prototype Leicavit-M;
Leica MP-3 LHSA;
Leica MP
TITAN, 2007
| Leica MP Nomenclature | Leica MP Instruction manual (1MB PDF) |
Technical Specification (96k PDF)
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Recommended resources
/ Reviews on Leica MP Models (External
Links): Popular Photography (4 parts) | Shutterbug (2 parts) | Stephan gandy/Cameraquest
on MP | Photonet;
Others:-How to load M6/MP w/Rapidwinder-M(Video); Comparing M3 with MP (Leica FAQ); Price indications: Westlicht
Auction House; Ebay Search on Leica MP
Visual Library on Leica M3 Prototype, 1952; Leica M3 Test model, 1953/4 | A photo showcase on early series
of Leica M3 DS bodies:- Leica M3-700131
/ M3-700170 / M3-700000/M3-70031x/M3-70051x | M3 double
stroke chrome 1954~1957 bodies:- Part 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4; Leica
M3 Single Stroke 1957~60/1961~66
| Leica M3 Black Paint:-1955/1958/1962~1964/66
/ Case
study on Prices | Leica M3 ELC, 1955/56
Other Leica M3 Variants:- Leica M3 chrome Leica-Technik 57
1954; Leica M3
GOLD Edition, 1956 | Leica M3 DS United Nation Edition, 1957 | Leica M3 Olive Bundeseigentum outfit 1957/ Olive Green Bundeseigentum outfit, 1959 (2 Parts) w/info on high quality M3 Olive Conversion | Leica M3 Betriebskamera/ Betriebsk 1960
| Leica M3 Royal
Dutch Marine Periscope Model,
1966 | Leica M3
Dummies / Riesen-Mode (Giant scale Model); Leica M3 Cutaway Display Unit , 1954
Recommended External Link:
Leica FAQ
| Leica M3 Instruction Manual 1) Location 1 (1.35mb PDF) by Joe Chan; Location 2 (1.2mb PDF) by M.Butkus < Mike@bukus.org>;
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