Leica MP Specifications Leica MP Silver Chrome with 50mm Summicron F2 Lens Leica MP The Leica MP is a current model M series from Leica.  It is completely revised and a different camera mechanically then the previous M6TTL.  The Rangefinder was re-designed and improved upon to have greater flare resistance throug internal design modifications and also greater contrast.  The materials used in the internal workings were improved for smoothness of operation and longevity.  The camera is meant to be used in environments where no other camera will function.  It is sealed from dust and moisture and constructed to fully function without batteries (meter will not work of course) and in extremely Hot/Cold/Humid/Dry-Dusty Environments.  The TTL Flash function was removed.  The exterior styling and appointments are retro style to appeal to the Leica purist.  The covering material is unique in that it feels like it sticks to your hands, lending a very secure feeling (I like it).  The electronics for the meter were redesigned to be more like that of the M7 and use less battery consumption and be more accurate (even though the previous M6TTL was Super accurate already).  It is similar to a classic Leica M6, but it is to the M6 what the original MP was to the M3.  A version designed for professional use.  The shutter mechanism was designed to be cycled almost indefinately without failure.  You can hammer nails with it and keep on shooting.  The size and weight are similiar to the classic M6, though maybe very slightly heavier because of materials use in the construction.  It is a different tool than the Leica M7, just because it has the Pro designation does not mean it will serve You better then the Leica M7.  Both cameras are produced concurrently because they have different appeals for different customer baes that use the cameras differently.  For most people the Leica M7 will work better and quicker for you.  if you like th Retro styling or use the camera as tool to make a living (IE.. you work for National Geographic and are shooting up in Antartica) then the MP is for you.  The camera is the smoothest and most Robust of all Leica M cameras to date.  Should you upgrade your M6 to an MP ? 2003 to present SN# N/A N/A Finish Black Paint, Hammertone or Chrome Lens Bayonet Mount Shutter 'Shutter' Rubberised-cloth horizontal-run focal plane shutter ; extremely low-noise operation, mechanically controlled. Film Advance Single Stroke Lever Rangefinder/Viewfinder Coupled Frames 28,35,50,75,90,135 (.85 model Omits 28) (.58 omits the 135mm) Rangefinder Base Length .58 Viewfinder 40.2mm Rangefinder Base Length .72 Viewfinder 49.9mm Rangefinder Base Length .85 Viewfinder 58.9mm Viewfinder Magnification .58 .72 or .85 Viewfinder Display LED symbol for battery status. LED light balance with two triangular and one central circular LED for manual exposure setting. Triangular LEDs show the required direction of rotation for compensation with the aperture setting ring.  Field Selector Lever Yes Shutter Speeds 1,B,1/1000 Flash Sync Yes, 1/50 second Exposure Meter Yes - Exposure metering through the lens (TTL), selectively with working aperture. 'Metering principle' The light reflected from a measuring field in the center of the first shutter curtain is measured. The measuring field has a diameter of 12mm and is therefore equal to approx. 13% of the total negative format or in the viewfinder approx. 1/2 of the short side of the valid viewfinder frame. 'Measuring range' (at ISO100/21°) From 0.03 cd/m2 to 125,000 cd/m2 at room temperature, normal humidity and aperture 1.0. TTL Silicon Photo Diode Exposure Range For ISO 100/21° this corresponds to EV -2 to EV 20 or f/1.0 and 4 s (“B” setting) to f/32 and 1/1000 s. Flashing of the left-hand triangular LED in the viewfinder indicates working in conditions of low light. 'Exposure mode' Manual setting of shutter speed and aperture, compensation using LED light balance. Film Speed ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39° Self Timer No Weight 600 Grams Variations/Special Models Year Model Units Produced 2003 MP Betriebsk 50 Units used Internally at Leica AG - Not intended for sale 2003 MP Hermes Edition 1000 Worldwide 2003/2004 MP LHSA Hammertone Paint Edition 1000 Worldwide Leica MP Features from Leica's Website The LEICA MP has been designed for longevity and value retention. To that end, we only use selected materials and sophisticated fabrication processes. Before it was ready to be marketed, the LEICA 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. Therefore Leica is offering an unusually long warranty period of 5 years for registered owners, who acquired their LEICA MP at an authorized dealer. From today’s point of view we cannot imagine that the LEICA MP can ever be improved. Nevertheless we do guarantee that all services and spare parts will be available at Leica customer service departments for at least thirty years after a possible model change. Typically M The whisper-quiet, purely mechanical shutter of the LEICA MP permits vibration-free exposures. In combination with the compact, extremely fast Leica lenses it discreetly delivers the best pictorial results, even under poor light conditions. In addition, the consistent policy of system compatibility permits the use of virtually every M lens that was ever made.  Reduced to what is essential The camera concept of the LEICA MP is tailored to the decisive photographic parameters sharpness, shutter speed and aperture. The camera thus enables the photographer to concentrate fully on the job at hand, without being distracted by automation. The photographer is entirely free to exercise his creativity directly. 100% mechanical Everyone who values optical/mechanical perfection and robustness will love the LEICA MP. By means of the use of high- rade materials and complex fabrication processes, the MP is designed for extreme longevity. The MP is independent of batteries and all its operating elements are made of metal, so that it withstands heavy duty use under extreme conditions. The compact manual film advance attachment LEICAVIT-M and the rewind crank are purely mechanical accessories that make the LEICA MP an even greater high performer. Built-in experience The LEICA MP is manufactured by hand, tailored to the craft of the photographer. It embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics and mechanical design. Every component of the camera was analysed and improved meticulously. The optimised rangefinder facilitates highly accurate focusing, even under difficult light conditions. Leica offers a guarantee of up to five years to registered owners. In addition all services and replacement parts are guaranteed to be available for at least 30 years at the Leica Customer Service Department.