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 35 mm camera construction. Not a photographic whim, but a camera for life.
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 tothe craft of the photographer. It embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics and mechanical design. Every component of thecamera 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.
Leica MP Technical Data
Camera type
Compact 35 mm rangefinder system camera with mechanically controlled shutter.
Lenses
'Lens mount' Leica M bayonet. 'Lens system' Leica M lenses with focal lengths from 21 to 135 mm.
Viewfinder
'Viewfinder principle' Large, bright-line viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation. Viewfinder optics improved for reduced susceptibility to stray light and enhanced visibility of all bright-line frames. 'Eyepiece' Set for -0.5 dpt. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt available. 'Framing' Projection of pairs of bright-line frames : For 28 and 90 mm (90 mm frame only in LEICA MP 0.85) or for 35 and 135 mm (35 mm frame only in LEICA MP 0.58) or for 50 and 75mm. Automatic projection with the lens fitted. The desired frame can be projected using the frame preselector. 'Parallax compensation' Automatic compensation of horizontal and vertical viewfinder/ lens parallax according to the focusing setting, i. e. the viewfinder bright-line frame aligns automatically with the subject taken with the lens. 'Magnification' (for all lenses) LEICA MP 0.58 : 0.58 x, LEICA MP 0.72 : 0.72 x, LEICA MP 0.85 : 0.85 x. 'Wide-base rangefinder' Bright split-image and double-image rangefinder area in center of viewfinder image. 'Effective base value' LEICA MP 0.58 : 40.2 mm (mechanical base value 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.58 x), LEICA MP 0.72 : 49.9 mm (mechanical base value 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.72 x), LEICA MP 0.85 : 58.9 mm (mechanical base value 69.25mm x viewfinder magnification 0.85 x).
Exposure metering
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. 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. Film speed setting range Manual setting from ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°. 'Exposure mode' Manual setting of shutter speed and aperture, compensation using LED light balance.
Flash exposure control
'Flash unit socket' Accessory shoe with central contact or standard flash connection socket. Synchronisation with the first shutter curtain. 'Flash synchronising speed' "Flashsymbol" =1/50 s#! slower shutter speeds can be used. Flash exposure metering Through flash units’ own automatic exposure control or guide number calculation and manual setting ofdiaphragm.
Displays in the viewfinder (lower edge)
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.
Shutter and Shutter release
'Shutter' Rubberised-cloth horizontal-run focal plane shutter#! extremely low-noise operation, mechanically controlled. 'Shutter speeds' From 1s to 1/1000 s in whole steps, "B" for long exposures of any duration, "Flashsymbol" (1/50s) for flash synchronisation. Two-positions : Power (exposure meter on) – Release. Integrated standard thread for cable release.
Film transport
'Loading' Manual loading after opening the base plate and folding out the rear of the camera. 'Advancing' Manually with quick wind lever or LEICAVIT M, or motorised using LEICA MOTOR-M, LEICA WINDER-M, LEICA WINDER M4-P or LEICA WINDER M4-2 (from serial no. 10 350). 'Rewinding' Manually with retractable rewind knob after turning the lever on the front of the camera to "R". Attachable rewind crank available as accessory. 'Frame counter' On the top of the camera. Resets automatically on removal of base plate.
Camera body
Enclosed all-metal body with foldable rear panel. Brass top plate and base plate, both chromium plated in silver or in black lacquer finish. Tripod thread A 1/4 (1/4") DIN in base plate.
Power supply
(only necessary for metering and display) 3 V through 2 silver oxide button cells, type "PX 76/SR 44" or 1 lithium cell, type "DL 1/3 N". Battery check shown by flashing of the battery- shaped LED together with the light balance LEDs (state 1), extinguishing of the light balance LEDs (state 2), or extinguishing of all LEDs.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
138 mm x 77 mm x 38 mm
Weight
approx. 600 g (1.32 lbs) (with battery, without camera cap)
Included in box:
Neck strap with non-slip shoulder pad (14 312), camera cap with M-bayonet (14195), flash socket cap (14 348), and battery.
Leica MP cameras come with Leica 5 year limited warranty including 3 year Passport Warranty period.
