OK, Beauty , Which M type camera is the most Beeuuteefull and why?

[walnut]

So we have had many threads on what is the best M type camera. But I would like to go in a different direction. Your wife is the most beautiful ,or your girlfriend, or your new Miata.... But what is the Most Beautiful M type camera [can include any camera that uses M or Ltm lens,] and Why?
I will start if off and say. I think the most Beautiful ,is the M3 . It has the beautiful raised Molding around the RF windows, which i think really sets off the window areas.
And secondly, on the earlier M3 up to serial number 963001 the gorgeous profiled strap lugs, sadly discontinued after this number. Also the nicely "C" shaped chrome lens release lug. the beautiful satin chrome finish on the brass bodies. The all Metal levers, self timer ,preview lever, and wind on lever. And of course the rounded molded ends that are so smooth and easy on the hands. These designs and features for me, make the M3, Queen ,of the Beauty Contest.
Ok, lets here from you on your picks, all the best Dennis.

 

[roundg]

Nice topic. I can't agree with you more except one point,

M3 is the king, M2 is the queen....

 

[thomasw_]

No doubt for me on this issue: the MP. I love all the finishes but the BP finish is the sexiest of all. The hammertone and silver chrome are rugged; the black chrome is both sexy and rugged, especially with the a la carte Vulkanit covering.

 

[jack palmer]

Chrome MP, everything the M3 has and more. One of the most beautiful Leicas? the 111f

 

[gavinlg]

Leica MP.

Surprisingly I think the canon P is up there though - thats a pretty looking camera....

 

[Rayt]

I am very partial to black paint and retro styling so I'll take the m2, M3, M4, LHSA MP3 all in black paint. As a pure user I'll take the M6TTL LHSA black paint without hesitation.

 

[telenous]

I always liked the Hammertone MP and the black paint MP3. BTW I have neither, nor do I intend to get one. I just like playing voyeur with these two 😀

But the most beautiful of them all is the IIIF with self-timer. Every mad scientist deserves one and looks absolutely cool with it.

 

[maddoc]

For me that is all M Leicas with recessed windows. The newer design of the top-plate with flushed windows (and the two silver stripes at the VF window) looks ... not well proportionated.

Interestingly, all of my Japanese friends (who are not much biased since they never owned or used a Leica) think the M4-P is the best designed Leica for its matte black finish and the red dot ... 🙄

 

[Rob-F]

M2 and (current) MP in black paint. I feel the camera is sleeker without the raised frames around trhe windows. And I prefer the pullup rewind to the crank, both cosmetically and functionally.

 

[MP Guy]

MP in chrome. Simple and classic looking

 

[RayPA]

Here is the FINAL poll conducted by Rich Silfver back in 2006. This was the end result of several "playoff" polls that included just about every RF camera that ever existed, complete with links to pictures. You can see those final RFs deemed "most beautiful."

I miss Rich. Only he would undertake such madness.


.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

MP LHSA Hammertone vs. BP "DAG'd" a-la-carte MP-7

Oh, I don't know... It has to be a toss-up.

 

[LeicaTom]

Code word IMOOP

The ORIGINAL 1957 Leica MP - Black Paint with matching Leicavit MP

That`s the most beautiful M Leica ever made!

Tom

 

[sirius]

the most beautiful leica is one that has been well-used

 

[wt67]

Chrome MP a la carte with no writing whatsoever. Understated elegance.

 

[-kk-]

Chrome MP = sexah

 

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

Leica Tom opined:

<The ORIGINAL 1957 Leica MP - Black Paint with matching Leicavit MP
That`s the most beautiful M Leica ever made! - Tom >

AT LAST - someone who knows what a REAL Leica MP is about. If I accept this assertion - then I'd have to say a black-paint M-2 is an extraordinarily close 2nd. . .
Paul

 

[ChipNovaMac]

Out on a limb here

Out on a limb here

My vote is for the M5. It stands out in the Leica crowd. The lines are different from any other Leica. It's form follows function. Love the way it looks like it belongs in the modern world....

 

[visiondr]

M5.... are you mad?
The M4 rocks: No dumb dot, no baroque raised windows, no goofy and impractical rewind knob, real vulcanite, all brass...
... don't waste your time with anything else.

And, No, it's not mine; just a very cool picture.

 

[KM-25]

Code word IMOOP

The ORIGINAL 1957 Leica MP - Black Paint with matching Leicavit MP

That`s the most beautiful M Leica ever made!

Tom

I agree, but I was not even born until ten years later, so I'll have to *settle* for this...