MP owners: some advice please

Freelander

Freelander

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Mar 4, 2009
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Well the time has come to make a decision about what to buy.

I am looking at one of two Leica MP's both black paint, both with .72 finders and both described as EXC++. The serial numbers start 28 and 29 respectively.

Is there much difference between them as regards improvements or alterations I should be aware of ? Also how old roughly are they ? Is there anything I should ask. I can't see these up close as it will be via mail order.


Thanks up front.
 
Serial numbers in the 288XXXXX and 289XXXXX range were probably built in the 2003 - 2004 time frame. Very early MPs' had problems with dust entering the rear eyepiece. Leica solved this problem with a viewfinder seal soon after production began. My MP (serial 289XXXXXX) is the perfect camera.

Jim B.
 
My MP serial number 2890XXX has the older M6 style film speed selector that I much prefer to the newer M7 type that is now common. I use my camera pretty much daily and haven't had a problem with dust entering the viewfinder, it was serviced a year or so ago and I think a seal was fitted to the eyepiece so perhaps this is why... For me its also the perfect camera...

Simon D
 
There is no difference. Just be sure the finder has been properly sealed. My MP's finder was not sealed at the factory and it had a serial number over 3 million; it was sealed by Leica under warranty.

How can you tell? Funny you should ask... Just take a single post-it note and slide it under the black eyepiece at the curved part. If you see the edge of the post-it note inside the finder, it has not been sealed.
 
Mackinaw said:
Serial numbers in the 288XXXXX and 289XXXXX range were probably built in the 2003 - 2004 time frame. Very early MPs' had problems with dust entering the rear eyepiece. Leica solved this problem with a viewfinder seal soon after production began.
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but both of my MPs had the dust-in-the-viewfinder problem (one purchased in 2005, an à la carte purchased in 2007 before the massive price increase). I subsequently sent both back to Leica USA to have them sealed and the "problem" hasn't recurred since.
 
Well the deal is almost done . I had a very pleasant chat with Ivor at Red dot in London on Thursday and the used MP he had for sale is mine. It has still got 3 years of the warranty on it too.

However I can't ,because of work pick it up at my sisters until June . Oh the irony! I have or,will have my 50mm f2 tomorrow .I found it 2nd hand from a guy not 10 mins away and my MP will be in the UK....Oh well I'll have to wait patiently ;-)

Any tips on how to pass the time ??
 
Congratulations and Ouch! Man, is there a reason you can't have the seller ship the mp to you? Or, instead, to your relative, then your relative could send it to you?.....you'll be without it through 1/4 of April and all of May and some fraction of June; almost a month and a half to two months without your mp! Ouch! But I trust you will find it to be the finest film RF; so enjoy it whenever you take possession of it.
 
Freelander said:
Any tips on how to pass the time ??
Click to expand...

Have them mail it to you?
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Benjamin
 
I have an early 285xx model (.72) that was apparently resealed before it got to me. Even wit the retro-rewind knob what a joy to work with. I have a 90mm APO affixed to it as well as a handle for easier handling.

Enjoy yours.
 
There is a good financial reason why I don't want this baby in the post. It also gives me the excuse to visit my sister. Not that I need one ;)
 
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