How do I go about buying an MP?

[secksthoi]

I've been really wanting to get into a Leica M system and will seriously start saving up for one in hopes to buy it right after I graduate from college at the end of the year. The MP is just screams perfection, as Leica's last film M, can be bought new, and black paint! But my only concern is prices seem to keep going up and even if I had the money and then some, there is no stock! :bang:

Once I have saved enough, how do I go about buying this camera? I guess I wouldn't mind putting myself on the list (if you can even call it that) through B&H or whatever, but what if they contact me with availability and I am not ready to buy?! Lose my spot? Any tips out there for those who have bought new? Thanks!

 

[thegman]

I prefer to consider it Leica's most recent film M, not necessarily the last...

If you don't have the money, I doubt there is that much need to be on a waiting list, and also MPs are not *that* rare that you will wait years for one to turn up.

Prices are on the rise, but they are unlikely to keep on going forever.

If you really are desperate, you could consider a credit deal, but I really would wait for the GAS to wear off before you consider doing that.

A new MP is a lot of money, and the value drops a lot on the second hand market, but if you're planning on having it for the rest of your life, then that need not matter.

 

[secksthoi]

No, no credit deal. I avoid that bull at all cost. 😉

And yes I assure you, it is a crap load of gas pent up, but i'll manage.. and I know it's not THAT rare, cuz I can always go Leica dealers I guess, but I really plan to buy online to uhmm avoid the tax... I'm a college student.. that many pennies from taxes coulda went toward a lens.. 😛

 

[Moriturii]

I say go out in the woods, meditate, get rid of your inner, sort of, attracted-to-the-latest-and-the-best-for-no-reason demons, come back home, buy an M2 and you will be as happy as your former self would've been with a 10x more expensive MP. Good idea isn't it? Just shake it off, shake it off. Good luck!

 

[filmfan]

Q: How does one buy an MP?
A: You use money to buy it. Did you not mention you went to college?

Edit: The MP is the finest instrument known to man. If you can get away with purchasing one, then most definitely do so and never sell it.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

have you used Ms before? have you had the chance to compare the MP to other models? if you're that short on money, you might find that the MP really doesn't offer you much more (nothing, if you ask me, but I agree that it looks good) than most other Ms especially with regards to the big extra you'll be paying. remember you need a good lens to make the camera worthwhile at all and those don't come cheap either.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

ps: I don't mean to start a discussion about what M is best for the price, just saying you might want to hold and try one before you spend most of your savings on it. if you have, ignore that part. 😀

 

[Roger Hicks]

I don't think there's a waitiing list, unless demand for M9s has been so high that they've not made MPs in a long time and run out of stock, so it shouldn't be a problem (apart from the price).

As the owner of an M2, M4-P and MP, and ex-owner of M3s, I'd argue that the MP simply is better: low-flare finder, meter and usable 75mm frames, quite apart from being very pretty in black paint.

EDIT: I'd also be inclined to buy from a dealer, for the 'hand holding' in case anything goes wrong. It's (relatively) cheap peace of mind.

Cheers,

R.

 

[rover]

I will throw my hat into the crowd suggesting that you consider a used camera. I would also suggest you contact Leica dealers, in addition to the big boys like B&H, as you may be surprised what they may have on hand. Popflash who is a sponsor of RFF, Tamarkin... just to name a couple here in the US (assuming you are in the US). You will perhaps pay a little more (though with the prices on ebay recently I don't know that that is true anymore) and you will be dealing with a knowledgable businessman who knows what he is selling and cares for his reputation. When I bought my first M6 I called a number of dealers and the impression I took from that experience is that I would do business with any one of them without a concern. All helpful and all focused on my questions and wants, not what they had in stock and wanted to sell. Good luck, use your GAS to do some serious window shopping and learning and enjoy whatever camera you buy.

 

[BobYIL]

secksthoi...

secksthoi...

I am using Leicas since 1963 and still have nine M-types. I would only say don't tear yourself to save a lot, go buy yourself a good M2 and use the rest of your resources for lenses, film and to travel...

 

[daninjc]

^ good suggestion. Get a used M (M6 does 99% what an MP does, and is equally beautiful), lens and spend the money on a looooong trip around the world

I am using Leicas since 1963 and still have nine M-types. I would only say don't tear yourself to save a lot, go buy yourself a good M2 and use the rest of your resources for lenses, film and to travel...

 

[nobbylon]

^ good suggestion. Get a used M (M6 does 99% what an MP does, and is equally beautiful), lens and spend the money on a looooong trip around the world

Agreed, save your money and get an M6.

 

[anu L ogy]

Plus 1 for resisting the urge.
I was in your boat a few years ago. I saved my money for a more expensive purchase, then I saw a .58 black M6 for 899. I bought it, upgraded the finder and havent looked back 🙂

 

[jsrockit]

EDIT: I'd also be inclined to buy from a dealer, for the 'hand holding' in case anything goes wrong. It's (relatively) cheap peace of mind.

I never agreed with this until I bought the M9... then it made a lot of sense. Roger's right, the MP is in that category. That said, it doesn't have to be a local dealer, just a good Authorized Leica dealer.

 

[venchka]

Do not forget KEH if you come to your senses and shop the used market.

When you do come to your senses, the M5 is the best thing ever to come from Wetzler. Where ALL good Leicas came from. An M5 is at least 110% of an MP. Grinning.

 

[wjlapier]

I'll be a bit different and suggest an ala carte MP ( or M7 ). Make it your own and keep it forever. Ala carte M's have risen is price since I bought mine. Use the configuration site and see how much they are now.

 

[huntjump]

Another here to save your money and get an m2, m3 , m4-p or m6 + glass

 

[venchka]

One thing to avoid: Putting off Leica M camera ownership for several decades as I did. Wrong! When you have the cash in had to buy a good, working, user M camera & 1 lens, DO IT! The lens may be anything that works. Canon & Nikkor LTM lenses come to mind.
If you find an almost decent M3-M2-M4-M5, Youxin Ye will make the first 3 perfect for little cash. Sherry Krauter will make the M5 perfect for a few dollars more.
Point to remember: Just Do It!

 

[secksthoi]

Thanks for all the great advice, people! Especially to BobYIL.. since I do plan to travel after I'm done with school, which is exactly why I wanted an M with me when I go about!

I am using Leicas since 1963 and still have nine M-types. I would only say don't tear yourself to save a lot, go buy yourself a good M2 and use the rest of your resources for lenses, film and to travel...

And to the user who recommended an a la carte.. I actually was looking at that. With the MP black paint, classic engraving, and classic vulcanite it came to 5,665usd..... 🙄

 

[marcr1230]

Leica has a student discount offer going on usually
If I recall you can get a 20% discount thru a dealer