Having trouble finding an MP

[anitasanger]

I'm having major withdraws after selling my M6 and my summicron is lonely. Have been trying to decide between an M5 and an MP and decided to go with the MP due to it's M6 size. I can't afford new and my budget is around $2700 with $3500 being the absolute most. Ideally, I want a mint MP in chrome, or black paint if it is devoid of brassing and scratches. I prefer to put in my own work! I'm still trying to decide which colour I truly like best.

I've looked at KEH and popflash with no luck. I've been rabidly searching ebay for the past month or so with no luck. The ones I have been seeing are not mint and to expensive and the affordable ones have had significant brassing and or dents/dings.

Anway, if any of you are aware of any other places I should be searching, I would appreciate any input. Another thing, why do 90% of the Leica MPs on ebay seem to come from Hong Kong? Strange.

Thanks!, Luke

 

[anitasanger]

I also am concerned about finding an MP that is devoid of finder dust. I find it rather irritating that there is no real way to decipher MP serial numbers. I really wish they would have stayed with the screw-in type eyepiece that all the older Ms have. 🙁

 

[Vickko]

Did you try Sean at www.camerawest.com?

Not everything is listed; phone him up and tell him "Vick sent you".

www.camerawest.com

MP 0.72 Chrome, Bxd 10- $3,395.00 WALNUT CREEK
MP 0.72 Chrome, Bxd 9+ $3,195.00 RANCHO MIRAGE

...Vick

 

[wjlapier]

The love and appreciate MPs in Japan.

I checked Schouten and Leicashop. Not a MP in sight, except the original MP at Schouten.

 

[anitasanger]

You're right, the Japanese appreciate fine photographic equipment it appears!

Thanks Vickko, I will inquire camerawest, I appreciate it.

Keep the leads coming!

 

[iwaki]

MapCamera in Japan should have enough mint used MP stock.

but getting one from Japan could be difficult?

 

[maddoc]

If you like me to do so, I can have a look at some stores in Tokyo this weekend and check for availability.

 

[Mackinaw]

I also am concerned about finding an MP that is devoid of finder dust. I find it rather irritating that there is no real way to decipher MP serial numbers. I really wish they would have stayed with the screw-in type eyepiece that all the older Ms have. 🙁

Viewfinder dust is not really an issue. This was an alleged problem on some early production MPs' but my MP (bought new 2004) with a serial of 289XXXX shows no trace of dust after 6+ years of use.

Jim B.

 

[anitasanger]

Wow maddoc, that is very kind of you. I don't want you to go out of your way, but if you happen to be near one and have time to stop in, I would appreciate it! Thank you.

 

[anitasanger]

That is nice to know Mackinaw. Has anyone unofficially figured out at what serial number they started sealing the eyepiece? I know I could do it myself, but I don't want to mailorder one that ends up with dust I'll have to pay to have cleaned.

 

[wjlapier]

You could check with Dirk Rosler ( Japan Exposure ) to source one for you. I'm not sure he does this, but he might act as a middle man to purchase in Japan. There are some trustworthy folks on the forum in Japan who also might be willing to act as middle man to make the purchase.

 

[jja]

One is listed here:
http://s95521.gridserver.com/?page_id=1184

 

[cosmonaut]

Try Sherry Krauter. There is one listed there.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Don't forget tamarkin cameras they usually have a good selection of leicas.

 

[anitasanger]

Thanks for the leads guys. I forgot about Sherry. I had already inquired about the tamarkin camera. It was strange, the whole camera looked excellent, except the the side of the base plate. The side was missing all kinds of paint even though the stock sticker was still on the bottom. I don't know how someone managed such a feat!

 

[anitasanger]

And I must say I am quite torn on color choice. I know it's just a light tight box, but I plan on this being my LAST camera. I want to take it with me everywhere and pass it down to my son in 50 years or so. I love the classic of chrome, but love the potentially pleasing wear pattern of black. I'm just a bit leery of how soft the paint really is. I see some people who have shot for years with minimal brassing. Then, I see others with a year old camera that looks like it's been to the gates of Mordor and back!

 

[jja]

Some unsolicited advice from someone who used to own an M6 Classic and then bought an MP: find a good M6, send it to DAG for a CLA and non-flare viewfinder upgrade (not essential, imo), and you have a great camera that's every bit as great as an MP, minus the fondle factor. Of course, if you must have an MP, then you must have an MP!

 

[jja]

If you can't decide on black or chrome, get anthracite! Photo Village (terrible website navigation) I think has one.

 

[anitasanger]

I really appreciate the advice jja. In many ways, I like the m6 better. However, I'm colorblind and have trouble differentiating 1/2 stop over/under exposure with the red arrows. I'm hoping the middle confirmation light will help me!

 

[anitasanger]

That is why I sold my very nice, close to mint, boxed m6. 🙁