Leica MP3

[KoNickon]

I'm not sure if I have punctuated the name of this correctly. (The name is kind of funny, since it conjures up the idea of music downloads.) I just found out about this camera -- is is some sort of limited edition LHSA issue? It appears to be basically a metered M2, with the M2 frame counter and 35/50/90 framelines, but with front viewfinder/rangefinder windows that look like those of the M3.

I don't suppose anyone here has one? Handsome, but at close to $5,000 (the B&H, New York price) hardly justifiable.

 

[summilux]

the price of its look alike, M6J, has been dropping, i think the lens is of good value if you can find it selling separately, the camera is a bit over priced. i dont think the price of those a la carte will keep its original value, they are too high too.

 

[ezio gallino]

There has been a period, not so far aqo, whan special Leicas grew up as mushrooms. This period is over; most of these cameras are waiting for better times. Very collectable stuff is in real small quantity. It seems there are circulating something like 18000 M6: some of them will be overrequested, but for most part of them you are lucky just if you recover a sum reasonably lower rather of what you paid for.

Ezio Gallino

 

[harmsr]

OK - I admit it. I bought a chrome kit as my last film camera.

Basically it is a new MP (brightest and best contrast on M VF ever), with 35/50/90 frame lines, classic styling, and a meter. I also love the 50 Lux ASPH in the old style without the focussing tab of the new lenses.

Yes, it is expensive. However, I wanted a new camera which would not need any CLA, have the non-cluttered VF frames, classic styling, chrome exterior, meter, bright finder, and love the lense without tab. My other choice was to do "a-la-carte" getting close but not exact with a long wait and I'm not the most patient person for a several month wait. To me this is the my idea of a perfect "a-la-carte" M.

To each his own, but you really can't compare this to a standard MP but rather an a-la-carte MP.

This is my last film camera, and the reason that I posted my second M5 body for sale in the classifieds.

Ray


P.S.: Mine was not bought for collecting but rather shooting and is exactly what I wanted.

 

[steve garza]

If you're considering purchasing a new M system (as opposed to used), the MP3 is certainly a contender. You can buy the kit for not much more than all the pieces would cost seperately. I wanted one, but plan to shoot with a 75 'lux at some point and don't want to deal with an external finder. I ended up buying a used M6 TTL with a 35 'lux for my 1st lens. I'm quite happy with it. The MP3 looks like a great shooter.