MP Quality Control Issues ??

B

bherman

bherman
Local time
6:06 PM
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
162
Location
Shrewsbury, MA
View My Gallery
I just ordered a demo MP from an authorized dealer. It does have the full 3-year Leica warranty. I've read/heard of some QC issues which supposedly didn't plague the older models, (for example the M6, M4, M3 etc).

I've heard of silly things like the fact that the viewfinder eyepiece isn't well-sealed, and that there is an issue of dust entering the viewfinder eyepiece.

I mean, this shouldn't be happending to almost a $4700.00 camera. Is this just an isolated case? I've seen several threads regarding this. Are there any other major/minor issues that I need to be aware of?

I always wanted an MP. I could have gotten a 'primo' M6 and sent it in for a CLA for a bit more than 1/2 the price.

Comments?

Thanks, Brad
 
I don't think MP is any worse or better than other modern Ms. Dust in eyepiece is an issue with newer Ms (forgot when they switched) because the eyepiece is no longer screwed-in but bolted-on.

I think Leica's own marketing approach bit their back: "The mechanical perfection."

It is well made just like any other Leica, but not better. I see MP's benefit is that, because it's a mechanical shutter camera and yet made with modern technology, it has better chance of surviving longer time compared to AE/Digital M (or other modern cameras) or older Ms that are very well made, but some are made almost 60 years ago.

And there will be less chance of catastrophic failure that prevents you from shooting compared to battery driven M7 or M8/9.

Is it worth x2 price tag compared to M6 in used market, I say NO even though I love mine. Are you a fan of M2/M3 form factor, AND like the idea of fully mechanical cameras? Then MP is a great camera that should "last" (read: repairable) long time from now on.
 
Last edited:
I bought one of the first MP's off the line -- never had an issue with it -- if there's dust in the VF, I haven't noticed -- the VF is nothing short of spectacular. The camera is truly mechanical perfection. You won't be sorry.
 
There are few spot dusts in the viewfinder but I don't know how they got in or when, looks solid piece. I don't worry about it. The rest is built solidly like a brick.

wow, even a demo is 4700, that is a lot of money. I bought mine brand new in 2006, it was under 2500 plus shipping. the world, however, has changed.
 
I would stop fretting about the camera too. If you plan to use it, you will most likely scratch it or lightly mar it. It would have to be a pretty big piece of dust to notice it in a RF. Its not like its a SLR focusing screen where dust just stares you down.
 
bherman said:
... I've read/heard of some QC issues which supposedly didn't plague the older models, (for example the M6, M4, M3 etc).

I've heard of silly things like the fact that the viewfinder eyepiece isn't well-sealed, and that there is an issue of dust entering the viewfinder eyepiece. ...
Click to expand...

The issue(s) to which you are referring relate to the change in the eyepiece design beginning with the introduction of the MP. The design is inferior because it does not create a natural seal between the eyepiece diopter and the body. Leica has not changed the design back, but the eyepiece is now ‘sealed’ at the factory.

In any case, as there is no such a thing as an 'official' demo from Leica, it looks like you're getting a great deal on a new camera (as represented by the full 3-year - no fault - passport warranty). It’s probably new stock the dealer has had in inventory for some time, or a resale of a never-registered pre-owned camera.
 
Good luck with your MP. Mine lasted only a week before the film counter broke. I decided to return it for a full refund. It felt and looked great, had too many frame-lines and the smallest 50mm frame I've ever seen. It was a nice camera, but in the end my M4 and M2s are much nicer and I feel they won't break as easily. Not because they are better made per se, but because they've all recently had a heap of cash put in a good CLA.
 
Mister E said:
... It was a nice camera, but in the end my M4 and M2s are much nicer and I feel they won't break as easily. Not because they are better made per se, ...
Click to expand...

MPs are very nice and well build cameras. But, no - those older Leicas are most definitely made better, "mechanical perfection" marketing slogans notwithstanding.
 
The M6 is sooo much better in every way. (is that what you wanted to hear?)

Really though, if you are worried about it being a POS why did you choose it over an M6, which never have any issues.
 
Last edited:
sepiareverb said:
In actual use they are pretty much identical, though there are endless arguments why one is "better" than the other. If you are only shooting with it I'd say either will function the same.
Click to expand...

Then why did you say "The M6 is sooo much better in every way." 🙄 (j/k)

My opinion of MP vs M6 is noted above. Anyway, I hope Brad can enjoy the camera he's getting.
 
Most thoughtful users base a lot of their disregard or regard for a particular camera on their own experience with that model. I recognize users like Nate and Gabor have had negative MP usage; I can think of two other guys on LUF that fit the description, too. There are likely others as well. But the vast majority of MP users think very highly of their cameras and for good reason; the vast majority are very reliable, great to use and give no grief. Those few exceptions serve to prove the general rule that the MP is a great camera. I have used four MPs and I have never had a single problem with any of them, whereas my experience with my m6 was not so great. I understand the vast majority of m6s could not have been like mine --- thankfully! Even so, I still prefer my MP over any M6. Why do I prefer it over a M6? A. The VF, B. the sturdier and slower straight-up rewind crank, C. the slightly more sensitive light meter in low light, D. the brass gear smooooothness and E. the aesthetic form factor. It is true that a M6 with a MP-upgraded VF gets you close to the functionality of a MP. Whether those other things matter...you decide. They do to me. Still, that said, the M2 is my favourite M.
 
My M6 TTL 0.85 with upgraded VF is good in most lighting situations but it still does flare when provoked. The M3 never ever flare at any condition which is my all time favorite VF. The M6 is more convenient though and I still lust for a black paint MP 0.85.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Photar
Who has a Leica MP Hammertone?
Replies
19
Views
1K
lolifitscoco
L
O
Rewinding MP without engaging the 'R' lever
Replies
5
Views
588
onehappybunny
O
E
Jupiter 12 (35mm f/2.8) mounting issues on Fed and Zorki cameras
Replies
10
Views
894
Doug
Doug
macmx
Best M body for 75mm?
Replies
6
Views
649
Godfrey
Godfrey
I
Used Leica’s serial unknown to Leica?
2 3 4
Replies
68
Views
2K
sojournerphoto
S
Back
Top Bottom