One final question - re: MP - MP3

[peadarceiteach]

I've been indulged by many forum members answering what may seem like rather uninteresting posts regarding my questions about my first Leica purchase. Thank you all sincerely for your help. It is still between the MP and MP3 with a leaning toward the MP3 because of the classic looks. This may be an impossibly poor question - because on the one hand I am convinced of the quality - fit, finish, mechanical "tightness," of the MP there is something in me that wonders if the MP3 is as excellent a camera as the MP. I know it makes no sense, that the MP3 is supposed to be identical except for some essentially cosmetic differences - however the thought lingers. I'm attracted to the MP because it is all mechanical (I'm an amateur watchmaker) and the fact that it is supposed to be extremely well built. I've been able to find much written about the MP - all positive., but not so much on the MP3.
Can anyone assure me that the MP3 is comparable in overall quality and performance?
Again, thanks so much for all the excellent responses to my questions.
PC

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

You may want to try emailing Tony Rose at www.popflash.com.

He is a great dealer, and in my experience, will give you his honest feelings about the two products. I've always found his comments helpful and insightful. He is also likely to have an angle on reliability issues.

Individual members may give you very good anecdotal advice, but Tony will have a broader base of experience to share with you as a dealer.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

fwiw, the MP is an exceptionally well built camera, and I doubt you will be disappointed with it.

I have no experience with the MP3. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Turtle]

Its quite simple. They are the same camera built to the same standards, but with a couple of slight bolt on or off differences. The innards are the same, period. The only real differences are the framelines and the counter. They are made by the same people and start out as the same camera to a large extent. Same shutter, same finder, same camera....

 

[SDK]

It seems like the key differences in descending importance are:
1) style: MP3 traditional, replicating the look of the original MP v. the updated hybrid of old and new of the current MP.
2) framelines: simplified in the Mp3 v. comprehensive in the MP
3) counter: MP3 fiddly but traditional, replicating the look of the original MP v. simple and ergonomic in the MP.

 

[BudGreen]

I own both an MP and the LHSA MP3 and I can assure you that there is no difference in quality between the two. The MP3 simply has some aesthetic touches that make it look more like an M3. The only practical difference that I'm not sure has been noted is that the 50mm frame lines on the MP3 conform to the full 35mm frame. With other modern Ms, the frame lines show you most, but not all of what ends up on film. I actually prefer this, but it does make it a little tricky when moving back and forth between the two.

 

[peadarceiteach]

Thanks for the generous assistance! My new .72 MP silver will be at my doorstep tomorrow! And, Tom, I did correspond with Tony and he helped out very much.