Price feeler: DAG modified MP3

[jamriman]

.85 black paint MP with an M3 top and pebble vulcinite covering boxed as new. Any idea before I do a FS post? Many thanks for any input.

 

[rogue_designer]

couldn't begin to give you a meaningful price - but it sure is pretty.

I know. Not helpful.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Over the years I have had at least three DAG modifications done (two of these cameras I still have), but I have taken care to be sure the original serial number remains on the body. IMHO, you have taken value risk by changing the serial number (an important component to many Leicafiles). It's probably worth less than it would have been with the original MP topcover.

 

[jamriman]

Its just a fake serial number decal. It can be removed and engraved with the original.

 

[AusDLK]

>engraved with the original [serial number]

Good luck. I inquired about doing such a thing with several engravers and they told me that there was no way to match the original look.

They hold me the the original plates are stamped, not engraved.

Anyway, right or wrong, I gave up on the idea pretty quickly.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Its just a fake serial number decal. It can be removed and engraved with the original.

Good luck indeed. I have yet to find a source for authentic M sr. number engraving outside of Leica. And they will not engrave a top cover not supplied by them.

If know of a place, please enlighten us.

BTW, regardless of what you may have been told, M3/2/4 top covers were originally engraved, not stamped.

 

[jamriman]

Looks like evilbay is the answer. Ohh well. Thanks to all.

 

[pmu]

...MP with an M3 top...

I have to ask, I'm just curious; what is the reason for this update...? I mean, how is the camera different now? I am not so familiar with MP's.

 

[abenner]

I'm a bit confused. So this was an 0.85 MP. Then an M3 top, I assume repainted black, was then applied. But still has the MP finder, right? Almost an MP3, but without the M2 film counter and a few other details.

New black MP now seems to be around $2300 give or take, perhaps a bit more for 0.85. New, non-retail MP3 around $3400 I'd guess. I'd say yours would be nearer the MP value, but all bets are off with the S/N issue. Remember, you've only got to sell it to one person, not everybody. Ebay is great in that way in that you've only got to find the one guy that's interested, if you set the buy it now price well. Just my thoughts.

 

[colyn]

I'm still trying to figure out the reason for putting a M3 top on a MP........

 

[rogue_designer]

I'm still trying to figure out the reason for putting a M3 top on a MP........

aesthetics. I prefer the raised metal around the vf myself.

 

[abenner]

The reason? I assume it's to make it like the MP3, LHSA special edition, a beautiful camera, by many considered to be one of the best special editions ever. The MP3 has the M2/3 style top plate with the square metal extending down around the lens mount, gone since the M2. Also has the raised contours around the windows, traditional script engraving, the M2 frame counter, and the non-fresnel matte M3-style frameline illumination window.

By putting the M3 top cover on, you get most of that, a nice look, but of course it's a hybrid. I'm sure someone would pay MP money for it.

 

[Mackinaw]

New black MP now seems to be around $2300 give or take, perhaps a bit more for 0.85.

New, black 0.72 viewfinder MPs' now go for about $3,500 in the U.S. (see B&H Photo). The only way you can get an 0.85 viewfinder in an MP, now, is through the ala-carte program which will add more money to the above figure.

Jim B.