Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/02/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Howdy Gals and Guys-- I've been watching your posts with great interest about the new Leica MP, and until now, I couldn't say much. But I've been given the green light to go ahead and clear up some rumors. So here we go. First, the rumors are true, as you know. There is a new mechanical M, and it is called the Leica MP. It is intended, so we are told, to replace the M6, which has, as you know, gone out of production after 19 years. The camera is hand-made in Germany. And as you know, Leica doesn't just make one of these overnight; this has apparently been in the works for some years, and the unveiling is only hours away! I have no information about how many there will be, if it is limited edition (it would appear not, as we are told it is replacing the M6TTL), but as soon as I know that, I can tell you. The official announcement at PMA next weekend will tell us much more. The pricing I've seen quoted here is mostly incorrect; the low prices are way too low, and the high end prices quoted are way too high. I can discuss pricing with anyone who wishes to email me privately (kitmc@acmefoto.com), but I can tell you that the body price is in the same neighborhood as the M7. As for pictures, Leica will not permit any dealer to post any images of the camera until the official announcement of the camera at the PMA Conference on March 2 in Las Vegas. We will be posting images of the camera at that time on our site. As for the other rumor, that is, that you can only purchase the camera with two black paint lenses, this is not completely true. The first deliveries will prioritize those who purchase the camera with the two mentioned lenses, but deliveries of single bodies will follow closely upon those deliveries. Okay, now to the good stuff! The Leica MP! The Leica MP is a compact 35mm range and viewfinder system with a mechanically controlled shutter. The lens connection is the usual M-bayonet, and all M lenses from the 21mm to the 135mm are compatible. The top and bottom plate are brass, so if you enjoy the brassing effect, the black paint version will fulfill all your brassy desires! ;-) The camera will be available in the following configurations: Leica MP 0.72 Black (Black paint) Leica MP 0.58 Silver (Chrome) Leica MP 0.72 Silver (Chrome) Leica MP 0.85 Silver (Chrome) There is also a Leicavit-M that is being released: Leicavit-M Black (Black paint) Leicavit-M Silver (Chrome) In addition to the Leicavit-M, there are the following: M-Rewind Crank Silver (Chrome) M-Rewind Crank Black (Black paint) There is also an MP case. As for the specs on the camera,most of what you'd expect from an M6 TTL, with a few exceptions: The camera housing is all metal, top panel and bottom cover are brass, with either black lacquered or silver chrome finish. Film winding with the quick wind lever or the Leicavit-M (the Motor-M, Leica Winder-M, Leica Winder M4-P, and Leica Winder M4-2 from ser 10350) will also wind. Film rewind is with pull-out rewind button; a detachable rewind crank is available as an accessory. Power supply is with two silver oxide button cells, type PX76/SR44, or 1 lithium cell, type DL 1/3N. The camera weighs 585g without batteries. Dimensions are 138mm x 38mm x 77mm. The Leicavit-M is a compact quick-wind device for manual film advance and shutter cocking, replaces camera's bottom cover. Fits Leica Mp, M7, M6TTL, M6, M4-P, and M4-2. Low noise due to abrasion-free rod guidance and toothed belt. Released via camera shutter release. All shutter speeds compatible. Manual film rewind, as without Leicavit-M. Housing is brass with either black lacquer or chrome finish. Dimensions are 138mm x 25mm, weighs approx 150 g. Any questions you'd like to ask, I'd be happy to entertain privately. We can also talk via telephone, too, if you're interested in chatting. Warm regards, Kit McChesney - -- acmefoto | acme online sales, inc post office box 777 | louisville, colorado 80027 usa www.acmefoto.com | kitmc@acmefoto.com tel +1 303.664.0684 | fax +1 303.664.0685 - -- - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html