Leica MP near mint with box and paperwork

Leica MP silver in near mint condition. Barely used with no defects. One of the cleanest MP I have seen. Top of the line Film camera from Leica. Call for questions or come by and see for yourself.

Leica MP: The Pinnacle of Mechanical Rangefinders

The Leica MP is widely regarded as the ultimate expression of the classic mechanical rangefinder camera. Introduced in 2003, the modern MP is a homage to Leica’s golden age of analog photography, drawing design inspiration and functionality from the legendary M3 and M2 while incorporating key refinements from later models like the M6. It was developed for discerning photographers who value simplicity, craftsmanship, and full manual control.

The MP’s most defining characteristic is that it is fully mechanical—it requires no batteries to operate the shutter, making it completely independent of electronic components except for the light meter. This gives photographers a sense of freedom and reliability unmatched by modern digital or even battery-dependent film cameras. It’s a camera built to last a lifetime, and perhaps many lifetimes, with its all-metal, hand-assembled construction and Leica’s famously tight tolerances.

The built-in light meter is one of the few electronic features. Borrowed from the Leica M6, it uses two red diodes in the viewfinder to indicate over- or underexposure. The photographer adjusts aperture and shutter speed manually while watching the LEDs for feedback. Unlike the more automated metering systems in later cameras, this minimalist setup appeals to photographers who want a guiding hand rather than automation.

The Leica MP retains the classic M-mount, offering compatibility with Leica’s legendary lenses. Paired with lenses like the 50mm Summicron or 35mm Summilux, the MP delivers stunning image quality—thanks to exceptional optics and precise rangefinder focusing. The camera accepts lenses from 28mm to 135mm, with bright-line frame lines appearing in the viewfinder according to the lens attached.

Design-wise, the MP is understated and elegant. Available in black paint or silver chrome, it features the iconic vulcanite covering, a clean top plate (with or without the red Leica logo, depending on the buyer’s preference), and a rewind knob similar to that of the original M3. The shutter speed dial turns in the classic counter-clockwise direction, another nod to the early M-series models.

Internally, the MP features improvements in durability and reliability over the M6, including upgraded brass gears and better shielding for the light meter. Despite being a new camera (in relative Leica terms), it embraces tradition so completely that it remains a favorite among purists, professionals, and collectors alike.

The Leica MP also exists in another form: the original Leica MP from 1956, which was a rare variant of the M3 designed specifically for professional photographers. It had manual rewind, a reinforced film advance, and often included a Leicavit rapid winder. Fewer than 500 of these were made, and they are now extremely collectible.

Whether in its rare 1950s form or its modern incarnation, the Leica MP embodies everything that Leica represents: mechanical excellence, optical mastery, and a focus on the essentials of photography. For those who appreciate the tactile, deliberate process of shooting film, the MP offers a pure, timeless experience—arguably the finest film camera still in production today.