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Specification

Manufacturer description #1

In 1956, Leica released their first special-edition M onto the market – the Leica MP, specifically designed for reportage photography. Based on the M3 (with identical viewfinder and camera body), the MP also already offered many of the technical specifications subsequently found in the M2, which would be introduced two years later in 1958. The M2 marked the first time that the MP's shutter control was produced on a large scale.

Most notable on the Leica MP were its two winding mechanisms, which work independently from each other: alongside the standard rapid winding lever on the top plate, the camera also offered the bottom-mounted Leicavit MP trigger winder, making it particularly suitable for reportage photography. The Leicavit MP had already been available as an optional feature for older screw-mount Leicas. While it was never featured on the M3, the Leicavit winder later became available for the M2.

Only around 450 models of the Leica MP – referred to as the Original MP – were ever produced, all of which were sold exclusively to professional photographers. Among the best-known owners of a Leica MP was Thomas Hoepker, renowned for his legendary reportage on Muhammad Ali.

Manufacturer description #2

In German:

Gehäuse mit Tragösen, schwarzem griffigen Gummibezug und verchromten Metallteilen. Eingebauter parallaxfreier Leuchtrahmen-Meßsucher für die automatische Scarfeinstellung. Automatische Bildfeldanzeige für zusätzliche Wechselobjektive 9 cm und 13,5 cm. Bildfeldwähler zum beliebgen Einschalten der Bildfeldrahmen für die Brennweiten 9 cm oder 13,5 cm. Schlitzverschluß von 1 bis 1/1000 sec. und Zeitaufnahmen. Der Verschlußeinstellknopf ist mit dem aufsetzbaren Belichtungsmesser LEICAMETER kuppelbar. Einstellbare Bildzählscheibe neben dem Auslöseknopf. Schnellaufzug auf der Oberseite der Kamera. Boden-Schnellaufzug LEICAVIT MP abnehmbar. Aufklappbare Kamerarückwand. Filmmerkscheibe, Zubehörklemme. Bajonettwechselfassung für die auswechselbaren LEICA-Objektive. Blitz-Vollsynchronisierung.

Google-translated:

Body with lifting lugs, black, non-slip rubber cover and chrome-plated metal parts. Built-in parallax-free bright frame rangefinder for automatic focusing. Automatic field display for supplementary 9 cm and 13.5 cm interchangeable lenses. Image field selector for switching of the image field frames for focal lengths 9 cm or 13.5 cm. Focal plane shutter from 1 to 1/1000 sec. and time exposures. The shutter adjustment knob can be coupled with the attachable LEICAMETER exposure meter. Adjustable frame counter next to the release button. Fast winding on the top of the camera. Bottom rapid-wind LEICAVIT MP detachable. Hinged camera back. Film speed reminder disc, accessory shoe. Bayonet interchangeable mount for interchangeable LEICA lenses. Flash full sync.

From the editor

A special version of the M3 with a long winding shaft for the film take-up spool. It was delivered with the Leicavit rapid-wind base already attached. Silver chrome or black paint finish. The camera was not listed in general catalogs and sale was restricted to professional photographers.

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