Leica MP Rangefinders
Leica MP Rangefinders
USER REVIEWS
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[Jan 15, 2004]
John Sara
Professional
Strength:
Solid feel, all metal (I hope), brass top and bottom covers, quiet shutter
Weakness:
Cannot see all 4 frame lines from any one position, with the right hand frame visible only by moving my eye to the far left. ISO knob does not seem metal and design seems cheap. Iam thinking of returning camera & lens for refund (read on) Brand new Leica MP. Feels wonderful, But aleady have concerns about quality, which I expected to be flawless for the $2400 I paid. Also, marketing of the MP is too hazy and general, leaving more up to me to figure out what level of quality I'm really dealing with Customer Service I was initially NOT teated cordially at Leica USA. I had to exchange and inspect a total of Four (4) of the new 90mm-f4 Macro-Elmarit lenses until I found one that was 100%.The first did not focus to infinity, the next two had a rubbing in the focusing barrel, finally I found one that seems unflawed.The MP camera is awaiting exchange, because of the viewfinder problem mentioned above, which the head repairman agreed with. (he was very cordial) I was first told this would take a week, now I'm told I'll have to wait 3-4 weeks, and find that disappointing after making a total of 3 trips to Leica USA, and 3 trips to the store. Similar Products Used: M-2, series "O" |
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[Jan 08, 2004]
john
Expert
Strength:
GORGEOUS BLACK LACQUER FINISH.
Weakness:
Some real question about build quality and quality conrol. a beautiful camera with a geat feel. THE PITY IS THAT THE SHUTTER AND THE FILM ADVANCE LEVER JAMMED ON THE FIFTH ROLL OF FILM. have returned for my second MP.forced to return to my Nikon F 5. Customer Service shop where I bought it. Similar Products Used: Leica minilux zoom |
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[Nov 18, 2003]
Alex W
Expert
Strength:
robust,almost traditional Leica build quality, better looking then previous models. Top viewfinder
Weakness:
Dial for ASA selection NOT up to the camera standards: CHEAP For the second time Leica goes back to old models, remember the M5 case? This time with major difficulties as new technologies are changing the market. Just few points: the MP is a remarkable Camera, almost up to the best Leicas (M3,M2,M4) It is made out of brass (like the old one)so it is heavy,if compared to a M6. The viewfinder is improved and better then a M3 viewfinder, at least brighter. I do not see other "advantages" if compared to my M6, which remains a great Camera. Customer Service Slow (Germany, very slow up to 2 months for checking an old lens. Similar Products Used: M6,M2 |
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[Sep 11, 2003]
jodan
Professional
Strength:
Finally, a rangefinder patch that is a match for the old M3. This patch doesn't disappear when hit by light at oblique angles. Build quality is fantastic. Usual fine Leica M ergonomics. Relatively easy to load compared to an M3's removable spool. The current M lenses (ASPH, APO) are superb.
Weakness:
Rewinding without the accessory crank is slow (altho' a bit better than the M3). Haven't used the Leica-made accessory crank, but have used an aftermarket one - does help, almost as fast as an M6 to rewind. Leica M's & lenses are very, very expensive, so they are generally not a great value (resale value usually remains high, however). The highest quality M body that Leica has made in a long time. I use it side by side with an ancient M3, and the build quality of the MP is on par with that old classic. The black paint is gorgeous. Customer Service Had a couple of defective M6TTL's a few years back which were repaired or replaced by Leica, with no questions asked; Leica also threw in a free flash and grip for my troubles. The MP was perfect out of the box, but I expect that customer service is still as good as it was a couple of years ago. Similar Products Used: M3, M6TTL, M4-P |
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[Sep 07, 2003]
peter skinner
Intermediate
Strength:
Great mechanical construction. Much improved vbiewfinder with no sign of white-out The camera radiates quality
Weakness:
Not yet convinced by the rewind know.Should it need an 'accessory' to make it acceptable? Also think that battery cover still needs improvement. With cold hands it can be a real pain.I also wonder if Leica need to cool it with the marketing , which can seem cynical. Surprised by how much nicer the MP feels than my M6. Very solid and with a lovely 'thunk' to the shutter. Much better viewfinder...as a spectacle wearer I love the .58 version. This is a delight to use and any cynicism that this was a marketing exercise has vanished. Customer Service Not needed, to date (used M6 for nine years). Similar Products Used: Leica m6 .72. |
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[Sep 07, 2003]
Bill Blackwell
Intermediate
Strength:
The camera is of solid construction and the lenses are world-class (the best 35mm has to offer). The rangefinder patch problem on the late M4-2, M-4P, and M6/M6TTL has been finally solved (it's been about 25 years, so it's about time). The USA warranty is unsurpassed (3-years, with an option to extend to 5 for an additional $125).
Weakness:
Slow loading. The new ASA/ISO dial is somewhat cheep in appearance (designed to save on production costs); the parts are largely interchangeable with the M7), but it seems to work fine. This camera is the amalgamation of nearly 50-years of Leica M. The camera is rugged and should withstand a lifetime of use. At least that's what they tell me (and what I paid for). Customer Service None required. Similar Products Used: I own a Leica M6 (early Wetzlar model) and a Voigtlander Bessa R2 (no comparison to a Leica body). I have owned a number of Leicas, including many M3s, some M2s, an M4, and even an M5. |
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[Aug 07, 2003]
TheDoc
Expert
Strength:
Handling and build quality are excellent. Quiet shutter and unobtrusive. Light. Focuses well in low light. Forces you to think about the shot. Great lenses.
Weakness:
Same weaknesses as all rangefinders, namely slow to use, slow to load and lack of versatility compared to an SLR. Some rangefinder whiteout. Not sure it is truly worth the money! Beautifully built and handles like a dream but only suitable for those who take their time in making the perfect shot Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Leica M7, Leica M6 TTL, Leica M6, Leica M5, Konica Hexar RF, Contax G2 |


