Leica MP (1956)

Leica MP (1956)

The original Leica MP is a 35mm M-mount rangefinder produced in 1956 and 1957 for professional photographers who needed faster film handling. It is closely related to the Leica M3, but was engineered to work with the Leicavit MP rapid-advance baseplate. Leica Camera describes the model as a professional tool associated with press photographers and records a total production of 402 cameras [1].

Most examples use the M3-style 0.91x combined viewfinder and rangefinder with 50mm, 90mm and 135mm bright-line frames. The mechanically timed horizontal-travel cloth shutter runs from 1 second to 1/1000 second plus Bulb, with flash synchronization at 1/50 second. Unlike many later Leica bodies, the original MP has no self timer and no built-in exposure meter.

The external frame counter requires manual resetting, a feature later associated with the Leica M2. Internally, the film advance was strengthened for repeated use with the Leicavit. These functional differences are important because ordinary M3 bodies have sometimes been cosmetically altered to resemble an MP.

History

Development and Launch

Leitz developed the MP after professional photographers requested an M-system camera compatible with a rapid manual film advance. Leica's historical account connects the model with working photojournalists and emphasizes its short 1956-1957 production period [1]. The designation originally referred to a professional M camera, rather than the Mechanical Perfection meaning used for the modern Leica MP introduced in 2003.

Production Evolution

The MP retained the basic M3 body architecture and M-mount, but used a dedicated Leicavit MP baseplate and a modified winding mechanism. Leica Camera reports that only 402 cameras were completed [1]. Collector references describe short MP-prefixed numbers, with MP402 generally cited as the highest recorded production number [3]. Dimensions follow the M3 body format, approximately 138mm wide, 77mm high and 38mm deep.

Special Variants

The camera was supplied in chrome and black paint. Leica Camera Classics records 141 original black-paint MPs, making that factory finish substantially rarer than chrome [2]. Finish alone does not create a separate LeicaLensList camera model, and both versions belong under this MP (1956) profile.

Collector Notes

Authentication requires more than the top-plate engraving. Collectors should verify the MP-prefixed number under the baseplate, the matching Leicavit MP, the manual frame counter and the internal rapid-wind modifications. Factory repairs and period conversions exist, while replacement top plates, repaints and M3-based imitations can complicate identification. The original MP must not be confused with the Leica MP released in 2003.