|
Site preview 2nd
draft 11.09.2008
LEICA MP 0.72X (10312/10314), LHSA*
1968~2003 grey/gray hammertone-finish
One way or another, the original Leica MP introduced
back in a short duration between 1956~57 has its own magic charm. Technically, it
was not more superior than the discontinued M6 in camera operation and/or handling
but I guess it was the old spell, extraordinary premium in the collectors market
for the original as well as good marketing strategies adopted by Leica AG that has
the Leica purists who still keep the legend continues in modern days. After the initial
hype was subsided; mid between the production cycle, Leica has also brought up with
a à la carte
service division and we have witnessed many new
combinations in different personally configured Leica MP. Providing request for Special
Edition Leica cameras has always been one of Leica profit center; the special edition
Leica section was peaked towards end of product cycle for M6 series. After the initial
successful debut of the MP/M7 in 2003, a second wave of new special edition MP cameras
began to surface. Why MP ? simply because all in the mindset. Every Leica collector
thought mechanical bodies always can enjoy a longer life span as well as appreciation
in their collectible value. Anyway, like it or not, Leica main strength has always
been within this capsule.
Creating a Limited Edition Leica MP with potentially appreciation of value in long
run as a recognized collectible set may also require some careful schemed & tactical
decision in adoption of features. One of the masterful Leica event specialist is
no doubt by Leica Historical Society of America ("LHSA") - an independent, nonprofit organization which located
in Louisville and working principle for the community is dedicated to all aspects
of the Leica camera, including photography, research, history, documentation and
collecting. LHSA has more than 2,000 active members. Over the years, in conjunction
with Leica AG, LHSA has issued quite a number of collectible Leica Special Edition
models presumably for their members but some did flow out to individual collector(s).
One of the strength of LHSA in this specific segment was its backbone with an established
pool of members who are also keen collectors of Leica equipment. Next, LHSA was quite
specific in laying out what to expect in a special edition set.
With the Leica MP, LHSA used to distribute an exclusive anniversary edition to commemorate
the old time legendary Leica MP. The LHSA Special Edition consists of 1,000 unit
which includes 500 black lacquered and 500 silver chrome-plated models as well as
a total of 375 LHSA combo sets were also being offered to their members - the set
includes a MP camera body, lens with lens hood, metal cap as well as a Leicavit MP
re-issued. In addition, there was another 125 LHSA Special Edition with just the
camera and includes a companion LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH lens with an engraved
LEICAVIT MP. The Limited Edition series MP was based on LHSA spec and it even has
a original type neck strap eyelet ! The limited edition MP were quickly taken up
and seldom seen on the used equipment market.
Relative:- Also compare the Grey-color Leica MP Gray Anthracite Kit with matching Grey Leicavit-M. * "LHSA",
shorts for "Leica Historical Society of America".
Here is a "MP3 LHSA Special Edition". I am not sure why it was called "MP3"
but probably to avoid confusion with original MP as it has a new defined spec on
its own (I was told the Seial Number encoding was also begin with MP 3-xxxx and it
makes some sense then. Well, below are some basic introduction that was extracted
from Leica AG site but strangely, other details had being erased from the site becuase
it was termed as "discontinued" model after all the said total designated
quantity had been shipped out. (I am replicating the exact content here for future
reference, just in case that page is also being deleted in the near future):-
 |
" ....
Dreams come true ....It was in 1956 that the first LEICA MP was made, in a
very limited run of just 400 units. Today prices of up to 94,000 euro are paid for
them. With an exclusive anniversary edition, the world's largest group of Leica enthusiasts
is commemorating the legendary MP. The LHSA Special Edition combines the classic
design of the earlier MP with the precision and durability of the latest production
LEICA MP in the series. The limited edition 1,000 unit production run includes 500
black lacquered and 500 silver chrome-plated models. 375 LHSA sets are also offered,
consisting of the camera, lens with lens hood and metal cap, Leicavit, leather carrying
strap and case. There are also a further 125 LHSA Special Edition single items available:
the camera with case; the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens with leather case,
and the engraved LEICAVIT MP with case.
|
| |
|
 |
Truly exclusive ...The look
of the LHSA Special Edition is true to the original 1956 LEICA MP - including the
frames around the viewfinder window, for example, and the historic carrying strap
eyelets. The texture of the leather trim is also in line with the classic vulcanite
finish. Perfect in every detail ...Just like it was back then: the classic
bright line frame set for 35, 50 and 90 mm lenses, corresponding to the full negative
format of 24 x 36 mm, the external frame counter, shutter speed dial, image field
selector, and rewind release lever all correspond to those of the original MP ...".
|
|
I DON'T have one of those LHSA Special Edition Model as mentioned here to share
with you (frankly, one of the feature I wanted to verify is, does it has the old-style
external frame counter as shown in the small illustration above because, the next
model featured is more leaning towards the modern MP reissued model in these areas).
Anyway, for those who may be having one of these set (Blac Lacquer or Silbver Chrome
finihing, Do consider sending
me some nicely taken photos to prepare another archive site for this exclusive MP
errrr. 3.. Anyway, Instead here I am providing
a Photo Profile on the Leica MP 0.72X LHSA 1968~2003 in grey hammertone finish. The
camera was announced back in 04.2003. The camera/lens/leicavit combo was intended
as commemorating the 35th anniversary of LHSA as the engraved "1968-2003"
on camera implies. The grey hammertone Leica MP LHSA 1968~2003 edition has some slight
differences from the LHSA Leica MP special editions. Just as a metter of record for
utrure references: the description List and price during announcement for this set
is, LHSA MP Hammer Tone $4,000.00 January, 2004 LHSA LEICAVIT Hammer Tone $1,250.00
February, 2004 M2/35 LHSA $2,200.00 March, 2004.
|
previous | NEXT |
A photo profile on LEICA MP 0.72x (10301) in hammertone
grey/gray finish
Page One | Page Two | Page Three | Product
Codes Issue
LEICA MP-Specific
models/variants - Visual Profiles on selective Leica bodies:- Leica MP Prototype, 1955 | MP Betriebsk w/Electric Motor, 1956 | Leica MP-88/MP-150
Black paint, 1957 | Leica
MP-167; Leica MP-171/MP-313/old/new Leicavit visual, 1957
| Leica M3E1 / MP 271/288 Alfred
Eisenstaedt | Leica MP 367 & 368
Dual, 1957 | Leica
MP-375, MP-368 &
MP-386 | Leica
MP 'Edition Hermès', 2003
| Leica MP Betriebsk 0.72x | Evential production model MP 0.72x Black paint, 2002
| Leica MP classic
Kit Set 1 / Set 2 | Leica MP chrome
0.58X(2 parts) | Leica
MP
Black Lacquer 0.58x
| Leica MP
Black Lacquer 0.72x
Standard | Leica MP 0.85x
Finder Mag. model | Leica MP Anthracite* Limited Edition Set |
Leica MP LHSA 1968~2003
Special Edition Grey Hammertone Finish (3 parts)
| Brief Introduction on
Leica
à la carte:-
Leica MP Red Leather 0.85 / Nappa racing Green Leather 0.58X | Others:- Visual
case study on counterfeit LEICA MP ; Leica MP Prototype
w/Prototype Leicavit-M;
Leica MP-3 LHSA;
Leica MP
TITAN, 2007
| Leica MP Nomenclature | Leica MP Instruction manual (1MB PDF) |
Technical Specification (96k PDF)
|
Recommended resources
/ Reviews on Leica MP Models (External
Links): Popular Photography (4 parts) | Shutterbug (2 parts) | Stephan gandy/Cameraquest
on MP | Photonet;
Others:-How to load M6/MP w/Rapidwinder-M(Video); Comparing M3 with MP (Leica FAQ); Price indications: Westlicht
Auction House; Ebay Search on Leica MP
Visual Library on Leica M3 Prototype, 1952; Leica M3 Test model, 1953/4 | A photo showcase on early series
of Leica M3 DS bodies:- Leica M3-700131
/ M3-700170 / M3-700000/M3-70031x/M3-70051x | M3 double
stroke chrome 1954~1957 bodies:- Part 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4; Leica
M3 Single Stroke 1957~60/1961~66
| Leica M3 Black Paint:-1955/1958/1962~1964/66
/ Case
study on Prices | Leica M3 ELC, 1955/56
Other Leica M3 Variants:- Leica M3 chrome Leica-Technik 57
1954; Leica M3
GOLD Edition, 1956 | Leica M3 DS United Nation Edition, 1957 | Leica M3 Olive Bundeseigentum outfit 1957/ Olive Green Bundeseigentum outfit, 1959 (2 Parts) w/info on high quality M3 Olive Conversion | Leica M3 Betriebskamera/ Betriebsk 1960
| Leica M3 Royal
Dutch Marine Periscope Model,
1966 | Leica M3
Dummies / Riesen-Mode (Giant scale Model); Leica M3 Cutaway Display Unit , 1954
Recommended External Link:
Leica FAQ
| Leica M3 Instruction Manual 1) Location 1 (1.35mb PDF) by Joe Chan; Location 2 (1.2mb PDF) by M.Butkus < Mike@bukus.org>;
| Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras
Main Index Page
Leica-M Series Rangefinder camera Models
about this site
|
