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LEICA MP Chrome, 0.58X (10303), 06.2003
The LEICA MP is offered with three variable choices in different viewfinder magnifications
of 0.58 x, 0.72 x, and 0.85 x. In a very nice way to put it, the alternatives are
tailored ideally to the preferences and needs of the photographer: The smallest magnification
option, the MP 0.58 x magnification can be ideal if 80% of the works by the photographers
are using with wide-angle lenses. The smaller magnifications has another significant
convenience for eyeglass wearers as the entire view field can be observed through
a slight distance away from the eyepiece The 0.58X magnification finder MP was originally
offered as one of the three standard MP. But due to lack of large volume of specific
interest, Leica had decided to make it as an option in the exclusive à la carte* range - a division setup by Leica
AG to tailor made Leica for special request. Please take note that, 0.58X magnification
finder has only been used in the previous M6 TTL as well as offered in the new Leica
M7.
Regardless the magnification, the viewfinder principle
of all Leica MP remains the same. It offers a large, bright line frame viewfinder
with automatic parallax compensation. The Eyepiece is calibrated to -0.5 dpt with
alternate options for correction lenses from -3 to +3 diopter. The bright line frames
activated in pairs and automatically displayed when the lens is mounted. The preview
selector can be used to display each of the pairs of frames. Alternative bright line
frame configurations are available as part of the Leica a la carte range. The horizontal
and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated
in line with the current distance setting. Split and superposed-image ranger finder
displayed as a bright field in the centre of the viewfinder image. Effective measuring
basis for 0.58X finder is approx. 40.2 mm (mechanical measuring basis 69.25 mm x
viewfinder magnification 0.58x). Please take notice that on the LEICA MP 0.58X model,
five frames are activated for the focal lengths up to 90mm (28+90mm, 35mm, 50+75mm).
Please take note of the single focal length of 35mm offered in the 0.58X MP model.
What significant is 0.58X finder delivers in actual photography
? It has its strength and convenience esp. for eyeglass wearer. But smaller magnification
also means smaller image inside the viewfinder. For an example, in comparison with
a typical 0.72X universal finder, the viewfinders projects a smaller image in the
0.58X models for the 50 frameline. As focusing is still manual with the MP, it may
need a little extra effort and precise adjustment of focus. Further, brightline frame
for some popular focal length such as 135mm will not be shown. that is all. |
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Leica MP 0.58X model maintains a high
quality Leica tradition. Except for the rear film reminder disc section which I thought
can be improved upon, overall, I would still think the physical built quality is
exceptional and could lasts a few decades of hard use. In a world dominated by digital
imaging, it remains a a purist camera which serves the traditional photographers.
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A LEICA MP 0.58 Silver chrome finishing
model, sold in Japan.
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Leica (M6 TTL, MP or M7) with 0.58X is considered more rare than others. The rarity
element is contributed by less interest in getting a wideangle lens-specfic Leica.
But it is also meant for specific reason for those who intended to get a 0.58X finder.
Presumably, Leica only offered this alternative in silver chrome finishing and for
those who specifically requested for black lacquer finishing, it can be ordered through
Leica à
la carte service. However, the next chapter has a black Leica
MP 0.58X (10304) model but I am not sure if it was a à la carte MP.
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previous | NEXT |
A photo profile on LEICA MP 0.58x Black Lacquer
Model
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)
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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>;
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