I think it does. Its pricing is gonna go up every year. I regretted not getting the MP black paint earlier but had to settle for the lesser classic M6.
I have been working hard for many years, but I’ve never purchased a new Leica camera because going with the used market always makes sense. This year, I decided to treat myself by buying my first new Leica. I decided on the MP early this year because I wanted a new Leica film camera with a light meter, and I had the original issue of the M6 already.
I just recently bought a Leica m-a new from camera store west in CA in November. Unfortunately I was without it for a month. The camera was thrown from a multiple roll over car wreck I was in. Right before the wreck the camera was in my lap. Somebody actually found the camera 50 feet away. The camera ended up with a slight dent and needed repair to the rewind mechanism and the rangefinder was knocked out of calibration. Leica was awesome though. they fixed everything free of charge! I was amazed and delighted they did that. I am currently struggling justifying the M-A with current film prices though. Kinda wish I had invested the money into a lens but hey I had to scratch that itch. I will say It is sooooo much nicer than the m6ttl that I had before. And honestly the machining looks more precise than the m2 and m4 I had. Luckly I have an older mp-240 digital that I use along with my M-A so if film actually dies or becomes cost prohibitive I can still use my leica glass. I hate to say I might trade it in for an M10p or a monochrome of some sort in the future. It would be difficult though. this camera is epic.
Hey man! I go through all those same thoughts. Luckily I shoot primarily in black and white and bulk load, develop and scan it all myself so I don’t feel it as bad on the pocket, only on my time. The M-A is beautiful. I think the patina may look better on the MP models but the M-A is my favourite looking model of the M series. I will urge you never to sell your M-A… find other ways to get an M10 monochrome, but keep your M-A forever. I constantly feel like I have a brick of gold in my hand with the Mp and that it would be easy to trade up for an M digital… but I have learned that for as long as im on UA-cam, I’ll feel a constant need to explore greener pastures. Instead im trying to practice contentedness. And the MP checks all my boxes and more, and so there is no need for anything else, only a want! Haha
@@FrankDavalos Practicing contentedness could not be more true words. I am sure like you, the M-A and MP were always halo cameras. When the M-A came out in 2014 I was like this is the one for me! It has all the things from the m4 - mp cameras that I love and nothing I didn't like. Its hard to describe a film leica M vrs. a digital M. the digital ones are made well but I have yet to pick one up that felt as good as a film M. I have shot a lot of leicas (I tend to sell and trade them to get more expensive ones) and the M-A feels to me every bit as nice as my 1960s M3. I shoot mostly black and white on my m-a. In fact its pretty cool that the m-a came with a roll of trix400. I do mostly at home development unless its a mega important roll of images. Thats a good point on bulk loading. What film stocks do you buy? I know trix400 in bulk is not much cheeper than the 36 exposure rolls. Either way I should start doing that. Yeah the patina on my m-a won't be as nice. Its a silver chrome one. I heard a rumor that leica would repaint your chrome M-A in black paint like your mp. I feel like somebody at a leica store told me that. Additionally I don't know if you know this but you can put the older leicameter Mr and Mr4 meters on the MA they work just fine. I will probably keep the M-A until you cant buy film anymore. Then Ill probably put it on a shelf and admire how awesome it is. you are 100% right I should not sell it haha. Anyways sorry for the rambling! I almost forgot to tell you! Awesome video thanks for sharing your thoughts on the MP!
Don’t worry about justifying your camera. It’s for you no excuses. If the camera brings joy and inspires you that’s all you need. I guarantee holding and working a dream camera makes you a better photographer. It’s hard to quantify but the experience releases creativity you think more your more patient. Enjoy
So glad I picked up my M6TTL LHSA BP 10 years ago for just under $3000. At the time MP's were going for $1000 or so more which was crazy to me. While I can appreciate the MP, that big shutter dial of the M6TTL just makes it for me.
That’s insane. Ahhh the good old days. Yeah I definitely do like the shutter dial on the TTL. But overall, in my hands, I prefer everything else from the MP. Both are incredible cameras, tomatoes pot-a-toes
100% relate! Had a hard time justifying my MP. But I bit the bullet and gotter dun with the silver chrome from 2003. I won’t look back and it’s my forever camera too! Nice to see another Canadian on the tube with a good sense of humour! Subbed!
I think that the MP dial turns ”the wrong” way is because Leica wanted this last film camera in the tradition of the old ones. Hence not much battery stuff. In my German manual, it is mentioned that the aperture ring has to be turned in the direction of the arrows to set the correct exposure. I think they assumed that you start with a preferred shutter speed. This is fine with me, because most lenses on the camera type have a wide depth of field. This not a camera for birding, macro, sports from a distance. And if I need F2 for Bokeh, this is usually a slower process, so an intuitive mistake can quickly be corrected. Besides, quickly adjusting a ring on the lens is much easier than fiddling with a knob at the top.
That’s actually a really great piece of information that I never considered previously. Look at me, thinking I’m smarter than Leica engineers. Thanks Robert!
Great video. I have an MP in the mail and I'm anticipating it's delivery. I am hoping that I get the same feeling from the MP as I do when I shoot my M10-P. Using that camera is an event. I don't get the same feeling shooting a Canon mirrorless or DSLR. That's what makes Leica worth it for me.
There are so many videos about Leica camera bodies (they are indeed works of art), but the lenses are key. A good Leica lens will produce excellent results even mounted on a humble Zorki 4 (etc). I'd love to own one of course, but where I live I'd never dare take it out in public!
The sandpaper skin is the best for a bp MP because the mat finish of the skin contrast perfectly with the glossy paint. I have the M-A but I was hesitating a lot with the MP.
I pulled the trigger on an MP during the first year of the pandemic. Traded my M6. The MP makes the M6 feel like it was made from spare parts. Best everyday film camera I'm lucky to own and use for my lifetime. Leica hasn't released any MP stock for almost 2 years now. And the used market is dry. Making it even more of a "grail" camera. Wondering if that rumored new film M camera is in the works. Cheers!
I bought a silver MP new from Leica two years ago. Someone dropped off the wait list and I snatched his copy from the Leica store. Get on the wait list.
I would need to carry an exposure chart for a while without a light meter. Never had to think about anything other than A & s. Good to see you enjoy it that much. Happy shooting.
I agree...no need to justify your own passion, once you can put a roof on your head and some food on your table. I purchased a Q2...not a cheap camera, not so performing like other cameras, but it is always with me. Next step I would like this M-P...time to save up.
@@FrankDavalos I had the Q2M for a month last summer before purchasing the Q2...I have to say that the Q2M is the most amazing camera I tried, at the end I chose the Q2 since I have only one camera, and from time to time I need some color on my images, even if 95% of my pictures are B/N...but I admit sometimes I regret to have not bought the Q2M.
@@matteoenricocattaneo totally understand man. It’s a very solid commitment to black and white. I have a Sony A7IV for the 5% of time I shoot colour, but the Q2M just speaks to my soul.
I went through exactly the same justification conversation with myself before purchasing the MP! I love the part , '...leaving it for my children....;. I wonder if women have the same thinking process, lol!
I bought one this afternoon. It is expensive but I think it worths every euro cent. Leica will introduce a new film camera in October(?). Will Leica replace the MA and MP? I am happy I got one in time.
Thank you brother, stumbled upon your vids during my search. Bonjour from Saskatchewan. Next time I'm in Montreal we can swordfight with our MPs. Cheers my friend!
MA is not the mechanical version of MP. Both are mechanical. The difference is that the MP has an exposure meter and the MA does not. That is, the batteries in the MP are only used to power the exposure meter.
With Leica model versions…, I used to say ‘it’s the little things that matter.’ Or, at least help justify this or that camera ;-) Any M-series is great, and for most of us as non-professionals, enjoyment of using the camera is important, and helps motivation getting out and using it. The MP is a great camera. A nice finder, a meter, and general feature set, and design that is classic. What’s not to like? Well, maybe the price, but if you can afford one, why not?
I loveeeee my Nikon F3 that's for sure... that was the camera that started it all for me. Always have wanted to try the F2 as I love mechanical cameras and I've heard that one is simply one of the best!
MP: Mechanical Perfection. By far best looking camera and best film camera on the planet. Bought it a few years back used and it has doubled in value. Doesn’t matter I’ll never sell. Oh and my grandkids? Can come grave rob me for it, it’s staying with me.
For me it makes no sense to switch an M6 TTL for an MP or MA. The larger shutter dial, lightmeter and matte black paint are there and it's relatively easy to find one in good used condition for a better price.
Agreed my man. I want to make more but for me, I don’t like talking about things unless I have a wholistic opinion of it. I’ll never be the type of guy who makes a video about something I’ve had in my hands for a week. I’m not a UA-camr really, haha. Appreciate your comment though man, and stay tuned. I got a Q2M video and some lenses I’ll be making videos about very soon. Thanks again brother!
A leica MP is the equivalent of a luxury mechanical watch. Sure it can shoot/tell time but really it's for display and just a beautiful mechanical fully functional object. I had one for 3 years, loved it, then it seemed too heavy an equipment for what it does. Ended up selling it at a profit and got me an Olympus om-4 Ti, the most compact SLR you can get, titanium, so feels very premium and a bit lighter, 10 times cheaper and does the job. And it looks really pretty too. Sure it needs batteries....but anyway. It is a beautiful camera (the MP) and worth experiencing, once the experience/novelty wears off you can always sell it and get your money back if not more as these are no longer produced and move on to the next experience. Enjoy it.
I think the novelty has already worn off but I still have no desire to ever sell this camera unless my financial situation drastically calls for it. But I’ve already committed to it, and I don’t even treat it like an egg anymore! Hahaha
Hey Frank, Great presentation. It came from your heart. I am a digital Leica guy looking to explore the Analog camera world. I was wondering if you could you answer a couple of questions. Is it possible to have RAW/DNG scans from negatives? Do any labs create the DNG scans? How do Leica Film Camera people like you cope with this? DO you just postprocess the JPEG in Lightroom like any DNG image from a Digital Leica?
Hello! Most labs that process film also offer scanning as well (it can get expensive if you plan to shoot a lot of film), or you can learn how to scan yourself. I scan my negatives with my mirrorless camera and a macro lens and process the images in Negative Lab Pro and Lightroom. I hope that helps! Always happy to answer any questions
@@FrankDavalos When you scan your negatives, do you scan them them as DNG? Also, is there a tutorial somewhere about this Negative Lab pro and Lightroom workflow?
@planttheseed2129 search in UA-cam “how to scan with negative lab pro” and you’ll find a ton of videos! And yes I use ARW raw file format as I shoot Sony but DNG works great too!
The film ones may be a different story, but man, the digital M cameras spend more time in the shop than they do out in the field. Three M digital cameras in a row and each of them all had to have issues addressed. Gorgeous and sexy cameras that offer a fantastic experience when they work, but for myself way too finicky :(
I’ve had multiple digital M’s and have never had to take one in. I’ve heard the M11 suffer a bit from quality control. The film ones are definitely the best though!
@@FrankDavalos I’m honestly glad to hear your story isn’t the same as mine. I really love the cameras and would love to get one that’s actually proper working, reliable, etc. Guess I just had a bad draw on the cards with the ones in the past. Any good suggestions where I could look for a solid m240/240p?
@@Deetroiter there’s always a risk when buying used gear, so definitely buyer beware. Fred Miranda is good, there are some FB private groups that are good too!
Great video dude! I like how you talked about stuff that other people who make camera reviews and comparisons don't even consider. You're a lot like me in that you enjoy the old mechanical, built-to-last designs. I use a Canon P and I LOVE IT! It's such a tank and I love the fully mechanical nature of it. I like that it doesn't have a light meter and all the frame line options are in the viewfinder which to some is crowded, but for me I like that I can see what a frame looks like through different lenses at one glance.
Appreciate that man. Coming from the M2, there’s just something beautiful about a clean viewfinder… you can always use the lever to see the different focal lengths. But it’s not a major gripe I have, the viewfinder in the MP is great for focusing especially when shooting in the sun, which is damn near impossible to do on an M2 unless you get the upgraded viewfinder. Appreciate your comment man!
There is no mechanical version of the MP. The MP already is a purely mechanical camera. You don't need the battery to operate it, the meter is optional. The MA is identical to the MP in every sense except the optional meter. BTW, do yourself a favor and buy the MP brand new from Leica. It's the same price or even cheaper than buying used. And more importantly you get THREE YEARS OF WARRANTY from Leica when buying used. BTW, best viewfinder magnification for 50mm is on the M3. No other M has such a great viewfinder for 50mm, also the rangefinder base length is the longest on the M3.
The MP is a fully mechanical camera in operation yea… but the light meter makes it less mechanical than the M-A. But you’re right, I forgot to mention the light meter is independent of the camera! Thanks for your comment. There’s nowhere to buy it new in Canada unfortunately. Nor online. At least at the moment I was purchasing it.
I have a Leica M3 and M5 and went through the same thing, having two cameras with lenses and CLA’s at a total of 4,000.00. I gave up on justifying. A Leica is a good machine and will last a long time! Get out and shoot that sexy camera! I also went through justifying my Hasselblads and 4 lens kit of over 5k! Why justify just shoot photos. These are lifetime cameras!
You don't have to justify anything to anyone, especially how you spend your money. Buying a Leica MP is one of, if the best, camera purchase you can make.
You're right... the M2 and M3 were used a lot by photographers during Vietnam war... i.e. Horst Faas, Henry Huet, Larry Borrows, Dickey Chapelle and many more... Used in mud, dirth, rain and aleays under extreme humid conditions!!!! None asked then for "weather sealing" 😂😂😂😂 Besides: I own a M2, M6, M8.2, M240 and a SL.
To be honest, I haven’t found myself terribly interested in digital Leica’s… I’m sure it’s amazing, I’m just not sure I want to drop $12,000 CAD on it. I’d probably go for the MD 262 or the M10-D if anything
@@gurugamer8632 so many reasons. The true to life look, the grain, the imperfections, the actual making a photo from start to finish, less interested in resolution and more interest in composition, the Colors or lack there of.
Wait, Leica doesn't service an M6!? That can't be right. Hasselblad still services my Hasselblad H1 and that thing is an old electronic fart, that produces beautiful images.
The service isn’t a guarantee… especially for the TTL model. As far as I know, If the circuit board goes on the TTL version, you are out of luck. If the light meter problem is not related to the circuit board but the shutter dial, then I think it can be repaired. With the M6 classic, you can use the circuit board from the MP, and I am pretty certain it is more likely to be repaired than the TTL version. At any rate, my point is that if anything happens to my MP, I know for sure it can be repaired by Leica, but unfortunately there are no guarantees with the M6 models.
Your investment? No photographer that I ever knew bought a rangefinder because of ' investment '. Did Hass, Leiter or Bresson used Leicas becaus e of investment? Their investment was their photography , This says it all why the state of photography nowadays is so poor. You want investment, buy diamonds or gold, not a rangefinder. I have heard it all now.@@FrankDavalos
Who said it’s insignificant? Leica glass is very significant. And if you’ve used a Leica before, you wouldn’t need to ask that question because you’d just know. If a car is a car, why do people buy Lamborghinis?
There can be no justification for anyone in this day and age buying a Leica MP, with it’s pathetic top shutter-speed of 1/1,000 second; unless you want to display it on your mantle-piece, as it is about as practical as a teapot made out of 0.1mm thin chocolate.
If it's your money the only want you need to justify is your wife and in my experience you need to do it with a 5000 dollars leica or with a 100 dollars Canon f1 so fuck it, just enjoy
Almost nobody keeps a camera forever. If you are willing to spend that kind of money you won't be able to resist some other temptation and you won't keep both.
Do you have a Rolex watch as well. Leica and Rolex both good investments. Real photographers use a Mamiya 6x7 or a Pentax 6x7 not 35mm toys. I use a 4x5 large for my portrait work.
Real photographers? Some of the great photographers in history worked with 35mm, and that’s not even up for debate, it’s a fact. I love my RB67, but not as much as my MP. Thanks for your comment!
THIS was all about cosmetics, colr, texture. not once did you refer to optics, results, quality of the pictures take. This is as absurd as buying a $3m plane because you Iike the color. And chucking it because the wrong paint. Thats madness. The Sony A7Riv walks all over this overpriced box. You pay $6-9,000 for pretty paint???? The Sony glass is better, the focusing brilliant, the video world class, resolution up to 240 mpx, the results gorgeous. And you can buy 2 plus glass for the price of this box. That is simply incredibly stupid. Like buying a 25,000 Rolex to tell time, or 200,000 Porsche to get from point a to b. Your ego has reached the pinnacle of no sense. Bragging rights to stroke your ego even more. I'll pass
Haha! I definitely love my A7V and all the Sony cameras I’ve had previously. I didn’t mention optics because I’m not talking about lenses in this video. In 35mm film photography, the image quality has nothing to do with your camera body. But thank you for your comment, I wish I could give you a hug or something… you sound so angry!
@@FrankDavalos I'll take the hug. not angry, just incredulous that gas over rules common sense. I'm partially guilty.!!! I owned a Contax RTS3 with 6 CZ lenses. Still, plus an AX. Best camera system ever. 20,000 slides. Sheer pleasure. Indeed, if they still made slides, I would use it. These camera force you to work at photography and create art. Digital is brilliant but almost too easy and the effort is reduced, there is no cost to errors, people become sloppy. But outcast slide effort into digital, then it could be a game changer. But to spend 9,000 on a box, not gonna happen. The Contax does more and is 1/4 the cost. And is world class to boot. of course so was Canon Pentax Nikon....
@@qwiklok has nothing to do with GAS. If anything, buying a Sony A7IV and lenses is more GAS than this camera. There’s so much more to appreciate about the MP than it’s ability to take pictures, it’s value only appreciates. You’ve just got the wrong idea. It also should not be your prerogative to tell anyone how to spend their own money, nor it is necessary to cast judgement on what people spend their money on.
@@FrankDavalos Peopke can spend money anyway they want of course, but ny opinion is that spending money on a Leica is foolishness, egocentric and wasteful. Sure you will get your money back, so what. The Sony A7R4 is way ahead in performance, usefulness, focusing, features, and the final print is world class. A Leica cannot compare ans to spend wasteful money is foolish. The Sony gives triple the features, the Leica is double the price for 1/3 the features. I talked with a prominent sports, paper and commercial photographer 2 weeks ago, has used every camera made. He uses Sony exclusively now, A1 I think and swears by it. I asked his opinion on the Leica. He said overpriced, over rated no advantage in any department. Full stop. These guys earn their livelihoods on gear If it was that good, he would be using it. Nope. The Sony system, any camera, would take it on. He mentioned the Sony FX3 as the comparable choice that walks all over Leica. These guys know what they are talking about. I am not a singlr voice, but speak for a vast majority. Sound your money anyway you want. No one is stopping you. it just dies not make cents.
If a camera inspires you to get out and shoot then it’s worth it. No need to justify something like this if it brings you joy
Nothing rational justifies buying a Leica MP… so just enjoy it! Great video!!!
You couldn’t be more spot on buddy! Cheers Eric!
I've never regretted purchasing any of my Leica cameras and feel so fortunate to have them no matter how much time passes.
Enjoy life whenever there is an opportunity, because joy and fun in life is not always a regular experience.
If it is the best camera, in your mind, it is worth it. Fine cameras are miracles of human engineering.
I think it does. Its pricing is gonna go up every year. I regretted not getting the MP black paint earlier but had to settle for the lesser classic M6.
I have been working hard for many years, but I’ve never purchased a new Leica camera because going with the used market always makes sense. This year, I decided to treat myself by buying my first new Leica. I decided on the MP early this year because I wanted a new Leica film camera with a light meter, and I had the original issue of the M6 already.
I just recently bought a Leica m-a new from camera store west in CA in November. Unfortunately I was without it for a month. The camera was thrown from a multiple roll over car wreck I was in. Right before the wreck the camera was in my lap. Somebody actually found the camera 50 feet away. The camera ended up with a slight dent and needed repair to the rewind mechanism and the rangefinder was knocked out of calibration. Leica was awesome though. they fixed everything free of charge! I was amazed and delighted they did that. I am currently struggling justifying the M-A with current film prices though. Kinda wish I had invested the money into a lens but hey I had to scratch that itch. I will say It is sooooo much nicer than the m6ttl that I had before. And honestly the machining looks more precise than the m2 and m4 I had. Luckly I have an older mp-240 digital that I use along with my M-A so if film actually dies or becomes cost prohibitive I can still use my leica glass. I hate to say I might trade it in for an M10p or a monochrome of some sort in the future. It would be difficult though. this camera is epic.
Hey man! I go through all those same thoughts. Luckily I shoot primarily in black and white and bulk load, develop and scan it all myself so I don’t feel it as bad on the pocket, only on my time. The M-A is beautiful. I think the patina may look better on the MP models but the M-A is my favourite looking model of the M series. I will urge you never to sell your M-A… find other ways to get an M10 monochrome, but keep your M-A forever. I constantly feel like I have a brick of gold in my hand with the Mp and that it would be easy to trade up for an M digital… but I have learned that for as long as im on UA-cam, I’ll feel a constant need to explore greener pastures. Instead im trying to practice contentedness. And the MP checks all my boxes and more, and so there is no need for anything else, only a want! Haha
@@FrankDavalos Practicing contentedness could not be more true words. I am sure like you, the M-A and MP were always halo cameras. When the M-A came out in 2014 I was like this is the one for me! It has all the things from the m4 - mp cameras that I love and nothing I didn't like. Its hard to describe a film leica M vrs. a digital M. the digital ones are made well but I have yet to pick one up that felt as good as a film M. I have shot a lot of leicas (I tend to sell and trade them to get more expensive ones) and the M-A feels to me every bit as nice as my 1960s M3. I shoot mostly black and white on my m-a. In fact its pretty cool that the m-a came with a roll of trix400. I do mostly at home development unless its a mega important roll of images. Thats a good point on bulk loading. What film stocks do you buy? I know trix400 in bulk is not much cheeper than the 36 exposure rolls. Either way I should start doing that. Yeah the patina on my m-a won't be as nice. Its a silver chrome one. I heard a rumor that leica would repaint your chrome M-A in black paint like your mp. I feel like somebody at a leica store told me that. Additionally I don't know if you know this but you can put the older leicameter Mr and Mr4 meters on the MA they work just fine. I will probably keep the M-A until you cant buy film anymore. Then Ill probably put it on a shelf and admire how awesome it is. you are 100% right I should not sell it haha. Anyways sorry for the rambling! I almost forgot to tell you! Awesome video thanks for sharing your thoughts on the MP!
Great discussion and video. Thank you.
RS. Canada
Don’t worry about justifying your camera. It’s for you no excuses. If the camera brings joy and inspires you that’s all you need. I guarantee holding and working a dream camera makes you a better photographer. It’s hard to quantify but the experience releases creativity you think more your more patient. Enjoy
Agreed my man!
So glad I picked up my M6TTL LHSA BP 10 years ago for just under $3000. At the time MP's were going for $1000 or so more which was crazy to me. While I can appreciate the MP, that big shutter dial of the M6TTL just makes it for me.
That’s insane. Ahhh the good old days. Yeah I definitely do like the shutter dial on the TTL. But overall, in my hands, I prefer everything else from the MP. Both are incredible cameras, tomatoes pot-a-toes
I just got one a couple weeks ago. Absolutely love it so far and for me it was worth the investment.
100% relate! Had a hard time justifying my MP. But I bit the bullet and gotter dun with the silver chrome from 2003. I won’t look back and it’s my forever camera too!
Nice to see another Canadian on the tube with a good sense of humour! Subbed!
Thanks for watching my friend! It truly is an amazing camera! See ya when the sun comes out and aboot eh
I think that the MP dial turns ”the wrong” way is because Leica wanted this last film camera in the tradition of the old ones. Hence not much battery stuff. In my German manual, it is mentioned that the aperture ring has to be turned in the direction of the arrows to set the correct exposure. I think they assumed that you start with a preferred shutter speed. This is fine with me, because most lenses on the camera type have a wide depth of field. This not a camera for birding, macro, sports from a distance. And if I need F2 for Bokeh, this is usually a slower process, so an intuitive mistake can quickly be corrected.
Besides, quickly adjusting a ring on the lens is much easier than fiddling with a knob at the top.
That’s actually a really great piece of information that I never considered previously. Look at me, thinking I’m smarter than Leica engineers. Thanks Robert!
Great video. I have an MP in the mail and I'm anticipating it's delivery. I am hoping that I get the same feeling from the MP as I do when I shoot my M10-P. Using that camera is an event. I don't get the same feeling shooting a Canon mirrorless or DSLR. That's what makes Leica worth it for me.
Amen brother! All these months later and I still love shooting it every single day. You’ll love it!
There are so many videos about Leica camera bodies (they are indeed works of art), but the lenses are key. A good Leica lens will produce excellent results even mounted on a humble Zorki 4 (etc). I'd love to own one of course, but where I live I'd never dare take it out in public!
Have a video or two about some lenses! Can’t remember haha
There is no justification to owning a Leica. But what would life be like without one ? Great video. Thanks, Rick….. 🇺🇸
The sandpaper skin is the best for a bp MP because the mat finish of the skin contrast perfectly with the glossy paint.
I have the M-A but I was hesitating a lot with the MP.
Yeah dude I love it. Can’t go wrong with any of em
I pulled the trigger on an MP during the first year of the pandemic. Traded my M6. The MP makes the M6 feel like it was made from spare parts. Best everyday film camera I'm lucky to own and use for my lifetime. Leica hasn't released any MP stock for almost 2 years now. And the used market is dry. Making it even more of a "grail" camera. Wondering if that rumored new film M camera is in the works. Cheers!
Exactly how I felt man! And the M6 is a great camera, so that says a lot about the MP.
I bought a silver MP new from Leica two years ago. Someone dropped off the wait list and I snatched his copy from the Leica store. Get on the wait list.
@@weisserth I don't need a 2nd MP. LOL
@@weisserth I’m on the wait list buddy
Bought a new MP from Camtec in Montreal last year, so there is definitely new stock from Leica around.
I would need to carry an exposure chart for a while without a light meter. Never had to think about anything other than A & s. Good to see you enjoy it that much. Happy shooting.
I agree...no need to justify your own passion, once you can put a roof on your head and some food on your table. I purchased a Q2...not a cheap camera, not so performing like other cameras, but it is always with me. Next step I would like this M-P...time to save up.
Been using the Q2 Monochrom for the last two weeks and I am in love my man. Good luck and I hope you get the MP.
@@FrankDavalos I had the Q2M for a month last summer before purchasing the Q2...I have to say that the Q2M is the most amazing camera I tried, at the end I chose the Q2 since I have only one camera, and from time to time I need some color on my images, even if 95% of my pictures are B/N...but I admit sometimes I regret to have not bought the Q2M.
@@matteoenricocattaneo totally understand man. It’s a very solid commitment to black and white. I have a Sony A7IV for the 5% of time I shoot colour, but the Q2M just speaks to my soul.
It's worth every penny! Especially considering people are paying almost the same price for a 20yo M6 nowadays lol
100%
I have an MP as well, I love it and I don't baby it. It is a fantastic camera.
The leica m-p (and leicas in general) is like a restomod mustang: expensive, not as good as a lexus but way more fun, enjoy😊
Really nice video! You put into words what I feel about the black paint MP. Thanks.
It’s just lovely to know I’m not the only one! 🤍
:-) Also, cool dual range!
@@michaelwalsh6913 favourite lens ever!
I went through exactly the same justification conversation with myself before purchasing the MP! I love the part , '...leaving it for my children....;. I wonder if women have the same thinking process, lol!
Hahaha! Ask my wife who is about 2 cameras away from filing for a divorce!
Every purchase of a newly manufactured 35mm camera will keep film alive - that does not need justification - I am proud of you :D
Amen!
I bought one this afternoon. It is expensive but I think it worths every euro cent. Leica will introduce a new film camera in October(?). Will Leica replace the MA and MP? I am happy I got one in time.
It’s rumoured to just replace the MP.
nice man! I also bought this few weeks ago and i feel like i am in the middle of the dream :)
Same here man… and here I am almost five months later, and I still feel exactly the same way every time I pick it up!
Nothing to justify.... i did... it's a lovely machine.. just use it and enjoy it!
Well justified !! Congratulations on your new acquisition.
Thank you brother, stumbled upon your vids during my search. Bonjour from Saskatchewan. Next time I'm in Montreal we can swordfight with our MPs. Cheers my friend!
@@FrankDavalos Ahh yes it's a deal !! Hope your enjoing your MP. Cheers brotha!!
MA is not the mechanical version of MP. Both are mechanical. The difference is that the MP has an exposure meter and the MA does not. That is, the batteries in the MP are only used to power the exposure meter.
With Leica model versions…, I used to say ‘it’s the little things that matter.’ Or, at least help justify this or that camera ;-) Any M-series is great, and for most of us as non-professionals, enjoyment of using the camera is important, and helps motivation getting out and using it. The MP is a great camera. A nice finder, a meter, and general feature set, and design that is classic. What’s not to like? Well, maybe the price, but if you can afford one, why not?
Amen! And years later I still adore my MP and it’s my favourite camera to use
Nice. You just made me appreciate more my two Nikon F2 bodies and their suite of F glass.
I loveeeee my Nikon F3 that's for sure... that was the camera that started it all for me. Always have wanted to try the F2 as I love mechanical cameras and I've heard that one is simply one of the best!
Just got the one I was looking for: the M7. Perfect pairing to my m240.
No need to justify. If you want something you have every right to own it. Unless you’re not feeding your kids to buy it, lol
MP: Mechanical Perfection. By far best looking camera and best film camera on the planet. Bought it a few years back used and it has doubled in value. Doesn’t matter I’ll never sell. Oh and my grandkids? Can come grave rob me for it, it’s staying with me.
Hahaha love it
@@FrankDavalos Love it or list it baby
Very cool. I hope to get one someday.
You will man, put it out there!
No way! Sell it! Haha, I haven't used my film camera since the 90s, so I'm not going back. When film and processing were cheap, it made sense.
One man’s junk is another one’s treasure
For me it makes no sense to switch an M6 TTL for an MP or MA.
The larger shutter dial, lightmeter and matte black paint are there and it's relatively easy to find one in good used condition for a better price.
It’s a great camera that’s for sure!
Great video, I love finding more and more Canadian Leica fans. You just need to make more videos. :)
Agreed my man. I want to make more but for me, I don’t like talking about things unless I have a wholistic opinion of it. I’ll never be the type of guy who makes a video about something I’ve had in my hands for a week. I’m not a UA-camr really, haha.
Appreciate your comment though man, and stay tuned. I got a Q2M video and some lenses I’ll be making videos about very soon. Thanks again brother!
Regarding quality of the Leica MP - Jaw dropping yes, panty dropping no!. Good Honesty review. Thanks.
Well said. I love my MP and M-A equally. The sand paper grip is known as shark skin btw :)
Hahaha yeah I saw sharkskin comments on the interweb but for some reason I thought the sharkskin was different. Thanks for clarifying for me!
A leica MP is the equivalent of a luxury mechanical watch. Sure it can shoot/tell time but really it's for display and just a beautiful mechanical fully functional object. I had one for 3 years, loved it, then it seemed too heavy an equipment for what it does. Ended up selling it at a profit and got me an Olympus om-4 Ti, the most compact SLR you can get, titanium, so feels very premium and a bit lighter, 10 times cheaper and does the job. And it looks really pretty too. Sure it needs batteries....but anyway. It is a beautiful camera (the MP) and worth experiencing, once the experience/novelty wears off you can always sell it and get your money back if not more as these are no longer produced and move on to the next experience. Enjoy it.
I think the novelty has already worn off but I still have no desire to ever sell this camera unless my financial situation drastically calls for it. But I’ve already committed to it, and I don’t even treat it like an egg anymore! Hahaha
Hey Frank, Great presentation. It came from your heart. I am a digital Leica guy looking to explore the Analog camera world. I was wondering if you could you answer a couple of questions. Is it possible to have RAW/DNG scans from negatives? Do any labs create the DNG scans? How do Leica Film Camera people like you cope with this? DO you just postprocess the JPEG in Lightroom like any DNG image from a Digital Leica?
Hello! Most labs that process film also offer scanning as well (it can get expensive if you plan to shoot a lot of film), or you can learn how to scan yourself. I scan my negatives with my mirrorless camera and a macro lens and process the images in Negative Lab Pro and Lightroom. I hope that helps! Always happy to answer any questions
@@FrankDavalos When you scan your negatives, do you scan them them as DNG? Also, is there a tutorial somewhere about this Negative Lab pro and Lightroom workflow?
@planttheseed2129 search in UA-cam “how to scan with negative lab pro” and you’ll find a ton of videos! And yes I use ARW raw file format as I shoot Sony but DNG works great too!
The film ones may be a different story, but man, the digital M cameras spend more time in the shop than they do out in the field. Three M digital cameras in a row and each of them all had to have issues addressed. Gorgeous and sexy cameras that offer a fantastic experience when they work, but for myself way too finicky :(
I’ve had multiple digital M’s and have never had to take one in. I’ve heard the M11 suffer a bit from quality control. The film ones are definitely the best though!
@@FrankDavalos I’m honestly glad to hear your story isn’t the same as mine. I really love the cameras and would love to get one that’s actually proper working, reliable, etc. Guess I just had a bad draw on the cards with the ones in the past. Any good suggestions where I could look for a solid m240/240p?
@@Deetroiter there’s always a risk when buying used gear, so definitely buyer beware. Fred Miranda is good, there are some FB private groups that are good too!
@@FrankDavalos I appreciate that advice, thank you!
A light meter does not "tie you down". It provides information that can choose to use if you want to.
You’re right!
you convinced me when you said how beautiful it is :-)
Actually, Leica still services the M6, including the light meter. I have one. My M6 was serviced in January.
Yes they service the camera, but it is my understanding that if the light meter breaks, Leica is not fixing M6 light meters.
@@FrankDavalos that’s what I heard
Your light meter was broken and they fixed it?
@@FrankDavalos i had a CLA done. The meter was off. It turned out that it needed a photo cell. My M6 was an early model. 1986.
Mp rocks! Congrats!
Great video dude! I like how you talked about stuff that other people who make camera reviews and comparisons don't even consider. You're a lot like me in that you enjoy the old mechanical, built-to-last designs. I use a Canon P and I LOVE IT! It's such a tank and I love the fully mechanical nature of it. I like that it doesn't have a light meter and all the frame line options are in the viewfinder which to some is crowded, but for me I like that I can see what a frame looks like through different lenses at one glance.
Appreciate that man. Coming from the M2, there’s just something beautiful about a clean viewfinder… you can always use the lever to see the different focal lengths. But it’s not a major gripe I have, the viewfinder in the MP is great for focusing especially when shooting in the sun, which is damn near impossible to do on an M2 unless you get the upgraded viewfinder. Appreciate your comment man!
Justification accepted. You may keep your MP. ;)
There is no mechanical version of the MP. The MP already is a purely mechanical camera. You don't need the battery to operate it, the meter is optional. The MA is identical to the MP in every sense except the optional meter.
BTW, do yourself a favor and buy the MP brand new from Leica. It's the same price or even cheaper than buying used. And more importantly you get THREE YEARS OF WARRANTY from Leica when buying used.
BTW, best viewfinder magnification for 50mm is on the M3. No other M has such a great viewfinder for 50mm, also the rangefinder base length is the longest on the M3.
The MP is a fully mechanical camera in operation yea… but the light meter makes it less mechanical than the M-A. But you’re right, I forgot to mention the light meter is independent of the camera! Thanks for your comment. There’s nowhere to buy it new in Canada unfortunately. Nor online. At least at the moment I was purchasing it.
Looking to get a Leica MP. However I understand that you need to store the cameras in a certain temp? Do you know if this is bs?
I mean… you probably don’t want to store it in the freezer. I’ve kept mine in room temperature and it’s perfect.
I have a Leica M3 and M5 and went through the same thing, having two cameras with lenses and CLA’s at a total of 4,000.00. I gave up on justifying. A Leica is a good machine and will last a long time! Get out and shoot that sexy camera! I also went through justifying my Hasselblads and 4 lens kit of over 5k! Why justify just shoot photos. These are lifetime cameras!
You don't have to justify anything to anyone, especially how you spend your money. Buying a Leica MP is one of, if the best, camera purchase you can make.
Thanks, unfortunately this video inspires me to justify one for myself too...
Hahahaa do it man!
You're right... the M2 and M3 were used a lot by photographers during Vietnam war... i.e. Horst Faas, Henry Huet, Larry Borrows, Dickey Chapelle and many more... Used in mud, dirth, rain and aleays under extreme humid conditions!!!! None asked then for "weather sealing" 😂😂😂😂
Besides: I own a M2, M6, M8.2, M240 and a SL.
I miss my M2 dearly!
@@FrankDavalos Try to get a good used one from a Leica dealer or online. But online CLA must be done with papers... Good luck!
dreaming about MP in 2024 it's $6k so I can justify for myself like an investment 😂
You should get the M11.
To be honest, I haven’t found myself terribly interested in digital Leica’s… I’m sure it’s amazing, I’m just not sure I want to drop $12,000 CAD on it. I’d probably go for the MD 262 or the M10-D if anything
@@FrankDavalos why do you prefer film?
@@gurugamer8632 so many reasons. The true to life look, the grain, the imperfections, the actual making a photo from start to finish, less interested in resolution and more interest in composition, the Colors or lack there of.
I wanted an MP so I got one 😂
Wait, Leica doesn't service an M6!? That can't be right. Hasselblad still services my Hasselblad H1 and that thing is an old electronic fart, that produces beautiful images.
The service isn’t a guarantee… especially for the TTL model. As far as I know, If the circuit board goes on the TTL version, you are out of luck. If the light meter problem is not related to the circuit board but the shutter dial, then I think it can be repaired. With the M6 classic, you can use the circuit board from the MP, and I am pretty certain it is more likely to be repaired than the TTL version. At any rate, my point is that if anything happens to my MP, I know for sure it can be repaired by Leica, but unfortunately there are no guarantees with the M6 models.
If you want it buy it. You already convenience me.
Does the MP have TTL? 😂
OK 1 year later, how do you feel now?
He sold it
I’ve sold it, and for the past two months have been hunting for another MP that’s exactly like this one. So hopefully that helps!
@@FrankDavalos I'm waiting for the update video 😊
@@pshelnh I have it again 🕺 and she’s oh so lovely! There will be a video coming soon!
I fucking love my MP and my M11. Everything else is getting sold byeeee.
I didn’t like the M11 haha. Sold it for the M10-D and I’m a happy guy!
At first I thought it’s Adam Sandler😂
Haha! I’ve heard it before!
@@FrankDavalos even the voice, I’m not kidding
@@wanderlostNW I get Steve-o and Nick Swardson too lolol
There is absolutely no justification in buying Leicas but for self indulgence. I should know, M2, M3, M6TTL and M240.
I disagree! My investments in Leica have only ever appreciated. Can’t say the same about my stocks, nor my real estate investments!
Your investment? No photographer that I ever knew bought a rangefinder because of ' investment '. Did Hass, Leiter or Bresson used Leicas becaus e of investment? Their investment was their photography , This says it all why the state of photography nowadays is so poor. You want investment, buy diamonds or gold, not a rangefinder. I have heard it all now.@@FrankDavalos
No need, man needs his toy.
if the difference in image quality between Leica and other top end brands is insignificant, why do photographer still want to buy Leica.
Who said it’s insignificant? Leica glass is very significant. And if you’ve used a Leica before, you wouldn’t need to ask that question because you’d just know.
If a car is a car, why do people buy Lamborghinis?
Actually called sharkskin.
That’s what some people call it yes
4:04 I'm going to report this video lol jk.
Awesome video man. I haven't even touched a Leica, much less owned one but hopefully one day.
I was in your shoes for more than a decade my friend. If you want something bad enough, the universe will find a way! Thanks for watching
There can be no justification for anyone in this day and age buying a Leica MP, with it’s pathetic top shutter-speed of 1/1,000 second; unless you want to display it on your mantle-piece, as it is about as practical as a teapot made out of 0.1mm thin chocolate.
Sending you hugs
If it's your money the only want you need to justify is your wife and in my experience you need to do it with a 5000 dollars leica or with a 100 dollars Canon f1 so fuck it, just enjoy
Muy buena consejos hermano
It’s your money. Relax. No one really cares. If the justification is for yourself, okay keep going. If it’s for someone else then stop.
Almost nobody keeps a camera forever. If you are willing to spend that kind of money you won't be able to resist some other temptation and you won't keep both.
Challenge accepted!
I can't stand the voice fry, sorry bro
Do you have a Rolex watch as well.
Leica and Rolex both good investments.
Real photographers use a Mamiya 6x7 or a Pentax 6x7 not 35mm toys.
I use a 4x5 large for my portrait work.
Real photographers? Some of the great photographers in history worked with 35mm, and that’s not even up for debate, it’s a fact. I love my RB67, but not as much as my MP. Thanks for your comment!
@@FrankDavalos that's history.
@@FrankDavalos love is blind so enjoy
THIS was all about cosmetics, colr, texture. not once did you refer to optics, results, quality of the pictures take. This is as absurd as buying a $3m plane because you Iike the color. And chucking it because the wrong paint. Thats madness. The Sony A7Riv walks all over this overpriced box. You pay $6-9,000 for pretty paint???? The Sony glass is better, the focusing brilliant, the video world class, resolution up to 240 mpx, the results gorgeous. And you can buy 2 plus glass for the price of this box.
That is simply incredibly stupid. Like buying a 25,000 Rolex to tell time, or 200,000 Porsche to get from point a to b. Your ego has reached the pinnacle of no sense. Bragging rights to stroke your ego even more.
I'll pass
Haha! I definitely love my A7V and all the Sony cameras I’ve had previously. I didn’t mention optics because I’m not talking about lenses in this video. In 35mm film photography, the image quality has nothing to do with your camera body. But thank you for your comment, I wish I could give you a hug or something… you sound so angry!
@@FrankDavalos I'll take the hug. not angry, just incredulous that gas over rules common sense. I'm partially guilty.!!! I owned a Contax RTS3 with 6 CZ lenses. Still, plus an AX. Best camera system ever. 20,000 slides. Sheer pleasure. Indeed, if they still made slides, I would use it. These camera force you to work at photography and create art. Digital is brilliant but almost too easy and the effort is reduced, there is no cost to errors, people become sloppy. But outcast slide effort into digital, then it could be a game changer.
But to spend 9,000 on a box, not gonna happen. The Contax does more and is 1/4 the cost. And is world class to boot. of course so was Canon Pentax Nikon....
@@qwiklok has nothing to do with GAS. If anything, buying a Sony A7IV and lenses is more GAS than this camera. There’s so much more to appreciate about the MP than it’s ability to take pictures, it’s value only appreciates. You’ve just got the wrong idea. It also should not be your prerogative to tell anyone how to spend their own money, nor it is necessary to cast judgement on what people spend their money on.
@@FrankDavalos Peopke can spend money anyway they want of course, but ny opinion is that spending money on a Leica is foolishness, egocentric and wasteful. Sure you will get your money back, so what. The Sony A7R4 is way ahead in performance, usefulness, focusing, features, and the final print is world class. A Leica cannot compare ans to spend wasteful money is foolish. The Sony gives triple the features, the Leica is double the price for 1/3 the features.
I talked with a prominent sports, paper and commercial photographer 2 weeks ago, has used every camera made. He uses Sony exclusively now, A1 I think and swears by it. I asked his opinion on the Leica. He said overpriced, over rated no advantage in any department. Full stop. These guys earn their livelihoods on gear If it was that good, he would be using it. Nope. The Sony system, any camera, would take it on. He mentioned the Sony FX3 as the comparable choice that walks all over Leica.
These guys know what they are talking about. I am not a singlr voice, but speak for a vast majority.
Sound your money anyway you want. No one is stopping you. it just dies not make cents.
@@qwiklok you’re going to love my upcoming thoughts on the Q2 Monochrom. Make sure you subscribe! 😏