Show Stoppers!

LEICA MP RIDES AGAIN!
In a classic back-to-the-future move, Leica has brought forth an updated version of one of the most admired and collectible of M-series rangefinder Leicas, the MP, a model associated with such legendary photojournalists as the late Alfred Eisenstaedt and still-active octogenarian David Douglas Duncan. Produced from 1956 to 1957, the original MP was a rugged, spartan version of the M3, with an external, manually set frame-counter wheel below the film-wind axis, and no self-timer. The new MP, which has the all-metal film-wind lever, black lacquer (or satin chrome) finish, and traditional rewind knob of its illustrious predecessors, is based on the match-diode-metering M6, but numerous cosmetic touches and internal upgrades justify its classic monicker.

Something old, something new
Functionally, the new Leica MP is very similar to the M6, with an all-mechanical, horizontal-travel, cloth focal-plane shutter, speeds from 1-1/1000 sec plus B, X-sync at 1/50 sec, through-lens, match-diode metering with readouts in the finder, and auto-indexing, parallax-compensated, previewable, projected finder framelines for 28-, 35-, 50-, 75-, 90-, and 135mm lenses. In the tradition of older Leica Ms, the shutter-speed dial turns clockwise to set higher speeds. The rewind-selector and frameline-preview levers, as well as the lens-release-button surround, are all metal. The PVC covering is finer textured than the imitation leather found on most Ms, and, according to Leica, "emphasizes the camera's clean lines," as well as improving grippability.

Internally, the new MP has an upgraded range-viewfinder with brighter, more contrasty framelines and secondary focusing image, improved control of stray light, and better clearance provided by a redesigned top plate. The shutter mechanism is mounted on a new bronze-alloy frame for better stability, and has improved springs for enhanced durability and more uniform shutter-curtain travel. Under the classic M3-style wind lever is a reconfigured transport mechanism with new gears claimed to provide smoother film transport and more precise spacing. New, smaller metering circuitry is designed to improve the exposure meter's linearity at all apertures, and a new voltage regulator and flash processor are said to enhance metering and flash performance, especially as battery voltage decreases. There's also a new, two-stage, low-battery-warning indicator visible in the camera's viewfinder.

Belt-drive-trigger
With the new MP body (approx. street price: $2,700), Leica has also introduced a pair of new lenses and an updated version of a classic accessory. The new Leicavit trigger winder, which mounts on the MP in place of the removable baseplate, operates even more smoothly than its predecessors because it uses a belt drive in place of gears. It also has a more convenient, center-mounted tripod socket, and comes in black or chrome at a street price of about $900. Lenses are black-enamel-finished versions of the 35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M Aspherical (street price: $1,800) and the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M (street price: $2,000) to complement the black-finished MP.

To say that the new Leica MP is a handsome, beautifully finished classic is an understatement. It is flat-out gorgeous, and the upgraded range-viewfinder is the best yet.