Two obvious physical differences between the MP and the M6TTL are the shutter speed dial and rewind knob. The former reverts to its pre- TTL M6 size and location, and also rotates in the same direction as prior M bodies, which is the opposite of its direction on the M6 TTL. I don't see this as an ergonomic improvement. It won't be a problem for most experienced users, and many, like myself, will probably prefer it because it serves old habits. The change was made to keep the camera as small and reliable as possible.
An added gear moved the TTL's dial forward and reversed its rotational direction, but this added 2.5mm to the body's overall height and required extra parts. Removing the gear allowed the reduction in body size and should improve reliability. A small detail, but in such a highly evolved design small details are all that are left to address.
I believe the film rewind knob is the most controversial change and will receive a mixed response. Though it looks cool-in a retro way- it makes rewinding a bigger chore. According to Stefan Daniels of Leica, Germany, reliability, not looks, drove the change. A hard bump can damage the angled rewind knob of the M6 and M7, making it impossible to rewind. Mr. Daniels said he regularly had to address this problem with hard working-press photographers. I was glad to see that the resistance built into the knob prevents the tension on the film from spinning it backwards, causing it to "lose ground" every time fingers are repositioned. Slow rewind time and the knurling left me with sore fingers. Leica's accessory crank was a smart idea: it can be left attached to the knob and makes it possible to match the rewind speed of the crank-equipped M6. Though I didn't have access to one, so I can't report on its performance directly, I consider it a necessity rather than an "accessory."
The Leicavit, a mechanical winder that replaces the standard removable bottom, was included with the loaned MP. It worked flawlessly and perfectly matches the camera's cosmetic finish. Pulling the lever that extends below the camera sideways allows for fast film advancement. Normally, I tend to move the camera away from my face slightly in order to advance the film with the thumb lever. The Leicavit makes it very easy to do so without removing your eye from the viewfinder, partly because it works with the left hand. Because the standard lever remains functional, and the Leicavit integrates so well with the camera, I sometimes forgot it was attached!
Unless you shoot rapidly, you may not find the Leicavit useful, but if you want to keep your eye on the viewfinder this "all mechanical" option is the way to go. Also, if you view with your left eye, you may find this to be the best accessory ever made since it eliminates the risk of hitting your right eye with the standard rewind crank.
I loved every shot I took with the MP-with or without the Leicavit. Considering that I use M cameras almost exclusively, I thought I would quickly forget that I was using a different body, but to my surprise, the MP's feel and sound were sufficiently different for me to always be aware of it. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the difference!
The detail refinement and emphasis on durability through design and build quality, make this the best Leica M body I have ever experienced. Perhaps it is worthy of being the last of the line, but I can't write that without a bit of sadness. If it truly is the final statement, I can only hope that it stays in production for many years to come. I also hope Leica eventually produces a digital body capable of utilizing M series lenses so their development can continue.
- The End -
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MP Rangefinder Specifications:
- Camera Type: Compact 35 mm rangefinder system camera with mechanically controlled shutter.
- Lens mount: Leica M bayonet
- Viewfinder: Large, bright-line viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt available. Bright split-image and double-image rangefinder area in center of viewfinder image.
- Metering: TTL metering from approx. 13% of the total film area. LED metering indicator in viewfinder.
- Exposure: Manual
- Flash: Hot shoe with single, center contact and PC synch. Flash synch 1/50 second. Flash metering: manual or through flash.
- Shutter: Mechanically controlled, 1 - 1/1000 second in whole steps with B for long exposures.
- Body: All-metal body with brass top base plates. Available in silver or in black lacquer finish.
- Batteries: Only necessary for metering and display - 2 silver oxide cells, type PX 76/SR 44 or 1 lithium cell, type DL 1/3 N
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