A vintage black Leica MP film camera with a 50mm lens, showing wear and tear on its surface.

Leica MP of 1956

The Leica MP was introduced in 1956²⁵andwas based on the Leica M3 and was fitted with the Leicavit rapid winder³⁶⁰. The development of the original Leica MP was facilitated by Ludwig Leitz, David Douglas Duncan and Alfred Eisenstaedt²⁵.

Events Leading up to the Introduction of Original Leica MP and What Came After

The chronological order of this section and further research on this camera was inspired by Mr. Lars Netopil's "The Development of the Original Leica MP" presentation at the Leica Society International Conference & Annual Meeting on October 24, 2025.

April - August 1954

Leica M3 was introduced at the Photokina Internationale Photo- und Kino-Ausstellung 1954⁵¹⁴. Alfred Eisenstaedt, one of the leading photographers for Life magazine, had a great relationship with Leitz⁵¹⁴. This enabled him to be among those who were loaned a Leica M3 just months after Photokina Internationale Photo- und Kino-Ausstellung 1954 for the purpose of field testing and appraisal⁵¹⁴.

In a letter dated August 1954 to Alfred Boch, the managing director of Ernst Leitz in New York, Alfred Eisenstaedt expressed his admiration for the Leica M3 camera⁵¹⁴. However, he raised a concern about the film advance lever, suggesting the possibility of reinstating the thumb wheel that he had been very satisfied with on his Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf cameras⁵¹⁴. Alfred Eisenstaedt made another suggestion regarding the Leica M3 camera by pointing out that it needed a Leicavit rapid winder, just like Leica IIIf⁵¹⁴.

Alfred Boch promptly communicated this remark to the Head Office in Wetzlar, emphasizing that Alfred Eisenstaedt was "one of our most important customers."⁵¹⁴ He mentioned that Alfred Eisenstaedt had been asked why he continued to use the Leica IIIf instead of upgrading to the Leica M3⁵¹⁴.

While the atmosphere was celebratory after the successful launch of the Leica M3 at Photokina 1954, concerns began to arise for Ludwig Leitz, the head of the construction and development department at the time⁵¹⁴. Written on Alfred Boch's letter was a note from Ludwig Leitz expressing his regret that the coupling piece from the Leica IIIf had been omitted from the Leica M3⁵¹⁴. This piece would have accommodated "individual accessory requirements" such as the Leicavit⁵¹⁴.

September 1954

In September 1954, Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein, the principal designer behind Leica M3, informed the export department that combining the Leica M3 with the Leicavit was "not possible."⁵¹⁴

February 1955

Mr. Lars Netopil stated that the earliest written record of the development of Leicavit for the Leica M3 dated back to February 1955⁴⁴⁰. This record was a letter that was from Alfred Boch addressed to Ludwig Leitz⁴⁴⁰. In this letter, Alfred Boch suggested that the Head Office might not fully understand the significance of Alfred Eisenstaedt as a customer to the brand's profile⁵¹⁴. He provided a detailed list of all the aspects of the Leica M3 that did not meet Alfred Eisenstaedt's expectations⁵¹⁴. One major issue was the film advance lever, which was a significant inconvenience when he held the camera at eye level, as it hindered his ability to stay focused on the subject without interrupting his shot readiness⁵¹⁴. Additionally, the lever was cumbersome when shooting from the hip while moving through crowds, which was a crucial aspect of Alfred Eisenstaedt's working style⁵¹⁴.

Documents show that following the receipt of this letter, the debate in Wetzlar intensified⁵¹⁴. One reason for this was the intense competition among various construction teams⁵¹⁴. The lead engineer for the department, Adam Wagner, was known for his previous accomplishments, including the introduction of flash synchronization to the Leica IIIc and the development of the Leicavit⁵¹⁴. However, Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein was confident that by creating the film advance lever of Leica M3, he had found a modern and practical solution to ensure quick readiness for shooting⁵¹⁴.

March 1955

Ludwig Leitz decided to involve a third person, Willi Wiehsner, in the modification process⁵¹⁴. Willi Wiehsner was asked to work on cameras M3-0011* and M3-0018*, the first prototypes of the original Leica MP, in March 1955⁵¹⁴. Mr. Lars Netopil mentioned that cameras M3-0011* and M3-0018* were the first two internal factory samples designed to enable the technical coupling of the Leicavit with the Leica M camera⁴⁴⁰. It should be noted that these were not prototypes of the Leica M3⁴⁴⁰. Instead, these cameras simply utilized the serial numbering system of the Leica M3 prototypes⁴⁴⁰. The M3-0011* (which was part of a collection in Asia in 2015⁵¹⁴) and M3-0018* (which belonged to a Japanese collector in 2025⁴⁴⁰) featured an external frame counter that did not reset automatically⁴⁴⁰. This design was derived from the prototype Leica M3 and was implemented to avoid a mechanism that interfered with the possibility of extending the spool axle for connection to the Leicavit⁴⁴⁰.

In 1995, the M3-0018* was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. The illustrated outfit featured a Leitz 5cm f/1.5 Summarit lens number 1418627 attached⁵⁶⁹. The illustrated camera had the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, doesn't reset automatically similar to that of M3 prototypes; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

August 1955

Two additional Leicavit-compatible cameras⁵¹⁴, prototypes of the original Leica MP⁴¹⁷, namely chrome⁴⁴⁰ Leica M3-1052* ⁴¹⁷ and black⁴⁴⁰ Leica M3-1053* ⁴¹⁷, were recorded leaving the factory in August 1955, destined to be shipped to Alfred Eisenstaedt⁵¹⁴. Alfred Eisenstaedt, however, was not the sole recipient of this shipment⁵¹⁴. A letter from October 1955 written by Alfred Boch demonstrated that while one camera (author's note: Leica M3-1052*) was sent to Alfred Eisenstaedt, the other one (author's note: Leica M3-1053*) went to his friend and fellow Life photographer, David Douglas Duncan⁵¹⁴.

Popular Photography magazine article from July of 1956 confirmed that the first camera (author's note: Leica M3-1052*) in this special series was a chrome version made for Eisenstaedt, who primarily captured most of his images in vertical format⁵²⁷. The article did not mention touch upon the engraving of this first camera. The article also confirmed that there was another, "second"⁵²⁷ camera, Leica M3E-1, delivered to Alfred Eisenstaedt at a later date⁵²⁷ (October of 1955).

In 1995, the M3-1052* was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. The outfit also featured a prototype Leitz Elmar f=5cm 1:3,5 lens in M-mount⁵⁶⁹. The illustrated camera had the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" engraving in the middle; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

The photograph of the M3-1053* appeared on page 183 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. Another photograph appeared in the Viewfinder magazine Volume 55, Number 3. According to James L. Lager's note, "There it was on the workbench. An absolutely battered black M3 with unusual engraving M3-1053*...Years later I realized this was a prototype MP prepared for evaluation by prominent photojournalists". In 1995, the camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. There, the illustration was captioned as "It is said to have been used by D.D.Duncan"⁵⁶⁹. The illustrated camera had the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; black shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

October 1955

In a letter from October 1955, Alfred Boch explained that while one camera was sent to Alfred Eisenstaedt in August 1955, the other went to his friend and fellow Life photographer, David Douglas Duncan in the same shipment⁵¹⁴. "We made him extremely happy" Alfred Boch wrote⁵¹⁴.

By October 1955, Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein was fully involved in the project, as noted in the Delivery Book entry: "Nr 1083, 31.10.55, with rapid winder, Stein."⁵¹⁴.The said "1083" was the Leica M3-1083* MP Prototype that was assumed to be Stein's personal test camera⁴¹⁷. It was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book. In 1985, in his "LEICA MP Nullserie" article, published on pages 80 and 81 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA", Camille Heimfert extensively described and illustrated this camera⁵⁹⁵. According to him, "a handful" of Leica MP Nullserie ("0-series") cameras were made, with most of them having M3-10XX* serial numbers⁵⁹⁵.

Another photograph of the Leica M3-1083* MP Prototype appeared on page 183 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Leitz Wetzlar photo"⁵⁴⁰.

The Leica M3-1083* MP Prototype was auctioned off in 2005⁴¹⁷. The camera had the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape. The lot featured the following photograph of Leica M3-1083*⁴¹⁷:

November 1955

In November 1955, while returning from Afghanistan, David Douglas Duncan stopped in Wetzlar, where an agreement was reached with Ludwig Leitz and Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein⁵¹⁴. David Douglas Duncan would receive four modified Leica M3 cameras equipped with fast winders⁵¹⁴. These cameras were engraved M3D-1, M3D-2, M3D-3 and M3D-4 and featured an all-black finish, except for the control elements⁵¹⁴that were chrome finished. "D" in the serial number represented "Duncan"⁵⁶,⁹³,²⁹⁹. The self-timer was to be omitted⁵¹⁴. This decision was made not only because David Douglas Duncan rarely used the feature but also due to his concern that it could interfere with the operation of the Leicavit⁵¹⁴.

It was further agreed that, considering the anticipated demand, around 100 units of the Leicavit-M3—now known as the "reporter’s camera"—would be manufactured under the name MP (for "professional"), with serial numbers ranging from 5 to 100⁵¹⁴. This would not end up happening in reality.

Wilhelm ("Willi") Stein noted in a letter from November 1955, "All points have been discussed with Mr. Duncan."⁵¹⁴

As promised by Dr. Leitz, "the special M-3" (the M3D-1 ⁵¹⁴) was created for David Douglas Duncan and delivered to him the following month⁵²⁷. This camera lacked self-timer⁵¹⁴ and front frame preview lever⁵⁶,⁹³,²⁹⁹. According to David Douglas Duncan, he bought this camera for $375 in Wetzlar in 1955⁵³⁶ and "Ludwig Leitz, of Ernst Leitz, at Wetzlar, made my double-winder Leica M3Ds, which I still consider the best field camera in the world and the camera I would use again, were I to return to places like Viet-Nam..two Leica M3Ds fitted with 28mm and 50mm Nikons are impossible to beat...And I still have my Leica M3Ds..."⁵⁴⁷. Later, (sometime before January of 2001 (according to Sal DiMarco's note)) David Douglas Duncan gave this camera to his personal archive at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas⁵³⁶. The camera was illustrated in Viewfinder, Volume 35, Issue 2, 2002. The illustrated camera had the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

The other cameras were delivered to David Douglas Duncan were: Leica M3D-2, Leica M3D-3, and Leica M3D-4.

Leica M3D-2 was manufactured in 1955 at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar²⁹⁹. According to David Douglas Duncan, he bought this camera for $375 in Wetzlar in 1955⁵³⁶ and "Ludwig Leitz, of Ernst Leitz, at Wetzlar, made my double-winder Leica M3Ds, which I still consider the best field camera in the world and the camera I would use again, were I to return to places like Viet-Nam..two Leica M3Ds fitted with 28mm and 50mm Nikons are impossible to beat...And I still have my Leica M3Ds..."⁵⁴⁷. The camera was used by David Douglas Duncan for his coverage of the Vietnam War, particularly in Con Thien in 1967 and Khe Sanh in 1968, and to capture images of Pablo Picasso²⁹⁹. The camera remained in David Douglas Duncan's possession until 2007⁴⁰². In 2007, he sold it to "a former Marine for about $80,000", who in turn sold it to WestLicht Auction house⁵³⁵. Later in 2012, the camera was auctioned off from that house as the "Famous forerunner of all MP cameras...black paint camera...with black Leicavit (engraved 'Leicavit' without 'MP') and black paint Summilux 1.4/50mm no.2028874 with special focusing lever... The camera is complete with special crank on rewind knob and Duncan's original strap..."⁴⁰². The individual who purchased the camera off the auction was a "very prominent Chinese man living in Hong Kong named Douglas"⁵³⁵. In November of 2024, the Leica M3D-2 was on display on the occasion 10th anniversary of F11 Foto Museum in Hong Kong. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-3 was manufactured in 1955 at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar²⁹⁹. According to David Douglas Duncan, he bought this camera for $375 in Wetzlar in 1955⁵³⁶ and "Ludwig Leitz, of Ernst Leitz, at Wetzlar, made my double-winder Leica M3Ds, which I still consider the best field camera in the world and the camera I would use again, were I to return to places like Viet-Nam..two Leica M3Ds fitted with 28mm and 50mm Nikons are impossible to beat...And I still have my Leica M3Ds..."⁵⁴⁷. In January of 2001, the camera was still in David Douglas Duncan's possession, according to Sal DiMarco's note. This camera was illustrated in the February 2014 issue of GQ Taiwan. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. In April of 2016, the camera was in the possession of "fellows from Leica in Wetzlar" who David sold the camera to sometime before that time⁵³⁵. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-4's brief history:

1955: manufactured at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar²⁹⁹. According to David Douglas Duncan, he bought this camera for $375 in Wetzlar in the same year⁵³⁶ and "Ludwig Leitz, of Ernst Leitz, at Wetzlar, made my double-winder Leica M3Ds, which I still consider the best field camera in the world and the camera I would use again, were I to return to places like Viet-Nam..two Leica M3Ds fitted with 28mm and 50mm Nikons are impossible to beat...And I still have my Leica M3Ds..."⁵⁴⁷.
1967: During an assignment in Vietnam, David Douglas Duncan drops the camera into water. In Naoki Kōdachi's words: "This camera, which was dropped into the sea while reporting during the War and subsequently rendered inoperable, was repaired by Leitz, during which most of its parts were replaced (as it had been submerged in seawater). It is, in a sense, a "wounded veteran" camera..."⁵⁷⁸. The place where Duncan dropped the camera was noted down in the "A War Without Heroes" book, given to Jun Miki⁵⁷⁸.
1978: A photograph of this camera, credited to (Sal) "DiMarco photo", appeared on page 185 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photo was likely taken at Photokina 1978, judging by the article published on page 3, Viewfinder magazine Volume 56, Number 3, in which Bill Rosauer wrote "Jim Lager recalls Sal DiMarco’s encounter with legendary Leica photographer David Douglas Duncan at Photokina 1978. Duncan had his unique M3D-4 with him, and Sal asked Duncan if he could make some photographs of it for Jim Lager".
November 28, 1980⁵⁷⁸: In April 2016, David Douglas Duncan recounted: "Number 4 I gave to Jun Miki up on the stage at a press event in Tokyo in a convention-type hall in front of the grand central station in Tokyo. I said, “Miki, here’s a present for you in memory of all our time together.” He opened it like a prizefighter and said, “It’s Dave’s Leica!” The whole place burst into applause. It was a Leica in a Nikon box..."⁵³⁶. A handwritten message card attached to the gift read "This M3D has been with me to Vietnam, the Kremlin, and Picasso's studio. Dave."⁵⁷⁸.
1992: In April 2016, David Douglas Duncan recounted: "...When Miki passed away I told his son, Hiromitsu, that he should sell the camera to take care of his mother, who was quite ill. “No, you gave it to my father.” I said, “No, sell it.” It was sold in Bangkok and is still there."⁵³⁶.
In October of 2001, this camera was extensively photographed by Naoki Kōdachi (神立尚紀) for his 2004 book titled "撮るライカ: アンチライカマニアのライカ讃歌" ("Take a Picture of Leica: Anti-Leica Mania's Leica Hymn")⁵⁷⁸. In the photographs, the camera had:
- black body finish
- chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter
- chrome shutter release screw ring
- chrome shutter release button
- black winding lever
- black accessory clip
- chrome cold shoe pressure plate
- no frame line selector lever
- "Leicavit" engraving on the left
- no self-timer
- chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
- chrome lens lock release button
- chrome strap eyelets of round shape
- 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux lens number 2178784 attached to it⁵⁷⁸. The lens had a custom made focusing lever⁵⁷⁸.
In 2004, Naoki Kōdachi (神立尚紀) described the camera as follows in his book titled "撮るライカ: アンチライカマニアのライカ讃歌" ("Take a Picture of Leica: Anti-Leica Mania's Leica Hymn")⁵⁷⁸:
- "...the black paint has become pitted with age, as is the case with many Leica M3 black bodies of the same era, and the white lettering appears slightly greenish due to the verdigris of the brass base. The corners are worn, and the brass base metal is exposed. It shows signs of having been through many battles, but overall it's cleaner than I expected..."⁵⁷⁸
- "The front of the body has neither a self-timer nor a selector lever, giving it a remarkably clean and uncluttered appearance. Aside from the top cover, Leicavit and winding lever, the moving parts are unpainted and use the same components as a standard chrome body, resulting in a beautiful and sharp contrast between black and silver."⁵⁷⁸
- "The back cover has also been changed to a later model with a film indicator sensitivity scale up to ASA (not ISO) 1300. The original Leitz L mark remains on the screw seal at the top of the mount"⁵⁷⁸
- "Looking at the photo, some might realize that the strap hanger is based on the body of a later model M3...The shutter dial is from the earlier, older series, but the film winding mechanism has been changed to a single-wind type (originally it was a double-wind type). The viewfinder is also a later type with notches indicating depth of field above and below the rangefinder image. The crank attached to the rewind knob does not appear to be original Leitz."⁵⁷⁸
- "By the way, this camera has had a Noctilux 50mm f/12 lens attached since it was a gift from Professor Miki. This lens wasn't dropped into the sea along with the body; it was added later. The helicoid ring has a focusing lever, also custom-made by Mr. Duncan."⁵⁷⁸
In 2004, Naoki Kōdachi (神立尚紀) noted that "More than ten years have passed since Professor Miki's death, and this camera, which is filled with the turbulent history of the 20th century and the friendship between Japan and the United States, is still being carefully preserved somewhere. I cannot tell you where it is. There may be people who would pay any price to have it, but it is not for sale. Please understand that this is the only time it will ever be made public."⁵⁷⁸
Sometime between 1992 and 2010:
- The camera was in collection of Surat Osathanugrah of Thailand (see p. 42 of 2010, Viewfinder magazine Volume 43, Number 4).
- The camera was illustrated in Lars Netopil's "Prototyp Leica" book (see Viewfinder 43, Number 4, 2010).
In November of 2024, this camera was on display on the occasion 10th anniversary of F11 Foto Museum in Hong Kong. In the photographs, the camera had:
- black body finish
- chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter
- chrome shutter release screw ring
- chrome shutter release button
- black winding lever
- black accessory clip
- chrome cold shoe pressure plate
- no frame line selector lever
- with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left
- no self-timer
- chrome protective ring around the lens lock release
- chrome lens lock release button
- chrome strap eyelets of round shape.
In July of 2026, this camera was part of a prominent Leica collection in Hong Kong.

For Alfred Eisenstaedt, Leitz produced a similar model in a bright chrome finish designated Leica M3E-1, which was built without an image field selector⁵¹⁴. As mentioned above, this was not the first camera of this series issued to Eisenstaedt. Popular Photography magazine mentioned "Incidentally, Alfred Eisenstaedt's second special M-3 is exactly the same (author's note: as Leica M3-1052*), but finished in chrome and numbered M3E-1 in recognition of his contribution to this development"⁵²⁷. A photograph of this camera was illustrated in July-September, 1979, Viewfinder magazine Volume 12, Number 3. One photograph depicted the Leica M3E-1 equipped with a 35mm f/2 Summicron lens. The second photo showcased a modified focusing lever on the 35mm f/2 Summicron and a "multiple exposure button" installed on the back of the camera. A photograph of Leica M3E-1 also appeared on page 185 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph featured a camera with rapid winder engraved "Leicavit MP"⁵⁴⁰. According to the email sent by Mr. Lars Netopil to the owner of mir.com.my website on April 24, 2009, the camera was part of the Estate of Alfred Eisenstaedt and was acquired by Mr. Lars Netopil. The chrome prototype of Leicavit that was originally part of the Leica M3E-1, engraved with "Leicavit" (without MP), was auctioned off in 2013⁴⁰¹. It came from the estate of Alfred Eisenstaedt and had a 'M/P' (with the P reversed) sticker on the bottom⁴⁰¹. The item featured a special black aluminum handgrip⁴⁰¹. The images below come from the auction catalogue ⁴⁰¹:

The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of the Leica M3E-1 camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left in one photograph, and only "Leicavit" engraving on the left on the other, and only "Leicavit" engraving in the middle on the third photograph;no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

December 1955

Norman C. Lipton and his colleagues saw and photographed the Leica M3D-1, "the first of four black special M-3 cameras" made specifically for David Douglas Duncan during his visit "to the New York Office" of Popular Photography magazine "at Christmas time, 1955" after stopping at "the Leitz plant in Wetzlar on the way back from a LIFE assignment in Afghanistan"⁵²⁷.

July 1956

Popular Photography magazine article illustrated a "Modified M3D" camera and introduced what would later become the original Leica MP to the readers⁵²⁷. The following illustration was titled "Modified M3D Leica made to specifications of David Douglas Duncan. Major change is addition of a Leicavit rapid-winder. Film- winding lever has been modified to operate from a 40-degree angle from the and camera internal construction was strengthened."⁵²⁷:

Note the "Leicavit" engraving on the rapid winder, as opposed to "Leicavit MP".

Among the other things, article mentioned that:

a limited number of ""Press" models of the Leica M-3 camera" would be made available by the end of 1956⁵²⁷
Half of the production run would be finished in black, similar to the prototype camera that David Douglas Duncan had purchased⁵²⁷ (as illustrated in the article). The remaining cameras would feature a chrome finish to align with Eisenstaedt's preferences⁵²⁷.
After Leica M3D-4, "the special series will be labeled M3P ("P" for Press)"⁵²⁷
Dr. Ludwig Leitz, the head of research and development at the German firm, spent approximately six weeks in the USA in 1955 studying the unique requirements of this market⁵²⁷. After delivering the first special camera of its kind to Eisenstaedt in 1955, Dr. Leitz collaborated with David Douglas Duncan in Wetzlar to review and discuss all the characteristics that could enhance the camera's suitability for David Douglas Duncan's type of work⁵²⁷.
Slim Arons (likely Slim Aarons) used his "special press model of the M-3 Leica M3P with lenses equipped with a special triangular focusing flange"⁵²⁷.
"it is almost a foregone conclusion that the entire production run will be snapped up shortly after the last unit leaves the factory, for the camera will be a prized collectors' item for every camera buff who follows in the footsteps of the glamorous professional worker"⁵²⁷.

Dennis Laney reported that some original Leica MP cameras belonging to pre-production run ("Null Serie") could have had serial numbers starting with "00" (two zeros)⁵³⁴. The author of this website was not familiar with an example of such a camera.

Henri Cartier-Bresson was likely among the testers, as Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa asserted that the frameline selector, similar to that of Leica M3, was added to the original Leica MP on Henri Cartier-Bresson's request⁵⁷⁷.

July 1956 - October 1956

A few more changes were made to the camera before its final release in October 1956⁵¹⁴. The originally intended name of M3-P (or M3P⁵¹⁵) was changed to MP, and the sequential serial numbers were reset to start from MP-1, making the MP the only M model with its own number range⁵¹⁴ at the time.

October 1956 Announcement of Leica MP

Leica Fotografie magazine announced "Leica model MP" as a camera that was introduced during Photokina International Photographic And Cinematographic Exhibition that took place in Cologne, Germany from September 29, 1956 to October 7, 1956⁴⁵⁷. The announcement referred to P in MP as standing for "Professional"⁴⁵⁷ and included the following image of the Leica M3-1083*³⁸⁴ camera⁴⁵⁷:

Note the "Leicavit" engraving on the rapid winder, as opposed to "Leicavit MP".

Same press photo, featuring Leica M3-1083*, along with another photo of the same camera from circa 1956 were auctioned off in 2021³⁸⁴. One of the photographs was titled "(E.Leitz Wetzlar 6910-11) Leica M3 P", and the other one had "Leica MP mit Schnellaufzug Leicavit" inscription on the back³⁸⁴:

Again, note the "Leicavit" engraving on the rapid winder, as opposed to "Leicavit MP".

One more press photograph was published on page 124 of Volume 40, Issue 1 of Popular Photography. This photograph featured Leica M3-1083* and was titled "New Professional Leica M-3, chrome finish":

The deliveries of the original Leica MP began in 1956²⁵. Here is what was known about the camera at the time:

Leica MP body only (chrome) had catalog number 10148 and price of 360 USD in 1956¹³¹.
Leica MP body only (black) had catalog number 10149 and price of 360 USD in 1956¹³¹.
Leica MP body only was code-named IMOOP⁵⁴⁶.
Leica MP with 5 cm Summicron f/2 (rigid) were code-named IPOOC⁵⁴⁶.
Leica MP with 5 cm Summicron f/2 with near focusing range were code-named IPVOO⁵⁴⁶.
Leica MP with 5 cm Summarit f/1.5 were code-named IPOOS⁵⁴⁶.
Special ever-ready case for the LEICA MP with slot in the bottom to permit the use of the rapid winding lever was code-named IPOOM⁵⁴⁶.

The brochures for Leica MP included:

One of the Leica MP brochures was identified by "Photo-Liste: 11-18 X/56/FDX"⁵¹⁵. In this brochure, original Leica MP was mentioned for the last time, along with ever-ready case with access to the Leicavit's fold-out trigger lever at the base⁵¹⁵. This brochure did not list the prices³⁹³.
One of the Leica MP brochures was identified by "11-18 IX/56/FY"⁵⁴⁶.
One of the Leica MP brochures was identified by "11-18 IX/56/FDX/DM"³⁹³. This brochure listed the prices³⁹³.

Compared to Leica M3

It differed from the Leica M3 due to several modifications, which included³⁶⁰:

The long spool axis was designed to couple with the Leicavit³⁶⁰.
The gears were made of hardened steel, not brass, to better withstand wear³⁶⁰.
The film counter was of a non-resetting variety that was later found in the Leica M2 model³⁶⁰.
There was no delayed action mechanism present in the camera³⁶⁰ as it was unimportant to most professionals⁵⁶
The camera employed the early double-stroke Leica M3 mechanism³⁶⁰.
There were no depth-of-field notches on the rangefinder³⁶⁰.
Inside the camera, under the base cover, was the letter "P" (indicating 'professional')³⁶⁰. The digits following "P" corresponded with those following "MP" on the top plate³⁶⁰.
The durable design of these cameras allows field photographers to handle them roughly in extreme heat, cold, and humidity, significantly reducing the risk of breakdowns that require professional repair⁵⁶.
Initially, the intention was to engrave "M3P" on the top plate, but at the last minute, the designation "MP" was chosen instead³⁶⁰.
The large "dog-ear" strap lugs⁴⁹ were positioned at the ends of the camera body and were not angled³⁶⁰.

Quantity

The factory records indicate that production likely stopped at MP-402, implying that only 402 units were actually manufactured³⁶⁰. James L. Lager also confirmed from his study of the actual delivery records from Leitz in Solms, Germany, that only 402 MP cameras were manufactured by Leitz in Wetzlar²⁷³. Another source claimed, with a reference to the factory records, 412 cameras were produced⁵¹⁵. In his interview from May 21, 2026, titled (In Conversation with Stefan Daniel: The Leica MP Series), Stefan Daniel confirmed that the number is 402.

Weight and Height

Leica MP measured 87mm in height, 138mm in length, and 36mm in width¹⁹¹. It had a viewfinder magnification of 0.91x and a rangefinder base length of 68.5mm¹⁹¹. The total weight was 699g¹⁹¹.

Authenticity Check

The old model M3 rangefinders lacked the notches that are found above and below the centre rectangle⁴⁹. Original MP cameras also had this type of rangefinder⁴⁹.

Many Leica MP 1956 cameras had been legitimately modified to include features such as self-timers, new housings, new top plates, and possibly single stroke winding heads⁴⁹.

Every authentic Leica MP from 1956 had its serial number engraved on the chassis⁴⁹. Additionally, each genuine MP featured a double brake system: one brake for the opening curtain and another standard brake for the closing curtain⁴⁹.

One method of ensuring the legitimacy of the camera was to check the camera seal from its most recent repair⁴⁹. You could find the fifth flange screw at the 12 o'clock position of the lens flange, typically covered with black sealing wax⁴⁹. If the camera had been overhauled by an authorized Leitz repair agency, this screw will be sealed and marked with a raised letter or letters⁴⁹. Leitz, USA, used the script "NY", Wetzlar used an "L", Midland used a "C", and Luton used a "B"⁴⁹. If you saw one of these markings, it was highly unlikely that the camera was anything other than what it claimed to be⁴⁹. This seal was present on every M camera with a serial number above 702000⁴⁹.

The Rest of October - November of 1956 and beyond - Shipments of the Original Leica MP Cameras

27% of all original Leica MP cameras were delivered to New York⁵⁸³. During that time, 20% of standard Leica shipments were also destined for New York⁵⁸³. This indicated that New York had made a significant purchase of original Leica MP cameras, reflecting the city's prestige as the home of photojournalism⁵⁸³.

The top five destination countries for photojournalists were the USA, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, in that order⁵⁸³. It was surprising that Sweden and Switzerland ranked so high, especially considering their populations⁵⁸³. This raised questions about the actual number of photojournalists in those countries. Additionally, it was odd that the Netherlands ranked 9th⁵⁸³.

All Swedish destinations were organized through Brandt in Stockholm, while the Swiss destinations were concentrated in Biel⁵⁸³. Similarly, the Dutch destinations were primarily located in Nijmegen, both of which were relatively small cities⁵⁸³. It could be inferred that many of the photojournalists sent to these countries either returned to West Germany or migrated to third countries⁵⁸³.

At that time, many countries imposed high import duties on cameras, along with significant excise and luxury taxes⁵⁸³. To circumvent these taxes, people developed various loopholes, including smuggling⁵⁸³. An impressive 17 original Leica MP cameras were shipped to Panama, which was ranked sixth among countries for its duty-free policy⁵⁸³. However, it was highly unlikely that any of those cameras remained in Panama⁵⁸³.

Schmidt & Co., the exclusive distributor of Leica in Japan, placed an order for 10 original Leica MP cameras, which they were supposed to receive in August 1957⁵⁸³. It was impressive that a developing country managed to purchase 10 units⁵⁸³. According to the ledger, all 10 of these original Leica MP cameras featured a chrome finish⁵⁸³.

A notable number of units were shipped to Austria, Canada, France, and several other countries⁵⁸³. Additionally, one or two units were sent to Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Finland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Chile⁵⁸³.

Production of Presentation Model Cameras

Leica MP-1 remained in Wetzlar^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was a prototype that was manufactured between October and November⁵⁴⁰ of 1956^25,³⁶⁰. According to one source, this camera was black painted and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998).

Leica MP-2 departed from the factory on October 8, 1956^25,^360,³⁸⁸. This camera was a presentation model, in black finish^25,^360,³⁸⁸. It was initially delivered to Bob Schwalberg, the renowned photographic critic, in New York on October 8, 1956³⁸⁸ as a apart of shipment 54181. This camera was a prototype that was manufactured in 1956^25,^360,³⁸⁸. The camera was sold for 1020000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019^25,^360,³⁸⁸. The lot was described as "During a service at Leitz it has received a later type back door (black paint), a quick film loading system and coupling for the New York electric motor drive (a very unusual upgrade!)...It comes with a Leicavit MP in black paint finish (with a Bob Schwalberg sticker inside)"^25,^360,³⁸⁸. According to one source, this camera was black painted and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). It was illustrated on the page 104 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-3 was a presentation model, in chrome (black, according to James L. Lager⁵⁴⁰, and indicated as "possibly" black on the page 17 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. ) finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered on November 24, 1956, as a part of shipment 56254. According to one source, this camera was black painted and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998).

Leica MP-4 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Perrot, Biel, Switzerland on October 19, 1956, as a part of shipment 54926. According to one source, this camera considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 193 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). It was part of a prominent Chinese collection in 2026 before being auctioned off in May of 2026 at the OstLicht Auction. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape. Locking lever of the Leicavit MP of this device was rectangular in shape and had 5 recessed lines.

Leica MP-5 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Barone (?), Paris on October 13, 1956, as a part of shipment 54388. According to one source, this camera was considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). It was illustrated on the page 160 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's " The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . It was illustrated on the page 103 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-6 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong on November 14, 1956, as a part of shipment 55618. According to one source, this camera was chrome finished and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998).

Leica MP-7 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Garreth, Toronto, Canada on October 19, 1956, as a part of shipment 49680. According to one source, this camera was chrome finished and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. Leica MP-7 was included in Christie's Leica Cameras (21 November 1997), lot 715 (source). The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had a chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate.

Leica MP-8 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was a prototype that was manufactured between October and November⁵⁴⁰ of 1956^25,³⁶⁰. According to one source, this camera was a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. The camera was featured on Film Please's Facebook page post on March 28, 2023. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape. Locking lever of the Leicavit MP of this device was rectangular in shape and had 5 recessed lines.

Leica MP-9 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York on October 19, 1956, as a part of shipment 49851. This camera was sold for GBP 37800 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 12, 1997^25,³⁶⁰. The lot was described as "Leica MP no. 9 chrome, with two-stoke shutter winder, shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, Leicavit MP rapid winder, the camera shutter crate engraved P.9"^25,³⁶⁰. According to the Leitz order book (reproduced in Christie's Leica Cameras, 21 November 1997, p. 104) this camera was sold to 'Murra' and shipped to New York on October 19, 1956 (source). According to The British Journal of Photography, Volume 144, Issue 7132, from June 25, 1997, it was bought by a Japanese private collector. According to one source, this camera was chrome finished and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 194 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-10 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was a prototype that was manufactured between October and November⁵⁴⁰ of 1956^25,³⁶⁰. According to one source, this camera was considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. This camera was illustrated in the February 2014 issue of GQ Taiwan. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-11 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Opto?, Vienna, Austria on October 13, 1956, as a part of shipment 54644. According to one source, this camera was chrome finished and considered a pilot production unit and was handed out for field testing in 1955⁵¹⁵. The camera was referred to as part of "effectively a first test batch" of cameras produced in 1956 (see page 17 of "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998).

Leica MP-12 was a presentation model, in chrome finish^25,³⁶⁰. This camera was a prototype that was manufactured in 1956^25,³⁶⁰. According to one source, this camera was black painted⁵¹⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Paris, France on March 21, 1957, as a part of shipment 58866.

1957 - 1958 Production and Delivery of Production Model Cameras

Leica MP-13 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Tiranty, Paris, France on July 22, 1957, as a part of shipment 63062. At one point, the camera belonged to Jean-Pierre Laffont, who bought Lousanne, Switzerland in 1958 (source). The camera was stolen in 1967, then returned to the owner and traded in along with MP-14 for "two Leica M5, a Leica CL and all lenses from 21 to 400 mm" at Leica New York in 1974 (source).

Leica MP-14 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Decaux (or Decoux), Paris, France on August 14, 1957, as a part of shipment 68880. At one point, the camera belonged to Jean-Pierre Laffont, who bought it in Paris, France in 1962 (source). The camera was stolen in 1967, then returned to the owner and traded in along with MP-13 for "two Leica M5, a Leica CL and all lenses from 21 to 400 mm" at Leica New York in 1974 (source). The camera was then part of Charles M. Messer collection, located in The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio⁴⁹⁶. The camera had Summicron f=5cm 1:2 bayonet mount lens attached to it⁴⁹⁶.

Leica MP-15 featured black finish²⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Perrot, Biel, Switzerland on July 22, 1957, as a part of shipment 60604.

Leica MP-16 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to "Manca, New York + MS Opt." on July 22, 1957, as a part of shipment 49851. The camera was used by Secciaroli and was originally a black camera, later re-chromed at the Leica factory and presently owned by a famous Italian collector Luigi Crescenzi, who bought this camera years ago directly from him, according to the Leica Store Lisse, that sold the camera later on⁴¹⁵,⁴¹⁸. On December 7, 2025, this camera was featured on Douglas So's Instagram story. According to the page 13 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998, "MP n° 16 was chromed in Wetzlar several years ago following a full factory service. Apparently the chrome finish was a kind of "present " made to Secchiaroli by the factory as a gesture of appreciation for his work. Other modifications are in the rounded strap hooks and in the shorter rewind lever." The camera was illustrated on the page 12 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-17 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. On December 7, 2025, this camera was featured on Douglas So's Instagram story. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with a rapid winder without any engraving; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-18 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to "Manca, New York + MS Opt." on July 22, 1957⁴²⁹. In 2005, Viewfinder magazine Volume 38, Number 4, reported that in 1970s, this camera belonged to Bill Ray of New York City. According to Mr. Ray, "I owned MP 18, a black beauty I used for many years as a LIFE staff photographer. Coming back from a cover story on Jane Fonda in 1971, it was accidentally left in a cab. Both the NYC Police and our Leica Godmother, Helen Wright assured me it would be recovered. No word yet".

Leica MP-19 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to "Manca, New York + MS Opt.". This camera was sold for GBP 25300 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on November 20, 1997. The lot was described as "Leica MP no. 19 black-paint, with two-stroke shutter winder, shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, black Leicavit rapid winder, the camera shutter crate engraved P.19; black chrome Leica-meter MR; a Leitz black rigid Summicron 5cm. f/2 lens no. 1468991; ever ready case; a Leitz screw-fit Elmar 9cm. f/4 lens no. 1497162 with screw-M adapter; a Canon 50mm. f/1.2 lens no. 23595 with screw-M adapter and lenshoods. Property of a European photo-journalist". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-20 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 340000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025⁴²⁹. The lot was described as "The camera offered here was delivered - together with the black Leica MP cameras with the numbers 16, 18, 19 and 21 - to New York on July 22nd 1957. With Summilux 50 mm f/1.4 black paint Nr. 1703763, black paint finished Leicavit MP and original carrying strap. The camera is preserved in a heavily used, entirely original condition. Typical cartridge (cut-out on the bottom of the shutter crate) engraved with the internal number "P 20". This type of cartridge is known on Leica MP cameras between approximately numbers 13 and 28. Casting number 105495."⁴²⁹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-21 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York on July 22, 1957⁴²⁹. The camera was sold for 432000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². The lot was described as "..the camera has never been modified and comes with the black Leicavit MP, the typical rewind crank used by Magnum photographer...used for many years by it's first owner, Magnum photographer Paul Fusco..."⁴⁰². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-22 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-23 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on July 22, 1957³⁸³.

Leica MP-24 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on July 22, 1957³⁸³. The camera was sold for 240000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014³⁹⁷. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-25 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Caracas, Venezuela, on July 23, 1957⁵⁴⁵. In September 2026, it was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate.

Leica MP-26 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on July 22, 1957³⁸³. The camera was sold for 960000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022³⁸³. In September 2026, it was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; broken black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-27 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 22, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-28 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 22, 1957⁵⁴⁵. The camera was sold for 121200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011⁴⁰⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-29 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Paris, France on July 23, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-30 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Leitz London on July 24, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-31 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York?⁵⁴⁵. The camera was auctioned at an American auction in the fall of 2011. According to the auction catalog, it was originally owned by Dr. Wayne Hull, a well-known Leica collector from St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Hull was a founding member of the Leica Historical Society of America and designed specialized Leica ophthalmic laboratory equipment for E. Leitz in Wetzlar. There was a slight corrosion to the left of the eyepiece (Source). Interestingly, black painted top plate with MP-31 serial number engraved on it was sold at Christie's sometime before February 1998 (likely during the November 20, 1997 auction), according to Page 44 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 5 from February 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-32 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Fixit, Bagdad, Iraq, on July 25, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-33 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 29, 1957⁵⁴⁵. This camera was sold for 600000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026⁵⁸⁵. This camera was displayed during the preview ahead of the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction at Leica Store & Gallery New York (406 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014, United States) on April 24, 2026. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-34 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was illustrated on the webpage of Lars Netopil Classic Cameras store. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-35 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 29, 1957⁵⁴⁵. This camera was sold for GBP 18800 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 12, 2001 (see p.25 2/2002 of Leica Fotografie International).

Leica MP-36 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 29, 1957⁵⁴⁵. The camera was offered for sale by Leica Store Lisse foto Henny Hoogeveen and was described as "Leica MP 36 Vintage which belonged to the famous Swedish photographer Leif Engberg. Made in the late 1960-s. Leitz Wetzlar, 1957, Black Paint, L sevice seal. From an original series MP13-MP150, with Leicavit. A very rare and early MP camera in black paint. Is in 100% original condition, never restored and with a nice patina. Internal engraving MP-36 and chassies number 110863 beside the film chamber. The camera is probably never serviced since the factory L service seal is intact. Leif Engberg, news and feature photographer at Dagens Nyheter, Sweden?s largest morning paper, during 35 years with assignments all over the world. Among other things. He has covered ten Summer and Winter Olympic Games, several election campaigns in the United States, the Soviet invasion in Czeckoslovakia 1968, the war in Vietnam, the civil war in Biafra, the war between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan (Bangladesh), conflicts in Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Africa, Central America, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, Cuba." Source. On December 1, 2010, the camera was offered on eBay for 108000 USD. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-37 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 29, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-38 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Paris, France, in 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-39 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera, along with MP-40, were delivered to the same location on July 29, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54105⁵⁴⁵. One camera, engraved MP-39*, was auctioned off on December 6, 2014 at the LP Foto Auktioner with the following description: "Leitz Wetzlar, 1957, Black paint, Double stroke, a duplicate from an original series MP13-MP150, with matching black Leicavit MP. An extremely rare camera, in original condition except body housing with small strap lugs and self timer, with matching chassis number P-39* inside the camera. This is the only MP we have ever seen with a duplicate number, not two Leica cameras have the same serial number. If Leica duplicated a number, the second item had a star added after the identical serial number. In good working order, with dark brassy patina after hard professional use. ". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of MP-39* and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-40 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera, along with MP-39, were delivered to the same location on July 29, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54105⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-41 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 26, 1957, as part of shipment 53408.

Leica MP-42 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 26, 1957, as part of shipment 53408.

Leica MP-43 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 26, 1957, as part of shipment 53408. The photo of this camera was featured in the "DOUGLAS SO: A COLLECTOR’S LOVE STORY"artcile by leica-camera.blog. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-44 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In May 2026, it was part of a prominent Chinese collection. According to the owner, this was the only Leica MP camera that was shipped with a 5cm f/2 Summicron collapsible lens number 1379603 in black paint (personal correspondence). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-45 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on July 26, 1957, as part of shipment 53408.

Leica MP-46 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 29, 1957, as a part of shipment number 63123. The camera was sold for 360000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². The lot was described as "... from Magnum photographer Paul Fusco...with the black Leicavit MP, the typical rewind crank used by Magnum photographer...the black lever was changed to a chrome lever"⁴⁰². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-47 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 29, 1957, as a part of shipment number 63123. The camera belonged to Gerard Bois, French photographer known for his press coverage of the volatile period of civil unrest in France in 1968³⁹⁰. He also decided to remove the disappearing rests of black paint from the top plate and from the Leicavit³⁹⁰. The camera was sold for 156000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 33rd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2018³⁹⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-48 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 29, 1957, as a part of shipment number 63123.

Leica MP-49 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 29, 1957, as a part of shipment number 63123. This camera was illustrated on the cover and pages of Camera Review No. 67 (Leica-Book '03), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). It was also illustrated on the page 67 of Camera Review No. 79 (Leica-Book '06), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-50 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 29, 1957, as a part of shipment number 63123. This camera was auctioned off but remained unsold at an American auction on November 12, 2017 with the following description: "with Leicavit rapid winder, also finished in Black Enamel finish, with 50mm Elmar f3,5 Nr. 1141153. This remarkable camera set came out of 50 years of storage, untouched. The camera carriage underside bears the engraving "P 50." Likely serviced in the 1970s, the camera set is working...This one sat in a vault, and only now makes it's 21st Century debut.". The same camera was auctioned off but remained unsold at an American auction on November 17, 2018 with the following description: "in black enamel finish with matching Leicavit MP rapid winder and 50mm Elmar f3,5 Nr. 1141153. This remarkable camera set came out of more than 50 years of storage.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-51 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Paris, France as a part of shipment 55263.

Leica MP-52 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Leitz London, on July 24, 1957 as a part of shipment 49889. This camera was sold for GBP 20700 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 14, 1996. The lot was described as "black-paint, lever rewind control and with a Leitz black Summicron 5cm. f/2 lens no. 1468994 and a black Leicavit MP rapid winder".

Leica MP-53 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Leitz London, on July 24, 1957 as a part of shipment 49889.

Leica MP-54 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Caracas, Venezuela, on July 31, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-55 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 1200000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 20, 2021³⁸⁴. It was delivered to Leitz London on July 24, 1957³⁸⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-56 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to Darmstadt (?).

Leica MP-57 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to Darmstadt (?).The camera was considered "MP SP" to indicate that it was a special camera made to order for wide-angle lens users⁵⁷¹. "MP SP" cameras had customizations made to them, such as Leica M2-type top cover and viewfinder system, or equipped with self-timers⁵⁷¹. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to the same location that MP-56, MP-58, MP-59 and MP-60 were shipped on the same date and as a part of the same shipment⁵⁴⁵.It was auctioned off on June 14, 2014 at the LP Foto Auktioner. The camera was sold for 96000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022³⁸³. The lot was titled "Leica MP SP black paint no.57" and had the following description: "The MP SP is a very rare version of a Leica MP, made exclusively to special order, featuring M2 mechanics with special engraving on the top plate, the camera is equipped with an early type back door, there is a number 'P 57' engraved on the chassis...This is the second known MP SP black paint - the other one with the consecutive number MP-58 is shown in "Lager I Cameras" on page 195."³⁸³. According to the Barneby's Auction lot description from January 17, 2014,"op plate with dent, and internal engraving: Sedddeka? 20-26-62.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-58 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to Darmstadt (?). The camera was considered "MP SP" to indicate that it was a special camera made to order for wide-angle lens users⁵⁷¹. "MP SP" cameras had customizations made to them, such as Leica M2-type top cover and viewfinder system, or equipped with self-timers⁵⁷¹. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to the same location that MP-56, MP-57, MP-59 and MP-60 were shipped on the same date and as a part of the same shipment⁵⁴⁵. This MP is classified as "MP SP"³⁸³. See MP-57 for more information. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 195 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-59 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to Darmstadt (?). This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to the same location that MP-56, MP-57, MP-58 and MP-60 were shipped on the same date and as a part of the same shipment⁵⁴⁵. This was Yul Brynnerr's personal camera, that was sold for 1440000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023³⁸⁰. Year of manufacture was indicated as "1958" in the lot's description³⁸⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-60 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to Darmstadt (?). This camera was originally delivered to on July 24, 1957 to the same location that MP-56, MP-57, MP-58 and MP-59 were shipped on the same date and as a part of the same shipment⁵⁴⁵. This was Yul Brynnerr's personal camera, that was sold for 1320000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023³⁸⁰. Year of manufacture was indicated as "1958" in the lot's description³⁸⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-61 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was illustrated on the front and back covers of Camera Review No. 28 (Leica-Book '94), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)⁵⁷¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-62 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-63 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 160 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's " The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-64 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-65 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-66 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-67 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-68 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was illustrated on the page 14 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-69 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-70 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-71 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-72 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. Only top plate is known to exist today⁴⁰⁰. It was sold together with a custom made MP (out of M2/M3 spare parts) for 20400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰. The lot was described as "black anodized MP body made out of M2/M3 parts, in perfect working condition, coll. Summicron 2/5cm no.1253098 (cap), with the original black paint MP-72 top plate !"⁴⁰⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; without a Leicavit rapid winder; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-73 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-74 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^360.This camera was sold for GBP 15275 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 12, 2001. The lot was described as "..black-paint, (lacks some vulcanite), with black Leicavit MP and original baseplate". Sometime before March 25, 2004, this camera was donated to the Japan Camera Museum (JCII / 日本カメラ博物館)⁵⁹⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-75 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-76 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-77 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-78 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-79 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-80 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-81 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-82 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-83 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-84 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. According to an article published in the Q4 of 1994, Viewfinder magazine Volume 27, Number 4, the camera was sold to Seymour D. Folkman on April 2 (or February 4), 1966, by Elliot Lauber. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate.

Leica MP-85 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^360.This camera was sold for GBP 16730 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 15, 2004. The lot was described as "black-paint, double-wind, the shutter speeded B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, the shutter crate marked P85, wax seal stamped L, with black-paint Leicavit MP rapid winder and a Leitz black rigid Summicron 5cm. f/2 lens no. 1474866 and lenshood. The property of a European photo-journalist. Originally purchased by the vendor and used by him until recently". This camera was once owned by Hans Rudolf Uthoff (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; black shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-86 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-87 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-88 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. The camera was sold for 21000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005⁴¹⁶. The lot was described as "Thomas Hoepker's - the famous Stern photographer's - first Leica in original condition with Leicavit-MP. This camera is bound up with a lot of history and many stories. Thomas Hoepker used his MP regularly up till 1990...It was recently overhauled by the expert O. Michaely in Wetzlar..."⁴¹⁶. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-89 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.The camera was in Jim Jannard's collection at some point and was sold 456000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction on March 10, 2018^³⁹¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-90 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. It was auctioned off the 6th L&H Photographica Auction in 2015 with the following description "This camera is made in original black paint. The serial number engraved at the bottom matches that of the body. It comes with a Summicron-M 2/5m black painted lens in raw brass mount (#1468971), leicavit and front lens cap; extremely rare.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-91 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-92 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Paris. The camera was featured on @leicafai Instagram post on June 5, 2023. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-93 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-94 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-95 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-96 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. In 1995, this camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-97 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off for 710000 Euros at OstLicht auction in November of 2024. A photo of Peter O. Ebel with this camera was featured on Lars Netopil Classic Cameras Facebook page on June 28, 2013. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-98 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-99 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^360.The camera was sold for 264000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015^³⁹⁶.Originally delivered to New York on November 19, 1957 (shipment number 49851/61932)^³⁹⁶.Before being offered at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction,it was kept in private collection in USA^³⁹⁶.Before that, it was sold for 408000 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014^³⁹⁹. The lot was described as "...Provenance: Private collection USA"^{^,³⁹⁹}. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-100 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-101 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-102 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-103 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-104 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵. This camera belonged to Ihei Kimura⁵⁸³. I the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.), Kikuo Urago stated that Ihei Kimura eventually gifted it to Kazuo Nakagawa, a renowned Leica researcher⁵⁹⁸. This camera was illustrated in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 15 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977. It was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book. It was illustrated in the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-105 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to on October 21, 1957⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-106 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-107 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schmidt, Hong Kong, on August 1 (or 2), 1957 with order number 64093⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-108 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on September 19, 1957 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 197 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The camera had been modified to accept Leitz New York electric motor⁵⁴⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-109 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on September 19, 1957 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵. The camera was featured on Leica Fai's Facebook page post on May 16, 2021.

Leica MP-110 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Leitz London on July 31, 1958 with order number 61578⁵⁴⁵. The camera was auctioned off on June 13, 2010 at the LP Foto Auktioner. At some point on time, it was listed for sale on LEICA STORE LISSE FOTO HENNY HOOGEVEEN. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; no protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-111 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-112 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-113 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵. The camera was put up for sale on eBay in 2011.

Leica MP-114 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.This camera was sold for 900000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³. The lot was described as "The example offered here, MP no.114, is a black paint version showing the elegant wear and character of years of professional use. A beautifully aged patina and fine paint bubbles enhance its vintage charm. It was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958, and is accompanied by a matching black paint Leicavit and a black paint / brass mount Summicron 2/5cm lens, no. 1468986, which was delivered to the same dealer on September 4, 1958. In 1959, the camera was purchased by a U.S. photographer Frank Dyra and has remained in the ownership of his family ever since. Included with the camera are copies of original correspondence from 1959, offering additional insight into its provenance and early history. This is a rare opportunity to acquire not only one of Leica’s most desirable models, but one with exceptional historical integrity and continuous ownership."⁵³³. According to John Sypal's Instagram post from November 21, 2025, this camera was displayed during the Leitz Photographica Auction preview night at the Leica Store in Tokyo's Omotesando district at the end of October 2025 (source). The same author stated that the camera was purchased used at a Chicago camera shop in 1959 by a young public school teacher and amateur photographer named Frank Dyra, who used it continuously throughout his life (source). The camera has remained in the Dyra family, and Frank's son attended the Leitz Photographica Auction preview night to share the camera's provenance and history with the attendees (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-115 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Leitz London (?) on September 30, 1958 with order number 62614⁵⁴⁵. The camera was shown in Rogliatti' book (Source: page 0 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 20 from November 2001). It was illustrated on the page 103 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. According to an article published in the Q1 of 1998, Viewfinder magazine Volume 31, Number 1, a counterfeit camera with the same serial number existed. The author of the article, Chris Kok, described the counterfeit as the chassis number not matching the serial number. However, what made this camera unique and special was its black chrome finish. The top plate of this counterfeit appeared to be from the Leica factory. The quality of the chrome finish was solid, smooth, and uniform, providing a genuine Leica feel. The engraving was also of high quality, with impeccable white-painted characters. Aside from its distinctive black chrome finish, there was no visible difference from an original Leica MP top plate. The other black chrome components came from black chrome Leica M4 and Leica M5 bodies. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-116 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-117 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-118 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.In January-March, 1975, Viewfinder magazine Volume 8, Number 1, reported that a replica of Leica MP-118 existed and was in the possession of a New York state collector. This camera might have had the serial number engraved on the shutter housing. A camera engraved MP-118 available for sale by Setadel Studios for 295000 USD in July of 2025. According to the description of the item provided by Setadel Studios, the camera was originally delivered on December 5, 1957, to Manca in New York, USA. It was later purchased by its current owner in the early 1980s and has been in the same collection for over 40 years. This original Leica MP-118 top plate belonged to Leica M with chassis #929000. The chassis was marked as P118, indicating it was repaired by Leica. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-119 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958 with order number 63123⁵⁴⁵. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. The camera was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷. It was described as "Camera restored at the factory in the 1970s, still with original early MP topplate featuring the correct flash symbols. Leitz Wetzlar "£" repair seal. Typical MP repair body shell with round chrome strap lugs. Casting number 110622. The shutter crate engraved "P-119" on the bottom. Speed dial and rear door black anodized. The Leicavit MP with 3/8" tripod thread in original condition."⁵⁹⁷. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-120 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on December 7, 1958 with order number 5209x?⁵⁴⁵.

Leica MP-121 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-122 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.This camera was featured in Dr. Bahman Bawendi's article titled "The First Reporter M" published on pp.48-51 of 6/2016 Leica Fotografie International magazine⁵¹⁵. It was auctioned off the 5th L&H Photographica Auction in 2015 with the following description "Here is an early Leica MP with Summilux-M 1.4/50mm lens (#1703812) kit in original black paint finished. This camera was published in VIDOM 101 06/2011 p.26-55 to demonstrate the special features of early MP in comparison with M2 and M3. Only around 138 units MP black paint were made and numbered from MP-013 to MP-150 (Please refer to James Lager Vol. I p.193), early MP black paint is therefore rarer. The serial number engraved on the chassis matches that of the body. It comes with Leicavit, box, leather case, front lens cap and VIDOM 101.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-123 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 104 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-124 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-125 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-126 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. According to an advertisement published on page 41 of 5/2012 Leica Fotografie International, this camera was sold for 158000 USD including buyer's premium at an American auction on April 29, 2012. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-127 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. In 1995, this camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-128 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-129 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 196 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually reÍsetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; black self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-130 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Caracas.

Leica MP-131 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-132 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.This camera was auctioned off at the Lidong Camera Auction on December 14, 2025 with the following description: "Debuting at the 1956 Photokina fair in Cologne, the Leica MP was far more than a M3 iteration; it was a purpose-built instrument crafted at the request of the world's most renowned photojournalists. Driven by the needs of visionaries like Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan, and personally championed by Dr. Ludwig Leitz, the MP was engineered specifically to integrate the rapid-fire Leicavit system—previously only for screw-mount models—into the revolutionary M-body. Distinguishing itself from all other serial production Leicas, each MP bears a unique individual number, separate from standard factory serials. With total production limited to a mere 412 units among black and silver chrome, its rarity is unquestioned. The iconic black-paint version, of which only 141 were ever made, was the primary tool of choice for esteemed Magnum photographers. Today, the MP stands as one of the most coveted and sought-after cameras in photographic history, a true trophy for the discerning collector. This extremely rare black paint Leica MP bears the unique individual number MP-132, engraved 'P 132' inside the body. It is presented in beautiful original condition with the desirable patina of professional use (only the rear door is slightly younger), without dents, and in perfect working order. The camera comes complete with the matching black paint Leicavit MP, and an early black paint Summicron 2/5cm lens (No. 1474804) featuring the desirable brass black mount. The lens has clean optics (with minimal cleaning marks) and includes the original black cap.". Before that, the camera was auctioned off at the 2nd L&H Photographica Autumn Auction in 2013 with the following description: "This camera is made in original black paint. The serial number engraved at the bottom matches that of the body. It comes with Summicron-M 2/5cm (#1474804) Black Paint for MP and front lens cap, extremely rare."(source) . The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-133 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-134 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-135 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-136 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-137 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-138 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^25,³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴⁰². The camera was sold for 120000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². The lot was described as "...According to the original Leitz invoices and documentary (all enclosed) the previous owner got the camera restored by Leitz in 1972. The original correspondence between Leitz and the owner show all works done and completed. One of very few restored cameras with the fully documentation by Leitz."⁴⁰². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-139 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York. The camera was featured in Kevin Fickling's YouTube video on June 18, 2021. According to Kevin Fickling, the camera was sent back to factory for a repaint at some point in time. It was featured on @oc.camera's Instagram page on March 25, 2022. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-140 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-141 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera used to be owned by the well-known German photographer Eric Schaal and it was auctioned at the Ostlicht Camera and Photo Auction in June of 2024 (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-142 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-143 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.The camera was sold for 31800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 16th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 5, 2009^⁴⁰⁸.The lot was described as "...The camera was restored by Leitz Wetzlar in the early 1970's and then never used again..."^⁴⁰⁸. After that, on October 21, 2018, it was featured on the @oc.camera's Instagram post with the following description: "$250,000.00 This listing is for an original 1957 Leica MP black paint rangefinder camera body and Leicavit. This camera was held in a private collection in France until approximately 16 years ago. When the camera was acquired by the collector in France, it was heavily worn as it was completely original. The camera was sent to Leica Germany for a full restoration. The original parts were repainted and not replaced, including the top plate and Leicavit housing. As the original engravings became flat after the repaint, they were re-engraved over the original engravings. The strap lugs, vulcanite, some of the knobs and levers were replaced with original spare parts. Additionally the shutter crate was verified as being an original 1956 MP shutter crate. We are not aware of the cameras provenance from that time to until roughly 5 years ago, when it was purchased by a collector in the United States. The camera was used as a shooter, hence the wear and brassing it currently shows.". The eBay sale post of this camera was featured in November 20, 2020 René Teem's Facebook post. At some point in its lifetime, the camera was listed for sale at the Setadel Studios. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-144 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-145 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-146 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-147 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. According to the page 13 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998, this camera was "was fully restored many years ago by Leitz for an Italian collector, but this did not prevent the occurrence of a series of "mistakes" that undermine originality. The black top plate is from an M2, as are the viewfinder windows and the short rewind lever. Unfortunately, black lacquered spares are no longer available even in Wetzlar or Solms, and this is a shame. A factory restoration with all originaL parts wouLd allow to redress all mistakes on this camera.". The camera was illustrated on the pages 13 and 14 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998 as having ""wrong" details in n° 147 are due to the unavailability of spares. Not even the original vulkanite..". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-148 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-149 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-150 featured black finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.The camera was sold for 52800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005^⁴¹⁶.The lot was described as "...The camera was the property of Stern photographer and Magnum vice president Thomas Hoepker..."^⁴¹⁶. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; black, with chrome visible through, lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-151 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 162 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's " The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever.

Leica MP-152 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was illustrated on the pages of Camera Review No. 67 (Leica-Book '03), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-153 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-154 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-155 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-156 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-157 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was initially delivered to Caracas on July 29, 1957 and later sold for 144000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022^³⁸². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-158 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-159 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-160 originally featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^25,³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴⁰³. The camera was sold for 50400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 21st WestLicht Camera Auction on May 12, 2012⁴⁰³. Before that, it was sold for GBP 9000 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 14, 2005. The lot was described as "chrome, the shutter crate engraved P160, with chrome Leicavit MP. Condition: 2B(ii) Cosmetic: Good condition, minimal marks to camera body. Mechanical: Apparently working. Lenses: Clean and clear, minor handling marks". And before that, it was sold for GBP 4950 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on November 25, 1993. The lot was described as "A doublewind black Leica MP camera no. 160 with depth of field indicator, a black Leicavit MP winder, a Leitz Elmar 5cm. f/2.8 lens no. 1600627 and chrome Leica-Meter MC.". In July of 2026, this camera was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape in one and of chrome round shape in another photograph.

Leica MP-161 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Porras, Panama, on September 2, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54951³⁶⁰. At some point in time, this camera was listed for sale on eBay for 9999 USD, albeit without Leicavit rapid winder. In July of 2026, it was featured in the YouTube video titled "Selling a Leica, Leitz, or Collector's Camera? 5 Steps to the Best Offer" by Jo Geier. "Leicavit MP" was present on the camera in the video. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; without Leicavit rapid winder; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-162 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Caracas on July 30, 1957 as a part of shipment number 58817³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-163 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Lackland, Aukland, New Zealand, on July 25, 1957 as a part of shipment number 60409³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-164 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Lackland, Aukland, New Zealand, on July 25, 1957 as a part of shipment number 53945³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-165 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Caracas on July 30, 1957 as a part of shipment number 58817³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-166 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Parer, Sydney, Australia, on July 25, 1957⁵³⁴. This camera was sold for GBP 10120 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on October 9, 1997. The lot was described as "chrome, doublewind, four-screw lens mount ring, the camera crate engraved P 166, with a chrome Leicavit MP rapid winder". The camera was illustrated on the page 15 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998 with caption indicating "also with an irritating mistake in a small but essentiaL detaiL, the strap hooks are round rather than oblong - the so called "dog ears " present on the earliest M3's and on all MP's.". Later, the camera was featured on the cover of 2005 2nd edition of Leica Collector's Guide by Dennis Laney⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-167 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴¹⁷. The camera was sold for 17400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005⁴¹⁷. This camera was originally delivered to Copenhagen on July 30, 1957⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-168 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Forestier, Valparaiso, Chile, on July 25, 1957⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-169 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Stockholm, Sweden, on July 25, 1957⁵³⁴. It was auctioned off the 1st L&H Photographica Auction in 2013 and was described as "The serial number is matching with the number inside of the body. This camera comes with matching Summicron-M 2/5cm (#1466063) and MP Leicavit. In mint condition, extremely rare.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-170 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Forestier, Valparaiso, Chile, on July 25, 1957⁵³⁴. The camera was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶. The lot description indicated that "... all details original, except for the top plate, which was replaced in 80's by Leitz company, only around 260 chrome MP's has been made, because of professional usage many of them, like this one, were upgraded with later parts during factory repairs"³⁹⁶. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-171 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Vienna, Austria, on July 23, 1957⁵³⁴. The camera was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014³⁹⁷. Before that, the camera was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 14th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 30, 2008⁴¹⁰. Before that, it was sold for 21875 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003⁴²¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-172 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Manca in New York, USA, on August 12, 1957⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-173 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Oslo, Norway, on July 25, 1957⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-174 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was originally delivered to Vienna on July 23, 1957. In February of 2021, this camera was featured on LEI-CA-HOUSE Facebook post. This camera was sold for 72000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³. The lot was described as "A beautiful original vintage Leica MP chrome, one of the rarest and most collectable Leicas model made, in very good condition, chassis engraved with matching number 'MP-174', with all matching features, like the body without self-timer and with early strap lugs, M2 film counter, and double stroke advance, delivered to Vienna in on 23.07.1957, together with matching original Leicavit MP chrome, with body cap..."⁵³³. It was illustrated on the page 162 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's " The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-175 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Geneva, Switzerland, on July 23, 1957⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-176 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Zurich, Switzerland, on July 23, 1957⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-177 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to Porras, Panama, on September 2, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54951³⁶⁰. The chassis for this camera (P177) was auctioned off on April 29, 2020 at the Chiswick Auctions.

Leica MP-178 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.This camera was originally delivered to Odin, Nijmegen, Netherlands, on July 23, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54310⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-179 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Odin, Nijmegen, Netherlands, on July 23, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54310⁵³⁴. In 2014, the camera was auctioned an American auction with the following description: "...with 50mm Dual-Range Summicron-M f2 Nr. 1466877 with exceptional provenance. Consigned by the original owner, a well known designer and photographer, Leica MP-179 is accompanied by the original Bill of Sale from Talens Foto in Delft, Holland, a memo from original owner about his adventures with the MP, the original Leica inspection ticket, and a portfolio of signed prints made by Leica MP- 179 in the USSR in 1957 behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. The black & white portfolio of photos taken in the former Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, are photo-journalism at its best: the black market in action, circus performers, adults and children at leisure, and interiors. Included with the camera is an ever ready case, home- made, fashioned especially for the Leica MP. Note that the near-focus device for the lens has minor fungus and separation and there is a small ding on the top plate near the right strap lug, a small ding on the Leicavit’s right corner, and a vulcanite chip missing under the lens mount right corner of the bottom plate mount. An extraordinary opportunity.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-180 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Odin, Nijmegen, Netherlands, on July 23, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54310⁵³⁴.

Leica MP-181 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-182 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-183 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-184 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off at Bonhams auction on 23 November 2012 (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-185 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was illustrated in "F22-Home of the finest vintage cameras" on page 91 of 7/2020 Leica Fotografie International magazine.

Leica MP-186 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 240000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025. It was originally delivered to Schmidt, Tokyo on July 31, 1957. Literature 25, 360, 377. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-187 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-188 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-189 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-190 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-191 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 120000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022³⁸³. It was delivered to London on September 9, 1957³⁸³. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-192 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was sold for 43200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025⁵³³. The lot was described as "A beautiful original vintage Leica MP, one of the rarest and most collectable Leicas model made, in very good condition, chassis engraved with matching number, with all matching features, like the body without self-timer and with early strap lugs, matching back door, double stroke advance, delivered to London on 09.09.1957, together with a Leicavit MP and feet scale M39 Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1517490, very good optics only showing minimal cleaning marks, with Leica-Meter MC no.95753 and rare matching eveready case with cut-out for the Leicavit arm."^⁵³³. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-193 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-194 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-195 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-196 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was sold for 32000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. The lot was described as "Leica MP with slight signs of wear and authentic patina. As part of a very early repair at Ernst Leitz New York, the topplate was apparently replaced and a self-timer retrofitted. Leitz New York "Y" repair seal. Otherwise completely original MP, with double stroke winding mechanism with short transport lever, early range finder, film speed dial in the rear door up to 1000 ASA. Casting number 110917. The shutter crate engraved "P-196" on the bottom. Leicavit MP with 1/4" tripod thread. With Summilux 50 mm f/1.4 Nr. 1789289. Thin scratch on the front element. Included: Leica MP everready case. Provenance: Allen Collection."⁴²⁵The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-197 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-198 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-199 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was auctioned off the 4th L&H Photographica Auction in 2014 with the following description:"The number engraved on the chassis is matching with the serial number “P 199” which is relatively rare. It comes with a Summicron-M 2/5cm Rigid lens (#1581344) in same age, front lens cap and leicavit, in mint condition. The same camera was presented by Lars Netopil at the Leica Sharing in Hong Kong.". This camera was featured on Tim Lei's Facebook post in November of 2021. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-200 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off an American auction in November of 2021. The lot was described as "This landmark serial number camera set was delivered to a London area Leica dealer September 9, 1957. The original body cover and baseplate are also included, as is the original sales receipt from a well-known Leica dealership in The Netherlands". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-201 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-202 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-203 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In 2024, this camera was auctioned off an American auction with the following description: "n silver chrome finish, with rapid winding device Leicavit MP. Made in 1957, this is a stellar example of the famous Leica MP camera. These cameras were typically used by professionals and are encountered today in well-used condition. This example shows a few bright marks here and there, mostly on the Leicavit rapid winding device, and the camera bears the factory “L” seal. The shutter crate casting number is 110838. This camera set is working, and while the frame counter functions, it does not click when turned to set. A stunning example of the Leica MP from 1957.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-204 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-205 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-206 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was illustrated in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 16 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977 and the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-207 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Caracas. It was reported on December 13, 2021, that this camera belonged to Gianpaolo Ferro, a "well-known and highly esteemed photo repairman, inventor and collector of analog cameras" (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-208 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. On December 24, 2021, a photograph of this camera was posted on "9Days Store - Camera Specialist" Facebook page. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-209 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-210 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-211 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-212 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Copenhagen. This camera was auctioned off at an American auction on November 15, 2025. The lot was described as "353. Leica MP-212 with 50mm “Dual-Range” Summicron f2 Nr. 1469698. Made in 1957, this is a beautiful example of the famous Leica MP camera. These cameras were typically used by professionals and are encountered today in well-used condition. This example shows a few bright marks and a small dent, and is working. While the frame counter functions, it does not click when turned to set. The shutter crate casting number is 110705. Also included are two other lenses, a 35mm Summaron-RF f3,5 Nr. 1556233 and 135mm Hektor f4,5 Nr. 1385690.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; without a Leicavit rapid winder; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-213 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Midland.

Leica MP-214 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Stockholm.

Leica MP-215 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was once owned by Per Pejstrup of Associated Press (see page 2 1/1974 of Leica Fotografie). This camera was originally delivered to Copenhagen.

Leica MP-216 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. Viewfinder magazine Volume 22, Number 4, reported this camera was auctioned off at Christie's on July 27, 1989. This camera was originally delivered to Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Leica MP-217 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Leica MP-218 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to London.

Leica MP-219 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Caracas.

Leica MP-220 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to New York.

Leica MP-221 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-222 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera belong to Jay Maisel, according to Classic Connection LLC, who sold them later (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer (but marks of it being removed); chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-223 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera belong to Jay Maisel, according to Classic Connection LLC, who sold them later (source). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-224 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-225 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was originally delivered to Manca (Leitz New York) on August 12th 1957⁵⁹⁷. The camera was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷. It was described as "Leica MP in fully restored, therefore like new condition. Double stroke winding mechanism with long winding lever, film speed indicator dial on the back up to 200 ASA. The rangefinder’s measuring field with depth-of-field markings. Chassis without casting number. Engraving "P-225" on the bottom. Leicavit MP with 3/8" tripod thread. The camera was delivered on August 12th 1957 to Manca (Leitz New York)."⁵⁹⁷. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-226 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-227 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.On June 7, 2008, this camera was listed for sale for 28000 USD on Sherry Krauter's website. The description implied that "the housing shell must have been changed in it’s lifetime".

Leica MP-228 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴⁰². The camera was sold for 66000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012. The lot was described as "...used by famous Magnum photographer Paul Fusco"⁴⁰². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-229 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-230 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-231 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-232 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-233 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-234 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-235 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was considered "MP SP" to indicate that it was a special camera made to order for wide-angle lens users⁵⁷¹. "MP SP" cameras had customizations made to them, such as Leica M2-type top cover and viewfinder system, or equipped with self-timers⁵⁷¹. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 195 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was auctioned off at an American auction on November 14, 2020 with the following description: "Leica MP Nr. 235-SP, with Leicavit MP rapid winder. Leica MP 235 was upgraded at Leitz with the more modern body shell with round strap lugs and no lens release collar, as well as an M2 rangefinder, with depth-of-field indicator notches. Engraved "MP-235 SP."This exact MP SP camera is prominently pictured in Jim Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History" Volume I, on page 195 (Lager Limited Editions, 1993), where the author writes: "In at least two instances MPs have been converted by Leitz to incorporate the M2 viewfinder." Back door leatherette is intact but lifting. With original shipping receipt from Olden Camera in New York. Condition: Excellent ++ From the Collection of Dr. C.F. Tatum". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-236 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was considered "MP SP" (author's note) to indicate that it was a special camera made to order for wide-angle lens users⁵⁷¹. "MP SP" cameras had customizations made to them, such as Leica M2-type top cover and viewfinder system, or equipped with self-timers⁵⁷¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-237 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-238 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-239 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In 1995, this camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-240 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-241 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-242 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-243 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-244 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auction on June 1, 2023 with the following description: "The original Leica MP was designed for professional photographers for use with the Leicavit MP rapid wind. Only 300 cameras were delivered in chrome finish in 1957, a camera in absolute original, never updated condition is very hard to find (without self timer and with early strap lugs). The offered camera MP-244 is in 100% original and perfect working condition. The L-seal is still intact, matching number on chassis inside the camera. It comes also with the correct back door for 1000 ASA and the matching Leicavit MP, with Elmar 2.8/50mm no.1727692.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-245 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-246 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-247 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-248 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-249 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-250 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. Camera was illustrated in the Q4 of 1994, Viewfinder magazine Volume 27, Number 4. It was owned by Neal Barton at that time and was purchased from Peter Coeln in Vienna in the summer of 1993. According to Mr. Barton, the camera was then serviced by C. W. Reinhardt at A. Kielgas in Hannover, Germany. According to the same article, the camera was delivered to Vienna on October 16, 1957. The camera was also illustrated on the page 14 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-251 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was featured on Tim Lei's Facebook page post on November 1, 2022.

Leica MP-252 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was featured on Tim Lei's Facebook page post on November 1, 2022 with the following caption: "The 252 was shown in a Japanese Leica book. It used to belong to the one of the voigtlander executives/owners.".

Leica MP-253 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-254 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-255 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-256 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-257 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In Q3 of 1998, Viewfinder magazine Volume 31, Number 3, Myron Wolf of Lexington, MA, reported purchasing and returning a counterfeit Leica MP-257 in 1975. This camera was shown to have been assembled by replacing the top cover plate with a new one that had been ordered from Leitz. During that time, at the beginning of the camera collecting era, Leitz had sold top covers to independent repair facilities based on purchase orders. However, subsequent company policy had required the return of the original top cover when a replacement was ordered. Detailed views of the counterfeit Leica MP-257, which did not have a serial number on the chassis, could be found on page 138 of Myron Wolf's book, titled "The Blue Book Illustrated Price Guide to Usable and Collectible Cameras, Second Master Edition, 1985." The camera was also discussed in the July-August 1975 issue of Camera Craftsman magazine, according to Myron Wolf.

Leica MP-258 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-259 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was auctioned off the 7th L&H Photographica Auction in 2016 with the following description "The number engraved on the chassis is matching with the serial number “P259” which is relatively rare. It comes with Summilux-M 1.4/50mm (#1701878), Leicavit, lens front cap and leather case." The camera was featured on Leica Fai's Facebook page post on May 2, 2022. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-260 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was featured on Leica Fai's Facebook page post on May 2, 2022.

Leica MP-261 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The 2003 interview with Jim Marshall, published by The Danish Journalists' Association, briefly mentioned this camera: "The mail sorting stops abruptly at the sight of an auction magazine of old Leica photography equipment. Marshall tears the magazine out of the envelope and looks lovingly down over the pages. The jewel in the magazine is a well-maintained Leica MP-261 from 1961, of which only 500 were made in the world..."(source).

Leica MP-262 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off but remained unsold at the Leica Center Photographica Auction in Woodbridge, CT, United States on May 7, 2006 with the following description: "..and 50mm Summicron f2 Nr. 1279414 Collapsible. Owned by an American prize-winning professional photo-journalist and writer. Average signs of use including some light meter marks, a scrape near one lug and also wear near the other lug....". The same camera was sold later for 20000 USD from the same auction on October 28, 2007 with a different description:"This camera belonged to the famous photojournalist and best-selling author, John Lee. An award-winning photographer for the Denver Post, Lee has been repeatedly on the New York Times bestsellers list with spy novels such as The Ninth Man, The Thirteenth Hour, and Caught in the Act, so that this camera comes with an intriguing provenance.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-263 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴⁰⁵. The camera was sold for 22800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011⁴⁰⁵. The lot was described as "...self timer adapted by Leitz...matching chassis number inside the camera..."⁴⁰⁵. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-264 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-265 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-266 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-267 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. A camera with P267 chassis number was likely converted to MP SP and auctioned off at 39th Leitz Photographica auction with the following description: "Leica MP SP (Special) 'M.A.' The MP SP was a very rare version of a Leica MP, made exclusively to special order, featuring M2 mechanics with special engraving on the top plate, there is 'P 267' serial number still engraved inside, the number of the top plate has been removed and replaced with a sterling silver plaque with initials 'A.M.'. The camera has been originally delivered to Manca, New York (delivery date 12.08.1957) as a Leica MP chrome and was later converted to a MP SP."³⁸⁴. "MP SP" indicated that it was a special camera made to order for wide-angle lens users⁵⁷¹. "MP SP" cameras had customizations made to them, such as Leica M2-type top cover and viewfinder system, or equipped with self-timers⁵⁷¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-268 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was illustrated on the page 15 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-269 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-270 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-271 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. According to mir.com.my web article, this camera once belonged to Alfred Eisenstaedt. According to the email sent by Mr. Lars Netopil to the owner of mir.com.my website on April 24, 2009, the camera that was part of the Estate of Alfred Eisenstaedt was acquired by Mr. Lars Netopil. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-272 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-273 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 103 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure platechrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-274 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 103 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure platechrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-275 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-276 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-277 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-278 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In January-March, 1975, Viewfinder magazine Volume 8, Number 1, reported that a replica of Leica MP-278 existed and was in the possession of a dealer in northeast U.S. This camera might have had the serial number engraved on the shutter housing.

Leica MP-279 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-280 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection in July of 2026. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate.

Leica MP-281 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-282 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958³⁹⁶. The camera was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶. The lot description indicated that "...top plate and body shell restored by Leitz in the 70th...approved by Ottmar Michaely"³⁹⁶. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-283 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-284 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-285 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-286 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 30th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 19, 2016³⁹³. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-287 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. In January-March, 1975, Viewfinder magazine Volume 8, Number 1, reported that a replica of Leica MP-287 existed and was in the possession of a dealer in Boston. This camera might have had the serial number engraved on the shutter housing.

Leica MP-288 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. According to mir.com.my web article, this camera once belonged to Alfred Eisenstaedt. According to the email sent by Mr. Lars Netopil to the owner of mir.com.my website on April 24, 2009, the camera that was part of the Estate of Alfred Eisenstaedt was acquired by Mr. Lars Netopil. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-289 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-290 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-291 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-292 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 40800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 31st WestLicht Camera Auction on June 10, 2017³⁹². And before that, it was sold for GBP 6050 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on July 8, 1993. The lot was described as "A chrome double-wind Leica MP camera no. 292 with chrome Leicavit MP rapid-winder and a Leitz Elmar 5cm. f/3.5 lens no. 1333044.". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-293 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was sold for GBP 14950 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on November 21, 1996. The lot was described as "chrome, with two-stroke shutter winder, triangular strap lugs, later shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, Leicavit MPrapid winder, the camera shutter crate engraved P.293, and a Leitz Summicron 5cm. f/2 lens no. 1234121".

Leica MP-294 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera once belonged to Robert White and on 2016 entered Bohnams Auction from his collection (see page 11 6/2016 Leica Fotografie International) and was sold for GBP 26250 including buyer's premium on September 19, 2016. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-295 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-296 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-297 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-298 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-299 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was featured on the photograph published by Facebook user "Leica Fai" on August 16, 2025. Before that, this camera was auctioned off at the Flints Auctions Ltd on April 16, 2025 with the following description: "1957, chrome, serial no. P299, body, VG-E, complete with Leicavit MP Service Report: Camera disassembled. Visual inspection found everything to be very clean with no obvious sign of previous work. Internal serial matches. Noted that the camera appears to be fitted with a single-stroke advance block that appears to be factory modified to work as a double-stroke. The condition of this part is fully consistent with the condition of the rest of the camera. A light service and clean was carried out. Camera was checked, adjusted and tested. RF checked and adjusted. Leicavit was checked and tested and in similar condition.". Before that, another photograph was posted on Reddit in August of 2024. Judging by the description, the owner purchased the camera from their local camera store and then auctioned it off. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-300 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-301 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-302 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 45600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020³⁸⁷. The camera was used and owned by Finnish fashion and street photographer Jukka Vatanen³⁸⁷. Initially the body has been converter to black paint on Mr Vatanen's order, later in 1970s again converted to original chrome by Leitz³⁸⁷. In a Flickr post from January, 2015, Jukka Vatanen commented under photograph of Ralph Gibson: "jan: I wish you would have known the story of my leica MP #302 "the real MP" Gibson has it in his N.Y. Studio lobby, planted in an "art piece" by my fellow Finnish leicashooter Ismo Kajander. You could ave asked him: Do you Ralph know it is real, no spoof..hehe. Worth ?? how many zeroes there in the price tag? That is how the world goes. Young guys eager to live, not considering the fact: even so much money you make one day, it will be gone . Another fact: better spend the money when you have it, when it is gone. no spending anymore... heh heh". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; chrome self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-303 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 90000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019³⁸⁸. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-304 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-305 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-306 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-307 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-308 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-309 featured chrome finish. Manufactured in 1957 or 1958. The camera was sold for 66000 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014. The lot was described as "...chassis engraved with matching number “P-309”...with 3 notches on filmstage ...Approved and serviced by Ottmar Michaely. Original Leica MP with all early features, e.g. body without self-timer and with early version of lugs, matching back door (top plate was re-chromed by Leitz in the 1970s, otherwise it has been never refinished or modified)". Literature 25, 360, 399. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-310 featured chrome finish. Manufactured in 1957 or 1958. The camera was sold for 54000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction on March 10, 2018. Literature 25, 360, 391. The camera was featured on f22 foto space's Facebook page post on December 5, 2023. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-311 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-312 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The photograph of this camera appeared on page 196 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-313 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴¹². The camera was sold for 17400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 12th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 17, 2007⁴¹². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-314 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was sold for 500000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. The lot was described as "This Leica MP was delivered to the then Leitz agency in Norway on October 12th 1957 as a silver chrome-plated camera. In the 1960s, as part of a factory repair, it was reworked into a black finished version on customer's request. The same applies to the conversion to a single stroke winding mechanism with long transport lever. Typical MP repair shell with round strap lugs. Flash sockets modified to fit standard plug. Casting number 110679. The shutter crate engraved "P-314" on the bottom. The three cut-outs in the image window, apparently for marking the side of the picture, are interesting. Leicavit MP with 1/4" tripod thread. Included: Expertise by Ottmar Michaely"⁴²⁵. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had black and external, manually resetting frame counter; black shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; black frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; black protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; black strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-315 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰ or 1958⁴⁰⁶. The camera was sold for 17760 Euros including buyer's premium at the 18th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 4, 2010⁴⁰⁶. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-316 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish .

Leica MP-317 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-318 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 14400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 15th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2009⁴⁰⁹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-319 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-320 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-321 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-322 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was shown in Ghester Sartorius' book (Source: page 0 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 20 from November 2001).

Leica MP-323 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-324 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-325 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-326 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-327 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-328 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-329 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-330 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auction on June 5, 2024 with the following description: "Chrome MP in fully original, never restored or modified, near mint and perfect working condition (P-330 engraved on the chassis), with matching Leicavit MP and rigid Summicron 2/5cm no.1465842 (cap). Only 311 pieces chrome MP were made in 1957, few survived in this condition. ". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-331 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-332 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was auctioned at an American auction in the fall of 2011. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-333 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰and originally delivered to Toronto, Canada (source: "Leica HEAVEN EP 2" of Kevin Fickling's YouTube channel). This camera was auctioned off at the Weiss Auctions, in Lynbrook, NY, United States on July 16, 2025 with the following description: "Early Leica MP Chrome Camera, serial number 333 with Leicavit MP Winder baseplate. Appears all original with intact "L" seal, double stroke film advance and no self timer. Minimal, if any, wear to most of the camera, with some wear spots on the back plate only. Really nice example of this rare camera. From single owner, lifetime Leica and photographica collection.". The camera was featured in the "Leica HEAVEN EP 2" of Kevin Fickling's YouTube channel in August of 2026. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-334 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-335 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-336 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-337 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-338 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was sold for 54000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022³⁸². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-339 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-340 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was illustrated on the pages of Camera Review No. 67 (Leica-Book '03), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-341 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-342 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to same place and on the same day as Leica MP-341.

Leica MP-343 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to same place and on the same day as Leica MP-341.

Leica MP-344 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to same place and on the same day as Leica MP-341.

Leica MP-345 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to same place and on the same day as Leica MP-341.

Leica MP-346 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to Porras, Panama, on November 18, 1958 as a part of shipment number 54966.

Leica MP-347 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered to Porras, Panama, on November 18, 1958 as a part of shipment number 54966.

Leica MP-348 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to R. Üeberall (?), Stockholm, Sweden, on February 26, 1958, as a part of shipment number 8983.

Leica MP-349 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on November 15, 1957, as a part of shipment number 55271.

Leica MP-350 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. There is no delivery record for this camera in the delivery ledger.

Leica MP-351 featured chrome finish²⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden, on November 15, 1957, as a part of shipment number 55271.

Leica MP-352 featured chrome finish²⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Opto, Vienna, Austria, on December 6, 1957, as a part of shipment number 53171. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-353 featured chrome finish²⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Opto, Vienna, Austria, on December 6, 1957, as a part of shipment number 53171. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-354 featured chrome finish²⁵. This camera was originally delivered to Opto, Vienna, Austria, on December 6, 1957, as a part of shipment number 53171. The camera was sold for 84000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013. The lot was described as "...P-354 chassis number inside the camera..."⁴⁰¹. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-355 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Odin, Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 18, 1957 as a part of shipment number 54053.

Leica MP-356 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Opto, Vienna, Austria, on December 6, 1957, as a part of shipment number 53171. There is a second delivery known - July 9, 1958 to to Perrot, Biel, Switzerland, on July 9, 1958, as a part of shipment number 53135.

Leica MP-357 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to ?, Kreuznach, Germany? on December 19, 1958, as a part of shipment number 6511.

Leica MP-358 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off at the Lidong Camera Auction on December 14, 2025 with the following description: "Debuting at the 1956 Photokina fair in Cologne, the Leica MP was far more than a M3 iteration; it was a purpose-built instrument crafted at the request of the world's most renowned photojournalists. Driven by the needs of visionaries like Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan, and personally championed by Dr. Ludwig Leitz, the MP was engineered specifically to integrate the rapid-fire Leicavit system-previously only for screw-mount models-into the revolutionary M-body.Distinguishing itself from all other serial production Leicas, each MP bears a unique individual number, separate from standard factory serials. With total production limited to a mere 412 units between black and silver chrome, its rarity is unquestioned. The silver chrome version, of which only 271 were ever made, was issued primarily to working professionals, solidifying the MP's status today as a true trophy for the discerning collector.This rare Silver Chrome Leica MP engraved 'P 358' inside the body is in 100% original condition, without dents and in perfect working order. It is complemented by the matching Leicavit MP. The historical value of this set is immense...The lot is complete with the original maker's box bearing the 'IMOOP' stamp, and the original Leica MP brochure in German.". Before that, the camera was sold for 72000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021³⁸⁵. The camera belonged to Frederich Baldwin, of Savannah (shipment number 672? (author's note)). The interview published on leica-camera.blog confirmed this. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-359 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Schott & Gen; Mainz, on April 8, 1958, as a part of shipment number 4902?. Then, the camera was delivered to Perrot, Biel, Switzerland, on July 9, 1958, as a part of shipment number 53135.

Leica MP-360 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was originally delivered to Opto, Vienna, Austria, on December 6, 1957, as a part of shipment number 53181.

Leica MP-361 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off but remained unsold at an American auction on November 19, 2022 with the following description: "with 50mm Elmar f2,8 Nr. 1590461 and Leicavit MP. Delivered on November 15, 1957. There is a small vulcanite repair on the back door, and a piece of vulcanite missing". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-362 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was auctioned off on December 7, 2013 at the LP Foto Auktioner. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-363 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-364 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271. It was then later sold 66000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024³⁷⁸. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-365 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271. This camera was sold for 39200 USD on eBay in May 31, 2011.

Leica MP-366 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271.

Leica MP-367 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271. The camera was offered but remained unsold at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004⁴¹⁸. The lot was described as "Two MP chrome cameras with consecutive serial numbers (no.367 and no.368), both cameras are in very good and absolutely original and perfect working condition, they are also engraved internally P367 and P368, both with Leicavit MP, it is the first time 2 MP cameras with consecutive numbers are offered for sale! MP 368 was Tazio Secchiaroli's personal camera with Summilux 1.4/50mm. It comes with one of Secchiaroli's photobooks with a handwritten statement, that he used the Leica MP 368 for many years and also for his work on the set of Fellini's La Dolce Vita. The “grandfather of all paparazzi,” as Tazio Secchiaroli is often called, worked his way up from street reporter to star photographer and star portraitist in Cinecittà. From the time De Sica’s “Marriage Italian Style” with Sophia Loren celebrated its first success, Secchiaroli accompanied the actress in her professional and private life till his death in 1989. Secchiaroli was also photographer and friend to Federico Fellini who ensured the former’s place in history with the film “La Dolce Vita” (1960)."⁴¹⁸. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-368 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered to Perrot, Biel, Switzerland on January 16, 1958 as a part of shipment 53135. This camera was auctioned off but remained unsold at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026⁵⁸⁵. This camera was displayed during the preview ahead of the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction at Leica Store & Gallery New York (406 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014, United States) on April 24, 2026. The camera was sold for 31200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 9th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 20, 2006. The lot was described as "Chrome MP with Leicavit MP, the camera of the famous Italian photographer Tazio Secchiaroli, the original 'paparazzo' and Federico Fellini's set photographer... It comes with the book 'Secchiaroli' with his dedication confirming that he worked with this camera for the film 'Dolce Vita'. As a special rarity the camera comes with the only known 'Leica MP' maker's box...and a mint ever-ready case for the Leica MP with Leicavit MP. The camera is one of two Leica MP cameras used by Secciaroli, the second is the MP-16, originally a black camera, later re-chromed at the Leica factory and presently owned by a famous Italian collector)"⁴¹⁵. The camera was offered but remained unsold at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004⁴¹⁸. The lot was described as "Two MP chrome cameras with consecutive serial numbers (no.367 and no.368), both cameras are in very good and absolutely original and perfect working condition, they are also engraved internally P367 and P368, both with Leicavit MP, it is the first time 2 MP cameras with consecutive numbers are offered for sale! MP 368 was Tazio Secchiaroli's personal camera with Summilux 1.4/50mm. It comes with one of Secchiaroli's photobooks with a handwritten statement, that he used the Leica MP 368 for many years and also for his work on the set of Fellini's La Dolce Vita..."⁴¹⁸. Many years before that, according to Volume 145, Issue 7242 of The British Journal of Photography from September 15, 1999, a 1958 "Leica MP that was owned by Tazio Secchiaroli" went on sale at Museum Cameras for more than GBP 5,000 above its typical market value. The camera was illustrated on the page 12 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-369 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271. A photograph of this camera was illustrated on collect-vintage.com website. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-370 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on November 15, 1957 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 55271.

Leica MP-371 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 22, 1958 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 54418. This camera was illustrated on the pages of Camera Review No. 67 (Leica-Book '03), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-372 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 22, 1958 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 54418. This camera was sold for GBP 12650 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 12, 1997. The lot was described as "chrome, with two-stroke shutter, triangular strap lugs, later shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, Leicavit MP rapid winder, the shutter crate engraved P. 372, in maker's ever ready case. Heavy use and wear". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-373 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 22, 1958 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 54418. This camera was auctioned at an American auction in 2012. It was described as "...This is a genuine chrome Leica MP that has been restored. The vulcanite has been replaced and the metal beautifully re-chromed. Condition: near mint.".

Leica MP-374 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 22, 1958 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 54418. This camera was auctioned off LPFoto Auctions in Sweden on June 29, 2024 with the following description: "Dents on right-hand side and back edge of top plate, shutter is irregular and sticky on slow speeds, and major pieces of vulcanite is missing. Provenance: Leif Aldal, 1942-2016, Swedish journalist, radio and TV-producer who was among other things operative in a number of productions for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter; and for Swedish public service such as Sveriges Radio and Sveriges Television.". The camera was featured on Leica Fai's Facebook page in December of 2024. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-375 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. There is no delivery record for this camera in the delivery ledger. Camera was offered but unsold at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023³⁸¹. The manufacture date in catalog is indicated as 1958³⁸¹. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014³⁹⁷. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-376 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 22, 1958 to Brandt, Stockholm, Sweden as a part of shipment number 54418.This camera was sold for GBP 17625 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on June 8, 2000. The lot was described as "chrome, with two-stoke shutter winder, early strap lugs, shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, chrome Leicavit MP rapid winder, the camera shutter crate engraved P.376". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-377 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 18, 1958 to Cattaneo, Genova, Italy as a part of shipment number 53881.

Leica MP-378 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. There is no delivery record for this camera in the delivery ledger. There is no delivery record for this camera in the delivery ledger. The camera was featured on the cover of 2005 2nd edition of Leica Collector's Guide by Dennis Laney⁵³⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-379 featured chrome finish²⁵. It was delivered on January 18, 1958 to Cattaneo, Genova, Italy as a part of shipment number 53881.

Leica MP-380 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was delivered on January 18, 1958 to Cattaneo, Genova, Italy as a part of shipment number 53881.

Leica MP-381 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-382 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-383 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. The camera was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 31st WestLicht Camera Auction on June 10, 2017³⁹². The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-384 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-385 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-386 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.The camera was sold for 21600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 13th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 7, 2008⁴¹¹. This camera was auctioned off at the Shanghai Lidong Auction Co., Ltd. on June 14, 2025 with the following description: "Year:1958 Sn:MP-386 A fully original chrome Leica MP camera in perfect working condition. The number "MP-386" is also engraved internally on the camera chassis. It comes with a matching Leicavit MP and a Summicron 2/5cm lens with the serial number 1192498.". The camera was later available for sale for 127,743 USD in March of 2026 on " VINTAGE-CAMERAS-by-BORIS" eBay store. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-387 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. An interesting Leica M2 number 0001012 camera, dated 1958, was auctioned off at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023, with the following description: "An interesting test camera, with a construction based on a MP and M2. The chassis is engraved with MP-387 (and later crossed out), the top plate incorporates features of the M3 and M2, the back door is a rare version with 1000 ASA, correct for the Leica MP. It is in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order. Provenance: family of ex Leica employee."³⁸⁰. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; without a Leicavit rapid winder; no self-timer; without protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of round shape.

Leica MP-388 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-389 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-390 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-391 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-392 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 61 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book. This camera had "always been" in Leica Archive / Leitz Museum, according to Stefan Daniel. This camera was part of the Leica Tree, created by Dr. G. Wangorsh, at the Ernst Leitz Museum in 1972, according to Viewfinder, Volume 5, No. 3. The camera was shown in Rogliatti' book (Source: page 0 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 20 from November 2001). In 2018, it was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book⁵⁹⁶. The author of this website saw this camera in the Leitz Museum at Leitz Park in May of 2025. It was part of the Leitz Archive in May of 2026. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-393 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰. This camera was auctioned off at the OstLicht Auction on November 16, 2024 with the following description: "One of the best original Leica MP cameras we have ever seen, it is in never restored, mint condition, in perfect working order, clean finder, mint Leicavit MP, chassis number '130814', inside engraved 'P 393', with a near mint collapsible Summicron 2/5cm no.1118237, cap. ". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-394 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.The camera was sold for 38400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷. It was originally delivered to Schmidt, Singapore on December 12, 1958³⁷⁷. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-395 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-396 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-397 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-398 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957^360.This camera was sold for GBP 12650 including buyer's premium at the Christie's auction on March 6, 1997. The lot was described as "chrome, with two-stroke shutter winder, triangular strap lugs, later shutter speed sequence B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000, Leicavit MP rapid winder, the camera shutter crate engraved P.398. Condition: 3D Cosmetic: Light signs of wear. Mechanical: Not working.". he camera was illustrated on the page 16 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 6 from May 1998 with caption indicating "has curiously been half restored. The top plate is new and is obviously from an M2. This is a forced choice dictated by the outer, manual frame counter which does not allow the use of an M3 top plate. The strap rings are original and no self timer was added. The state of the Leicavit MP gives an indication of the camera 's condition before restoration, almost certainly carried out by Leitz in the 1970's....Rear view of the same MP 398. It is one of the very last, since production apparently never exceeded n° 402 due to the introduction of the M2 in 1957 and its official launch in 1958. The camera back is original with the /10 DIN indication from 8 to 32. Even the back of this Leica is worn, but how many thousand rolls offilm has this camera shot?". The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was chrome in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; chrome winding lever; chrome accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; chrome frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit MP" engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica MP-399 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-400 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-401 featured chrome finish²⁵. Manufactured in 1957³⁶⁰.

Leica MP-402 was originally delivered to Foto Rahn in Frankfurt, Germany on August 22, 1958. This camera featured chrome finish³⁶⁰.

August 1957

A letter from Ernst Leitz, New York, dated August 21, 1957, sheds light on the process of purchasing a Leica MP¹³¹. Leitz emphasized that the dealer organizations held exclusive authority over determining who was eligible to receive one¹³¹. During the years 1957 to 1958, obtaining an MP was viewed as an extraordinary achievement, particularly for individuals who were not considered "qualified"¹³¹.

January 1958

Newsweek magazine from January 6 of 1958 showed David Douglas Duncan and Pablo Picasso holding Leica M3D cameras⁵²⁶. The excerpt from the text read: "For a month of sunny March mornings, photographer David Douglas Duncan prowled the gardens and rooms of Pablo Picasso's whitewashed Riviera villa, constantly clicking one of his three Leica cameras at the controversial artist."⁵²⁶. Here is the said photograph⁵²⁶:

April 1958

A reference to "Leica MP-3" was made in the caption of the photograph taken by Ken Heyman published in the New York Herald Tribune on April 13, 1958. The verbatim caption was "One of a series of photographs by Ken Heyman now on view at the Limelight Gallery, 91 Seventh Ave., South. Mr. Heyman visited Bali, Hong Kong and Japan to make these photos. The above picture shows a Balinese couple with their daughter. Leica MP-3 shot".

September 1959

A note in section titled "HEYMAN'S TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES" on the page 78 of Volume 45 Issue 3 of Popular Photography magazine from September of 1959 made a reference to "Leica MP-3" camera⁵²⁵. Note said: "I use Leica MP-3s all the time except when using the 180-mm lens, which is on my Asahi Pentax. Occasio³⁶⁰.nally, for advertising or portraiture I use a Hasselblad"⁵²⁵. Author of this website is curious to know what the afore-mentioned Leica MP-3 camera(s) was⁵²⁵.

Theft of Top Plates From Leitz Factory in Late 1950s

Several top covers were stolen from Wetzlar in late 1950s, and approximately six cameras, with serial numbers higher than the last ones produced at the factory, started circulating⁴⁹. A few additional bodies with lower serial numbers have also appeared⁴⁹. The theft regained attention in 1970s and was described in newspapers as:

In April-June, 1974, Viewfinder magazine Volume 7, Number 2, reported that "a few years ago", some top covers were stolen from Wetzlar, and subsequently, about six cameras with serial numbers higher than the last ones made at the factory began to circulate. Additionally, a few extra camera bodies with lower serial numbers have also surfaced.
In February 12, 1975 article published by Lewis M. Phelps in "The Wall Street Journal", the author claimed that Leica collectors recounted a story about a camera repairman who, a few years ago, visited the E. Leitz camera factory in Wetzlar, West Germany⁵³⁹. While there, he allegedly stole several "top plates" designed for Leica camera bodies⁵³⁹. Interpol was brought into the case but ultimately lost track of the thief in Vienna⁵³⁹. More recently, it was said that the thief acquired additional top plates from a friendly repairman at the Leitz American subsidiary, E. Leitz Inc., U.S.A⁵³⁹. Since then, this notorious criminal had been taking these plates, engraving the letters "MP" along with a three-digit serial number on them, and attaching them to Model M2 Leicas, which closely resembled the MP models⁵³⁹. With a few additional modifications using readily available Leica parts, he successfully produced and sold cameras that were nearly indistinguishable from the genuine articles, even to experts⁵³⁹. While these cameras were indeed real Leicas, they were not authentic models made by E. Leitz, which rendered them virtually worthless to most collectors⁵³⁹. Although a few individuals knew the identity of the perpetrator, no one came forward to reveal who he was⁵³⁹. Legal action was not pursued against him for fraud, as some customers knowingly purchased the cameras believing they were counterfeit, while at least two buyers demanded and received refunds upon discovering the truth⁵³⁹. Not all of the counterfeit MPs had been identified yet⁵³⁹. In any case, the counterfeiter had devised a clever scheme⁵³⁹. His craftsmanship transformed a Leica M2, which was valued at around $225 among collectors, into a camera that sold for between ,800 and $2,800, depending on whether it featured a chrome finish or the more sought-after black-enamel finish⁵³⁹.
March 7, 1975 issue of "The British Journal of Photography" reported that according to American sources, there was an ongoing issue with counterfeit Leica MP cameras, and a number of these had been sold to collectors⁵³⁸. Allegedly, an American camera repairman visited the Leitz factory in Wetzlar several years ago and discreetly took away several top plates. Interpol had been called in but lost track of the case in Vienna⁵³⁸. It was claimed that a few additional top plates were later obtained through a friendly repairman at the Leitz American subsidiary⁵³⁸. Since then, the counterfeiter had been engraving these top plates with the letters "MP" and a three-digit serial number, replacing the top plates on M2 Leicas with them⁵³⁸. The other differences between the two cameras consisted of easily obtainable parts⁵³⁸. With minimal effort, a number of cameras that were nearly indistinguishable from the originals—even to experts—had been created⁵³⁸. Although these cameras were made from parts all manufactured by Leitz, they were not officially assembled by Leitz⁵³⁸. From the perspective of true collectors, this fact rendered them valueless⁵³⁸. Despite knowing the cameras were fakes, some Leica enthusiasts reportedly purchased these pseudo-MPs to complete their collections⁵³⁸. No action had been taken against the counterfeiter, as no one was willing to disclose his identity⁵³⁸.

January 1, 1960 Reference to Leica MP-3

The 10th Anniversary Edition of "Photography Annual", published by Bruce Downes on January 1, 1960, referred to two Leica MP-3 cameras that Ken Heyman used. According to the article, "Ken Heyman, a young freelance photographer with Ralpho-Gullemette, shot his Sister of the Bride pictures with the aid of three cameras: two Leica MP-3's (one fitted with a 50-mm, the other with a 35-mm wide-angle lens) and an Asahi Pentax..."

Original Leica MP Camera Used by Grey Villet in 1961

According to the Volume 48 Issue 2 of "Popular Photography" from Feb 1, 1961, photographer Grey Villet used an original Leica MP camera to document construction of a pipeline in Louisiana for Life magazine.

Three Original Leica MP Cameras of George Rodger in 1966

According to Volume 113, issue 5511 of "The British Journal of Photography", photographer George Rodger owned 3 original Leica MP cameras as of March 4, 1966: one for black and white, one for color, and one spare.

1968 Whereabouts of M3D-1, M3D-2, M3D-3 and M3D-4

According to Barbara Baker Burrows from May 2004 titled "David Douglas Duncan", "Two black Leica M3D's -- specially modified for him, the significance of the appended 'D' obvious, of course -- accompanied him in his rucksack, the other two were undergoing repair in Hong Kong."

2014 - Continuation of M3D Legacy

Leica M3D-5 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. A photograph of this camera was published on the advertisement for Leica Store Wetzlar Altstadt - Lars Netopil Classic Cameras store on page 104 1/2015 Leica Fotografie International. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; black cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-6 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-7 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera was available for sale at Jo Geier Mint & Rare at some point in time.

Leica M3D-8 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera was part of a Chinese collection in 2026.

Leica M3D-9 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. The camera was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 27th WestLicht Camera Auction on June 13, 2015³⁹⁶.

Leica M3D-10 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-11 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera, together with its lens number 4321011, was on display at F11 Museum, Hong Kong, in January of 2016 (author's note). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; black cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-12 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera was owned by an Austrian collector in April of 2015 (author's note). The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; black cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-13 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-14 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-15 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-16 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera was available for sale at the 6th L&H Photographica Auction in the fall of 2015. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; black cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-17 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷. This camera was available for sale at Jo Geier Mint & Rare in April of 2025 for 215000€. Before that, the camera was sold for 140000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 3rd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 9, 2021⁴²⁶. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; black cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; with "Leicavit" (no "MP") engraving on the left; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Leica M3D-18 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-19 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-20 is one of 16 Leica M3D "David Douglas Duncan" cameras commissioned by Lars Netopil of the Leica Store Wetzlar that were produced in 2014³⁵⁷. The camera was built on the basis of Leica M-A³⁵⁷. The camera was painted black and came in as a set with a 50mm f/2 Summicron-M and a Leicavit M³⁵⁷.

Leica M3D-100 was an homage to the 100th Birthday of David Douglas Duncan³⁹⁴. There were 2 cameras engraved M3D-100:

One was sold 108000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016³⁹⁴. This camera was created using the last surviving set of original spare parts from the original Leica MP model³⁹⁴. These parts were refurbished and painted, including the MP top plate, MP viewfinder, the camera mechanism with double-stroke winding, back door, and Leicavit (which did not have MP engraving, only "Leicavit" engraved on the left side)³⁹⁴. No new parts were used in the construction of this beautiful piece³⁹⁴. Additionally, it came with an original and refurbished black paint 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens, serial number 1703859, and a focusing lever³⁹⁴. This camera did not feature David Douglas Duncan's signature engraved on its back³⁹⁴. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; chrome cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.
The other one, posted on Lars Netopil Classic Cameras Facebook post on January 23, 2016, was Leica M3D pre-series unit from the re-edition of the M3D from 2014. This camera had 50mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH lens, which was completed "LHSA"-style, with DDD-typical focusing lever, Leicavit-M in Leica "MP6"-style, engraved with Leicavit "MP" (on the left of the device). This camera featured David Douglas Duncan's signature engraved on its back. The camera was part of a collection in Hong Kong in May of 2025. The author of this website came to possession of the photograph(s) of this camera and noted the following external attributes: the body was black in finish; the camera had chrome and external, manually resetting frame counter; chrome shutter release screw ring; chrome shutter release button; black winding lever; black accessory clip; no cold shoe pressure plate; no frame line selector lever; no self-timer; chrome protective ring around the lens lock release; chrome lens lock release button; chrome strap eyelets of triangular / ear shape.

Some Cameras with MP Features

Leica Betriebsk. M3-1125

The camera, dated circa 1958, was auctioned off at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021, with the following description: "a special M3 Betriebskamera showing features of a Leica MP, this special camera is equipped with MP chassis (cast number 92176), modified MP top plate, Leicavit coupling, it is engraved on the top plate and on the chassis with 'Betriebsk. M3-1125'... included with the camera is a rigid Summicron 2/50mm no.1704095 and Leicavit MP"³⁸⁵.

Leica M3-1081*

Leica M3-1081* was illustrated on page 181 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Sneh Photo"⁵⁴⁰. The camera featured an unusual front mounted shutter release⁵⁴⁰.

Closing Remarks

Press photographers of 1950s typically preferred wide-angle lenses, and the introduction of the Leica M2—which included parallax-compensated frames for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses—likely led to a decline in demand for the original Leica MP, prompting Leitz to discontinue its production³⁶⁰ in 1957¹⁹¹. The Leica M2 camera also offered compatibility with the Leicavit attachment⁵¹⁴.

November 1958 Volume 3 Issue 5 of Popular Photography magazine confirms that the original Leica MP was discontinued by that time.