Leica MP 3 0.72 LHSA Special Edition Black Laquer Compact 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body with 0.72x Viewfinder Magnification - USA

Leica is pleased to inform you that in cooperation with the Leica Historical Society of America, LHSA, Leica would like to remember the introduction of the first LEICA MP, which Leitz produced in 1956. Then as well as now, the abbreviation MP stands for M - Professional and underlines the unique character of this camera.

Through the optical-mechanical perfection and solidity, this camera was from the beginning, made for long lastingness. These characteristics, which allow the LEICA MP to be used as a tool, are still appreciated by photographers worldwide today. This, and the fact that the production was limited to 400 pieces, makes cameras from the first series, which are in good condition, well sought after by collectors.

Corresponding to the rarity and the demand of the earlier LEICA MP, Leica is happy to offer their customers a once in a lifetime chance to fulfill a life long dream.

The new LEICA MP 3 LHSA Special Edition unites the classic design of the first LEICA MP with precision and the long lastingness of the actual LEICA MP. Only 1,000 pieces of the LEICA MP 3 LHSA Special Edition will be produced, 500 pieces black lacquered and 500 pieces in silver chrome finish. Of these, 375 will be sets consisting of a camera, lens and a LEICAVIT, and 125 single cameras, lenses and LEICAVIT.

The Camera and the classical carrying strap are packaged together in an exclusive case, which is packed in a silver outer box. In addition, the delivery includes an instruction manual, a warranty card, as well as, a certificate of authenticity signed by the board of directors.

Technical differences from the actual LEICA MP:
Top Plate: The LEICA MP 3 LHSA Special Edition, technically speaking, is for the most part the same as a serial model LEICA MP. The most significant difference to the serial model is the front of the top plate. The classically designed front part of the top plate has distinct frames around the view- and rangefinder's three exit windows, and the central window's matte, non-corrugatedscreen remind us of the first LEICA MP from1956. The carrying strap eyelets also correspond to those used on the first LEICA MP.

Viewfinder and bright-line frames: While the serial viewfinder enlargement of 0.72x was retained, the LEICA MP3 LHSA is equipped with the classical set of bright-line frames for the 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses, each of which appear separately.

Frame counter: Instead of the frame counter window, the LEICA MP3 LHSA is equipped with a numbered disc on the outside, which has to be set to zero manually with every new film.

Shutter speed dial, frame selector and rewind release lever have the same design known from the first LEICA MP. The LEICA MP 3 LHSA Special Edition features the classic vulcanite cladding used on the original LEICA MP.