MP or M7??

[eric23]

Good Day All,

I am thinking about ordering a Leica à la carte; I am trying to decide between the M7 and MP. I know I can find one used for a lot cheaper but it would kind of be nice to get a custom camera for my last film camera (while they still made them).
Anyone like the MP over the M7?

Thanks,

Eric

[PrimeTime]

imho: My vote goes to the Leica MP

[slantface]

MP is definitely the more beautiful camera of the two. I have both, and love them both for different reasons. The MP is simple, doesn't require batteries, and is, as I said, the more beautiful of the two, in my opinion. However, the M7 is highly functional and capable with its AE. It does, as I'm sure you know, require batteries except at 1/60 and 1/125, if I recall. I have shot the M7 with great success in varied light conditions using the AE, even at night/low-light conditions.

If it's style and simplicity you're looking for, I'd go for the MP. Ease of use and AE ability, go with the M7. Either way, you will have a great and beautiful camera. I've often "built" my a la carte MP on Leica's site, and only wish I could justify the cost.

Best of luck on your choice. You won't be disappointed either way.

[Steve Ash]

I own and love an M7 but still desire an MP.
Steve

[Jobin]

Mp all the way.

[segedi]

I chose an M7 for a la carte. And made it very MP looking. The only option I wish I'd chosen is a black hotshoe and black for the shutter release. Had I known about these options, I would have done it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/segedi/5690277231/

[CameraQuest]

MP.

decades from now,

long after M7 electronic shutter parts are unobtainable,

the mechanical shutter MP will still be fixable
(except for the meter)

Stephen

[sc_rufctr]

Considering it may be your last film camera I'd go the MP. It seems a bit more special than an M7.

[taxi38]

I know it wont be popular but if I was to buy another leica film camera Id go for one of the M6 ttl varients.Ive always found the small shutter dial difficult in both its size and position and the auto setting on the M7 is a little luxurious for my tastes.So with the M6 ttl I can change shutter speed and fire the shutter instantly,not have the unwanted auto setting nor superfluous electronics and save a few bob.

[akiralx]

Originally Posted by taxi38

I know it wont be popular but if I was to buy another leica film camera Id go for one of the M6 ttl varients.Ive always found the small shutter dial difficult in both its size and position.

Agreed, I had a beautiful black paint MP but fiddling with the small shutter dial made it awfully slow.

Now have a 0.58 M7 and like it a lot more - but like another poster above I find the M5 the most pleasant M to use.

[dogberryjr]

Simple: Do you want AE?

[PrimeTime]

Originally Posted by dogberryjr

Simple: Do you want AE?

Do you really "need" AE

[Calzone]

Over the long-long term the MP will likely have the longer life. I'd get the MP and use it a lot.

Cal

[JHutchins]

For me it'd be easy. MP. I've no use for TTL flash metering and don't find any real speed difference between all manual and auto-exposure. And the MP is not just more beautiful, it's quieter & just better sounding. For you, if it is meant to be your last camera, doesn't it make sense to choose something that Leica itself meant to be the last of its kind?

[dmc]

MP. 'nuff said.

[Araakii]

MP no doubt, if this was your final, ultimate film camera purchase.

[Gary Sandhu]

I had the m7 but sold it for the MP. The M7 is more useful for long , tripod exposures and TTL flash.
However, the meter is just center weighted and the flash sync is limited to 1/50.
The MP has just what I need, nothing more, a bit smaller, and more robust. With the M7 I was always babying the electronics and carrying a spare battery and compensating the AE.

[loquax ludens]

Originally Posted by Gary Sandhu

The M7 is more useful for long , tripod exposures ...

Gary, what makes the M7 more useful than the MP for long tripod exposures?

[maddoc]

Originally Posted by loquax ludens

Gary, what makes the M7 more useful than the MP for long tripod exposures?

Up to 32s exposures in AE mode and the counter function (999s to ) when in B mode.

[umcelinho]

M7 with all the MP styled options= AE MP
batteries are cheap and tiny, carry an extra pair and you're good to go.

[Richard G]

It's the M7 that's quieter. And the shutter speeds always correct. Does look slightly hydrocephalic, but I can already ignore the slightly different form factor of my M9. I'd get the M7.

[bfffer]

mp, all mechanic usually last longer and easier to find parts when broken

[Alex Krasotkin]

I have M7 0.85 with a look of MP. "Leica" Signature on the top. Soon it will have MP finder, MP style wind lever and black dot. I keep an M7 for street-shooting and photostories, with difficult light conditions and fast change of the scene. Another camera is silver M6 TTL for more slow and static artwork.

[Tim Gray]

The one you want more.

[wjlapier]

I went through the same thing about a year ago. Wanted a Leica that was made especially for me the way I wanted it. I had a MP and didn't think it was anything special over a M6, so sold it and bought a M6. I then decided I wanted AE, so funds available, I ordered an ala carte M7 the way I wanted it. Classic MP style levers, black paint, and vulcanite. Sent it back for a minor repair ( non electrical ) and requested the Millennium blacked out film counter.


alaM7BP50Cron by wjlapier, on Flickr