Dan Kerin

 Leica MP

Released in 2003, the Leica MP replaced the M7 as Leica’s flagship camera and in many ways paved the future for Leica. The MP was released at a transitional time when many camera companies were producing their last film cameras before making the switch to digital. Cameras such as the Nikon FM3a, Bronica 645RF and Zeiss Ikon ZM all came out in this time, and for many this was the last hurrah before committing to the digital revolution. As we know for Leica this would not be the end of film for them, the MP is still a current production model and Leica would go on to produce the MA and re issue the M6 in 2014 and 2022 respectably.

When comparing the MP to its predecessor the M7 on paper you would be left scratching your head as at first it seems to be a step back not forward. The M7 has its own small fan base due to the fact is the only Leica M film camera to have an aperture priority mode. With the MP Leica went back to basics, removing the aperture priority mode and going back to a simple centre weighted meter like that in the M6. Leica also re designed the camera and went back to the design of the M3, having the single piece advance lever, brass frame line selector and knurled rewind crank. The MP has a 0.72 magnification viewfinder supporting framelines from 28mm up to 135mm. It could also be ordered with a 0.58 and 0.85 viewfinder, but this option would later be removed making these variants somewhat sought after these days.

I first got my hands on an MP when one came into the shop around a year ago. This was a 2022 black paint model. Unfortunately, this one sold before I could write a review. But at the start of 2026 another one came through the door, this time an earlier silver one. Personally, I have never had a preference to black or chrome cameras but think it’s great Leica offer a choice. The chrome ones do pair really nicely with chrome lenses and do look that bit classier, but that being said for me there is no beating black paint other than it being a fingerprint magnet! This silver one also has the older ‘sharkskin’ leatherette which is actually grippier than the normal leatherette but personally I am not a fan of how it looks.

In the real world the MP performs as you would expect from a modern Leica M camera. Never skipping a beat, having everything you would want on a film camera but nothing more. I think this is an important point to mention. Sometimes more isn’t always better and I think this is why Leica may have moved back to a simpler design with the MP when comparing it to the M7. For me the biggest benefit of a modern Leica M camera is the clear viewfinder. While my personal M3 and M4 viewfinders are very clean, there has been significant improvements over the years and the viewfinder on the MP is a joy to use. I found the meter to be effective but as with any centre weighted meter always be mindful of bright lights as these can often trick the camera into underexposing the scene.

At the time of writing this review I was also shooting the Leica MA alongside the MP and while I personally prefer the MA, I do think from Leica’s current range of new film cameras the MP is the best choice for most. Having a built-in meter is a key deciding factor for many which closes the door on the MA and while the M6 re issue is a similar price I think the MP is fundamentally a better built camera and will last the test of time. On the used market I think M6 vs MP comes up a lot and while M6’s can be had for around £1200 less than an MP you are looking at a camera which can be anywhere from 20 to 40 years older.