Leica MP № 55 black paint

Leica MP was introduced at the “Photokina” fair in Cologne in 1956 as the only serial model which has an individual number. With a total number of only 412 units produced, the MP is among the rarest Leica models of all time.

The black paint version was produced only 141 times and acquired mainly by professional photographers. Many of the famous Magnum photographers used MP cameras. Today it is among the most sought–after Leicas of all.

The idea which led to the production of the MP model came from several well-known American press photographers, who wanted to make use of the advantages of the Leicavit (available at that time for IIIf only) on their Leica M cameras as well.

It was mainly the suggestion of Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan which aroused the interest of Dr. Ludwig Leitz, who was the director of the development and construction department in 1955.

This Leica MP № 55 black paint camera with a matching Leicavit MP will be auctioned for the first time at the Leitz Photographica Auction №39 on 20 November 2021 at the Hotel Bristol in Vienna, Austria.

Photo credit: © Leitz Photographica Auction