Why the Leica MP is goated | 3 years of heavy use

[@DennisCostello-l7e]

They’re all great cameras. These dumb clickbait videos are so tiresome. You prefer the MP? Great. Just talk about that- that stuff is interesting. “I like “x” so “y” sucks” is a crashing bore. Couldn’t make it more than halfway through.

[@camerafusion]

I disagree! It was an easy watch and well done. I think people forget that to title a video, you have to sum up 10 minutes or however long into a few words that are not only relevant, but grab people’s attention. Maybe if you would have watched till the end you would have found the title relevant to the video. If you disliked the video so much, why not just leave? Why do you feel the need to put someone’s work down? Haters always gonna hate I guess!

[@jasongold6751]

Wow! 3 years! Geez! My M3 from new is 57 years old! Pro work, news riots, floods,mayhem! Then my personal work. Travels to deserts, snow and ice climates.. Tens of thousands of rolls. Also my most repaired camera! Nikon f from 71! Least repaired is my Pentax Spotmatics and K mounts!

[@marcgilles4520]

I’d love to see some of your stuff. Are you posting on KZbin?

[@j.f.7509]

I totally agree about feeling being there with film, that is why I'm still shooting film! There is a quick fix for the M6 winding lever, just change it for the old version. An in regard of flare with older viewfinders, you can get installed an MP coated window (it solved the problem with my M4).

[@sunnyshahaha]

Yeah dude! I used to have an M8 and loved it for it's imperfections and build quality, especially loved the IR compromised sensor. Unfortunately, it died as most if not all electronic products will. After I got an MP and then found a great M9 and was hoping to love it as much as the M8 but it just felt "hollow" in it's build quality and purpose. My Sony A7iii is such an amazing feat in consumer technology and makes great pictures! Using the Sony feels like a reminder to keep pushing forward and experiment and using the MP feels like a reminder to look back a bit and appreciate things that are simple and well built.

[@jamiegray3245]

M digital is insanely sharp. But to my eye, it's too sharp. It's too clinical. And that leaves me somewhat cold. But when I look at good Leica film shots, wow, it's so much more. It's like looking into memories, and feelings. I've got an M4-P which is boss.

[@vincentb7865]

Bought an MP a few months ago after selling my M6 and couldn’t be happier. It really is that much better. The main reason for my switch was that the light meter in my M6 was slowly dying and it’s not serviceable, which is not a problem the MP has. People will always hate on Leicas and expensive cameras in general, but who cares. If it gives you joy and you can afford it, it’s your business and yours only ;) Plus I think it’s much smarter to buy an MP rather than the latest digital camera which is only going to depreciate in value.

[@FrankDavalos]

100% agree! My Sony A7IV is worth half of what I paid for it and it has hardly even been used!

[@joseuribe430]

Love my recently acquired Black paint MP as well.

[@lelandfitz1762]

I really think digital M users do like using it LOL It's basically the only way to work and focus with a rangefinder in digital (set aside this Pixi project...). And whoever uses the M digitally surely mostly uses it through the rangefinder and can turn off the screen and thus save battery.

[@FrankDavalos]

Yeah I know haha. You could tell I was working that thought out as I was speaking… my fatal flaw

[@davidbrighten2572]

I just purchased an M-A in black chrome from Tim Lei. Waiting on delivery! It will join my M11s.

[@sdhute]

I’d pickup a MA too want that metal back ISO dial

[@lelandfitz1762]

I like the look of the M-A better and would like to have a MP that's not glossy black. I just can't work without lightmeter though

[@wanderingwongs7464]

Agree on the annoyance with the shutter dial on the MP vs the M6 TTL. I also like the larger dial but, for me, the MP is the better built and more fun to use camera..

[@FrankDavalos]

Me too mate!

[@pakkeungwan]

Leica are about to release 2 new models. The idea for the first model is to attract more Millennials to buy their cameras, so they're gonna name it the Leica M-minem. The 2nd model will stray from the subtle and sophistication that we have come to know about Leica cameras to play instead with bright and popping colours. That will be called the Leica M&M. You can lick that too I heard. It's the way you tell 'm.

[@chrisloomis1489]

I like my M3 the best , my other Leica is the MA both are chrome , and the chrome finish on the M3 is stellar deeper and just looks " quality " , my other Leica is the SL3 , and I have not used it much yet. Otherwise I use 6x6 cameras , film.

[@FrankDavalos]

Love the M3 too. One day I’ll get the Hassy 500cm. On my Mount Rushmore!

[@blackcrackedpepper7833]

I have the m3 and ma too. I use the ma more these days, but the ease of the shutter button on the m3 is in its own league. It feels like nothing is there in a good way. My ma has a stiffer button(probably doesn't help at slow shutter speeds). Idk if that will change one day or not.

[@FrankDavalos]

@blackcrackedpepper7833 I’ve heard that actually. I’ve never noticed myself. At any rate, both are incredible photo making machines!

[@rf8221]

I'm going to murder this analogy I recently read but I'm forcing it to fit Leica's. Leica analog M's are like Air cooled Porsche 911, an MP model being the street version with no racing stripes just shiny black paint and chrome accents, the M6 is just like a racing 911 air cooled with the rewind crank like a racing spoiler and plastic film advance tip all coming together to make the experience a little smoother and faster. I've never owned a Classic/TTl M6 or MP for that matter but I have shot with them before. I did recently buy a (2022)M6 and can say that it feels like an MP with M6 badges or if were sticking to my analogy, like a museum grade air cooled 911 with racing accents. I have to agree with you there is nothing like shooting with a Leica M(6)P, I'll probably shoot my M11 at some point but so far every time I pick it up, I keep looking at my (2022)M6.

[@donald5378]

with you ! my MP gets every other day use, while the M10 and M10M only get once or twice a month use.

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

I have a newish black MP and a silver M2. I am disappointed with the black paint which scratches easily. I also made the mistake of getting the rewind adaptor which scratched the plate. IMO the shutter sound and build quality on the M2 feels better but overall the full frame lines and light meter of the MP wins as the best option. As I write this I am in my camper van just recovering from a 18km alpine hike in the rain. I changed lenses on the go in my camera bag and also changed film in the bag so not precious with my MP. The rewind is a little slow especially when the fingers are numb. I also value film shots more than digital. I actually got rid of my digital camera as it was too much trying to use both.I have 6 lenses 15mm, 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm & 90mm so it is a lot to carry but at least the lenses are light. If I am going to epic locations in poor conditions I take both bodies and use 1 lens on each so I don't have to change them on the road. I use HP5+ 400iso with the MP and 800iso with the M2. Works well.

[@FrankDavalos]

Sounds awesome! Yeah that rewind accessory ruins the cameras. But agreed, black paint scratches over time, but I almost think it looks better when it begins to look used. Big M2 fan here, no need to convince me! My second fav of the lineup!

[@KeeeeenW]

I have a black MP and silver M6. I thought the whole point of the black paint Leica is scratching over time. Otherwise, I would just get black chrome or silver.

[@JHurrenPhotography]

18k rainy alpine hike!! You sure know how to live. I spent a decade hiking around BC and Alberta with my cameras. One day I'll get back to the mountains. I can't imagine how freeing it would be to just bring the analog Leica. The experience of complete simplicity, man, nature, elevation, and the 35mm rangefinder. Pumping photos through that film compartment. I always made those treks so complicated. When an analog camera started joining me, it was medium format accompanied by digital. I did get smarter near the end and swapped out the SLRs with rangefinders. I'm getting nostalgic.

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

@@JHurrenPhotography Yeah a great day. The trick is never to immediately remove the film or lens from the camera once back in the warm van. The gear needs to get it back up to temperature first otherwise instant condensation. Cheers & regards.

[@outsourced-fd7vf]

I love the Leica cameras and film as much as the next guy but come on, digital cameras run circles around film. I wish I had the same reaction as you when I pick up a Leica to be motivated to shoot film but I just can't anymore. The D810 for me is a billion times better than any film camera. And that's coming from an owner of p67ii system, Leica M-A, Nikon F cameras etc. Like you said, it's just a huge time sink.

[@FrankDavalos]

I didn’t say digital cameras didn’t run circles around film haha. Not one time actually!

[@KeeeeenW]

I agree with most of your points, but I would recommend that most people start with the M10 (or any digital M) before investing in an M film camera. I would also suggest choosing the M6 over the MP for several reasons. A digital M is an excellent introduction to the rangefinder system and photography in general, as it provides instant feedback on composition and focusing accuracy. This immediate learning experience is not possible with a film M, which inherently requires more patience and practice due to its lack of instant results. As for the MP versus the M6, I wouldn’t recommend the MP solely because of its higher price. While I own both an M6 (classic, not the reissue) and an MP, I purchased the MP to celebrate a significant milestone in my life and because I had the funds to justify the expense. Despite owning the MP, I still enjoy using my M6. The MP’s glossy black paint is undoubtedly stunning, and it’s in a league of its own aesthetically. However, the classic M6 models are also beautifully designed and well-constructed. While the MP does feature a better viewfinder, it’s worth noting that you can upgrade the M6 viewfinder for a similar experience. In short, the M6 offers exceptional value and usability for most photographers, making it the more practical choice over the MP.

[@FrankDavalos]

I would absolutely recommend an analog M camera before a digital one, as the digital M’s are way more frustrating. I’d also steer them towards an M2 instead of an M6, and they can still have money for a viewfinder upgrade and a lens. The M6 reissue is basically the same price as an MP too, at least last I checked. As for the more practical choice… I’d go for the Nikon F2 and basically every single lens throughout the focal range haha. There’s not much practicality in Leica! Thanks for watching and the thoughts mate. There are no right and wrong answers here (unless you were to say the M6 is better than the MP 😂)

[@alexsorokin1896]

8:37 Thank you. That lever can eff right the eff off.

[@vincepetitjean]

I think the light meter arrows point the same direction as the aperture on the lens. Making me think they expected photographers to pick the shutter speed and then adjust the aperture rather than pick aperture and change shutter speed. This may be bc so many folks came from sunny 16

[@FrankDavalos]

Likely right, and that’s exactly how I use it. But when I do eventually need or want to adjust shutter it is just one small detail that I still haven’t got perfectly used to after 3 years. Problem solved on M6 TTL and M7 though. If they could make a small dial that turns the way it does on the M7, that makes this camera even more perfect to me.

[@jg_jgjg]

1:37 we need to use “rigamaroll” more often

[@jkjoker777]

the shot at 6:00 is insane 😮 I bought my MP late 2021 as well, right before my first child was born

[@FrankDavalos]

Hey thank you! One of my fav photos ever for sure. If you factor in the MP, the Lux, Ektachrome and a Dev, it’s one of the most expensive photographs I’ve ever taken 😂 - you sharing that made it all worth it mate! Thanks so much for watching! #dadtography4lyfe

[@sdhute]

I totally agree making a photo is more rewarding than just taking a photo. Is it worth getting a Leica film camera if a person only plans on using voightlander lenses ?

[@FrankDavalos]

Why not?! Voigtlander lenses are great!

[@BernardGatt]

Great points! I recently sold my M11 for similar reasons. It feels like it’s trying to be both an analog and a digital camera but ends up failing at both. I made a video about it too-feel free to check it out!

[@riswanc]

Glad to see you back frank… lol u never share your experience with m11.. m6 is legend man, if no m6, we probably wont see a day mp was born lol… i have a couple of M6 but it’s TTL and u kno their brass materials too

[@Zimh91]

Great talk ! 🙂 love having these long-terms experiences on a camera, much more valuable than the "just released" camera reviews. I am still in a huge dilemma of whether or not I should go with trying a film journey, beside my digital camera. If so, I'll definitely gravitate around the M6 or MP, depending on the budget... but your video gave me a lot to think about 🤣 You mentioned several points such as the "not so good" resolution of 35mm film, the much better feeling you have with film M vs digital... I'd love to hear more from you on the film vs digital topic. I am currently shooting with a Nikon ZF and voigtlander M lenses on it, which is a (digital) joy for me. I was thinking about taking an M10-R or M11 beside, because I've been completely spoiled by the resolution these cameras can offer, but as wired as it sounds, I feel it is not "healthy" for my photography and the ZF 24mp sensor is actually plenty enough if I'm being honest, I just have to compose a bit more carefully, which is a good thing at the end. So may be it's now time for me to go for an analog M and trying the experience, which for me sounds like going the opposite direction as let's say an M11 (digital + very high res, vs 35mm film and analog). Anyway ! It is great to see you back on YT, keep publishing this kind of talk and the great photographs we can observe during the video 😊👍 By the way, I thought you loved more your Q2M, but apparently the MP is the goat for you haha

[@FrankDavalos]

Thanks for watching! If it were me I’d keep the Zf and pair it with an MP. The soul of the Leica M experience is analog. Q2M is def my favourite digital camera of all time! Then the M9!

[@donjagoe]

M10-R and yes, it’s just sweet. Have a Barnack and an R4 for film. They are all great experiences and all very different.

[@FrankDavalos]

My buddy had an R3 and it’s such an underrated camera!

[@MarcS4R]

Fully agree with all you points , I have a similar MP an early one like your 299xxxx serial. I love that thing, digital M does not give me that. I do have an M7 to go along with this and it’s a great match

[@FrankDavalos]

Thanks for watching man. I love the early ones! Shark skin >

[@Ben-cx8de]

The M5 is lovely to use

[@FrankDavalos]

I’ve never actually used it, I’ve just held one - I just like to joke around!

[@DamirZrno]

Wasn‘t the M‘A the best Film camera for you ?

[@blackcrackedpepper7833]

I get a similar feeling when i look across my room and see my leica ma too, lol

[@wojt4spes]

What are you scanning with?

[@FrankDavalos]

Various setups in these photos. Epson V600, Sony A7R3 with 90mm macro, Sony A7IV with same… using essential film holder for most but have since upgraded to negative supply… not a big fan of the EFH. I’m a very lazy scanner

[@doogster07]

The M-A is GOAT!

[@j.k5654]

FACTS 🎉 M3 + M-A is GOAT COMBO

[@Spearmanmark]

True, the MP is objectively better.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

3:54 They like Digital M’s because they hate highlights! 😂

[@FrankDavalos]

Hahaha 😂

[@PETETONI]

Great to have you back, man! 🫡

[@FrankDavalos]

Hey thanks for sticking around and kicking it with me man! Big plans for 2025. 🙏

[@rev0330]

nice guy!

[@JustinPhillip]

I agree that the M6 is over rated.

[@StuartWeir]

Didn’t you… sell your M6 and MP for an M-A? And now you’re back to the MP?

[@FrankDavalos]

Precisely! And here to stay!

[@garyclennan2993]

MP 4L

[@bolleolympus]

👍👍🌹🌹❤❤🌷🌷👌👌😊😊