A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE LEICA MP.
ISBN: 0953624145 Format: A5. Saddle stitched Softback, Laminated 4 colour cover. 48 pages.
Publisher: Ajax Editions.Publication date: March 2004.
The LEICA MP-MP Questions & Answers book by the author of the much acclaimed Leica-M Compendium, M7 and M6TTL Handbooks, fills a gap in Leica literature, answering some of the questions posed by newcomers to the world of Leica from both the professional and enthusiast point of view. Attributes of the Leica MP are comprehensively discussed in conjunction with concise but brief chronological specifications of all Leica-M film models since the M3 of 1954. Leica MP-MP Questions & Answers includes essays on such topics as 'The Ethos of Leica', 'Why Film?' , 'The Rangefinder View.', as well as a detailed assessment of the Leica MP. IIlustrated throughout with pictorial and hardware images. These books are new, ex-print-factory stock. Dispatched in a carton.
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Definition of a rangefinder camera:
'Rangefinder (RF) cameras represent the "fastest" design, the one best suited to photographing dynamic subjects, people and action……In 35mm size, the RF camera is the favourite of some of the world's most famous and successful photojournalists;'
Above quote by author Andreas Feininger from his book; The Complete Colour Photographer. pub; Thames & Hudson, London. 1969.
MP-MP Q&A author Jonathan Eastland's note below on Leica launch of the new M-A @ Photokina 2014
While the world's photography enthusiast masses continued to chase the latest digital technology at the bi-annual show, Leica Camera AG confounded critics and delighted film users by announcing a new 35mm rangefinder film camera - The Leica M-A. Launched to commemorate the 60th year anniversary since the release of the first M bayonet lens mount M3, the M-A reflects its historical pedigree, embodying decades of the manufacturer's miniature mechanical engineering skills to produce one more example of the finest cameras available.
I would apply the same comments to each and every model in the Leica-M line-up. As I have argued countless times in print, my long experience in photography puts the rangefinder film camera at the top of my tool list when it comes to photographing the human condition - more popularly known as street photography. In my estimate, there isn't a digital device yet out there that comes anywhere near either the rapid response-to-unfolding-event functionality or aesthetic of image quality obtained using the film and the rangefinder tool combination.
Apart from model specific component and function differences noted in detail in these handbooks, the chapters and essays describing the raison d'être of a Leica 35mm rangefinder camera applies to all the different models released to date.
The Leica M-A will doubtless become a 'new' classic camera and I will certainly be on the list of those procrastinating over whether or not to buy one - even if it's just to get the free roll of Tri-X film included in the £3+k price! In the meantime however, a good used mint M7 with its convenient hybrid exposure metering operational mode options or the fine mechanical MP with built-in TTL meter represent great value for money.
FILM IS NOT DEAD! Update, October 2022.
Leica Camera Ag announce re-make launch of original Leica M6 body, and 'Steel rim' Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 lens.
Look out for new titles in the new Ajax Editions Viewfinder Series coming shortly, starting with The Somme - exploring a war-torn landscape due out June 2016. UPDATE > The Somme book is available bundled with Leica MP-MP Q & A book - please see my other listings.
A bit about Ajax Editions
Ajax Editions is a small independent U.K. based publisher of illustrated photographic books. None of its titles are sponsored by or financially supported in any way by any third party organisation. The publishing imprint founder is the photojournalist Jonathan Eastland who has freelanced in the media industry for over 50 years; a specialist in maritime affairs and with a passion for street photography, his work has been published widely around the world in newspapers, magazines and books.
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