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63140Leica MP black paint no. MP-114 The Leica MP was first introduced at the %u2018Photokina%u2019 fair inCologne in 1956. Far more than a simple variation of the Leica M3, the MP stood apart as the only serial production Leica to feature individual numbering%u2014distinct from the standard fabrication numbers used on all other Leica models. With only 402 units ever produced, the MP is one of the rarest Leica cameras in existence. Just 141 of these were finished in black paint, primarily destined for professionalphotographers. The MP quickly earned a place in the fieldkits of legendary Magnum photojournalists, including Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan. The concept behind the MP was driven by requests from prominent American press photographers, who wanted to utilize the benefits of the Leicavit rapid winder%u2009%u2014%u2009then onlyavailable for the Leica IIIf%u2014on their M-series cameras. Their suggestion sparked the interest of Dr. Ludwig Leitz, director of Leica%u2019s development department, in 1955. The example offered here, MP no.%u2009114, is a black paintversion showing the elegant wear and character of years of professional use. A beautifully aged patina and finepaint bubbles enhance its vintage charm. It was originally delivered to Manca, New York, on July 30, 1958, and is accompanied by a matching black paint Leicavit and a black paint / brass mount Summicron 2/5%u2009cm lens,no.%u00a01468986, which was delivered to the same dealer onSeptember 4, 1958. In 1959, the camera was purchased by a U.S. photographer Frank Dyra and has remained in the ownership of his family ever since. Included with the camera are copies of original correspondence from 1959, offering additional insight into its provenance and early%u00a0history.This is a rare opportunity to acquire not only one of Leica%u2019s most desirable models, but one with exceptional historical integrity and continuous ownership.Start price %u20ac 400.000*est. %u20ac 700.000%u2013 800.000Serial no. MP-114Year of production: 1958condition: B+