Leitz Leica MP2
The Leica MP2 is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Leitz in the late 1950s in very small numbers, built around the M-series body and engineered to accept an external electric motor drive. Its rarity places it firmly in the collector tier of the Leica market rather than among general-use M bodies.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the MP2 sit in a wide band reflecting how thinly the model trades — recorded sales range from roughly £4,400 to £13,000, with a midpoint near £8,700. The value of any individual example is highly condition- and provenance-sensitive, and as of today a clean, documented body with its motor drive will sell for considerably more in the saleroom than a stripped or repainted one.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2024
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2024 | EUR 1,300,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00589) Title: Leica MP2 black paint outfit
Description:
The MP2 is a modified, professional version of the Leica M2, equipped with a special electric motor drive. It was produced in a test series of only 27 examples, of which only 6 (with serial numbers 935507-935512) were finished in black paint, making it one of the rarest Leicas known to exist. The camera body is similar to an early standard M2 camera with a button rewind knob. All connections to the Leica Motor are on the base of the camera; the only external feature (aside from special engraving) is a unique control ring surrounding the shutter release. This ring turns the motor off to prevent battery drain when the camera is not in use. The MP2 Motor was capable of capturing 3.5 pictures per second and includes an electric coupling with the shutter release, as well as a mechanical connection to the film-guide roller for film transport and shutter cocking. The MP2 Motor is only 40mm high, making it not only more compact but also technically more advanced than the New York Motor. However, the inconvenience of the external battery pack meant that the NY Motor was chosen for serial production.Included in this lot is a battery grip with a diameter of 35mm and a height of 122mm, a second, smaller battery pack (missing its lid), a prototype control box measuring 75x40mm in size finished in red plastic with a switch for single and continuous exposures, a prototype charger, a unique photoelectric sensor designed for automatic shutter release, and a Summaron 3.5/3.5cm lens (no. 1288966). Only 15 MP2 cameras are known to exist, with around half of them complete with the original Leica Motor and battery pack. The offered outfit is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable artifacts from the history of Leica! Estimate: EUR 700,000 - EUR 800,000 |
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| May 2011 | EUR 440,000 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 19 (Lot AI_19_12353) Title: MP2 + Motor Chrom
Description:
The MP2 was the first experimental Leica M-camera for use with electric motor. Only 21 chrome cameras were produced, less than 10 are known to exist with the original electric motor. It comes from the second batch of 15 cameras (nos.952001-952015), Lager I shows nos. 952003, 952005, 952007, 952015. The offered camera is in near mint and 100% original condition, offered for the first time, with the matching Wetzlar electric motor and the power source handle also in near mint condition, matching rigid Summicron 2/5cm no.1581798 Estimate: EUR 120,000 - EUR 140,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much is a Leica MP2 worth at auction?
Recorded UK hammer prices span roughly £4,400 to £13,000, with the higher figure reflecting a recent sale of a complete, well-preserved example.
What is a Leica MP2 worth compared to a standard M2?
The MP2 trades at a substantial multiple of a standard M2 because production was extremely limited; even at the lower end of its range it sells for several times the price of a comparable M2 body.
Why does the price of a Leica MP2 vary so much?
With so few examples coming to market, each sale is heavily influenced by condition, originality and whether the matching motor drive is included, which is why hammer results swing widely.