Leica Camera AG Discontinues A-la-carte Program

All good things come to an end.  For years Leica has allowed you to customize certain M bodies to your tastes. That history ends on June 7, 2019, which is the last day you can order an a-la-carte Leica MP film camera, Leica M240 or Leica M246 body.  On June 10, 2019 Leica Camera AG will remove the webpage from their site.  You can order an a-la-carte body through their website or through many of the Leica dealers. I acquired two Leica MP film cameras through the a-la-carte program myself with many thanks to Josh Lehrer of The Leica Store Miami.

My first a-la-carte I call my own Leica MP3.  I fitted the chrome body with the 0.85 finder and the faux leather of the Leica M240.  The 0.85 finder includes the 35mm, 50mm, 90mm and 135mm frame-lines.  Focusing is spot on even with a Noctilux or the Summilux 75mm.  My second  body was the black laquer with the 0.58 finder and standard MP cladding that helps hold the body in wet or cold weather.  The 0.58 finder has the 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 90mm frame-lines.  If you use the full viewfinder you have almost 100% coverage of the 24mm lenses.  This body is great for documentary and wide-angle work.  I added Leicavits to each body in their corresponding color.  I enjoy using film so much that I still shoot 100 rolls or so each year along with digital work.  Without the a-la-carte program it would have been almost impossible to find these bodies for sale. 

If you have been thinking about customizing the leather wrap on a Leica M240 or M246 along with some other choices, now is your last chance!  The other Leica M’s like the MA or the M10 are not part of the program.