Betriebsk. MP-1167

Before a small series of 27 MP2 cameras were produced, Leitz Wetzlar had already made tests with an electric motor drive for the M-series in 1956. According to the works records, this camera was given to Mr. Hilgendorf, the constructor of the first Wetzlar Leica motor drive, on November 18th 1957 and noted in the records as 'MP f. motor'. In total only two more of these cameras were made: Leica M3 Betriebsk. Nr.1147 and Leica MP Betriebsk. Nr.1166. 'Betriebsk.' means that these cameras were only used inside the Leitz factory for test purposes. Number 1147 is in a private collection, number 1166 was dismantled and probably destroyed. The motor drive looks like the spring-wound MOOLY and had a key for 'open / close' on the bottom, similar to a bottomplate. The release was already internal but there was still no microswitch to prevent the motor being on while the shutter was wound. This feature was later installed on the MP2 motordrive – similar to the change from first to second model Leitz New York Leica motor. It was constructed for more than 4 exposures per second. Only two more of these motor drives were built, one is in a private collection with M3-Betriebsk.1147, the other motor was built into a cut-away model. This camera is illustrated in Lager 1 page 198, see also: Wilhelm Albert, Geburtstage der Leitz-Photo-Konstruktionen ab 1927, page 204. This camera is certainly the most important M camera ever offered at a public auction!