Leica MP black paint no.60 'Yul Brynner' *

The MP-60 is in similar cosmetic condition as its sibling, the MP-59. It shows an attractive patina of use around the edges, it is also in perfect working condition. This special Leica includes a matching, sought-after black paint Leicavit MP and a rigid chrome Summicron 2/5cm no.1513257.

These Leica MP cameras, totaling only 141 in production, were symbolic of Brynner's commitment to the art of photography. However, it was his extensive body of work, consisting of thousands of photographs, that truly exemplified his photographic prowess. Brynner's photographs tell stories, capturing moments in time with the same dedication and precision he brought to the stage and screen, leaving an enduring legacy in both the worlds of cinema and photography.

It was at the 'Photokina' fair in Cologne in 1956 when the new Leica MP was introduced to the public. It was much more than a mere variation of the Leica M3. It was the only serial model which has an individual number, differing fundamentally from the usual fabrication numbers of all other Leica cameras. With only 412 units produced, the MP is among the rarest Leica models of all time. The black-paint version was produced only 141 times and acquired mainly by professional photographers. Many famous professional photographers used MP cameras. Today it is among the most sought-after Leicas of all. The idea which led to the production of the MP model came from several well-known American press photographers, who wanted to make use of the advantages of the Leicavit (available at that time for IIIf only) on their Leica M cameras as well. It was mainly the suggestion of Alfred Eisenstaedt and David Douglas Duncan which aroused the interest of Dr. Ludwig Leitz, who was the director of the development and construction department in 1955.

Brynner is certainly not the first actor to photograph as a hobby - there have been plenty actor-shutterbugs, from Roddy McDowall, to Jeff Bridges, to today's crop, including Penelope Cruz - but Brynner used photography as a way to stay in love with his daily job, which was performing. He wasn't lonely or bored on film sets or backstage, despite the endless hours of waiting around that goes on in the theater or in moviemaking, because he had his Leicas. - Ingrid Sischy