Any love for the Leica M-A (Typ 127)?

[kxl]

As I get into the Leica world and having recently purchased my first M body (MP), I've been seeing a lot of praises for various M bodies, including the MP, M6, M4, M3 and M2, but unless I've just missed them (entirely possible), I don't see a lot of online forum-type of comments about the M-A. It's not like it's a new release. Just curious.

Do you own one? Thoughts?

 

[Rayt]

An M-A is just an MP without the electronics and you can’t get it in black paint which is the major reason why the MP is so sought after. One advantage the M-A has over any vintage meterless M is you can get it new. And a lot of Leica enthusiasts enjoy their M cameras differently when a meter offers no practical use instead a source of anxiety over electronics longevity.

 

[38Deardorff]

K, the price is very close to the price of an MP. I've never been a fan of the black chrome. IMO the M2,M3,M4,M5..... were bench assembled and though all Leicas are well engineered, they have a different (more precise) feel. IMO the classics are so good, I personally would not buy a new MA just to have a new Leica.....i don't think there's an advantage.

 

[JeffS7444]

Sometimes I think about buying one, as it combines attractive classical design elements with more modern ones to create something which is immediately recognizable yet subtly different. But OTOH, I've already owned a whole lotta Leica, including brand-new ones, and film photography is supposed to be my "cheap" side-hobby. 😆 In use, I figure it'll be another M-camera with 0.72x finder, an oh-so-familiar (but comfy) combo. Would I get more actual value with a Sony A7CR or Fujifilm GFX100S II? Err, probably.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

M-A = MP without the meter. And you'll save $100.

$100!

 

[kxl]

... film photography is supposed to be my "cheap" side-hobby. 😆 In use, I figure it'll be another M-camera with 0.72x finder, an oh-so-familiar (but comfy) combo. Would I get more actual value with a Sony A7CR or Fujifilm GFX100S II? Err, probably.

Same here... Maybe it's nostalgia, but I'm really enjoying the entire experience of shooting a small 35mm film camera and working in a darkroom. I just sold off my GFX100 II and lenses--the images were magnificent, but for me, shooting with it was just not fun. And really, for me, photography is all about the having fun with the entire experience.

 

[deadrangefinder76]

M-A is the new M2 or M4, like battery not icluded, but she is so fine.
Go get it! ☕☕☕☕☕☕☕

 

[Glenn2]

I see that a Victoria camera store has a used one for sale, price is Canadian dollars.

Leica M-A

 

[38Deardorff]

$4289 USD..... 3682€

 

[deadrangefinder76]

I see that a Victoria camera store has a used one for sale, price is Canadian dollars.

Leica M-A

Wow, Oh I wished. She is stunning! Thanks!
Cheers!

 

[Richard G]

I looked through the VF of a new Leica. Much as I am stunned each time I use my M2 with its uncluttered single frame lines the new VF is clearer in terms of light transmission. But I’d be making other comparisons of the new MA with my old MA (M2) and finding there was no advantage, or little things would annoy me. My M2 was serviced in ‘07 by a Wetzlar born and trained technician. I consider that in a sense I already have a current issue M Leica.

 

[38Deardorff]

I looked through the VF of a new Leica. Much as I am stunned each time I use my M2 with its uncluttered single frame lines the new VF is clearer in terms of light transmission. But I’d be making other comparisons of the new MA with my old MA (M2) and finding there was no advantage, or little things would annoy me. My M2 was serviced in ‘07 by a Wetzlar born and trained technician. I consider that in a sense I already have a current issue M Leica.

With any camera, I'm most drawn to the ones that have the comfortable feel of worn-in jeans.
(And I say that having bought new M4, M5, M6 ( several & titanium probably a 4-2 or 4-P as well......in the past....but like BB King said... "the thrill is gone" prefer the worn in feel)

 

[Pioneer]

I bought my M-A new in 2014 and ran it continually until 2023. A great camera!

 

[Godfrey]

I nearly got one several years ago, but something distracted me and the money went elsewhere.
Then I bought the mint M6TTL 0.85x, which fills out the full complement of Leica M cameras for me (two film one of which is metered; two digital one of which is monochrome).

I think that's enough ... 😉

G

(yes, they all get used.)

 

[JohnWolf]

I see that a Victoria camera store has a used one for sale, price is Canadian dollars.

Leica M-A

Oooo, that M7 they have is rather appealing.

 

[David Murphy]

A friend of mine bought one recently and showed it to me. It's simply an amazing camera and very faithful the original M2/M3 concept. The price, for what it is, is actually reasonable IMO.

 

[38Deardorff]

A friend of mine bought one recently and showed it to me. It's simply an amazing camera and very faithful the original M2/M3 concept. The price, for what it is, is actually reasonable IMO.

For the $6300 new price you can buy 3 classic (M2,M3,M4..... or more M5).....serviced and in good condition.
As mentioned.... the MP new with a lightmeter, in black paint or chrome is only $100 more.

 

[coogee]

I own one, I bought it second hand 10 years ago. I like it as a modern alternative to an M2 with more reliable viewfinder/rangefinder being so much newer and not made using balsam. I don't doubt there are many M2s out there with perfectly fine viewfinders and rangefinders, just my personal preference.

It has always worked as advertised, I prefer not having a meter, personal choice - my other cameras don't either. It is the same as an MP without the battery for all intents and purposes. There are subtle differences in the framelines and it is a different colour but I don't think those things merit specifically needing an M-A.

I imagine there is less online chatter about the M-A as there are just less of them and they just work without issue, there's not that much to discuss. I love mine but I prefer my IIIc FWIW! I'd enjoy your MP and not worry about the M-A. I have no idea what the hyphen and the 'Typ 127' signify, it's just an MP minus the electronics but with a hyphen and a subtitle!

 

[chuckroast]

I own one, I bought it second hand 10 years ago. I like it as a modern alternative to an M2 with more reliable viewfinder/rangefinder being so much newer and not made using balsam. I don't doubt there are many M2s out there with perfectly fine viewfinders and rangefinders, just my personal preference.

It has always worked as advertised, I prefer not having a meter, personal choice - my other cameras don't either. It is the same as an MP without the battery for all intents and purposes. There are subtle differences in the framelines and it is a different colour but I don't think those things merit specifically needing an M-A.

I imagine there is less online chatter about the M-A as there are just less of them and they just work without issue, there's not that much to discuss. I love mine but I prefer my IIIc FWIW! I'd enjoy your MP and not worry about the M-A. I have no idea what the hyphen and the 'Typ 127' signify, it's just an MP minus the electronics but with a hyphen and a subtitle!

There is anecdotal evidence that the MP M-A is a skinned over M-A MP sans electronics. Somewhere (I cannot recall where exactly) someone reported getting a new MP and being able to feel a dimple/void underneath the leatherette where the M-A battery cover would have been. That made me a lot less interested in it.

Also, if you must have a meter onboard a Leica film body, I think you would be hard pressed to do better than the approximately spot meter found in the M5.

 

[38Deardorff]

That's what i heard too CR. But you've got the designations reversed.... MP = meter. / MA = no meter.