Why I love the M-A

[Huss]

1. The viewfinder with the unbroken bottom frame line. The last M to have this is the M4-P. Everything since that camera has had a broken frame line due to the meter read outs . For me it makes a huge difference in the feel of the composition. Love it.
2. See 1.
3. None of my perfect condition, but old, CLA-d Ms feel as smooth and tight as a new M.
4. The brushed metal rotating film reminder dial is how the ISO dials should have been made on the the M6, M7, Mp series.
5. The all black, no logo, no engraving version is just stunning in its sinister simplicity.

I initially thought this was a dumb 'new' model from Leica, but now that I have used one I get it.

🙂

 

[giganova]

A few weeks ago I went to a Leica store and checked one out (yes, they had a few in stock!). Absolutely fabulous camera. If I had $4.5k laying around, I'd get an M-A right away. But then again, for the same amount, I could buy 5 used M4s. 😛

 

[agoglanian]

Huss your findings mirror my own. The frame lines really make all the difference for me. I love my M-A <3

 

[Huss]

A few weeks ago I went to a Leica store and checked one out (yes, they had a few in stock!). Absolutely fabulous camera. If I had $4.5k laying around, I'd get an M-A right away. But then again, for the same amount, I could buy 5 used M4s. 😛

U don't have to buy it new, I didn't!
😉

Leica cameras, as much as some fan boyz want to believe, do not hold their value the moment they leave the showroom floor.

 

[agoglanian]

Yeah I definitely didn't buy mine new. It was "almost new" a couple years ago when I picked it up but it was a considerable cost savings over retail. I've put dozens of rolls through it since and I love it.

Love it.

 

[Pioneer]

Mine used to be new. 😀

 

[aizan]

they sell used for less than an mp, too! if you already have a meter for other cameras, cha-ching!

 

[Godfrey]

I probably would love an M-A if I saw any reason whatever to buy one. My M4-2 does me just fine, however, and at the rate I am shooting 35mm film is all I'll ever need in a film M camera. It's got the early M4 viewfinder optics and is smooth and slick in use.

Yes, it still needs a shutter overhaul: The shutter brake has gotten worn and sticky so that the exposure is off from one side to the other at 1/500 and 1/1000 sec. I'll have it done sometime soon. 😀

I have plenty of meters... Good light meters are one of my addictions!

G

 

[cz23]

1. The viewfinder with the unbroken bottom frame line. The last M to have this is the M4-P. Everything since that camera has had a broken frame line due to the meter read outs . For me it makes a huge difference in the feel of the composition. Love it.
2. See 1.
3. None of my perfect condition, but old, CLA-d Ms feel as smooth and tight as a new M.
4. The brushed metal rotating film reminder dial is how the ISO dials should have been made on the the M6, M7, Mp series.
5. The all black, no logo, no engraving version is just stunning in its sinister simplicity.

I initially thought this was a dumb 'new' model from Leica, but now that I have used one I get it.

🙂

I've had an inexplicable attraction to this camera ever since it was announced. Odd because I prefer metered cameras. I get its appeal for meterless users. But if one carries an external meter, the MP seems more appealing to me. But like I said, I'm strangely drawn to the M-A and would love to give it a try.

John

 

[sepiareverb]

...

5. The all black, no logo, no engraving version is just stunning in its sinister simplicity...

Couldn't agree more. Black chrome is the best finish. I had this cover put on my MP, cause I'm a weenie and need a meter..

 

[brennanphotoguy]

I've handled an M-A. It's cool. I still stand by my reason that if you just want to own a brand new Leica camera and intend on keeping it forever then that's fine. Anything other reason you use is just trying to justify spending $4.5k on the same camera they've been producing since the 50s.

 

[SaveKodak]

I personally don't know why anyone would trust that the camera is the same one they've been producing since the 50s. Leica is a luxury brand now focused on selling toys for people who like to fondle their cameras more than shoot them. If the M-A is the M4 reborn, how do we know they didn't cut corners in it's production? A better question is, why WOULDN'T they cut corners? People buy whatever they sell, just to be in the brand.

 

[Huss]

A better question is, why WOULDN'T they cut corners?

Same can be said for any mfg of any product.

 

[Emile de Leon]

Looks like a nice cam...but w/o meter..I wouldn't use it..
And...weren't there a lot of repair issues on these..not made as well as the old M's etc..

 

[SaveKodak]

Same can be said for any mfg of any product.

Except that if Nikon suddenly made a bunch of QC issues they'd get hell for it, and did in fact get dragged through the mud following a wave of problems. Whereas Leica has an army of super-fans defending them no-matter-what. So it's unique to Leica that they can do whatever they want and people will defend them.

 

[Pioneer]

Except that if Nikon suddenly made a bunch of QC issues they'd get hell for it, and did in fact get dragged through the mud following a wave of problems. Whereas Leica has an army of super-fans defending them no-matter-what. So it's unique to Leica that they can do whatever they want and people will defend them.

Have you been reading the same Leica forums I have? I would say that Leica fans are just as wacko as Nikon fans. They whine like crazy but still buy everything that either company produces.

Then whine some more. :bang:

But seriously, the M-A is actually a very good camera. But, to each his own.

For you that prefer to buy and fix old cameras, many of the older Leica Ms actually do more then an M-A...like flare out the viewfinder the minute you point the camera at anything remotely bright.

They are certainly better built 😀

 

[mooge]

I personally don't know why anyone would trust that the camera is the same one they've been producing since the 50s. Leica is a luxury brand now focused on selling toys for people who like to fondle their cameras more than shoot them. If the M-A is the M4 reborn, how do we know they didn't cut corners in it's production? A better question is, why WOULDN'T they cut corners? People buy whatever they sell, just to be in the brand.

if you really want to know if they've cut corners, send one to me and I'll take it apart and compare it with my M4. 😛

 

[Huss]

I get the nay sayers, I really do. Especially seeing I have a bunch of old Ms too. And they all are terrific, even the despised on by some Leica snobs M4-2. I love that camera.

And yea verily when I put my hand uponeth the unholy M-A, wound uponst the lever, raised the black beast to my jaded eye, was enticed into oh so gently releasing of the silky shutter - I too became a convert.

😉

Just imagine if Nikon reintroduced the F2 w/ the DE-1 (meterless) head . We would freak! And I definitely would buy one, even though I have the original versions. So would plenty of others.

 

[Pioneer]

if you really want to know if they've cut corners, send one to me and I'll take it apart and compare it with my M4. 😛

I'll send it over when it is due for cleaning.

I only have a little over 600 rolls through mine at this point. I suspect it will be due for a check up and cleaning in about 20 years. (wish my teeth were that sturdy).

Will that work? 🙂

Of course, since I only see the M2 and M4 in pieces in the thread you referenced I guess I should ask...can you get them back together again after you take them apart. 😱

 

[mooge]

Yeah, should be fine - in 20 years I might even have a shutter speed tester that works!

I have to be able to put them back together again- I don't shoot that much film, but stairs and gravity will really do a number on an M2 😱