analoguser Posted September 18, 2014 Share #1 Posted September 18, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The first thing I noticed when viewing pictures of the new Leica M -A, all mechanical camera was the notch on the shutter speed dial indicating that it would accept any of the old clip on meters (MR-4 etc.) It makes me wonder if Leica has plans for a similar meter for the new camera and if it would be usable for any of the old non metered M cameras? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to equip an older M Leica with an updated, accurate, easy to use, digitalized M type meter? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 18, 2014 Posted September 18, 2014 Hi analoguser, Take a look here Leica M-A New meter?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wattsy Posted September 18, 2014 Share #2 Posted September 18, 2014 I doubt it. The MP Classic of a few years back also had the little notch in the shutter dial. I think it is more a stylish (yet functional) throwback or nod to the classic meterless M bodies prior to the M6. If you want a reflective meter you might as well buy an MP rather than attach a clip on meter (especially, horror of horrors, a "digitized" one:eek:). 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
analoguser Posted September 21, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted September 21, 2014 What would be the "horror of horrors" about a digitalized meter? I don't understand this comment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted September 22, 2014 Share #4 Posted September 22, 2014 (edited) What would be the "horror of horrors" about a digitalized meter? I don't understand this comment. Just a light hearted sarcastic comment, not meant to be taken too literally. Edited September 22, 2014 by wattsy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted September 22, 2014 Share #5 Posted September 22, 2014 It really does seem to miss the point about the M-A in buying a camera without a meter, then adding a meter to make it even larger and slower to use. Unless the point isn't about buying a stripped down camera, but about buying a camera where the performance and ritual of making an exposure is as, or more, important than the outcome? That may the case in any event, just wait for the posts to come beginning 'which meter do you use with your M-A?'. The additional irony is that when the M3, M2, M4, were current models most photographers would have hailed an internal meter as astounding and sensational and far better than the bulky clip-on meters. So as reward for travelling back in time by buying an M-A snappers can once again read the exposure instructions printed inside the box of film, so as to appear fully authentic and not at all anachronistic in relying on a meter. Steve 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted September 22, 2014 Share #6 Posted September 22, 2014 (edited) They should include a Barnack Edition iPhone 6 without a working camera (of course), preloaded with a light meter instead, default antique ring tones, as well as Fujifilm, Kodak and Ilford film order apps PLUS auto-dial to the Wetzlar Service Center special M-A private hotline, Edited September 22, 2014 by james.liam Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
analoguser Posted September 22, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted September 22, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I know that an M Leica is a “fast” camera in the right hands and can be used quickly in many situations especially when using B & W film which has great exposure latitude and can be very forgiving in the darkroom. But I can also remember my father with his M3 and an add on meter as he carefully and contemplatively went about photographing. It seemed to me to be an experience which involved one more in the process than just snapping off shots with an automatic camera. I believe it fostered (back then by necessity) a deeper knowledge of what the process was from visualization to print. I think a meterless Leica with a clip on upgraded accurate meter wouldn’t be an entirely bad thing these days. I know this can be done with many existing cameras and separate meters today but with a new Leica and dedicated meter ........ wow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Albertson Posted September 22, 2014 Share #8 Posted September 22, 2014 I think the M-A is pointed at those folks who really, really miss (or missed) the M4. The same people who take the batt out of their MP, or pay good money to have the meter itself removed from their MP. There are plenty of old Leicameters available on the used market. I'm surprised they didn't bring back the angled rewind crank. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted September 22, 2014 Share #9 Posted September 22, 2014 (edited) Hello Everybody, A possible reason for not wanting a built in meter MIGHT be that the remaining camera would be mostly mechanical with the exception of the wiring, contacts, etc for the flash circuitry. These components are relatively rugged & long lived. If these components fail: This usually does not interfere with the operation of the otherwise pretty much mechanical camera. Meter electrical circuitry & components have been some of the less rugged parts of otherwise mechanical cameras. Interestingly: The reasonably small & reasonably accurate Leitz/Leica clip on meters have also been useful as separate hand held meters. Some of them can even be used as incident meters. Also: With today's miniaturization there is no reason that a current model could not include a flash meter. The circuitry has been around for 20 years or more. The only complexity has been miniaturization. The direct vertical drive was the original earlier one. Angled driving systems are less durable, more complex, more expensive to build & wear sooner because the have a much larger frictional (wear) component by design. Best Regards, Michael Edited September 22, 2014 by Michael Geschlecht Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted September 23, 2014 Share #10 Posted September 23, 2014 I fail to see how the meter failing on an MP would render the camera inoperable because of it's circuitry, unless you expect it to burst into flames? And while the crank rewind system has more parts, it doesn't have or need a clutch to stop the film unwinding when you let go of it, and the clutch is a regular service item on any knob rewind Leica beyond a certain age or usage. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted September 23, 2014 Share #11 Posted September 23, 2014 I asked the photokina rep if they would issue a modern meter but he said he was not aware of any such plans. As if he would have told me Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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