Are we going to buy the new analogue M?

[plasticman]

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you'll be better off buying a used M4 in very nice condition, then send it to DAG in Wisconsin for an expert CLA, including a fine lens to be adjusted by him. The workmanship of the M4 (or M3 or 3G) is probably better than the M-A.

 

This continual stuff is ridiculous. Why do people want to buy new cars?

 

Sometimes it's simply nice to buy yourself something totally new, that doesn't need a CLA or doesn't have small scrapes and scratches.

Don't get me wrong - I love keeping old cameras alive - but there are myriad reasons why people may want to buy this new camera (as self-reward; because they haven't found a used body in good enough condition; or even just to encourage the production of new film cameras).

 

Not everyone wants exactly the same things, or the same, hackneyed advice.

[plasticman]

And as an extra thought, why haven't all these voices of disgruntled malcontent been raised against the MP and M7 all the last few years? I just don't get what's so special about the M-A that has got people annoyed on this forum and others around the net?

When did it become a bad thing that a camera manufacturer releases a new film body?

 

I'm completely mystified what possible annoyance this camera can possibly have caused.

[leicaphilia]

When did it become a bad thing that a camera manufacturer releases a new film body?

 

 

Agreed. I love that leica is sees the continued relevance of film cameras. They deserve our wholehearted support and approval. However, for me at least, this is distinct from my desire to buy one given the wonderful assortment of reasonably priced used m's on the market, but I certainly don't begrudge someone purchasing the new m.

[pop]

And as an extra thought, why haven't all these voices of disgruntled malcontent been raised against the MP and M7 all the last few years?

 

Pardon me for asking, but how do you know they haven't?

[pico]

...someone will always pop-up to say 'well just wait xx years - then it'll be impossible to use film'.

 

 

Given the age demographics here, most of us will be long gone by then. Some peoples kids I tell ya.

[aldash]

My point was not that people should avoid buying the M-A, but that a more economical alternative would be to consider a superbly engineered and hand-fitted M3 or M4 for $700-$800 in EX++ condition, versus several thousand dollars for a new M-A. Even if it needed a $200 CLA, it would still be a comparative bargain, and still look beautiful. It is also my opinion that the quality of construction fell off after the M5 model.

 

At the time the M6 and M7 were current, there were LOTS of gripes about roughness of moving parts, noisy shutters, and defects. Perhaps they were eventually fixed, but that scared me from buying them. I was around at that time, and read the remarks of my fellow "malcontents".

 

It probably is nice to have a new shiny car every few years, but I would rather have a slightly used Toyota Camry in excellent low-mileage condition than a brand-new GM car with an unreliable ignition switch and an airbag that may refuse to deploy when needed. Look what happened to Mercedes quality in the last few years. "They don't make them like they used to" applies to many other products as well. It looks like the old patient German craftsmen have gone to Leitz Heaven, and replaced by CNC robotic machines.

[IkarusJohn]

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A few years ago I bought a secondhand MP. A very nice but I found I was taking so few images with film that I couldn't justify keeping it. An M3 and CLA cost a quart of the price, and has given me huge satisfaction.

[sblitz]

Anybody have an idea what is inside the M-A -- brass, steel, plastic? Something that looks as solid as an M3 M2 M4 on the outside but isn't quite built that way on the inisde? Is it an MP w/o the meter? Of those who have an MP, how does the MP stand up to the older Leicas in terms of build quality? Asking to find out, not presupposing anything here.

[Firefly]

Not sure any M-A has escaped from captivity yet but my hunch is that it will be an MP without the meter.

As to which is the best built is open to personal experience and preference. Over the years I have had an M2 followed by in order M4P, M4-2, M7 and after a long gap finally now a MP.

Still getting to grips with the MP but it seems to be rock solid and with smooth operation.

Of the others the M4P was the smoothest and the M2 had the roughest feel which turns the usual perception on its head, guess I had a good M4P and a doggy M2, personal experience!

cheers Rob

[a.noctilux]

Interesting discussions here some years back 😁.

I have nothing to add.

Just to say that we will have, in few hours, one year more using film Leica.

I mean for me old stock films, some not made anymore, and never will.

 

We still find films even more and more expensive.

[Danner]

My New Year's resolution is to increase my film consumption, and darkroom time.

[kivis]

I have owned an M3, an M4, an M6, M7 and MP. All of which I regret selling. I now have had a new M-A for about a year and it is of the highest quality of any Leica I have ever owned. Nuff said.

[j.scooter]

I saw the title and thought I missed the announcement of a new film camera, then opened the thread and realized that this is from 7 years ago....🙄

[Ouroboros]

29 minutes ago, j.scooter said:

I saw the title and thought I missed the announcement of a new film camera, then opened the thread and realized that this is from 7 years ago....🙄

   If nothing else it's a mildly interesting illustration of how a pendulum swings.