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Selling M7 Getting M-A?!


bephoto

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I have seen a web site that says that the M-A can be ordered a la carte from February 2015. If true then a 35/50/90 version with perhaps the x85 magnification viewfinder would be nice.

 

With the commensurate price escalation of course, how long before the BP version?

 

Edit; beaten to the trigger :-)

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An interesting topic!

 

This is again a very personal decision. I am one of those who would have a hard time living without a built in meter, and so if buying a NEW film camera, I'd choose the MP over the M-A.

 

The thing is I think they are way overpriced and the better deal for your money would be a used M6 in good condition. It's a fantastic camera, it's mechanical shutter and it has the built in meter which you can use if you like. Batteries are no problem since you can get them easily and carrying spares is no big deal as they are so small and light.

 

For me there is no better bang for your buck in film M Leicas than an M6.

 

Now I can also appreciate the beauty of having a 100% mechanical piece of equipment in your hands, but again i'd have to be very passionate about it to buy it. Guessing exposures is not my thing and using an external lightmeter would definitely spoil my photography experience.

 

About the M7, I understand it's not loved by many because of all the electronics but it has one advantage over the others, at least to me, which is it can work in Aperture Priority, which in fact is my preferred shooting mode. So if i already had an M7, I don't think I would trade it for an M-A or MP.

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Leica is often dinged for being a boutique time, jewelry and resting on it's storied past but it is the only current camera manufacturer offering a line of not only digital but analog bodies as well. By releasing the M-A, the company knows there is a market for it. Just look at the I love my M3/M2 threads and what owners are willing to spend on a half century old camera. It may not be a big market but there is defiantly a market for a purely mechanical camera.

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Well I played with the M-A at photo expo in nyc today and it felt just file the m4 except it has the m3/m2 film winder and rewind. Better viewfinder in terms of flaring than my m4 and it is exactly the same size (brought my m4 and m6 classic to compare). the shutter feel and sound is like the m4, nothing like the m6. really really liked it. black chrome so it wears white rather than brasses, oh well, but it is a fine thing to hold. IF one is so inclined to get something from years ago brand new and make the history only yours, highly recommended.

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I'm selling my M7 and will be ordering M-A. am I the only one who lost it or someone else has also gone bonkers?

 

As an owner of an MP I absolutely understand the appeal of the M-A. Just bought a Gossen DigiPro F2 I'll use most of the time with my MP & my M-E.

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I have seen a web site that says that the M-A can be ordered a la carte from February 2015. If true then a 35/50/90 version with perhaps the x85 magnification viewfinder would be nice.

 

Have to admit a .85 matt black M-A appeals to me.

For now I'm going through a even more minimalist phase with film and a Null Series Barnack replica.

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Not educated enough about the metallurgy to weight. I asked the Leica rep and he me told it would age like my black M6 classic as opposed to my M9 which is starting to brass here and there. Not a big fan of the white look, but it isn't reason to own or not own a camera. They only had the chrome version on display, will wait to see the black chrome version when it arrives in the store.

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Not educated enough about the metallurgy to weight. I asked the Leica rep and he me told it would age like my black M6 classic as opposed to my M9 which is starting to brass here and there. Not a big fan of the white look, but it isn't reason to own or not own a camera. They only had the chrome version on display, will wait to see the black chrome version when it arrives in the store.

 

Just my personal thing - I like the feel of the brass bodied M, and the look of enamel. Why should Leica take a step backwards to zinc?

.

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They haven't.

 

 

Moving to zinc bodies, if they have, is a step backward to me. I understand from where my impression arises, from cheap Asian castings of the Fifties. I do not care to revisit the feeling, the era, the products. I want brass and, well, Leica may not. I am patient.

 

Difference of opinion does not mean I wish you anything but a wonderful experience.

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Moving to zinc bodies, if they have, is a step backward to me. I understand from where my impression arises, from cheap Asian castings of the Fifties. I do not care to revisit the feeling, the era, the products. I want brass and, well, Leica may not. I am patient.

 

Difference of opinion does not mean I wish you anything but a wonderful experience.

 

I think you're misunderstanding here.... Leica uses brass plates exclusively now (and I believe have been doing so with the last runs of the M6TTL; it was the period of the M6 thru to the last of the M6TTL that were zinc.) The black chrome bodies are brass underneath, as are the silver chrome and black paint bodies. There is no zinc....

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Yes. Download the specs from the Leica website if you wish to confirm this.

 

Downloads // Leica M-A // Leica M // Photography - Leica Camera AG

 

Ah Hah! So much for the 'expert' sblitz talked to. Thank you.

 

One-piece full-metal body with rear flap; top deck and baseplate in brass with black or silver chrome finish

 

Most excellent!

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