I love my… I love my M-A

[christoph_d]

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1 hour ago, a.noctilux said:

….

like this unloved 21/24/28

….

I’s nice and bright, though:
The field of view on close-up is… lets say… not very precise.

The Flash shoe adaptor may block the (single piece, old style) Film advance / shutter cocking lever. 

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[mangas_binges]

On 6/5/2024 at 12:53 PM, a.noctilux said:

Using WA lens ?

I'd use auxiliary good VF like 28mm or 24/21mm in accessory shoe.

Quite simple and quick, no hassle...

Yeah, that’s probably the way to go. After I’ve seen 1year quoted time for viewfinder replacement it became much less appealing. 

[lekitr]

On 6/6/2024 at 4:58 PM, mangas_binges said:

Yeah, that’s probably the way to go. After I’ve seen 1year quoted time for viewfinder replacement it became much less appealing. 

But there are other body, mp with 0.58 finder like this chrome one in Montreal.

https://www.camtecphoto.com/fr/product/leica-mp-058-argente-a

Jean the owner is a gentlemen.

[69xchange]

On 6/21/2024 at 11:37 AM, lekitr said:

But there are other body, mp with 0.58 finder like this chrome one in Montreal.

https://www.camtecphoto.com/fr/product/leica-mp-058-argente-a

Jean the owner is a gentlemen.

I saw that a couple of weeks ago. I am surprised it hasn’t been sold yet

[philipj]

I struggle to see the 28mm framelines with a recently acquired 0.72x M-A (yes, glasses) and so compose much more ad hoc than I am used to. I really don't need a 0.58x MP... but darn that would be nice.

[lekitr]

4 hours ago, philipj said:

I struggle to see the 28mm framelines with a recently acquired 0.72x M-A (yes, glasses) and so compose much more ad hoc than I am used to. I really don't need a 0.58x MP... but darn that would be nice.

Well if the glasses is the problem then you can try a diopter to replace them and maybe you'll be able to see the 28 frame lines.

These little diopter changed my life but I'm slowly going to need a diopter factor that's more that what Leica sell.

Then only contact lenses can save me....

[christoph_d]

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41 minutes ago, lekitr said:

Well if the glasses is the problem then you can try a diopter to replace them and maybe you'll be able to see the 28 frame lines.

These little diopter changed my life but I'm slowly going to need a diopter factor that's more that what Leica sell.

Then only contact lenses can save me....

… or Kyudo (Zen archery) …

[Leon Berg]

Hi everyone, 

sorry if this is off-topic, didn't wanna open a whole new thread.. 

I am considering to purchase a brand new M-A from a Leica dealer in Europe (production date 2023) for the old price, so way below 5K. 

It's their last sample in silver. (I always thought I would want a black one, but kind of fell in love with the silver one). 

I have to add that I really idealized the M-A since I first heard about it in 2014, never having shot a rangefinder nor analog body, but

the philosophy of a purely mechanical camera caught me back then when I was still an apprentice / student. 

-

The prices will soon rise, so my savings will be around 20% to that then new price of almost 6K. 

 

However, I also have the chance to get an M2, fully serviced/refurbished from Leica for less than half of that amount. It's from a store and it comes with two years warranty. 

I should add, that I have an M3 that I love, which is my only analog M. It has been serviced (not from Leica), but the viewfinder 

respectively the rangefinder patch is not very contrasty and I find myself having trouble focusing fast and accurately. 

Since I zone focus very often at lets say f5.6-f11 I can live with that. But sometimes I wish the experience was more smooth and less annoying in backlit situations

and indoors. 

 

I want/need a second body for a different film or another focal length and thought about the M-A or M2 because of the option of 28/35mm. 

The M2 of course is great for the latter with its clutter free 35mm frame lines. I also prefer the old loading style. 

The M-A gives me the brightest and newest viewfinder on the other hand. 

 

I appreciate one or two statements from you guys who now have their M-A 3,5 or 10 and would like to share experience. 

Of course I'll be skimming this thread and do a bit research on my own.  

Thanks a lot in advance.

[ktmrider2]

I think the M2 is the best camera Leica ever made!  Saying that I recently purchased a new MP to go with my 50 year old M4.  I remember reading how bright the MP finder was compared to older M's.  That statement was probably made referring to cameras made after the M4-2 since Leica removed a condenser lens from the viewfinder optical system on M4-P, M6 and M6TTL.  I can see no difference between M4 and MP viewfinder in terms of brightness.  I am assuming MA and MP have same viewfinder optics.

I do not like the double frame lines in new Leica's but suffer it for the light meter in the MP.  I almost purchased an MA but had a mint black chrome M4 and they could be twins.  I much prefer the M4 viewfinder with single frame lines and slightly larger frame lines.  I would get the M2 and save 50% of the price of a MA.  

If the M2 has been refurbished by Leica, it will essentially be a new camera.

[hansvons]

On 6/26/2024 at 11:31 PM, Leon Berg said:

However, I also have the chance to get an M2, fully serviced/refurbished from Leica for less than half of that amount. It's from a store and it comes with two years warranty. 

Sounds like an interesting offer. However, the M2 has the old take-up spool system which I find a dealbreaker. Your perception may vary greatly, of course. For many, old Leicas are a collectors item that hardly see film, other like me tend to shoot on a daily basis or on a project a handful rolls a day, and then the M4’s loading system does matter.

I I were looking for a meter-less M body, I’d get the M4P if money was an issue or an MA if the budget is more open. The MP’s new viewfinder (also used for the MA and later M7) does make a difference if you like shooting against the light. That’s why I will get a 2022 M6 (which is based on the MP) at some point. 

Edited June 29, 2024 by hansvons

[Smudgerer]

1 hour ago, hansvons said:

Sounds like an interesting offer. However, the M2 has the old take-up spool system which I find a dealbreaker. Your perception may vary greatly, of course.

Actually this works well: https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/product-page/leica-rapid-load-kit-rlk, I have it in one of my M2's, the other M2 came with the Leica Rapid Loader take-up spool kit that works ok but the CameraWorks Rapid Loader is much better, when CameraWorks have their version back in stock I will replace the Leica one with another from them.

[hansvons]

2 hours ago, Smudgerer said:

https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/product-page/leica-rapid-load-kit-rlk,

Ah, didn't know about that. Convenient!

[Smudgerer]

1 hour ago, hansvons said:

Ah, didn't know about that. Convenient!

Yes, it works very well, unfortunately out of stock right now but hopefully they'll have more in soon.........

[ktmrider2]

Get the M2.  The MA attempts to copy the greatest camera Leica ever made but fails with the viewfinder.  The viewfinder of the M2 with the single frame lines is a delight unless you need frame lines for 28, 75, or 135.   Use the money saved for a workshop, film or travel.  

If the camera was CLAed by Leica, it will be "as new".  The film loading system has advantages and disadvantages but the chance of not loading the film or the film not advancing is virtually eliminated.  No one shooting film these days has to rush loading like back in the 1970's when I was a newspaper photographer.

And the M2 does not have the problem with flare referred to in the earlier post.  The viewfinder flare started with the M4-2 when Leica removed a condenser lens in an attempt to save money on manufacturing costs.  The Leica M2, M4 and M5 have the original .72 viewfinder which does not flare.  The M4-2, M4-P, M6 and some copies of the M6TTL have the flare problem.  Am not sure about M7.  Leica replaced the condenser lens in MP, MA and new M6.  So current cameras have a copy of the original M2 .72 viewfinder with more frame lines.

But if you want a new camera only the MA will do.  The chrome body reminds me of M2 or M3.  The black chrome is sex on a stick IMHO.  None of the choices you have presented is WRONG so have fun.

Edited June 29, 2024 by ktmrider2

[SteveHicks]

Hello all.  I have stumbled upon this thread at a time when I have retreated back to analog.  One of the biggest regrets in life I have is selling my M3 and M2 to finance some digital equipment (Hasselblad and Leica) many years ago.  I still shoot digital but have missed the "craft" aspects film photography. 

This particular thread has captured my attention as I am struggling with the comparison of buying a M2 and having it completely CLA'd VS just sumcomming to the incredibly seductive simple purchase of the M-A (which seems to be the most perfect Leica rangefinder ever made).

I am hoping there are those amongst this group that will forgive my NOT reading through all 74 pages of entries.  i am looking for reasons why I should not spend the incremental $2,500 to $3K to just by the newer better version of this iconic camera.   Are there real tangent benefits the M-A has over a completely rejuvenated M2?  

Thank you for your help.

[Mute-on]

2 hours ago, SteveHicks said:

Hello all.  I have stumbled upon this thread at a time when I have retreated back to analog.  One of the biggest regrets in life I have is selling my M3 and M2 to finance some digital equipment (Hasselblad and Leica) many years ago.  I still shoot digital but have missed the "craft" aspects film photography. 

This particular thread has captured my attention as I am struggling with the comparison of buying a M2 and having it completely CLA'd VS just sumcomming to the incredibly seductive simple purchase of the M-A (which seems to be the most perfect Leica rangefinder ever made).

I am hoping there are those amongst this group that will forgive my NOT reading through all 74 pages of entries.  i am looking for reasons why I should not spend the incremental $2,500 to $3K to just by the newer better version of this iconic camera.   Are there real tangent benefits the M-A has over a completely rejuvenated M2?  

Thank you for your help.

 

In short, IMO if you can afford the M-A, buy it. Having said that I have M2 and a 20 year old MP  The MP is more convenient to use because of the quick-load and light meter. However, if you shoot predominantly with a 35mm lens, the M2 is a special experience.

If you really can’t decide, get both (seriously) and later on sell the one you like less (you will probably keep both … ).

 

All the best 

 

[a.noctilux]

8 hours ago, SteveHicks said:

Are there real tangent benefits the M-A

Yes if it's available now = M-A.

M2/M4 long time for complete rejuvenation (at a cost ...) will be too long, if not the case for you go for it, M2 or M4.

While I take old M2/M4/M5 I do appreciate the real vulcanite contact, the smoothness of operation, but the viewfinder contrast of these old M says "it's old".

 

[IkarusJohn]

Every film M owner will you to buy the camera they have - get an M-A 😂

I sent mine back to Wetzlar (can’t remember why), and while it was there they replaced the leather with black ostriche print leather and they replaced the top and bottom decks with black paint (from the MP).  Very satisfying.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[a.noctilux]

On 8/26/2024 at 6:16 AM, IkarusJohn said:

I sent mine back to Wetzlar (can’t remember why)

Do they repair (or what else that went wrong) ?

Black paint M-A  with MP parts.

[IkarusJohn]

7 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Do they repair (or what else that went wrong) ?

Black paint M-A  with MP parts.

To be honest, I don’t recall.