Leica M-A - black or silver?

[Winedemonium]

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I'm actually thinking about this camera. When it was announced I thought it was a bit silly to take the meter out. But actually, I like the purity. It's not logical. It's more nostalgic I suppose.

 

I like the fact that the two colours are quite different. The silver one, with its engraving, is a clear nod to the M3, and while perhaps the M3 has the ultimate rangefinder for 50mm (though hampered by lack of focus between 1m and 0.7m), the M-A has advantages too.

 

The black one is perhaps more the modern iteration - like the MM, totally minimalist (though perhaps they could have done a black chrome ISO dial?).

 

My ideal version I think would be black paint - but not the shiny black paint of the MP, but a dull matt black, an enamel version of the black chrome colour, so that it will brass nicely over time.

 

I've read through the other threads posted on the M-A - very informative. I'm clear on why many would choose the MP over this, and vice versa.

 

My question is purely an aesthetic one...

 

Which would you choose if you were going to buy one today (or which did you choose if you got one already)? - black, or silver? I'd love to know your reasons....

[wattsy]

I looked at both and bought the silver. Mainly because I didn't like the black chrome version (too much like my Monochrom, which is a look I don't particularly favour) but also because it happened to be the silver version that I initially played with and I very much liked the feel of the shutter of that particular camera.

 

I have never had a non-black Leica before and given the choice beforehand I would have plumped for black paint (if it had been available), but I rather like the classic feel of the silver version. The chrome is quite understated, somewhat dull, and, as I've mentioned in another thread, it has the feel of a precision tool like a micrometer, like something my father would have used for decades when he was a toolmaker.

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[FrozenInTime]

I really dislike the high gloss paint finish on the MP - so never upgrade on my M6s.

I though about silver, but am not that enamored with the specular nature of the chrome on the M6 and newer bodies.

I far prefer the matt black on Monochrom over the soft black paint on the M9.

 

The matt black chrome on the M-A was an easy choice for me - I'm glad Leica chose that finish.

[Archiver]

I have a black M9 and a silver M7, and as pretty as silver chrome looks, I'd be more inclined to get the black M-A for aesthetic reasons. It is a totally 'flat' black camera with no logos, engravings or shine. There's an a la carte MP in the 'I Love My MP' thread that looks very much like this, and it attracted me greatly. It looks like it means business, stripped down and without fancy; it will attract less attention than a silver chrome camera and will be less recognizable without the red dot. I suspect that this utilitarian look will be admired for its aesthetics, ironically.

[sblitz]

Chose the black and love it. To

E the reason to own chrome is to have something with a retro look. While I appreciate retro preferred modern look and when you hold the black MA it looks anything but retro

[Winedemonium]

Thanks everyone. My feelings as well. Which is why I just ordered a black one. Arrives later this afternoon.

[wattsy]

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Interesting that the black chrome seems much more popular (at least within the forum). When I compared the two I thought Leica might have made a mistake going with the (IMO) slightly faddish looking monochrom aesthetics rather than the "classic" black paint finish.

[Winedemonium]

Oh wow!

 

I had already committed to the camera before even setting eyes on it. My dealer sat me down with a coffee and said "Are you sure? Let's take a look at it." We unboxed it and I knew instantly this was something very special. It is utterly gorgeous.

 

Others before me have described this as 'stealthy', 'utilitarian', and 'gun metal-like'. It is all these things.

 

It is just perfect really - the aesthetics are 100% coherent. If I had an a la carte option I would change nothing, not even the contrasting silver colour of the ISO dial on the reverse. It is actually more low key in real life than it looks in many photos.

 

I actually don't think I have loved the look of any M more than this one.

 

I say this though, having never seen the silver one!

[smkoush]

Can somebody comment whether the black M-A finish is similar to the black chrome version of the MP? (available only through the a la cart program). i.e., is the black chrome a la cart MP the same finish as a black chrome M-A?

[63strat]

Can somebody comment whether the black M-A finish is similar to the black chrome version of the MP? (available only through the a la cart program). i.e., is the black chrome a la cart MP the same finish as a black chrome M-A?

 

It's my opinion that it's the same. While I haven't seen a black chrome a la carte MP yet, I have seen/handled a brand-new black chrome a la carte M7, and the black chrome M-A is exactly the same. Leica black chrome, I imagine, is consistent. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

[DMarc]

Well, just got mine yesterday, in black.

A few comments/observations for what it's worth:

> The black looks much better in real than on the pictures;

> The silver ISO dial on the back is not an issue, quite nice actually;

> The camera feels noticeably smaller than a digital M. I have small/medium size hands and it just falls nicely in my hands;

> Very, very neat construction;

> Not much too play with: still looking for the display ;-)

 

Hope this helps.

 

Marc

[DMarc]

Can somebody comment whether the black M-A finish is similar to the black chrome version of the MP? (available only through the a la cart program). i.e., is the black chrome a la cart MP the same finish as a black chrome M-A?

 

I have an M7 a la carte in black chrome. The M-A is the same.

 

Marc

[jmr237]

Well, just got mine yesterday, in black.

 

Be sure to post a picture over in "I love my M-A".