Paul Verrips Posted August 30, 2017 Share #21 Posted August 30, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I just one today. I never thought I would get one but I was offered one for a great price. I like it. First film going in tomorrow. You can’t compare this camera to other meter-less Leica’s, this is new and feels very modern. It’s a modern M3 with all the frame lines you need. It’s a niche and low volume product. I can’t comment how different it is from the MP I have, which is around 15-16 years old but barely used. Get one I say. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk The fact that the M-A is new or not older than 3 years, is also a huge difference. I have a M4 (1968) with CLA, but it is not as butter smooth as the M-A. I also have a almost new M7 and also butter smooth, i have also an older M7 with CLA, but again........a huge difference. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Paul Verrips Posted August 30, 2017 Share #22 Posted August 30, 2017 @ShivaYash: "Get one" is the best advice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted August 30, 2017 Share #23 Posted August 30, 2017 The fact that the M-A is new or not older than 3 years, is also a huge difference. I have a M4 (1968) with CLA, but it is not as butter smooth as the M-A. I also have a almost new M7 and also butter smooth, i have also an older M7 with CLA, but again........a huge difference. Butter smooth? I call impressionism. . 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M9reno Posted August 30, 2017 Share #24 Posted August 30, 2017 If anyone reading this is minded to prioritise "smoothess" as a factor in buying a new film Leica, I recommend borrowing an older M and using an IXMOO cassette. The cassette opens inside the camera and the film travels completely free, without passing through a felt lip. Unfortunately, the M-A cannot hold IXMOOs, and the M6 is the last Leica whose film chamber is built to accept them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShivaYash Posted August 30, 2017 Share #25 Posted August 30, 2017 If anyone reading this is minded to prioritise "smoothess" as a factor in buying a new film Leica, I recommend borrowing an older M and using an IXMOO cassette. The cassette opens inside the camera and the film travels completely free, without passing through a felt lip. Unfortunately, the M-A cannot hold IXMOOs, and the M6 is the last Leica whose film chamber is built to accept them. A new camera won't be as smooth as an old one... I agree, borrow an old one first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted August 31, 2017 Share #26 Posted August 31, 2017 Just in case I want to mount a Leicavit M or Motor M (last one), M4 ... no way...MP/M6 yes. M-A allow those and handling is better with those accessories, if I use big or heavy lens. But everybody may not use those "assisted thumbs", I understand. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
duoenboge Posted August 31, 2017 Share #27 Posted August 31, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) The M-A is the same came like the MP. The diferent is, the MP comes with a TTL metering system. In my opinion much reasonable. Unless you shot in the Antarctic where the next battery shop is far. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric1 Posted August 31, 2017 Author Share #28 Posted August 31, 2017 Ive decided to get one. Im going to put my order in next week for a Chrome MA. I thought about the MP before but I think the MA looks better and i don't think going meterless matters that much. I will learn and understand the process more without having a meter to rely on. Im excited to get back into film. I have an older Minolta I've been using for about a year and finally ready to get something better. Thanks for all the comments. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted August 31, 2017 Share #29 Posted August 31, 2017 Good decision Eric. M with no meter IS the ultimate "100%-under-control-photography" (until film processing of course), but not so for slides lovers. Negatives take care of exposure errors . For slides a handheld meter is required: the next question is Spot Meter or not ? That would be fun again . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShivaYash Posted August 31, 2017 Share #30 Posted August 31, 2017 I was shooting with my new addition today. The chrome seems softer than my other cameras... I mounted a leather strap and the metal spilt ring has left the slightest mark. Just a word of warning. I really enjoyed shooting meter less. Will put the film in for processing tomorrow so see how successful I actually was. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Verrips Posted August 31, 2017 Share #31 Posted August 31, 2017 I will learn and understand the process more without having a meter to rely on. Thumbs up!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted September 1, 2017 Share #32 Posted September 1, 2017 Negatives take care of exposure errors . Yes. Under/over exposure does shift the colour quite noticeably with film like Portra 400 but, if you are not fussy, you can shoot C41 film with almost no regard to the exposure. Which shouldn't be surprising when you consider the disposable cameras that were once popular. It was the crappy plastic lens and fixed focus that was the main limitation with those, not the lack of exposure control. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abram Posted September 2, 2017 Share #33 Posted September 2, 2017 Eric, I think you made a good choice. My M-A is my only film M after trying (and enjoying) quite a few different film Ms. It's exceptionally satisfying to work with and though it does have all 6 framelines I find that the 75/135 frames are very small and unobtrusive compared to the noticeably larger ones in my M240. Another plus is that when using 28 or 35mm lenses the bottom line of the frame is not split as there's no meter. It's a small detail, but one that I have greatly come to enjoy. @Shiva - Love that 50 Elmar! I wish I had kept mine. I'm using all Zeiss ZM lenses presently, but that 50 Elmar was such a sweet lens. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
srivastava Posted September 3, 2017 Share #34 Posted September 3, 2017 (edited) Great question. No right or wrong answer here. Personal preference and your bank balance would shape your choice. I use a Minolta CLE. This is an M mount Film camera that has an inbuilt meter. I obsessed about the M-A for months. I managed to get one on loan for a weekend for £80. The best £80 I spent . I shot 3 rolls ( 2 colour Portra 400 and 1 B&W TrI-X) and also shot with the CLE on the same day with Porta 400 . My findings ( very subjective): I found metering very easy in the M-A using a phone app. In fact day 2 I did not need the app . One just learns ! The M-A was better in poor light as my own metering with the app was better than the CLE's auto exposure 90% of the photos were of same quality and I could not differentiate between the two on the prints I was very very worried about damaging the M-A. It is a very expensive camera for careless street photography. With the CLE, I felt uninhibited I am over the M-A acquisition syndrome. Not because it is not worth it. It is very much the best Film camera money can buy and is a pleasure to use. I just don't think I can justify buying it at this point in my life. I am too scared of damaging it . I am enjoying shooting with CLE and am considering an M4. Edited September 3, 2017 by srivastava 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted September 3, 2017 Share #35 Posted September 3, 2017 (edited) Unfortunately, the M-A cannot hold IXMOOs Indeed, and a huge oversight by Leica. They could contract IXMOO and/or modify the base plate. I used Leica (and Nikon) opening cassettes by the dozens in the Seventies for bulk-loading and they were absolutely wonderful. Uh. Seventies ... oi, I'm old! Answering the original question - yes, the M-A is worth it if it does not take from your family's prosperity. Edited September 3, 2017 by pico 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted September 3, 2017 Share #36 Posted September 3, 2017 I wonder how many M-A built (sold) each year. Considering this such small market, I wonder if Leica can still offer this M-A in a couple of years. Foolish that they offer some "available-rarities" like M-A and M-D along with Summaron-M 28mm or Red Noctilux 0.95. When M-A will be discontinued (I hope not), this would be "rare-classic-to-own-or-use", and why not the M-A price would rise . I don't care, I use mine and would not depart with them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lb1800 Posted September 3, 2017 Share #37 Posted September 3, 2017 They dont make or sell many. My 2017 purchase was signed off in the fcatory in 2015. I could be wrong but estimate that their entire sales volume since 2014 is in the hundreds. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted September 3, 2017 Share #38 Posted September 3, 2017 These cameras are made in batches. Leica probably still has stock left over from the initial production run. The MP is also made in batches and is occasionally tricky to obtain new. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antonio Russell Posted September 3, 2017 Share #39 Posted September 3, 2017 I think it was better value before they put the price up... There used to be a bigger price jump between M-A and MP originally I think. I have a chrome M4 in mint condition and love it but find myself irritatingly lured by a black M-A..... wish they would do black paint though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 3, 2017 Share #40 Posted September 3, 2017 Yes. Under/over exposure does shift the colour quite noticeably with film like Portra 400 but, if you are not fussy, you can shoot C41 film with almost no regard to the exposure. Which shouldn't be surprising when you consider the disposable cameras that were once popular. It was the crappy plastic lens and fixed focus that was the main limitation with those, not the lack of exposure control. Not once popular but very much popular now - Fuji have said their sales of disposable cameras have doubled http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4839300/Disposable-cameras-snap-life-Fujifilm-sales-up.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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