Am I certified crazy for considering the M-A?

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A little bit about me... 

I am a full-time fashion photographer for about ten years now (started in the industry at 19, now 29). I've had stints with film, previously shooting an RZ67 Pro II, Sinar F1, and currently with a 503cw and P67II in the stable- sadly, I don't use them an awful lot, though I'm going to make an active effort to do so moving forward. By and large the bulk of my work is conducted with digital- just upgraded to a D850 a couple days ago; previously used the D800 since release. The lure of digitals vastly expedited workflow is just far too appealing to mess with film, though then I'll get back scans and yeah, there's a special and undeniable quality to film that digital can't come close to emulating, even with heaps of post. I do a combination of both studio and location work and use both natural and artificial light- all depends on the project/mood.

Back when I was around 16 or 17 I attended a big photo show with a friend at a nearby community centre. I didn't know a thing about cameras then, but distinctly remember being enamoured by all the old film cameras there- there's just something about them, even from just a purely physical/tactile perspective, that you don't get with digital. I guess "they don't make 'em like they used to" is apt here. I remember seeing my first Pentax 67 there and being in awe of its bulk. The one truly standout thing I saw at that show though was a Leica M. I can't remember what kind it was- they all looked the same to me-, but what immediately stuck out even to 16 year old me was how supremely well made a product it was. This thing was the epitome of solid. Although this was now 13 years ago, I'll never forget first contact with my first Leica- it was the most congruent feeling item I'd ever held, and it went deeper than it just being hefty and made of solid metal... everything just felt so perfectly married together, with no loose bits or any funny stuff. Of course ownership was nowhere on the horizon, so it just remained a distant dream. Truth be told, while that first and formative experience was great, a Leica was never really something I lusted too deeply for. The rangefinder system was foreign and frightening to me, plus the prices were just so exorbitant. While I remained aware of them, they essentially fell completely out of my mind/interest for over a decade. 

Fast forward to winter 2018. I'm in Vienna and happen upon the Leica Store there. I stumble in and get some hands-on time (no shots fired though) with a used M6 they've got. Instantly I'm taken back to that first encounter with the photo show M all those years ago, thinking "holy crap, I've never felt anything so solid, congruent, or well thought out". I've been somewhat of a snob among various forums over the years and have an acute sense for discerning quality- it's a blessing, but mostly a curse. The idea that I absolutely had to own a Leica was at that point solidified in my mind. The physicality of it aside, finally getting some hands-on time with one and being able to work the focus ring and rangefinder system proved to be as easy as could be- in fact, I'm pretty certain I prefer it to the SLR style focusing I've grown accustomed to, especially being someone who wears glasses. I almost bought that M6 on the spot in Vienna, but ultimately didn't feel comfortable doing so as I just didn't know enough about them to feel good about it. Mostly referring to the different magnifications, but also recall reading something about there being better eras than others and something about the paint on the zinc M's warping or something funny after a while or exposure to certain climates. Flew back home to Canada shortly after with a very strong impression made on me by that Leica, which prompted me to start doing serious research as I intended to get one asap after that experience. 

Of course I was aware of the MP, as I recall drooling over various iterations of it on eBay (sort by: highest price) as a teen, but after getting home and killing some hours researching which Leica to buy, I came across the M-A. Instantly I was drawn to this model, largely because it's 100% mechanical, but also because of the sleek black chrome aesthetic, and the fact it's brand new. To me, there's something romantic about getting a brand new piece of gear like this, which you'll imprint 100% of your photographic journey on- nobody else will have taken any shots on it before you, but they very well might after you're gone, the camera then having a rich and full life under its belt. 

Soon after discovering the M-A, I came across various reviews and threads full of people saying the camera makes no sense as it's essentially an M4/M4-P, which could be bought at a fraction of the M-A's cost. I get that, and if you're being pragmatic, it's of course the obvious choice. But what if you're sick in the head, super impulsive, and bad with your money like me? Frankly, I have absolutely no idea who or what the M-A was designed for. How a camera such as this is still in production (surely in very minimal numbers) in 2019 is beyond me... but I like it. Who is buying these things though? Seriously. Any idea re: sales figures? I have a hard time imagining more than 100 of these selling per annum. Is it a status symbol, a fashion accessory, a collectors item/speculators piece, or are actual photographers using these things? 

I'm at a point where I could buy one no problem, along with a Summicron 50 (or maybe 35), but also not quite at a point where the purchase wouldn't sting on some level, mostly just because I'd constantly be thinking "$5k just for a film camera body?!?!". I love everything about the M-A, except the price... even though I can afford it, there comes a point where you objectively have to think about these things and Leica has priced this camera so that you have no choice but to think about it, even if you've the means. It's like I'm simultaneously trying to both talk myself into, yet out of the camera. For the price of the body alone I could get two other complete Leica kits, bodies + lenses. But they will be used, old, and with someone else's imprint on them. 

Then there's my trepidation regarding whether I'll even use the thing in my work. I'm not quite sure how it will fit into the flow of things here. Part of me thinks that the chief impetus behind wanting one is to just have it because it's a nice, supremely made, aesthetically pleasing thing- just being honest. I really appreciate well-made products and this really is a pinnacle item and lovely piece of engineering. Of course I'll try to utilize it in my fashion/portrait work, but am aware that rangefinders aren't ideal in such a context- that said, things like that often yield more interesting results. But as with my Hassy 503cw and Pentax 67II, both purchased within the last year, the thought of owning and shooting on them seems much more exciting than the actual reality of owning them and having to deal with all the not fun parts of film. Maybe being smaller/lighter and with more frames at my disposal the Leica would be a more appealing option to me... who knows. 

Am I certified crazy for considering the M-A? 

[jaapv]

You are asking in the wrong place. We are all certified crazy here.

Reading your post, I cannot but help thinking that  there is no way that you are going to wiggle off this hook. You obviously know what you are doing photographically, understand the use and attraction of a film rangefinder camera and clearly desire this camera.

My advice would be to stop torturing yourself and go and buy the thing. This will be the one camera that will be sitting beside your rocking chair in the old people's home. There will be times in your life that you'll use it less - photography is ever moving in the direction of extreme quality convenience- and there will be times that you will use it  more, but you will always pick it up and feel the same thrill and inspiration that you felt the day you bought it.

 

[ShivaYash]

No, you are not crazy. I have the MP and MA - I actually prefer the latter. No idea why, just something about it. They are difficult to find second hand but keep looking. If I decide to part with mine, I'll let you know.

[Mute-on]

Leica never built a better film camera than the M2 and M3 IMHO. Unless you are using 28 or 75 lenses, or require a meter, there is no reason to look any further.

I have M2, M4 and MP. The M2 is the most solid/best built. The MP is the most convenient (built in meter) and the M4 the most beautiful (black paint) but worst build quality (less solid feeling). 

I wouldn’t waste my money on an M-A when I can get an excellent M2 for 1/3 the price. Coupled with the build quality issues the M-A seems to suffer from, mostly regards film advance/film spacing, I just don’t see the point.  In addition the M2 framelines are much more accurate (not as undersized). 

So in short, yes I think it is crazy to consider an M-A over an M2, or even M4 or MP. But that’s my personal preference. 

I suggest you research all the M models to better inform your decision, and not waste money that would be better spent on lenses, travel, film and processing. 

Good luck!

 

[MarkP]

49 minutes ago, jaapv said:

You are asking in the wrong place. We are all certified crazy here.

Reading your post, I cannot but help thinking that  there is no way that you are going to wiggle off this hook. You obviously know what you are doing photographically, understand the use and attraction of a film rangefinder camera and clearly desire this camera.

My advice would be to stop torturing yourself and go and buy the thing. This will be the one camera that will be sitting beside your rocking chair in the old people's home. There will be times in your life that you'll use it less - photography is ever moving in the direction of extreme quality convenience- and there will be times that you will use it  more, but you will always pick it up and feel the same thrill and inspiration that you felt the day you bought it.

 

+1.  

 

An older M may be the more logical decision.

You'l feel so much better when you've bought it.
If it gives you pleasure to own and use then it's worth the purchase.

I have an M7 and am often thinking about an M-A. Haven't blinked yet....

 

Mark 🙂

 

Edited August 11, 2019 by MarkP

[FrozenInTime]

I do not regret buying a M-A a few years ago, the viewfinder improvements over a M6 are worth it.

Go for it and add a Leicavit; it really does help maintain framing between shots, the extended grip helps with larger fast lenses and adds to that feeling of solidity.

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The only niggle I have, as has been mentioned, is the frame-frame spacing is a millimeter or so narrower than my M6.

Edited August 11, 2019 by FrozenInTime

[Matlock]

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Yes we are all crazy and the problem is that you will probably receive very many conflicting views. It seems that you are after a completely mechanical M so that narrows it down to M3, M2, M1 (probably not), M4, M4-2, M4-P and M-A. I own all those and, in my opinion the M-A wins hands down, followed by the M2 and the M4-P. For complete usability it is probably a choice between the M4-P and the M-A if you are contemplating a 28mm lens. See if you can sample those three and then make a decision. Good luck.

Edited August 11, 2019 by Matlock

[Paul Verrips]

No, your not crazy considering the M-A. I strictly shoot analog and own the M2, M4, M7 & M-A.

There all lovely, but i prefer the M-A because it is a very clean looking.

It's a camera that will be a rare item over a couple of years, i think Leics will not make another batch form the M-A.

 

[jaapv]

2 hours ago, Mute-on said:

Leica never built a better film camera than the M2 and M3 IMHO. Unless you are using 28 or 75 lenses, or require a meter, there is no reason to look any further.

I have M2, M4 and MP. The M2 is the most solid/best built. The MP is the most convenient (built in meter) and the M4 the most beautiful (black paint) but worst build quality (less solid feeling). 

I wouldn’t waste my money on an M-A when I can get an excellent M2 for 1/3 the price. Coupled with the build quality issues the M-A seems to suffer from, mostly regards film advance/film spacing, I just don’t see the point.  In addition the M2 framelines are much more accurate (not as undersized). 

So in short, yes I think it is crazy to consider an M-A over an M2, or even M4 or MP. But that’s my personal preference. 

I suggest you research all the M models to better inform your decision, and not waste money that would be better spent on lenses, travel, film and processing. 

Good luck!

 

But there is nothing to compare to the feeling of unpacking a new analog M. I still remember opening the box of my first new film M -an M6 in 1983. It is a gift to yourself to cherish for the rest of your life. 

[a.noctilux]

Just buy it while available new, if you want new M-A .

We don't know for how many time Leica will produce this uneconomic film M.

I even think that Leica may loose money producing M-A (only Leica knows ! ).

 

Done for me since 2014 first month of M-A launch, I don't regret one second.

First was Silver chrome, then I saw Black chrome, I could't resist the black industrial workhorse 😇

 

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Have you seen this thread I love my M-A ?

When I need something special, like Leicavit or Winder/Motor,

M-A allows this while my older M4/M2 not easy ...

 

Edited August 11, 2019 by a.noctilux

[Guest]

6 hours ago, Mute-on said:

Coupled with the build quality issues the M-A seems to suffer from, mostly regards film advance/film spacing, I just don’t see the point. 

Reading of any build quality issue on a $5k body is quite disconcerting... I wasn't aware of this up until your post- how prevalent a problem is this and how on earth is Leica QC letting faulty units pass through?! 

[Matlock]

10 minutes ago, White Buffalo said:

Reading of any build quality issue on a $5k body is quite disconcerting... I wasn't aware of this up until your post- how prevalent a problem is this and how on earth is Leica QC letting faulty units pass through?! 

There is no build quality issue with the M-A, just the usual misinformation that is rather prevalent on social media. It is the usual "I know someone who has a friend who heard someone talking about something they had heard in a supermarket queue, etc. etc.". The M-A is a great camera. 

[Guest]

29 minutes ago, Matlock said:

There is no build quality issue with the M-A, just the usual misinformation that is rather prevalent on social media. It is the usual "I know someone who has a friend who heard someone talking about something they had heard in a supermarket queue, etc. etc.". The M-A is a great camera. 

Ah, the old broken telephone routine! 

I hope that's the case. 

Is there a way to ensure that my M-A will be from the latest batch, which I understand will release in a few weeks? 

[Matlock]

9 minutes ago, White Buffalo said:

Ah, the old broken telephone routine! 

I hope that's the case. 

Is there a way to ensure that my M-A will be from the latest batch, which I understand will release in a few weeks? 

The outer box and the guarantee card are printed with the release date, mine was 2019/04/24. That should tell you.

[Steve Ricoh]

@White Buffalo you've factored the cost of M lenses, I suppose. Having bought yourself a new MA you won't want anything but the best in terms of glassware, will you. It's often said that the lens is more important than the camera (within reason of course). My priority would be lenses, then the body. I'd rather compromise on the camera if I had to.

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, Steve Ricoh said:

@White Buffalo you've factored the cost of M lenses, I suppose. Having bought yourself a new MA you won't want anything but the best in terms of glassware, will you. It's often said that the lens is more important than the camera (within reason of course). My priority would be lenses, then the body. I'd rather compromise on the camera if I had to.

yes, of course i've considered the cost of lenses. as mentioned in my op, i'm planning to start with either the new summicron 35 or 50. i intend to live with it as a one-lens system for at least a year before adding more. 

[mdp]

5 hours ago, jaapv said:

But there is nothing to compare to the feeling of unpacking a new analog M. I still remember opening the box of my first new film M -an M6 in 1983. It is a gift to yourself to cherish for the rest of your life. 

100% agree.

I bought a new MP a few months ago, and I'll keep it for ever. I use it alongside an M2, one b&w and one colour, and it's the best camera I've ever had. 

[a.noctilux]

My opinion on the QC of Leica (mainly for M-A):

- some people believe that it's price range can't accept "flaw", but every "industrial goods" (think expensive cars or USD100 k watches) can have a percentage of "acceptable flaw"

- M-A can be hand-made but I think it's mainly hand-assembled by qualified people with whatever manufactured components automatically made

modern manufacturing process can be not friendly with small batch like M-A, I mean that human being can not compete with machines

- if there are some flaws, the two-year warranty is always there (I didn't need to use for M-A) or quick replacements are reported

- I believe that "human made goods zero fault" can not exist

- when I have no luck to buy one object with flaws, I just return it or replace it

 

- so my conclusion is ...

when I buy a "lifetime good", I buy at the good price at the good dealer which I have confidence and who would help me if some flaws occure.

my experiences proved that buying abroad at duty-free price can become less good idea when some flaws occured.

Edited August 11, 2019 by a.noctilux

[jaapv]

4 hours ago, Matlock said:

The outer box and the guarantee card are printed with the release date, mine was 2019/04/24. That should tell you.

No that this is relevant in any way with this timeless camera. 

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[jaapv]

8 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Just buy it while available new, if you want new M-A .

We don't know for how many time Leica will produce this uneconomic film M.

I even think that Leica may loose money producing M-A (only Leica knows ! ).

 

Done for me since 2014 first month of M-A launch, I don't regret one second.

First was Silver chrome, then I saw Black chrome, I could't resist the black industrial workhorse 😇

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Have you seen this thread I love my M-A ?

When I need something special, like Leicavit or Winder/Motor,

M-A allows this while my older M4/M2 not easy ...

 

Given that it is Leica’s stated policy to build an analog M as long as there is a demand, it is basically up to us to keep them coming.