How to get M-A with 0.85 VF?

[Landiah]

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Is it possible to have a higher magnification viewfinder put on by Leica (I realize that the A La Carte program is no longer available) onto a new M-A? Or is the only alternative to find a used one with the given specs?

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[wattsy]

I don't think it is likely that you will find a used M-A with a 0.85x VF. I think the only realistic way is to obtain a 0.85x MP and use that as a donor camera. I imagine the viewfinders of an M-A and 0.85x MP could be swapped by a technician but I doubt very much that Leica would do it for you.

[a.noctilux]

Ian suggestion may be the best option, swapping MP/M-A viewfinder.

As ex-user of MP x0.85, I wanted that 0.85 VF on one of my M-A, but never have things done.

You can try what I've done, just use Leica x1.25 magnifier 12004 (I know the minus points for this, less contrast, protruding of rear VF, etc.).

In the end, as M-A viewfinder is one of the best OVF I use until now, I just use the nice M-A's VF as is.

 

 

[UliWer]

Just might ask Customer Care, if they change the viewfinder. As they change the M6-finder to an MP-version, I see no reason why they could refuse your request.

Of course they‘ll charge you the typical Leica prizes. 

Edited December 23, 2019 by UliWer

[lincoln_m]

Would a 1.25x magnifier work? You’d end up with a 0.9x viewfinder like an M3. Although they are £220 new in UK at least you could unscrew and get 0.72x for 35mm lenses.

[ktmrider2]

As recommended several times already, try the Leica 1.25 magnifier.  I use one to help with super fast 50's and if I squint I can see the frame lines for 35mm.  Of course, shooting 35 it makes a lot more sense just to remove the magnifier.  I have not noticed loss of quality in the viewfinder but really have not looked for it.  A used one can be had for a couple hundred dollars and can always be sold.  It would probably double the cost of an MA to have a .85 viewfinder installed but then you would have a unique camera.

[a.noctilux]

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OP, if you ask Leica to upgrade M-A to 0.85 MP's VF remember to ask also the frame lines of M-A style, if that matter.

I remember now that 50/75 and 35/135 frames lines on my ex-MP x0.85 lacks the bottom complete lines of M-A style.

[Guest]

Am 23.12.2019 um 03:49 schrieb Landiah:

Is it possible to have a higher magnification viewfinder put on by Leica (I realize that the A La Carte program is no longer available) onto a new M-A? Or is the only alternative to find a used one with the given specs?

Planing for your first M-A?

 2nd hand absolutely out of the question? 

As mentioned before, the M-A‘s viewfinder frames differ from the ones in a MP.

Writing here as a fan of 0.85 frame lines. Just wondering if a 0.85 MP without batteries is so much inferior to your planned experiment.