Build quality of New M-A

[iPacific]

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I was a M user. My last MP was made in 2003 something.

The build quality is good. But I sold it last year.

I'm looking for a new M-A. 

However the new analog M seems have different issues that makes me concern about the build quality of a new M-A.

 especially the  film advance mechanism.

Any idea about the build quality of a M-A in 2022?

Thanks

[a.noctilux]

Some reported "flaws" on their new M-A.

Good news, each time Leica Camera "solves" if proved "real flaws".

As side note, so many buy M-A as status object and don't accept if it's not "perfectly finished".

As user, I'd rely on Leica holding "real or false flaws", and buy M-A if I need one (or two * !).

 

Manufactured objects are not flaw-proof, but services after purchase count.

 

* this is only me, as old timer M user, I saw many real "broken M in use" for many decades, not to rely on only one anymore

[iPacific]

48 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

Some reported "flaws" on their new M-A.

Good news, each time Leica Camera "solves" if proved "real flaws".

As side note, so many buy M-A as status object and don't accept if it's not "perfectly finished".

As user, I'd rely on Leica holding "real or false flaws", and buy M-A if I need one (or two * !).

 

Manufactured objects are not flaw-proof, but services after purchase count.

 

* this is only me, as old timer M user, I saw many real "broken M in use" for many decades, not to rely on only one anymore

I'm afraid that the Leica Store in my city doesn't well-know about the analog M camera.

And those Leica smiths are too old to service an M-A.

Since they are great on old M camera but not the new one.

And the quality control is not good enough for these years.

 

Thanks for your reply  

[Fotoklaus]

Whats the technical difference between an M-A and a M4-P or M4-2 that older technicians could not repair them?

Or ia there just a lack of skilled craftsman?

 

[Guest]

I bought a M-A in 2020, then a MP in 2021, both new from a Leica dealer here in France, ( Bordeaux ). The M-A has not had any problems at all, good build quality. The MP had a stiff ASA dial "out-of-the-box" but otherwise no problems. I would have been content if Leica had just offered to swap out the removable rear door with the ASA dial but the complete camera was exchanged by Leica France for a new camera within a week even though the cameras were said to be in short supply with months long wait times after ordering. No problems since with the replacement MP.

I am just more than happy that Leica are still producing these film cameras..........

Edited March 5, 2022 by petermullett
addition

[poli]

I bought a m-a in 2021, build quality is fine. The film advance mechanism is perfect. No issues at all. Actually thinking about buying a second one (one for Color and one for b&w film) instead of my digital m10-d.

Edited March 5, 2022 by poli

[iPacific]

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2 hours ago, Fotoklaus said:

Whats the technical difference between an M-A and a M4-P or M4-2 that older technicians could not repair them?

Or ia there just a lack of skilled craftsman?

 

some user reported there is a weird film advance mechanism fault

i've never hear that occur in the old M cameras 

Thats my concern

 

[iPacific]

1 hour ago, poli said:

I bought a m-a in 2021, build quality is fine. The film advance mechanism is perfect. No issues at all. Actually thinking about buying a second one (one for Color and one for b&w film) instead of my digital m10-d.

good to hear that.

I've already brought some accessories for the M-A

but I was warned that the M-A gets some issues 

It should be fine. I'll go to order one.

Thanks

[a.noctilux]

4 minutes ago, iPacific said:

good to hear that.

I've already brought some accessories for the M-A

but I was warned that the M-A gets some issues 

It should be fine. I'll go to order one.

Thanks

Order one now that is good decision.

Please tell us how long waiting time for new M-A.

As said, if there is a problem, Leica would do at their best to solve.

I'd not worry on future problems.

 

@iPacific where are you situated ?

[250swb]

6 minutes ago, iPacific said:

some user reported there is a weird film advance mechanism fault

i've never hear that occur in the old M cameras 

Thats my concern

 

And what about all the times when people didn't post on a forum because they haven't had any problems, don't they count? If you are only going to take notice of the very few people who've had a problem I can't see how you would feel safe buying anything in your life. Do you expect 100% reliable cars, or washing machines, even from the luxury brands?

[denton]

Purchased new Leica M-A two weeks ago from Adorama. Shot a couple of rolls through it, absolutely no issues. Wonderful camera. I also own M10-R and M4. Really like this viewfinder with no clutter! Brighter than M4.

Denton

Edited March 5, 2022 by denton
more information

[Mr.Prime]

I have an M4 too (and M3), thought about getting a new M-A just for the pleasure of being the first owner but I’m not sure if that’s enough to justify the cost or what else I’d gain, so interesting to read that at least you noticed an improvement in the viewfinder.

[a.noctilux]

1 hour ago, Mr.Prime said:

I have an M4 too (and M3), thought about getting a new M-A just for the pleasure of being the first owner but I’m not sure if that’s enough to justify the cost or what else I’d gain, so interesting to read that at least you noticed an improvement in the viewfinder.

No logic path involves in buying Leica M-A.

Only gain is buying it new  while you can.

If you need the money to buy 'better' thing, just do it and delay M-A's.

Nothing to justify to no one, you are the only one who knows.

[nikau]

Mine had a winding problem from new and needed an 11 week trip back to the factory; pretty disappointing.

[logan2z]

I've had my M-A since 2017 and it's been flawless.  I guess it's possible that QC has slipped a bit since, but it does seem like there are relatively few reported issues with the M-A/MP, and Leica does seem to always make it right in the end.  Always disappointing when a new camera has to make an immediate return to be fixed, however.

[Jacobjuul]

Im one of the users who had issues. But I still keep coming back. The M-A is an awesome camera and well worth the hassle of getting a working copy in case it arrives with faults. 
In my opinion the M-A is the true MP

Edited March 6, 2022 by Jacobjuul

[Sensorix]

Wonderful camera. Flawless! And exceptionally beautiful.

(M9-P, Summilux 35mm, Crop)

 

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

[a.noctilux]

9 hours ago, nikau said:

Mine had a winding problem from new and needed an 11 week trip back to the factory; pretty disappointing.

M-A not replaced ...why ?

Very strange if it's  from a good Leica Dealer.

[iPacific]

19 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

Order one now that is good decision.

Please tell us how long waiting time for new M-A.

As said, if there is a problem, Leica would do at their best to solve.

I'd not worry on future problems.

 

@iPacific where are you situated ?

I'm going to order from a unofficial dealer but with good reputation.

They claims that it takes about 2-4 weeks for a M-A

I'm considering about the warranty condition.

Maybe order from a local Leica Store but the price is much more expensive 

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[iPacific]

1 hour ago, a.noctilux said:

M-A not replaced ...why ?

Very strange if it's  from a good Leica Dealer.

The terms of warranty changed.

There are differences between good dealer and official dealer.

In my city(Hong Kong) official dealer such as a Leica Store sells the M-A with an official price and provide a local aftercare maybe can replace a new camera when there is an issue. 

However some good dealer sell it in a lower price, about 30% cheaper from somewhere bypassed the official dealer.

Moreover camera from the good dealer could not enjoy the local aftercare.

I think they will not replace the camera when there is issue, but will help to send back the camera for repair.