M-A (type 127) vs MP

[Guest]

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Just a quick question that’s probably been asked before.

 

What’s the difference between the M-A and the M-P, currently being sold by Leica UK?  All I can see is the removal of the Leica badge on the MP.

[a.noctilux]

Yes

asked ...

before

What do you want to know ?

MP without meter = M-A

in Wiki here

and there

 

 

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[Guest]

Thanks for the reply.

[ktmrider2]

And a few different finishes ie black paint vs black chrome.  I believe the frame lines in the MA viewfinder do not have the cutouts at the bottom of the frame for the MP LED's.

[Guest]

@ktmrider2Thanks for the reply.

[Vlad Soare]

The MP has a light meter. The M-A hasn't. That's all, in a nutshell.

If you're not into integrated reflective light meters, then you can remove the battery and use the MP as if it were an M-A, which is why many people don't understand why the M-A exists at all. There is, however, something nice in using a camera that's been built precisely for the purpose, rather than a more elaborate one whose extra features you just choose to ignore. You may not feel the difference when you hold the camera in your hand, but deep down inside you're always aware of it.

The silver trim is the same in both. The black trim is different. Black MPs are painted black, while black M-As are coated in black chrome. The black paint wears off quickly just by looking at it crossly, leaving behind a nice brass patina which people adore. The black chrome coating is very resilient and takes a lot of abuse until it wears off, and looks ugly when it does.

Most framelines look nicer in the M-A, due to not having to be broken to make room for the lightmeter LEDs. There is one exception, though. The 75mm "framelines" (for lack of a better word, since they aren't actually lines) in the M-A are downright pathetic. They're fine in the MP.

Edited July 5, 2022 by Vlad Soare

[kivis]

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On 7/5/2022 at 11:49 AM, Vlad Soare said:

The MP has a light meter. The M-A hasn't. That's all, in a nutshell.

If you're not into integrated reflective light meters, then you can remove the battery and use the MP as if it were an M-A, which is why many people don't understand why the M-A exists at all. There is, however, something nice in using a camera that's been built precisely for the purpose, rather than a more elaborate one whose extra features you just choose to ignore. You may not feel the difference when you hold the camera in your hand, but deep down inside you're always aware of it.

The silver trim is the same in both. The black trim is different. Black MPs are painted black, while black M-As are coated in black chrome. The black paint wears off quickly just by looking at it crossly, leaving behind a nice brass patina which people adore. The black chrome coating is very resilient and takes a lot of abuse until it wears off, and looks ugly when it does.

Most framelines look nicer in the M-A, due to not having to be broken to make room for the lightmeter LEDs. There is one exception, though. The 75mm "framelines" (for lack of a better word, since they aren't actually lines) in the M-A are downright pathetic. They're fine in the MP.

I have never seen an ugly Leica M film camera.

[Vlad Soare]

6 minutes ago, kivis said:

I have never seen an ugly Leica M film camera.

Some may disagree when it comes to the M5. 

But on a serious note, I find a worn metallic coating that reveals a silvery finish underneath unattractive. I like a brass patina as much as the next guy, but a white one... not so much. 

[a.noctilux]

In decades of use,  my Leica Ms stand very well with periodic maintenances.

Some years ago, in a shop, I've seen these "ugly worn" M the owner came for trade-in, I don't know if it was done.

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