I had an M3 for a number of years and it was during that period that I bought a very nice Sekonic light meter. I traded my M3 in on an M10, and eventually I ended up with an M10-R, which I love. Having that Sekonic light meter allowed me to justify buying a new M10-A. Now, I'm surprised at how often I grab my M10-A rather than my M10-R. That's NOT a rational decision. My digital M10-R can absolutely run circles around my film M10-A. Really, there's just something about the pure stealthyness of an all-black M10-A. There's something about having 15 people jump, then turn and look when I take a photograph with my M10-A in a quiet bookstore or coffee shop. There's something about having to wait for a day or two to have a film lab develop (only) my film. And, lastly, there's the 17 minutes it takes to scan just eight (8) photo negatives. The M10-A is just a cool camera to have.
Great video. My Black Chrome M-A came from Leica factory just one month ago (09/20/2020). I'm the first one to use it and it's a pure joy every time I push on the shutter button. I've used (and train on) a Leica M 240 for 7 years and after it dies (Shutter still working but motherboard is out) I've decided to purchase à camera that will last. M-A is the one i think, plus shooting film and meterless is great for not getting bored
Watching this for the same reason. Have been looking at ebay after giving up on the local market. The price for equivalent condition cost me 200 dollars cheaper than a M-P ans same as a M-A. Need to be wise and not just take pride in just old camera. Imagine if no one bought M4 and wanted only M3's. Leica would be dead by now. Someone has to carry the tradition on and look ahead and not behind..in a way..
I also bought an MP, a camera that will last forever, until it broke multiple times and was exchanged now twice. At least Leica Customer Care is fantastic and they *are* trying. But when you think you’re buying a camera that “will last”, you might end up disappointed. I hope it does not happen to you.
Great video, nice to see a film Leica featured so prominently. I bought my black chrome M-A three years ago and it never fails to impress me. I did add an M4 later as a 'backup' (i.e. an excuse to get another Leica film body!) and it's superb as well, if not quite as smooth in operation as the M-A. I hope that Leica continues to produce the M-A/MP in support of film photography. Oh, and a black paint M-A would be a nice addition to the lineup for those of us who don't care for a metered camera.
A blank paint M-A would be pretty nice. 👍 I think you can send a camera into leica and have them change it to black paint. us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/M-System-Service/Redesign
@@CameraWestTV I've never heard of that option before. I'm surprised that Leica would offer this service given that they've discontinued the a la carte program. But I'll ask them out of curiosity. Thanks for the info.
I bought the Leica M-A new in 2018 when visiting Leitz Park Wetzlar. It wasn't until I was on my travels home, a long way away, that I noticed that the rangefinder was inaccurate, .. not focusing on infinity with a clear connection of the two images in the rangefinder patch, ... This was confirmed with the processing of the first roll of film, once I arrived home on another continent. Every image where I had used my favoured Summicrons at f2 in the near-middle range was out of focus. Since then I have hardly used it, and then mostly with a 21mm and stopped down to 5.6 or f8. There is no one I would entrust it to in Thailand. I don't want to have to pay for something that should NEVER have passed quality control. I do have to return to Australia, but even there, .. I have lost confidence in the brand. I have M3, M2, M7 and this. Sad.
@@CameraWestTV Yes, however, since March 2020, I have been stranded in the Philippines. Most of my gear is Thailand. .. in whatever condition, is too scary to imagine.
The main reasons I want the M-A is because it doesn’t have a light meter and because it it’s rewind knob isn’t slanted. I hate that look so damn much. It’s like the same thing when Chris Reeves Knives put their pocket clip at an angle on their Sebenzas. Absolutely hate slanted features on a straight design.
My only gripe about Leica Ms is that in the 60 odd years they have made them never once did they consider improving the eye relief, such as Zeiss did so well with their ZM. Your still have to squint if you want to see the whole frame, especially if you wear glasses. Come on Leica, you can still do it!
@@CameraWestTV The shirt is classic - a near replica of one John Candy wore in the SCTV film The Shmenges: The Last Polka, a 1984 mockumentory of polka musicians with co-star Eugene Levy. UA-cam available!
Andrew C the MP has the build quality of the old M3. There use to be a much larger price difference between these two cameras. If you want a camera with no meter. A better choice would be a mint condition M4 with a full service. They usually go for $1500-1800.
@@bngr_bngr The M-A and the MP are the same camera other than the meter. If someone is telling you otherwise they're wrong. And I have an M4 (that's been CLAd) as well as an M-A. if anything, the M-A is even smoother in operation than the M4, although the M4 is a great camera as well.
@@larsj5964 I don't see why they couldn't have put a little fold-out handle on it like most cameras have, then. Lecias are already fiddly enough to use outside of actually taking pictures given the bottom loading
I have both an all-black M10-R and an all-black M-A. I love the pure-stealth look of the M-A. It's absolutely the sexiest-looking Leica out there in my opinion, and I love using it. I do have a few minor gripes: 1. compared to my M10-R the sound of the M-A's shutter is comparable to the sound of a pistol shot in a library reading room; 2. the M-A does NOT have a self-timer; and, 3. Kodak is not keeping up with the current demand for film - especially Portra 160 and 400 film. My local camera store - when they have Portra - will only give me 2 rolls of film at a time. I hope this film shortage ends soon.
Ouch, don't put a Leicameter on, it scratches the chrome. These things are not outrageously expensive if you want a no-fuss film camera and take into account the number of inexpensive - dirt cheap - lenses that will fit, which is part of the key to achieving character shots.
I had waited 15 yrs to buy a few Leica analogue bodies. 3 M-A bodies in a row all sent to me with dust in the viewfinder. Leica Berlin sent two back and assured me the 3rd would be personally checked by a technician and another sent the same. All received with dust in the viewfinder over and over. I refunded 15.5k worth of an order and never again will I bother with such disgraceful quality control. A overpriced wannabe luxury brand. The Japanese brands have 1000% better quality control and easily top customer service. I emailed Leica Germany 4 times to express my anger over the situation and I never got even an apology. They don’t give two fucks about their shabby QC. I’m so lucky I didnt drop 16k on two digital M’s. Never again would I even consider Leica or recommend them to anyone.
I just got my M3 and it has made me want the M-A
Could always have both 👍
I had an M3 for a number of years and it was during that period that I bought a very nice Sekonic light meter. I traded my M3 in on an M10, and eventually I ended up with an M10-R, which I love. Having that Sekonic light meter allowed me to justify buying a new M10-A. Now, I'm surprised at how often I grab my M10-A rather than my M10-R. That's NOT a rational decision. My digital M10-R can absolutely run circles around my film M10-A. Really, there's just something about the pure stealthyness of an all-black M10-A. There's something about having 15 people jump, then turn and look when I take a photograph with my M10-A in a quiet bookstore or coffee shop. There's something about having to wait for a day or two to have a film lab develop (only) my film. And, lastly, there's the 17 minutes it takes to scan just eight (8) photo negatives. The M10-A is just a cool camera to have.
Great video. My Black Chrome M-A came from Leica factory just one month ago (09/20/2020). I'm the first one to use it and it's a pure joy every time I push on the shutter button. I've used (and train on) a Leica M 240 for 7 years and after it dies (Shutter still working but motherboard is out) I've decided to purchase à camera that will last. M-A is the one i think, plus shooting film and meterless is great for not getting bored
Thank You! Enjoy your M-A! 👍
Watching this for the same reason. Have been looking at ebay after giving up on the local market. The price for equivalent condition cost me 200 dollars cheaper than a M-P ans same as a M-A. Need to be wise and not just take pride in just old camera. Imagine if no one bought M4 and wanted only M3's. Leica would be dead by now. Someone has to carry the tradition on and look ahead and not behind..in a way..
I also bought an MP, a camera that will last forever, until it broke multiple times and was exchanged now twice. At least Leica Customer Care is fantastic and they *are* trying. But when you think you’re buying a camera that “will last”, you might end up disappointed. I hope it does not happen to you.
@@azzalos , what were the problems with your new MP? That's very un-Leica-like, and not a new trend, hopefully.
Great video, nice to see a film Leica featured so prominently. I bought my black chrome M-A three years ago and it never fails to impress me. I did add an M4 later as a 'backup' (i.e. an excuse to get another Leica film body!) and it's superb as well, if not quite as smooth in operation as the M-A. I hope that Leica continues to produce the M-A/MP in support of film photography. Oh, and a black paint M-A would be a nice addition to the lineup for those of us who don't care for a metered camera.
A blank paint M-A would be pretty nice. 👍 I think you can send a camera into leica and have them change it to black paint.
us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/M-System-Service/Redesign
@@CameraWestTV I've never heard of that option before. I'm surprised that Leica would offer this service given that they've discontinued the a la carte program. But I'll ask them out of curiosity. Thanks for the info.
I mean it’s cheaper than a lot of other Leica cameras. For just under 5k I could actually afford this as a gift to myself this year
Sounds like you need to treat yourself 👍😀
Very cool! I’ll put this on my wish list of cameras
Leica M6, M6TTL and MP are also fully mechanical. The battery is only required for the light-meter which is just an add-on.
I have the M6 TTL. It is electro-mechanical, not mechanical alone.
@@cggg490 So the M6TTL requires batteries to operate except for the light meter?
I bought the Leica M-A new in 2018 when visiting Leitz Park Wetzlar. It wasn't until I was on my travels home, a long way away, that I noticed that the rangefinder was inaccurate, .. not focusing on infinity with a clear connection of the two images in the rangefinder patch, ... This was confirmed with the processing of the first roll of film, once I arrived home on another continent. Every image where I had used my favoured Summicrons at f2 in the near-middle range was out of focus. Since then I have hardly used it, and then mostly with a 21mm and stopped down to 5.6 or f8. There is no one I would entrust it to in Thailand. I don't want to have to pay for something that should NEVER have passed quality control. I do have to return to Australia, but even there, .. I have lost confidence in the brand.
I have M3, M2, M7 and this. Sad.
That's awful to hear. I would recommend possibly shipping it directly to Germany if you can.
You’re not alone buddy. There are many out there like you unfortunately. Very bad experience.
@@CameraWestTV Yes, however, since March 2020, I have been stranded in the Philippines. Most of my gear is Thailand. .. in whatever condition, is too scary to imagine.
The main reasons I want the M-A is because it doesn’t have a light meter and because it it’s rewind knob isn’t slanted. I hate that look so damn much. It’s like the same thing when Chris Reeves Knives put their pocket clip at an angle on their Sebenzas. Absolutely hate slanted features on a straight design.
My only gripe about Leica Ms is that in the 60 odd years they have made them never once did they consider improving the eye relief, such as Zeiss did so well with their ZM. Your still have to squint if you want to see the whole frame,
especially if you wear glasses. Come on Leica, you can still do it!
They finally improved the eye relief with the M10 in 2017. Took them long enough!
Love that shirt!
Thank You!
I agree: a cool shirt. The presentation is cool too and professional.
Love it!
👍
@@CameraWestTV The shirt is classic - a near replica of one John Candy wore in the SCTV film The Shmenges: The Last Polka, a 1984 mockumentory of polka musicians with co-star Eugene Levy. UA-cam available!
Nice & Thanks :)
The MP is a fully mechanical camera as well
@Brent Peters you can always leave the batteries out, in that sense the camera will behave exactly as an MA
Price?
Its almost the same price as an MP no?
Maxwell Wellmax a $100 price difference. I rather have the MP it is supposedly built tougher and has a light meter.
@@bngr_bngr Thats what i was thinking!
@@bngr_bngr I don't think it's built any differently than the M-A. Same camera except for the light meter.
Andrew C the MP has the build quality of the old M3. There use to be a much larger price difference between these two cameras. If you want a camera with no meter. A better choice would be a mint condition M4 with a full service. They usually go for $1500-1800.
@@bngr_bngr The M-A and the MP are the same camera other than the meter. If someone is telling you otherwise they're wrong. And I have an M4 (that's been CLAd) as well as an M-A. if anything, the M-A is even smoother in operation than the M4, although the M4 is a great camera as well.
Shame they didn't use the M6s (or even the M5s) rewind system. Ah well.
The new/old rewind system is less prone to problems since the shaft is straight, not any gears involved.
@@larsj5964 I don't see why they couldn't have put a little fold-out handle on it like most cameras have, then. Lecias are already fiddly enough to use outside of actually taking pictures given the bottom loading
@@FreezerKing I have the MP and can assure you I am happy the way it is.
@@larsj5964 That's fine. That's why you have it and I don't. That and I don't have 7 grand or whatever
The Nikon F6 is now discontinued
So far not confirmed by Nikon and the camera still appears on the company's web site.
and you don’t lack the battery compartment in the MA, it’s right there under the leatherette
Prove it
@@azzalos google it several people have posted pictures of their MAs showing an indentation at that spot
100% Typ127
Great salesman! I’m convinced!… only if I had money to burn. Otherwise, I’ll stick to my M3.
I have both an all-black M10-R and an all-black M-A. I love the pure-stealth look of the M-A. It's absolutely the sexiest-looking Leica out there in my opinion, and I love using it. I do have a few minor gripes: 1. compared to my M10-R the sound of the M-A's shutter is comparable to the sound of a pistol shot in a library reading room; 2. the M-A does NOT have a self-timer; and, 3. Kodak is not keeping up with the current demand for film - especially Portra 160 and 400 film. My local camera store - when they have Portra - will only give me 2 rolls of film at a time. I hope this film shortage ends soon.
Ouch, don't put a Leicameter on, it scratches the chrome. These things are not outrageously expensive if you want a no-fuss film camera and take into account the number of inexpensive - dirt cheap - lenses that will fit, which is part of the key to achieving character shots.
For amateurs like me this camera would be impossible to use lol
Xabrial
I had waited 15 yrs to buy a few Leica analogue bodies. 3 M-A bodies in a row all sent to me with dust in the viewfinder. Leica Berlin sent two back and assured me the 3rd would be personally checked by a technician and another sent the same. All received with dust in the viewfinder over and over. I refunded 15.5k worth of an order and never again will I bother with such disgraceful quality control. A overpriced wannabe luxury brand. The Japanese brands have 1000% better quality control and easily top customer service. I emailed Leica Germany 4 times to express my anger over the situation and I never got even an apology. They don’t give two fucks about their shabby QC. I’m so lucky I didnt drop 16k on two digital M’s. Never again would I even consider Leica or recommend them to anyone.
Are the M-A and MP cameras NOT made (?) in Germany? Assembled in Thailand or Vietnam, perhaps?