Leica M-A Review 

What a wonderful world we live in that cameras like this are still made and there are people who want to use them.

12:38 "Leica is capable of competing with it's own past.." what a great, insightful comment that really encapsulates the ethos of Leica cameras.

I bought myself my dream camera, the black chrome M-A for my 33rd birthday. Best purchase ever! Will be with me forever!

Bought myself a black chrome M-A and a 50cron v5, absolutely love them to death. The fit and finish is just perfectly executed, from the “no-play” shutter button, to the resistance of the advance lever, from the aperture click to the silky smooth focusing mechanism, everything is just perfect... never regret purchasing the kit. Btw, some people mentioned about the early problems with the M-A including the spacing issue and viewfinder alignment, I have never experienced any of these before. I bought my kit 2 years ago, have been shooting so many rolls, never had an issue, never missed a shot, 100% painless ownership. I guess Leica has got the manufacturing process right already after a few years of running time.

Partially based on this video I recently purchased a new M-A. I love the looks and the mechanics of the M-A, and it, in my opinion, is one of THE most beautiful Leica cameras. My one criticism of the M-A itself is that it doesn't have a self-timer. My one criticism of the film industry as a whole is that they're not keeping up with the demand for film. It's impossible to say that you KNOW a film when the film in your camera is NOT the same film that you had in your camera a week ago - which is not available in-store this week.

Getting back to film recently with my old M3 I was shocked how well 100 and 400 BW Emulsions score against modern digital output. I think a lot of people don't realise just how good film still can be (although whilst learning digital is certainly a lot more cost effective). Its great to see Leica investing in analogue as part of its future. Really enjoyed this video.

Honestly I play these videos during editing just like a podcast. They are so well made, calming and inspiring. Have watched this particular video several times. Doesn't get old. Greetings from Munich.

I'd love to buy a brand new black MP, but I could never sell my M2. The fact that it's 60 years old this year, and looks and functions like brand new is a testament to how well built and designed they were. I've only had it for 3 years but it will outlive me

the reviewer seems so touched and moved by the camera. He cannot find the words :) thx, so great. I'm looking forward to buy it !

Nice review. Always dreamed of owning a Leica and a Hasselblad back in the late 60's when I first got the photography bug. Finally got my Hasselblad 500C last year after waiting 50 years and am still waiting patiently for the Leica.

Max and the AI team, I always love your videos. Great review of the M-A. I actually see one in stock at my local camera shop here in Yokohama. Temptation might soon get the best of me!

I really benefit from your videos. I have several Leica M cameras with various all Leica M lenses. Keep up the great work. I know each video takes a great deal of time and effort. RS. Canada

I just traded my M11 in for a new M-A. I totally love it. Forcing me to think about light, the BEAUTIFUL clear viewfinder. I can’t wait (2 weeks but who cares?!) to get my film back from the lab.

Thanks again for a beautiful filmed and presented review of this special camera. I think Leica has to be praised for producing analog film camera's up to this day. The market-demand must be very small, nevertheless they still offer two exceptionally beautiful "M"-camera's. If I personally would want to buy a brand new analog camera, without a shadow of a doubt the Leica MP would be my choice, however, one must be realistic, and my (secondhand) Olympus OM-1n does 98% of what this Leica can do for a very small price. Anyway; I really can't praise Leica enough for producing these wonderful examples of mechanical (and optical/lenses) beauty. I sincerely hope that they make money out of it, I would like to know how much of these analog camera's they sell each year, must be very small numbers.

Shooting with meterless camera does indeed improve the understanding of the light, never before starting using my meterless Bronica and Yashica was I able to know my exposure, now I am able to read it most of the time even without metering it, just with the sunny 16 rule ... but I still need practice

Hi Max, great video as always. Well out of my price range but it's such a lovely camera, perfect example of form meeting function. It's what I love about film cameras, the simplicity, just a shutter and aperture.

Every camera you review makes me want to buy it! Love you review’s.

One of your best reviews Max. I enjoyed both the photos and review. Good work

Another first class presentation. If I were in the market this is the model I would go for - it is free from unnecessary features and electronics (and no batteries!) Meanwhile I shall load up my trusty 111f and enjoy Leica photography. Best wishes to all.

I'm ecstatic to have picked up this year, a 1952 Barnack Leica IIIf 'red dial' with 1949 Elmar 50mm f3.5 and a 1957 M3 DS with 1970 Summicron 50mm f2 v3. I already realise I am not the 'owner' of either but instead the custodian of them, as they'll comfortably outlive me and the family have been told they're never to be sold. I own top drawer Canon, Olympus and Sigma cameras but the Leicas have plumbed themselves into my central nervous system like nothing else. Very special indeed and I know how lucky I am to have them. Happy days.

I am too lazy and impatient to develop film (have digital M), but I really love your channel and reviews! The Leica M3 is my absolute favourite analogue RF-camera, and I am so happy to see that Leica produces a new version of it today. Great classic addition to their already great line of M cameras.

I Own pretty much all type of existing Leica M, some of them multiple time. I am waiting for my second black M-A. Let me tell you some true here: 1) don’t compare old M2 / M4 / M4-2 / M4-P with the M-A . old is not new, so the difference of price ( they were the same new) Off course to use it, it is the same: a rangefinder , a speed, but one is less than 10 years and the other one is 40 to 60 years. Depending on the way how people use your old Leica, in wich temperature iand humidity it was conserved you could have some surprise from just non-constant speed or speed who need CLA each year to bad rubber shutter, or the worse delaminated range finder wich are impossible to repair. 2) Leica improved constantly the M: M2 had no automatic counter and like the M3 a nightmare way of loading film, M3 had no 35mm frame line, M4 had the quick loading system M4-p had the 28 mm frame line .... the hot shoe...M-A has the ultra clear viewfinder of the M7 . 3) M-A is by far the most beautifull film M with a slick design, for the black no marking at all, a new label system on the door, no mirror on the front glass, a fantastic leather cover, a very nice vintage way or rewinding film , but with an improved brake.... 4) M-A is not an M-P wuthout battery. the philosophy is different: M-A mesure reflect light from your subject, M-A is for incidence light... just do a mesure with a small dome and you don’t need to correct it for hours... And so you become free , complitely free, not attached to these obstructive too bright arrows or this speed jumping in your frame. Here we can use two big helpers: the latitude of film = capability for film to accept far more light than the standart grey mesure: on Pprtra you can go nearly 6 stop ( over-exposed) and on black and white ( triX or HP5) 3 to 4 stop...so don’t worry. More ! today most of the film user are scanning their image , and here also, all the professional scan are able to get information from black gelatine, pushing 2 to 3 stop. So basically, in the street at 1/250 or 1/20 or f2 or f8 does not matter as soon as you over-exposed your film. you will get a perfectly “exposed” file or print ! This is why today there is NO REASON to bullshit about perfect exposure...even danger if you go in the wrong sens. and why M-A and all the other full manual make sens ( hasselblad and other ). The only reason ( I REPEAT , THE ONLY REASON) manufacturer implement cells inside their camera was i 1980 for REVERSIBLE FILM ( DIAPO) wich does not accept any latitude....and more, you project them with a constant light !!! but this photo support are over, no body use them, so be free. Finally, it was proved that the M6 / Mp electronic and battery generate some gas and fogging, alterning the rangefinder clarity and destroying some rubber inside camera....after 15- 20 years... francois karm @frakaphoto

I love listening to these videos. I am even re-watching stuff as your way of presenting is really soothing.

Shot m2 for few yrs now and last week while I try to shoot few rolls on m6 (borrowed not owned) the only thing that distracted me was it’s lightmeter 😝. I mean if someone like me who shoot trix almost all the time why bother meter. Right . Tho I’m inclined more to Mp then MA for unknown reason . Very detailed and researched Video . It seems reviewing leicas be more complicated as there’s such less to say . Regards

I have watched this video likely far too many times. I love my Leica MP but I have a very legitimate love for the classics. The "purest" cameras.. Those which do not in fact require batteries and are able to take a top fit light meter, a badass film winder, etc. A mechanically driven camera is a near perfect way to describe it. Engineering at it finest. And I can't help but want to pick up an MA silver tone (since the others I have are black and black paint).

I used to be a really big leica hater, however I can understand a bit of the hype now. I will never ever in my life buy a digital leica, however I love the film ones. However much I hate the direction leica is going I really do respect what they once were. I think I just fell down the rabbit hole of perfect picture quality. Perfect picture quality has its place in the art of photography, but unless necessary should not be the focus. I use the best full frame digital cameras I can in order to catch all the detail when taking a photo of my car and fully documenting it's repair history for the next owner, but then I put the pixel perfect mindset to all of my photography and it was toxic. Pixel perfect has it's time and place, but when you let it consume you, you have to really ask if you are even a photographer. I hope leica adds more similar cameras to the line up

great video! What a gorgeous M4! I have an M2 and thoroughly enjoy it. I can attest to Leica's quality because even though when I received my M2 it wasn't in the best mechanical shape it still felt tight and refined.

M2 models were £100 in 1970, so that sounds like the real price is about the same. I stupidly sold it in 1979 but got a reasonable one about 15 years ago. Unfortunately it is the M9 which gets the use, though I keep it loaded. Good to see it back. I hope there is a good demand for them. Leicameters damage the top plate if taken on and off too much. Reinstating the knurled rewind is an improvement. The M2/M4 frame style around the viewfinder is, in my opinion, nicer than that on the M-A. An M2 with the 28/35/50/90 mm frames and the quick spool feature would be nice. Alas I am too old to be doing much new photography. I have thousands of negatives to sort out dating from 1925, of subjects which could never be taken again.

Nice video. I'm pretty sure the M4 you showed is not an 'early / special' one with M3 bits... as I don't think that was ever produced by Leica. I own a much earlier serial number and it just has the M4 levers. However, the M3 parts were commonly added by owners back in the day... Keep up the great work.

The beautiful Leica M4 shown in this video is actually from 1969. The M4 came out in 1967, making this one a not-so-early version. The frame line selector, self timer and frame advance lever is probably an aftermarket job. Great review, though!

A real photographers camera and a beautiful instrument. Some may gasp at the price but if you keep it for a lifetime it represents good value for money. When taking into consideration the huge depreciation in digital cameras and the need to update every few years makes it even better value. I would shudder to think how much money I've lost buying and selling digital cameras. As an added bonus they keep their value well if looked after and may even exceed what you paid when new.

...succinct, instructive and understated. Very Bauhaus (and early Leica). Subscribed.

My 1977 F2 is more than enough for me and will easily outlive me. But I respect the fact that Leica still make analog cameras! (Even if the price tag is a bit absurd)

love your stuff man. please do a Hasselblad 500 CM video if you get the chance :)

Nice presentation comparing the differences, very well thought out and very enjoyable to watch.

I never understood why people disliked the branding on the front, i have a Leica M4P and i’m proud to show people i have a Leica! I will never put tape on it. Great review and like always great video!

The M-A is virtually identical to the MP Classic, a meter-less MP that was released around 2004, if I'm not mistaken.

Excellent camera, definitely in my wish list

I really like, that this new Camera for chemical Film Photography is _totally_ mechanical! This, in my Opinion, makes a lot of Sense! So it is the total Opposite to nowadays digital Cameras... :D And it does not even need Batteries.. :) Perfect! :)

Max & Jules, glad you got to shoot with a new (type127). It's a very capable camera. The chrome version is very beautiful. I prefer the black version looks very Industrial/contemporary. Leica is a amazing company. Great looking video, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Best R

I watched this because I just got an MP. It would be helpful to include your settings with the pics to help us learn.

Love your videos! Looking to get a Leica in the next year! very useful :)

Nice review! I prefer the pre M4-P more accurate viewfinder with no 75mm frame inside the 50, so I like my Leica M4 better! :) A brand new Leica must be great of course, but according to me an old one that has been serviced feels as good!

as always - great review, great photos.

Many say black Leica are sexy Leica. But the silver chrome is so much more sexy for me. I love my silver MP

Such a beautiful camera it makes my heart ache!

This the 3rd time I’m watching this lovely review of yours :) It made me think about going full analogue when I first saw it and now I’m trying to convince myself to take the plunge to get an MP or M-A 🤦‍♂️😅

BEST UNBOXING VIDEO EVER!!!! IMHO

Such a beautiful camera. Thanks for sharing.

Good video thank you, I have a Canon 7, and VT deluxe, along with my Contax IIIa, and a Rare 1958 Yashica YF(Nicca IIIL) The lenses on those models are just has good when they came out then 50 to 60 years ago. Compare to the Leica MA, it is still a camera. And what ever film YOU Use? It is the IMAGE THAT COUNTS! So do not say that TX is not the same, you are the one that press the shutter. Your seeing the world passes you by.... The Leica MA is the return of the M3 retro style but she still has Style, Thank you..

Had a good timewatching your video .I've just started saving money to purchase one...

Just bumped into this video, since I'm in the market for an MP and M3 and after the price bump from Juli 2024, it's crazy, how much the prices has been increased since this video was uploaded :O Blew my mind in 2019 you could get the MA new at 4350€, now in July 2024 it's 5700€ 🤯 Video is still great until today! :)

Great show. Incredible camera.

Leica MA, black or Silver, this is the question. So difficult to decide.

It should come with a 1:1 finder option

Well done!

Very timely video Max. Today I have been pondering on what is the perfect film camera. I have moved from the Pentax MX to the Olympus OM1 via a Nikon FE, F3, Yashicamat 124G and Rolleiflex T. The OM1 is now my favourite because it looks and feels just right. However, my dabbling with TLR's was mainly due to the viewfinder experience which is un-matched in other cameras. I tried to replicate this with a waist-level finder for the F3 but the problem for me was the camera itself which is a little too big. Which brings me to the question of the rangefinder type of viewfinder. I had a Leica 111f but the viewfinder was very small and a pain to use (for me). The obvious next step would be an M Leica. The M3 looks the best in terms of engineering but, as you say, they are all quite old, even after a CLA they would not be as crisp as when new. Now Leica have made one. However................., the M cameras are still a little too big for me. The ideal size would be half-way between the screw-mount and the M series. Now that would be worth the money!

Interesting review , great photography

I'm 70 and have a Rollie older than I am. Was passed down to me at age 16 and still using the camera. Can't best German engineering!

I purchased a mint condition M4 on Amazon from the Leica dealer in San Francisco, CA and it is virtually identical to the M-A in my opinion. I paid 1/4 of what a new M-A would cost... And it works flawlessly. I don't think it was used much at all. I don't think the original M4 gets enough credit at times within the Leica enthusiast community. Love my Leica!!

@1:25 that sigh and roll of the eyes after he said how much it cost said everything, he looked disgusted that it cost so much 😂

I have the MP in black ! And Happy!:-)

Black paint Leicas that go for €2.000 are repainted regular models. Original black paint M2s & M3s go for around €10.000. Also congrats on the M-A!

It's odd that they didn't include a self timer in the MA. The M6 doesn't have one because Leica placed the battery chamber where the self timer would normally be. Since the MA doesn't have a meter you would think that there would be a self timer. Also I would like to see 1/2000 sec shutter speed. Maybe not possible with a purely mechanical shutter?

That was a treat. Thanks!

This an amazing video, just what I was looking for as I am looking to sell all my digital products to buy a Leica body and lens can’t wait to hold my own.

Thanks for this nice review! I wish I could try it out one day and compare it to my 1961 M2. For people on a budget the M2 is a cheap start into the Leica M world . I have to agree with you a meter is not always necessary, on top you have good light meter apps on your smartphone. Keep up the good work

great reviews man - have a good one

I suspect that with the re-introduction of the M6 that Leica will drop the MP and probably not long afterwards the MA. It really doesn't make much sense to be producing 2 film cameras.

I want to sell my kidney

Hello Max, I don't know how you could have improved upon this review. We can see the importance of sound mechanical design and tactile controls . I worry most modern camera brands are putting these qualities on the back burner so to speak. Where do you hope to see your channel go in the coming years?

Great review Max and some wonderful shots taken at Leitz Park, Wetzlar. I must make a pilgrimage stop there next time I visit Germany. Pehaps on my way to Bamburg to drink some smoked beer. Ever visited?

Thanks for this. I went over to Leitz Park after Photokina last year, to have the rangefinder of my almost-new M7 adjusted. I had no intention of buying a new camera, but some months before, in Melbourne, Australia I was admiring a new black M-A. Then when I saw it at the Leitz Park shop, I was totally seduced, .. and bought one. (Then an f2.4 75mm lens to go with it.) However, I later discovered that the M-A rangefinder was not focusing on infinity, therefore it could not be trusted at any other distance with full apertures. Until I return it either for adjustment or replacement, ... even a refund, I can only use it with short focal lengths, and stopped down. The hotel was really nice and reasonabley priced for the quality, but that wasn't the reason for going all the way to Wetzlar.

I love your review on the Leica M-A, as usual , very detail are you. Can you help me, where can i buy 220 film, of any make, thanks....

The M-A is reported to have some issues related to frame spacing (non-regular, potentially leading to overlapping frames in the near future). Did you experience that yourself?

Nice review, but I have ONE question...what is that bag you're carrying? It's really nice! 🙂

As I understand it... What's much different between the original M4 and the later M4-2, M4-P, and now M-A-aside from the modest differences between the external finish, wind and rewind details-is the methodology of manufacture. The M4, like the M3 in '53 up to the M5, was made the old fashioned way with mostly individual parts being assembled one camera at a time and shimmed/adjusted individually to tolerance. This is a very costly manufacturing process due to all the hand labor involved. The later models are modularized in production, with subassemblies built to spec and then combined in larger chunks in the final camera assembly stage. This means much less time spent on each individual camera's build with fewer shims and adjustments per body, netting the same result in the end but with a drastic reduction in cost of assembly. This reduction in cost of manufacture is what saved Leica from extinction, and the marvel of it is that there really is very, very little difference in the fit and feel of the final products. This is the magic of the Leica M line, and speaks to an extremely high level of attention to the details of fit and finish in the assembly line of all of them. I've owned and used extensively M3, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6TTL, M9, M-D262, M-P240, and now M10-M bodies. What is absolutely remarkable to me is how similar all of them really are in the hand and to the eye. Still have my favorite M4-2 body too, and sometimes when I have it in the bag next to the M10M, I have to look to be sure of which one I've grabbed... until my thumb reaches for the film wind on the M10M of course.. 😉

Beautiful video, lovely commentary. Your b&w images are great. What film were you shooting?

I dont get it, the M-A and MP are only a hundred dollars difference, why would I go for the M-A?????

Which light meter is shown towards the end of the video? I didn’t recognise it.

At 7:58 is Fred Mortagne displayed in the back. Great modern photographer!

At 50, I can say my M3 and M4 will outlive me.

Beautiful images! There's a crispness to them that I love. For the ones with Filipe, how were you exposing? Lot's of shadow detail on his face but the highlights not blown out. Really great!

In the hands of a capable and creative photographer, does it really matter whether the individual has a Leica or any other brand, film or digital. Art Wolfe, Galen Rowell and other famous photographers have produced amazing images with less expensive cameras.

Marvellous vid. Thank you so much.

Thank you for a great review!! Can I ask how the viewfinder and focusing patch on the M-A compares to the M6?

Lovely review and great channel.

Interesting video but you did not explain how the cost is justified. I'm a Leica enthusiast and was looking forward to an objective review. I'm fairly certain there are higher quality parts, etc. I'd like to know those types of differences. I liked the video and hope you follow up this review with a more thorough review listing tangible differences.

Personally I do value the exposure meter in my Leica MP too much to appreciate the M-A. This is a niche model in an already small niche. That said - it is an M, that’s all that counts ;-)

Great video! Why don’t you use a tripod? Thank you.

I have an M10. I have no doubt that using the analog MA would make me appreciate all the modern features of my digital M10 even more.

Thanx. I'm a M6 fan. I'm hesitating : keep the M6 or sell the M6 and buy a MA. I like the all mechanical.

That was a terrific video. Thank you.

I have a Werra camera with three lenses along with a perfect Exakta VX 1000 with a 25mm Flektogon, a 50mm Zeiss Pancolor, and a 135mm Steinheil f/2.8. Do you ever evaluate and shoot with any of these DDR creations? I have to say my Werra with its 35mm Flektogon, its 50mm Tessar and its 100mm Cardinar are great lenses. I would love to hear your appraisal of these cameras and lenses.

Watching back this video I find that the latest M-A does not have all the engraving on top plate unlike the one shown in the video

The one thing I wish they would have fixed is putting the tripod socket in the correct spot.

Very nice presentation ass always. I'm a M4 guy from back in the day with a 240 on my bucket list. Question for you....are those ventilated shades serving any useful purpose or are they just for the aesthetics?

I learned photography with a meterless Russian SLR using the Sunny 16 rule

Warum gibt es bei den neuen Analogen keinen Selbstauslöser mehr? Oder könnte man den dazubestellen?

Your bag is so stylish! May I ask what it is? Great M-A review by the way. Thanks!