As a purely mechanical camera, the Leica M-A is a precision instrument that has been so dramatically reduced to the essentials that it opens up entirely new creative horizons for photographers.

As a purely mechanical camera, the Leica M-A is a precision instrument that has been so dramatically reduced to the essentials that it opens up entirely new creative horizons for photographers. It may have no monitor, no exposure meter, and no battery, but what it does have is a mechanical quality that makes Leica’s 100 years of experience instantly tangible. Photographers can read the shutter speed and aperture directly from the camera and lens and so concentrate fully on their subject. The acoustic signature of the shutter release of a Leica M-A is a delight that immediately reveals the precision-engineered excellence of its origin.

Form and function in a perfect design

The exterior of the Leica M-A is as timeless as the precision engineering hidden inside. For instance, the Leica red dot has been deliberately omitted to emphasize the classic restraint of its design as an ultimate expression of understatement. Viewed from the side, the M-A is also noticeably slimmer than its digital counterparts.

The favorite film of the analogue M: Kodak Tri-X 400

The M-System is not the only photographic legend celebrating its 60th birthday in 2014. Kodak Tri-X 400 film was also brought to life in 1954. With its exceptional sharpness, fine grain, and distinctive tonal gradation, extremely broad exposure latitude, and very good shadow detail, this black and white film soon became a firm favorite and a classic for art and reportage photography. And it’s also the perfect partner for the Leica M-A – which explains why Kodak Tri-X 400 film is included in the Leica M-A package.

Highlights:

• Fully mechanical body
• M lenses from 16 - 135mm
• No battery
• No light meter

Features:

• 35mm film camera body
• Easy to use -photographer concentrates on focusing, aperture and shutter speed
• Fully mechanical body without the need to use a battery
• ISO dial to remember which ISO is being used
• Access to a wide range of M lenses from 16 - 135 mm
• Discrete black chrome finish or classical silver finish
• Enclosed all-metal body with chromed brass top & bottom covers
• Made in Germany

Compatible With:

Lenses:

• Leica M Lenses
  Most Leica M lenses can be used irrespective of the lens equipment (with or without 6-bit encoding in the bayonet).
  • Leica M lenses are equipped with a control curve that mechanically transfers the set distance to the camera and thus enables manual focusing with the Leica M camera rangefinder. Please note the follow-ing when using the rangefinder with wide-aperture lenses (≤1.4):
  • The focusing mechanism of every camera and every lens is adjusted individually at the Leica Camera AG factory in Wetzlar with the greatest possible precision. Extremely tight tolerances are adhered to in this process, which allow precise focusing of every camera/lens combination in photography.
  • If wide-aperture lenses (≤1.4) are used with an open aperture, the very low depth of field and inaccuracies in focusing with the rangefinder that sometimes result may lead to setting errors resulting from the (added) overall tolerance of the camera and lens. Therefore, when viewed critically in such cases, it cannot be ruled out that a specific camera/lens combination may result in systematic deviations.
  • We recommend having the lens and camera checked by Leica Customer Care if you notice a general deviation of the focal position in a specific direction. Here you can once again ensure that both products are adjusted within the permissible overall tolerance. However, a 100% match of the focal position cannot be achieved for all pairings of cameras and lenses.
    
• Leica R Lens (With Adapter)
  • In addition to Leica M lenses, Leica R lenses can also be used with the Leica R adapter M, which is available as an accessory. Further details about these accessories can be found on the Leica Camera AG website.
• Compatible, But May Pose Risk Of Damage To The Camera And/Or Lens
  • Lenses with retractable tube must only be used with the tube extended, i.e., never retract the tube into the camera. This does not apply to the current Makro-El-mar-M 1:4/90 model, as its tube does not protrude into the camera even when retracted and can therefore be used without restriction.
  • When using heavy lenses attached to a tripod-mounted camera, e.g., Noctilux 1:0.95/50 or Leica R lenses with an adapter: Make sure that the tilt of the tripod head cannot move inadvertently when the camera is not held. A sudden tilt and impact could result in damage to the lower edge of the camera bayonet. For the same reason, the tripod mount should always be used with appropriately equipped lenses.
• Compatible, But Exact Focusing May Be Limited
  • Although the camera rangefinder is extremely precise, exact focusing with 135 mm lenses with an open aperture cannot be guaranteed due to the very low depth of field. We therefore recommend stopping down by at least two steps. On the other hand, Live View mode and the various adjustment aids allow unrestricted use of these lenses. 

NOT Compatible With:

Lenses:

• Hologon 1:8/15
• Summicron 1:2/50 with close-up function
• Elmar 1:4/90 with retractable tube (manufactured
  1954–1968)
• Some examples of the Summilux-M 1:1.4/35 (non-aspherical, manufactured 1961–1995, made in Canada) cannot be attached to the camera or cannot focus infinitely. Leica Customer Care can modify these lenses for use with this camera.

Dimensions:

5.4 x 3 x 1.5"

Weight:

Body Only: 1.3 lb

Materials:

• Closed all-metal housing with hinged rear panel 
  
• Top and bottom cover: Brass, black lacquered

Manufacturer SKU:

10370

In The Box:

Leica M-A (Typ 127) Analogue Rangefinder Camera - Black
Camera Bayonet Cap
Carry Strap
Quick Guide
Insert (Leica Account)
Inspection Certificate
Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

 

 

Note: This is a film body only. Leica lenses and 35mm film are sold separately.