Leica M-A Review
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- čas přidán 29. 03. 2019
- In this video, I get the chance to review a brand new analog camera, the Leica M-A. Jules, Greg and I have tested it extensively during a portrait session as well as different photo walks at Leitz-Park in Wetzlar and the Japanese Garden in Munich. Enjoy our findings..
Gear used:
Leica M-A
50mm Summicron-M
28mm Elmarit-M ASPH.
Gossen Sixtino
Films used:
Kodak Tri-X
Ilford FP4+
Scan & Dev:
www.meinfilmlab.de
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
What a wonderful world we live in that cameras like this are still made and there are people who want to use them.
too bad its a $5,000+ camera
Yeah. Unobtanium for most people in the world.
It would be nice if there was a decent analog camera in the 200-500 euro range (which is still a lot of money) that isn't more than a decade old. Yes, there are a lot of old and second hand cameras and those are wonderfull to use but there's really not much great stuff out there if you want to someting new.
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.
After watching your video, I decided to check operation of M6, MP and M7 shutters with a sound level meter. MP is similar to M-E. I checked the shutter noise at different exposures. The result is as follows: M7 is the quietest, even at 1 second, then M6 and only then MP and M-E. I would not exaggerate the dignity of this camera.
I bought myself my dream camera, the black chrome M-A for my 33rd birthday. Best purchase ever! Will be with me forever!
Congratulations! May you enjoy it for many, many years and even bequeath it to a loved one in decades to come.
@@raksh9 thank you! 😊
@ffarouki I am loving every minute with it! I was also thinking of the MP but decided to go for MA. Mainly due to aesthetic reasons but also because of the unbroken frame lines. I thought no light meter would bother me but it doesnt, the battery door of the MP bothers me more lol.
I use a Sekonic L398A with it and it works like a charm. Both not requiring batteries, they just work all day. Also, if I forget my light meter then I just go by the sunny 16 rule and if I'm in doubt I overexpose a stop. Works like a charm always!!! Pure fun and rewarding 😊
Congratulations on your purchase you wont regret it, the silver is also very beautiful!
@ffarouki nice! When it arrives you will be hooked 😂 your m10p will be lonely for awhile dont forget about it! 😊
Congratulations! I'm turning 30 in December and just bought myself a black chrome M-A as an early gift- I will collect it in person in a couple weeks. Really looking forward to it.
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.
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.
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 love listening to these videos. I am even re-watching stuff as your way of presenting is really soothing.
One of your best reviews Max. I enjoyed both the photos and review. Good work
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.
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.
@MetalDog MetalDog from a practical sense though, I'd have a hard time making a business shooting more than a couple rolls of film at a wedding or at all for my commercial clients. Film does get expensive fast (though I do shoot 645 and not 135, to be fair). Shooting 3000 pictures in a day and delivering 600 of those, digital just makes so much more sense. Cheaper, much faster turn around, no nightmare scanning film, I can see in real time if there's a technical issue, and I don't need to worry about something going wrong with shipping/developing/my assistant screwing up while loading film.
@MetalDog MetalDog with digital, I generally drop about 3k/year between both cameras bodies and lenses, btw. Another 1k/year on computer+archiving storage.
On 645 film, I'll spend about $2 per picture after film cost+ developing+ shipping and only shoot about 1000 pictures a year. I do all my own scanning with a Sony A7riii and laowa 100mm macro lens.
I know this is 2 years old but I had a similar experience with a Nikon F3T I inherited from my father. It really is incredible putting it up against digital counterparts.
@@vikmanphotography7984 If you are a professional the film photography cost is high.If you are not professional I really can not find any reason (except night photography and photography for thinks you don’t really care about), to shoot digital.Even you when you shoot private for your family you should shoot film,and have the king of archives,the negative witch last forever without triple back ups every four years (loll).
I've never stopped shooting film, have been working with digital capture since my days with NASA in the 1980s, and have never worried about arguing whether film or digital is better. They are simply two different capture mediums, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Used in such a way as to maximize the medium's strengths and minimize its weaknesses, great results are capable from both.
Best to spend more time learning to make photographs than worrying about which medium is "better." 😊
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!
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.
as always - great review, great photos.
Every camera you review makes me want to buy it! Love you review’s.
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
Unfortunately the same is not true with newer cameras. Many say the M2 is smoother and nicer than the MP, but don’t stone me. I have an MP myself and love it, despite it having been exchanged twice for issues. I am still without a camera (it’s in service) and expecting back the latest exchange. Hopefully this will all be just a funny story to look back on. Keep your M2, you don’t need an MP. Actually it is me who needs an M2 😅
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 !
Love your videos! Looking to get a Leica in the next year! very useful :)
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
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.
Nice presentation comparing the differences, very well thought out and very enjoyable to watch.
Such a beautiful camera. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent camera, definitely in my wish list
Had a good timewatching your video .I've just started saving money to purchase one...
Great show. Incredible camera.
Interesting review , great photography
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
...succinct, instructive and understated. Very Bauhaus (and early Leica). Subscribed.
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
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 🤦♂️😅
Lovely review and great channel.
That was a treat. Thanks!
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).
love your stuff man. please do a Hasselblad 500 CM video if you get the chance :)
yes please!
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!
That was a terrific video. Thank you.
great reviews man - have a good one
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
The M-A is virtually identical to the MP Classic, a meter-less MP that was released around 2004, if I'm not mistaken.
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!
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
M2 is better camera in some ways,it is more hand control e.g. film frame counter !
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.
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.
Yes, I noticed that too... I have an M4 in the 1,177xxx range and it has the standard M4 levers as well. Either way, the M4 is my favourite film M!
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)
Brencaaa Leica cameras are built irregardless of cost.
M2 bodies were £100 in 1970. I don't think the price has gone up much in real terms.
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!
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..
I have notice the reflecting window is deferent to the M3. The M3 is clear but the MA and M4 and M2 has this repeal look?
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! :)
BEST UNBOXING VIDEO EVER!!!! IMHO
Such a beautiful camera it makes my heart ache!
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
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?
Jonathan Hermansen Thanks so much. Sure, it is basically the same if we’re talking about a viewfinder magnification of 0.72x.
John Smith I can’t confirm that. Compared the finder to both my M6 and Greg’s early M4 and didn’t see any difference with respect to brightness and contrast.
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.
How did you meter the light at the Leitz-Park? The exposure seems to be spot on.
Grüße aus dem Ruhrgebiet!
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?
The ventilated hood is meant to provide shade for the lens to prevent flaring/etc when shooting in bright conditions, while also not blocking the viewfinder window as much as a solid hood would
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.
I have the MP in black ! And Happy!:-)
I watched this because I just got an MP. It would be helpful to include your settings with the pics to help us learn.
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?
Hello Maximiliano,
I live close to Bamberg and know the city very well. It is always worth the journey and I think we will do one of our next reviews of analog insights there.
Best regards, Greg
@@ianthomas465 That would be great. Prost Greg!
This may be a stupid question but could you use this as a cinematographer if you were making a movie. I was looking at vintage film cameras because I wrote a screenplay and I wanted to shoot it in black and white I was also wondering about the Mamiya RB67, Hasselblad 500CM and the Leica M-A. But I lean toward the Leica cause it's 35mm and alot of other film is far more expensive to get developed
If anyone could help I'd really appreciate it.
Hi Max, Can you make a review about the Ihagee Exakta VX?
At 7:58 is Fred Mortagne displayed in the back. Great modern photographer!
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.
Glad to hear that. Good luck on your film photography journey.
@@AnalogInsights would you say the camera has a good weight to it?
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?
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....
How is the viewfinder in low light situations? Is the patch visible?
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.
Beautiful video, lovely commentary. Your b&w images are great. What film were you shooting?
Chris Klug Thanks for your kind words. Kodak Tri-X in the garden, Ilford FP4 at Leitz-Park and the portrait session (s. description and the end of the video).
Analog Insights Sorry, I didn’t notice the film name in the video (I saw it the second time). I think your observations about shooting without a meter are wise. I’m thinking of buying an M4 for exactly that reason. My great-grandfather came over to the US from Munich and I hope one day to travel back there. It was nice to see your images from that garden. Thank you.
What is the song at the intro?
Well done!
The piano is beautiful. What is it called?
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!
Which light meter is shown towards the end of the video? I didn’t recognise it.
Ah, that's a Gossen Sixtino which works wonderful, does not require a battery, and can be had for very little money. Hope this helps.
Analog Insights
It does indeed. I’ve been lugging around a large Profisix - almost as big as my camera!
@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 😂
Nice review, but I have ONE question...what is that bag you're carrying? It's really nice! 🙂
Does this M-A still have the issue with inconsistent gaps between frames on the film or has it been rectified?
As far as I know, this has been resolved by now.
It should come with a 1:1 finder option
Many say black Leica are sexy Leica. But the silver chrome is so much more sexy for me. I love my silver MP
nah the black ones for me are the best looking camera's out there.
I prefer the military/olive green Safari versions.
Wow, real photography! Thank you!
Great video! Why don’t you use a tripod? Thank you.
Looks like a near twin of the M2. I have one from the end of the 1960s. Best of the lot.
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!
Ur being proud for having money?
It can be mugged,stolen &get killed in big cities !
@@cameranjoun6420 Good point, 21st century street muggers are not as illiterate or as the ignorant when it comes to spotting high value items as people think. Many know Leica as a special brand of camera as commonly as they can spot a Rolex Datejust, Pepsi GMT or a Submariner watch from a 100 paces.The red dot or vintage Leica lettering are well known symbols of the brand. All the better to cover-up on your travels in foreign lands.
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!
The only size difference between a screw mount and a M is more or less 1cm in height. By the way if size really matters that much and your only problem with the F3 is its size then get a Pentax LX
Yes, surely a 1 cm reduction should be possible. It would be a major improvement for me.@@md-lc8gq
Update. Last year I finally got an M3. It is fantastic!
Warum gibt es bei den neuen Analogen keinen Selbstauslöser mehr? Oder könnte man den dazubestellen?
I want to sell my kidney
Buy an M2/M3 for a $1000 and some used glass and you are good to go. Then save up for a new body while you shoot your classic. You can buy a complete system for under $2K.. right now. Maybe a bit more if it's an M6. A brand new Fuji system is $2200... A leica used is less than that.
will film be still made in 10y?
Your bag is so stylish! May I ask what it is? Great M-A review by the way. Thanks!
phreakz legion Thanks so much for your kind words. The bag is an Oberwerth Freiburg. You can find reviews of this and other Oberwerth bags on the channel. :)
@@AnalogInsights Thank you so much! I am watching your own review right now. :) Thanks again!
The one thing I wish they would have fixed is putting the tripod socket in the correct spot.
I learned photography with a meterless Russian SLR using the Sunny 16 rule
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
Leica MA, black or Silver, this is the question. So difficult to decide.
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 have an M6 (Favorite Camera) but now I also want one of these. It's a sickness.
Thanks, Max, for yet another thoughtful (and entirely-too-tempting!) video review. Like all of yours, this was nicely produced in terms of the music underlying the shooting sequences, but this one really appealed in terms of the tasteful jazz piano trio you used - it just fit so nicely with the city-shooting. Could you point me to this music track? Many thanks!
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.
Love my m3 and m6