Leica M-A: The ultimate camera for Leica purists?

Leica M-A vs Leica MP

If you’re trying to decide between buying a Leica M-A vs Leica MP, here I explain why I just returned my Leica MP and bought a Leica M-A. Coming up is all the information you need on whether the Leica M-A is worth it, plus comparisons against a Leica M6, Leica M2, Leica M3 and Leica M4. The Leica M-A is the ultimate Leica purist camera.

Why did I return my Leica MP?

If you read my detailed Leica MP blog post you’ll know that I recently bought a used silver chrome Leica MP. Perhaps you saw this video where the camera jammed in Poland on the first roll of film? To be fair to the Leica MP, it was a film issue not the camera. My biggest observation with the Leica MP was I didn’t need a film camera with a light meter.

Leica MP light meter vs none

As I normally enjoy older Leica M film cameras (without light meters) I kept forgetting that the Leica MP even had a built in light meter. My Leica M2, Leica M3, Leica M4-P plus all the older Leica iii cameras don’t have meters. My Leica M6 classic has a light meter but it stopped working some years ago. I didn’t even notice until a repair guy mentioned it (more on this soon – Subscribe so not to miss it).

Cameras without light meters are my normal and I’m fine with that. I shoot “Sunny 16” (estimate metering) if travelling with just a film camera. When photographing models I shoot film alongside digital (and meter from the digital camera). For any other occasion I like to use my Sekonic light meters to check difficult lighting. The Leica M-A camera has no built-in light meter so it should suit my photography workflow perfectly.

Exceptions to this rule

Saying all that, I do have a few exceptions to this rule of not liking light meters in cameras. When I think of film cameras where I enjoy their light meter design I would say some of my Nikon F cameras. My Nikon FE2 and Nikon FM3a are both fantastic and even the budget Nikon FG camera has the same needle dial light meter display. Visually appealing light meters and very functional too. OK back to Leica.

Minimal design of Leica M-A

As the Leica M-A camera has no light meter it doesn’t require batteries (at all). This gives the front of a Leica M-A camera perhaps the cleanest most minimal look. Let me explain. Most versions of older Leica M film cameras like my Leica M3, Leica M2 (+ the Leica M4) have a self timer where the Leica MP battery cover is positioned. The Leica M4-P has a Red Leica logo dot in this location (front left on the camera face). All versions of the Leica M6 have the Leica MP style battery cover on the front of the camera. This makes the Leica M-A the most sleek and minimal option as the front of the camera looks less cluttered.

Ultimate camera for Leica purists

Leica purists would probably be described as photographers who enjoy cameras with the essentials and nothing extra. I feel the Leica M-A ticks this box and offers all the upside of the Leica M6 re-release and Leica MP, yet without ever needing a battery. (In very simple terms). I love simple cameras so it makes sense that I finally found myself owning a Leica M-A.

Never a flat battery

As the Leica MP takes a battery for the light meter it has the off-bulb shutter speed setting. This stops you draining the battery by accident so it’s a nice design compared to the older Leica M6. Sadly my little brain is so used to using M cameras without this feature that I never remembered to turn it off. If I’d kept the Leica MP camera the battery would soon have been flat so that was another excuse to return it.

No black paint Leica M-A

In my mind, the first reason people buy Leica MP cameras is for the built-in light meter (and modern electronics compared to the original Leica M6 cameras). The second reason photographers might buy a Leica MP is for the popular black paint finish. The Leica MP is the only current production Leica film camera that comes in black paint. There is no black paint Leica M-A option, only black chrome (or silver chrome).

Black paint verses chrome

If you read my Leica MP article, the main difference between black paint and black chrome finishes (or silver chrome) is black paint wears quicker to give the brassing patina effect. My reason for getting the silver chrome Leica MP is silver looks newer for longer compared to black paint finish. Black paint is very in-trend right now and looks more bling but the black paint finish shows every finger print and wears too fast for my overly-practical mind.

Leica M-A vs Leica MP – similarities

Let’s compare the Leica MP vs Leica M-A. The internals of the Leica M-A are said to be near identical to that of the Leica MP. Here are 10 common features when comparing both cameras:

• 3 pairs of frame lines – 28/90mm, 35/135mm, 50/75mm
• 0.72x magnification viewfinder*
• M3 style single piece film advance lever
• M3 style pull-up knurled film rewind knob
• M4 quick film loading, without film spool
• 1-1000 shutter speeds (+ bulb mode)
• 1/50 max flash sync speed
• Camera hotshoe + PC sync port
• Both cameras available in silver chrome 

*In the past you could buy Leica MP cameras with the optional 0.58x and 0.85x viewfinder magnifications. Today, the only option when buying cameras new is the 0.72x viewfinder and this is true for the Leica MP, Leica M-A and re-issue Leica M6.

Leica M-A vs Leica MP – differences

What about the differences? Here are 6 differences between the Leica MP and Leica M-A:

• No light meter in Leica M-A
• Black Leica M-A is black chrome not black paint
• Black chrome M-A top plate is without Leica script engraving
• Leica M-A has no half press shutter movement for metering
• Leica M-A is lighter (578g vs 600g for MP + batteries)
• Front of Leica M-A has no battery cover

The lack batteries and a light meter plus the external design makes the Leica M-A the most minimal option (most stealth) if that’s a look you like.

Reasons to buy a Leica M-A

They say purists buy Leica M-A cameras. With the M-A you get only the absolute basics and nothing extra.  The M-A is more similar to buying a classic Leica M2 etc but 50-70 years newer (and commonly available in black chrome).

Leica M-A vs Leica M4

A popular comparison is photographers trying to decide between a modern Leica M-A camera and a vintage Leica M camera. Of all the various classic Leica M cameras, people seem to pick the Leica M4 to compare to the M-A as it’s said to be the last well built Leica M, (following the Leica M3 and M2).

Leica M cameras that followed the M4 such as the M4-2, M4-P, M6 Classic) included cheaper parts such as zinc top plates and bottom plates. My M4-P feels noticeably lighter than the more solid Leica M2 and Leica M3. A drawback of Leica cameras with the zinc plates is the metal is known to corrode and bubble under the paint.

Benefits of Leica M-A vs Leica M4

Reasons you might prefer the Leica M-A camera include –

• 40+yrs newer (2014-today vs Leica M4 1966-1975)
• Single piece film advance lever (vs 2-piece lever)
• More frame lines – 28/90, 35/135, 50/75 vs 35/135, 50, 90
• Classic knurled rewind knob vs rewind crank lever
• Matte black finish (without Leica script)
• Cheaper if want black chrome*

*Leica M4 cameras were made in silver chrome, black paint and black chrome. The black chrome version was a limited run with less than 2000 units being produced. This resulted in used black chrome Leica M4 cameras costing 25% more than a used black chrome Leica M-A bodies. (Something I only discovered very recently). It’s a pity as the black chrome M4 cameras look nice with their engraved top plates.

Leica M4 vs Leica M-A advantages

Reasons why you might prefer the older Leica M4 include –

• Potentially better build quality/ over engineered
• Two piece modern style film advance lever
• Options of black paint, black chrome and silver chrome 
• Engraved Leica logo on top (not found on black M-A cameras)
• Normally lower prices (Silver chrome Leica M4 being the cheapest)
• Leica M4 viewfinder gives individual 50mm and 90mm frames
• Film rewinding is faster with a rewind lever

Is a Leica M-A worth it? (Why I bought)

After buying the Leica MP (and then returning it) I’d already spent the money both physically and mentally. Once the Leica MP had been refunded I wanted to get an alternative modern Leica M film camera as that was the original idea. I feel as a Leica “influencer” or so called Leica “expert”, it’s important for me to own one of the current production Leica M film cameras.

Students prefer the Leica MP

Most of my Leica workshop students that shoot film bring a Leica MP (and sometimes a Leica M3 or Leica M6). I’ve never tried a Leica M-A so I’m looking forward to adding that to my experience list. As a Leica YouTuber, it’s also nice to have one of the latest Leica film cameras as a prop for videos when reviewing lenses. Students always bring nice Leica cameras to my workshops so it’s nice to be able to show them another option from Leica.

Leica M10-P + Leica M-A

If you saw this video I now use a black chrome Leica M10-P conversion it looks great paired with a matching black chrome Leica M-A. I often shoot film and digital side by side and both cameras accept the same Leica M lenses. Two anodised black Leica M cameras with a few compact Leica M lenses gives for a nice do everything setup.

Vintage Leica iii black paint vs M-A

The best made Leica film camera I’ve used (and I’ve used almost all models from the Leica iii, Leica M and Leica R cameras) are the early black paint Leica Barnack cameras from the 1930s (see this article). The shutter mechanism of the 1930s Leica cameras is cloth, similar to current models, but it’s built differently and feels extremely smooth.

Leica iii cameras are smaller than Leica M cameras which I love but they don’t accept Leica M lenses. This is a big reason why many photographers buy a modern Leica M camera (new or used) instead of the older cheaper Barnack cameras.

Leica M-A vs Leica iii advantages

I love my Leica iii cameras for their size and build quality but for most people a Leica M camera would make more sense. Benefits of Leica M cameras (Leica M-A in this example) include:

• Leica M camera accept all Leica M lenses (vs not)
• Can still use LTM lenses via M-LTM adapter ring
• Big bright combined rangefinder/viewfinder
• Parallax corrected viewfinder window
• Hinge-back for faster easier film loading
• Don’t need to cut longer film leader with M cameras
• 28/90, 35/135, 50/75mm framelines vs 50mm
• 1/1000 max shutter speed (Not in all Leica iii)
• Hotshoe for flash vs. coldshoe
• PC sync port for flash (Not in all Leica iii cameras)
• 0.7m minimum close focus (vs. 1m MFD)

Best lens for Leica M-A

If this is your first Leica M camera, one question I often receive is “Matt, what lens should I buy first?”

My standard answer is first to decide what lens suits your angle of view. Do you tend to see 28mm, 35mm or 50mm? If you don’t know, a smart phone often gives around a 28mm view. If you zoom in on your phone for all your shots you might prefer a longer lens such as 35mm or 50mm.

Next, what maximum aperture do you need? Will you shoot at f1.4 all day or perhaps stop down to f8? Fast aperture lenses are usually bigger, heavier and more expensive so that’s the trade off.

Len reviews

Visit my Leica M lens review list and check the lenses for your required focal length and maximum aperture. I’ve made YouTube videos for almost all Leica M mount lenses so you can compare the results and decide which lens might suit you the best.

If you’re still not sure what lens to buy you can request to jump on a zoom call with me. (See my Zoom testimonials). I help others with these questions, whether it’s cameras or lenses.

Match your lens to your camera

If you are really into your Leica cameras you might like to match the finish of your lens to your camera. I often like black lenses on black cameras and silver lenses on silver cameras. Having the black Leica M-A, a black Leica M262 and converted black Leica M10-P it’s now easy to use mostly black lenses across all cameras. Some photographers prefer the “panda look”. where you have a black camera with a silver lens for example.

Leica M “panda” look

Over the years some Leica M film cameras were designed with a dark body and silver dials, aka. “Panda”. This looks especially pretty with black paint or green cameras (for me). In watch terms, the most famous “Panda watch” is probably the Rolex Daytona. The Daytona has a white face and black dials/ surround but comes in other options too. (The watch I wear in some YouTube videos is designed around the Rolex Daytona but is a much more affordable, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watch). See this video if you like watches.

Leica M-A + mechanical watch

Mechanical cameras and mechanical watches

If you love the idea of a Leica M-A and the pure mechanical perfection concept, you probably appreciate nice mechanical watches too. I watched this YouTube video of a skilled technician restoring a saltwater damaged Rolex watch from the 1960s. Seeing inside a Rolex watch reminded me a lot of Leica M cameras but the fine details are even more intricate. (Watch this video for Leica watches and to see my watch of choice).

Leica lenses or third party lenses

One question I often receive is do I need a Leica lens for my new Leica camera? I guess if you want to try the full Leica experience then yes at some stage you might want to try a Leica lens . If you can’t afford a Leica lens straight away no problem as there are 6 other popular lens brands for Leica M. Watch this video on who makes the best lenses for Leica M cameras.

Leica film camera warranty

If you buy a new Leica film camera they arrive with a 2 year factory warranty. I feel it’s important to shoot plenty of film once you receive your camera rather than putting it on a shelf. By shooting 10+ rolls of film you can make sure the camera works OK and has no issues on arrival. You do hear stories of customers buying new Leica cameras and having issues straight from the factory so it’s better to check while you have warranty cover.

If you buy a used Leica camera it’s good to buy from a trusted source where you know the camera works, or ideally from a shop. Most shops selling used Leica cameras give 6 month shop warranty for piece of mind. (I was thankful of this when I bought my Leica M10 as it did have an issue. I returned the M10 to the shop under warranty and the store covered the repair cost for the camera to be sent back to Leica in Wetzlar).

Where to buy a Leica M-A?

In the UK I’ve bought used Leica film cameras from RedDotCameras, Park Cameras, MPB (get £20 off with the voucher on the gear list page), Aperture and others. My Leica MP purchased was from Park Cameras and they were kind enough to let me return it. This is much easier than buying from a private seller on eBay for example. (My Leica M-A was bought from a well known eBay store seller in Europe FYI).

Leica M-A price, UK?

Leica M-A cameras are the most recent film camera release from Leica if we exclude the Leica M6 re-issue. As such, they are not yet old enough for the price to be as low as some of the classic Leica M film cameras. At the time of writing you can often find Leica M2, M3, M4 cameras for around £1500 depending on condition and finish. Leica M6 are £2-2.5K, Leica M7 perhaps £2.5-3K and Leica MP and Leica M-A from £3.5-4K used. With that said keep looking as sometimes you can find great deals.

If you prefer to buy Leica cameras new, you can find a boxed Leica M-A for around £5K in the UK. This is slightly cheaper than the Leica M6 re-issue and Leica MP.

Is a Leica M-A for life?

I really hope so. The Leica M-A purchase is partly to mark the significant milestone when I reach 40,000 subscribers on YouTube. (I think this will be late January or early February 2025 but I saw the camera at a good price so jumped on it at 38,300 subs).

As the quiet introvert guy that avoided YouTube for years before finally starting, I never imagined reaching 100 subscribers let alone 40K. I enjoy watching larger YouTubers so I always feel like a small fish in a big pond. The goal is to try to reach 100K subs but I think it will take another 5+ years to get there unless I suddenly get much better at making videos. The Leica bubble is also pretty niche so there is only so much interest on the video topics I cover.

Some people like to mark significant milestones by buying something expensive that means a lot to them. The common example is when someone buys a Rolex watch when they get their new job promotion. As much as I like watches, I would struggle to spend the same money for a Leica M-A on a watch. I guess I value cameras more than watches makes sense as my life revolves around photography and not horology. Hopefully I love the Leica M-A that replaces my Leica MP and the M-A is as reliable as my older Leica M cameras.

Leica M6 or Leica M-A?

As I already own the popular Leica M6 classic my plan is to eventually sell the Leica M6 if I prefer the Leica M-A. I class both as ‘modern’ Leica film cameras but the M6 is from the 1980s. I won’t sell my Leica M3 or Leica M2 but the M-A and M6 cover the same needs as a more “modern” M body with a hotshoe. I’ll keep the M4-P as that’s my user camera that’s already got a few marks.

The Leica M6 re-issue (this video) is near identical to the Leica MP. Both cameras have the internal light meter and all three cameras have many common parts. All three current production Leica film cameras now come with the viewfinder condenser. I never had a big issue with my Leica M4-P or Leica M6 classic but these cameras don’t have a condenser so sometimes the rangefinder patch can disappear in certain lighting conditions.

Note – My Leica M6 is actually currently away being worked on. See more on YouTube very soon if you follow me there.

Customising my Leica M-A

After testing my Leica M-A to ensure I liked it I then had to let it go again. I wanted to customise my Leica M-A camera so it was a bit different and to make it more special to me. The camera should be back before I hit 40,000 subs on YouTube to mark the occasion. (See the update later in this article!).

5 reasons for returning my Leica MP

If you missed my returning the Leica MP video on YouTube here are the reasons I gave for returning the Leica MP film camera –

1. Leica MP feels the same as every other Leica M camera
2. All Leica M cameras take the same photos (new or old)
3. The built-in Leica MP light meter is not something I need
4. Leica MP doesn’t feel as well made as a Leica M3
5. The Leica MP isn’t my favourite Leica M film camera

The 6th reason that I didn’t mention is a bought the Leica M-A two days after receiving the Leica MP. I saw the Leica M-A for a similar price to what I paid for the MP yet it was a 2022 boxed mint camera (verses used 2013 Leica MP with marks and no box). The Leica M-A is black chrome to match my converted Leica M10-P so it just ticked all the boxes.

Converted Leica M10-P

Note – You’ll notice that reasons 1+2 for returning the Leica MP also apply to the Leica M-A. The Leica M3 feels better than the Leica M-A (or just different) but once I’ve customised my Leica M-A that should become my new favourite do-everything Leica M film camera. (Covered below).

Waiting for my Leica M-A

I had to wait multiple weeks until I saw my friend to pick up my Leica M-A. Apart from the painful wait it did give me a chance take the Leica MP to test in Poland (see video). I wanted to try out the Leica MP to check if I prefer a camera with a light meter (or without). As soon as I got home I knew I didn’t need a meter so arranged the return of the Leica MP. (The return option is a big advantage of buying from a shop verses from a private seller on eBay if you are unsure).

Leica M3 vs Leica M-A (Best of the best?)

If you ask people what is the best Leica M film camera the answer is normally the Leica M3 in terms of build quality. Our passions and loyalty for certain camera models run high but sometimes the facts win over. I asked customer services at Leica Wetzlar, what is the best made Leica M film camera, Leica M3 vs Leica M-A? He hesitated then agreed the Leica M3 is still king as cameras were just over engineered back in the 1950s. Modern technologies allow for tighter tolerances and the use of cheaper materials to reduce costs. The Leica M-A feels much more exact and crisp with a snappier sounding shutter but the Leica M3 is smoother.

Benefits of the Leica M-A vs Leica M3

As much as I adore my Leica M3 single stroke I plan to use my Leica M-A for the following reasons –

• 6 frame line options vs 3. Great for 28mm, 35mm, 75mm
• Hotshoe not cold shoe so I can use my Godox X3 trigger
• Anodised black vs silver. Looks stealthy and matches my M10(P)
• 60+ years newer so should work longer before needing a service
• Rangefinder is calibrated (Leica M3 needs slight adjustment)

Recommended upgrades for Leica M-A / MP

As someone that has been playing around with lots of Leica M film cameras for over a decade these are my must have upgrades as soon as I get a Leica M film camera (I’ll explain why below) –

1. Light Lens Lab 1.4x viewfinder diopter (see video)(check price)
2. Thumbs-up grip (find on eBay.com / eBay.co.uk)
3. Rewind crank (check Price)
4. Wrist strap or neck strap (I use these)

These recommended upgrades will depend on how you plan to use your camera. If you plan to use a fast 50mm or longer lens, the Light Lens Lab 1.4x viewfinder magnifier with diopter is a no brainer (a must have). If you use 35mm or wider or only shoot at f8 you don’t need this.

Thumbs-up grips help balance the camera if you love to use big fat heavy lenses like a Leica Noctilux 50mm f0.95. If you plan to use the hotshoe for flash or for external viewfinders (wider than 25mm) perhaps skip this option. Likewise if you love small lightweight compact lenses you probably don’t need it.

If I finish my film mid-shoot with a model I try to rewind as fast as possible (perhaps similar to street photographers). For this reason I use a rewind crank on my Leica M3 and I love it. If I can find the same rewind crank in black I hope to get one to leave attached to my Leica M-A. If you love to take your time and have no need to rewind slightly faster then you probably don’t need this.

Some photographers love neck straps, others love wrist straps. I use both currently depending on my needs but they must have QR Peak Design attachments and ideally be simple quality leather and minimal. (I’ll have more on this topic next month so subscribe!)

First 2 rolls in my Leica M-A

My first opportunity to test the Leica M-A was in Gran Canaria for a body paint event. Bodypainting isn’t really my thing but the people are really nice so I go to help out, have fun and to shoot with Patreon friend Tobi. We try to arrange a model or two after the event, on location, to shoot our preferred style of photos. I didn’t shoot much film with the body paint models as it is fast paced and not my area of interest. Check out this video from the event and if you look carefully you’ll see the Leica M-A.

YouTube: Buying a Leica M-A

This is the first Leica M-A video covering why I bought it –

Update: Engraving my black Leica M-A

As I mentioned above, buying the Leica M-A was a gift to myself for reaching 40K subs on YouTube. I wanted to personalise/ customise the camera so it was special to me so I took the camera to Leica Wetzlar (this trip – YouTube).

Did you know that if you buy a silver Leica M-A the top plate is already engraved with the Leica script yet the black camera is plain? I asked Leica to add the matching Leica script as seen on the silver camera (and on my converted Leica M10-P) to my black Leica MA. Now the two cameras look absolutely beautiful.

How to customise your Leica camera

If you want to engrave your camera Leica currently charge 200 euros. Contact Leica customer services for more details. If you want to spice up your Leica without needing to engrave it check out my 10 ways to customise your camera article.

Best film for Leica M-A

At the time of writing, I think arguably the best film for the Leica M-A (or any film camera) are those made by Kodak or Ilford. Premium film give better performance if you want the best possible image quality. Now that I’ve started to print some of my images in my darkroom (see video) I need better negatives and as much information captured as possible. Premium colour negative films also retain more highlight detail information too compared to budget options, Kodak Portra in particular.

Premium films can include Kodak T-Max and Kodak Tri-X films for black and white or Kodak Portra, Ektar and Ektachrome for colour. You can also include Kodak motion picture films which are often rebranded, Kodak Double-X and Kodak Vision3 films. The most popular black and white film stocks from Ilford are likely Ilford HP5, Ilford FP4+ and perhaps my favourite Ilford Delta films.

If you’re on a budget and need something cheaper my favourite was Fomapan 100 (review) for a long time. For 2025 I’ve switched to Kentmere which is now the cheapest black and white film in the UK. I’ve used Kentmere 100 (review) and Kentmere 400 (review). Kentmere feels and acts more like a classic premium film vs. Fomapan with increased sharpness and much better shadow details (to my eyes).

See the Kodak XX vs Kentmere 400 video where I compare both when looking for my goto 400 speed film.

MrLeica film stock reviews

Check out all of my film stock reviews for sample images. Here are a few review links to films I enjoyed the most even if I don’t buy them currently. (Buy film here).

• Kodak Double-X
• Kodak T-Max 400
• Ilford Pan 400 (+ Kentmere 400)
• Ilford Delta 100

Leica M-A sample photos

Here are a few full res Leica M-A sample photos. After Gran Canaria I also took the Leica M-A to Wetzlar and I’ve used it during some of my Leica workshops. (I’ll add more film scans when I get a chance).

The film I was using for some shots was discontinued Ilford FP4 cine film (so more grain). See that video if you want some and live in the UK. Film was scanned with my Leica CL + Valoi Easy35 scanner. See the scanning video for my workflow.

(Film negatives are inverted in Lightroom with my MrLeica film scanning preset packs. See all presets).

Leica MA Portraits

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Would you like an automated film M? Leica M7

If you love the idea of the Leica M-A but prefer to have more automation perhaps check out my Leica M7. It shares many features of the Leica M-A but with the benefits of added electronics. The M7 is like a Leica M10 that takes film. Electronic shutter, aperture priority, exposure compensation, light meter, on-off switch.. Check out the video and Leica M7 article.