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Leica M-A and MP, build quality?


j_w36

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<p>My current dream camera is an M-A. I'd go for an MP but prefer to use a meterless camera. Sunny 16 has always been quite accurate for me, and I feel that the meter will be the first thing to go on the camera in the long run. And if I ever manage to buy this camera, it will be a constant companion for a long time. I'm most curious about the gears, brass or steel? I'm attracted to the new materials, but wonder if the build quality is consistent with the M2/4.<br>

Anybody have one?</p>

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<p>For the price of an M-A, two M4's so you could have two already mounted lenses (21 and 35, or 35 and 90mm in my case) sounds even better for travel. I also quite often use the self-timers of both my M4 and Zeiss Contax IIa at 3 second delay to trip the shutter when I am hand-holding at low shutter speeds.</p>

<p>With an M-A I would also be investing in one of those add-on rewind cranks vs. twisting to rewind the 5 feet of a 36 exposure roll of film. I can probably rewind, unload, reload and be shooting again with an M4 in the time it'd take to just rewind a roll of film using an M-A as-is.</p>

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<p>In my very humble opinion, I would agree with Greg in general and suggest you look at well kept M4 bodies. Even if you got two and got CLAs for each, you'd be laughing. If you decide that you don't want two bodies, sell one. Or you could just get one to begin with.</p>

<p>I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the M-A. Heck, if it was well within my budget I'd be tempted to buy one just because. :-)</p>

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<p><strong>Leica M-A </strong>(Just under $5K), a wealthy person's <em>Brand New</em> <strong>Leica M2R</strong> but with:</p>

<ol>

<li>Multi-coated RF system</li>

<li>28mm bright-lines</li>

<li>Resetting counter</li>

<li>Flash hot-shoe</li>

<li>Minus self-timer</li>

</ol>

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<p>An M6 with the battery out is still no M2, because some of the M6 framelines are very undersized--notably the 50mm, and the 35mm is a little too small. OTOH, the M6 28mm frameline is good, and the the M2 has not even got a 28mm.<br>

An early M4-P has the right size framelines, and does have a 28mm frameline. So an M4-P is worth considering.</p>

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<p>I've handled the M-A twice; the first time at last year's Photo Plus Expo. As others have said, for the price of a brand new M-A, you could get two superb CLA'd Leica M4s with vintage Leica M lenses, or two superb Leica M6s. I'm not entirely sold on the MP, and would recommend to first-time Leica users that they think seriously instead of getting a M4 or M2 - if interested in a M body without a meter and intend on using more than just a 50mm lens - or a Leica M6 if you need a built-in meter.</p>
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<p>I ended up going with a CLA'd M4 for 900 in really spectacular condition. The tulip loading system is superb. I used to practice around the house loading the old style spools while walking around. M4 loading system is just--pop it in, line it up, and go.<br>

<br />Now I'm wondering what to do with that extra chunk of change left over... I have a good 35 and 50mm both Zeiss ZM. </p>

<p>Anyone have experience with the M2-R? </p>

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<p>I know someone with both an M-A and a M2. He says the M2 feels a bit "loose" compared to the brand new M-A.<br>

I have an M2 also, but am eyeing the M-A. I'll most likely end up buying a used M-A after a few years. There was a used M-A body on ebay for $3500 a few weeks ago.</p>

<p>R</p>

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