Leica M-A
Pure Mechanical Excellence


A MASTERPIECE OF PRECISION-ENGINEERED PERFECTION
ABSOLUTELY DEPENDABLE:
Pure Mechanical Excellence
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.

FORM AND FUNCTION
Perfect and Timeless Design
The exterior of the Leica M-A is as timeless as the precision engineering hidden inside.

Two different finishes
Available in silver chrome and black chrome
The camera is available in two different finishes: the classic look of the silver chrome version continues the design tradition derived from 60 years of Leica M-Cameras.

Pure Mechanical Excellence
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 emphasise 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.
Available in silver chrome and black chrome
The camera is available in two different finishes: the classic look of the silver chrome version continues the design tradition derived from 60 years of Leica M-Cameras. In the black chrome option, the M-A is reminiscent of the style of the M Monochrom and raises the bar in terms of unobtrusiveness and discretion. While an engraving on the top plate of the silver chrome M-A indicates its origins, only a closer look at its black-coloured counterpart reveals the Leica logo on its accessory shoe.

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.
Lens Mount | Leica M bayonet |
Lens System | Leica M lenses from 16-135mm focal length |
Camera | |
Type | Mechanical rangefinder |
Film Format | 35 mm |
Exposure Control | Manual (shutter speed on body only; aperture on attached lens) |
External Flash Connection | Hot shoe with center contact |
Flash Synchronization | With first curtain; up to 1/50 sec. |
Shutter Type | Focal plane; mechanical rubber blanket slotted shutter with horizontal movement |
Shutter Speed Range | 1 to 1/1000 sec. (in 1 EV increments), bulb |
Viewfinder | |
Type | Bright line frame viewfinder with automatic parallax correction |
Eyepiece | Calibrated to -0.5 dpt (optional corrective lenses available) |
Parallax Correction | Horizontal and vertical offset between viewfinder and lens axis automatically compensated for according to relevant distance setting |
At the shortest possible distance for each focal length, the bright line frame size corresponds to an image of approx. 23 x 35 mm. When set to infinity, depending on the focal length between 9% (28mm) and 23% (135mm) more is captured by the film than is shown in the corresponding bright line frame | |
Magnification | 0.72x |
Rangefinder Basis | 49.9 mm (mechanical measurement basis of 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification of 0.72x) |
Split or superimposed image rangefinder shown as bright field in the center of the viewfinder image | |
Physical | |
Film Loading | Manual film loading after opening the bottom cover and the rear panel |
Film Wind | Forward: Manual winding with quick wind lever (compatible with optional motorized winders) |
Rewind: Manually with pull-out rewind button, after moving the R lever on front of camera | |
Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
Dimensions | 5.4 x 1.5 x 3.0" / 138 x 38 x 77 mm |
Weight | 1.3 lb / 578 g |
Packaging Info | |
Package Weight | 4.35 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.7 x 8.6 x 6.5" |