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Leica M-A (Typ 127) Rangefinder Camera (Black)

BH #LEMAB • MFR #10370
Leica M-A (Typ 127) Rangefinder Camera (Black)
Key Features
  • 35mm Film Rangefinder
  • Fully Mechanical Operation
  • 0.72x Bright Line Viewfinder
  • Selectable Image Field Frame Lines
Focusing on the founding principles of photography, the Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a 35mm film rangefinder camera characterized by its simplicity and unobtrusiveness. As a completely mechanical camera, no battery is required for operation and the only exposure control offered is a choice of shutter speed, up to 1/1000 sec. A large, bright 0.72x-magnification viewfinder pairs with a precise rangefinder mechanism to enable comparative manual focusing control with M-mount lenses, along with parallax-corrected compositional framing. The body features black-colored chromed brass top and bottom covers, as well as an all-metal body design, to offer both durability as well as an aesthetic, minimal appearance. Designed for intuitiveness and efficient operability, the precision afforded by the M-A serves to complement a straight-forward working method.
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Leica M-A (Typ 127) Overview

Focusing on the founding principles of photography, the Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a 35mm film rangefinder camera characterized by its simplicity and unobtrusiveness. As a completely mechanical camera, no battery is required for operation and the only exposure control offered is a choice of shutter speed, up to 1/1000 sec. A large, bright 0.72x-magnification viewfinder pairs with a precise rangefinder mechanism to enable comparative manual focusing control with M-mount lenses, along with parallax-corrected compositional framing. The body features black-colored chromed brass top and bottom covers, as well as an all-metal body design, to offer both durability as well as an aesthetic, minimal appearance. Designed for intuitiveness and efficient operability, the precision afforded by the M-A serves to complement a straight-forward working method.

Classic 35mm film rangefinder features a large, bright 0.72x-magnification viewfinder.
Completely mechanical operation requires no battery and permits working with just the basic aspects of photography: shutter speed, aperture, and film speed.
A rear ISO dial can be used to indicate the speed of film in use.
The top shutter speed dial permits selection of speeds from 1/1000 sec. to 1 sec., with a bulb setting also available for long exposures. Flash sync is available at all speeds up to 1/50 sec.
The hot shoe incorporates a center contact for compatibility with a wide array of flashes.
Compatible with all M-mount lenses ranging in focal lengths from 16mm to 135mm.
Image field frame lines are automatically activated with each mounted lens, and offer an accurate, parallax-corrected reference for image composition. Alternatively, image field lines can be selected to pre-visualize the composition of other focal length lenses.
UPC: 799429103705

Leica M-A (Typ 127) Specs

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"

Leica M-A (Typ 127) Reviews

Leica repurposing M6 bodies?

By Dora
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-19

Leica MA - handmade, excellent craftsmanship? My brand new Leica MA had a round indentation on the leatherette that caught my eye. This indentation was exactly where normally a battery door would be on the Leica MP and M6 - on closer inspection, pressing on that area, there was some give. Leica had repurposed a body that has a battery hole/door, filled it in and did a poor job at that and covered the hole up with leather! This is an MA and it is not supposed to have holes on the body for batteries. We pay a lot of money for these cameras at least use a body that is true to the design of a camera that should not have battery compartments. EXTREMELY disappointed, what an insult.

Yeah it's great

By Rocky
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-27

I'm enjoying my leica it is everything I need in a camera, I can not wait until my backordered Leica arrives. The sales staff at B&H are great I enjoy my experiences with the helpful and kind demeanor they exude.

What Cameras used to be

By Tim
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-09

My first Leica was an M2, with a 50mm Summicron. This was 1962, and got me addicted to photography. After a lot of digital cameras, of so many types and varieties, I'm going back. Tri-X, scanned, we shall see Of course digital is easier, but like the simplicity and lack of choice of the taking.

Mechanical Greatness!

By Max
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-04-17

Excellent camera. It has a super bright rangefinder and crisp controls in all aspects. If you’re looking for a finely tuned, hand made camera to last you a lifetime, then this is the camera for you.

great Rangefinder

By Peter
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-01-03

the shutter release and film advance are perfect. viewfinder very clear and bright. love it. only three rolls of tri-x so far. no issues.

Almost perfect

By Daniel
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-09-05

Anyone who is willing to pay the price for this camera expects nothing less than the best rangefinder. This camera feels incredibly well built. It's just beautiful. The film advance feels superb. However, when I finished my first roll, I noticed there was a grease mark (or a scratch) near the number 40 on the counter. Should I return the camera because of this? No. Does it affect the performance? No. Is it annoying? Yes! I know it's there and it drives me nuts just to think of it. I paid a lot expecting an immaculate camera. Leica left a hair in a very expensive soup and it just takes something away from the experience :(

the dream camera

By Salvador
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-15

if you like analog photography this is the best option, no light meter that distracts you from the subject, it's just you and your camera in the field, you don't have to worry about numbers on the screen or unnecessary batteries, the mechanism of this camera is totally beautiful and practical

Great when it works but awful quality control

By jakob
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-01-16

I love shooting Leica. I have owned most film M's and the build quality and shooting experience are incredible. However, the lack of quality control by Leica is quite concerning. I have purchased two new Leica M-A's that were faulty out of the box. The first one was suffering from a counter that was stuck. The second one had a faulty focusing mechanism where focusing from .7m to 1m was not working. Of course, both were replaced immediately but for this price, one would think Leica makes sure their precious film bodies are quality checked before they hit the shelves.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Which works better for film advance, the all ...

Which works better for film advance, the all metal trigger arm of the M-A or the partly plastic trigger arm of the M6?
Asked by: Erik
There is no substantial difference in the film advance mechanism between the M-A, and the M6.
Answered by: Boyd
Date published: 2022-12-09

Does it have an "L-seal", or is it just a black ...

Does it have an "L-seal", or is it just a black screw? Difficult to see from pics
Asked by: Edward
If you are referring to the Leica red dot decal usually on the front of the camera, Leica chose to deliberately omit the red dot decal from the Leica M-A (Typ 127) Rangefinder Camera.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2021-05-23

question

What are the terms of the 3-year limited warranty?
Asked by: Anthony K.
Details on Leica M's service can be viewed at the following link: http://bit.ly/1W4SIXI
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2019-11-29

Will this camera show brassing with wear?

Will this camera show brassing with wear?
Asked by: Eric
The black chrome finish M-A will not brass and will look new for a long time. Look up web images of beat up M5 bodies to see how the finish will look after heavy use.
Answered by: Christopher
Date published: 2022-02-25

What frame lines are in the viewfinder?

What frame lines are in the viewfinder?
Asked by: Gary
The Leica M-A (Typ 127) Rangefinder Camera has frame lines for 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, and 135mm, and they are paired in the viewfinder in combinations of 28/90mm, 35/135mm 50/75mm.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2023-06-03

question

Why is there no Logo on front, top, or back of camera???
Asked by: Randolph W.
It is just a design on this Leica film camera not to have a Leica logo.
Answered by: Robert K.
Date published: 2019-11-29

Will the Leica M-A accommodate the Visoflex II, ...

Will the Leica M-A accommodate the Visoflex II, with the appropriate mirror prism?
Asked by: Tim
Yes.
Answered by: Patrick
Date published: 2020-07-03

Is the M-A's iso dial made of metal or plastic? ...

Is the M-A's iso dial made of metal or plastic? The sample pictures here include a chrome metal dial and what looks like a black plastic dial. Its disappointing that the MP's iso dial is made of cheap plastic, but heard it shouldn't be the case for the M-A.
Asked by: Nik
The ring that has the ISO values printed on it is metal.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2020-12-11
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