By all traditional logic, the Leica M-A (Typ 127) ($4,750, body only) shouldn't exist. It's a purely mechanical camera, a throwback to the days when digital photography was as much science fiction as intergalactic travel is today—and, of course, its "memory card" is a roll of 35mm film. Shockingly, it's not the only 35mm camera that Leica produces—the company still makes the M7 ($4,995) and MP ($4,995), both of which feature in-camera light meters. But if your preference is an old-school, purely mechanical camera, the M-A is right up to your alley. It's the closest to buying a brand new Leica M2, M3, or M4 as you can get today. Design and FeaturesThe physical design of the M-A ($5,195.00 at Adorama) is nearly identical to M bodies dating back to the 1950s. If you look closely you can spot differences between it and the original M body, the M3, but you'll have to have more than a passing knowledge of classic M cameras. The basic size and shape of 35mm M cameras hasn't changed sign...
The Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a camera from another time—a purely mechanical 35mm rangefinder. It's expensive, but perfectly engineered.
Incredible build quality; Bright, uncluttered viewfinder; Completely mechanical operation; Requires no batteries; Nearly silent shutter; PC sync socket; Includes a roll of Tri-X; Available in chrome or black
Expensive; Shutter tops out at 1/1,000-second; Sync speed limited to 1/50-second; Omits in-camera meter