Leica M-A review

The Leica M-A is a timeless no nonsense 35mm film camera that highlights German engineering and superb build quality

Leica M-A
(Image: © Sebastian Oakley / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Superb build quality

  • +

    Pure photography experience

  • +

    Fully mechanical

  • +

Cons

  • -

    No light meter

  • -

    No shutter lock

  • -

    Poor frame counter

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Leica M-A has been in our list of best film cameras for some time, in spite of its luxury price tag. It has been there for good reason, offering a fully mechanical experience to photography that you can still buy brand new today. So how does this new 35mm film camera based around a 60+ year old design stack up today? Scroll down to find out.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.