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Overview of the Leica M-A (Typ 127)
The Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a 35mm film rangefinder camera that is focused on the fundamental principles of photography. Its simplicity and unobtrusiveness distinguish it from other rangefinder cameras. As a totally mechanical camera, there is no need for a battery to operate it, and the only exposure adjustment available is a choice of shutter speed ranging from 1/1000 sec to 1/1000 sec.
Using a big, bright 0.72x magnification viewfinder in conjunction with an accurate rangefinder system, users can handle comparative manual focusing with M-mount lenses while also framing their compositions with parallax correction in place. Top and bottom covers in black-colored chromed brass, as well as an all-metal body design, provide both durability and a minimal aesthetic look while maintaining a minimum appearance.
The accuracy provided by the M-A is intended to support a straightforward working technique that has been designed for intuitiveness and efficiency.
- The classic 35mm film rangefinder with a big, bright 0.72x magnification viewfinder with a large, bright 0.72x magnification viewfinder.
- Completely mechanical functioning necessitates the use of no batteries and allows for the manipulation of just the most fundamental features of photography: shutter speed, aperture, and film speed.
- A rear ISO dial can be used to indicate the speed of the film that is currently being shot.
- The shutter speed dial at the top of the camera allows for selection of shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000 sec. to 1 sec., with a bulb option available for long exposures. At all shutter speeds up to 1/50 second, flash sync is possible.
- The hot shoe is equipped with a center contact, allowing it to be used with a broad range of flash units.
- All M-mount lenses with focal lengths ranging from 16mm to 135mm are compatible with the camera.
- Image field frame lines are automatically triggered with each installed lens and provide a precise, parallax-corrected reference for image composition. Image field frame lines are immediately activated with each mounted lens. Additionally, picture field lines may be adjusted in order to pre-visualize the composition of lenses with different focal lengths.
Leica M-A 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″ |
