The Leica M-A isn't exactly cheap, but it's the only 35mm film camera you can buy brand new today, apart from its sibling, the Leica MP.

I found the Leica M-A to be a mechanical marvel, designed without any frills, solely focused on delivering pure film photography. It offers a glimpse into the methods of the old Leica Masters, refined for modern use.

This camera is a modern interpretation of Leica's traditional 35mm film cameras, maintaining the essence of its predecessors while incorporating refined features for mechanical perfection.

With no light meter or Leica logo, the M-A is all about simplicity. Its brass body gives it a weighty feel, perfect for traditionalists. I'm used to shooting with a 50mm lens, but the M-A's frame lines for various lenses, including 28mm, 35/50mm, and 90/135mm, make composing shots a breeze.

Despite its simplicity, the M-A is incredibly capable. With only essential controls like shutter speeds, frame counter, and film advance, it excels at its primary purpose—taking pictures. Unlike its brother, the Leica MP, the M-A is fully mechanical, offering peace of mind with no reliance on batteries. Its rapid reloading system and manual film rewinding are straightforward to use, once you get the hang of them.

Using the M-A was a joyous experience. In a world where electronic faults can render cameras useless, its battery-free operation is a relief. It's a camera that begs to be used, not left to collect dust on a shelf. However, there are a few things to note. Without a light meter, exposure settings must be calculated manually. And the lack of a shutter lock can lead to accidental shots. Plus, the film counter's indicators can be hard to read at times.

One of the M-A's greatest advantages is its versatility in shooting colour or black-and-white film. This flexibility, combined with the unique aesthetic of film photography, sets it apart from digital alternatives.

Overall, the Leica M-A isn't just for a specific type of photographer; it's for anyone who appreciates the art of analogue photography. Its build quality and timeless design make it a worthy investment for any enthusiast or professional.

Image samples shot on Kodak UltraMax and Ilford HP5

If you're considering a 35mm film camera, I highly recommend the Leica M-A. It's brought me nothing but joy and excitement, and I'm certain it will do the same for you. So, let's go out and capture some unforgettable moments together!

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

Sebastian now focuses his time taking Street, Documentary, and Landscape photography and also writes for prestigious publications for the countryside, technology and international lifestyle. However, he is still available to hire as photojournalist to produce visuals for clients who require his signature style of vivid colours, simplistic composition and high contrast black and white.