Leica M-A (Typ 127) Camera Body - Silver Chrome

Leica M-A (Typ 127) – Silver Chrome

Pure Mechanical Mastery in 35mm Film Photography

The Leica M-A (Typ 127) is a celebration of pure, mechanical photography. Designed without a light meter, batteries, or electronic aids, this precision-crafted 35mm rangefinder system camera returns the photographer to complete manual control. Every function—from exposure to focus—is handled directly by the user, making the M-A a true expression of photographic intent.

A continuation of Leica’s time-honoured engineering, the M-A uses the same fundamental mechanical principles found in the earliest M cameras. The silver chrome finish and discreet design without a front logo underscore its understated elegance. Built to last generations, the Leica M-A is for those who value the art of photography in its most authentic form.

Key Features

• Fully Mechanical Operation – No batteries, no light meter, no automation

• Leica M-Bayonet Mount – Compatible with Leica M-Lenses from 16–135mm

• Manual Exposure Control – Shutter speed and aperture set manually via external meter or estimation

• Mechanical Shutter – Ultra-quiet rubberised cloth focal-plane shutter

• Classic Viewfinder – Bright-line rangefinder with parallax compensation

• Frame Selector – Preview alternative frame lines without changing lenses

• Discreet Design – No Leica logo on the front; minimal styling

• Durable Build – Brass top and base plates, full-metal body

• No Batteries Required – Complete freedom from electronic dependency

Camera Type

• Compact, mechanical 35mm rangefinder system camera

• Model: Leica M-A (Typ 127)

Lens System

• Mount: Leica M-Bayonet

• Compatible Lenses: Leica M-Lenses (16–135mm)

Exposure Control

• Manual control of shutter speed and aperture

• Use of external exposure meter or estimation

• Flash Sync: On first shutter curtain

• Flash Mount: Hot shoe with centre contact

• Flash Exposure: Via flash unit control or manual guide number calculation

Viewfinder & Rangefinder

• Type: Bright-line viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation

• Eyepiece: –0.5 dioptres; correction lenses from –3 to +3 available

• Framing: Automatic display of bright-line frames for:

  • 28 & 90 mm

  • 35 & 135 mm

  • 50 & 75 mm

• Frame Selector: Manual lever for previewing alternative frame lines

• Viewfinder Magnification: 0.72×

• Rangefinder: Coincident and superimposed image

• Effective Rangefinder Base: 49.9 mm (69.25 mm mechanical × 0.72× magnification)

Shutter & Controls

• Type: Mechanically controlled horizontal rubberised-cloth focal plane

• Speeds: 1s to 1/1000s in full stops, plus Bulb (B) mode

• Shutter Release: Threaded for remote release cables

Film Handling

• Loading: Manual, via removable base and rear flap

• Advance: Manual with rapid-wind lever or optional Leicavit M

• Motor Drive Compatible: Leica Motor-M, Winder-M, Winder M4-P/M4-2

• Rewind: Manual with pull-out knob after disengaging advance via R-lever

• Frame Counter: Resets automatically when baseplate is removed

Body & Build

• Material: Solid metal construction with brass top deck and baseplate

• Finish: Silver chrome

• Tripod Mount: Standard 1/4" thread

• Dimensions: Approx. 138 × 38 × 77 mm

• Weight: Approx. 578 g

• Rear Flap: Includes film ISO reminder dial

What’s in the Box

• Leica M-A (Typ 127) camera body

• Body cap

• Carrying strap

• Accessory shoe cover

The Leica M-A is photography in its purest form—free from automation, focused entirely on the moment, and built to last a lifetime.