such a waste of time

Thanks for sharing - glad you added the video stops below to quickly jump to the topic of interest. Started with the M6 (non-TTL) and it remains my favorite film camera to this day. Its only debit is IMO the rangefinder patch flare - something the M3, M2, M-A, and M-P have no issue with. I also have the M3 which is the best with 50 mm and higher focal lengths due to its 0.91x viewfinder magnification. Personally I prefer to have a camera with internal meter and wide angle frame lines - therefore I use the M6 more often.

I traded an M6TTL for an MP. Very happy. The M6 was starting to be unreliable and here in NZ impossible to get fixed. My other film camera is a Rollei 35S - brilliant for a second backup and pocket camera. I prefer the light meter with the MP but often disregard the setting suggestion so I see where you are coming from with the M-A. For me the MP suits the best. I got a black version as the Silver out of stock for months - It really scratches easily which I don't like. The sound when the shutter goes on the MP (and M-A) is so smooth and pure. Enjoy! No excuses!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Agreed my friend! The MP is a beautiful little beast. I enjoyed shooting it a lot this past year. The M-A is just the camera for me, I’m not even sure why haha

Not surprised. Great lateral trade! The rapid-winder is an additional win. The only kit you need...until you snag a silver M-A for a back-up, LOL. Cheers!

Good stuff. I have thought time and time again about buying an M-A ... but I can't justify it. I have an M4-2, which is so similar in so many ways I cannot imagine what sort of benefit I would get out of the M-A instead. The M4-2 was often said to be poorly made by comparison to the M3, M2, and M4 generation of Ms, and many credit the M4-P and M6 as a return to better quality build, but with a good service and a couple of early run issues taken care of, it feels just the same ... I've had them all over the past 50 years. Now that you've settled on the M-A, time to let go of looking at other models. Just get out there with it and make it work for you.

I appreciate your honesty without any hype.

Love your entertaining videos. Keep up the good work.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much dude! Hypes me up to keep on cruisin! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

I just wish they had kept the self-timer on the M-A. A self timer is very practical in many situations.

@kevin-parratt-artist

Жыл бұрын

I agree totally. I doubt if any market research was done regarding that. It was just a few engineers responding to penny pinchers, "How can we save costs?" I have the M2, M3, M7 and M-A. ( .. and two screw-mount cameras )

Why the viewfinder does "feel" brighter: because it is. The MP has a (small) silver strip at the bottom of the viewfinder where the LEDs are projected onto. (The strip where the viewfinder magnification is printed onto: 0.72) That silver strip is missing in the MA since you don't need it there. So you have essentially a slightly bigger viewfinder that lets in more light.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I actually noticed that on my M6! Great information, thanks!

Love this style. Sorta matches mine. Subbed

Great video. I started with an M3 and eventually paired it with an M2. It is really hard to just justify any other Leica 35mm film body as they do pretty much everything needed. Learning to live without a meter also can be very liberating. The MA is the one camera that does appeal though...it is basically a new M2.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Well I didn’t connect with the M-A after all. I think the truth was, I just missed the MP and should have never sold it in the first place. Both are great cameras, as we both know. And it’s hard to justify any Leica camera really, $2K for a 60+ year old camera or $5K for a new one. It’s hard, but we do so anyway haha. Thanks for watching man! 🙏

@shanecaut1063

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos Ahhh yeah there is a lot of trial and error while we find what is right for us. Keep at it...may that MP come your way again.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

@@shanecaut1063 I have her back ❤️

The M-A is the perfect m in that its front view is that of an m2 but its top view that of an m3, combining the best design elements from each. Also, no battery compartment or angular rewind crank. I agree, the fully mechanical experience is addictive.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I wish I could have said it as eloquently as that!

I’ve really enjoyed your videos. My reasoning has been similar, and I’m using an M10, an M4-P (for color), and an M2 (for black and white), with Zeiss 28, 35, and 50 lenses. I’d love to know what lenses are you’re using!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

My fav is 50mm DR summicron, next is 35mm f2 V5, then a pair of TTArtisan Lenses 50mm f1.4 and 28mm f5.6 - I also have a Konica collapsible that I just put up for sale and have owned a handful of other lenses like the 50mm Summilux, the Voigtlander 35mm Nokton II and the 50mm APO, and the 5cm collapsible ltm from Leica

Great video! I would Love to own the M-A! The only thing holding me back is that i mostly do close up nature shots (insects, wild flowers, mushrooms, frogs, etc.). If i were able to reach a reproduction scale of 1:2 on a M FILM camera, i would purchase one right away. They should invent something to remedy this. In the meantime, i've purchased the Leica R6.2 to do close-up work. The M-A is still tempting me though......

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching man! And Ooof yeah that’s a tough one. Get an M2!

@7Redbugs

Жыл бұрын

I will keep the M2 in consideration. Thanks!

Hi. Did you have issues with your iso dial on the MP where it is really hard to turn? I heard its a common issue.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Yeah it was def more difficult to turn than the M-A. I don’t know if I’d call it an issue, but maybe if I changed ISO’s more then it would bug me… but I’m always at ISO 400-800 it seems.

Welcome back, Mr. Adam Sandler! Love your video, couldn’t wait for photos from your M-A

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha! Thanks for watching 🙏

YES! My guess #1 was correct on your last video! Guess #1 - If you're getting another film camera, then it's a Leica M-A.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Hahahaha yep. Nailed it

That raw, fully mechanical experience of the M2 is why I won't upgrade to the MP. The MP I feel is still too blingy because of the black paint and engraving and even the light meter takes away from the purity of the camera. The M-A has been calling me for a few yrs. 😂

@FrankDavalos

4 ай бұрын

Everything you want is the MP my friend.

Great analysis bro. Find what works for you and stick with it. As for oily skin, I had the similar issue. Ever have your cholesterol checked? Mine was high and when I started eating better my cholesterol went down and so did the oily skin. Less dairy did it for me. Anyway, keep shooting that MA man. Enjoy.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha look at me getting health advice on my KZread channel… that’s amazing lol. I’ve actually ate pretty clean most of my life, but have always suffered from the shiny skin bandits… I think 90% of it is that I’ve always struggled to stay hydrated… I’m just rarely thirsty 😂… unless it’s for attention or whatever

@getjcn

Жыл бұрын

100% drink more water, but Clarins for men cool gel did wonders for my "face grease" :). Also use LaRoche posay eye cream.... (Does wonders for the years you lost to the kids) :p I must have got at least 5 years back. Fyi, maybe an idea to clarify that the M6 and MP ARE still both mechanical. They only use electronics for the meter. Just might confuse some new comers :). Loving your chanel so far!!! Keep up the great work!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

@@getjcn all good help! Thanks for watching man, and I’ve lost about ten years in 3 haha. Will check it out!

Literally came back to the M2 body today actually, Ive shot all kinds of film bodies and currently on the m4-p, tbh I don’t really care for the quick load system (crazy I know) and also I’m a glasses wearer so even if I had 28mm framelines, I cant see them anyways, so I shoot with an external viewfinder on 28. After realizing all this, I’m happy to say I’ve obtained another button rewind M2, my first love for film body Leica’s.

@FrankDavalos

10 ай бұрын

Believe it or not I went back to the MP. Something about that camera just was unbeatable for me. But man do I want an M2 so bad too. One day soon!

@s.j.249

10 ай бұрын

@@FrankDavalos hahah, hell yeah, we all got the leica bug 😂 can I ask what lens and filmstock setup you used for the wedding pictures in the beginning of the video? Looks like a 35mm focal length and the grains seem too fine to be tri-x.

@FrankDavalos

10 ай бұрын

Leica Q2M brother! All digital haha@@s.j.249

That’s my dream kit! Currently in the process of selling a medium format camera my M2 and M6 to get this camera. What strap and rapid winder is that?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

$13 strap from 5 years ago on Amazon and the Tom A Rapidwinder II man!

Totally with you bro

This is why I stick to my button rewind M2 save some major money not buying a M-A. I love my M2!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I had the same M2 man! Beautiful camera. Miss it

I have shot an M2 for 8 years. Last year I got an MP and recently sold it because I still shot my M2 all the time and prefered it. The MP was great, but I found the light meter distracting and it does not take IXMOO Leica cassettes. I still may buy a MA. I totally agree that the M3 and the M2 are the best Leicas ever.

Never realized those Leica ma are so tall compared to the others. What strap is that ?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think they are that much taller man! Probably just looks big in my small hands haha. The strap is actually an old leather strap from Amazon. They don’t sell them anymore probably because there was no way they made money off them haha. It is a very good strap and it was only like $20 CAD somehow. I have straps worth ten times that and still aren’t as good!

I have many cameras with no built-in light meters (3 Nikon SLRs, 2 Fuji medium format rangefinders, 2 Mamiya RB67 medium format SLRs, and 1 4x5 inch view camera). I also have many cameras with non-functioning built-in light meters (2 Canon 35mm rangefinders, 3 Pentax Spotmatics, and 3 Fuji 35mm SLRs. My Leica M6 has a working built-in light meter but I prefer using a handheld light meter or the Sunny 16 guidelines. I would never sell my M6 just to buy another film camera with no light meter. It is so much easier just to remove the battery from the M6.

Can we get an updated review of Leica M-A ? Much appreciated !

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Update… I went back to the MP!

I bought one before I saw this, but spot on.

Dude! Gotta hear your thoughts on the new M6!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Haha, I am still trying to work out what my thoughts are to be perfectly honest! We will see!

The biggest advantage of the M-A vs the MP is the M3 style metal iso dial in the back lol

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Prob my fav part of the M-A to be honest haha

@djharmonix

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos haha told ya! What is your IG man?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

@@djharmonix deleted it brother! KZread for now 🙏

You found what you like. I’m jonesin’ for the MP myself. In all seriousness get your cholesterol checked. If you have oily/greasy skin you may have too much lipids (fat) in your blood. I started eating better and my cholesterol went down and my oily skin went away.

@FrankDavalos

3 ай бұрын

Haha thanks man! I’m back with the MP believe it or not. Just have a special connection with that camera. I eat really clean man, but I could always probably drink more water!

@forgottenamericana

3 ай бұрын

@@FrankDavalos wowsers. Well now you know. I myself like to have the light meter handy. You can always take the battery out if you want a “MA expirence”. :-)

@FrankDavalos

3 ай бұрын

@forgottenamericana my battery is dead all the time 😂

start watching at 4:50

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

More like 05:06 actually

@throughmyeyes9940

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos thanks, even better

I had a leica MA, I ended up selling it for a m10p and just kept using my m3 as my film leica.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I have had a similar thought! But 28mm

The MP is a mechanical camera. If you were distracted by the light meter just remove the battery. The camera is still fully operational minus the light meter.

@FrankDavalos

7 ай бұрын

I am not distracted by the light meter - the viewfinder is brighter in the MA than the MP. I’ve owned both and it’s just a fact haha. And yes I know the Mp is fully mechanical as well. Thanks for watching!

I traded my M2 for RZ67 couple of years ago. So happy I did it but I do miss the simplicity of the M2 at times.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

For me, I could never live without a 35mm camera. My RB67, as amazing as it is… isn’t fun to bring along everywhere haha

@stuartwalker121

Жыл бұрын

Just a brick you are carrying around Chris.

I like the black paint on MP, and the silver dial in MA. How , lol ? Also, I find the single leica engraving on top of Leica mp is too plain without traditional 3 lines engraving, I rather remove engraving to be honest. I bought MP recently but start thinking about getting a Silver MA. By the way, a MP is enough is trade for MA, how did you also trade your M6 + MA for MP ?

@FrankDavalos

4 ай бұрын

Can’t go wrong with either man! I agree I like the silver ISO dial

makes sense. honestly for film you really only need 1 leica M and whichever one you choose is the one for you! having an m6 and MP is just over kill

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Agreed man! Thanks for making me feel better hahaha

@ofeykalakar1

Жыл бұрын

The IIIG with a Leicavit to rule them all

@Zetaphotography

Жыл бұрын

I’m on my 4th Leica M M3 DS sold M2 M6 M3 DS bought again. Need to own one and shoot a year to respect it

What lenses are compatible with the M2 or M3?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

All!

@jasongold6751

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos Every single lens (that can be removed), ever made by Leitz and Leica.

What´s that rapidwinder called? What brand? thanks!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Tom A Rapidwinder II

@frankbregulla564

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos thanks man, really like your philosophy

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

@@frankbregulla564 thanks for watching man!

You cannot try out a Leica-M! A year at least. Shooting daily or weekly, a must. Know you could have had way more, in features, for the money. The M3 are long in tooth! A hard knock and viewfinder, could go black . The glues are now old and brittle. Even though the M6 has lousy frames, It is NEWER. Don't bother with wide angle 28mm and 35mm! The 50mm is better for learning. Learn to use feet, not lenses. If one starting "Film" photography, I suggest a mechanical SLR. Pentax Spotmatic and K-series, Canon AE-1p, AV-1 and some Minoltas. Fraction of cost. The Canons are electronic! BW is very east to self process but needs a scanner.. Use Color negative film. Downtown Camera in Toronto. Nice video.

You could’ve just taken the battery out of the MP and voila!

Congratulations. Personally, I don't see much difference between the MP and the M-A. Both offer pure mechanical excellence - once you remove the battery from the MP. I would have not sold the M2. Don't underestimate the warranty. I needed to send in my brand new MP for repair twice. On warranty. They also replaced the sandpaper with the leatherette for free on warranty.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I don’t see much difference between the M2 and M-A if I’m being honest. I like the sharkskin better than the leatherette. So far that’s the only thing I miss about my MP. What did your Mp need repairs on?

@BeingWolfy

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos The 28mm framelines, which was one of your items on your checklist.

@weisserth

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos film transport and shutter cock mechanism was faulty, the shutter button would block every third frame. Their first repair fixed that but disengaged the light meter on every third frame, so they needed to fix that too. It's flawless now. Glad I had the warranty. It's three years, no questions asked. Worth having that for sure!

@weisserth

Жыл бұрын

@@BeingWolfy my MP has 28mm frame lines. The issue is viewfinder magnification. 28 only makes sense with a 0.58x viewfinder in my opinion.

@BeingWolfy

Жыл бұрын

@@weisserth yep, but the M2 doesn't have 28 framelines and is what I was referring to.

take out batteries from Leica MP and you will get M-A

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

You don’t say… I’ve never heard of that before ☠️

The MP like the MA is also fully mechanical. (MP = mechanical perfection.) The battery is simply there for the light meter. I suppose one could get good enough to never need a light meter, but it seems wise to be able to reference one. At the end of the day both the MP and MA are mechanical and manual, so the photographer has to decide what to do with the meter information. I suppose one day the MP meter will stop working, whereas the MA won't have that issue. Idk. I own an MP. Both cameras are amazing. But I need a meter, either external or internal.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Yea I should have been more clear about that in my video. I know it’s fully mechanical but I was referring to the shooting experience. The light meter is less of a mechanical experience. I love the MP as much as the M-A. They’re both absolutely incredible.

Would love an update

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Update: She gone!

Agree with all you say except Nikon `cos I cant afford Leica; haha. The modern digital cameras - a Z6ii in my case - are brilliant amazing unbelievable. So I bought a Nikon FM3a. Why? As I said agree with all you say. Awesome.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Hey man, I have a Nikon f3 and it’s one of the best. I almost wish it was an M2 for that mechanical deliciousness!

@tonyhayes9827

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos Hellyeah, all power to you Frank.

@ofeykalakar1

Жыл бұрын

The FM3A is mechanical perfection with the added AE-L. I have both the BP MP and a BP FM3A with black 45AiP f2.8 pancake lens.

Dude: the MP is EXACTLY the same as the M-A, with a light meter. TAKE THE BATTERY OUT AND YOU HAVE NO LIGHT METER!!

@FrankDavalos

11 ай бұрын

It’s not exactly the same nope

Condolences. Now lets see some photography

@FrankDavalos

28 күн бұрын

I don’t do photography sorry

@lensman5762

28 күн бұрын

@@FrankDavalos Very sad.

Why not just take out the battery out of the MP?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Honestly, it’s a good question that I thought about before letting go of my MP. But to me it felt like getting a camera with a back screen and then turning off the back screen… you could do it, but why? Haha. I like the challenge that the M-A presents - the MP is so fast!

It’s all a bit of a first world fetish. Most Ms are very similar.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

You’re not wrong haha

What's your favorite lens/focal length for shooting family?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

I’d say 28mm is the easiest for capturing memories…. But 35mm is a good compromise which helps capture a bit more emotion … then if you’re speedy enough, 50mm is the best for portraits. Lololol, that’s a tough question.

I thought you are going to keep the MP for your kids😂

@FrankDavalos

6 ай бұрын

You’ll be happy to know that over a year later I have the MP now! 😂

If you are looking for an an exceptional experience with a camera then Leica should be considered at the top of the list. My M10 monochrome has the look of medium format. I’m looking at some photos that I took in Portugal and Spain and they are damn amazing.

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Yessir! Feel the same way about my Q2M. A camera I adore. All my other M cameras are purely for the shooting experience.

got rid of the m9?

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Hell no my brother!

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Leica “film” cameras :p #clickbaitking

@salmaanmoolla5065

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos lol just making sure !!!

Well pricewise... Is there an alternative? Nope. If you want a modern analog rangefinder, that you can buy new. Leica...

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

New M6 announced on Oct 20th is the alternative, comes in a bit cheaper

you need to let your woman to figure out what to do with your money. you obviously have no idea :-) On a serious note, I totally with you on getting a fully mechanical Leica.

Just take the battery out 😂😂 would have saved a ton .. spend it on film…..

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Would have saved a ton? I saved much more by selling my m6 and MP for the M-A man!

@deantaylor1512

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos ok .. fair enough.. I can understand selling the M6… I too ran both an M6 and mp … sold the M6 cos the mp is a far better camera…and it just sat on the shelf.. but sell Mp for MA … na… just take battery out … I don’t even bother with one now … Still your choice and I hope you GAS is finally sedated… great camera though and would be my choice if I was buying new tomorrow…

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

@@deantaylor1512 lol, I don’t think it’s GAS necessarily. I think I was just trying to find the camera that worked for me. GAS to me is buying cameras and gear and not using them. I’m actually really happy with the M-A, more so than I was with the MP! But that’s the beauty about photography… there’s no right answer for everyone! Thanks for watching Deans! 🙏

@deantaylor1512

Жыл бұрын

@@FrankDavalos yes it’s a great camera… l love my Mp because I learned so much about photography with it … especially about basic exposure… so much so I happy not to bother with batteries…had it since 2003… but knowing what I know now I would definitely pick up the MA… Good luck with it and hope you keep it as long as I’ve had my MP…

Encouraging alcoholism.

you made a absolutely right choice. in fact, people should not buy any LEICA made after 1980

@FrankDavalos

Жыл бұрын

Well which one is it! My M-A is brand new haha