A vintage black camera with a Leica lens.

Leica M-A (Typ 127)

The Leica M-A, introduced in 2014, was essentially an Leica MP of 2003 with some important modifications357. It did not have a light meter or a battery357. One notable feature was the inner dial, which has two sides: one black and one red357. This design served to indicate whether you have color or black-and-white film loaded302. The Leica M-A was available in both black chrome and silver chrome finishes, with a price tag of $4750 USD at the time of introduction302.

The Leica M-A represented a commitment to analogue photography and emphasizes high-quality, long-lasting mechanics357. Unlike the Leica MP of 2003, which included a light meter and uses a minimal amount of electronics and a battery, the Leica M-A operated purely mechanically357. This design adheres to the tradition of earlier M models, such as the Leica M3 or Leica M4357.

By eliminating all electronic components, photographers could trust that the Leica M-A would perform reliably, even in challenging conditions and extreme temperatures357. The rangefinder, which featured coated optical surfaces, and the robust control knob for rewinding the film were derived from the Leica MP of 2003 and were engineered for maximum durability357. The mechanically controlled, rubberized cloth shutter ensures a unique, almost silent operation that always distinguished analogue M models from other cameras357. Furthermore, the Leica M-A excluded the iconic red dot found on the front, similar to the digital P models, enhancing its discreet appearance357.

In summary, the Leica M-A served as a purely mechanical alternative to the Leica MP of 2003357. It was more purist and reliable, though it might be somewhat less versatile357. In both cases, however, prioritizing maximum service life remained a key requirement357.


Some Known Prototypes

The Leica M-A gray sample camera that didn't have a serial number. It was dated circa 2015 was sold for 55000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "Gray paint finish sample unit, most likely a parallel design of an analogue version to the digital Leica M-P (Typ 240) gray edition, that was produced for the Leica Store Frankfurt. One of the most beautiful finishes among the modern Leica cameras."429.

The camera number N02/02 was a Leica M-A Hammertone Nullseries camera. It was dated circa 2016 was sold for 45000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "Nullseries to the strictly limited edition of 25 pieces, finished in hammertone gray paint. With matching Leicameter MC Nr. 89012 and Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 in silver anodized finish, without serial number. The series production of this edition was delivered with a Leicameter MR-4. In like new condition."429.

The camera number N04/08 was a Leica M-A Safari Nullseries camera. It was dated circa 2014 was sold for 7500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "Camera from the nullseries of a Leica M-A version, that was not realized in series. Presumably a special edition was planned. The topplate and bottomplate in safari green paint finish, the controls carried out in silver chrome finish. Engravings filled in red. The reardoor with dial for the film speed reminder. The body covering in green genuine leather. In like new condition."429.

The camera number 4915831 / P01/02 was a Leica M-A Edition Hammertone Prototype. It was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 30th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 19, 2016393. The lot was described as "For the 25th Anniversary of the Leica Shop in Vienna Leica Camera AG issued a special edition of 25 analoge Leica M-A (Type 127) cameras in grey hammer tone lacquered finish and reworked Leica Meter MR-4 in grey hammer tone finish, with NOCTILUX-M 1:0.95/50mm ASPH. in silver finish with classic outer design inspired by the very first version Noctilux 1.2/50mm with special edition number engraved on each lens - this is the prototype of the unique set"393. 

The camera number P03/14 dated circa 2014 is a Leica M-A Safari Prototype. It was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423. The lot was described as "Previously unknown prototype of a Leica M-A. Presumably a special edition was planned, but which was not realized in series. The topplate and bottomplate in safari green, the controls in black finish. Striking is the lack of a dial for the film speed reminder in the rear door. With Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 sample Nr. 4214288 with safari green name ring. The optics show minimal dust inclusions, small dent in the built-in lens hood. Never offered at auction before!"423.

The camera number P07/14 dated circa 2014 is a Leica M-A Safari Prototype. It was sold for 9000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423. The lot was described as "Previously unknown prototype of a Leica M-A. Presumably a special edition was planned, but which was not realized in series. The topplate and bottomplate in safari green, the controls in black finish. Engravings with red fillings. The back door with dial for the film speed reminder."423.


Special Editions of Leica M-A


Leica M-A "Edition 100" was introduced in 2014 as part of the Leica M Monochrom and Leica M-A "Edition 100" set, created to celebrate 100 years of Leica photography357. This special edition included both a Leica M Monochrom and a Leica M-A, each made of solid stainless steel and featuring a unique engraving on the top plate357. The set also comprised three lenses crafted from the same material: Summilux-M 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm f/1.4357. It was delivered in a black anodized aluminum case by Rimowa, along with a roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 black-and-white film357.

The Leica M-A "Leica Shop Vienna" was introduced in 2016, with a limited production of only 25 cameras357. This special series was created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Leica Shop in Vienna and features a unique hammertone finish357. Each camera was sold as a set, which included a silver anodized Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH lens and a Leica Meter MR-4, both also finished in hammertone357. Additionally, a special numbering (XX/25) was engraved on the hot shoe of each camera357.

Leica M-A "Titan" was introduced in 2022357. The camera, offered as a set, and the APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH. were both made of solid titanium357. Special numbering was also engraved on the hot shoe357.

Leica M-A "Edition 70" (Platinum) was introduced in 2024, with a limited production of 250 cameras357. This special edition was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Leica M series357. The camera features a platinum-plated surface and a high-quality black imitation leather armor357. Its control wheels have a classic cross knurling design357. Engraved on the top plate are the words "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany."357 Included in the set is a platinum-plated APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens, whose design and engravings are reminiscent of older M lenses357. Additionally, the set contains a platinum-plated Leicavit M fast-winding mechanism357. Both the camera, lens, and Leicavit are marked with a special serial number357. The set also comes with a platinum-plated film canister357.

Leica M-A number 5000000 ("Pope Francis") was auctioned off at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction and was described as "As a gesture of appreciation, Leica AG presented His Holiness Pope Francis with a unique Leica M-A camera, accompanied by the legendary Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 lens. Both the camera and lens bear the exclusive serial number 5000000, signifying another milestone in the history of Leica...". It was displayed in Yodobashi Fujisawa Camera Museum in Tokyo, Japan in August of 2026.

Leica M-A "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2025" was announced in October of 2025 to commemorate 50th anniversary of Leica HISTORICA. According to @leicahistorica's Instagram post from August 22, 2026, there were 2 sets, with 50 pieces each. One set was a Leica M-A "Leica HISTORICA 1975-2025" camera, finished in silver chrome with light blue genuine leather covering. The top plate and body featured anniversary and limited-edition engravings. The other set was Leica 35mm f/2 ASPH APO-Summicron lens, "produced for the first time in a silver chrome finish and in Leica’s so-called “Vintage Design”, inspired by the styling of Leica M lenses from the 1950s and 1960s". The afore-mentioned post featured photographs of prototype Leica M-A number 6242195 (P01/P05) with prototype lens numbered 5010295 (P01/P05) and prototype Leica M-A number 1234567 (00/50) with prototype lens numbered 2345678 (00-50) - the same set that was featured on the cover of Vidom 129 (06/2025). 

Some of other known sets included:

  • Leica M-A number 6242230 (30-50) with lens numbered 5010330 (30-50)
  • Leica M-A number 6242246 (46-50) with lens numbered 5010346 (46-50)

Leica M-A Hammertone "Leica Store Ginza 20th Anniversary" was introduced on April 23, 2026 during the dinner event celebrating 20th anniversary of Leica Store Ginza at the Grand Ballroom of Ritz Carlton Hotel (Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan). This unique camera was limited to just 100 units. It featured the engraving “20 JAHRE” on the left side of the front body to commemorate the anniversary, along with the classic “Leica” logo engraved on the top cover. The camera was scheduled to be released at Leica stores across Japan on Saturday, April 25, 2026. According to Holger Sparr, it was the first time that an M camera with "a factory-applied hammertone finish was directly available to the public".

Some known cameras included:

  • camera number 6253366, paired with 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M “Steel Rim” Reissue lens number 4836568 were presented the dinner event celebrating 20th anniversary of Leica Store Ginza at the Grand Ballroom of Ritz Carlton Hotel (Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan)
  • camera number 6253370 was illustrated on the marketing materials introducing the camera
  • camera number 6253407
  • camera number 6253498