Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Yep don't disagree with any of that. I was just disputing that the M-A was/is being bought up by collectors.
Right, the Leica forum shows a lot are using their M-As and asking questions, etc. Top condition used M4 (like mine that I bought in 1968) can still sell for $1500 or so, so that’s the competition for the M-A, but for people who have wanted a Leica for years, the M-A is an unexpected last chance to buy a new “classic” Leica.
I’d be tempted myself, but I’ve accumulated M2,3,4,5 & 6, and kept them all in very good working condition. Having used these for 50 years, they’re my favorite “users” - and probably better built than the M-A.
The most modern film camera I bought was a Zeiss Ikon ZM, introduced in 2004. It is a great shooter in the Leica M tradition, and uses the Leica M mount. In some ways better than the Leica M models, and sold for less; but the market wanted the Leica name.