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Where are the M5 owners & users


colin_d

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After using numerous film SLR's, the last being a Nikon F3, I have recently moved into Leicasphere and acquired a M5 and 5 lenses. I sent it off for cleaning and testing and it has come back ready to go. The previous owner kept it well maintained and in near mint condition.

 

I am purely a photo enthusiast, no pretentions, but enjoy the unrivaled personal experience/satisfaction of using a manual camera and believe the M5 will lift this to another level.

 

I have noticed that most of the discussion on film Ms revolves around M4, M6 & M7. Is this because of the "ugly duckling" tag, or are there few of them in existence now or are M5 owners coy?

 

I would love to hear the thoughts of other, current and past, M5 owners/users of their experiences, good and bad.

Edited by colin_d
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It is a very good camera, just was not well received because the traditional M body shape was gone. It did not sell well at all, so they reserected the M4 as the M4-2.

 

Actually the screw mount was the best body shape conceived, the M was second.

 

I am suprised the M8/9 sell because the body shape is adulterated. Guess people will do anything for digital.

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Colin,

 

Actually, there are many M5 aficcionados. Indeed, the camera was a bit of an ugly duckling to the Leica purists and did not sell very well but, it has a few features that were revolutionary (for a Leica RF at least...) Shutter speed display in the finder, superb tactile feel of the shutter speed dial were some of those features.

 

I owned an M5 many years ago but sold it the moment the M6 came out - I just had to have an classical-sized M body with a meter.

 

As to Tobey's comment about an 'adulterated' shape of the M8 and M9 - find me another digital camera that follows the shape and feel of its predecessors as closely as the M8 and M9 do. And one that accepts lenses made 70 years ago..... Yes, people will do anything to enjoy that kind of compatibility......;)

 

Best,

 

Jan

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Colin--

The M5 sold far below the company's projections because the traditionalists thought it didn't look or feel right. Since there weren't many sold, there aren't many around.

 

To me, the M5 is the epitome of what Leica was and is about. The challenges Leica faced at the time in putting a meter behind the lens are probably comparable to the those Leica faced to make a digital rangefinder.

 

Nonetheless, I found it harder to handhold at slow speeds than the 'classic' M body, and like Jan, I bought an M6 when it came out.

 

I still have the M5, but the M6 is the camera ready to go when I shoot film. :(

 

And since I now have an M8, I probably haven't shot a roll of film in three or four years.

 

So welcome. You're among friends here. :)

 

But for me, "have" and "use" are two different things with the M5.

Edited by ho_co
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Colin I guess I agree with the postings above. I have an M4, and M5 and a M6 and now a M8... I used the M5 a huge amount when I was in Brasil for 3 years and loved the camera....although I felt the M4 was a nicer shape and easier to hold, but required the MR meter or some other way to get the exposure reading. When the M6 was introduced with TTL metering it was a no brainer as the M6 is easier to hold, and frame. I tend to take the M6 out but do sometimes use the M5 when I am feeling nostalgic.

 

The M8 is being digital the camera I use more than anything.

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I'm unspoilt by the tactile pleasure of holding an M4 or M6, an SLR and their oversized lenses is all I've had. So the transition for to the M5 will be equivalent to you people going back to the cherished original design M shape, in that regard we share the same joy. I'm looking forward to getting to know my M5 with a passion, its outstanding quality and the meticuously crafted lenses I have.

 

The fact that the M5 is somewhat of an oddball in Leica circles sits well with my warped appeal for being different. Even having it hang sideways in front of me is bizarrely pleasing to me. But it doesn't matter how I feel I suppose, it's up to me to get the best out of it, and what is what most excites me.

 

I already love my M5 :)

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I have two, both retired in a display case alongside my SL2s.

 

 

rsh, I can only guess they have been retired for a good reason, did they give you long and loyal service?

 

I've got to say I never had one problem with the Nikon F3, it was a great workhorse, but I've been seduced into the Leica rangefinder field by the way users nearly have a reverential attachment to their camera. It was an irresistable urge to join them.

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"having it hang sideways"

 

I used to hang mine on one shoulder, under a jacket, and bring it up to eye level quickly. Perfect stealth camera. I suppose nowadays I would be arrested on the spot!

 

 

Superb camera, I used it with the 135 Elmarit (goggled) and a 35 Summicron IV.

 

Went to M6TTL, I think I was worried when my wife's CL had to have an expensive meter repair, so I decided the M5 would be even more costly to repair, and I traded it for the M6TTL.

 

I envy those who can just put a camera on a shelf and buy another!

 

Good Luck ,

John

Edited by jpattison
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