mojobebop Posted December 5, 2008 Share #1 Posted December 5, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Interested in thoughts on the m5. For seemingly a great user camera, there appears to be an aversion to it. In terms of quality, usability i'd be interested in thoughts. I have an m6. Have always wanted to purchase a m4, which obviously has no meter. However the m5 may be more versatile. I am not normally one of these people who cannot decide. I have the usual problem with size, shape of m5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Hi mojobebop, Take a look here m5. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mooky Posted December 5, 2008 Share #2 Posted December 5, 2008 Used one for years and loved it completely. I liked it more than my M6 as it allows you to more precisely measure with the meter because you use the finder frames for the metering field area. Too, the cross lines that indicate correct exposure confirmation was easy to use as well - the added benefit to me was in the overall design. The clustered controls are still without competition for ease of use and simplicity in any rangefinder including the other Leica M's. The shape for me was perfect and the additional size not a factor at all. I still believe they dropped the ball on the M5 by listening to complainers; at least with electronic miniaturization around the corner it may have shrunk back to size anyway - but even so, the current metering field by 'guess work' is still not superior to the M5, never mind the control cluster concept. Finally, the ability to have continuously variable shutter speeds between most settings meant nearly perfect exposures every time. Other than an M5, my favorite would be an M4mot, unfortunately they're like 'hens teeth' and very expensive. The early addition M5's had just 2 vertical strap lugs - they eventually had 3. I seriously thought of having a small SL2 style back light installed behind the 'cross-lines' by DAG to facilitate even lower low light use but never did - I've heard of others installing the different magnification finders. I'd be a bit surprised if you didn't like a 5 given some hands-on experience with one. Remember be sure of the using any of the wide angles on a 5 because the metering arm in the housing - some lenses protrude too far back into the body. Good Luck!!!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mole73 Posted December 5, 2008 Share #3 Posted December 5, 2008 I am a proud user of the legendary M5 since February 2008. It is my second M-body since I bought the fabulous MP five years ago. The M5: - is very well built - has a very bright viewfinder - has user-friendly ergonomics - feels well in my hands (i have no big hands) And when it comes to the shape i have to say that the M5 has only one problem: her older and younger sisters, which are the most beautiful cameras ever built. When you leave this behind, perhaps you see that she has an elegance of her own! I never regretted the decision to buy the M5. It is the perfect counterpart of my MP. For me these two are The Beauty And The Beast! Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted December 5, 2008 Share #4 Posted December 5, 2008 To me, it's the best film Leica ever made. Only problem is that it "felt different" to the traditionalists. It's the best example of what Leitz was all about: Pushing the envelope mechanically and optically. Someone mentioned to me that the metering coupling seemed "Rube Goldberg" to him (sorry, I've forgotten the British equivalent of the term). To me, that fully functional mechanical linkage is a marvel. The M5 had in its day the most responsive meter and would meter down to 30 sec. The mercury cells for which it was designed are no longer produced. The alkaline cells that look the same do not work. Some people find the older batteries still available on eBay; or Sherry Krauter (Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch.***) can modify the camera to work properly with the current batteries. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooky Posted December 6, 2008 Share #5 Posted December 6, 2008 I may be incorrect, but when I sent my Leicaflex in to DAG, he was able to adjust the meter measuring to properly use the new cells. It may be possible then to do the same with the M5. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jank Posted December 6, 2008 Share #6 Posted December 6, 2008 You can get drop-in replacement for the M5 meter battery from myoldcamera.com It may have a shorter life that the original mercury type , but works well. Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted December 6, 2008 Share #7 Posted December 6, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) ... Someone mentioned to me that the metering coupling seemed "Rube Goldberg" to him (sorry, I've forgotten the British equivalent of the term). ... Howard, Heath Robinson? Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted December 6, 2008 Share #8 Posted December 6, 2008 I may be incorrect, but when I sent my Leicaflex in to DAG, he was able to adjust the meter measuring to properly use the new cells. It may be possible then to do the same with the M5. I should have mentioned him as well. He and Sherry both worked at Leica US while I was there and both do excellent work. You can get drop-in replacement for the M5 meter battery from myoldcamera.comIt may have a shorter life that the original mercury type , but works well. You're right. I think there are several options besides modifying the camera. And if a camera ever goes to Leica after modification, they will return it to factory spec. So finding a functional battery is probably the better way to go. Heath Robinson? Pete--Yes, I think that's it. A "Rube Goldberg contraption" is one that is mechanically overly complex. Same thing for Heath Robinson? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux50 Posted December 6, 2008 Share #9 Posted December 6, 2008 Have had my black 3 lug for 34 years. It is a great camera! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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