just ordered an M5.

[iedei]

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i haven't shot film since i was a child. just got my Leica M8.1 (M8u) a couple of months ago.....but have been sort of secretly obsessed with the M5. I held one at Adorama a few weeks ago and couldn't stop thinking about having one! My primary camera will still be the M8, however I would love to have an M5 to shoot with occasionally.....or in those times when I feel inspired to!

 

So i gave in this evening....and ordered a Minty M5 (2 lugs) in black...with original cap, box, manuals,and ever ready case

 

are there any good online resources for the M5? or places for me to get good tips on using it? how many M5 owners are there here? I don't read much about it on these forums.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello iedei,

 

There is a place called "L.CameraForum" you might try looking for in the computer. I hear they are a good place to read when you are looking for information of this type. They have different sections where you can ask questions about the different aspects of camera, lens, metering, tripod, etc use.

 

Nice camera. Best meter, best shutter speed dial, 3 flash sync circuits, each independent of the other but can also be used together in any combination, etc.

 

Enjoy your new camera along w/ the other.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[wlaidlaw]

Certainly a "different" choice to go for an M5. They have probably got an unfairly bad reputation, with the upside that they are good value for money. The Leica world is polarised into those who think it is a big, ugly, brutally styled gargoyle and those who believe it was cutting edge technology for the time.

 

You must use Wein zinc/air MRB625 -1.35V cells for the meter, as mercury PX625 cells have been banned for environmental reasons. Do not be tempted to use the cheaper, more readily available, silver oxide cells, as these are too high voltage (1.6V) and will give wrong readings. The downside of the zinc air cells, is that they do not last very long (I use them in my MR-4 Leicameter). A good one lasts around 6 months but they can last as little as two months, due to the sticker covering the air holes prior to use, having leaked air. I buy them 4 at a time from the USA via eBay, which is much cheaper than buying them from UK dealers.

 

Wilson

[wlaidlaw]

It is also worth pointing out that there are certain lenses which you cannot fit on an M5: 4/21mm and 3.4/21mm Super Angulons and early pre - 2314928 serial no.2.8/28mm Elmarit. These lenses can be used however, if you get the mounts modified so they don't cause the light-meter arm to extend. This will prevent a light-meter reading but, the lenses can be used once thus modified and you will just have to estimate light or use an external meter.

 

Additionally, all collapsible lenses cannot be collapsed into the M5 as they would damage the CdS meter cell arm. At one time, Leica used to supply a kit to stop these lenses collapsing but tape is equally effective. I use tape on my hex diaphragm 50 Summitar when on my M4, as it fouls the curtain tracks when collapsed. The tape I use is Scotch 3M magic tape, as the sticky does not deteriorate into a gooey mess, like many other tapes and comes off cleanly without residue.

 

Wilson

[TomB_tx]

I bought an M5 a while back, after skipping it when it first came out. It is a great camera to use. The semi-spot meter is excellent, letting you meter off just the area of interest.

As mentioned, Wein cells work fine, or use the CRIS 625 adapter that takes a 386 cell and reduces the voltage. Leica techs like DAG or Sherry can also recalibrate the meter to take standard 1.5V cells. (DAG serviced mine, and said he does a LOT of these recalibrations.)

[AB007]

In addition to what was mentioned above I would like to add:

 

The shutter speed selector dial allows the user to seamlessly turn the speed selector dial with their right forefinger without having to remove their eye from the finder. It's a different feel from other Ms which I love.

 

Exposure measurements should be made with the camera held horizontally.

 

The optical attachments of the 35/3.5 Summaron and the 50/2 DR cannot be fitted without modification on the M5.

 

The M5 is also supplied with its own body cap and it is recommended that only this type be used.

 

It's a great user camera. I have a silver chrome with 50 and a black chrome with 90.

 

Enjoy!

[SteveYork]

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M5s are great cameras. Probably one of the more practical Ms, and the only one with a sensitive spot meter. Most who criticize the camera have never used one, and they're really not that much bigger. Almost all who have used the M5 have come to it from other Ms. In the last two decades I've owned an M4, M6, M6ttl, M7 and several MPs, but now only a pair of M5s (and Leicaflex's), because the M5 is the most user friendly of the group (and built at the tail end of that Golden Age when Leica cameras exuded quality).

 

My one regret is that I came to M5s so late, because I haven't been shooting rangefinders much in the last two years.

[iedei]

Hello iedei,

 

There is a place called "L.CameraForum" you might try looking for in the computer. I hear they are a good place to read when you are looking for information of this type. They have different sections where you can ask questions about the different aspects of camera, lens, metering, tripod, etc use.

 

Isn't that where we are, Michael? thanks.

 

Certainly a "different" choice to go for an M5. They have probably got an unfairly bad reputation, with the upside that they are good value for money. The Leica world is polarised into those who think it is a big, ugly, brutally styled gargoyle and those who believe it was cutting edge technology for the time.

 

It's interesting because i originally fell in love with the M5 because of its wonderful design. In fact, having now held many different M's in my hand during the search for a film M, i think the sharp lines and minimalist-type ethos of the M5's aesthetics is what really got me thinking M5. I have, however, read quite a bit about the polarizing perspectives about it. I don't think it's that much bigger than the other Ms....felt great to hold the last time i tested one! The viewfinder is very bright and clear as well. thanks!

 

I bought an M5 a while back, after skipping it when it first came out. It is a great camera to use. The semi-spot meter is excellent, letting you meter off just the area of interest.

As mentioned, Wein cells work fine, or use the CRIS 625 adapter that takes a 386 cell and reduces the voltage. Leica techs like DAG or Sherry can also recalibrate the meter to take standard 1.5V cells. (DAG serviced mine, and said he does a LOT of these recalibrations.)

 

so the seller told me that he put a "625A" battery and the light meter works fine. Is that a compatible/correct battery to use for this? This type of battery is still currently sold at B&H as well.

 

In addition to what was mentioned above I would like to add:

 

The shutter speed selector dial allows the user to seamlessly turn the speed selector dial with their right forefinger without having to remove their eye from the finder. It's a different feel from other Ms which I love.

 

Exposure measurements should be made with the camera held horizontally.

 

The optical attachments of the 35/3.5 Summaron and the 50/2 DR cannot be fitted without modification on the M5.

 

The M5 is also supplied with its own body cap and it is recommended that only this type be used.

 

It's a great user camera. I have a silver chrome with 50 and a black chrome with 90.

 

Enjoy!

 

Great tips. thank you! I currently only have a 40mm Summicron and a 35mm Voigtlander F1.4....but am thinking of getting a 50mm for the M5.

 

M5s are great cameras. Probably one of the more practical Ms, and the only one with a sensitive spot meter. Most who criticize the camera have never used one, and they're really not that much bigger. Almost all who have used the M5 have come to it from other Ms. In the last two decades I've owned an M4, M6, M6ttl, M7 and several MPs, but now only a pair of M5s (and Leicaflex's), because the M5 is the most user friendly of the group (and built at the tail end of that Golden Age when Leica cameras exuded quality).

 

My one regret is that I came to M5s so late, because I haven't been shooting rangefinders much in the last two years.

 

Great to hear from someone with much more vast experience than me! Am very excited to use a film M....have really fallen in love with randefinding with the M8 and would like to experience the full spectrum of film and digital.....different methods for different moods! thanks!

[TomB_tx]

The 625A is the same size as the original PX625, but the "A" indicated an alkaline cell, which is 1.5 Volts instead of the designed 1.34V. It will work, but if the meter has not been recalibrated for the higher voltage it would not read correctly, and would not be linear from low light to high.

However, the correct mercury cells have not been available for years, so it's possible someone had it recalibrated already.

[wlaidlaw]

The 625A is the same size as the original PX625, but the "A" indicated an alkaline cell, which is 1.5 Volts instead of the designed 1.34V. It will work, but if the meter has not been recalibrated for the higher voltage it would not read correctly, and would not be linear from low light to high.

However, the correct mercury cells have not been available for years, so it's possible someone had it recalibrated already.

 

The Wein Zinc/Air cells have been available for at least 10 years, which is about when it started to get difficult to find mercury cells. I certainly did not have much difficulty in finding genuine PX27 cells for Minox cameras ten years ago, as they have a long shelf life. They were also freely for sale in Vietnam just three years ago and I have to admit to buying three PX27's there. When they are dead, I will take them to Brighton University and ask them to dispose of them via their chemical waste system. I am told that just one PX27 mercury cell can pollute one cubic meter of earth in a landfill. Therefore, the M5 may well not have been recalibrated, given the ready availability (especially in the USA) of an appropriate mercury cell alternative of the same voltage. The easy way to find out is to use a good external meter and a cheap silver oxide cell in your M5 and see if the readings match. If they do, it has been recalibrated, if if doesn't - it hasn't. You will not damage the M5 with the higher voltage cell. I would suspect if it has been recalibrated it will have been to a 1.6V silver oxide cell rather than the cheaper, more leak prone 625A 1.5V alkaline cell.

 

Wilson

[Guest MarcRF]

The shutter speed selector dial allows the user to seamlessly turn the speed selector dial with their right forefinger without having to remove their eye from the finder. It's a different feel from other Ms which I love.

 

This is why I love the M6ttl so much. For the shutter speed dial

 

Congratulations on your new Leica. normally I would say that I hope it will serve you well but... come on, seriously, it's a leica. we all know it will

[Guest imro]

M5s are great cameras. Probably one of the more practical Ms, and the only one with a sensitive spot meter. Most who criticize the camera have never used one, and they're really not that much bigger. Almost all who have used the M5 have come to it from other Ms. In the last two decades I've owned an M4, M6, M6ttl, M7 and several MPs, but now only a pair of M5s (and Leicaflex's), because the M5 is the most user friendly of the group (and built at the tail end of that Golden Age when Leica cameras exuded quality).

 

My one regret is that I came to M5s so late, because I haven't been shooting rangefinders much in the last two years.

 

 

M5 = highest quality of german precision mechanics.

It is one of the very seldom cameras allowing you to select any intermediate shutter speeds between the full steps (aperture priority).

M5 is very good for users, perhaps less for collectors.

Meanwhile I have two of them, mostly one for slides and the other for b&w film.

Befor buying my first M5 I readed all I could find in the web and in this forum and took several other M models in my hands. For me all ways leaded back to the M5.

Wine Cells are o.k. but they live only some months, perhaps up to one year. When you need a new one it can take some hours after activation until they reach their full voltage.

You have more safety when your camera will be calibrated for 1,5 volt cells.

The old lightmeters with Cds-cells like the one in the M5 need very constant voltage for correct function.

Therefore it is not so good to take 625A (alkaline cells) because their voltage declines during lifetime.

The 1,55 volt silveroxid cells are better because they have a constant voltage comparable to the old mercury cells.

Due to the age of the M5 cameras I suggest to check the camera by a good repair shop. You have the good feeling that all works fine.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_M5

 

At the end of the wikipedia article you will find more usefull links for the M5.

[wlaidlaw]

Does the M5 have a battery voltage check system like the MR-4 Leicameter? Given how little time the Zinc Air Cells last (I have never, so far, had one last as long as a year - about 7 months is my best to date), I check the voltage regularly on my Leicameter. I may well decide to invest in one of the CRIS silver oxide voltage regulator holders, as the last lot of Wein cells were really poor with a couple of them only lasting two months. I suspect they had been stored in too warm an environment. I have been told that until you use them, you should store them in a fridge (not a freezer). I note the design has changed slightly on the latest batch which arrived last week. They now have 4 smaller air holes and a small pimple on the negative side. They are claimed to last longer.

 

625 adapter available here in the UK http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_mr9_adapter.htm

 

Wilson

[iedei]

it has arrived!!! still waiting on my Super Rokkor 50mm F1.8 to arrive, so put my CV 35mm F1.4 on it for the time being.

 

I am in love. Beautiful! The M5 is such a wonderful design....it feels better to hold than my M8 i must say. The camera is almost like new....no scratches, no wear at all...in fact the only flaw on it is a missing white tab for the timer switch...other than that, it looks as it would have brand new. Shutter is working good! Now i have to learn how to use it properly. lol. it came with the manual...so i guess i'll start there?

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[Paulus]

First Leica camera I ever used was the M5 which belonged to my father in law. It really felt special to me. It's still in the family. It was the reason I started with leica.

 

Congratulations with your buy!

[iedei]

First Leica camera I ever used was the M5 which belonged to my father in law. It really felt special to me. It's still in the family. It was the reason I started with leica.

 

Congratulations with your buy!

 

thank you sir! that's a great start you had!

 

it's amazing shooting with this M5. First of all, the camera is from 1972 (1349XXX) and is virtually untouched. I think it's the closest thing to a 'mint' or 'new' M5 i could have found, barring the missing selftimer tab. I almost feel guilty using it! I can't feel guilty though---because this is exactly why i bought it. The lightmeter is working great, and is very unique to use. The rangefinder is working beautifully as well!

 

I'm not sure how people find the M5 ugly.....because i find it to be absolutely beautiful! One of the most beautifully designed and built products i've ever owned. It feels like a tank.....a minimalist, functional tank. There is a definite german early 70s feel to this when holding it. I think Leica put a lot of effort into designing the M5, and it shows.

 

I am still on my first roll of film, however as someone who has not shot film for a very long time, and didn't actually think i'd shoot film again; i have to say i am enamoured by it all at this point! Let's hope my expired (in 2005) film was stored well all these years!

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[sksaito]

I have both the two and three lug versions. My hands are average size but I find the M5 fits in my hands better than all my other M film cameras. The metering is fantastic. I also use the voitlander 35mm that you have and framing is great. DAG also modified mine so I can use modern batteries. Congratulations.

[iedei]

I have both the two and three lug versions. My hands are average size but I find the M5 fits in my hands better than all my other M film cameras. The metering is fantastic. I also use the voitlander 35mm that you have and framing is great. DAG also modified mine so I can use modern batteries. Congratulations.

 

i don't have big hands...but i agree it feels fantastic in the hands! I am really getting used to the metering now....the first day i spend 10 minutes thinking it was broken...until i realised the lens cap was still on...d'oh!

 

I am also really loving the mystery and beauty of the M5...and how it was slammed back in the day, and the stories about how much effort went into the construction and design of it. Found this in a post on Photo.net

 

"According to Sherry, Leica never made a camera as fine as the M5 before and certainly never after, including the MP, which she will not discuss, I suppose, in order to maintain the good relationship she has with Leica. She says the design, quality of materials, and workmanship performed by the most experienced factory trained individuals of any camera builders in the industry, was simply unsurpassed. All parts were hand fitted and adjusted by technicians with at least 20 years of experience, until tolerances and performance were absolutely perfect. According to Sherry, the Leica M5 was the last camera assembled this way in Wetzlar, or anywhere on earth."

[designed]

Congrats on your new baby! I have a similar configuration myself; after owning an M8 for 2,5 years I decided I want to combine film shooting and Leicas, so I found an M5 for a decent amount of money from a nearby hobbyist.

 

He threw a lithium battery into the camera, which has the same voltage as the original but is a bit smaller. We then fashioned an adaptor out of the tin wrapper of a cigarette box if I recall this correctly. Later I had to put some WD-40 into the rewind crank which was absolutely stuck, but it's been fine since.

 

One thing that interests me is how differently the lenses behave on M8 and M5. I love my 35/2 Biogon on the M8, on the M5 it's a bit lukewarm. The 50/2 Planar doesn't really cut it on the M8, it's spot on on the M5. The 21 Elmarit I have is too wide all the time, but at least on the M5 I can use the external viewfinder to frame.

 

My only complaint about the M5 is that the meter stays on forever if left cocked, and I usually shoot film by cocking the camera right after the shot, so that was a habit I had to reverse with the M5. Oh and the hotshoe is a bit close to the rewind lever if you use Leica's 21mm viewfinder.

 

It's fantastic.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Guest Benqui]

Congratulations on your new "darling"!

I am sure that you will have a lot of fun.

 

best regards

 

Marc