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M5 metering, How does it work


PaulL

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I understand the M5 has a drop down sensor for metering.

Do you have too half press or something too meter or is its normal position down, and then it flips up prior too shutter release.

 

Does it add too camera shake ?:confused:

 

I have the possibility of acquiring an M5 and know little about the camera.:D

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The M5 has a CDS meter cell in front of the image plane. When you wind the shutter the arm that the cell is attached to swings up into place, there isn't an 'off switch' - the battery drain is extremely slow - in storage, keep a lens cap on to further extend the battery. There is no shake or vibration to affect exposures.

 

Upon releasing the shutter, it drops down into it's 'space' and the shutter opens, it works extremely well. Additionally, the actual metering area is defined in the finder according to what lens you use - the coverage area is the secondary finder frames themselves. This is much better for precise metering when compared to the M6's and later models.

 

Battery power is a factor however, as the older style cells are not available, but Leica, or others on this site can assist what batteries are available. The M5 is a larger camera so be prepared for that, again, it is great camera.

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Do you have to half press or something to meter

 

Actually, one of the M5's few quirks is that if you touch the shutter release *even a little,* the meter arm will start to retract and the meter reading may be inaccurate. This is the complete opposite of those cameras where the meter reading locks if you depress the shutter release halfway! The other metering quirk is that the M5 meter needle is affected by turning the camera vertically. Meter in the horizontal position, then flip the camera over.

 

The M5 is a great camera.

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Note also that the M5 manual says to meter holding the camera horizontally, vertical readings will not be accurate- I think this must have something to do with the needle in the VF. I've noticed it does move when you shift to a vertical. I got used to the metering very quickly. Ergonomics are fantastic with the M5, and the Abramsson Rapidgrip can be modified to fit on the M5 pretty easily.

DSCN1342.jpg

DSCN1344.jpg

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Hi Paul,

Here is the Leica M5 manual

Maby this is some help,

all the best

Ruben

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The metering system is similar to a photo cell, to my understanding. I have a Leica CL that has the same metering system, and have had no trouble metering vertically. (I do it with all my cameras)

 

The meter display in the M5 is not the same. Do NOT meter vertically with an M5. You will get incorrect readings.

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