Compare and contrast M5 and M6(non-TTL) 0.85

[johnastovall]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm wanting to get at least one M film body with built in metering and thought I had narrowed it down to the M6 (non-TTL) 0.85 but has had two very knowledgable Leica shooters tell me I should really give serious consideration the the M5.

 

Those who have used both or use the M5 now what are it's positives and negatives? Same for the M6 (non-TTL) 0.85?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[wizard]

First of all, the M6 non-TTL 0.85 version is very rare, almost a collector's piece, so you would likely have to pay a premium to acquire one of those. The M5 is more common, but older, so figure in a CLA once you buy one. The M5's finder is quite good, provided it is clean, but I would not rate it over the finder of an M6. Between M5 and M6, the difference isn't really the finders, it's the bigger size of the M5 and the different layout of controls, both externally and in the finder. Buy what you feel more comfortable with, they are both excellent cameras if up to spec.

 

Andy

[jc_braconi]

The inside metering is different, from M5 it is a CdS photo resistant on the M6 it is a Silicon photo diode. The second is more accurate.

[lars_bergquist]

The problem with old CdS cells is that they deteriorate and give up the spirit entirely. Replacing it would be difficult enough. The camera also used a mercury battery, so you will have to run it on a Wein cell or similar, and a recalibration of the meter may well be necessary.

 

My earnest advice is to go the M6 way.

 

The old man from the Age of Selenium Meters

[LeonardT]

[quote=johnastovall;714076

Those who have used both or use the M5 now what are it's positives and negatives? Same for the M6 (non-TTL) 0.85?

 

M5 Advantages: Not many. But the original RF is less cluttered for 50mm and 90mm lenses.

Disadvantages: Should be re-calibrated to use 1.5 volt batteries.

The match needle meter is more difficult to use in poor lighting

versus

the M6 LED arrow system. Also the M6 arrows respond very quickly

versus the M5 needle.

Heavier camera.

The swing up meter arm can get in the way preventing the use of

some lenses, like the older 28mm Elmarit. Also be careful with

collapsible lenses.

 

My M5 has been modified with the M6 rangefinder and frames. The meter has also been re-calibrated. But even without the upgrades I enjoy using my M5 more then my M6. There's just something about the feel of it that I enjoy. I guess it's the same reason I enjoy using the Leica II or IIIA.

 

But the most reasonable thing to do would be to get the M6.

 

Len

[john_newell]

Have currently an M6 .72x, M6 .85x and my son's M5 reworked by Sherry K with recalibrated meter and a new CdS cell.

 

Myself? I would pick the M6, either version, over the M5. The .85x version is not that hard to find, I have owned several, and they were not priced at a premium to regular M6 bodies, though they should probably have been since they are very low production.

 

The .85x finder is for me the clincher. I don't find the 28mm frames very useful in the regular finder, and I don't have a problem using the 35mm frames in the .85x finder, but I do find focusing is faster and more precise, almost as good as an M3. The .85x is, functionally, as close to an M3 with a meter as you'll get for reasonable money, and that is a high recommendation.

 

The M5 is a great camera, to be sure. It has a few quirks even after updating. The meter doesn't work with the camera held vertically. (Well, it works, but the reading is not accurate.) The meter is also less responsive (speed of response) than modern silcon cells (has nothing to do with age, it's just the nature of the beast.) I liked the shutter speed dial and I liked the speed readout in the finder, but I didn't like the rewind on the base (creature of habit that I am) and at the end of the day, though the differences are quantitatively trivial, I didn't like the size or shape of the M5. That is purely personal preference and is not a reflection on the camera at all. My hands were just too used to the classic M body shape and dimensions.

 

I read a lot of people complaining on other fora that the M6 LEDs are too distracting. Some of them are better photographers than I will ever be. However, I do not find it to be an issue. I bought one of the first M6es back in 1984 and it really doesn't bother me...but then I liked the F2 and FM2 as well.

 

The very last M I would part with would be my .85x. That sums it up for me...