Curious about the M5.....

[BigSteveG]

Some users appear to love it...others could care less. What's good about this camera? what's bad about it? prevailing prices for black v chrome? Any help is appreciated.

[BillBingham2]

The M5 is the only M with a Spot Meter, IMHO making it world class. Many need some TLC after this much time, but luckily there is Sherry who works wonders with them. They are larger than the traditional M body size/style which some people hate, but I think they are not too big. The shutter speed dial is perhaps one of the two handiest every designed (Canon EF was it's twin). The shutter is quiet like many other Leicas. Some people feel she hangs from the wrong side (her left) but the three lug version or operation (add-a-lug-to-me) corrects some of this. Many people (I'm one) think the read out in the finder is much better than the LEDs.

There was a deal a few minutes ago on the Classifieds for one that just had a CLA by Sherry for $900, this was a steal. It went fast.

Take a look at Stephen's classic camera section for some great reading on may different models:

http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

He has a great page on the M5. I'd go black, but then I think Black cameras look better most of the time.

B2 (;->

[BigSteveG]

Thanks Bill. Correction: Mr G's page!

[JNewell]

There have been several long threads on the M5 in the past month or two that really cover this. If you use the search and limit the search to the title field, you should find them. You may need to add a character because the search needs 3+ characters - try *M5 or M5*. Or, you can use google and limit the search with "site:fanefinderforum.com"

[sepiareverb]

Yes do read the recent threads. If this gets going again someone will end up with a black eye

[venchka]

Originally Posted by sepiareverb

Yes do read the recent threads. If this gets going again someone will end up with a black eye

You think?

[shimo-kitasnap]

is the M5's spot meter the same one in the CL?

[venchka]

Originally Posted by shimo-kitasnap

is the M5's spot meter the same one in the CL?

I'm no expert. Sherry Krauter would know for sure. The principle of the sensor on a swinging arm is similar. I don't know if the sensor itself is the same.

[czamagni]

Originally Posted by shimo-kitasnap

is the M5's spot meter the same one in the CL?

no, it works in the same way, mounted on a swinging arm, but it's different.

I also recommend read the previous threads and to look also at this review by C. Hoehne, wich is even better than G's page:

http://photo.net/equipment/leica/m5/

bye

[sepiareverb]

The M5 is just a different camera that's all, not your M3 or M6. Great meter, in a little bit bigger body than an M6. Different cosmetics, different ergonomics. If you like it, you tend to love it; if you are unable to like it you tend to hate it, and unfortunately many of those who don't like it deride it. Give one a try and see what you think. It shouldn't be a money losing deal unless you spend too much for one.