M5, What a Camera

roundg · 07-28-2010

Now I have my beloved black M5 on the working table, along with the new purchased M6TTL 0.85.

The difference is obvious. The M6 looks more pretty with the right ratio (I mean the ratio of height vs width) when sitting there. But M5 is clearly a winner when it's in your hands --- the extra width give your fingers more room on the right side of the body; and it balances really well with a big lens like a Summilux 50mm.

The speed dial of the M6TTL is much better than a M6 classic, but still can't be compared with the sweet large dial on the M5.

The RF patch of the M5 is better against flare than the M6TTL and the even the black chrome finish feels obviously better than that on the M6TTL.

M5, what a camera.

Keith · 07-28-2010

I would never call the M5 a beautiful camera but it's certainly handsome IMO!

Rugged good looks but rather odd ... like Chuck Norris!

Mablo · 07-28-2010

I've been planning for a black M5 some day. I don't mind about the looks. Most people outside our small RFF circles think all Leicas look odd and archaic.

rxmd · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mablo

I've been planning for a black M5 some day. I don't mind about the looks. Most people outside our small RFF circles think all Leicas look odd and archaic.

Inside our small RFF circles, however, they debate on the aesthetic qualities of old-style vulcanite vs. new-style leatherette, on M3 vs. M2 windows, on the virtues of the reflections of the coatings on MP viewfinders vs. M4 viewfinders etc. (I'm exaggerating only the slightest bit.) People worry that a chrome body will be a mismatch to their existing black lenses; no wonder that an extra centimeter at the side of the body sends everybody off base.

P. Lynn Miller · 07-28-2010

If you could transplant an M3 finder into an M5... that would be a camera!

mabelsound · 07-28-2010

I find the M5 very appealing, too...

P. Lynn Miller · 07-28-2010

Fairly reliable as well... just got back in from a night shoot... pouring with rain... was soaked in about 15 minutes... finally pulled the pin I could not keep the front element dry and was struggling to focus because of all water in the rangefinder window. After towel down, the M5 and Nokton 50/1.1 are happily back on the shelf.

Fujitsu · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Lynn Miller

Fairly reliable as well... just got back in from a night shoot... pouring with rain... was soaked in about 15 minutes... finally pulled the pin I could not keep the front element dry and was struggling to focus because of all water in the rangefinder window. After towel down, the M5 and Nokton 50/1.1 are happily back on the shelf.

Prepare for fungus happily growing in your Nokton now. Congrats. That lens is not weather sealed.

P. Lynn Miller · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fujitsu

Prepare for fungus happily growing in your Nokton now. Congrats. That lens is not weather sealed.

Could happen... but I doubt it. My 35/1.2 has been even wetter many times and some of my old Nikkors have been completely submerged a few times, even in salt-water without ill-effects. If a lens cannot survive a downpour, then it will not live long in my bag...

I did not get this shot by being afraid of the rain...

Taken with my M5 and Nokton 35/1.1

sc_rufctr · 07-28-2010

I've always loved the M5. It's a no nonsense camera that works with you.

They have always had their own dedicated following.

sc_rufctr · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fujitsu

Prepare for fungus happily growing in your Nokton now. Congrats. That lens is not weather sealed.

Fungus in a lens is usually caused by incorrect storage.
A short shower wouldn't hurt it unless you didn't bother to wipe it off before storing it away.

If you want to stop fungus... Just use your gear. Get it out and take some photos.

Mr Fungus doesn't like sunlight and fresh air

sc_rufctr · 07-28-2010

Mr P. Lynn Miller

Great photo. Is that Sydney?

DNG · 07-28-2010

It just balances nicely
and it IS Handsome indeed!

ferider · 07-28-2010

Now, now, ... a .85 M6 is not so bad either. At least the meter shows the same value in camera landscape and portrait orientation

I can recommend the MP finder upgrade, BTW.

Roland.

Gazzah · 07-28-2010

Just got my M5 - I have only handled an M6 for a few hours and I must say I prefer the 5 - better grip, speed dial, viewfinder - it just feels much nicer - apart from the shutter - it seems heavier to me, maybe I need to try a soft release.
Its taking me some time to get used to the metering after using Bessas with their strange metering shape and digital Nikons with their variations of metering.
But I do love the M5..

sc_rufctr · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazzah

Just got my M5 - I have only handled an M6 for a few hours and I must say I prefer the 5 - better grip, speed dial, viewfinder - it just feels much nicer - apart from the shutter - it seems heavier to me, maybe I need to try a soft release.
Its taking me some time to get used to the metering after using Bessas with their strange metering shape and digital Nikons with their variations of metering.
But I do love the M5..

Excellent... Now go out and buy some film and take heaps of beautiful photos with it.

P. Lynn Miller · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferider

Now, now, ... a .85 M6 is not so bad either. At least the meter shows the same value in camera landscape and portrait orientation

I can recommend the MP finder upgrade...

Roland,

Where and how much... I have sent several E-mails to known Leica mechanics regarding upgrading to a .85 finder, but never had a reply.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Great photo. Is that Sydney?

Yes... taken at the corner of Crown and Oxford.

Krosya · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I've always loved the M5. It's a no nonsense camera that works with you.

They have always had their own dedicated following.

I keep telling you all - M5 is the best M film Leica.

I sure love mine:

TennesseJones · 07-28-2010

great shot!

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Lynn Miller

Could happen... but I doubt it. My 35/1.2 has been even wetter many times and some of my old Nikkors have been completely submerged a few times, even in salt-water without ill-effects. If a lens cannot survive a downpour, then it will not live long in my bag...

I did not get this shot by being afraid of the rain...

Taken with my M5 and Nokton 35/1.1

ferider · 07-28-2010

Lynn, great photo !

I've had the upgrade done at http://www.stevecamera.com. Not sure about price, it was in the context of other stuff (meter replacement and CLA). But they are very responsive.

Just re-read your email: this was only an M6 -> MP anti-flare upgrade. Not a change of magnification and I don't own an M5.

Roland.

P. Lynn Miller · 07-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferider

Lynn, great photo !

I've had the upgrade done at http://www.stevecamera.com. Not sure about price, it was in the context of other stuff (meter replacement and CLA). But they are very responsive.

Roland,

Thanks for the compliment on the photo!

I will get in touch with them about upgrading my M5 to a .85 finder. What frame-line did you choose?

In my opinion the M5 is not about the normal compact, light-weight RF style, but about being to utilize the key advantages of a rangefinder camera in the most efficient method. That is the actual method of focusing by coincident is still the easiest way to accurately focus in no light, the meter of the M5 is a spot allowing very precise light readings, and the size and weight of the M5 balances nicely with big lenses, Nokton 35/1.2, Nokton 50/1.1, Summicron 90, and I suspect that Noctilux and Summilux 75 would handle nicely as well. And the density of the M5 allows hand-helding at ridiculously low shutter speeds with a reasonable success rate.

Just my opinion... of course!

Vickko · 07-28-2010

The M5 is the perfect camera for some of the larger Leica lenses, e.g. Noctilux, 75 Summilux, and I anticipate nicely balances a 21mm Summilux

Vick

lemalk · 07-28-2010

Ugh. This makes me miss the M5 I sold last year.
It was just a perfect camera. The size, weight - everything!

...then I remember the cost and pain of film.

Until I win the lotto, digital is the way to go.

But...congratulations to all the M5 owners out there. It is a *phenomenal* camera.

kdemas · 07-28-2010

I totally agree, the M5 is really nice for larger lenses. I enjoy the ergonomics in general with any lens.

It also has one of the nicest finders for the 50mm focal length and, in my opinion, the quietest shutter of any M.

zleica · 07-28-2010

M5, by far, the best user body of all M cameras.