The Heavenly Leica M5…

Retro-Grouch said:
Agreed. I appreciated the three-lug M5 I had. A camera over the shoulder might seem more ergonomic and faster handling, but there is a simple equation I've learned, the hard way: shoulder carry + metal doorframe = disaster.
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Now that I think about it, I actually don't carry my cameras over my shoulder all that often (though I have, on occasion). They're usually around my neck. But, with the left end lugs, when I raise the camera into firing position, the strap doesn't interfere with film transport.
 
chuckroast said:
Now that I think about it, I actually don't carry my cameras over my shoulder all that often (though I have, on occasion). They're usually around my neck. But, with the left end lugs, when I raise the camera into firing position, the strap doesn't interfere with film transport.
Click to expand...
That's correct, because you raise the right side of the camera as you bring it to your eye.
I frequently shoulder carry (when in towns & cities)......because the camera is discreetly hidden but accessible. I'm not primarily a street photog, so it doesn't matter much to me.
 
Did I say how much I love the pictures I get from this camera??!!

U28593I1570027487.SEQ.0.jpg
 
chuckroast said:
M5s are really wonderful AND really different than the usual M camera ethos. If you do look for one, be sure to get a later serial number to be assured you don't run into the dreaded roller problems that affected earlier production runs. Wikipedia has the serial numbers to look for.
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When I sent my later serial # M5 to Sherry in September she mentioned she is now seeing the roller problems on later cameras too.

Love my M5 but it has a slight rangefinder problem (framelines are less visible on the right side) that can't be fixed due to no parts being available. Per DAG....

"the Strangely Made Leica M5 camera has an issue with their 2nd image where there's separation and the optics are no thicker than writing paper. I tried re-gluing them & they just cannot get any better & M5 parts are no longer available. The M5 is a Super Strangely made camera."
 
shawn said:
When I sent my later serial # M5 to Sherry in September she mentioned she is now seeing the roller problems on later cameras too.

Love my M5 but it has a slight rangefinder problem (framelines are less visible on the right side) that can't be fixed due to no parts being available. Per DAG....

"the Strangely Made Leica M5 camera has an issue with their 2nd image where there's separation and the optics are no thicker than writing paper. I tried re-gluing them & they just cannot get any better & M5 parts are no longer available. The M5 is a Super Strangely made camera."
Click to expand...

Have you asked DAG about this?
 
I haven't run into the roller problem.....nor have I run into the dreaded almost impossible to find a light leak (apparently Zack's camera repair can figure it out)

However, I really don't hear anyone complaining about the meter. I"ve been advised to file a cheap adapter in order to allow the cover to be screwed in properly. Even with the filing had to use a slim 386 silver oxide battery to get anything to work. When activated the battery check the needle does not go all the way to the cut out. The metering system is an important reason to use an M5. I don't find it accurate or reliable compared to good meters.
 
My meter is right on the money. The battery check is separate from the rest of the meter and is adjusted independently from the meter.
 
CameraQuest said:
The MP finder can be installed into the M5.
I have one.

Downside is its a lot of work and most techs don't know how -- or don't want to do it.
Click to expand...
& you get all those irritating extra viewfinder lines 🙄
 
CameraQuest said:
having something like that done, you can have any framelines you like
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Maybe, but when I spoke to Don Goldberg about my MP, he said he couldn't (or wouldn't ?) do it. So I sent him my BP M4 & he added the connections for the Leicavit....sold the MP
 
Last edited by a moderator:
BTW if anyone reading this thread gets struck by 5AS (M5 acquisition syndrome).... there's a chrome 3 lug, DAG serviced up on the Photrio site.
(not mine.....that one sold in '73 or so 😉 )
 
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