Confession - I gave in to GAS

[ChrisN]

Is confession good for the soul? I'm not sure, but I know that giving in to GAS feels good!

Since reading the M5 thread earlier this month, this camera has been sitting in the back of my mind, quietly gnawing away. I was never impressed with the look of the M5 in pics I've seen of it, but the comments from users had me intrigued. Finally at the camera market in Sydney yesterday, I picked one up for the first time. In black it looked better than chrome, and the size and heft felt good too.

Long story short - I now have an M5! She is carrying some scars, and needs a good service to fix a few problems, but the meter works and the rangefinder is aligned. And I think they're right about the funk-factor.

Here's a couple of pics of it, dressed with a suitable black lens. I'll include two here and the rest are on Flickr if anyone wants more.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Congrats Chris,

Looking forward to hearing your opinions on it once you've taken it around the block a bit 🙂

 

[Jocko]

An RFF member giving into GAS. Who'd have thought such a thing would ever happen! I'm deeply shocked!

 

[Nachkebia]

niiice! congrats!

 

[rover]

Well, you went and sold some stuff so you had to reinvest it right?

Very nice, enjoy.

 

[ChrisN]

Thanks guys. Actually, I'd better start selling some more stuff, quick, before I get the credit card statement!

 

[Tim]

So the meter works, huh? What battery did you use? Roughly how accurate is it?

(it was fun yesterday watching Chris trying to resist.....) 🙂

 

[back alley]

congrat chris!

she looks good.

 

[dreamsandart]

The Leica M5 is a 'photography machine' - it doesn't feel like a classic M-series, but may be the best in function, it does't look 'pretty', but has a wonderful clean modern 60s style built to the highest standards, compared to the classic M-series there are differences, but if you can get past them - as a user - you find that those differences are improvements. So although I love my M4 as the ultimate classic M, and the M7 makes it easy, the M5 may be the most fun to use, and just keeps doing its job with excellence - a machine.

 

[jan normandale]

Yay Chris.. GAS attack? Today the spin is " long term investment acquisition" ;- ) Yep if one ever fell outa the sky in front of me and had a price tag, I'd be on it... chrome or not!

 

[MCTuomey]

chris, you are the MAN!

that picture says it all - it's like having George Clinton, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye right there, front and center, urging you to photograph -

... c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon ... let's get it on ...

o yeah!

 

[Jerevan]

Euuuuargh. I can ignore this, I can ignore this M5 GAS - I am strong... 😀 Seriously, nice camera!

 

[Rafael]

That's a great looking set-up Chris. Congratulations and enjoy!!

 

[venchka]

So that's what an M5 looks like with a black lens, hey? Not just any black lens either. The Unobtainium 35 'cron ASPH. Droool!

For a small phenominal fee, Sherry Krauter can add a third lug and the stiffer shutter speed wheel detents.

PS Edit: I don't know if it's because it's my first Leica or because it's an M5 or all of the above, but I feel like taking pictures again. All the time. You will love your M5!

 

[sirius]

That's a pretty camera! It has a stocky country girl charm dressed in beatnik black. You have joined the ranks of the envied!

 

[ChrisN]

So the meter works, huh? What battery did you use? Roughly how accurate is it?

(it was fun yesterday watching Chris trying to resist.....) 🙂

I used an alkaline 1.5v in PX625 dimensions (Dick Smith cat no S3138).

The meter seems to be reading one stop out, but set the asa dial to compensate for that and it seems to be reasonably consistent with my VC-II meter. It's certainly close enough for B&W negs. Some time soon I'll send it to Sherry Krauter for a third lug and CLA. I understand she can fit a diode to compensate for the higher battery voltage.

 

[wamjam]

REALLY SORRY...but what does the term GAS mean? kindly pardon me. 😕

 

[flashover]

I like your new toy Chris. I think you missed an angle in those pics you posted on Camera Junkie Just kidding Chris I wish I could justify one for my self. Can't wait to see some great shots from it.

 

[jpbob100]

REALLY SORRY...but what does the term GAS mean? kindly pardon me. 😕

Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

 

[dreamsandart]

Chris, just a suggestion from a 2-lug M5 fan [and I've had both]. Before you do the automatic thing and get a 3rd lug, try the camera out with the vertical one side strap arrangement. Although the 3 lug design does give you both options, and for some folks the horizontal just seems more natural, I find the original design 'bare to the hand' shutter release side a plus. Its an uncluttered hold and no strap in the way. I use a long leather strap and carry the camera at the right side low with the strap across my back/chest which takes the weight off, is very comfortable, and stops it from falling forwards if you bend over. Its very easy to bring it up for an exposure this way, and still have some tension on the strap for a steady hold. Also if you get a continuous strap that goes through both lugs [and across the battery compartment] you can arrange the camera better, keep the pad on your shoulder but move the camera on the strap if you want to the front, or even on your back to get it out of the way.

Very cool camera, you will love it.