Leica M5... good choice?

[Erik van Straten]

I am using the 'Wein Cell' 1.35v mecury

The "Wein Cell" is good, but doesn't last as long.

The "ring" that pepeguitarra mentions is OK, that is the MR-9. You only need a Duracell 386/301 and you are done.

Erik.

 

[coelacanth]

Good to know about "lens cap to turn meter off" method. I thought shutter cocking itself was the switch so you had to keep the film unwound to keep the meter off. Basically the meter is not active when the camera is in closed camera bag (assuming it's dark enough) or cap on lens or film unwound (meter cell arm is retracted thus it's not getting any light), right?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Yes, when the film is unwound, the cell is retracted, so it is off.

I think that the system uses a minimum of current so an on-off switch is meaningless.

I am used to wind the film after each shot, I do it automatically, so it is difficult for me to let the film unwound.

A year and a half on one battery ... unbelievable.

Erik.

 

[Huss]

Yeah, once it is capped the current draw is minimal.
Unless I am shooting constantly I do not leave the camera with the shutter cocked. That extended tension on a mechanical (not reliant on batteries) shutter is not a good thing. Doesn't just apply to Leica, but also cameras such as my Nikon F2. Sover Wong (Nikon service man extraordinaire) cautioned me about not putting the cameras away with the shutters cocked.

 

[wpm]

Lots of good info. Thanks for the graphic Helen.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I do not leave the camera with the shutter cocked.

I only leave the camera cocked when there is a film in it. I only have film in one camera at a time.

Erik.

 

[Huss]

I only leave the camera cocked when there is a film in it. I only have film in one camera at a time.

Erik.

The advice I was given (reiterated by numerous techs - Gus Lazzari, Sover Wong, Sherry Krautner, Steve's Camera..) was to not leave it cocked over night. Whether it has film in it matters not.

 

[Dez]

I always agonize over the wound or not question. For the health of the camera, and especially the meter battery, it should be unwound, but I've missed shots too many times as a result, and tend to carry the camera with the film ready to go.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[ktmrider]

Broke Down and Mine is On the Way

Broke Down and Mine is On the Way

I have owned M2, M3, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6TTL, CL and M9 but have never owned the M5. I can never decide which film Leica is my favorite: the M2 or the M4. I currently have two 1959 button rewind M2's. I also admit that at times having a meter in the camera is great and the M5 has a viewfinder almost identical the the M4. I like the M6 but thought I would try something different as I read the raves about the M5 on this thread. And who better to buy one from then Ms M5 herself.

I have come close to ordering the M5 several times in the last few years. Well, after reading this thread and spending about an hour on the phone with Sherry discussing everything from Leica's, politics and motorcycles I have an M5 enroute. In fact, while on the phone with Sherry one of my 1959 button rewind M2's locked up. This is the second time this happened within a month (had not put film in this body as I was traveling and using the M9).

So, the M2 has gone priority mail to Sherry along with a check for the black M5 on her web page. If the problem with the M2 is the shutter brake (according to her the most likely explanation) she said she will mail both M2 and M5 back in the same box without charging for the M2.

I really don't need three film Leica's so if anyone is interested in a really great M2 I may have one available. Have to shoot the M5 for a week before I really commit to selling one of the M2's.

 

[pepeguitarra]

I got it!

I got it!

I received my M5 from Tamarkin today. Even though it was the lower priced for cosmetically reasons, it looks mint and behaves as such. They sent 2 new batteries Wein, I placed one and tested right on ( thanks Helen). The camera works great and I am almost done with the first TXmax400. This camera is just beautiful and perfect (move aside M3). I chose the 2-lug camera, and it hangs wonderfully and unobstrusely. This is the perfect camera. More later. My computer broke and I am using a tablet.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Good luck with the camera, pepeguitarra.

Leica M5, Nokton 50mm f/1.1, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M5, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M5, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Huss]

Good luck with the camera, pepeguitarra.

Leica M5, Nokton 50mm f/1.1, Tmax400.

Erik.

That Nokton definitely has contrast!

 

[ktmrider]

I have a two lug black model coming from Sherry. I am not sure about the vertical orientation of the camera so am thinking about a half case. Does anyone have a source for half cases that do not cost an arm and a leg?

 

[rhl-oregon]

Mr. Zhou sells leather half cases for 2 or 3 lug for $70. He's on eBay, dont know if there's a direct mail order. I have a black one on my 3 lug. Snug and solid. MZ has half cases for other models as well.

 

[Huss]

I have a two lug black model coming from Sherry. I am not sure about the vertical orientation of the camera so am thinking about a half case. Does anyone have a source for half cases that do not cost an arm and a leg?

I use the Mr Zhou half case for my M5 (and CLEs, and Bessa R3A). Fits great, and has and added grip point on the front and the rear. Works with 2 and 3 lug M5s.
Bought it here, but he is on holiday until August 1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mr-Zhou-Bla...gs-/180811885795?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

 

[ktmrider]

Thanks for the info. I think I have one of his half cases on my M9. A quick look at Ebay revealed M5 cases from Luigi for $220 or more. That price is hard to justify when you are only spending $1000 for the camera.

Presently, I am playing mind games with myself trying to justify a third Leica film camera. Honestly, I do not take anywhere near the photos I used to and a lot of them are with the M9. But I did see something I posted on this thread back in 2010 thinking about purchasing an M5 that long ago.

 

[Erik van Straten]

That Nokton definitely has contrast!

Yes, that lens has the rare combination of super speed, super contrast and super sharpness. It is also super big, but that is hardly an advantage. It is super distortion free too.

Erik.

 

[maddoc]

Leica mechanical focal plane shutters springs are always under tension, no matter if released or not. The difference in % is not large.

I always agonize over the wound or not question. For the health of the camera, and especially the meter battery, it should be unwound, but I've missed shots too many times as a result, and tend to carry the camera with the film ready to go.

Cheers,
Dez