Leica M5... good choice?

I think it's a fantastic camera that gets a lot of stick from people because they don't like how it looks.I love mine and haven't regretted buying it.
 
I think the complaints over size and aesthetics are silly. To me it seems like an ergonomic win and I'm looking forward to using it.
 
I love the way it looks! And handles. Stand out of the M crowd, use the best shooter mechanical M there is!
 
mmork said:
M5. The overhanging shutter speed dial in combination with the needle meter works really well.

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Really nice! What film and what lens?
 
mmork said:
Thank you. Cinestill 50 Daylight and Summicron 50. Pictures were taken at the New Year festivities of the Hmong people in Northern Thailand last year.
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Thanks! I love the look of Cinestill 50. I have some 800 waiting for night time use, but that obviously is a completely different look.
 
Huss said:
Thanks! I love the look of Cinestill 50. I have some 800 waiting for night time use, but that obviously is a completely different look.
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This would be Cinestill 800, which IMO is also quite suitable for outdoor use. Detail of Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, taken with M5 and Summicron 2/50.

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agoglanian said:
So... I had a bunch of friends over for my birthday this weekend and after a few beers and a few glasses of wine, I somehow found myself on eBay.

Turns out alcohol completely removes any hesitation to BID NOW. Whoops.
)
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You should drink more often. I suspect you got a very good price for the best film Leica ever made. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Dez
 
Dez said:
You should drink more often. I suspect you got a very good price for the best film Leica ever made. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Dez
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Dez,

Haha that gave me a good laugh! It won't be a regular occurrence, I assure you of that. However I did get what I consider to be a very fair price on the camera, even after I send it to Sherry K eventually it will still be pretty reasonable. I'm enjoying shooting with it so far and once I get it tuned up it's going to be one heck of a machine.
 
Hey Raoul!

The battery is definitely the least of your worries. I'd recommend buying a C.R.I.S battery adaptor that uses the standard 386 battery as a substitute for the old PX625 mercury battery. A little pricey for what it is but your other option is purchasing the WeinCell alternative for $7. I had the M5 for a minute but the body isn't compatible with several Leica lenses that have protruding rear elements. Also, if you have the Summicron 50mm DR lens, you can't use the goggles and the piece where the goggles fit on the lens itself will scrape your body in the shape of a small crescent moon.

The M5 is great in that it's the last Leica model to have a brass top plate instead of the copper top plates that M6 and beyond use. Also I loved the option to use the strap mounted horizontally or vertically. Plus, it FEELS substantial. But the weight became a bit of an issue for me when I shot over a prolonged amount of time. I also thought the metering was cool and it felt just as natural as using the illuminated arrows.

Lastly, $850 is pretty standard for M5's but the warranty is a nice bonus. You can definitely find one's that are in great condition for a little cheaper if price is a factor.

Hope this helps a little!

Best, Parker

Ps. - If you are in the market for a C.R.I.S battery adaptor I'd be happy to sell you mine! Just private message me :)
 
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