Leica M5 - what to look out for?

[Jerevan]

I have been pondering buying a Leica M5 during the last few months, and I am going to look at a chrome one. I have not seen the camera and the lens, but descriptions indicates that it has been used but not abused.

What should I be on the look-out for? I know about the battery issue and the meter arm being a bit delicate, but what else?

Any pointers would be welcome.

 

[Vickko]

There was a fatal flaw in earlier ones, 134xxxxx and earlier, where the shutter shaft was weak. If you can, stay with a later serial number.

 

[Jerevan]

Could this shutter shaft be replaced with spare parts from a later camera?

The economics of buying a more than 30 year old Leica on a budget is really a crapshoot... I could end up with a camera that needs repairs and in the longer run the whole deal may well cost as much as a new-ish M6... Ah, the agony...

 

[sepiareverb]

My 5 ended up costing much more than the 6- for exactly this reason- But after all of Sherry's magic it is a MUCH BETTER (there I said it) handling & metering camera.
I'm currently working on a grip for the M5- that will attach to the bottom of the camera and allow for opening & closing- if it works I may get rid of the 6 and go for a 2nd 5.
Ergonomically the 5 is a much better fit for my hands as far as controls go. Don't like that tiny shutter speed dial on the 6 at all.

The meter in the M5, once adjusted for modern batteries, is really spectacular.

Also be aware that some lenses won't go on the M5 due to the meter arm.

 

[JNewell]

It's true of almost anything that's out of warranty. At least with mechanical or semi-mechanical cameras (coining a term for the M6) repair is generally possible. I bought an essentially unused early M6 a couple of years ago. The electronics croaked for no identifiable reason last year and required a very costly and time-consuming series of repairs. Whatchagonnado?

I'd buy one over the 1,354,xxx level and figure I'd done everything I could to avoid being struck by lightning - but it sometimes strikes anyway.

 

[Santafecino]

My advice--budget $200 to $250 for a thorough CLA by someone like DAG, and stop worrying. It really is worth it. I got an M5 on eBay for $700 and DAG made it work like new. It doesn't look bad either. I aded a HK Supplies 1.25x magnifier, and it's a great camera, especially with that spot meter.

 

[cpborello]

I think the potential defect (faulty roller shutters or something to that effect) is less than 134xxxx, not including 134xxxx, but you can call Sherry Krauter to check. I don't think it was a very common problem, but an expensive repair -- on the order of a $200-$300 fix. In fact, while I know it would not be a local call, but you can call Sherry to ask her what you should look out for. The only problem is that she will definitely sell you on the M5. I believe she even speaks some Swedish.

Now for something related to the M5 but off-topic to the OP. I've been thinking. One of the reasons I went for the M5 was because of the analog metering, which is intuitive to me. In very low light, sometimes it is difficult to see the needles. What do you think about making a little mini-light to mount on the illumination window for ease of seeing the needles? I might be crazy.

 

[PlantedTao]

That is what I was told...

That is what I was told...

There was a fatal flaw in earlier ones, 134xxxxx and earlier, where the shutter shaft was weak. If you can, stay with a later serial number.

The later the better...this according to Sherry Krauter.
I bought a 5 and it looked like it was in great shape, but Sherry has done some major repairs to get it working (still in shop as we speak).
It has been about two months since I have seen my camera since it was bought on ebay. I have not received a bill yet, but Sherry is very reasonable...still it will definitly add to the price ($300-400). This cost is for major repairs, like replacing the circuit board and early faulty parts, replacement of the hot shoe.
(I would just like to add my praise for Sherry...she has been great to work with!)

Mistakes I made:
1. Buying from a person on ebay with no feedback
2. Not doing my research on serial numbers
3. Getting caught in a bidding war. :bang:

Still, even after all is said and done, I'm still happy that I got the M5 (well, I don't have it yet 😱 ) and a 50 'lux to boot for $1400 + what repair costs...my great deal is really a ok deal (if that).
Oh well...hindsight is 20-20.

I would say the 5 is the way to go, but you just have to know what to look for (year of production) and get it from someone reputable.
Good luck.

Jason

 

[Jerevan]

Thanks for your suggestions so far. Worst thing is, I may already have sold myself on an M5... 😀

What I will be looking at is a chrome M5, serial no 1346xxx, with a Summicron 35/2 (version 3). Seller is asking $950 for both. It may sound expensive, but considering the market is very small here, cameras that look like being run over by a truck twice go for $500-600, while the shelf queens (in store) goes for $1200.

So, knowing this, I am a bit on the fence about it. I need to see the actual camera before I can make any decisions.

 

[PlantedTao]

sounds good

sounds good

Thanks for your suggestions so far. Worst thing is, I may already have sold myself on an M5... 😀

What I will be looking at is a chrome M5, serial no 1346xxx, with a Summicron 35/2 (version 3). Seller is asking $950 for both. It may sound expensive, but considering the market is very small here, cameras that look like being run over by a truck twice go for $500-600, while the shelf queens (in store) goes for $1200.

So, knowing this, I am a bit on the fence about it. I need to see the actual camera before I can make any decisions.

Hopefully you can actually hold it and run a roll thru it...
and this checklist is always helpful
http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

Cheers.

 

[cpborello]

Jason, you outbid me on that one. I still think that you will make out ok even with the repairs. The guy selling the camera was an older lawyer who had a photography hobby in the 70s -- I corresponded with him, and he seemed nice enough. I think the biggest problem was that he hadn't touched the gear in a long time and didn't know that much about the problems that may arise.

As price goes, I paid $1k for my M5 that came with a Luigi case. It works flawlessly to this novice's eyes, but as it is the only one I've handled, one of these days I plan to send it to Sherry to look over.

Jerevan -- that sounds like a good deal to me. I had tracked the prices in the US for a good 2 or 3 months before I picked mine up. I would follow Jason's advice. You might want to bring a meter along if you have one to do a quick comparison for accuracy.

 

[JNewell]

What do you think about making a little mini-light to mount on the illumination window for ease of seeing the needles? I might be crazy.

Not at all. I think that the little light offered by Leicagoodies would work, or you could adapt any of the similar micro lights with an appropriate diffuser.

 

[cpborello]

Thanks for pointing the Leicagoodies out JNewell. I didn't know such a thing exsted. That is similat to what I was thinking, with the exception that mine would only shine in the illumination window.

My apologies to Jerevan for bringing this up in your thread.

 

[ERV]

I am a big fan of the M5 and have a chrome like-new 135xx shelf queen and recently bought another chrome 129xx user here on RFF. It sat in the classifieds at very good price with no takers, so I couldn't resist.

One question; Is it $950 for both or $950 each?
$950 for both is a steal.
If its each, $950 for a 134xxx chrome is a good price if its in nice shape.
Another lens option is a new Zeiss 35 lens, which would be less expensive if the 35 cron is $950 alone.

 

[Jerevan]

Eugene: It's $950 for M5 and Summi 35/2.

I'll bring along a meter and a grey card and a Wein battery for the camera, just to be sure.

 

[Xmas]

Also be aware that some lenses won't go on the M5 due to the meter arm.

You need to have the mount or adapter modified before you mount one of these, otherwise rapair shop too likely. You need Dyno tape for the collapsibles that penetrate too deep.

Homely is the only other problem...

Noel

 

[PlantedTao]

Jason, you outbid me on that one. I still think that you will make out ok even with the repairs. The guy selling the camera was an older lawyer who had a photography hobby in the 70s -- I corresponded with him, and he seemed nice enough. I think the biggest problem was that he hadn't touched the gear in a long time and didn't know that much about the problems that may arise.

yeah, I really didnt have the budget to be bidding that high...but I'm glad it still will turn out ok even after all the repairs and still not having the camera.
I havent contacted the seller about the internal corrosion and him not mentioning a previous repair that was 2nd rate to say the least (according to Sherry)...for one it wont do any good to contact him just to b!tch and he obviously hadnt touch the equipment in years and just wanted to get rid of it.

Next week the m5 and lux should finally be back to me...
so, you wont see me bidding on gear anytime soon! 😀

Cheers.
Jason

 

[venchka]

Just Do It!

Just Do It!

Eugene: It's $950 for M5 and Summi 35/2.

I'll bring along a meter and a grey card and a Wein battery for the camera, just to be sure.

Good grief. $950 EACH item would be ok. $950 for the M5 AND the 35/2.0 Summicron? What are you waiting for? Go and buy the body and the lens. Use the pair for 6 months. If you notice anything unusual, then you can send them both to Sherry K. You'll still be money ahead.

I only had one problem with my first M5: I liked it so much I bought a mate for it. 😱 Bigfoot and Bubba are a great pair. 😀

Enjoy!

 

[ERV]

Good grief. $950 EACH item would be ok. $950 for the M5 AND the 35/2.0 Summicron? What are you waiting for? Go and buy the body and the lens. Use the pair for 6 months. If you notice anything unusual, then you can send them both to Sherry K. You'll still be money ahead.

I only had one problem with my first M5: I liked it so much I bought a mate for it. 😱 Bigfoot and Bubba are a great pair. 😀

Enjoy!

I agree! Do it!
also, the only problem that I have with the M5- they are addictive..

 

[sepiareverb]

Go for it- and talk to Sherry after you run a roll or two if you have any concerns. I'll chime in also that she is great to work with- and really knows the M5 inside out- shoots one herself.

I thought mine was nice when I got it- ran some films and thought I should probably give it a CLA- seeing as it hadn't been used in a very long time. It now seems like a brand new camera in function- smooth as can be, and the adjusted meter is a dream.

Noel- homely? In chrome yes, but the black ones are quite nice to these eyes. Certainly has that early 70's look, which for me is nostalgic.