Let's see your Leica M

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RobertChestnut said:
I have this lens and was thinking about buying an M5 how do you like the camera?
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I've only had it for a few days and it's my first Leica, but I like it very much so far. It's a bit heavier than I expected. It fits my largish hands very well and handles nicely. It's beautifully built and everything seems to be functioning properly, though I'll be getting it CLA'd soon. I did a bunch of research into the various Leica models, and it seems that those that like the M5 like them a lot. Given the price these are going for it seemed like a good choice for me. Mine is the 2 lug version and I was unsure of the end strap arrangement, but I actually find it works great.
 
In my humble opinion, this is the most usable film Leica, maybe not the prettiest, but it has an excellent spotmeter never equaled again. Some people who value form higher than function deride the M5 as being an ill-advised departure from the classic M design, but, and here I will be getting in trouble with many on the list, I think this was the last model produced by Leitz targeted more at users than wealthy collectors.

M5 with Lux by John Desmond, on Flickr

It is relatively easy to find an original Leitz M5 case if you don't really like the single-ended strap arrangement. I got one for my M5 on ebay, looking like new and I think it cost me $30.

Cheers,
Dez
 
YeahI was very close to buying one of these as my first. I ended up with an M4-2 now I am still longing for the M5. I am very happy about the m4-2 so far though.

mteresko said:
I've only had it for a few days and it's my first Leica, but I like it very much so far. It's a bit heavier than I expected. It fits my largish hands very well and handles nicely. It's beautifully built and everything seems to be functioning properly, though I'll be getting it CLA'd soon. I did a bunch of research into the various Leica models, and it seems that those that like the M5 like them a lot. Given the price these are going for it seemed like a good choice for me. Mine is the 2 lug version and I was unsure of the end strap arrangement, but I actually find it works great.
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Will contribute my input to the M5 love. I have owned every film Leica made starting with the CL back in 1974 except for the MP and M7. I had never owned an M5 but always wanted to try one. Well, Sherry had one for sale about 20 months ago which she had CLA'd so I told her to put a third lug on it, recover it and send it. It is now my favorite M on odd numbered days while the M2 gets that honor on even numbered days.

For those of you who have never tried one and have been hankering for one, do it! Like most Leica cameras, you can always sell it for what you purchased it for.
 
This is mine:

When there is one rangefindercamera that rivals SLR's in terms of measuring the the light and framing, then it is the M5. In the years that is was made, most professional color work was done on slides. This is what the M5 was made for.
I love this camera.

Erik.

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Leica M5, Summicron 50mm f/2 v4, silver gelatine print.
 
Leica M2, Summicron 50 V3, self portrait

Leica M2, Summicron 50 V3, self portrait

This is my Leica, and I love it dearly. Not without quirks, in need of a CLA soon, but I enjoy taking photos with it immensely.


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With the recent discussion of the M5 I have been trying to remember my thoughts concerning the M5 when they were being manufactured. I was an amateur who thought of 35mm cameras as useful for snapshots
and family portraits etc.

My thoughts at the time were that- for a rangefinder- it was too large and heavy for what it was. May as well have a Nikon SLR for more accurate framing. In fact the only M5 I ever handled was owned by an acquaintance who had sold his entire Nikon outfit to purchase the M5 with a 50 Summicron. I just was not impressed with the size and weight of the camera. Instead purchased a Leica CL outfit.
 
besk said:
My thoughts at the time were that- for a rangefinder- it was too large and heavy for what it was. May as well have a Nikon SLR for more accurate framing. In fact the only M5 I ever handled was owned by an acquaintance who had sold his entire Nikon outfit to purchase the M5 with a 50 Summicron. I just was not impressed with the size and weight of the camera. Instead purchased a Leica CL outfit.
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I don't know how other Nikon SLRs compare, but FWIW my Nikomat FTn with Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 weighs slightly more than my M5 with Canon 50mm f/1.4 LTM. Both cameras are from the same early 1970s era.
 
besk said:
My thoughts at the time were that- for a rangefinder- it was too large and heavy for what it was. May as well have a Nikon SLR for more accurate framing. In fact the only M5 I ever handled was owned by an acquaintance who had sold his entire Nikon outfit to purchase the M5 with a 50 Summicron. I just was not impressed with the size and weight of the camera. Instead purchased a Leica CL outfit.
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It is interesting to place an M5 next to an M8/9/240 and see how they compare in size and weight and then go back and read all the comments about the M5 being big and heavy... 😉
 
Here is my new M5 which was generously given to me by my friend Robert (rhl-oregon). The camera has been used to make some beautiful pictures in the past and if I am being honest feel that I has some big shoes to fill. I hope to do right this gift.

She has just come back from a CLA and new leatherette from Sherry and is smooth as silk. Got a custom strap from Dead Cameras that works well for hanging vertically but can also be used if I change my mind and want to go horizontally.

Finally paired with a v1 Nokton 35 1.2 which I have had at least 2 times before. For some reason the viewfinder blockage is bothering me, didn’t remember it as much of an issue when I used it on the Zeiss Ikon. I haven’t used a rangefinder for a long time, I am thinking that it will be less of an issue as I get more rolls through her.

Without further ado:
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Thank you again Robert your kindness and generosity are boundless. I am privledged to call you friend.
 
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