M5 134x threshold and other neurotic questions

[ccstearns]

So, I have one 136xx that Sherry made new again and so now I am a M5 addict, no debate there. So much so, I bought another M5 but I might have gotten a dog. Here are my slew of NEUROTIC questions.

1. the one I got is a chrome 2 lug but SN 1345xx. Sherry in an email said, "You want an M5 with a serial number of 134 or higher, the early production were weak…(128, and 129)." At times, people say (here and other places) to only get 134 and higher, others say 135 and higher.

The question is this, was the 134 run as bad as the 128-129? Or, what is the real 'do not buy' zone? is only 128-129, or is it all of 134 too?

1a. It does seem like there is a period where the SN is above 134x and two lug, is that accurate?

2. Curiosity here. If one gets a 128-9, can Don/Sherry not make then usable or are they forever not viable? Or is it a cost vs practical question?

3. More curiosity/ research...I can't seems to track down SN 130 to 134, I would assume that this is shift in production? Has anyone done like real Leica history research into this? I'm an academic so this kind of thing is interesting to me.

 

[wpb]

Here is the serial number list for Leica "M" and "R" cameras from the 1950's to 2000.
https://www.cameraquest.com/leicanum.htm

 

[splitimageview]

Batches (indicated by serial #) may have been relevant 40+ years ago, but any recently professionally serviced M5 (i.e., serviced by one of the noted specialists) that has not been abused during its life should be as good as any other, regardless of serial number...it's far more a matter of how poorly or how well each individual camera has been cared for, since new.

 

[Richard G]

I read that the problem of the early ones will have declared itself and been fixed before any of us now would be in the hunt. I have a two lug chrome 134xxxx that came from DAG and it is fine. Your new one should be the same.

 

[wpb]

It seems the first batch had a poorly designed shutter drum that was prone to failure. It was replaced for free by Leica if the camera came in for (even unrelated) service. If the camera has never been serviced (by Leica, back in the day) it would still have the suspect part inside. It can be repaired today but it will be fairly expensive; contact either DAG (Don), Golden Touch (Sherry) or Leica for exact cost and turnaround time.