m5 serial # 129xxx vs 135xxx

M

mojobebop

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in terms of the m5 serial number 129 vs 135.
is it inadvisable to purchase the lower numbered m5?

i have read mention of more problems with the lower numbered series.
should one pay a higher price for the 135xxx?
 
I have owned 2 M5's, if I remember on the lower serial numbers the shutter speed dial does not have a distinctive click as you change speeds. It might move to a diff speed if you bump it. Also the lower numbers only have 2 strap lugs. I have had both kinds, the 3 lug is a little nicer for a camera strap. If the price is right on the lower # go for it, I wish I had never sold them. The M5 is a great camera.
 
price

price

kknox said:
I have owned 2 M5's, if I remember on the lower serial numbers the shutter speed dial does not have a distinctive click as you change speeds. It might move to a diff speed if you bump it. Also the lower numbers only have 2 strap lugs. I have had both kinds, the 3 lug is a little nicer for a camera strap. If the price is right on the lower # go for it, I wish I had never sold them. The M5 is a great camera.
Click to expand...


i see. the lower is 1099.00.
the 135 is 1299.00.
 
Sherry Krauter has told me the higher numbered cameras are generally a little bit better- as minor upgrades are made during the run of any Leica. I have an M5 that is among the last ones made, and she told me it was quite desirable for that very reason.
 
shutter drum

shutter drum

sepiareverb said:
Sherry Krauter has told me the higher numbered cameras are generally a little bit better- as minor upgrades are made during the run of any Leica. I have an M5 that is among the last ones made, and she told me it was quite desirable for that very reason.
Click to expand...


thought i read somewhere about shutter drum problems in the lower numbers.
 
Link to S# year made

When was you M made ?
Taken from spreed sheet for 135xxxx S# 1972 Aug or Dec

...............................................................................Quantity
8/15/72 M5 Black 1350001 -- 1354000..... 4000
8/15/72 M5 Chrome 1354001-- 1355000. .1000

12/11/72 M5 Chrome 1355001 -- 1356500 1500
12/11/72 M5 Black 1356501-- 1360000 ....3500

You can have the M6 VF too for under $200 by Sherry... 28/90, 35/135, 50/75 and the 50 still has the meter circle area. Mined has this.. very nice..
 
Last edited:
Yes, the lower numbers had a weakness where some shaft inside of the shutter drum would break. It happened to me.

I think you are safe after 134xxxxxx


Vick
 
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