M5 VF upgrade? Anyone done it?

DNG

DNG

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As I am awaiting my Dads estate to become available. A sizeble chunk, and enough where I can buy dissent RF kit. I have been going back and forth on what lenses and what body to pick. ZI, M6, R3+R4, But now I have called DAG (Don), and asked about a VF upgrade to include a 28mm frame-line. YES, it can be done, about $250.00, And have the Battery voltage adjusted for 1.5v silver batteries. Plus a CLA for around $180.00. So for about $1500.00, If I find a good M5 for $1k and add the CLA/ VF Upgrade,...I'd put this on my short list. I did own an M5 in the past for a few months. (early 80's I think). I loved it to, but, way out my hobby as far as adding lenses and such...I am in a much better way now.

Anyone have this done ? And, how do you like the M5 now ?
Plus, the VM 21/4-P... No issues with the light meter arm?
(My 3 lens selection is, right now anyway, 21/4-P, 28mm/2, 50/1.1, all Voigtlander lenses).

Thanks all for any input. I would get the M5 with the VF Upgrade over the ZI, even though it has no AP mode. Or even the M6 Classic.

Man I can't wait............... 🙂
 
You can have Bubba for $1k. Don did all of that to the camera except the battery. There is a mercury cell in it now. I'll include an unused cell that I bought from Don. The camera is a 3 lug with all of the evolutionary fixes done at the time of manufacture.
 
venchka said:
You can have Bubba for $1k. Don did all of that to the camera except the battery. There is a mercury cell in it now. I'll include an unused cell that I bought from Don. The camera is a 3 lug with all of the evolutionary fixes done at the time of manufacture.
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I don't understand.... You can have Bubba for $1k. Do you mean I can get a 3 lug for 1K with the fixes (upgrades) I want?
Seems like an M5 2/3 lug is averaging 800-1100 depends on condition. but, ORG VF, and NO CLA or Battery upgrade.
 
I mean I own a 3 lug M5 that Don Goldberg added the modern framelines to and a CLA. 3 lug M5s had several upgrades from Leitz. Improvements internally. The shutter and shutter speed dial. More than just adding the 3rd lug. All of that for $1,000. Search for Bubba. The camera is well known in these parts. I'm not looking to make money. Just pass it along for what I have in invested.
 
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Mine had it done to it before I bought it and it was great. You should take Waynes offer. The cel issue is minor until you get it adjusted. The meter will just be a bit more sensitive with slightly more voltage. In my Spotmatics I figure 1 stop and have had great results (400 in camera meter set at 800 etc..). The M5 was my favorite but I had to sell it at a strapped for cash moment. The one body I would love to have back.
 
DNG said:
Do you wear glasses? I guess it's like the M6/7 as far as seeing 100%.. No biggy, but curious anyway. I really loved the M5 VFs analog meter reading crossbar over any LED camera I had in the past. And the shape is nice too.
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No glasses here, but agree, the view is much as the M6/7, perhaps a tiny bit less due to the design of the front window enclosure. Best readout of any M hands down.
 
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