M6 Classic or M5?

[Erik van Straten]

I remember someone making a half case out there for folks looking for such a feature, but now who/where.

B2(;->

I have a very fine case from Kameraleder, Los Angeles. I found it second hand on eBay. The part that carries the camerabody has clips at both sides so I can carry my two-lug M5 horizontally. This case is much nicer than the original from Leitz.

Erik.

 

[danielsterno]

Question for you M5 folks:

Is there a workaround to carry a 2-lug version horizontally, or is a 3-lug model required? Thanks.

John

My M5 was a 2 lug, sent to Sherry and added a 3rd, simple-quick and inexpensive…...

 

[ktmrider]

Sherry just told me she charges $100 to add the third lug.

 

[cz23]

My M5 was a 2 lug, sent to Sherry and added a 3rd, simple-quick and inexpensive…...

Ah, that works. Thanks.

 

[Nokton48]

I used to own, and use together, M4-2, M2, and M5. The finders and viewing were absolutely identical.
A completely interchangeable trio. This important to me at the time.

A properly working M5 works perfectly with the MR-9. I tested it extensively over several years, against orignal Mercury batteries. Absolutely no difference in my direct experience.

 

[ktmrider]

So, I have sent Sherry an email about the M5 on her website. I think I want her to install the third lug but want to try out the two lug version before spending $100 (might like the vertical hanging camera).

I own a 35f1.2 Nokton. My guess is it would work well with the heavier M5 body. Now, what do I do with three film M's.

 

[Steven Dooley]

I really appreciate that the M5 is a classically manufactured Leica M, but also not your typical M.

I think it's a brilliant kit of thoughtful engineering.

 

[BillBingham2]

......Now, what do I do with three film M's.

Have 3X the fun!

B2 (;->

 

[jmilkins]

I have some experience with the M2, M4-P, M6 and M5.

In the OPs situation I would get an M5. Reasons: see above 😉

 

[nasmformyzombie]

M5 pros:

• better viewfinder, less prone to flare
• no double frame lines in the viewfinder
• shutter speed reading in viewfinder
• can change shutter speed without moving the camera from your eye via overhanging shutter speed dial
• spot meter
• less obtrusive match needle meter reading in the viewfinder
• no zinc bubbling on body
• has self-timer
• slightly less expensive to purchase

M5 cons:

• larger, heavier body
• two lug body awkward for some users, although third lug can be added
• fewer repair options
• not compatible with M motor or M body grips

M6 pros:

• newer
• classic look and lines
• has 28mm frame lines in viewfinder although more frame lines is a negative for some users
• more repair options
• compatible with M motor and M body grips

M6 cons:

• viewfinder more prone to flare
• more cluttered viewfinder information from meter reading
• more cluttered viewfinder from additional frame lines
• more shutter vibration
• prone to zinc bubbling on body
• no self-timer
• slightly more expensive to purchase

I for one don't care about manufacturing techniques, the adjust to fit of the M5 vs. the modular assembly of the M6. This makes no difference in terms of shooting with the camera, nor any difference with repairs. I would recommend the M6 over the M5 only if you want to use an M motor, or your standard walk around lens is 28mm, or if you have small hands.

My favorite M film bodies are M7 and M5, in that order. The M7 has auto-exposure in aperture priority mode that no other M film body has. The M7 has motor compatibility that the M5 doesn't have. I suppose my preferences make me a Leica contrarian as my favorite M body is not an M2, an M3, an M4 or an M6, the so-called 'classics.'

 

[Robert Lai]

I also love the M7 the most. However, I just wanted to point out that the M5 is a very competent camera. A lot of people are prejudiced against it due to internet myths, and never give it a chance. If they will only put their hands on a correctly functioning one, they will realize how good it is.

 

[wakarimasen]

I made a slight mistake in the original post. The M5 is £175 cheaper than the M6.

I also forgot to mention that two of the four lenses I have are collapsible, and as such 'dangerous' to an M5!

In all of my internet research, it seems that models with serial numbers lower than 134 xxxxx are deemed more problematic. Something to check, I think.

I have no intention to use a motor drive - they seem an anathema to me, where film is concerned.

Do any of the M5 owners use a 28mm lens, and if so, do you use an external viewfinder? Where do you get your batteries/ adapters - in the UK?

By the way: thanks for all of the feedback so far. I'm quite surprised that the poll is a 50-50 race.

 

[Markus B]

I bought my battery adapter from http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk in the UK.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Do any of the M5 owners use a 28mm lens, and if so, do you use an external viewfinder?

By the way: thanks for all of the feedback so far. I'm quite surprised that the poll is a 50-50 race.

I do use a 28mm lens, and I bought a Russian turret finder that has a 28mm setting, among others, which I also use on a IIIa. However, I find that the edges of the M5 finder are a pretty good approximation for 28mm . . . I have not found it necessary to use the accessory finder. It is a neat gadget, but adds to the bulk/profile of the camera in a way I would prefer to avoid if possible.

 

[ramosa]

Yeah, the M5 has more fans in this thread than I've met in the whole 25 years I've paid attention to Leica.

Well observed 🙂

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Given the information provided in the first post, I'd recommend the M5, which is a big departure from all the other M bodies, and, at the same time, preserves their essence. However, since you have a bunch of collapsibles... just don't use them with the M5.

With regards to the legends about serial #... the camera was issued in 1971. You can be assured that most of the bodies that had problems and were under 134xxxx have been repaired already. There's a similar story about M4-2 bodies (and I forgot the doomed SN), and, again, given the time these bodies have been in circulation, your chances of getting a lemon are relatively low.

If the store offers an M5 body with a working meter and a good warranty, I'd say go for it and don't look back. Believe me, later on, you won't look back. Period.

 

[ferider]

If you want to become member of an elusive club, get an M5.

If you want one of the two most successful and reliable cameras that Leica ever made, and that correctly meters independent of portrait or landscape position get an M6. Yes, Sherry can add a 3rd lug to the M5. She can also mask M6 frame-lines as desired. Note that I like the M6 75 and 28mm framelines, given the great glass available for these focal lengths. You could also look for a 0.85x M6 (if you don't wear glasses).

That being said, the camera that you really need is an M3 🙂

Roland.

 

[mikyor1]

If you want to become member of an elusive club, get an M5.

If you want one of the two most successful and reliable cameras that Leica ever made.

Disagreed, on the "most reliable" part. Nonetheless, you cant go wrong with either, but to me, flare in the viewfinder is not acceptable, i shoot toward the sun a lot and having flare in rangefinder limits my accuracy.

 

[randolph45]

M6 was my first Leica followed by the M5.I like the size of the 5 in my hand , the size is like my Canon 7's

 

[Nokton48]

However, since you have a bunch of collapsibles... just don't use them with the M5.

No need to fear collapsibles with M5; Put a strip of plastic DYMO labeling tape around the lens barrel, so they don't collapse fully.
This is in the Leitz M5 instruction book addendum. Others use a rubber washer, but I like the Leitz-sanctioned remedy. 😎