Surprised by M5

Charles D. Orze

Charles D. Orze

Established
Local time
2:33 PM
Joined
Mar 31, 2005
Messages
101
Hi,

I've owned many rangefinders (not all at once) including Nikon SP, Canons, an assortment of FSU cameras, an M2, M3, and M6. I just picked up an M5 and I'm stunned at how well thought out the ergonomics of this camera are. The two-lug horizontal hang is not my preference (and I hate it that I can't use my Kobalux 21mm on it), but overall I think the M5 has gotten a bad rap!

Charlie
 
Charles D. Orze said:
The two-lug horizontal hang is not my preference..
Click to expand...
same here. I know third lug can easily be added, but I plan keep my M5 on shelf untill I get Luigi case for it.
 
Last edited:
M5 case

M5 case

I thought about a Luigi case but opted for a cheaper M5 hard case--hangs horizontal. should arrive in a few days. At the moment I'm running film through the camera to check out all its functions. Love the meter!

Charlie
 
You won't find many arguments here! I love my M5. It is right now off at Sherry's getting new framelines installed- I really wanted the 75 lines in there. Sherry or DAG can put the third lug on for you- I will attest to it being much easier to carry on the right shoulder with that third lug. Seems like for carrying the M5 on the left shoulder the two-lug configuration is fine. I really tried to like the vertical hang, but I carry the bag on the left shoulder, and the cameras on the right shoulder and around the neck.

I'll put in a good word for Sherry should your M5 need any work done- she is great to work with, and knows the camera inside out- shoots one herself. I've not worked with Don, but only because Sherry was less busy when my 5 needed a CLA- picked her for that reason alone.

Yep, that is perhaps the most perfect meter in a 35mm camera once you learn it.
 
about the meter. mine is ok now, but in case it dies one day, how costly operation is to fix it? I read not too many people are able to fix it, parts are difficult to find nowadays ?
 
Going against the more popular thought I feel the original 2-lug design is the best. I've had both 2 and 3 lugs versions and the 2-lug hangs over the shoulder and across the chest (long strap) taking the weight off and at my side out of the way, easy to bring up for shooting with tension for a steady hold without the strap in the way. Not having the 3rd lug also makes the right hand grip more comfortable.

The M5 is my favorite M-series for making photographs: meter is great, shutter speeds in the finder, shutter speed dial...
 
Mine is the three lug M5. IMO, M5 is the best built M if considering building quality and operation interface. It's big, but compare with it, M6 is more like a function downgrade version.
 
Just when I'm thinking of selling my M5 you have to put me through this ... go away!!! :p :p :p
 
Keith said:
Just when I'm thinking of selling my M5 you have to put me through this ... go away!!! :p :p :p
Click to expand...

It's OK, Keith. If you sell it to me, whenever you're in Western Canada I'll let you come by and fondle it.
 
waileong said:
IF only they could have made the M5 smaller...
Click to expand...

If they had made it smaller it wouldn't be the camera it is ... it's size in comparison to it's M peers is what adds to it's uniqueness and individuality amongst the other M camera dross that adhered to that lets not change the status quo attitude, :rolleyes:

Anyway ... I don't want to talk about it! :p


come to think of it they did make it smaller ... it's called the CL .....
 
dreamsandart said:
Going against the more popular thought I feel the original 2-lug design is the best. I've had both 2 and 3 lugs versions and the 2-lug hangs over the shoulder and across the chest (long strap) taking the weight off and at my side out of the way, easy to bring up for shooting with tension for a steady hold without the strap in the way. Not having the 3rd lug also makes the right hand grip more comfortable.
Click to expand...


Yeah - two lug! I think you need to show us a picture of how it hangs, especially when worn diagonally, especially when your wife is using it. :D
 
waileong said:
I disagree. If it had been smaller, it wouldn't have cost Leica to lose its way in the 70's.
Click to expand...

But if they had made it smaller do you think they should have stuck to the angular look ... was it purely the size that scared people off or was it the fact that it looked unlike previous M's? :confused:
 
Do any of you use your M5 with just a wrist strap like a Gordy strap? How are the ergonomics then?

I've become quite attached to the free feeling of using my R3a with a wrist strap only, and a small bag (which my wife bless her says looks like handbag:eek: ) to stow it in when I'm not carrying it in my hand.
 
As noted above, Sherry K. really likes the M5. In fact she once said that if you once start using the M5, you may never go back to using the other Ms.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom