Re: Leica M5 vs M6

[Stephen Gandy <cameras@jetlink.net>]

the M5 vs M6 question is a matter of style and preferences, not of
obvious choice.  each has relative strong/weak points.

M5 strong points:

The M5 is the ONLY M camera with shutter speeds visible in the finder. 
(by definition, the CL and CLE are not M's).

The M5 has the EASIEST and MOST CONVENIENT shutter speed dial of any M,
by virtue of is large size and its dial extending over the edge of the
camera.

The M5 has the MOST PRECISE TTL metering in that its metering area is
considerably smaller than the M6. 

The M5 has a simplified four frame finder system, compared to the six
frame system in the M6.  Personally, I prefer the four frame system
since it gives me a much less cluttered feeling than the M6 system. 
Some will doubtless prefer the M6 for the opposite reason.

The M5 metering system  of a moving semaphore in front of the film plane
needs attention from time to time, as it is not as dependable or simple
as the M6 system (reading off the curtain and film plane.)   The M6 in
the long run is more dependable here, but that does not automatically
mean that it is better when both are working correctly.

The M5 is a larger camera body.  Depending upon a person's handsize and
personal camera preferences, this call could go either way.

The M6 will take a winder,  the M5 will not.

Both are excellent cameras, which is really best is ultimately due to
the user's value of the differences, rather than objective provable
fact.

At the moment, M5's are selling for much more than M6's in the same
condition due to collector interest.   A ugly user, however, will still
take the same pics and can be found for a bargain price.

Stephen Gandy