Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/17

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Subject: Re: [Leica] M5
From: "A S Jordan" <andrewsjordan@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1998 23:40:37 -0500

>Some questions for the group:
>
>Is the M5 now pretty much universally recognized as a good camera?
B.D.:

As a previous owner of a M4 and a current user of a M5 and M6, I think the
underrated M5 was the finest rangefinder camera that has been produced by
the wizards of Leitz Wetzlar. The advantages of the M5 compared to the M6
are (1) more sensitive analog spot meter with a spotsize of about 8mm vs
12mm in a M4;(2) shutter speed readout in the finder;(3) brighter and better
defined viewfinder framelines for 35-50-90-135mm lenses;(4) no blackout of
rangefinder spot in bright lights or when the eye is not centered;(5)
oversized shutterspeed dial with overhang for easy operation.
The disadvantages have been emphasized  by the photographic press and many
"disgruntled" users. These are (1) more complex loading of film; (2)
inability to see film advance on top of the camera body; (3) larger size to
accommodate meter circuit; (4)  about 100gram heavier body which actually
provides more stability at lower shutter speeds; (5) operates on mercury
oxide batteries banned in th US(though not abroad).
I think the size and weight issue should not be relevant to R8 users who
accepted its novel shape and heft compared to the R4 to R7.
Summing up the M5 is my favorite Leica rangefinder body which with use one
learns to love!

Regards and Happy Holidays,

Andrew Jordan