Re: [Leica] M5 questions

["Bruce Bowman" <b.bowman@delkergrid.com>]

Don,

I did it the other way about 6 mos. ago. That is, bought an M6 to accompany
my M5 purchased about 25 years ago.

I did this despite much advice to the contrary from this list and even
Sherry.

First off, my instruction book is long gone, but if you check the archives
here, there are sources for .pdfs for them. If you have any specific
questions I will be happy to answer them.

For my shooting the M5 is the quintessential available darkness camera. It's
meter sensitivity, coupled with its narrow acceptance angle is of great
comfort. Coupled with a noctilux, I have some incredible low light
photographs of family and friends at holidays. Load up with some 400 or 800
and have at it! My M5 probably has never seen a flash.

The dial on the back is simply a film reminder, nothing more.

The reason many cautioned me from getting an M6 is the difference in
operation between the more classic Leica, M6 (2,3,4) and the 5. My 5 was my
first new camera, so I am very used to it. Because I use it for low light
photography almost exclusively, it's different feel is actually another
signal that this camera is different. Kind like the black vs. chrome bodies
people use to distinguish between cameras.

The other thing I love about my 5 is the strap lugs. (I have a 2 lug
version) I can easily carry my 5 and my 6 with me anywhere, never confused,
and out of each others way, and when I need my low light camera, I just
reach to my side. For a strap, I use a Domke. The nylon part of the strap
fits perfectly in the lugs. I use a wide Domke on the 5 and a narrow one on
the 6 (again to distinguish when I am in a rush.

I've got to run now, we're going to a friends for dinner, where I am certain
to shoot a couple of rolls tonight.

Bruce Bowman
Kilingworth CT

> But for some inexplicable reason I managed to
> develop this deadly serious interest in the M5.
> Undoubtedly reading Stephen Gandy's site influenced me some.
> As my interest in Leica grew from the excellent results the M6 has given
me,
> I began watching for an M5.
> About two months ago I noticed two M5s at my local used Camera dealer.
> These cameras have been calling my name.
> So, Friday I walked in and with a bit of negotiation was able to purchase
a
> mint- M5.
>
> This is an really interesting camera. I intend to put it to use this
weekend
> at
> some family Christmas occasions.
>
> Would anyone on the list have a good source for a M5 user manual?
> Perhaps someone might have scanned it and could email it as a pdf file?
> Or perhaps some one has one to sell?
> Until I find a manual could some one who has experience with the M5 give
> me an explanation if what the exposure dial on the camera back does?
> The dealer who sold me the camera seemed to know very little about its
> operation.
>
> Also this is the 3 lug version, what type of strap is recommended?
>
> Thanks
> Don
>