Leica M5

Infobox camera
camera_name = Leica M5

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type = 35 mm camera
lens_mount = Leica M mount
focus = manual
exposure = manual
flash = standard accessory shoe with separate bulb and electronic flash connectors
frame-rate =
dimensions = 155 x 84 x 36mmThe Leica M5 is a 35 mm camera by Leica AG, introduced in 1971. It was the first Leica rangefinder to feature TTL metering.

The M5 changed the traditional silhouette of the Leica rangefinders, that had little changed since the M3. The body was larger in all dimensions, and heavier. The rewinding crank hides in the bottom plate. The speed selector is coaxial with the shutter button and is designed to allow selection without taking the camera away from the eye.

Like the M4, the M5 viewfinder features frames for 35, 50, 90 and 135 mm lenses. Information from the cell is displayed by a hand at the bottom of the viewfinder. The lightmeter is activated by winding the camera, and shuts down when the shutter is released.

The Leica M5 was coolly received, and production was halted after in 1975. Often blamed for the poor sales are the CdS cell which that did not perform too well, the larger size and weight, and the departure from the classical design of the M3. Leica reverted to the M4 and its iterations, until the coming of the Leica M6 which offered the features of the M5 on more reliable and compact electronics while retaining the M3-like design. M5 are now a relatively uncommon type, and their price on the second-hand market is comparable to that of the M6.

External links

* [http://photo.net/equipment/leica/m5/ The Leica M5: Leitz's big ugly failure, or not...]
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/m5.htm Leica M5: yesterday's outcast, today's star?]
* [http://yandr.50megs.com/leica/m5/m5.htm Leica M5 manual]