Leica M5 Review - The odd one out from the 1970s 

I didnt buy a M5 a couple of years ago because of all the bashing and negativity against it… and now I cant afford one because of the hype. Real fun hobby we got…

The M5 has been my daily carry for a few years now, and it is the best user camera, everything is right where it needs to be, the build quality is outstanding, the light meter is insanely accurate, albeit quirky, but once you are used to how it meters you absolutely love it. She is not the prettiest Leica out there, but she is a user, not a shelf queen.

I carried a Leica IIIF with collapsible 3.5 Elmar for years as my everyday camera but though I could estimate outdoor exposures adequately, I really needed a meter for indoor exposures. In 1974 I tried the new CL with built-in metering and traded my screw mount in for it. At the time the M5 was out, but I didn’t seriously consider it because of both size and price - the CL was $399 with lens, whereas an M5 with lens would have been $1200 or more. After a couple of years carrying the CL and acquiring some M mount lenses, I happened on a used M5 for a reasonable price so I added it. Though it’s a bit bulky to carry all the time, it replaced much of my medium format shooting because of its smoothness and the optical quality. With an F2 Summicron and slow speed films, it will permit enlargements to 16x20 with amazing sharpness, yet handles quickly enough for candid street shooting or even sports photos. The shutter release is like a fine rifle trigger - so smooth and precise! I also used the M5 for shooting in courtrooms, church services and anywhere that an SLR would have been annoyingly loud. Several CLAs later it still functions as well as the day I bought it almost 50 years ago.

This is, by far, the most informative and best produced video on the M5! Thank you Max and friends for this gem!

I own one, bought at a lower-than-market price from a friend who's saving to buy a car, and I've been using it with my LTM glass (specifically the 45mm f2.8 and 50mm f2 Super Rokkors, and the "Japanese Summilux" Canon 50mm f1.4, alongside the Industar-61 L/D 55mm f2.8) fitted with an LTM-M mount adapter. And honestly, this setup has served me well and has taught me the beauty of the M system - without giving in to the fad of the M system. Additionally, the M5 is not a camera that you choose to use, the M5 is a camera that chooses you to use it, and to those it chooses, it blesses them with a unique M shooting experience that's never replicated anymore: easy shutter wheel access, a center-the-needle exposure indicator, well-balanced size (allows for use of heavier lenses without upsetting the camera's center of gravity), and lower-then-usual price due to low demand. Howver should you buy or use one, know that it is the hardest M camera to be maintained: its parts are rare candies and only a few repair facilities accept to repair the body. Nonetheless, being the last camera built using the adjust-and-fit method of construction, the M5 is a sturdy body that demands to be used and loved for years to come.

Hi Max! Just want to say thank you so much for your thorough review on M5! I watched this one times after times. And finally, finally yesterday I pulled the trigger on a two-lug M5 in a near mint condition for 1050 euros. I think I will enjoy this camera a lot, all thanks to the details you provide here!

I love the M5 more than others M , I sold all my M film cameras from M3 to M7 but keep my two M5 and never regretted .

I've got an M5 arriving today, the first Leica I've used since a brief fling with an M3 about 10 years ago. It's design and features really appealed to me, especially the shutter dial and the shutter display in the viewfinder. Can't wait to get shooting with my oddball!

We're so richly rewarded after a bit of a break. Thanks! Back in the 70s I wanted to buy an M5 and the dealer steered me of it in favour. of the Canadian-built M4 -2 because of the "mechanical thumb" (winder) much to my enduring chagrin.

Once again a fantastic episode. the Leica M5 being shot outside the famous BMW site was great, however perhaps you should have shot the episode in Stuttgart with the Porsche factory, as the Leica M series cameras is perhaps analogous to the Porsche 911 - it too was meant to be overhauled with the Porsche 928, which was more advanced car (like the M5), but everyone still wanted the air-cooled 911!

I own an M5 and love it. I enjoy having something different, but it’s every bit a Leica and is a joy to use. Great review.

An excellent episode. I particularly enjoy your analysis of the paths taken and not. A very thoughtful and interesting discussion. Not just technical, but also philosophical, who can’t appreciate that? Finally, I appreciate your description of the tactile feel when using the camera. Many reviewers get caught up in the specs. The quiet shutter is such a pleasure. Well done.

I just like the weird shape and design of it. Only reason I want one

Thanks Jules, Greg and Max for another wonderful video. They continue to make inform and inspire me with my own film photography,

Your videos are still some of the best on RU-vid! Just got a M5 thanks in part to you. Keep up the amazing work!

The M5 is one of three Leicas that Stephen Gandy (of CameraQuest and Rangefinder Forum fame) refers to as the "orphan Leicas", due to their rather short production lives. In addition to the M5, he also included the CL, as well as the M6 TTL. Interestingly, these are the three Leica rangefinders that I find the most intriguing.

Wow at the images, those black and white photos are beautifully done. Great video!

I actually really like the utilitarian look of the M5! Great video as always man!

BRILLIANT VIDEOS AS ALWAYS!!! I am disabled and usually sleep by 9pm..... but last night I watched you videos to 1am and awoke needing to take photos. I do not understand why you do not have more subscribers.

I have the Leica M3 and M5, mine is earlier with the lower serial number. I understand it’s better to get a later model from 135000 and higher as there were issues with the early shutter roller breaking. I understand this shutter roller is hard to find now. I love my M5 and everything works great including the viewfinder.

Wonderful video! Mine will arrive this weekend.

Shooting with a GW690II the M5 is the perfect 35mm companion 😀

the M5's bodyshape outline looks a lot like the Leicaflex SL2 Great video, one of your best reviews. Well done Max

You guys outdid yourself on this review. Very thorough. I own the M5 and it’s a wonderful camera. So what if the form factor is unLeica. It’s a magnificently designed camera. It’s less bulky than the Leicaflex SL2, but it feels similar in build quality.

Thanks for a great video. I enjoy my M5. Very educational too. RS. Canada

Well, I got myself an M5 and I am very happy with it.

I’m really ready to pull the trigger on an M5 . I don’t shoot film much and what I do isn’t consistent. I’m wanting to shoot more documentary of muscians and live music shows . Mainly in Monochrome. I’ve struggled with the rangefinder patch in low light. This has held me back from pulling that trigger on this camera. I really like it . I’ve found a solid one for $1299 that’s with the later serial number. It’s a two lug .

Love the review. One correction: the classic Dual-Range (DR) Summicron 50mm f/2 is compatible with the M5. However, you must remove a screw in the goggles and take off the plastic black buffer that protrudes out the back of the goggles. That black piece sits on top of the earlier M camera bodies for additional stabilization. I did this with my own M5 and DR Summicron, and it close focuses like a gem. Love the channel and love the Leica M5. I for one am very glad that much of the Leica community rejects this beautiful, phenomenally built camera; it made mine a lot cheaper!

I own a Leica M5 and it is a very nice camera...it is unique and don't let people tell you its so big,it fits nice in hands ,he's not as small as a m6 but it also feels more robust than the plastic m6.

I bought a very nice one a year ago for €999,-. Now it would be at least 50% more. I love it, but my 10 year older Canon Model 7 is also a great camera and it is about 1/10th of the price.

Yet another great video; I don’t usually comment on your videos but I am a big fan and have watched every video over the last 3 years

Superb. Well done episode.

Great review Max. Thanks. I like the path less travelled analogy. As an R8 user, I know the path very well!

Just bought one, very excited to use it, than you for this really informative video ❤

Leica M5 is amazing camera! It was the last hand built Leica M in Wetzlar Germany and it is the ONLY Leica M camera that has SPOT metering! The meter is amazing! Build quality is amazing! What's not to like about this camera? I honestly think it is the best Leica M camera ever made.

Reminds me of the Nikon film cameras, the Nikon F or the Nikkor or Nikkomat. The Nikkormats were built bigger heavier but very durable and reliable. Many Nikon F shooters wouldn’t stoop down the the cheaper line of a better built camera. I love them and am drawn towards the M5 . I do wish it was a black paint inof a black chrome .

I'm forever jealous of Greg's vibe. The white pants with a tucked in polo is 🤌

Finally!!!!!!! I'll watch it with my M5 ♡♡♡♡♡ Thank you guys Can't wait

I was shooting with M4 and M2 when I purchased a used M5 in the mid 70s. It was very cheap because of its unpopularity. It soon became My no.1 Leica M because of the lightmeter. The bajonet of My 21mm was modified so I could use it without the meter, it simply deactivated the meter arm . The Weight never bothered me, I was carrying it together with Leicaflex SL2 mots. I still have, it certainly doesn’t look as fine as yours, but You Can tell it’s been used. Hasn’t used it since we were digitalized back in the mid 90,s it just sits on the Shelf with the other Old ones, reminding of fun times.

The M5 and CL were the only ones with CDS cell metering. Those were extremely accurate compared to M6, M7, MP and digital leicas after.

Very good review as always by Analog Insights. The M5 is the ``ugly duck´´ of the M series, but in my opinion it was a very good camera and represents a step head for Leica M cameras at the time. The viewfinder are very informative and clear and ergonomics are fine too, thanks to the big speed shutter wheel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on M5 and congratulations for this amazing video and review. PS: I ask once more please made a review of the R8 who is like the M5 the ´´ugly duck`` of the R system.

Absolutely great video with deep info, thx

Great video! Making me want a Leitz Minolta CL again

I remember back in the 80's the M5 was not liked and was cheap to buy. I never bought and since I think I should have. Over the years I have got to appreciate the M5 and would be pleased to use one.

Been waiting for this!

Great review!

Endlich mal wieder ein Video von euch 😉👍🏼

Another great review Max, Greg and Jules. I sold my M6 earlier this year with a view to getting an M5, but they seem to quite rare here in the UK. In the meantime I use my M2 (which I love and will never sell), but am very attracted to the ‘oddball M5’. Your review has helped to convince me that I must get one. Many thanks again.

The M5 is a very nice camera, that has some advantages in comparison with the M6. For example the shutter speed button and the light meter.

Really nice presentation; good breakdown of all of the M5's particular nuances and quirks. I have always wavered on this camera because of the larger size, but I am a sucker for orphans. I am still resisting but I am weakening.

I like the self timer button of the M5 a lot. A loss for the M6.

Many Leica enthusiasts probably took a good look at this excellent camera body and thought there was too much Japanese influence. The shutter dial and film advance looks similar to that of a Canon EF released about the same time.

I got myself a M4-2. Perhaps the next one will be a M5. Great video!

Very nice photos.

Very nice video of the M5 - innovators dilemma. Another odd one out from the 1970s was the M4-P. As I understand its goal was to re-establish the traditional M line with some innovations like the addition of 28mm viewfinder lines. It was the precursor to the M cameras today from the M6 on. I also believe the 75mm frame lines were introduced as well? From a collectors point of view, it wasn't valued very high as it was produced in Canada with a less expensive component approach. About 3+ years ago I found a brand new and never-used chrome M4-P in the Leica Shop in Vienna. The chrome version was rare and I bought the camera for a great price. I found the camera of very good quality - perhaps not as well built as my M3 but very much the Leica experience. The price has tripled since I bought mine - as with most Leica gear. Perhaps a future episode might cover the M4-P...I would loan mine to you for a review but I live in the US so it might be too difficult for shipment and customs etc..

Thank you, Minolta, for making the best viewfinders ever made

The M5 looks like a Fed5 and I’d prefer the Fed because of the compatible lens options and the affordability.

I have two Leica M-mount cameras - the Leica CL and the M5. Even though these two cameras are at opposite ends of the size scale in the Leica M-mount family, they have so many design features in common. The left side strap lugs, the rewind crank on the bottom, the overhanging shutter speed dial and the shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder to mention the obvious ones. And, while the display in the viewfinder for the light meter is different, they both indicate how far from correct exposure you are with your current settings. As far as 35mm rangefinder cameras go, I hope to be set for life with this setup. Btw, the third lug on the M5 (my M5 is the 50 years anniversary edition, so it does have the third lug) - I find it makes more sense to use for wrist straps as it is not level with the top lug on the left side. From what I understand, there is also the issue of the lugs themselves. Apparently the M5 lugs are less likely to break than the lugs on all the other M-cameras. So as far as the strap lugs go, when Leica decided to eliminate the M5 design in its entirety, they gave up on the improved M5 lugs, that don't fit on the rounded ends of the other M-cameras. A shame really, when you think about it.

The shutter sound of the M5 is very nice.

All Leica's are wonderful' great review you did on the Leica M5. Cheers

The shot with the “Strandkorb” 155 is absolutely stunning. As always fantastic photos and a wonderful review. Ever thought of reviewing the Zeiss Ikoflex? If so I would gladly loan you mine.

Great content, as always. Thoroughly researched and well presented. When this camera was released all the main camera manufactures were in the process of ceasing production of their popular rangefinders, the age of rangefinders came to an end. Also Japanese competition was fierce, with SLR's truly taking over. I admire the craftsmanship and boldness of Leica at the time. However why is the M5 so huge?

Thanks for this great review! Please allow me one correction: The M5 CAN be used with goggled lenses like the 35mm summaron/summicron/Summilux as well as the 135mm elmarit.

Nice to see a review of the M5, I have a 2 lug version and its ergonomics are farther ahead than any other camera. The shutter sound is a grand enjoyment to hear. I do use a collapsible 5.0 cm Summicron lens and it doesn’t hit the cell, but that’s just me. - Thanks for not forgetting this camera :)

One of my favorites, sad it has become so expensive

I own both the M5 and the M6. The M6 is different but not better. The M5 has it advantages.

enjoyed this review , would like to see a review on the Nikon s3 2000 👍🤞

I would love to own one of these and regret not buying one 30 years ago when a local shop had one mint in the box. I am concerned though that few service people are working on them now so if something goes wrong that may be the end of it. Of course I also here stories that some M6 meter issues cannot be fixed either. Very happy with my M3 and m4 though for now.

The M5 is a wonderful, sophistically designed camera. But finding a repair shop that can fix or overhaul it can be a real challenge. Leica does not offer full service anymore, because some spare parts ran out of stock, as I recall from a phone call with the customer service. Beside its "odd" shape (which doesn't bother me at all) there is also that battery issue: To replace the original 1.35V mercury batteries by 1.35V zinc-air batteries (such as Wein Cells) is an unsatisfying and possibly dangerous measure. Unsatisfying, because zinc-air batteries have an very short livetime, and they also need some time to get activated after exposed to air. Dangerous, because zinc-air batteries - according to my experience - tend to leak very quickly and could possibly mess up and damage the battery compartment, much sooner than 1,5V LR44 silver oxide batteries do. So if you consider to buy a M5, it´s advisable to use either a real 1.5V - 1.35V converter in combination with a 1,5V battery, or to get the light meter calibrated into 1.5V. In addition, you should be sure that the camera you plan to buy has a clean battery compartment that has not been messed up already by battery residues. Those issues don´t make the M5 a bad camera at all, but it´s worth to consider that if you can´t use the light meter (and this would be the case, unless you want to fiddle around with zinc-air-batteries, use a converter or get it calibrated), it´s "only" a chunky M4 - and thus I can understand when people prefer the M4 or M6. If anyone knows a repair shop in europe that is specialized on the M5, please let me know, I would be very grateful. Once I've sent mine to Sherry Krauter (USA) for a CLA + meter calibration. She did a great job, but shipping costs + custom fees from europe are insane- and Mrs Krauter is probably going to retire some day... Keep up the good work, Max! I really enjoy your channel!

The M5 is my favourite M. I also have the M3 and M6 but I find the M5 most ergonomic of them all. Maybe I just prefer the underdog.

Great video. I also had the chance to purchase an M5 at a low price, but I refrained from purchasing it, which I am now kicking myself for! Would you ever do a review of the Contax II/III? They have an interesting place in photographic history.

Yes, it is different than the other classic Leica M cameras, but I thing this camera is just as gorgeous as the other Leica M bodies, and it is actually very special because of its uniqueness. I like them both in silver and black. Another note, doesn’t it have a gorgeous brownish tint under certain lighting conditions?

I was looking to get this came a couple of years ago and now seems to have gone up in cost . I really like the design and not being a Leica purest I’m looking for high quality and usability of it and the phenomenal lens choices in the m mount.

I liked everything about the M5, the unique features and the quirkiness. I tried a 50 Jahre Anniversary Edition in a shop and considered buying it. The only problem was that I love to shoot 28mm, so for me this one was sadly, out.

Owing the M5, I feel needed to correct the statement "Leica M5:s don´t work with collapsible lenses". The M5 cameras work fine with collapsible lenses - as long you don´t collapse them. I simply put a piece of tape on the lens so it can not be collapsed. I find the M5 a real joy to use. And I like the fact it is a bit bigger than the rest of the Leica line, being easier to hold and use.

Thanks for this Max, which is the most comprehensive review of the M5 I have found so far. 👌 By the way, the M5 also limits the use of some Visoflex accessories, which was the main reason I didn't buy one when I had the chance. I have 2 Visoflex III houses which both have the lower profile prism. I could use it with the vertical finder, that I aslo have, but was going to have to search for the later prism finder for the preferred viewing.

One of my favourite cameras, I’m planning on picking up an unused one soon, so I always dread seeing M5 content on RU-vid knowing it will inflate the prices 😭 (still looking forward to the video though

When I first started looking into Leica, one day I thought "Hmmm, shouldn't there be a M5 in there, all I hear about is the M3, M4 M6, M7..? Then I looked around and when I saw the "ugly duckling" with its lovely Bauhaus design - I knew I had to get one. I did - and It is by far my favorite film-camera. It connects so nicely in my hands. Really a lovely piece of engineering and design!

I can very close to buying an M5 about 3 years ago (as still cheaper back then). It the last moment though I read somewhere someone saying if this is going to be the only Leica M your are going to own (or your first) then the M5 is a bit too niche. I got an M2 instead and glad that I did. I still think the M5 is a great looking and beautifully made - perhaps one day ... (when my lotto numbers come up!)

Never liked the M5... its design, it being too bulky, and the M6/MP is so much nicer when looking for a metered Leica. Well, forget what I said - for a few weeks I am now shooting with the M5, maybe because I like quirky oddball things...and I have to say, I realy enjoy it! Great handling, excellent light meter scale and the fact that you can see the shutter speed in the viewfinder while turning the protruding large wheel just adds to it. I still lust for the MP, but for now the M5 does a perfect job :-). Thanks for your great review, which appeared just in time to support my decision!

Thank you for this great, detailed review of a camera I love. I've owned 6 Leicas, including 2 M3s, an M4, 2 IIIf LTMs, and an M2. I currently have a chrome M2, a chrome M5, and a IIIf. The M5 is my favorite, especially for its spot meter and the wonderfully ergonomic shutter speed dial. My camera has had the electronics updated to take modern 1.5 volt batteries, so that's a plus. I appreciate it for the wonderful, hand-built machine it is. Let everyone else overpay for their M6. I'll keep my M5.

M5 is best m for me. Having used m3 and my, l ended up with m5 with no regrets

31:58 M5 is compatible with folded lenses, unless they are folded. I can use my 50mm elmar without folding. BTW, nice video and review.

Less than a decade ago i had a chance to buy one for $700 and still regret not doing so. That said, you guys dissed on the CL for having a crowded viewfinder, but this is not much cleaner. The CL is my standard and much-loved travel camera, by the way, and the metering just as good.

Superb video, loved the images! Have you ever thought about checking out Sigma Foveon cameras? While nowhere near film, they still come closest. Wonder if you'd make an exception there. ;-)

Max voice is great ! Bro should do documentary like Morgan Freeman

That is a kind of camera you take... to sit at the table of fancy restaurant an put it well visible on the table. : )

Great piece of technology and I also like the design, but I vowed to myself that I would only want analog cameras for which there are still suitable batteries (without adapters or camera adaptations).

I join the ranks of the admirer of the M5. I bought my first M5 in 1988 and used it since then exposing hundreds of films. So, I know what I am talking about: I have never understood the rejection by the Leica enthusiasts prefering the classical design. The size was criticized - absolutely ridiculous, at that time as now. When you see today's digital bolides, M5 looks delicately like a steel-frame bike of the 80s next to the modern fat bikes (bikes with oversized tubes and motorcycle-thick tires ...). It was ahead of its time. IMO it was the best Leica M in terms of handling, through the lens metering, and workmanship. The time wheel was and is genius. It was copied by Canon in the EF and unfortunately did not find its way into the later versions.

I loved my leica M5, but I sold it as I love collapsible lens. Now, I am very much regret for sure. even though I use Leica M3, I miss Leica M5zz

I don’t know why, but I’m contemplating a new MP in black paint.

I have a M2 but the M5 it is my dream

I'd love to see, from my fave Film Photography channel, more gear which isn't being uber-priced like Leica.

Great review as always did you notice that it’s quite hard to see the light meter when it’s dimly lit?

I wonder if you did an m4 review. If not hopefully do one in the near future.

Ahh the big cl. Had one with a 35 sumilux in the 70s.

Hello Max, nice video. But the M5 is similar to Leitz CL and I have to disagree with you: the M5 and Cl is usuable with collapsible lenses. The prerequisite is that the lenses do not protrude more than 16.5 mm into the camera body.

the black sheep is gonna get pricey after this video

Great analysis. An ugly turned into a birth of a beauty. Time only can create

Thanks for your Leica M5 full review. Super! I want to ask which lens are compatible with Leica M5? There are some comments about new Leica lens could damage Leica M5's meter system on the internet.