Leica M6 vs Leica M5 | every day carry camera 

Some people have great Leica stories about how their camera/lens was given to them, or they found it for $50 in a pawn shop. This beats them all. Also what an incredible friend for giving you a $4000 lens for recommending a hiking trail!

Alternate title: Matt Day Talks to Himself for 55 Minutes Straight (NOT CLICKBAIT)

The M2, M4, M6 are all pretty similar, but the M5 is worth having alongside one of these others just because it's so different from any of them. I love how solid the M5 feels (its brutalist looks grow on you) and can be slung with side lugs under the arm, leaving the straps out of the way when you pull it up to shoot. A very different ergonomic experience from classic M. Its viewfinder, with its needle style lightmeter and speed indicator is unmatched. It's heavier, but in some ways ergonomically more satisfying.

Wow look how much Elliot has grown!!

I just came home from the beach taking photos, and this video drops. Perfect friday

This was so entertaining! Man I wish I had close buddies that I could nerd out over film photography with lol

2 cool guys talking about 2 cool cameras. I dig it.

Ohhhh I love side lugs too. Didn’t realize that about the M5.

I'm getting my first film camera next week, an Olympus Trip 35, a "point and shoot" with the famous 40mm f2.8. I got the role of film shipped in yesterday, and i pick the Olympus up on Monday. It has zone focusing so i can use it the same way i can use my phone or digital p&s in contrast to my dslr.

I've been waiting for this one. The Leica M5 in an honest conversation...

imagine being the person who lost the 50 Summilux and watch this vid.

The ergos on the M5 are so good, especially if you have big hands. The shutter speed dial is perfect

This was great. Really genuine discussion and no fanboy-ism. Thanks!

Two great M-bodiments. Thanks very much for the in-depth conversation!

Awesome photographers , awesome guys . im happy to see you two working together in this video .

Great video about several different topics. I liked the quick list of different/similar characteristics between the two cameras. I think the only detail not mentioned about the M5 was its original use of the obsolete 625 mercury battery. I love my M5--especially after it was calibrated for the modern silver oxide battery. (To be honest, I would love the M5 even if the meter didn't work. An M-body camera gives the user access to so many great M lenses which was another great point they made in this video.)

Amazing story with the found 50/1.4 Summilux lens in Yosemite. Must have been a sad day for the original owner who originally lost it. Best Leica deal I made so far was winning at a local auction last year a Leica IIIc with 50/2 Summitar LTM, collapsible 90/4 plus 135/4.5 Hektor M lenses all together in a bundle for $250. Had a CLA done on the IIIc and the Summitar lens, all nearly mint now (the M lenses were in EX condition already).

I’ve owned M2, M6, M4 and M5. The M4 is the one I chose in the end to be my ‘lifer’ but if anyone asks me to recommend a metered Leica, I’ll recommend the M5 till the day I die. Best meter and best ergonomics in a Leica m body ever. And that quiet shutter was just so sexy. Maybe I’ll buy one again if I decide to rock two Leicas sometime in the future.

I love the grade on this. It has an interesting vibe; soft, slightly desaturated and really pleasing color!

I don’t know why I thought you travelled to meet Matt 2.0? Took me a bit to realize you’re in your new office and how it looks so chill! Open and inviting.. keep up the good work!

Great conversation! For years my Nikon F301 with a 50 was my daily driver. Now it’s my FA with a 50 and that’s perfectly fine for me.

Great video guys! I absolutely love my M5, I also have the M2, but the M5 is my everyday carry because I feel it is the best user camera; sure it is the fugly duckling of the Leica M series, but the ergonomics are second to none. For me, at least.

Matt, I'll preface my long-winded comments by noting that I am not a regular viewer of this channel. But I have seen plenty of videos over the past few years involving two or more people discussing photography. This was, by far, the best of the bunch in my opinion - enjoyable and informational both. I appreciate that so much of the focus is on photography (in part by default because you both have very down-to-earth personalities). In particular really liked the discussion of the different preferred focal lengths and film stocks. So thanks for putting this video out together and putting it out there for all to see. I'll be sure to check out Trev's content (both his personal content and that with The Darkroom) as the result of watching this video. Although I did not go into photography as a career, there are some funny similarities in our lives. However, I'm quite a few miles down the road ahead of you in my life experience. I noticed the decks hanging on your wall - I was skating back in the 70's (I had fun but I sucked, lol). I sold my old Logan Earth Ski's on Ebay a few years back but still own a longboard - only because it didn't sell. I haven't really ridden it since I turned 50. When I was younger, for a couple of decades my only camera was a Minolta as well (a XD11) that I bought in the late 70's along with the 50mm MD Rokkor lens initially. The XD11 developed a few problems and I lost my trust in it, yet I've kept it purely for sentimental reasons. I replaced the XD11 with a Leica M6 TTL back in the year 2000. 90% of the time I have the 35mm Summicron mounted on the camera but I also own 50mm and 90mm Summicron's in addition to the 35mm. I primarily shoot HP5, but after watching this video I might well consider buying some Tri-X soon as I haven't done so in many years. Interestingly, while I realize that I don't fit the standard Leica mold, besides the M6 TTL the M5 is really the only other Leica M camera that I would have an interest in owning, predominately because of the ergonomic issues that you mentioned in the video. It's funny that so many Leicaphiles like to bag on the M5. I really like my M6 TTL and it's been a great camera, but I think that the M5 is an incredibly cool camera and I'd love to own one. When I added a 2nd M-mount rangefinder to the mix last year I returned to my past alliances and picked up a Minolta CLE. It doesn't have the same vibe as the all-mechanical Leica's, but it's truly a great camera in it's own right. Cheers!

Nooooooo Matt now all of the Leica M5's are gonna skyrocket in price!!!

Just wanted to say thanks Matt! Been a long time viewer and when I heard you talking about your relationship to skating it was the little push I needed to go buy a board. Been something I've wanted to do for years watching skate videos but always felt like I was betraying photography for some reason. You and others were the examples I needed and I'm loving life on 4 wheels with a camera in my hand

Man, I always think that I got my home developing and scanning process down to a good, consistent quality but those Darkroom-Scans are absolutely out of this world! 🤯

If I have to choose between the two, 400TX or HP5, I would go with HP5. But I personally prefer HP5 pushed a stop to 800. Besides HP5, I would choose Eastman Double-X (Cinestill bwXX for those that don't know), but so far the best results I've gotten were developed in Df96 and HC-110. This is one thing I didn't recall you guys talking about, how different developers will affect the way film will look.

The M5 is an underrated camera and is lower-priced (generally) than other Leica bodies as a result. I started with an M4, moved up to an M5 & now shoot an M6, but I kept the other bodies as investments. I'll sell them someday, but that day is a long way off. I hate to say this Matt....but I like the Tri-X images better than the HP5+ images The Darkroom posted on Instagram. They just looked cleaner to me than the HP5+ images. I like shooting with both the 35mm & 50mm lenses so I didn't mind the differences between those. By the way...I had to chuckle during the part of your conversation about film speed...400 vs. 1600. When I started shooting film, Tri-X was the fastest film we had available and most of the film was ISO 100. I pushed Tri-X to 3200 at times, but the grain was the size of dimes. Not a good look. But when you have to get the picture regardless of grain you do what you have to do.

I love the perspective of the 50. However, I have been keeping track for about one year. Most of my shots were with the 35 or 90. My 50 is now in the same drawer as the heavy, big telephoto lenses. Waiting for a project that may never come. ☺️

Cool thing about the M5...it has a multiple exposure feature! Bummer thing about the M5...they are very complex and if it ever stops working or has a light leak good luck finding someone to fix it for under $500!

Matt, one more confusion, is with Mat Marrash (mat with ONE 'T'), who does LF film, and has a youtube channel "LARGE FORMAT FRIDAY"; which I also LOVE, and watch religeously. THE GOTO resource on LF topics, just as you are for other film formats, he also has a wife, and photographs his family often, but you don't have a sausage dog, Marrash, does.

Great video guys. Regarding the contrast of tri-x vs Hp5 I would recommend people check out the Naked Photographer's comparison of the two film. Using the same contrast filter in the darkroom he found that the two films aren't really all too different regarding contrast. I just think that tri-x gets a lot more contrasty when it is pushed while Hp5 doesn't as much.

This was a great listen, especially your thoughts and explanations on why you chose what you chose. I would love to shoot a Leica at some point but am always overwhelmed with the options. This was great info!!!

Nice video but when you guys said we met in a dark room has such an awkward meaning in my country hehehehehehe Thanks for sharing and a great weekend for all.

I need to try out the sharp chunky stuff. haha such a nice watch. Was able to just sit back, relax, and listen to two guys who just love to shoot and talk cameras. I learned a lot for sure.

that was one of the best videos I have ever seen! I’ve been a professional photographer for 30+ years and I’ve never owned a 35mm. 50mm and 28mm are my go to lenses. If I’m shooting for a client I use T-Max 400 in 35 & 120. For myself and my projects I shoot Kentmere, Fomapan or FP4. I shoot 99% B&W, for color I love shooting expired film.

HP5 is a great long favorite of mine, only in the Hasselblads. Anything small format is on the D Nikons. Fun chat!!

Lately I’ve been splitting the 35/50mm difference with a 40mm Summicron-C. (The Minolta Rokkor version is every bit as good, arguably even better with the later multicoated version.) It’s among the earliest Leitz lenses with a more contrasty look, verging on “modern” but with a lighter touch. Once you use it a few times you internalize how much extra coverage you get beyond the 50mm framelines. Performs great with film or digital, color or b&w.

nice to see representation for m5's, so so underrated

Love the longer format discussion 👍🏻

The side lugs is something I fully relate to. Sam e thing on the analogue Leica CL. I love the CL because it still has the meter but also is much smaller than most Ms. Its all a preference thing. I get why the M6 and M3 are loved by Leica people. But when you're introduced to Leica by an unpopular body...you just learn to love it especially if you aren't a collector and just own 1 model. You have no reason to complain. Oh and I live the CL too cause it all black :) aaand the leatherette isn't even a leatherette. So it just always looks clean

Oh man! This was like an hour-long celebrity death match between two greats, and the commentators were discussing on the mouth guards, length of shorts, and brand of boxing gloves.... yet weirdly I ENJOYED IT! I'm leaning towards the M5 just because it's the under-rated underdog, and it's still affordable for now. :)

Love my M4- btw Contact Sheets is an amazing book for so many reasons. Love all the Mary Ellen Mark books, too!

Interesting conversation. I don't have Leica-money to spend on my gear, so I have to go in another direction. I learned to shoot on a Minolta AL-F rangefinder over 30 years ago, that no longer has a functional lightmeter. Been wanting a Minolta Hi-Matic 7S because it reminds me of the AL-F, but has fully manual options. Last Sunday, I finally found a shop with a Minolta Hi-Matic 7S for sale and ordered it. It arrived on Tuesday (from Finland) and today on the following Friday, I loaded the first film (Fujicolor C200 as it's the cheapest option around here) to test it for lightleaks and so on. It felt so natural to shoot with for me. I will have to see the photos before judging, but I don't know if I will ever shoot much with my other 35mm film cameras after this. It was like returning home after decades without a functional Minolta rangefinder... I wonder if a Leica rangefinder would deliver a similar experience for me.

There are two versions of the M5, a 2-lug and a 3-lug, which has 2 lugs on the right side and 1 lug on the left side.

very cool discussion! looking for more of this! my everyday camera is the canon f1n and the 50mm f1.2L with portra160 or across ii :)

The M5 is just the superior camera. To me, looks arent important. Ergonomics are great and it's not a lot bigger or heavier either, it shouldnt be a dealbreaker. Only reason why you should reconsider getting one is because you use a 28mm lens and not a lot of people service them and parts are becoming more rare. They also don't make the batteries needed anymore so you need a little knowhow before you buy; but the metering system and the shutter dial really make shooting a lot easier and faster than with other M's. The needle meter is HUGE also for learning exposure by feel. If you just want a Leica to for other people admire you because you shoot a Leica, then maybe this one isn't for you since everyone hates it for no good reason.

Loved the conversation. More of this.

love the m5 you can move the shutter speed fom the front, and see it in the viewfinder

I never realized I had such similar taste to Trev. It seems to be part of the herd mentality to dump on the M5, but my one is the smoothest camera I have used. I can see people discounting it on grounds of size, but how many have actually handled one? I love mine.

I’ve got a 28mm and 50mm Summicron. But if I could only have one lens it would be the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux ASPH 📷

If I were to choose between HP5 and Trix I'd definitely pick Ilford because of the lower price and possibility of pushing it. As for my go-to setup I shoot with Canon A1 with 50/1.4 and lately more and more Bergger Pancro 400. Definitely recommend checking this out if you haven't already.

I’d take either-I don’t have thousands so blow on a film camera lol. Great video!

Really enjoyed the Video! Fuji X-E2 and 1980s canon lenses for me. Focal lenth depends on my mood.

Awesome video I would like to note that I adjust the shutter speed on my M2 with just index finger :).

The later versions of the M5 had three lugs for side or standard connection of the strap.

Totally know what you mean, I’ve gone through plenty of 35mm cameras and shot a roll or two but didn’t really gel with them. Just got a canon p with the 50mm 1.4 and it’s amazing, so fun to shoot. I don’t think I’ve ever shot that many frames on film in one walk.

Matt Day spends time with Matt Yesterday

I almost never hear camera bros talk about incident metering. It’s everything. Not just for the studio.

I feel like nick carver could be a long lost triplet

This is like watching doppelganger stuff except in a feel-good photography movie.

M5 is the best camera ever made!

I shoot an M6 classic and have no problem turning the shutter speed dial with 1 finger. It's all about setting the right finger position.

Love the video/commentary. Very fun. Matt - quick question: why not go for the 35 lux if that is your favored focal length given your comments on the likely "trade up" from your 50 summicron to a summilux after wedding season? Curious if you have shot the 35 summilux or have any perspective on that. (35 summicron user, myself)

There's absolutely no way you 2 weren't secretly separated at birth.

I once bought a 1000€ disposable collector camera. That's how lucky I am. Been shooting with it ever since.

Great video. If Dan Deacon were sitting next to Trev you guys would be triplets.

matt, one important difference between the M5 & M6, the M5 has a different loading style, it has the back door and bottom plate, a one_piece, removing together, whereas the M6 and all other M's (barring the CL {the early Film one, NOT the digital CL}) have a hinged back door to the body, and separate bottom plate.

Really enjoyed this conversation !

I bought an m6ttl with the .85 viewfinder the 50mm frame lines are more like the m3. I think I am mostly a 50mm shooter. I like using a goggled 35mm summaron often though. The lens I shoot mostly with is a summicron v5 50mm but have always wanted to try that summilux.

M5 owners represent!! ✊🏻✊🏻

This is like the perfect photography video.

I prefer 28mm, and have a hard time figuring out why. :-) And I use a lot of HP5 in my M6. I haven’t had the money to buy and try a Leica 28mm yet, so I’m still in voigtländer country, but hopefully soon. I tend to use black and white with 35mm cameras, but color when using medium format.

LEGIT PHOTO GODS! GOT MUCH LOVE FOR YOU BOTH!!!!

Great video. Thank you. RS. Canada

Matt Day and Matt Night. Love it!

MATT i love this. I'm coming to visit. too late already decided.

First time I've seen Trev. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me!

He was probably changing lens while on a helicopter tour. :(

I have the Leica M5 with a meter that works great. Mine is from the serial number block of 129XXX and I understand that there was an issue with the shutter roller breaking on these models. It is recommended to get a later model where Leica fixed the issue in models, I think from 135XXX and later. Sadly, I understand many repair techs will not even touch a M5.

Great chat, lads.

Thanks Matt and Trev

I'm only 18 minutes into the video, but why did you not contact Leica to see if the original owner wanted their 50/1.4 ASPH returned?

I realized that I really like 38mm, not as close not as wide, and this happened because two of the point and shoots I own have that focal length

From the video screen cap, I thought both of you were shooting in my city at Old Town Sacramento! 🥺

you are lucky to be living in your country in USA for taking photos because in UK the weather changes all the times and we dont get much SUN LIGHTS

Honestly, Tri-X is good but HP5+ is half the price in Europe. Foma can be 1/4th of the price. Not the same, but after Kodak started overpricing heavily, Ilford it is.

The 50mm ASPH Lux not only has an FLE design, but is actually an APO lens also as it was confirmed by its designer Peter Karbe. Maybe that’s why you don’t see a massive difference between it and the cron version.

How much was that 50lux CLA???

Is there no social distancing in the States 🤔

This nerd fest on black and white film was right up my street, could listen all day long!

Watch m5 prices skyrocket now lol

Great video. On a side note, did you need to brace that shelf in the background? That Mary Ellen Mark collection must be putting it over its weight limit.

Really enjoyed this. 👍🏻

Great chat boys! 👍

Just a personal thought: As to the comments on the phone photography moving to regular photography. I definitely shot with my iPhone 7 for a long time, picked up a cannon with the 35 to 80 and shot with that for a while mostly shot at 35 and 50. And then someone gave me a 70 to 200 and I find myself shooting at 100 to 135 mm a lot. But 50 I think has been my favorite for a very long time.

they both good cameras to have as long as you understand photography

I love my m7 with 50 f2

Well if you are living in say MIAMI or LA then most days are Sunny and in places like New York then you get a Mix of different weather

one of these matt have less specs :P