LEICA M5
The Leica M5 is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Ernst Leitz GmbH from 1971 to 1975. It broke from the traditional M-series design in a big way, and not everyone liked it. It added through-the-lens (TTL) center-weighted metering and a larger, more ergonomic body, aimed at professionals who wanted advanced exposure control in a rangefinder.
Overview
Leitz introduced the M5 in 1971, while Japanese SLR makers were pushing hard with better through-the-lens metering and faster handling. Leitz wanted to modernize the M-series to keep its professional users, especially photojournalists and reportage photographers. They wanted accurate exposure feedback without giving up the compact size and quiet operation of a rangefinder. The M5 was the first M-series camera with built-in TTL metering. That required a complete redesign of the internal layout and the viewfinder system.
The M5 body is significantly bulkier than the M2, M3, or M4. It had to hold the metering circuitry, a larger viewfinder with integrated exposure information, and a redesigned film advance mechanism. Reception was mixed. The look moved away from the minimalist M-series, the controls were unconventional (the shutter speed dial sits on the front left of the top plate), and the price was high. Many loyal Leica users stayed away. The M5 did lay the groundwork for later electronic M models.
The M5 was built only at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar, West Germany. About 35,405 units were made over a four-year run. The M4-2 replaced it in 1977 and went back to a more traditional mechanical design, though it kept some of the ergonomic improvements from the M5. Leitz meant the M5 to compete with high-end SLRs like the Nikon F2 and Canon F-1. It offered TTL metering in a quieter, more compact rangefinder, at the cost of some traditional Leica design principles.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Rangefinder |
| Film Format | 35mm |
| Years Produced | 1971–1975 |
| Lens Mount | Leica M-mount |
| Shutter | Horizontal-travel, cloth focal-plane shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B |
| Metering | TTL, center-weighted full-aperture metering using a CdS cell |
| Exposure Modes | Manual exposure with stop-down metering (via meter coupling lever); no automatic exposure |
| Viewfinder | Combined rangefinder with 0.72× magnification; framelines for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses; illuminated exposure needle visible in viewfinder |
| Dimensions | 157 × 78 × 42 mm; weight: ~640 g (body only) |
Key Features
- First Leica M with TTL metering: Utilized a cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell to measure light through the lens, providing accurate exposure readings under varying lighting conditions.
- Integrated exposure display: A needle visible in the viewfinder indicated correct exposure when aligned with a fixed mark, linked to a meter coupling lever on the lens.
- Larger, ergonomic body: Designed to improve grip and accommodate internal electronics, with a reshaped top plate and redesigned rewind crank.
- Improved viewfinder brightness: The 0.72× magnification offered a brighter, more detailed image than earlier M models, with automatic frameline selection via lens cam.
- Stop-down metering system: Required lenses with meter coupling levers (e.g., Summicron 50mm f/2 DR, Summilux 35mm f/1.4 ASPH); non-coupled lenses required external metering.
Historical Context
By the early 1970s, Japanese manufacturers like Nikon, Canon, and Minolta were dominating the professional market with advanced SLRs. These had TTL metering, motor drives, and interchangeable finders. Leitz had a conservative engineering philosophy and faced pressure to innovate while keeping the core values of the M-series: precision, discretion, and optical excellence. The M5 was Leitz's response, an attempt to combine rangefinder simplicity with modern exposure technology.
The M5 had technical merits but sold poorly. Its unconventional layout, including the front-mounted shutter speed dial and recessed film advance lever, confused long-time Leica users. The accessory shoe was removed and replaced by a fixed hot shoe with integrated meter contacts, which limited accessory compatibility. Early models also suffered from meter instability and battery compatibility issues (it originally used the mercury PX625, now obsolete). Critics noted that the larger body gave up the compactness that defined the M-series. The M5 was discontinued in 1975 after fewer than 36,000 units, making it one of the rarest and shortest-produced M models.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Leica M5 is a sought-after collector's item, valued for its rarity. In excellent working condition, M5 bodies typically sell for $3,500-$5,500 USD, and pristine, low-count examples bring more. Collectors see it as a transitional model between mechanical and electronic Leicas. Original boxes, manuals, and accessories add significant value, particularly the rare M5-specific leather case.
Buyers should check the meter first, since aging CdS cells and corroded battery contacts are common problems. The camera takes a 1.35V mercury battery (PX625). Modern substitutes (e.g., Wein Cell or adapters for 1.5V batteries) can be used with exposure compensation. Other common problems are sticky shutter curtains, worn film advance mechanisms, and misaligned rangefinder calibration. The metering system is complex and parts are scarce, so repairs should go to experienced Leica technicians.
Similar Cameras
- Nikon F2 Photomic (1971–1980): Professional SLR with interchangeable metered prisms, competing directly with the M5 in the pro market.
- Canon F-1 (1971–1981): Rugged, modular SLR with optional TTL metering, targeting photojournalists.
- Pentax LX (1980–2001): Advanced 35mm SLR with rangefinder-like ergonomics and precise metering.
- Leica CL (1973–1976): Compact rangefinder co-developed with Minolta, offering aperture-priority automation.
- Fujica ST801 (1972–1976): High-quality SLR with built-in metering, known for its bright viewfinder and robust build.
Repair & Maintenance
The Leica M5 runs on a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery, now obsolete. Modern alternatives include zinc-air batteries (e.g., Wein Cell MRB625) or voltage-regulated adapters for 1.5V alkaline batteries. The adapters may require exposure compensation of -1/3 to -2/3 EV. The CdS meter cell degrades over time and may need recalibration or replacement by a specialist. Common mechanical issues are shutter timing inaccuracies at slow speeds, film transport slippage, and rangefinder misalignment. The meter linkage is complex and original parts are limited, so repairs are best handled by certified Leica service centers or experienced independent technicians. A CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) service every 5-7 years is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
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