Photographica Pages
An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
Leica M5
In 1971 Leitz introduced their first rangefinder camera with a built in meter, TTL meter at that. It was
the M5,
and it was a marketing failure. The camera was the first M series to depart from the styling set by the
M3 in
1954. The camera was larger and heavier, and this was held against it by its detractors.
The meter cell swung out on an arm just in front of the shutter curtain, swinging back out of the way just
before exposure. Certain early wide angle lenses must not be used with this camera, as well as some
of the
collapsible lenses, as they may hit the meter arm.
Early M5 cameras have two strap lugs located in the conventional location. Later cameras have a third
lug
located toward the baseplate on the rewind end of the camera. This allows the camera to be hung in
the normal
fashion, or to hang vertically. Later cameras are referred to as three lug cameras.
In 1975 1750 M5 cameras were engraved with a 50 Jahre (50 year) logo to commemorate 50 years of
Leica
production.
A Leica m5 Schnittmodell. There is an adapter to use Leica screwmount lenses mounted, so that the
swing down meter arm can be seen.
Production figures by year and finish:
Year
Chrome Black
1971
2850 3150
1972
3500 10500
1973
3000 5500
1974
1000 3000
1975
400 1000
Total
10750 23150
A Leica m5 Schnittmodell. There is an adapter to use Leica screwmount lenses mounted, so that the swing down meter arm can be seen.
Production figures by year and finish:
Year | Chrome | Black |
1971 | 2850 | 3150 |
1972 | 3500 | 10500 |
1973 | 3000 | 5500 |
1974 | 1000 | 3000 |
1975 | 400 | 1000 |
Total | 10750 | 23150 |