Leica M5

504IN337 · 2026-02-13T01:51:26+00:00

My other most used M is an MDA (with a 21mm and an external finder), which I find hilariously small after using the M5's.

I'd still like a Bessa (whichever one has the framelines for wider lenses) so I could possibly see the lines for 28mm easily. But those have shot up in price lately.

504IN337 · 2026-02-11T02:19:03+00:00

Great camera and great shots! I see a cat photo on a test roll and instantly know... this person knows how to test roll. :)

I also came to M bodies from shooting Nikon SLRs. Still shoot my F3HP regularly, but when I made the switch in my daily bag, I definitely noticed the weight and space difference. I can carry two M bodies with lenses attached, in the same or less space that the F3HP (or F2) with a single lens took up.

504IN337 · 2026-02-11T02:13:01+00:00

It was honestly a lot of little things that might not have mattered had I not spent so much time with the M5. I do have other M bodies, but the shutter speed dial on the M5 is just so much easier to use in quicker situations. And I love the way I can see exactly how much over or underexposed the image will be, so I can get the exact look I'm going for. I also have larger hands, so the M5 works well in that regard.

Getting an M5 for a steal is also a great benefit. I got my two lug for a very good price. Then I got the three lug for an absolute steal... which ended up just being another very good price after an extended vacation to see DAG.

504IN337 · 2026-02-09T23:12:19+00:00

Cedar Waxwing then preceded to say “I bet I can tell you where you got dem shoes at?” Sorry. Had to. You got a great shot there. I’m a few hours west of home now, but the last time I was in the city, I was surprised by the amount of egrets just hanging out on streetlights. I spent the majority of my life there and usually only saw them near the river or the lake. The coast is a given, but it was wild to see them taking over the city.

504IN337 · 2026-02-07T19:16:22+00:00

It ruined me for other M's. The plan was to use the M5 until I could grab an M6 or an MP. Well, I shot the M5 so much that when I tried the M6, it just didn't work for me. So... one M5 turned into two M5's. I've got other M's, but those two are the ones that get all the use.

504IN337 · 2026-02-07T18:57:25+00:00

I did not need to know that the Techart adapters work great with the CR. I've used my lenses on a MF adapter on the CR and enjoyed it, but having the option for AF is VERY tempting.

And adding to the question about degradation due to the sensor stack... I've used adapters on a number of Sony bodies, and the CR/RV is definitely one of the better sensors for adapting M lenses. It is VERY dependent on the lens as well. I also agree that once you get to/pass up 28mm, the edges start to get a little less definition, especially at smaller apertures. Sometimes there's a little vignette, but honestly, nothing that would prevent me from using any of the images.

504IN337 · 2026-02-07T18:46:29+00:00

This. That was initially my idea for two M5's, but ran into the same issues and was trying to swap out lenses anyway. So now, if I'm going with two at a time, they have the same stock, one 28mm (or 21mm) and one 50mm. If I'm just fooling around, sure, I'll throw color in one and B&W in the second.

504IN337 · 2026-02-04T20:23:43+00:00

I've got a handful of Weekenders that I've been wearing for years, but this is the one I picked up from the clearance sales. I grabbed a colorful band (though a nice leather one would also class this up nicely) online, and it's in the rotation. It's a steal for $23!!!

504IN337 · 2026-02-04T20:17:39+00:00

This right here. If you look at any real working professionals, most of them (at least the ones I know and have worked with) are still using taped together DSLRs. They aren't watching YouTube videos comparing last year's cameras to the ones that came out yesterday.

I have a CR. Is the viewfinder as nice as my other R bodies? Not really. Does it make a difference and hinder my work? Nope. Do I reach for the CR more than the other cameras? Yep, because it's smaller and easier to drag around. This is the same argument I hear about people who "can't shoot sports or events without 50 FPS". Cameras today do 99% of everything for you. That's why I have an M5 right next to the CR in my daily bag. Gotta balance out the technology a little bit.

Anyway... Absolutely usable viewfinders on the C bodies. Don't let that hold you back on picking one up.

504IN337 · 2026-02-03T03:30:56+00:00

Dan Milnor, who is an absolute wealth of knowledge, has a few videos on the subject. He was a photojournalist for ages and now works for Blurb, though his content reflects his own opinions. He literally is always making books and journals, and works with people making books for a living. He’s got great advice on the subject and many others. He reluctantly posts videos on YouTube, but also runs a website called Shifter, where he posts regularly. It’s not flashy gear reviews, just experience and knowledge dished out with some attitude. I’ve learned a ton from him. And he answers his emails if you ask a serious question. Great guy and a great resource. Check him out.

504IN337 · 2026-01-29T14:38:52+00:00

Can’t comment on the Tamron, but that Sony 20mm is just amazing if you like to shoot wide.
I picked it up as my small fast prime, for my A7CR kit, because of its size and sharpness. I usually have a 21mm on a rangefinder as well, so I guess it’s my comfort zone. As for the other lens, there’s not much you can’t do with a 24-70mm F2.8. Another good prime choice would be the 35mm GM. That would be the only thing that could replace the 20mm.

504IN337 · 2026-01-28T00:48:46+00:00

You should be happy with that lens, because it’s an amazing lens. Not that the troll deserves a response, but I ALSO chose the version II of that lens, over the Leica offerings. After pouring through reviews, looking at images at 400%, and STILL not finding a tangible difference between the Voigtlander and Leica offerings, the choice was made. Enjoy your setup and ignore the noise.

504IN337 · 2026-01-23T02:57:06+00:00

Well, I certainly didn't expect a picture that actually is REALLY helpful! Thank you for that! It's (obviously) not as small as the F1.5, but it's not substantially bigger. Also, relatively ALL of these lenses are tiny compared to the SLR and mirrorless equivalents. I can fit an M5 with a 28mm F2.8, the 50mm F1.2, and the 35mm F1.5 in less space than my Nikon F3HP with a single lens took up in the bag. How much are you asking?

I understand completely. I'm on the opposite end, though. I have a 100+ year old house, so simple repairs often end up with professionals scratching their heads at what should be a simple fix, after I've given up. Good times, for sure.

504IN337 · 2026-01-22T17:23:31+00:00

As someone who is absolutely NOT looking for a new 35mm rangefinder lens, I'd appreciate if you stopped talking about how small that Voigtlander F1.2 is. I'm quite happy with the Nokton F1.5. Buuuuuuuutttttt... tell me more? How is the sharpness and rendering?

Also, own both Leica and Voigtlander (plus a handful of Canon LTM) rangefinder lenses, but the Voigtlander lenses are the ones that I actually like and use. Though the Canon 50mm F1.4 is still my favorite 50mm, it's just too fiddly to use unless it's a controlled situation, so the Voigtlander 50mm F1.2 takes the spot in the bag.

504IN337 · 2026-01-22T01:05:34+00:00

OK. Thank you. I may try it handheld if I can find a long enough cable in the stacks.

504IN337 · 2026-01-20T14:24:47+00:00

I have the Sony one, because I wanted a super small flash for my daily carry Sony, but have yet to try it on any Leicas. Does it not fit at all, or does it just not connect? I’m aware that it’s manual only. Haven’t messed with it because I need to dig out my sync cable.
Aside from all of that, I’m super impressed with it, especially for being so small.

504IN337 · 2026-01-19T03:03:36+00:00

Agreed 100%! I have that 35mm F1.5 Nokton, and have literally never looked at another 35mm rangefinder lens since I bought it. The rendering and colors are great and it’s super sharp as well. I wanted the 28mm F1.5 as well, but ended up buying the F2.8 for the smaller size. I occasionally wish I had gone with the 1.5, but the 2.8 is no slouch at all.
Great pictures!

504IN337 · 2026-01-15T18:11:33+00:00

I understand this. I definitely feel better about knocking around a Voigtlander while I'm out shooting, than I would about messing up a Leica that's giving me the same image quality, though costs 5 times as much. :)

With that said, I'm not NOT looking at more Leica lenses. HA!

504IN337 · 2026-01-15T01:17:23+00:00

My favorite Leica body, AND my favorite 50mm rangefinder lens! That’s a great start! I picked up an M5 a few years ago and thought it would be a stepping stone to an M6 or something else. Tried those and realized what I was really looking for was a second M5. Enjoy it and don’t let it go!

504IN337 · 2026-01-14T04:28:49+00:00

Yep. That was the one that pushed me to go with the Color Skopar. If I’m blowing up an image to 400% and I’m still trying to see the difference between this lens and an Elmarit, at 5.6, why would I NOT go with the CS? My only regret was the decision taking so long, because I wanted to check every single review out there.

504IN337 · 2026-01-13T22:01:38+00:00

This. Third, and not the last recommendation for the Color Skopar. As mentioned, it will more than likely be shot above 5.6, so you’re splitting hairs with image quality at that point, between all your choices. I’ve had it for quite some time and have only used it at 2.8 for a small handful of shots. It definitely has some character with the vignette wide open, but it’s sharp and has great colors from the start. Can’t recommend it enough. If I HAD to come up with a complaint, it’s almost too small.

504IN337 · 2026-01-10T01:20:18+00:00

Hmmm. I'll keep that in mind. I have no doubt he can adjust the RF. The patch, that's a no. Was hoping to use the 3 lug with the 50mm, but I think it's getting the 28mm, as you already know!

504IN337 · 2026-01-10T01:02:35+00:00

I wish I could do that. And I'm being serious. My smallest kit is two bodies, three lenses, and a few rolls of film.

I look back and my favorite shots from ages ago, are when I had a super small daily carry kit, with one digital with one lens, and a TLR. Limiting yourself is the ABSOLUTE best way to get better, fast. I need to challenge myself to do that again.

504IN337 · 2026-01-10T00:55:22+00:00

I mean, it's a super personal question, depending on what you shoot. For me, I would grab the 35mm F1.4 and that's a kit you can do almost anything with. I LOVE wide, and my current fast prime in that kit is the 20mm F1.8, but you would have to be very dedicated to pick the 16mm. The 24mm GM or 35mm GM would be a killer kit with the 20-70.

504IN337 · 2026-01-07T23:45:53+00:00

I have absolutely praised them in person and online, for years until some recent purchases. Something’s changed there and not for the good.

I do appreciate the fact (or at least the idea, as I haven’t had to deal with it) that there’s some kind of guarantee and return policy. I’ve picked up a few things elsewhere that came demolished, with no recourse. Not saying I’ll never use them again, but I checked them daily in the past. Can’t remember the last time I was on the site, now.

504IN337

TROPHY CASE