The Leica M5 - A Thorough Look at My Elusive Grail Camera

The Leica M5 is a 35mm rangefinder camera manufactured by Leica Camera AG. It was introduced in 1971 and was the first Leica M-series camera to feature through-the-lens (TTL) metering. The M5 was also the last Leica M-series camera to be made entirely in Wetzlar, Germany, by hand using the traditional "adjust and fit" method. The M5 was a radical departure from previous Leica M-series cameras in terms of both its design and its features. The camera was larger and heavier than previous M-series cameras, and it featured a new body style that was not well-received by some Leica enthusiasts. Despite its flaws, the M5 was a groundbreaking camera that was ahead of its time. The TTL metering system was a major innovation, and the M5's large size and weight made it a more comfortable camera to use than previous M-series cameras. The M5 was also the first Leica M-series camera to be available in a black chrome finish. The M5 was not a commercial success, and it was discontinued in 1975 after only three years of production. However, the M5 has since become a cult classic, and it is now considered to be one of the most important cameras in the Leica M-series lineup. Ive hunted for one for several years and have had terrible luck trying to get one that is in true usable condition.