Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Having long lusted for an M5, and having sold a couple of piece of Nikon equipment, late last week I purchased, sight unseen, a chrome M5 from Ken Hansen in NYC...The camera, with Sherry K approved serial number, was described as a user in very good condition. The piece arrives. And it was GORGEOUS. "User" probably meant that someone took photos of the grandkids a few times: a minute bit of brassing on the lugs. A bit of grime here and there - easily removed. But otherwise, it looked as though it had spent the past 20some years under Marc Small's pillow. So I load it up and start to do some shooting. The handling is dream-like. Fits my hands perfectly. Advance is smooooooth, shutter release smooooth and quiet. Shutter speed dial a joy. Finder bright, rangefinder image crisp. Everything seems great. But then I begin to get a funny feeling about the meter readings: something just isn't right. Get out the Sekonic. Get out an M6. Start taking readings. Shit...The M5 is ALL over the place. 1/2 stop under. 1.5 stops over. Stop under. .5 stop over. Right on the money. 1.5 stops under. What to do? I love the camera. I know that Ken Hansen will have the meter adjusted. I KNOW that Sherry could keep the meter going virtually forever. But then we come to the moment of truth - and lesson learned: My cameras are tools. I bought the M5 because I need a third M body, and I love the M5. But bottom line - I have to depend upon these tools. So back goes the M5 - a mint- M6 classic is on the way to replace it. Lesson learned - if you're taking photos to amuse yourself, or to amuse your muse, shoot with an "O" if that's what rocks you. But if it you're shooting to feed yourself - forget the romance, drama, HCB, and "glo" - and go with the most reliable equipment - suited to your workstyle - that you can get. Period. B. D. Oh - BTW - I have purchased equipment from Ken Hansen many times in the past and will continue to do so in the future. The folks there are a delight to deal with.