Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/06/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Tony, Welcome to the raucous crowd! Leica design started with what was practical and easy to manufacture: a tube was flattened into the rounded shape that we associate with Leica rangefinders. With the advent of rangefinders, interchangeable lenses, and much heavier lenses Leica went to a cast body that was almost exactly like the previous shape albeit longer. When the M3 was designed they kept the same basic shape probably because Leicaphiles were already pretty resistant to change. (As an aside, LTM's were available new into the 60's and Leica made a point of compatibility with LTM lenses) The M5 on the other hand, broke with the mold on many levels. Rewind was on the bottom, the shutter speed dial was moved and larger, the ends were not rounded, the size was somewhat larger, viewfinder was even more cluttered with stuff, and other changes including incompatibility with some lenses. Between the M5, the CL, and the SL2 Leica almost went under. I actually like two of the above cameras and would own an M5 except I haven't found one at a sufficiently discounted price. With a child one year away from enrolling in financial ruin for me, I don't think I will be adding another M for about four years. Don dorysrus@mindspring.com -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Tony Salce Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 11:47 AM To: Leica Users Group Subject: [Leica] M5 "styled" Hello All, I am a newbie to the LUG. I am a M5 user. List member Frank Dernie commented that the M5 was the first M that was "styled" as compared to other M's which were styled by engineering requirement. Can Frank or others please explain this comment ? I agree with Frank that the M5 is the nicest M to use. Best, Tony Salce Melbourne, Australia _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information