Re: [Leica] I think I miss my IIIF

[CapsTeeth@aol.com]

I agree that the screw-mount bodies and lenses like the 35/3.5 Summaron,
50/3.5 Elmar and 90 Elmar make a nice, solid, compact system.  The tripod bush
in the 135 Hektor (even though it doesn't rotate) is a nice feature (In fact,
for that reason I sometimes use that lens with an adaptor on my M6 instead of
the later Tele-Elmar).  But, from a convenience standpoint, the leader-
trimming, loading, focusing, winding, shutter-speed-setting, lens
mounting/dismounting and viewing with lenses other than 50mm do add up to some
missed shots.  (Of course, I'd be happy to get the shots that Cartier-Bresson
or Eisenstaedt got!)

To answer your questions, according to the literature there is a weight
difference between the various M-models but (the CL and M5 not included) you
wouldn't likely feel it in your hands unless you were really trying.  Maybe ~1
oz (~35g) or so.
Before the M6, both the M5 and CL had TTL meters.  Both accurate but being CdS
meters slightly slower-reacting than the SPD's in the M6 but this is
practically inconsequential.  The older meters use Mercury-type batteries
which are hard to find but there are zinc-air replacements as well as a nifty
transformer/adaptor that adjusts for the current and discharge-curve of an
MS-76.  These meters an arm with the meter cell on it that drops in front of
the film plane and swings out of the way when the shutter is released.  Some
lenses (21 Super-Angulons and early 28 Elmarits) with certain serial numbers
can't be used with these bodies because the arm will hit the rear element.  A
nice feature of the M5's meter is its very narrow angle of coverage.  If you
are familiar with using a spotmeter it is great.