[Leica] M5 questions

[grduprey at mchsi.com (grduprey@mchsi.com)]

what is the web address for KEH?  i can't seem to find it.

thanks,
gene

-------------- Original message from "Jeff S. Matsler" 
<jeffmatsler@amaonline.com>: -------------- 


> Hello, 
> 
> I purchased my M5 (BGN) from KEH last year. What arrived would have passed 
> for EXC / NEAR MINT on ebay. The same is true with the lenses and bodies 
> (including an F4S) bought at bargain grade from them over the years. 
> 
> I'm surprised they didn't fix the patch. I'll bet if you call and talk to 
> them, they'll take it back and have it fixed no charge - or send you 
> another 
> one if in stock. That is, unless it was graded that way before you bought 
> it. Otherwise, ask for a repair or replacement. 
> 
> The repair shop at KEH is a great resource for Leica M's. One of the 
> esteemed repair guys in the business recommended I use them and said they 
> were excellent - so I have. They will also convert the battery compartment 
> for modern batteries if you ask them to - they might charge you, but it 
> will 
> be minimal, especially if they're doing a warranty job on it as well. 
> 
> I must admit using the M5 far more than the M3 these days. I like the size 
> and feel. I have big hands and the M5 just feels right - one of the 
> reasons 
> a list member recommend I get one. If it had TTL flash, I would sell my 
> CLE. As it is, it doesn't do a bad job with a Metz 45 or 54 flash set on 
> A; 
> or a Minolta 360PX on a Power Grip II for that matter - my local Leica 
> buddies cringe when they see it harnessed up to the Minolta though. They 
> really hate it when it produces better pics than some of their high dollar 
> units. :-) 
> 
> If you have a 3 lug, you've got 28mm frame lines as well (I think that's 
> the 
> distinguishing trait - someone correct me if I'm wrong). That's by far my 
> favorite advantage over the M3. Prior to buying it, I had to shoot the CLE 
> if I wanted accurate framing with my favorite lens, the 28mm, f/2.8. There 
> are also frame lines for 135mm. 
> 
> Have fun with the M5. Let us know how you feel about it in a month. I'm 
> guessing you'll love it even more than you do know. Also let us know about 
> the separation and what KEH did. I for one am curious to hear how they 
> deal 
> with an issue like this. 
> 
> Jeff M 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Harrison McClary" 
> To: "lug >> Leica Users Group" 
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 4:13 PM 
> Subject: [Leica] M5 questions 
> 
> 
> >I just picked up an M5 from KEH today, it was listed as BGN, so I was 
> >ready 
> >for a rough looking camera. Actually it is not that bad. The shutter 
> >speeds are nice and crisp with good detents, the camera had a few minor 
> >dings and one place of chipped vulcanite, enough that on another brand 
> >it'd 
> >probably be ex- LOL 
> > 
> > Anyway I have one question and a few observations. First the question, 
> > the rangefinder patch shows minor signs of separation. How big of an 
> > issue or concern is this? I know this is fairly common, just wonder how 
> > rapidly this progresses, and how much a repair of something like this is 
> > should it become necessary. 
> > 
> > Now to the observations...Why was this camera not well liked? It is a 
> > fabulous shooter! It handles great, shutter speeds easily the most 
> > accessible of any M. It is very quiet. Viewfinder not only has a meter, 
> > but it also shows shutter speed! In an M! How nice! Personally I like 
> > the way it feels also, not much larger than the M6, and the film advance 
> > has a more crisp feel than my M6ttl, more like my old classic M6. Frame 
> > lines are grteat, 35, 50, 90 and a spot for the meter area. How simple, 
> > just like my M6 .0.85ttl now that I had some lines removed. 
> > 
> > Anyway thanks in advance for the answers to my questions. 
> > 
> > -- 
> > Harrison McClary 
> 
> 
> 
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