Leica M5
The Leica M5's reputation as the redheaded stepchild of the Leica M mounts made my inner contrarian want to give it a try.
Not being a card carrying Leica M-mount devotee made is easier to like the M5. It is definitely larger than the other Leica Ms but does give you the addition of the TLL meter, a big deal for 1971 when this beast was introduced. The meter is simple to use and the added size makes it easy to hold and allows for large easy to use dials. Specifically, the shutter speed dial is large and easy to adjust.
My Take:
This is not a camera that you would put in your pocket, but none of the Ms are pocket cameras. The added size did not bother me. My biggest dislike of the camera was actual the substitution of flat strap lugs for the normal eyelet version. I normally use a wrist strap not a neck strap and the normal ones work better. Fortunately mine was the 3 lug version or I would have had to put the strap on my left hand. It is not as stylish as the other Ms, but I like the meter.
Lens: Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2
Film: Ilford HP5 plus 400
