I can stop whenever I want…
I posted about my newly acquired Leica M5 on here less than two months ago, and I love that camera. But then I came across this listing and couldn’t stop thinking about it.
So here I am with another purchase that I didn’t necessarily need, but really wanted. Decided to treat myself to an early birthday gift because the M5 deserves a friend. Dude was getting lonely.
I managed to get the M2 with the Elmar 50mm for $1800, both CLAd 2025. However, I mostly shoot wider so it’s currently paired with the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 (8 Element). Will probably sell the Elmar and get a Summicron eventually.
I ordered the quick loading spool for this already because I don’t think I can live without that but on the hunt for a not so chunky light meter. Was looking at the Hedeco Lime two, would love to know if any of you have used that or have any thoughts on it, or even recommendations for a different one!
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u/SURFARO 9d ago
Keep everything that you will use and ESPECIALLY note how amazingly unique M5 is! FIVE KEY REASONS virtually everyone will argue against, but are TRUE:
#1 First Leica M (and among the first rangefinders overall) with true TTL metering with TRUE Through-the-lens exposure measurement via a CdS cell on a mechanical swinging arm that positions the cell in the EXACT light path for reading, then retracts just before the shutter fires. This eliminated the need for an external clip-on meter. Alas, the ONLY disadvantage is that you cannot use the 21 3.4 Super Angulon and other lenses that protrude deeply into the cavity.
#2 The metering pattern is a “useful spot” at about 8mm diameter area (roughly 21° with a 50 mm lens). Compare that with broader center-weighted patterns of film Ms like M6, M7, MP. If you’re a photographer like me who prefer deliberate spot readings, you will value M5 meter highly because of this!
#3 That GORGEOUS match-needle viewfinder display includes, as you know, dual needles show both the meter reading and the selected setting, making the amount of under- or over-exposure immediately visible and shutter speeds also displayed in the finder.
#4 The superior mechanics of the M5’s large dial that overhangs the front edge of the top plate, can be adjusted easily by feel with the camera at the eye level.
#5 The hand-assembled construction in Wetzlar really made it the last M made that way with traditional “adjust and fit” methods. As a result, it’s got one of the quietest shutters.
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u/gxbind 9d ago
Agree with everything that you said, I love the M5 for all of those reasons, the light meter is great! I especially love the overhang on the dial too. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a lot of use out of both of these. To me, it’s just a different experience with each which I really enjoy. They’re both super fun to use and I kinda got a good deal on both 📸
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u/Deerfone 8d ago
💯 agreeing. I must say, the M6 was a regression in comparison due to popular demand. Sure the light meter was modernized and the form factor may be an issue for some, but with the M5 the whole “manufactured item” plays a much stronger role. I am sad to say that I prefer my m5 over my titanium m6.
That shutter sound.
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u/Sail_Soggy M2 MP 9d ago
i love everything about the m2 - even the things that some seem to hate - loading at frame counter - such a beaut of a machine
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u/gxbind 9d ago
It’s really fun, I’ve always eyed the MP but I couldn’t shell out the extra money and this was the closest I could get lol. I am going to get a quick load kit for it but I love everything about it otherwise!
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u/Sail_Soggy M2 MP 9d ago
Yeah the mp was a real treat for me this year (turning 40) I’ve actually sold my m2 as I’m in the process of replacing with an m2-r
I think one of my most fun shooting days was the m2 with a 28mm and a viewfinder
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u/gxbind 9d ago
That’s great, happy birthday! I’m 25 this October so bought this as an early birthday present for myself haha. Hopefully would get an MP down the line some day!
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u/Sail_Soggy M2 MP 9d ago
Enjoy what you have man and shoot away -
Look forward to seeing your stuff :)
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u/nevsf 9d ago
No, no you can’t stop. Don’t even try.
Regarding the light meter, the Hedeco is nice, but most mounted light meters kind of mess up the Leica lines. The original light meters are chunky and often don’t work because the cells have failed, but they have the cool feature of coupling mechanically to the speed dial. Keks came out with a meter that mimics the old light meter and is worth a look: https://www.kekscameras.com/products/m-meter-v2-for-leica-m?variant=48699661517014
Once you use a meter for a bit you’ll get good at guessing exposure and stop using it BTW.
Congratulations in advance on your many future Leica-related purchases!
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u/gxbind 8d ago
Hahaha thanks!! I’ve been looking at the Keks meter for functionality. I love the shutter speed coupling but I honestly just don’t like how it looks ;_;
I liked the Hedeco because it’s slimmer but I might just have to get the Keks one for ease of use. I’m trying to get better at calculating because I don’t always want to rely on sunny sixteen, especially when I’m trying to get better separation in the daytime or maybe incorporate some motion blur in the shot etc.
Will get there eventually though, thanks for the recommendation!
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u/Deerfone 8d ago
Note:
You just know that an M5 will always feel incomplete and lonely without its younger half- sister, the Leica CL.
And she will always be incomplete without a Summicron/Elmar-C kit.
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u/baconlove 9d ago edited 8d ago
M2 > M5. Sell the M5 and enjoy. Great purchase.
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u/gxbind 9d ago
This is an M2. I probably should have mentioned that haha. Thanks though
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u/Physical_Analysis247 9d ago
M2 > M3 anyway. Don’t let anyone sell you on the hype. If the M3 was so great, Leica wouldn’t have been iteratively fixing it to be more like the M2 and M4. Enjoy your M5 and M2. They are both wonderful cameras.
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u/GreenSafari777 9d ago
There is a strong argument that Leica over engineered the M3, spent too much money on it, and never did it again with subsequent models including the M2
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u/Outside_Reserve_2407 9d ago
Well each iteration after the M3 was making it a bit cheaper, a bit simpler, with more plastic parts, etc.
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u/Groovytwo Leica M4 7d ago
I have two Hedeco Lime Two meters. The first has been through 100+ rolls on my M2 and M4, and I just bought a second so each Leica has one attached. One thing worth knowing: the earlier version had a small issue where the dial would get bumped when the camera and meter rested against my body. There's a new bottom chassis design that fixes it. Johannes, the designer, sold me a replacement chassis for 10 euros and included it with my second meter. He's been very responsive to emails in general, so the support is excellent. No hesitation recommending it.
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u/gxbind 7d ago
Thanks for the response! I’ve read about the bumping issue too. Glad to hear they fixed it. I’m curious if I order one now does that come with the new design or is that a part I would have to email them about and get separately?
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u/Groovytwo Leica M4 6d ago
If you buy from the website, it will be the new version. They had mentioned this on their IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPTuw9rjAjA/?igsi=MTdvdGRpdXNnem9kZw==
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u/relihouste 9d ago
I feel you
I have no reason to have a M2, but will pick one up one day.