LEICA M5

Leitz produced the Leica M5 in 1971¹⁹¹, a time when rangefinder sales were threatened by the rapid growth of the SLR market³⁴¹. This was a bold move for the company, showcasing many advancements over its predecessor, the Leica M4, which had been released in 1967³⁴¹. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of through-the-lens (TTL) metering, along with a large shutter speed dial that extended over the top plate³⁴¹. However, the Leica M5 was larger than its predecessors, which did not sit well with users, particularly due to the vertical strap lugs on one side of the body³⁴¹. As a result, sales were disappointing, leading to the discontinuation of production in 1975³⁴¹.

Upon introduction, Leica M5 received a rather lukewarm reception²⁰¹. One reason for this was its notably different design compared to earlier models like the Leica M2, Leica M3, and Leica M4²⁰¹. The Leica M5 was longer, taller, heavier, and lacked the sleek profile that had characterized its predecessors²⁰¹. Additionally, the shutter did not produce the distinctive "snick" sound associated with previous M models, which led long-time Leica enthusiasts to question the design direction at Leitz²⁰¹. Another significant change was the addition of two strap fittings (lugs) on the left side of the camera, allowing it to be carried vertically over one shoulder—an unusual feature for Leica's M series²⁰¹. Although a third lug was later added to facilitate horizontal carrying, this departure from traditional designs raised further eyebrows among Leica fans²⁰¹. While aficionados recognized the high-quality workmanship typical of Leitz, the Leica M5 represented a significant shift in both appearance and operation from earlier M models²⁰¹.

Pre-series / Prototypes of Leica M5

Among prototypes:

An unnumbered prototype was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica " book in 2014⁵⁹⁴ . The chrome finished prototype was engraved "Leica M4" on its top plate looking from above, had dual flash sync outlets, frameline preview and self-timer levers similar to that of Leica M2, accessory shoe slightly off centre of the top plate, rectangular-style strap lugs, "Leitz (logo) WETZLAR" engraved to the left of the rangefinder window when looking from the front⁵⁹⁴. The prototype had a prototype non-parallel mount 35mm Summicron f/2 number 0000751 attached to it⁵⁹⁴. This was a different prototype than the one illustrated on page 7 of Viewfinder 14(1).
An unnumbered prototype was illustrated on page 7 of Viewfinder 14(1). The chrome finished prototype was engraved "Leica M4", had dual flash sync outlets, redesigned preview and self-timer levers, accessory shoe on the left-most corner of the top plate, M-style strap lugs, and film reminder dial identical to Leica M4. This camera had "Leitz (logo) WETZLAR" engraved to the left of the rangefinder window when looking from the front. The prototype resided in German collection in 1981. It was part of Hong Kongese collection in April of 2026.
An unnumbered prototype was illustrated in Paul Henry van Hasbroeck's "Leica, an illustrated history, revised and updated edition" book, on plate XXXIV of the colour plates. This one was sold on during the 1st L&H Auction and described as "Leitz Wetzlar rare original factory prototype M-camera with built-in TTL light meter. This camera was projected around 1965 as M4. However, research and development took another six years, until the camera was finally launched as M5. Already giving the idea of the later M5 design, the camera shows many differences in individual technical details, such as the rewind-crank operated from the camera body side, instead from the top plate, through-the-lens metering. ...Complete with Leitz Wetzlar prototype lens 1:2/50 Nr. 0000460. The lens head is of an early experimental state, with diaphragmindex hand-engraved. Most probably from optical bench testing. Optical formula B679. Leitz produced three such lens heads with serial numbers 0000459-0000461 between November 1960 and February 1961. The lens head here mounted in a later serial production helicoil from Summilux 50mm. This camera and lens have been authenticated by Lars Netopil.". It was part of Hong Kongese collection in April of 2026.
Another unnumbered prototype was illustrated on page 29 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. This prototype, which was located at Leica Headquarters in Solms in 2002, had a chrome finish, black leatherette and a prototype 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens number A0000501⁵⁷⁰. The lens had a shutter speed dial visible on the base of the mount and foldable finger rest fitted to its focusing ring⁵⁷⁰. The camera shared several features with the Leicaflex, including the rounded corners on both shoulders, the selenium exposure meter, the hinged back cover opening mechanism, and the use of the same components for the back cover lock as those in the Leicaflex prototype⁵⁷⁰. Although there were differences in shape and camera mechanisms, it could be inferred that both cameras were developed around the same time⁵⁷⁰. It had "Leica M5" engraving on the top plate⁵⁷⁰.
2 wooden models of Leica M5 from Leica Museum were auctioned off at the 2nd L&H Auction. The items were described as "These two M5 models were original design specially made pre the production of M5. One of them was painted with light gray paint, its shape is the same as the original M5 but without any engraved marks. Another model is a more developed version, the camera body is decorated with black leather, some other parts of the camera were made of metal, e.g. film advance level and self-timer and the strap lug was made of plastic. This wooden cast model is relatively more alike to the original M5. This pair of M5 wooden model is exactly the one from Leica Museum, which illustrated in <> written by Lars Netopil.".
One more wooden model of Leica M5 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
50 Leica M5 cameras were produced in 1971, with serial numbers ranging from 1287001 to 1287050⁵⁷¹. These were "Null-Serie" Leica M5 cameras used for new model announcements, public relations purposes, and as samples for influential distributors⁵⁷¹. Among them:
- 1287001 was auctioned off at the 2nd L&H Photographica Auction
- 1287002 was illustrated on page 243 James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁷¹
- 1287005 was auctioned off at the 33rd Leitz Photographica Auction
- 1287009 was illustrated on page 18 of Viewfinder Vol. 31 , No . 4 , 1998. This camera, described by Paolo Ascenzi, had unusual silver chrome finished strap fittings. According to Mr. Ascenzi, the camera was illustrated in the Leitz M5 list 110-87 /Engl. X/71/ EY/g and in the booklet "Leica Story", by C. Pomeyrol and A. Pozner.
- 1287022 was auctioned off at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction
- 1287040 was listed for sale for 12500 Euros by eBay seller @sabinaten in March of 2026
Number 50135012 was engraved with "M5" and featured black enamel³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 180 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . 50135012 was a typical prototype number for the M series, found in the fifty-million range³⁶⁰. This camera differed from the two prototypes of the Leica M4 in several ways: it lacked a match needle on the top plate, hada hot shoe with a built-in synchronization mechanism, and included synchronization spots near the eyepiece³⁶⁰. When the Leica M5 was finally launched in 1971, it closely resembled camera number 50135012³⁶⁰.

Technical Specifications

The Leica M5's slowest shutter speed is 1/2 second, and longer exposures require the "B" setting²⁰¹. Shutter speeds range geometrically from 1/2 to 1/1000, with a specially marked 1/50 for flash synchronization²⁰¹. It was the first Leica M model to feature a hot shoe²⁰¹. The ASA/DIN setting dial, which is linked to the built-in meter, is located on the top of the camera²⁰¹. The Leica M5 also includes a unique fold-out rapid film rewinder on its removable base plate²⁰¹. Additionally, it features the popular three-prong rapid load system, which first appeared in the Leica M2R and Leica M4 cameras²⁰¹.

The Leica M5 had a unique feature that future rangefinder Leica cameras lacked for another 13 years: a built-in, through-the-lens (TTL) exposure meter²⁰¹. Leica M5 was the second Leica to have string as part of its light shield¹⁰⁰. Leica M5 was also the first Leica to use Phillips head screws¹⁰⁰.

In the Leica M5 viewfinder, the frame lines were set for 35mm and 135mm combined, with a separate line for 50mm (which included circular indicator lines for the spot meter) and another for 90mm²⁷⁹. Near the bottom of the 35mm frame was the exposure metering readout strip²⁷⁹. Initially, the metering strip was positioned slightly below the bottom of the 35mm frame, which created some confusion about the actual bottom of the frame, as the only indicators were two short bits of frame at both ends of the metering line²⁷⁹.

The metering strip remained fixed while the parallax correction mechanism adjusted the rest of the frame downward for closer focusing²⁷⁹. As the lens was focused closer, the metering strip visually aligned more closely with the bottom of the frame²⁷⁹. Later, the cameras could be modified by authorized service departments to align the exposure strip with the bottom of the 35mm frame at infinity focus.²⁷⁹ This modification meant that the finder would crop a small portion from the bottom at the nearest focus, but it was beneficial in all other situations. It is likely that many Leica M5 cameras received this modification²⁷⁹.

To properly align the metering cell with a 50mm lens, the metering spot is indicated by four arched lines that outline the circle of the cell²⁷⁹. For a 35mm lens, the four corners of the 135mm frame are utilized²⁷⁹. When using the 90mm and 135mm lenses, the rangefinder spot is referenced; it is used loosely for the 90mm lens and tightly for the 135mm lens²⁷⁹. The ends of the rangefinder spot are rounded to provide a more accurate representation of the metering spot for the 135mm lens²⁷⁹.

The loading mechanism is similar to that of the Leica M6, featuring a fixed take-up spool with “petals” designed to grip the leader²⁷⁹. Additionally, there is a wheel attached to the base plate that helps position the leader²⁷⁹. However, one notable difference is that the spool is removable, making it much easier to unload film that has torn away from its cassette spool²⁷⁹.

Unlike other M cameras, the bottom plate lock key is located at the opposite end, along with a rectangular, flat pin that secures the bottom plate²⁷⁹. Despite this change, the tripod socket remains at the winder end of the camera, positioned concentrically with the locking key²⁷⁹.

Metering is achieved by aligning two sliding pointers located on the horizontal exposure strip at the bottom of the frame²⁷⁹. One pointer is controlled by the shutter dial (and the ISO dial), while the other is influenced by the light entering through the lens. When the two needles intersect, the exposure reading is accurate²⁷⁹. The light that illuminates the exposure strip comes from a transparent plastic insert located at the top front edge of the camera, above the viewfinder, rather than from the frame-line illumination window²⁷⁹. This light source tends to receive more illumination when the camera is held horizontally compared to when it is positioned directly in front of the subject²⁷⁹. As a result, it may not capture as much light in situations where the only available illumination is coming directly from the front²⁷⁹.

The Leica M5 requires a different 1.35V battery from the original mercury PX13/PX625²⁷⁹. The best substitute author have found is a CRIS adapter that houses an S-76 battery, which provides the same voltage as the original battery and has a reasonably long lifespan²⁷⁹. There may be other battery options available that are just as good²⁷⁹. To test the battery, move the frame selector lever away from the lens to its stop and observe whether the meter needle reaches the cutout at the lower right of the finder’s metering strip²⁷⁹.

Finishes

The Leica M5 was made in both silver chrome and black chrome versions²⁰¹. There are two cameras made in black paint, with number 1350468 (source) and Prototype number 50135012³⁶⁰.

Height and Weight

It has a height of 84 mm, a length of 155 mm, and a width of 36 mm¹⁹¹. The viewfinder magnification is 0.72x, and the rangefinder base length is 68.5 mm¹⁹¹. The weight is 700 g¹⁹¹.

Issues

Some of the initial aloofness began to transform into disdain when an early issue started to emerge²⁰¹. The Leica M5 featured a shutter speed setting ring that extended slightly beyond the camera's top plate, allowing the user to adjust the shutter speed without taking their eye away from the viewfinder²⁰¹. However, early Leica M5 models had a weak spring under this setting ring, which made it too easy for the ring to shift²⁰¹. As a result, a shutter speed adjustment could accidentally be changed once it was set²⁰¹.

Leitz quickly produced a "fix kit" to address this issue and modified cameras in production²⁰¹. Despite this, the Leica M5 began receiving unflattering descriptions due to this deficiency²⁰¹. Users questioned whether the camera had been thoroughly field-tested, unlike the earlier M models²⁰¹. Although Wetzlar corrected this defect in its production cameras by early 1972, the Leica M5 continued to face an identity crisis²⁰¹.

After the camera had been in service for a while, another, more serious problem surfaced²⁰¹. Early Leica M5 models, generally those with serial numbers under 1300000, began to experience cracked main shutter rollers²⁰¹.

It was known that some lenses had to be modified in order to be used with Leica M5⁴⁸⁶. Among these:

Collapsible lenses - In the case of collapsible lenses, the movement should be restricted to a permissible range using a spacing collar⁴⁸⁶. It is not necessary to return the lens for this adjustment⁴⁸⁶. The collar can be made from "embossing tape" of various widths⁴⁸⁶. To create the collar, wrap the tape around the lens mount, leaving a 1 mm gap⁴⁸⁶. To ensure the correct length, it is advisable to first make a trial strip from paper⁴⁸⁶. It's advisable for the tape strip to have a width of 9.5mm for 50mm f/3.5 Elmar, 50mm f/2 Summitar, 50mm f/2.8 Elmar, 50mm f/2 Summicron, 50mm f/2 Summar, 90mm f/4 Elmar lenses⁴⁸⁶. The tape strip to have a width of 12.7mm for 50mm f/2.5 Hektor lens⁴⁸⁶.
The 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon lens in screw mount requires a bayonet adapter (catalog number 14097) to be attached before using it with the Leica M5⁴⁸⁶. The lens mount projects too far into the camera body, which prevents the photocell from being properly positioned⁴⁸⁶. While the lens can be physically attached to the camera without the adapter, TTL (through-the-lens) exposure measurement will not be possible in that case⁴⁸⁶.
The 21mm f/3.4 Super-Angulon lens with a bayonet mount (serial numbers below 2473251) must be returned to the Leitz Service Department or authorized representatives or service stations for adaptation⁴⁸⁶. This lens has a mount that protrudes too far into the camera body, which prevents the photocell from being properly positioned⁴⁸⁶. While this lens can physically be attached to the camera, TTL exposure measurement will not be possible⁴⁸⁶.
The 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens with a bayonet mount (serial numbers below 2314921) must be returned to the Leitz Service Department or authorized representatives or service stations for adaptation⁴⁸⁶. This lens has a mount that extends too far into the camera body, preventing the photocell from being positioned correctly⁴⁸⁶. While this lens can be attached to the camera, TTL (Through The Lens) exposure measurement will not be possible⁴⁸⁶.
The 35mm f/3.5 Summaron lens, featuring a removable viewfinder attachment, must be returned to the Leitz Service Department or authorized representatives and service stations for adaptation⁴⁸⁶. This lens makes contact with the body cap of the Leica M5, so both the lens bayonet and the viewfinder attachment need to be properly modified⁴⁸⁶.
The 50mm f/2 Summicron lens with a close-up focusing range must be returned to the Leitz Service Department or to authorized representatives and service stations for adaptation⁴⁸⁶. This lens makes contact with the body cap of the Leica M5, requiring modifications to the lens bayonet and finder attachment for proper alignment⁴⁸⁶.

Gifts

Leica M5 number 1350468, dated circa 1973, one of only two (the other one being Leica M5 Prototype number 50135012) Leica M5 cameras in black paint finish. It was sold at Bonhams Auction on September 15, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. The lot was described as "This is only the second known black paint M5, the other being serial no. 50135012, as illustrated in colour plate 37 Leica. A History illustrating every Model and Accessory, Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck, Sotheby's Publications, 1993. This published example had been finished in black paint at the request of Willi Wiesner, Head of Camera Research at Leitz, who was much involved in the development of the M5. It can be assumed that the offered camera No. 1350468 is part of that series made for Willi Wiesner." The lot estimate was 15000 - 20000 Great British Pounds.

In November 23, 1973, a Leica M5 camera with the special serial number 1359999 was awarded to Leopold Godowsky by Dr. Ernst Leitz III⁵¹⁰, replacing his stolen Leica III Model F with chrome finish, which had the serial number 150000⁴⁸. According to Rolf Fricke's first-hand account, the Leica III Model F number 150000 was stolen out of Leopold Godowsky's car in 1936⁵¹⁰. Then, during his next trip to Wetzlar, Rold Fricke suggested a replacement camera to Dr. Ernst Leitz III⁵¹⁰. The Leica M5 camera with the special serial number 1359999 was awarded to Leopold Godowsky during a ceremony in Wetzlar one day after he received the Cultural Award of the German Photographic Socierty (DGPh) in Leverkusen, Germany⁵¹⁰. The camera was gifted to Rolf Fricke by Leopold Godowsky⁵¹⁰.

Special Editions

To commemorate 50 years since launch of Leica I Model A, a limited number of Leica M5 cameras were available with the "50 JAHRE" crest⁵⁵ in 1975²⁰¹. These cameras featured a special engraved logo and unique numbering²⁰¹. Today, these anniversary editions are highly sought after by collectors, as only 1750 were made²⁰¹. Each of these 1750 cameras had a special number consisting of one letter from the word LEICA and a three-digit number. "50 Jahre" (50 years) - surrounded by a laurel wreath - was engraved on the front of the top plate³⁵⁷.

Closing Remarks

Despite the extensive preparation period, the M5 had a short production run and was discontinued by 1977³⁶⁰, with only about 33000²⁰¹ units produced²⁰¹. As the years passed after its final production in 1975, the M5 gradually faded into obscurity²⁰¹. It was not considered a highly sought-after collectible²⁰¹. Another source claims all in all 33920 Leica M5 cameras were produced between 1971 and 1974, with serial numbers ranging from 1287001 through 1918020⁴³⁹.