The Leica M Cameras M5 to M7 - an overview of Leica film M cameras with meters!

Dan explains the differences between the Leica M film models with exposure meters built in .. Leica M5, Leica CL, Leica M6, M6 TTL, M7 and MP
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About Dan Tamarkin
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@tamarkin_chicago
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Produced by Red Dot Chicago:
Dan Tamarkin
Joe Goudreault
Edited by
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Music by
Kevin MacLeod
@thebarnackhour
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[@Kref3]

I really like the fact that the M5 is considered the ugly duckling. That makes it cheap. I paid less for mine, fleshly CLAed by a pro camera store in Germany and re-calibrated for 1.55 V LR44 batteries than any other M would have cost me including the somewhat cheaper M4-P; I bought it in August 2023 for less than 1000 EUR, when good M6 from a shop goes for 2400 EUR or more and an M4 will cost you at least 1400 EUR. OK, the price was a bit low because it shows signs of use, they usually go for 1200 to 1400 EUR, but I really never was interested in collector‘s cameras. And the funny thing: it is not only the cheapest, it is the nicest I ever used. I had M2, M3 and M6 and the slightly bigger size of the M5 fits my hands better. The bigger shutter dial that can be used with on finger, the speed indication in the meter, the really tight metering area, that is indicated in the viewfinder for any focal length - so many reasons why I do like the M5 considerably more than the M6. Yes, the other film M cameras do look better, I agree with that. But as a tool for photography, I‘d take my M5 over any M6 anytime. It is just a wonderful camera. I should shut up or the prices will go up.

[@amaniahnuar]

I actually grown to love the way you view Leica Ms and handle them. You don't baby them, you don't nitpick on cosmetic details, you handle them such that you know they'll last normal handling. Maybe it's just me but to me you seem confident "this is a Leica in DNA, and it will always be a Leica". I love your passion and your work.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comments! I know that I am a little different than most - I'm lucky to have the opportunity to be so familiar with them!

[@allenelberg1686]

I’m

[@CrispyFrenFry]

Lol yet the plastic bothered him into such a trivial frenzy.

[@howiegoldfarb1871]

Dan I’m 76 and saving up for a Leica and will only buy from Tamarkin you’re the best keep up the good work & informative program

[@lindanorman2589]

Outstanding clear explanation of the M film cameras features and differences.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you so much! That means a great deal to me. ❤️📷🔴

[@qnetx]

Thank you so much for this two part overview of the M cameras. It was very insightful.

[@macbookdieter]

Great video. Just purchased a M6 from you. Love it!

[@ZippyDChimp-mr1tf]

Funny that this channel came up on my feed. I just purchased a 50mm Summicron-R from you a couple of weeks ago. Great lens, thank you!

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you! Enjoy !!!

[@masonimage]

Great review. Thanks. Was in your showroom last week while in Chicago.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thanks for watching - and for visiting !

[@pggrootde6726]

I like your video, the way you present the different cameras. Not hyped up, no stupid music. Pity you start with beer, as far as I'm concerned. I work as a medical doctor for people with an addiction. Many of them will be triggered by your casual presentation of alcohol that they coudn't predict (they could not see it coming....) and so could not avoid. Thanks anyway!

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you very much for watching and for your very thoughtful comments. Noted - I’m very glad to read your comment!

[@tchristianphoto]

These are great! Suggestions for future videos: squally concise summations of the screw-mount Barnacks (which I think you may have posted before); and of the digital Leicas, M8 to present.

[@davidpuglia4813]

Another entertaining Barnak hour - nice work. I had a CL as a second Leica Body along with my M3. I used it mostly for my 35mm Summicron. Tamarkin took it in trade along with other Leica stuff. The only Leica equipment I don't regret selling :)

[@CalumetVideo]

I love the M5

[@VirtualGuth]

After saving for quite a while, I was in the market for a new camera back in 2000. My previous camera purchase took place in the late 70's. Few of the advancements in film cameras since then appealed to me (autofocus, polycarbonate bodies, etc.). Nor was I interested in digital cameras. I ended up going all in on a new rangefinder system, ultimately choosing the Leica M over the Contax G. I purchased a Leica M6 TTL and ultimately a trio of Summicron lenses (one of which was purchased from Tamarkin, which I believe was located in NYC then). It worked out okay as that M6 TTL and all three lenses are still with me today.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you! So glad to hear it !

[@autodidact537]

@@thebarnackhour1872 You forgot to mention that the M6TTL was the first Leica camera that offered 3 different viewfinder magnifications: 0.58, 0.72 & 0.85.

[@lephotographinc]

Very informative. THANKS A MILLION.

[@howiegoldfarb1871]

What a beautiful camera that MP is thanks for showing it

[@jamesrice670]

Great job, as always, Dan!

[@howiegoldfarb1871]

As usual very informative

[@saurabhbhardwaj6753]

Nice summation! I found ur video and got so excited that I dusted off my beloved M5 which was working fine until I stored it back in 2021. It would be nice if you could have a series on trouble shooting these units as there is very little information around there or to say it is difficult to get these repaired. I have tried the battery tester, found that special 1.35V battery and paid a premium but still the needle on the M5 is sleeping. Now I am thinking of alternatives for the light meter..

[@Hunter-nu7uw]

Excellent review. Could you comment on which M models accept the Leica Motor M?

[@ShahzadBPhotography]

Do you see a big difference in using the viewfinder as a spectacled person? I am debating between the M3 and M5 for my first Leica. I largely shoot portraits and am worried that the .72 might not work as well with a 90mm vs the .91 viewfinder in the M3.

[@NicholasSyracuse]

With a 50 or 90mm I'd recommend the M3

[@Topsyrm]

Great couple of history lessons, for me I have M2 no meter MP meter all the way.

[@eggs-benny]

Great video!

[@MilesLibak]

The Leica M5 is, I assume, the correct answer to every inquiry asked of Tamarkin Camera. I'm totally not biased about this assertion.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

🤣exactly right!

[@BackFocus11]

Dan knows his sh*t!!! Great store Tamarkin Camera. Great video!!! Bravo! 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@barrydduggan]

Lovely overview of metered Leicas.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Thank you 🙏🏻!!

[@richarddenise3886]

Nice!😁

[@jmm117kgb]

I love the little hate you gave about the tape you found on the base of the M5 😂 wtf was that person thinking

[@violetmanh7926]

I love it

[@nikolasaev]

The while dial rotation direction thing is very unclear for me as to how they decide what is more convenient. I happen to use Leica M240 and Nikon film cameras. The speed dial on a Nikon uses the direction of older Leica bodies before M6 TTL Big dial. The focusing on F Lenses is also reverse to M Lenses, maybe this is even more confusing when you shoot both bodies at one location and you are switching between them. I am curious what are the motives behind the decision how camera manufacturer is going to set the direction for their product line. What made Leica switch the speed dial direction?

[@sputumtube]

I wonder why the M6 (onwards) abandoned the self timer? Seems like an odd decision for such a useful feature.

[@VariTimo]

The same reason the camera got worse over all. Money.

[@Blackmind0]

the cl uses 40mm and have 40 framelines and not 35mm..?

[@thebarnackhour1872]

Yes the CL has 40mm and 50mm and 90mm frame lines built into the rangefinder. The 40mm frame is always visible; 50mm and 90mm appear when the corresponding lens is mounted.

[@Blackmind0]

@@thebarnackhour1872 ..thank you..

[@thebarnackhour1872]

@@Blackmind0 anytime!!

[@johngessner]

My heart stopped for a few seconds when you almost dropped the camera, plus the electric tape didn't help. Lol

[@kurtozan251]

I want an MP in black so bad

[@thebarnackhour1872]

We got them used ready to roll!

[@devroombagchus7460]

The least I expect is that prepare the basics before they start making the video.

[@Traveljournalist]

M6ttl is the king !

[@Kusanosuke1]

If Mike Ditka was a Leica camera, which one would he be? I'm thinking he would be the M5...big, bulky, divisive.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

😂😂😂

[@ZippyDChimp-mr1tf]

A Ditka camera wouldn't need metering.

[@ahmchotto]

That's genuine ostrich leather on those M6 titaniums, just sayin'.

[@stogies3]

Oh man i really don’t want to know how you treat those Leica’s off camera.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

With dignity and respect … always!

[@thebarnackhour1872]

…sometimes they are sent to bed early without dinner, but they are loved and we still read bedtime stories…

[@BobSchipper]

@stogies3 Exactly the same, I would expect. 😁 Leica’s are still professional instruments, so there’s no need to be overly careful. Unless it’s a Luftwaffe IIIc K or some other museum worthy specimen.

[@GOLDDYNACO]

Are you going to sell the cameras you are showing now? I do not want them! You punch them against each other, stack them on top of each other and generally show little gentleness with precious things.

[@thebarnackhour1872]

No these are generally for show and tell only.