The Leica M5

The Leica M5 camera was introduced in 1971 at serial number 1287001 with 50 issues for evaluation, called “null series”.
Cameras were both finished  in satin chrome  10750 ex. and black chrome 23150 ex.
Production stopped in 1975.It has a completely different designing to the M series cameras predecessors.
The body is 150mm length and 87mm height gives a very smooth styling.
The cameras features through the lens metering powered by a CdS cell.
The meter swings out of the light path before the exposure is done.
Exposure is evaluated by matching the shutter speed to the meter needle, both visible in the viewfinder.
Shutter speeds are from ˝ to 1/1000 also marked are 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 sec but they have to be manually operated with the shutter set on B.
The shutter speeds dial slightly overlaps the front of the camera body for ease of use.
Self resetting exposure counter.
Film reminder set by knurled wheel. Frame selector preview lever for 35, 50, 90, 135mm bright-line frames.
Viewfinder also has area coinciding with metering area.
There is a three-prong rapid loading system and a hot shoe provided.
Early models had two camera strap lugs situated top and bottom at the viewfinder end of the camera body. Later versions had a third lug added at the other end of the body to enable the choice of camera position.

For illustration an early model in black chrome with two strap lugs topped by a black Summilux 1.4/50 with respective hood 12586, 13206 UVa filter and cap.
A silver chrome model with three strap lugs topped with a silver chrome Summilux 1.4/50 second model with respective hood XOOIM/12521 and silver chrome E43 UVa filter and cap.
In the foreground : one original M5 camera carton box, 2 instructions for use leaflets in German and French edition and a trapezoidal leather, not 'napa', ever ready case 14541.