M5 lens compatibility

[oskar_b]

My understanding as that all the new lenses will work on the M5 without busting the light meter arm off. But just looking at my lux35 Asph (current version) the rear portion of the lens does protrude a long way out and the there isn’t much room left in the M5 before one encounters the metering arm mechanism.

Has anybody had any experience with this combination?

Thanks in advance, Craig

 

[kajabbi]

Hi Craig,
As an M5 user, almost exclusively, I can tell you that You can use all the new(er) lenses without worry ezcept the following:
50MM 2.8 Elmar
The new 90MM Macro.
These are collapsible lenses and will work fine as long as you remember to pull the lens out BEFORE cocking the shutter. The same goes if you have the Collapsible 90MM Elmar.
The older 21's and the oldest 28Mm cannot be used as the rear elements extend much too far into the Camera. All new wide angle lenses work without a problem.

 

[oskar_b]

Ebenezer,

Thankyou very much, you have confirmed my thoughts. In the case of the 35 ‘ASPH ‘lux there is not much in it, 2mm at best from my measurements.

I’m the second owner of the M5 and have had it since 1987. It has just come back from a long holiday to have a voltage regulator installed, and in the mean time I’ve upgraded my lenses. I think you would agree, it would be a shame to start breaking the meter arm now after all these years. So I thought caution was best and to post a question to make absolutely sure.

Best regards, Craig

 

[kajabbi]

Hi Craig,
I forgot to mention the Collapsible 50MM Summicron and the "lovely"(if you have a clean one) Summitar.
I'm not sure about the new 90MM Macro-Elmar. I know it xollapses as well but don't know how far.

 

[leica_cl_m]

Dear friends,

for Leica CL it is the same situation. I know from practise with the R Super Angulon 3,4/21mm and adapter 22228 R to M, thjat You can put the lens in NEAR position in, without touching the reading cell (that means distance of 25 to 30 cm). Because there is a mechanical limit - the lower frame between canal of cell and lens - it is not possible to focus wider.
So, use it for flowers or models or (closed) "up" to 50cm distance.

 

[oskar_b]

Thanks for thinking of me Ebenezer, I should of gotten back to this thread earlier.

I was just being a worrywart of sorts. Better safe than sorry. The ASPH 35 ‘lux (last version) is a beautiful lens fitted on the M5. I’ve got the heavier chrome type and the weight and balance are, well, perfect! A highly recommended combo for those who like bit weight behind their camera.

BTW. If you want to make the M5 even uglier (how dare they say that about our sleek M5s) then add the new graceful looking 21-28mm round shaped finder to the hot-shoe. Like the Ford Edsel (spelling?) so ugly it is down right beautiful.

I would imagine the collapsible 90mm macro would also be a no-no on the M5, unless one put tape around the barrel to prevent it collapsing Having said this I have had no experience with that lens however, so I don’t know what I’m talking about.

G Spitzer, if I understand you correctly.... weird in an interesting way. The things people do to their cameras. A tiny little CL with a comparatively monster WA R lens.

Cheers all, Craig

 

[leica_cl_m]

Dear Craig,
everything fits, if You screw enough... that were the first Leica Years... In my case i came from Leica R to M. My first CL was only a backpup for the R with the original 40mm which was stunning good, and in the Case bag in the part for a Winder, together with another "monster glass", the R Angulon 4/21. Since i decided for M and CL i use the as Super wide most times the light M 24mm ASPH, often without finder because the CL magn. of 0.6 is a good solution.
Greetings,
Gisleher.

 

[kajabbi]

Craig,
I had four of my M5s fitted with the .72 viewfinder giving me the 28 and 75 frames. It takes a bit of getting used too where the 28MM frame is but overall, I find it just perfect for my tastes. When it comes to the 21 and 24, I use the finder you desscibe. If I'm using the 21 for buildings, I use the 21 viewfinder to which I have mounted a level. I hate converging lines.