LEICA LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY Volume25 Number 1 1972

EDITORIAL BOARD Helen Wright Eugene C. Anderegg Leica Photography is published by E. Leitz, Ine., Rockleigh, New Jersey for Leica own- William H. Mann ers and Leica Dealers in the United States and its possessions. Purchasers of new equipment who send in a registration card CONTENTS to permanently register the equiprnent, as a protection against 1055 and to obtain a LEICA M5 guarantee, will autornaticallv receive a free Geoffrey Crawley FRPS, DGPh ...... 4 subscription. Other Leica owners rnay ob- tain a free subscription by writing Leica Photography, E. Leitz, Ine., Rockleigh, ew SAFARI WITH THE LElCAFLEX Jersey 07647. Leica Photography has no set Ernst Haas 13 schedule regarcling either time or fre- quency of appearance in a given year. We reserve rhe right to terminate all free sub- FOCUSING ON scriptions at any time, and publish as few leica Historical Society or as many issues as we choose in any New Books given year. Arizona leica Club 18

Reprovit 11 Slide Courses Slide Duplicator ...... •....•...... 19

The lollowing are regisieret! treclemerks: NEW LENS, EW OUTLOOK BINDOMATiII lEICA PIIO'IOGRAPHyiII Frank D. Grande 20 ClNOVID® lEICINA® CLASSIMAT® lEITZ® COLORPlAN® ORTHOlUX® NEW PRODUCTS DYGO iII PANPIIOl® Series VII Polarizing Filter E. LEITZ, I C.iII PERrlEKTOt\ \ETERiII Canvas Carry All E. lE ITZ, WETZlARiII PRADOVIT® leicina Super RT 1 22 ElCANiII REPROVITiII ElMAR SI,\lPlEX" Pradovit TA ElMARITiII SU \,\lARO, ~ Extension Tube for Long-Focus lenses rOCOSlIDE® SUM,\-IICRON'" 60mm Macro-Elmarit-R f/2.8 23 HEKTOR® SUMMllUX~ lEICA® TERICA ® lEICAFlEXiII TRI OVID® NEW 60111111 MACRO-ELMARIT-R f/2.8 lEICA-METER® VISOFlEXiII David Douglas Duncan 24

The editors are happy to consider original articles on photog- raphy with the Leica and taken with Leica carneras and lenses. All manuscripts and photographs should be accom- paniecl by stamped, self-addressed return labels.

Copyright 1972 by E. Leitz, Ine. Printed in U.5.A. LEICA M5 A review by Ceoffrey Crawley FRPS, OCPh

Condensed from The British Journal of Pholography

The new M5 differs in size, shape, lay- M5, however, has two heavy-duty strap M body, looks just right on the M5. out and, to some extent, operation lugs both on the left side of the cam- The 50mm f/2 Summicron looks a bit from earlier M models, but the main era. The are wide enough to small, but the 50mm f/l.4 Summilux is new added feature is a through-the- take astrap just less than a '12 inch in precisely in scale. lens meter. width. Top plate controls General Construction The first sight of a dangling Frame counter. The frame counter has The M5 is 6.06 inches in length, 3.46 sideways by one end over the shoulder been moved from close to forward on inches in height and 1.30 inches in or round the neck provides a the radius of the earlier Ms' right side width. The weight is 24.7 oz. In com- reaction, but only very brief actual use to the rear-or from 2 oclock to 5 parison with the M4 these dimensions is required to prove the logic of the oclock. This may have been necessi- represent a .63 in. increase in length, new arrangement. Most importantly, tated by the increased diameter of the a .47 in. increase in height. The M5 the right end of the camera is left com- speed setting dial, but it is in weighs 3.53 oz. more than the M4, but pletely free of all impediments to the fact more conveniently placed here for if the Leicameter is clipped on to the hand operating it. There is no pos- reading. It is now topped by plain M4 to provide a comparison, then the sibility of the lever-wind becoming glass instead of the former condensor M5 is .88 oz. heavier than the M4. In entangled with the strap or the strap lens and the index pointer is now, fact the actual top plate of the M5 is getting in the way of any of your fin- more logically, on the operator's side only some .16 in. higher than that of gers. Photographers who festoon of the counter dial instead of above it, the earlier Ms' but the accessory shoe themselves with a number of The counter dial remains indexed for and setting device are both may find the arrangement less conve- each frame with engraved numerals raised above the top plate level. nient, but this is a question of per- for the half decades. The frame coun- The height difference will explain sonal preference. ter zeros when the baseplate has the gap between the Visoflex 111 fitting The feet of the camera in the hand is barely been eased up for removal. and the earl ier Ms to puzzled users entirely Leica-like and its controls work Lever-wind. Although the shank dif- and which shows how long the M5 with the same fluidity of engineering fers slightly in profile, having a rather basic shape has been established-al- excellence that is the envy of other narrower elbow, the lever-wind on the though presumably the built-in meter manufacturers. The increase in length M5 can be regarded as virtually iden- always envisaged, eventually became does not seem to be disconcerting, al- tical to that on the M4. The camera is a through-the-Iens meter. The quarter- though earlier M models definitely feel easy to use by either left or right-eyed deck has virtually disappeared and smaller when handled after the M5. photographers. only remains vestigially to accom- The M5 will be available in two fin- Shutter release. This remains set in the modate the setting dial, ishes: in the usual satin chrome and in hub of the lever-wind and is threaded which is thus flush with the remainder black chrome. It will be the first cam- for standard taper-fitting cable release. of the top plate. era on the market to be available in There is little or no change in the feet The most noticeable difference is a black chrome rather than an ano- of the shutter release button when de- really in the length of the camera and dized black finish. Previous Leica pressed. However, there is a notable this is the main reason for the apparent models available in a black finish have change in the function of the shutter increase in bulk. been enamelled and after aperiod of release which influences this opera- The increase in body length is vir- time this has worn off to reveal the tion. This is because the initial travel of tually entirely on the lefthand side of brass beneath. The black chrome on the release button swings the through- the camera. Itappears to be mostly due the M5 is as tough and hard-wearing the-Iens meter-cell arm out of the op- to the incorporation of a built-in meter as the more familiar silver and satin tical path into a recess in the weil of system and the battery compartment. chrome finishes, so the camera should the camera dark chamber. The shutter A fundamental departure with the retain its color indefinitely. will only fire after the cell arm has new Leica involves the neckstrap at- Finally, in connection with the gen- moved. For this reason, the shutter re- tachment. From the beginning, 35mm eral appearance, it is interesting to lease should not be pretensioned to cameras have been held by means of note that the 50mm f/l.2 octilux, make an exposure while taking a meter eyelets on either side of the body. The which rather over-powers an earlier reading.

4 The meter reading cell is returned apart instead of .67 in. A great boon over th is range. It must be remem- to the reading position as the lever- will be the fact that the two contact bered that these settings are meter wind is cycled and this action also caps are now linked by a thin arm of readings on/y and that reciprocity fai/- switches on the meter. plastic, so that when one is removed ure must be taken into account for Shutter speed dia/. A major functional it rernains attached to the other. This exposures over this span. The material change on the MS is that the shutter- should prevent the hitherto almost in- of the shutter is the same rubberized speed setting wheel is now co-axial evitable lass of these small items. cloth used in earlier Leicas. with the lever-wind and the shutter Film speed setting. The final feature on Baseplate release button. With the earlier Ms, it the top-plate is the film speed setting As with all M Leicas, the MS remains a was located separately to the left near device for the exposure meter. This is base-Ioading camera with removable the accessory shoe and the clip-on ex- just to the left of the accessory shoe back flap. The MS baseplate and its posure meters locked on to it. On the and immediately forward of the film functions are, however, quite differ- MS, the wheel, which has a finely plane index mark which has been ent. It differs, naturally, in length and milled edge, is large in diameter, 1.06 added to the Leica with the MS. The shape, following the body shape. Also in., and projects over the forward edge setting is changed merely by turning the opening key is now at the right of the camera top-plate. It is only nec- this wheel with the finger tip through end, as the camera is opera ted, and essary to push the forefinger along the click third stops against fair inertia. the location occupied by the base un- forward edge of the camera top-plate The DIN window has equal promin- locking key on the earlier M cameras, to operate the shutter speed setting ence on the left with the ASA window now houses the fold-away film rewind and this is facilitated by the absence on the right of the setting wheel and crank. of aneckstrap fitting on the right side the calibrations are bold and easily Ta retain the same position for the of the camera. The click stop wheel read. The ASA settings are from 6-3200 bush, .59 in. in from the right has just the right tension and comes to in click 113 stops indexed on the dou- end, it has been necessary to make this a full stop at either end on the scale. bling series and the DI range is from coaxial with the base-plate unlocking The numerals, owing to the larger 9-36 in 113 stops. The setting mecha- key, and it appears to be very soundly diameter setting wheel, are very legi- nism is to be commended, because it is constructed. The coaxial siting does ble but the calibration is unconven- large and easy to handle. however remove one useful facility. tional. The MS shutter is speeded 1/2 to The Shutter Since Leicas are moored to a tripod 1/1000 second and this range is cali- On the MS shutter speeds are set on or set-up bya bush at the right end of brated with click stops. After the 1/2 the dial as described above and the the baseplate, the left end usually pro- second, the dial is further calibrated speed set is indicated at the extreme jects far enough to allow access to the with a range of 'B' settings from 1 to left end of the illuminated match- base unlocking key. Ta reload the 30 seconds over which the setting needie strip along the bottom end of camera without disturbing its align- wheel moves smoothly without click the . The speeds available ment it has been possible to undo this stops. These settings act as a calculator are 1/2 to 1/1000 second. The omission key and ease the camera body off the when taking a rneter reading on a sub- of the 1 second has enabled Leitz to right end of the baseplate, returning it ject requiring a time exposure. The improve the shutter design and pro- after reloading. Since the fold-away shutter speed setting also appears at vide an important new facility: over rewind crank now occupies the forrner the end of the match needle system its range, settings are continuously location of the baseplate key, it is still illuminated strip below the view- variable with exception of a small gap possible to rewind the film with the finder, as will be discussed later. Here, between 1/40 and 1/S0 second, the camera screwed to a support, but it these lang exposures-1, 2, 4, 1S, 30 latter is the X synchronization speed rnust be removed to load in another seconds-also show, but are preceded marked by a dot, before the 1/60 fi Im. by the letter 'B'. setting. Accessory shoe. The MS has an acces- Meter needle and index pointer may sory shoe with a 'hot' or center contact be accurately aligned for exposure fitting. Incidentally, the camera's purposes either by moving the lens serial number appears on the right arm ring or shutter speed setting t.eica \5 with 50ml11 Summilux f/l.4 lens. of the accessory shoe fitting. An 'X' is dial. The 1 second setting will not be engraved just forward of the accessory greatly missed and the advantage of shoe to remind the user that the cen- the continuously variable shutter ter contact provides synchronization should be considered an advantage for this type for electronic flash, AG-1, outweighing its lass. After the 1/2 sec- AG-3 and flashcubes. The circuit for ond. the speed dial can be moved this fitting is independent of over the calibrated range 1-30 seconds the other X contact-a standard 3 mm in order to align the match-needle sys- type as on the M4-which lies with the tern, should the lighting conditions or M contact on the back of the camera. the lens aperture at which it is desired The two contacts on the back of the to work require exposures of this camera are now closer together, .39 in. length. The shutter remains set on 'B' after hard use-the key located in the ing the film on the M5 retains the cassette core to engage for rewind is ghost-like smoothness of that on ear- spring loaded, so that it can slip into lier M cameras. This fact, combined place if the cassette is offered in an with the retention of the shutter re- incorrect attitude. Only cassettes with lease button travel smoothness-de- a key in the long end of the core-such spite the use of its initial travel to as have been standard for a few years recess the rneter cell arm in the cam- now-may be used. era dark chamber-gives the M5 pre- Film loading and transport cisely the same feel as its M predeces- As already described, the M5, like its sors. predecessors, is a base-Ioading cam- Camera Back era. The quick-threading feature on There are three features on the M5 the take-up spool is a compromise be- carnera back, as on earlier models. tween the M4 fixed fitting and the re- Central on the inspection flap is a new movable quick-thread spool made film type reminder dial and-rather avai lable for M3 and M2 cameras after remarkably-an exposure calculator. the M4 appeared. This means that the Since the assurnption is rnade that the M cameras have three different load- built-in rneter will have been set for The holders for the strap of the ing diagrams, in addition to the con- the speed of the film in use, it is no Lcica MS are on onc siele. ventional one with the unconverted longer necessary to incorporate a film M2 and M3s. With the quick-thread speed reminder facility, and the cen- conversion on an M2 or M3, it is nec- tral wheel in the calculator merely has The rewind crank is an extremely neat essary to pull the conversion take-up symbols for , color device, strongly built with a rotating spool out in order to zero the frame negative, daylight and artificial light finger grip on the crank and a 1:1 op- counter. On the M4, the counter zeros reversal color material types. The sur- eration. A ratchet restricts the move- as the baseplate is removed; the M5 rounding exposure calculator serves to ment of the crank to the rewind direc- has this feature, although the take-up rernind the Leica user that, if the indi- tion as soon as the crank handle is spool is removable. It will, unlike the cated exposure is 1/125 at f/8, he will folded out ready for use. When folded M4 type, take untongued leader,which also gain correct exposure by using away, the assembly will revolve in will assist those who roll their own the settings 1/250 at f/5.6, or indeed, either direction so that correct film from bulk. Obviously, the rearrange- 1/60 at 1/111 The airn is presumably transport can be observed by watch- ment of base key and rewind assembly purely decorative and the only inter- ing it turn. Were the camera to be make the use of the Leica cassette esting point to note is that the scale is used with an ordinary type ever-ready impossible in the M5, as it already is calibrated for f/1. case, it would mean that the rewind in the . The removable take- The second feature on the carnera could not be cranked without removal up spool means that the user, should back is the two flash contacts already of the camera from the case, nor could he wish, can load the film in the con- described, now marked 'X' and 'M'. turning of the rewind crank be ob- ventional Leica way, inserting the film The old lightning flash and flash-bulb served as a check on film loading and leader in the take-up spool, stretching syrnbols have been discontinued, since transport. As has been noted, these it along the camera base, then drop- AG and flash-cubes require X synchro- factors have been taken into account ping the take-up spool and feed- nization, originally reserved for elec- by the drop-down design of the case. cassette into place. tronic flash units. There is one restriction encountered The film register and tracking rails The third feature on the back is the with the rewind crank mechanism on remain of the slim design favored by viewfinder ocular which is threaded the M5, however. 35mm camera users Leitz, the only significant difference to take the sarne eyesight correction are wont to check whether a film is being the omission of the upper track- pieces as the earlier M models. loaded in by turning the rewind knob ing rail above the picture gate area, Viewfinder or crank anti-clockwise. This is less although there is a small stud centered The M5 viewfinder is basically of the conveniently done on the M5, because in the gap.The two large studs at ei ther M4 type, giving a magnification of the rewind assembly has to be moved end of the upper tracking rail found O.7X and showing bright-line frames by the finger tips with the crank folded on earlier Ms remain. for the 35mm, 50mm, 90mm and away, since it will only move clock- In general, take-up spool apart, the 135mm lenses when they are inserted wise once the crank arm is unfolded. Leica user will find no difference in in the camera-the 35mm and 135mm An arrow on the crank arm indicates the handling of the M5 as regards film frarne are both visible simultaneously. the direction of turn Ior rewind. transport. The lever which releases the The bright-line frames on all M models Since the rewind crank shaft does transport sprocket to enable the film define very accurately the field of view not pull out-and such baseplate re- to be rewound is sited in the same of the various lenses with automatte wind systems have an unpleasant position on the front right of the cam- parallax compensation. They do not, knack of loosening their retaining era as on earlier M models, and is of however, take into account the change springs and hanging pathetically down the rectangular M4 design. Transport- in image magnification as the lens is

6 as weil as for visibility, it is best to always center the eye when taking a reading with the meter. The Rangefinder The MS has an M2/M4 type range- finder. The base length of the M2/4/S rangefinders is 68.Smm although, since their viewfinder magnification is 0.72X, the optically effective rangefinder base length is just over 1.93 in. With wide angle lenses, even with the much The Leica M5 weighs less than an ounce more than the M4. improved focusing screens which are now available, the 3Smm single-Iens- reflex can only make a good guess at accurate focus and rely on depth of racked out to focus at subject distances the match-needle system visible along field to cover up; whereas the coupled toward the nearer end of its focusing the bottom edge of the viewfinder, rangefinder camera maintains its ac- range, an advantage of an SLR, pre- will be discussed in greater detail curacy and rapidity with such lnses. suming its viewfinder is accurate. when dealing with the through-the- In addition, the design of wide angle With the M3, the 13Smm bright-line lens exposure meter. lenses is complicated by the long back- frame is of just sufficient apparent size Although the eyepiece on the MS focus required for the SLR. However, to be a practical proposition, while viewfinder is identical in dimensions a through-the-Iens meter cell in the on the M4 and MS it truly is getting with that in the M4, the mask is slightly darkchamber of the MS, as will be de- too small to be of great value. With larger. This increase over the M4 is no scribed later, restricts the amount of these cameras the 13Smm f/2.8 Elmarit, doubt incorporated to permit easier recess possible with very wide angle with the magnifying viewfinder attach- scanning of the match-needle expo- lenses which will now need to be ment which makes the 90mm bright- sure meter indication. Those who wear more retro-focus. line frame show the field of the 13Smm glasses will probably find it better, or The Darkehamber lens, is really desirable. The limits of even for some individuals, necessary, The darkchamber in the MS is of iden- the various bright-line frames are de- to use the eyesight correction pieces tical layout and overall dimensions to fined in the identical manner to those rather than thei r glasses. the earlier M models. The rangefinder in the M4, with the exception that, on The MS range-viewfinder has been actuating cam at the top has the in- the MS with the 3Smm focal-Iength constructed like those on earlier M creased travel of that on the M4 so bright-line frame, the line at the bot- models to make it unnecessary to cen- that. for example, the new six element tom of the finder has been omitted ter the eye in the exit pupil of the ocu- SOmm f/2 Summicron, which can except for two short bars at either end. lar before the bright-line frames and focus down to 28 in, is rangefinder- This has presumably been done to pre- the rangefinder spot become fully vis- coupled down to that distance. On the vent confusion with the match-needle ible. This advantage has not, however, M3 it couples only down to 36 in, system that appears immediately be- been extended to the visibility of the O.9m; although the stop arm on the lowit. match-needle and shutter speed indi- M3 rangefinder cam can be modified In addition to the M4 bright-line in- cating system along the lower edge of to extend its coupling range. dications there are four white arcs sur- the viewfinder. This requires the eye The difference with the MS interior rounding the rangefinder patch that to be more or less central in the exit is that the arm carrying the meter ele- indicate the field being mete red when pupil of the ocular before reaching ment rises from a recess at the back the SOmm lens is on the camera. (See maximum visibility. with a movement parallel to the focal accompanying illustration.) These The meter needle, the index mark, plane shutter blind, coming to rest short arcs are very thin and do not and the shutter speed indicator are centered along the optical axis of the interfere with viewing; they indicate in fact located at different distances camera against light-spring loading. the measuring field of the built-in from the viewfinder ocular and an in- The arm swings up into position as the through-the-Iens meter when the genious system of small prisms and camera is wound on, and, at the same SOmm lens is attached to the cam- optical components has been neces- time, the exposure meter battery is era. The super-imposed rangefinder sary to bring them simultaneously in switched on; the initial pressure on the spot is of the same color as in other sharp focus in the viewfinder. AI- shutter release button lowers the arm M models, but different in shape in though certainly simultaneously in fo- and, as soon as it is recessed, continu- that the sides are now curved. If these cus, their actual location in three ing pressure releases the shutter. If a curves are imagined to extend to com- planes introduces a parallax error, lens is removed after the film has been plete a circ1e, this defined the through- which can amount to ::::'12 stop or so advanced, the arm automatically re- the-Iens meter reading area with a between the meter needle and the in- cesses, to rise again into position as 90mm lens attached to the camera. dex pointer as the eye is moved across another lens is inserted. This aspect of the MS, together with the viewfinder ocular. For this reason, To effect this, a pin projects at 6

7 o'clock in the front of the camera weil, meter in the camera body what aper- been used in the above comparisons, so that the lower bayonet tab of any ture has been preset. This would entail because it seems increasingly the prac- Leica lens will automatically actuate all the extra size, weight, complexity tice with SLR cameras with through- it as it is inserted into the camera. The and consequent increase in lens cost the-Iens metering for the manufactur- pin projects through a notch in the found with an SLR. The practical ob- ers to regard an f/1.4 as the normally lower retaining spring on the camera jection to stopped-down reading with fitted standard lens. lens flange. SLR cameras-the darkening of the In practice, in ISO sensitivity terms, The presence of the meter arm ele- focusing screen when the reading is it means that the M5 with an f/l.4 lens ment 4mm in front of the shutter blind taken-naturally does not apply with can read an exposure of 1 minute at restricts the depth to which lenses may the direct vision viewfinder of a f/8 on ASA100 film. This sensitivity, in be recessed into the camera. The re- coupled rangefinder camera. terms of ASA400 film gives a figure of sulting limitation on compatibility of Another point is that the danger of 15 seconds (that amount of light re- certain Leica lenses will be discussed using a CRF camera without removing quiring one quarter the exposure on later. In fact, with very few exceptions, the lens cap does not apply with the the material of that speed) and with Leica screw and bayonet lenses can be M5, since, if it is not removed, the the lens at f/l.4 the same th reshold fitted. meter will not read. light level would require an exposure M5 Through-the-lens Meter In addition to the match-needle of '/2 second on ASA400 material. Thus The light-sensitive CdS element rises, system described, circular symbols at the poor light sensitivity of the M5 when the film is advanced and a lens either end of the match-needle bar in- meter with a lens at f/l.4 is reached is in position on the camera, aligning dicate whether the lens aperture with an exposure time of '/2 secend itself along the optical axis of the should be opened or closed, and the on ASA400 material. The threshold camera at a distance of 8mm from the shutter speed set is displayed at the sensitivity of the meter is fixed and film plane. The meter element consists extreme left. Toward the right of the this is then expressecl in terms of dif- of two intertwined CdS elements with bright line is an index point to wh ich ferent shutter speeds, apertures and a window diameter of about 8mm. the meter needle should deflect when film speeds. This dual element is also used in the the battery condition is checked. At the opposite end of the scale, in Leicaflex and results in the variation in Meter Sensitivity extreme bright light, another interest- the resistance of the combined ele- On the M5, as the maximum aperture ing point arises about which there may ment remaining linear to the light in- of the lens attached increases, so the be some confusion. For example, with tensity falling upon it, across its whole amount of light available to the meter the M5, the maximum light level that range. The element is fronted by a increases, and the effective poor light can be read is around 100,000 asb-the light baffle consisting of a coiled watch reading capability is raised in its turn. level generally accepted as the maxi- hair-spring, the cxact purpose of which Thus with an f/2 lens inserted, the M5 rnurn possible reflected light value to will be described later. threshold point is 0.8 asb; with an b e encountered on earth. With a Meter read-out is displayed along f/1.4 lens inserted, the meter has a stoppecl-down reading through-the- the lower edge of the viewfinder. An threshold point of 0.4 asb and, with lens meter, the brightest light level index cursor moves at an angle along the f/l.2 octil ux, around 0.3 asb. in which it will read is determined by a bright-line strip having a central Taking the figure for an f/l.4 aper- the smallest stop. In other words, un- black bar, to a position determined by ture, the M5 meter is about two stops der lighting conditions when, employ- the speed of the film in use as set on less sensitive than the majority of off- ing the commonly used ASA100 film the device on the camera top-plate camera CdS meters; about four stops speed criterion, the M5 meter peaked and influenced by the shutter speed less sensitive than the Gossen Lunasix; with a reading of 1/1000 at f/16, then set. The meter needle deflects along about two stops more sensitive than if the lens were capable of being this bright bar and is normally brought the clip-on Leicameter MR for M mod- stopped to f/22, and the shutter re- to intersect the cursor by adjusting the els; three stops more sensitive than the mained at its fastest 1/1000 speed, the lens aperture. Alternatively, if the Leicaflex SL. The criterion of f/l.4 has meter would be able to read 200,000 operator wishes to work at adefinite asb and at f/32, 400,000 asb. This aperture, as often occurs, then this is Two CDS etements of different sensitivity brightness is two light values beyoncl set. and the cursor brought to inter- give more accurate response. the theoretical limit of reflected light sect the meter needle by adjusting the readings on this earth, but could pre- shutter speed. sumably be reached in taking direct The M5 through-the-Iens meter thus readings, say, of rocket exhausts, steel operates on what is usually termed the furnaces and incandescent sources 'stopped-down' system. Readings are generally. This point naturally applies taken, that is, with the lens at the aper- to all through-the-Iens meters capable ture which will be used when taking of stopped-down readings, referred of the . To incorporate a course to their own particular meas- system in which the reading is usually uring range peak and cross-coupling taken at full aperture would require a system. new range of lenses with automatic dia- The quoting of the measuring range phragms and a feeler system to tell the of a through-the-Iens meter using the

8 stopped-down method in terms of the of the oblique rays than it will with range of mechanical linkage between longer focal-Iength lenses and their shutter speed and meter plus the aper- increasingly less divergent ernerging ture range of the lens in use has the rays. With the really longer focal- following practical importance: It is length lenses on the 35mm forrnar, the the range of time/intensity reciprocal whole picture area is covered by rays relationships referred to film speed approaching the parallel. which determine the extent to which In the Leicaflex this difficulty is over- the sensitivity of a through-the-Iens come by using a secondary rni r ro r meter or clip-on external meter cross looking through the reflex mirror and coupled in this way can be exploited reflecting the image into a rneter-read- at a given film speed setting. For ex- ing element in the bottom of the carn- ample, using material rated at ASA400, era darkchamber, 50 located as to be the briefest exposure which can be in the geometrical equivalent of the read with a lens capable of being film plane. In the M5, designers pre- stopped-down to f/16 will be two sumably decided not to introduce an stops or light values below the peak SLR condition by making use of a mir- bright-light sensitivity of the M5 meter or in this way. Instead they have or 25,000 asb. shutter set to 1/1000. chosen to compensate for this variance This should be good enough for most in illuminating beam divergence by an normal purposes, but a lens capable ingenious device and one wh ich had reading will increase. Under these con- of being stopped-down to f/32 would all the of true invention. A ditions. as iocal length decreases, 50 be required in order to be able to read watch-type hair-spring is coiled in the reaeling becomes more of what from the peak sensitivity value of front of the meter element. This has we have corne to know as a center- 10Q,000 asb. With material rated at the effect of preventing some oblique weighted reading. In other words, the ASA800, the brightest conditions read- rays from reaching the light-sensitive central area of the subject will have able at f/16 would be 12,500 asb, three element, while allowing the rnore par- the major effect on the reaeling while stops below peak sensitivity, and f/45 allel to pass. The rnore divergent the the reflectance of the surrounding would be required to fully exploit the rays the more they are hut off. This areas will modify this to sorne extent. meter's sensitivity at that film speed does not, however, present a corn- The M5 meter tends to provide the setting. Toward the other end of the plete answer. for example, to the prob- photographer with the type of reading scale, ASA25 material provides a peak lem of exit pupil variation at a given of rnost practical use with the focal sensitivity reading at 1/1000 at f/11 aperture with lenses of different de- length lens he has on the carnera. With with a threshold sensitivity at 4 sec- grees of telephoto and retrofocus longer focal-Iength lenses, the great onds at f/2. As regards the M5, the construction. It is, however, a simple advantage of the through-the-Iens important point is that any combi- practical solution at least as good as meter in being able to make a reading nation of shutter speed lo which the any of the o the r. sometimes mo re virtually as a telescope is preserved. camera can be set and aperture to complex, compensating methods As the focal-Iength gets shorter 50 the wh ich the lens in use may be set can, which have been used with through- whole subject area tends to be inte- under the appropriate lighting condi- the-lens meters in single-Iens reflex grated, but with the central area given tions, be read on the meter. cameras. rnost significance. Importantly for Reviews of cameras using exposure A mornent's thought will show that those who use the Leica in applied meters reading through the lens in the the nature of the M5 reading will vary photography, it is a system which Journal have often emphasized the with the of the lens in works very efficiently in photomacrog- fact that only measurements made in use. The Ion ger the focal length the raphy, for which the high sensitivity the film plane or its geometrical equiv- rnore closely defined wi 11 the area of of the rneter anel the long ti me expo- alent are entirely problem free. It the subject read become, and in fact sure calculating facility on the shutter will already have been noted that the it will eventually approach a true spot speed elial are also helpful. The West meter element in the M5 is located reading. This is because, with the more German precision camera inelustry is 8mm in front of the film plane and, parallel emerging light beams from 50 often cri ticizeel for adhering to op- were other steps not taken, this fact such lenses and the greater depth of tical and engineering principles 50 would introduce meter reading incon- focus at the film plane, the meter win- rigorously as to impeele the workman- sistencies, especially with wide angle dow will then actually be seeing a se- like aspects of their products, that we lenses. With a wide angle lens, the lected area of the subject, and the should applaud the applicability of the ernerging light beam is more diver- spring baffle will have little or no ef- M5 meter as a functional tool in prac- gent as the focal length decreases in fect. As focal length decreases, the tical work. relation to the format to be covered. bearn becomes more defocused when On Test Consequently a meter reading ele- it meets the meter element window The use of a spiral stop to compensate rnent placed perhaps half way between and the tendency for oblique rays, for the 8mm elifference between meter film and lens, or nearer the lens even even in the presence of the coiled baf- elernent window anel film plane made than that, is going to 'see' much rnore fle, to have an infl uence on the meter tests of its efficiency of especial inter-

9 est. The short answer is that it does the meter is used. With the longer fo- th rough-the-Iens rneter on the focus- work, and remarkably weil. In testing, cus lenses, beginning possibly with the ing screen, for this will remain a con- ten Leica lenses were used from 28mm 13Smm lens at medium apertures and stant, irrespective of what lens is fitted -the minimum focal length at present more especially with the Telyts, the to the camera. The magnification given available for the M5-to 135mm, of dif- image is sufficiently localized at the by any lens becomes apparent on the fering maximum aperture at the same meter element winelow for a definable focusing screen. With the direct vision focal lengths and of different con- selecteel area to be read. As focal viewfinder on a coupled-rangefinder struction, including the three standard length shortens, however, so integra- camera, however, this is not possible, lenses of 50mm f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/2 tion of a larger area of subject suriace since the corresponds to maximum apertures. Readings were brightness occurs and the user can be the field of the widest angle lens it cross-checked at all apertures with this less sure of the exact limits of the read- has been designed to work with-on range of lenses at four different levels ing. As indicated earlier, in actual prac- the M5 the 35mm lens field-and the of constant illumination. The result tical work, the M5 rneter readings very Leids for longer focal-Iength lenses are was an almost precise correspondence rnuch match the normal requirement shown by bright-line frames decreas- of reading at a given aperture with with a given focal length of lens. So ing in contained area as focal-Iength focal lengths from 50mm to 135mm. the solution it provides, although not increases. Consequently the field of Turning to the 35mm and 28mm an entirely scientific one, is certainly a the MS through-the-Iens rneter seen in wide-angle lenses, slight discrepancies very practical one. It provieles a varia- the viewfinder also elecreases as the were noticed, but the maximum devi- tion between selecteel area reaelings bright-line frames contain a smaller ation at the apertures mostly used, that with long focal-Iength lenses down to area in the viewfinder. is down to f/11, was -'12 stop. center-weighteel reaelings with wide- The guide-lines suggested by Leitz The results of this testing were very angle lenses. Over th is whole range of for the measuring field with different impressive and, in consistency of read- lenses, anel certainly until experience lenses are as foliows: With a 28mm ing, the M5 meter compared most fa- has been gained, a miel-tone area lens, the measuring fielel can be re- vorably with any other on the market shou Id be used as the basis for reael- gardeel as contained approximately by in the writer's experience. ing, or the range of readings over a the 90mm lens bright-line frame-this Calibration given subject observed and the mean frame is automatically switcheel in Having found that the M5 meter gives, then set on the camera. There is no when a 28mm lens is inserted in an within the limits described above, the reason to regard the film speed to M2, M4 or M5. A supplementary fineler same reading, irrespective of lens fo- wh ich the rneter is set as sacrosanct is requireel to show the field of a 28mm cal length or apertu re, from a given and, if the user wishes to take high- lens with the Leica, although with the surface brightness, the most important light or shadow readings consistently, M2, 4 anel now 5, it is possible with practical point is the nature of the cali- he should adjust the film speed setting experience to angle the eye rounel the bration. in accordance with his experience. In viewfineler eyepiece to bring in the Tests indicate that the best method general terms it can be applied like a Iield outsiele the 3Smm frame anel gain to adopt with the MS meter is to re- narrow angle-off-camera CdS meter. a fair idea of what the 28mm lens will gard it as giving what might be termed One of the pleasant aspects of the ad- see. an inlegrated mid-tones reading. This dition of through-the-Iens metering With a 3Smm lens, the suggesteel corresponds with the manufacturer's 10 the Leica is the ability to take a guiele is the 13Smm lens bright-line rccommendation to rcad off an area reading of a brightly illuminated sub- frame which also is automatically of the subject containing neither deep ject from weil back in the shadow, or switched in when a 3Smm lens is at- shaelows or extreme highlights. They through a winelow, ete. tacheel to an M2, 4 or 5. suggest that, in the majority of photo- Measuring fields The four bright-line arcs surround- graphs, the suitable area for reaeling With the film plane equivalent mea- ing the rangefinder spot are joineel will be that useel to focus on, and this suring system in the Leicaflex SL, it is into a circle to show the measuring works weil on a surprisingly large possible to be specific as to the mea- fielel of the meter with a SOmm lens. number of occasions. Those accus- suring field of the meter with every On an MS with a 90mm lens the torned to taking shaelow reaelings for Iocal length of lens. It is indeed pos- measuring field is defineel by the black and white film will finel nega- sible to calculate the part of the angu- curveel sides of the rangefineler spot. tives somewhat over-exposeel if they lar field of different focal length lenses With a 13Smm lens, the measuring use the M5 meter in this way. It is not on the 24x36mm frame occupied by field indication is taken as the range- wise to regarel this meter as giving a the rneter element window on the M5, finder yellow spot itself. selecteel area reading in the sarne sense but, due to the out-of-focus effect de- This way of applying the M5 rneter as the Leicaflex SL. Since the light-sen- scribed above, this is not so meaning- -remembering to observe a fielel sitive element is not in the film plane ful. For practical purposes the meter within a field eliffering with each focal- or its geometrical equivalent, despite field with different focal-Iength lenses length lens-does rather complicate the compensation provided by the cut- is referred to bright-line and other fea- matters at first and detract from rapid ting off of oblique rays by the coileel tures in the viewfinder. use of the camera; but, after a reason- spring baffle elescribeel, the light will With a single lens reflex camera, it ably short time, use becomes instinc- be defocuseel to varying elegrees across is only necessary to provide one indi- tive and the user is not worried by the the range of focal lengths with which cation of the measuring area of the fact that, with the exception of the

10 ting difficulties on the M5, the rnodel 111 having been constructed with pos- sible M5 dimensions in mind. The Visoflex 11, however, is not recorn- rnended for the MS by Leitz. In fact, the 4X magnifier can be mounted. The magnifier version of the Visoflex 111 (16499) and the vertical magnifier (16461) are suitable. The Visoflex shut- ter release lever cannot be used as the release button is in a different loca- tion on the M5. Copying Equipment The Leica M5 cannot be attached to the various focusing slides and cannot be used on the Reprovit. For use with the copying gauges for quarto, octavo and postcard size in the screw thread and first bayonet versions this equip- rnent rnust be modified by Leitz be- fore the MS can be attached. Lenses Requiring Adaptation Total picture control center in viewfinder. To prevent the rne ter element arm frorn swinging up and interfering with the rear section of wide-angle lenses, a recess has to be rnilled into the bayo- 50mm and 90mm lenses, circular the subject can be seen, then the mir- net with the following lenses. They can meter fields are indicated by rectan- ror rnasks the light frorn the rneter ele- then be used but. naturally, rneter gles. It is the degree of deflection of rnent. When the rnirror is raised out of readings cannot be taken. the meter needle as areas of the sub- the way, a reading can be taken but o 21 rnrn f/4 Super-Angulon with ject are brought to the center of the there is no means-at least with a hand- screw thread: only the bayonet frame that is observed and intuitively held camera-of seeing what one is adapter (Cat. o. 14097) has to be acted upon. reading frorn. With the M5 fixed to a modified. The 28mm f/2.8 lens referred to in tripod, readings becorne possible since o 21mm f/4 Super-Angulon with bay- these tests is the new retro-focus ver- the subject can be framed and the cen- onet rnount. sion of this lens, wh ich has now been ter circle on the Visoflex screen will, o 21 rnrn f/3.4 Super-Angulon with on the market for a year or so in anti- SLR fashion, show the rneter measur- bayonet rnount. cipation of the M5, in which the pres- ing field irrespective of focal-Iength of o 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit with bayonet ence of the meter element arm re- lens fitted. The area frorn which it is rnount, after Serial 0.2314920. stricts the degree of recess possible. desired to rnake the reading is cen- Recent production of the 28mm f/2.8 Fuller details of lens compatibility will tered over this part of the screen and Hmarit has been of a retro-focus de- be given later in this review. A retro- the user then raises the rnirror, black- sign so that after the serial number focus 21mm, presumably related to ing-out the Visoflex finder, and looks quo te d above no adaptation is re- that for the Leicaflex, is in preparation through the normal range-viewfinder quirecJ and the lens will read with the for the M5, but it will naturally utilize eyepiece on the carnera body to take a rneter. a supplementary viewfinder to be meter reading. The presence of the Owing to the increased height of placed in the accessory shoe of the Visoflex will black out both the range- the MS, two lenses-the 35mm f/3.S camera. finder spot and the direct vision view- Surnrnaron with detachable viewfinder Optical Compatibility finder, but sufficient light will enter front attachment and the 50mm f/2 The Telyt long lenses cannot be used the rne ter readout window, lapped close-focusing Sumrnicron - rnust be on the Leica other than with the Viso- into the top plate on the carnera front, rnodified to prevent mechanical inter- flex. In addition a 65mm f/3.5 Hrnar to enable the rneter reading to be taken ference with the top of the carnera, is available to bring the range of ap- and shutter speed or aperture adjusted The 35mm f/3.5 Summaren with de- plication with the Visoflex close to to rnatch the needle. This sequence of tachable optical viewfinder, designed that of the standard 50mm focal-Iength operations is obviously quite irnprac- for use with the M3 arid which has no lens. Users rnight have expected the tical with the carnera hand-held, but at 35mm bright-line frame, will after M5 through-the-Iens rneter to have least the meter rernains applicable in rnodification have the sarne effect in leaped into its own with the Visoflex many applied techniques which use the M5 viewfinder as in the M2 and housings, but alas, this cannot be so. a support. 4 , with consequent low A rnornent's thought indicates that, Bayonet fitting Visoflex land Vi 50- magnification, although the rneter will when the Visoflex rnirror is down and flex 111 units can be used without fit- read.

11 curious crossroads position. Imagining that the Leicaflex had not al ready ap- peared, then many photographers, after using the MS, would regard the next logical step by Leitz to be the in- troduction of an actual single-Iens- reflex camera with through-the-Iens metering. However, the Leicaflex has already been with us for six years and the problem is where the coupled- rangefinder camera can move next. The question whether it is possible to combine reflex viewing and coupled- rangefinder in one camera must be left open. There may indeed be other al- ternatives. For example, man is a two- eyed animal who, when using a cam- era, becomes one-eyed. By making use Top plate 01 the Leica M5. of new viewing and focusing systems employing both eyes, a considerable new range of possibilities can be im- agined, although this might mean de- It should be noted that body caps been strengthened. A small difference signing cameras in which the viewing/ made for earlier M cameras may dam- in appearance is that the red dot, focusing (bi-) oculars were along the age the meter element arm release pin against which the red bead on the lens base of the camera, with the camera if used on the MS. These can, how- mount is aligned before insertion, is back pressed against the forehead to ever, be modified by rounding off the now central in the bayonet release prevent one's nase getting in the way. tabs so that they push the pin gently button. This is a more logical site than Barnack himself envisaged a camera as they are inserted and turned. on the flange itself. held in this way to gain the rigid sup- Collapsible Lenses M5-General Conclusions port of the forehead along the camera If a collapsible Leica lens is used on With this camera Leitz has put an ex- back. These speculations are some- the MS and recessed, it will probably posure meter reading through-the- what removed from the subject in severely damage the meter and the lens into a coupled-rangefinder cam- hand, but with the MS Leitz seems to camera. If these lenses are to be used era. They have done so in a manner have broken out of the goldfish bowl with the MS it is probably safest to which enables most Leica lenses made in which the M design had remained cement them permanently in the in the last 40 years, with four wide- for a number of years-however satis- extended position for safety's sake. angle exceptions, to use the meter. factory an end concept the M4 has The difficulty of using this with the been-and this naturally leads to theo- Other Lenses. Apart from the excep- Visoflex housings is disappointing, but rizing as to future possibilities. tions listed above, all Leica lenses could not have been avoided what- Fundamentally then, the MS is a which can be used on M cameras- ever th rough-the-Iens system had been true and will be imme- with a screw/bayonet adapter where used, since the mirror in the housings diately recognized as such by every necessary-can also be used on the MS is inevitably in the way. Nevertheless, Leica habitue. Professionally speaking, with full benefit of through-the-Iens with a new Visoflex, these difficulties the Leica is mainly used with the range exposure reading.With early uncoated cou Id be overcome and the Leica user of lenses which the MS meter does lenses there wi 11be the advan tage of presented with a remarkable new fa- accept, and in applied work the accu- an actual transmission value reading cility with lang focal-Iength lenses, racy and greatly increased facility for having been taken, although such narrowing the advantages of the exposure reading will outweigh any lenses, excellent in their own time, single-Iens-reflex camera. slowness in its use. It is a pity that the cannot approach the performance of Without this facility with lang focal- size has increased towards that of an the latest designs. length lenses and, taking into account SLR camera, but the actual operational Lens Fitting the apparent rather than actual prob- ease of the Leica has been consider- As will have been appreciated, the lens lems of meter measuring field deline- ably enhanced by the much irnproved flange o n the MS is dimensionally ation, the MS may be taken by same layout of operational controls. With identical with that on the earlier M to have proved the case for the over- this camera Leitz has set coupled- cameras, although independent all practicality of the single-Iens- rangefinder design and manufacture sources state that the construction has reflex. In fact the MS occupies a rather on a higher rung.

12 True, many of them are pros who "this little nick will never be noticed." can't afford a less expensive cam- , Yes, we could do that and perhaps era. To them, a camera means still have a fine camera at a price precision, dependability, versatility AME ICANS competitive with others, but then and the ability to give the kind of it wouldn't be a Leica and we would day-in, day-out performance that will buy this lose 12,000 demanding customers would make any other shutter "twice-as-expensive" who believe and depend on the shudder. Leitz® tradition of non-compromis- This kind of camera can only be camera ing excellence, and we're not about built slowly, carefully. Before assembly, every to do that. 50 let your Franchised Leica Dealer minute part must be tested and retested. The slight- show you the Ms and describe its features. He will est optical or mechanical imperfection means show why this is a pros camera that his nine-year- immediate rejection. old daughter can operate. He will also show you why the Leica is a bargain even at twice the price of other The most sophisticated eguipment, including laser "expensive" 3Smm cameras. techniques, are used to measure tolerances-toler- ances far beyond those set by the industry. Who knows, you may even walk out as number 12,001. To build this kind of camera takes time, takes special skills, takes special people ... Leitz people who for generations have been designing and building microscopes that have helped scientists revolution- 1~® E. Leitz, Inc., Rockleigh, N.}. 07647 "'071 ize medicine. ~~® Yes, we could cut a corner here and there, a minor concession on "this" part and on "that" feature, and