Image
MODEL
Leica
M5
Year
1971-1992
Low serial no.
1 287 001
High serial no.
1 918 020
Total
33,920
Variants
4
MODEL
Leica
M5
Year
1971-1992
Low serial no.
1 287 001
High serial no.
1 918 020
Total
33,920
Variants
4
Model Description
The Leica M5 was the first production M camera with an integrated through-the-lens exposure meter. A CdS measuring cell moved into the light path when the shutter was cocked and withdrew before the exposure. Meter information and shutter speed could be read in the finder. The mechanism required a larger body and a revised control layout, including a large shutter-speed dial extending toward the front of the camera. Demand was lower than Leica expected, with the increased size frequently cited as a reason. The later M6 returned TTL metering to a body much closer to the traditional M proportions.
Descriptions currently under review
Production Quantity by Year
Variants & Production Records
End
© Jordan Lockhart / Lockhart's List 2026. All rights reserved. This website and its database content are protected by copyright and the EU Database Directive (96/9/EC).
Lockhart's List is an independent website and not affiliated or endorsed by Leica Camera AG or its subsidiaries. No part of this database may be reproduced or distributed in any form without written consent from the database creator. No images seen in this database may be altered, copied, or distributed without the express written permission of the image copyright holder. Images that appear in this database do so with the consent of their copyright holders. No responsibility or liability can be accepted with respect to estimated values or records of production and is for hobbyist purposes only. Classifications, quantities, records, images, sales, & market prices are subject to change, additions, & deletions. Any offers to buy or sell are purely preliminary and not binding. We hope you gain valuable insight from information contained herein & good luck on your endeavors.
© Jordan Lockhart / Lockhart's List 2026. All rights reserved. This website and its database content are protected by copyright and the EU Database Directive (96/9/EC).
Lockhart's List is an independent website and not affiliated or endorsed by Leica Camera AG or its subsidiaries. No part of this database may be reproduced or distributed in any form without written consent from the database creator. No images seen in this database may be altered, copied, or distributed without the express written permission of the image copyright holder. Images that appear in this database do so with the consent of their copyright holders. No responsibility or liability can be accepted with respect to estimated values or records of production and is for hobbyist purposes only. Classifications, quantities, records, images, sales, & market prices are subject to change, additions, & deletions. Any offers to buy or sell are purely preliminary and not binding. We hope you gain valuable insight from information contained herein & good luck on your endeavors.