The Built-In Exposure Meter - LEITZ LEICA M5 Instructions Manual

The through-lens exposure meter
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DIN
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19041-110
Correct film-speed setting is essential
for accurate exposure measurements!
The ASAIDIN scale knob (7) permits
setting ASA indexes from 6 to 3,200, and
DIN speeds from 9 to 36. Settings are
firmly click-stopped to prevent acci-
dental changes.
Meter readings can be made only when
the shutter is tensioned , by stroking the
transport lever (4). The meter is switch-
ed off after each exposure.
Exposure measurements should be
made with the camera held horizontally.
For a 35mm lens, the light metering field
is indicated by the 135mm focal frame.
With a 50mm lens this light measuring
field is defined by four circular arcs,
10
representing a full circle , which appear
when a 50mm lens is mounted. The
rangefinder patch , which is also round-
ed off at its ends to represent an in-
complete circle, defines the metering
area covered by a 90mm lens, and is
also used to center the read ing with a
135mm lens.
Only 28mm ELMARIT f/2.8 lenses above
the serial number 2314920 can be used
for light metering with the LEICA M 5.
For these 28mm lenses, the 90mm focal
frame is imaged to define the metering
area. After modification , older 28mm
f/2.8 lenses can be used with the LEICA
M 5 range-viewfinder, but not with its
light meter. Please see information
sheet No. 120 - 47.
Underneath the viewfinder picture area
is the exposure meter readout bar, with
illuminated shutter speed at left. Cor-
rect exposure is set by aligning the
meter needle and the setting curve so
as to cross at the horizontal center line,
as shown in illustrations on facing page.
The setting curve is activated by the
shutter speed dial (2) , the meter needle
by the lens aperture ring (18) . Best
practice: start by selecting an appro-
priate shutter speed, then adjust lens
aperture to achieve meter alignment.
Shutter speeds can easily be changed