Getting in deeper - an M5

Having had the little M100 twin lens kit for a few weeks, I've realised that I like the whole idea of an APS-C camera in a lightweight package and I like the results I've been getting with it. It has a three drawbacks...

1. It has no viewfinder.

2. It cannot use external flash systems.

3. It's controls are rather limiting.

So I'm putting it up for sale and have just received its replacement - an M5 with the 18-150 zoom.

Bought it from one of the Chinese grey market specialists who have set up shop in Europe, this time from one based in Switzerland. It arrived in a very reasonable amount of time and was a genuine, never-been-opened-before, Hong Kong market model but with all the languages. Unlike Sony's, the better Canon kit seems only to be made in one version.

I remember when I first switched my M100 on it only took me seconds to find out where they'd hidden the display language setup and change it to English - had to read the manual to get at this one, but it's done and I'm raring to go.

One disappointment is that it uses a totally different battery from the M100, so the spare I bought for that camera will have to go with the sale and I'll buy a spare or two for this one.

Having spent quite a bit of time working out how to get round the lack of control sophistication of the M100, I'm now sitting boggle-eyed, going through the enormous basket of riches accessible through all these extra buttons and dials.

I had bought the M100 a 7artisans 55mm f/1.4 and that is staying; I've already found out how to switch to manual focus, to turn on fire-without-a lens and turn on focus peaking - even fired off an image or two. What fun.

Good luck!

I started with an M a few years back, and then got an M5 last August.  It works, but I'm not exactly in charge any more!  And its battery is a different size to my M.  I struggle with the built-in flash - sometimes it does what I want, and often it  doesn't...

BrokenPhotography wrote:

...lthough the M5 is a bit more advances that the M100, This will help you gain confidence and looking forward into maybe advancing to a more advance system.

I've been down that more advanced road, had everything from manual Film SLRs, to automatic film SLRs to half-frame PEN Fs and a great raft of Digital kit - Point and shoots, miniatures, 2 Sony R1s, a Sony RX10, a Sony RX10-iv a Sony A7 and a Nikon Z6 - didn't like the A7 at all, loved the Z6 but it was way too heavy with a long lens on the front, so I've come back to smaller and lighter very deliberately and intend to settle in.

M Stewart wrote:

Good luck!

I started with an M a few years back, and then got an M5 last August. It works, but I'm not exactly in charge any more!

And its battery is a different size to my M.

Yeah! Discovering that when my M5 arrived was a real kick in the pants.

I struggle with the built-in flash - sometimes it does what I want, and often it doesn't...

First job on Monday, when the weekend family schedule is out of the way, will be to sit down and plough through what does what and what it's all for. I'm sure it will be endless fun - already broken my never read the manualrule just to reset the language. 

I got a refurb M5 with 18-150mm from Canon a couple of weeks ago. I've mostly been testing and getting used to the settings and operation, but I have gotten some pics of critters with my new EF-S 60mm macro. I also got a new 90EX for $65. It was a show unit, but was never fired. It doesn't have much power, but it is perfect for macro with the diffuser that I got for it.

I didn't want to get a M50 since I got used to the amount of control I have with the G5 X that I got refurbished last year.

edform wrote:

One disappointment is that it uses a totally different battery from the M100, so the spare I bought for that camera will have to go with the sale and I'll buy a spare or two for this one.

The good news is the LP-E17 lasts quite a while.  If you are shooting all day photos only, I would not hesitate to not even bring a spare.  But I guess that depends on how many shots you fire off as well

Having spent quite a bit of time working out how to get round the lack of control sophistication of the M100, I'm now sitting boggle-eyed, going through the enormous basket of riches accessible through all these extra buttons and dials.

I love this about the M5.  It's pretty customizable so you can set it up how you want it.

I had bought the M100 a 7artisans 55mm f/1.4 and that is staying; I've already found out how to switch to manual focus, to turn on fire-without-a lens and turn on focus peaking - even fired off an image or two. What fun.

I currently use an M6 as my main camera and purchased a used M5 and had it converted to infrared.  I'm now pondering whether I should purchase another M5 for my main camera as well.

A couple things I like about the M5.

1. The ability to basically turn off the eye sensor for the EVF.  I programmed the M-Fn button to toggle between the EVF and rear screen.

2. The ability to program the custom dial func.  On my M6 there isn't that exact dial, just a dial without a button. So I programmed the M5 in that same fashion to save button clicks.

3.  The EVF is something I missed.  I didn't like the large hump when adding the EVF to the M6 but having it on the M5 is more compact and more appealing now that I have it.

Anyways, enjoy the M5, I'm really enjoying it for the short time I've had it.

Hi Ed,

Welcome back, Ed.

I'm looking forward to seeing some photos from your M5.  Perhaps a little trip to CA. an some choice places to try it out? 

Randy

RLBur wrote:

Hi Ed,

Welcome back, Ed.

I'm looking forward to seeing some photos from your M5. Perhaps a little trip to CA. an some choice places to try it out?

Randy

Fancy seeing you here! I should have looked up who the MODs were. Anyway it's good to hear from you and thanks to the other folks who've offered their views.

California dreaming eh! The chance would be a fine thing. 

HaroldC3 wrote:

A couple things I like about the M5.

1. The ability to basically turn off the eye sensor for the EVF. I programmed the M-Fn button to toggle between the EVF and rear screen. . .

How did you do this? I've just gotten an M5, and asked this here (before thinking to search the forum):

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4453667#forum-post-63459439

I use the EVF exclusively for shooting, but occasionally want to look at the screen. So I want to be able to toggle between the EVF and the screen with a button, as I do on my SX50. I got the screen to turn off, using Viewfinder - Manual in the Menu, but can't figure out how to toggle the two with a button.

I've just switched the video from the red button to the M-fn button, because I keep hitting the former with my thumb and getting a pile of accidental videos. Not sure the red button would be the best place for the EVF-Screen toggle, given how in-the-way it is. Need another button I won't really need. . .

MrLynn wrote:

HaroldC3 wrote:

A couple things I like about the M5.

1. The ability to basically turn off the eye sensor for the EVF. I programmed the M-Fn button to toggle between the EVF and rear screen. . .

How did you do this? I've just gotten an M5, and asked this here (before thinking to search the forum):

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4453667#forum-post-63459439

I use the EVF exclusively for shooting, but occasionally want to look at the screen. So I want to be able to toggle between the EVF and the screen with a button, as I do on my SX50. I got the screen to turn off, using Viewfinder - Manual in the Menu, but can't figure out how to toggle the two with a button.

I've just switched the video from the red button to the M-fn button, because I keep hitting the former with my thumb and getting a pile of accidental videos. Not sure the red button would be the best place for the EVF-Screen toggle, given how in-the-way it is. Need another button I won't really need. . .

In the yellow (wrench) menu, #1 go to Display settings and then change display control to manual.  Then, in your case, change the manual display to viewfinder so it uses the viewfinder for the display.  (I think this is what you are talking about that you already did).

Then I set the M-FN button (C.Fn II: Others menu > #2 Custom Controls > select the bottom option that has the M-FN included and there you can assign it to the button) to Switch between VF/Screen.

Yes, congrats - the M5 uses a bigger, longer lasting battery.