Python 3.5.1, matplotlib 1.5.1, Qt5 backend ((Py)Qt5.5.1).
plt.gca() (so axes limits are 0, 1) then click on the "figure options" button.
Typing some values or backspace in the xlimits/ylimits fields has no effect. I think this may be due to a change in behavior of QDoubleValidator between Qt4 and Qt5?