Framelines with magnifiers

[Lord Fluff]

Hi all

Can someone who owns either (or both) of the Leica viewfinder magnifiers tell me what the widest useable set of lines is with each?

I'm pondering between the two and wondered whether the higher magnification would render, say, a 35mm lens as impractical to use.

Currently I have a 28/50 setup but am considering options on the long end, and/or adding in a 35, and the working method with magnifiers will influence this I think (eg I may go for a 90 cron if it's easy to use with the higher power magnifier, but it would be interesting to know if I'll have to remove it to use the 28)

Thanks all - hope the above makes sense. If it makes a difference I would be (mostly) shooting without glasses.

 

[JRG]

Without glasses helps, to be sure, in that you'll be able to see further out into the finder. But, what framelines you can see will depend on other things as well --- for instance, your ability to use your peripheral vision. Some folks will swear that, e.g., the 35mm framelines on an M5 are impossible to see; personally, I never had much trouble seeing them, even with glasses on.

The short answer is that you'll probably need to test this out for yourself. The opinions and experiences of others may not be all that relevant to what's possible and comfortable for you.

Also: The archives here are chuck full of similar threads. Have a look: You'll get a much broader range of experience/opinion than will be expressed in this thread.

 

[Lord Fluff]

Thanks JRG - I did do a quick search but hit more chaff than wheat, so took the easy option 🙂

I'll see if I can find a shop with both in stock and have a play - just hoped someone had definitive evidence, but it seems like that won't be the case from what you say.

 

[Tom Niblick]

I have a 1.33 magnifier with an adjustable diopter and rarely use it. In fact I just went to get it out of my bag and it was not there... must be in my Pelican Case. Anyway, I think the brand is Magnapearls.

I used it a lot when I first got it because it gave me a M3 like view when using a 35 mm lens and helped a bit with the 90. I stopped using it because it was two additional surfaces to wipe clean and the diopter would change focus if it rubbed up against my shirt or going in or out of the bag. Also, if I set it for no correction, I was always worried about it scratching my glasses and with it set for my vision, I couldn't read my lens/camera settings clearly.

With the magnifier I couldn't easily see the 28 mm frame lines unless I was out in bright sunshine while wearing my glasses. Without my glasses, all of the 28 mm frame is just barely visible if I move my eye around a bit.

You didn't mention M8 or M9. I'm talking about the M8.

Tom

 

[Lord Fluff]

Thanks Tom - I do mean M8

 

[kzphoto]

Fluff:

I purchased a used magnifier for my m6ttl about a week ago. The mag is really handy with the 50/90. I can clearly make out the 50mm frame and it's surrounding edges. 35mm takes a bit of hunting around in the VF. If you feel the need to shoot your 28 with your VF attached, get a brightline view finder. I've been using the 21mm + 1.25X Mag, and a 21mm finder.

This works well. Not that you really need the 1.25x Magnification on a 21mm lens, but hey, who cares! Seriously though, I shoot a 50/1.4 'lux and the Mag is really helping me focus.

As for the m8: A friend of mine shoots the M8 with a Mag -- You can easily see a 35mm frame, the 28 takes just a little hunting, while the 24mm frame is completely unusable.

Word.