Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
I have become afflicted with Leica lust and am starting to research acquiring my first M rangefinder. I have decided that I want an M6TTL, but am undecided about which viewfinder option would suit me best. My experience with Leicas thus far is limited to fondling an M7 at a camera shop.
The M7 I checked out was the standard model with the 0.72 viewfinder. Like most, I found the 28mm frame lines difficult to see. I'm not a huge fan of the 28mm focal length and would plan on using primarily 35mm and 50mm lenses.
How does the 35mm frame in the 0.85 viewfinder compare to the 28mm frame in the 0.72 viewfinder? Which viewfinder would you recommend for use with both 35mm and 50mm lenses?
The M7 I checked out was the standard model with the 0.72 viewfinder. Like most, I found the 28mm frame lines difficult to see. I'm not a huge fan of the 28mm focal length and would plan on using primarily 35mm and 50mm lenses.
How does the 35mm frame in the 0.85 viewfinder compare to the 28mm frame in the 0.72 viewfinder? Which viewfinder would you recommend for use with both 35mm and 50mm lenses?
mfogiel
Veteran
If you do not use glasses, and shoot primarily with the 50mm, then 0.85x is the way to go, however, if you are primarily a 35mm street shooter, who wants to see well outside the frames, then stick to 0.72x. If you wear glasses, then you have to stick to the 0.72x. BTW, if you are over 40, you will soon need glasses anyway...
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
A 0.85x camera is the way to go if you primarily shoot 50mm or longer. I used to shoot one with a 35mm lens and did fine but I know most people want more room outside the frame. I occasionally shot 28mm with the aid of a viewfinder and did well.
Damaso
Photojournalist
Pretty much spot on. The only other consideration is if you are using fast lenses wide open often. Then the .85x is a better choice for critical focusing. Either way I'm sure you'll be happy!
isorgb
Well-known
Good answers ... well for me. I will remember that I should prefer 0.72.
peter_n
Veteran
It really depends on your eyesight as described above. A fundamental part of the rangefinder experience is the frameline; specifically being able to see outside it. You need a generous amount of area outside the frameline so you can anticipate what might happen inside it. I'm lucky enough to have 20/20 vision in my camera eye so focusing is not an issue for me. However I do need some space outside the frameline and a 0.85x mag camera doesn't do it for me with a 35mm lens.
My first Leica was a 0.72x M6TTL and it was a great camera, however that VF does flare under certain contre jour lighting conditions. Although I've never used one, I have read that the 0.85x version is even more flare-prone. I think as a beginning rangefinder user you should choose a finder that can accommodate a wide range of lenses so you can figure out your own preferences and then go from there, and a 0.72x VF will do that for you.
My first Leica was a 0.72x M6TTL and it was a great camera, however that VF does flare under certain contre jour lighting conditions. Although I've never used one, I have read that the 0.85x version is even more flare-prone. I think as a beginning rangefinder user you should choose a finder that can accommodate a wide range of lenses so you can figure out your own preferences and then go from there, and a 0.72x VF will do that for you.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
I don't wear glasses, am a 50mm fan, have used R3A (1:1), M3 (0.91) and M6 HM (0.85). I now do prefer 0.72 finder for 50mm because I can see a bit more surroundings around the frame, and I don't have to squeeze in to see the whole frame. (bring the camera to your eye-level just for a split second to shoot) And remember even if you don't wear glasses for eyesight, you well might wear sunglasses. 
Also 35mm FL can be used easily and you can use the entire VF for 28 with 0.72 finder. So if you know if you don't go over 50mm, I recommend at least considering 0.72 as well as 0.85. And if you use 90mm and up, then get the highest magnification you can get. I was using 1.25x magnifier when I had 90mm.
Also 35mm FL can be used easily and you can use the entire VF for 28 with 0.72 finder. So if you know if you don't go over 50mm, I recommend at least considering 0.72 as well as 0.85. And if you use 90mm and up, then get the highest magnification you can get. I was using 1.25x magnifier when I had 90mm.
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
Thank you for the responses. It sounds like the 0.72 finder is the way to go.
With regard to the viewfinder flare issue of the M6TTL, is there any way to remedy this?
With regard to the viewfinder flare issue of the M6TTL, is there any way to remedy this?
Damaso
Photojournalist
Leica Goodies http://www.leicagoodies.com/ sells something called the Shade that you put over the rangefinder patch to eliminate flare. I just got one and it seems to work really well...
Darshan
Well-known
I have M4 (.72x) and I wear glasses. I really struggle with the 35 mm lines whereas 50 mm is a breeze. I like 35 mm FL, it just takes more time to frame thru it as I have to move my eye around to see all corners.
Dan.
Dan.
RichardB
Well-known
You really cannot make an informed decision until you try the 0.85 finder for yourself. Every Poster sees slightly differently and has various requirements. Find a 0.85 finder and try for yourself.
I don't use glasses and have diopters in my M's. All except for the M3 have 0.85 finders. The only wide angle that the 0.72 finder is useful for is the 28mm because all the rest require external finders so if you use the 28mm, then a 0.72 is logical. With a 35mm lens, the viewfinder of an 0.85 camera really becomes an extension of your perception as almost everything you observe through the finder is on film
All the finders flare except the vaunted M3, so its just something that is easily worked around and you shouldn't anticipate a problem where there might not be one for yourself.
Good luck!-Dick
I don't use glasses and have diopters in my M's. All except for the M3 have 0.85 finders. The only wide angle that the 0.72 finder is useful for is the 28mm because all the rest require external finders so if you use the 28mm, then a 0.72 is logical. With a 35mm lens, the viewfinder of an 0.85 camera really becomes an extension of your perception as almost everything you observe through the finder is on film
All the finders flare except the vaunted M3, so its just something that is easily worked around and you shouldn't anticipate a problem where there might not be one for yourself.
Good luck!-Dick
J. Borger
Well-known
I use .85 and it works fantastic with 50mm and up. Perfect for a 50mm guy like me.
I can't see the framelines of 35mm with or without glasse, unless i look carefully around in the frame. Certainly not a joy to use. Besides you loose the RF experience because you can not see outside the frame, with or without glasses.
For 35 and 50mm lenses .72 is the way to go!!
I can't see the framelines of 35mm with or without glasse, unless i look carefully around in the frame. Certainly not a joy to use. Besides you loose the RF experience because you can not see outside the frame, with or without glasses.
For 35 and 50mm lenses .72 is the way to go!!
lacavol
Established
You can always add the magnifier to the .72, with my glasses I wish they made a reducer so I could use a 28mm lens.