0.85x Questions

[leicamode]

Hi all,

I am thinking of acquiring an M6 TTL 0.85 and was wondering if the framelines would be brought up correctly if I used Wide Angle lenses on it. (ie. 15mm/21mm/25mm).

The following article suggests that the most optimum range for a 0.85x magnification would be 75mm-135mm.

Has anyone out there used an assortment of 35mm or 50mm successfully on a 0.85x magnification leica?

Thanks for your input.

Below is the article on Classic or High Eye-Point or High-Magnification?

Currently Leica offers three versions of the M6 with different magnifications: 0.58, 0.72 and 0.85. The most recent addition is the 0.58. The question why 0.58 and not 0.6 can be simply answered. The ratio of the focal length of 35mm and 28mm is identical to the ratio of 0.72 to 0.58. There is one obvious difference between the 0.58 version and the other versions. The 0.58 has framelines for 28, 35, 50, 75 and 90. My testing of this body shows a very easy to use finder, that is very clear, has excellently clear and crisp framelines and a very clean rangefinder spot. While not completely flarefree under bad conditions, it is improved when compared to the 0.72 and 0.85 versions. The new finder allows for quite relaxed viewing and should be seriously considered by anyone who will use the M-body for hours at a stretch. An additional nice point is the fact that the redoubtable 24mm lens can be used with the 0.58 finder: the outer mask of the finder is approximately the angle of view of the 24mm lens. THis feature is best used wwithout wearing spectacles.
Accuracy of the new finder is without any doubt good enough for even the Noctilux and all 1.4 designs, up to the 75mm. The outstanding Apo-Summicron-M 2/90 ASPH can also be used without reservation.
Which one to choose is of course a matter of personal preferences. Some guidelines follow:
If you wish to buy only one body and do not envisage the use of the redoubtable 135mm and you are inclined to use primarily the wide angle lenses, buy the 0.58.
If you prefer the focal lengths from 28 to 90 and have occasional need of the 135, the 0.72 may be the best choice.
If you need the highest accuracy in focussing and you do use the 75 to 135mm frequently, buy the 0.85.
If you need or can afford two bodies, the choice would be the 0.58 and the 0.85.
Most frequently used lenses One body, preferred choice One body, possible choice Additional body Most used lenses up to 90* 0.58 0.72 0.85 28, Tri-Elmar, 90 up to 135* 0.72 0.72 depends on use of lenses 35, 50, 75, 90 35 to 135* 0.85 0.72 0.58 50, 75, 90, 135 *21 and 24 have additional finders

 

[jack palmer]

Yes I have an .85 Mp and use the 35 - 50- and 90mm frame lines with no problem. For me it's the perfect viewfinder. Anything wider and I will use an accessory viewfinder.

 

[aizan]

the .85x viewfinder doesn't have those framelines. it maxes out at 35mm, which are a bit hard to see. if you want to shoot 35mm and 50mm lenses, the .72x viewfinder is best.

the new r4a does have 21 and 25mm framelines. the 21mm framelines are similarly hard to see, 25mm is fine.

 

[thomasw_]

do you need the ttl of that model? if you can answer 'no', then you'll be able to save some cash. i recommend highly the m2 and m3 combo; with these two bodies you will be able to shoot from 28mm to 135mm quite easily. they overlap at the 50/90 FL., and as such, they can function as back up bodies to one another.

~word about the M3 VF: at .91 magnification it is the finest finder for the 50mm FL bar none because of its base length and the subtly of its finder mechanism.

Even MP lovers admit that the M2 and M3 are a great combo to get a M system started. And, presently, you can find good deals on M2s and 3s; if money is tight, then get a user and releather it and get it CLA'd: you will have yourself a very fine shooter.

Good cheer,

Thomas

 

[rich815]

I love my 0.85 MP because I use mostly 50mm lenses. My next fav's are my 75 and 90. I do have some 35's and they work fine but with glasses the framelines are just barely seen, it's maxed out at that point. If you think you'll use wider than 35 predominantly get a different finder or like me if you use most 50 then get it and use separate shoe-mount finders for the 28 and wider.

 

[Matthew Runkel]

It doesn't matter which framelines come up when mounting the lenses you list.

 

[35mmdelux]

if you use WA much, then .85 is not the way to go. The .85 is for those who prefer the longer lenses.

At the same time, the lenses that you list need external VF anyway, no matter what mag cam you use.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[JNewell]

This is obviously YMMV territory but I find the .85x perfect even with glasses with 50mm and above. It's very close in focusing speed and accuracy to an M3 for me. 35mm lines are a bit far out, but still very usable. If you don't mind the 28mm lines in a .72x finder, they'll be fine.

 

[steve garza]

I use an MP .085 and M2. The 50mm framelines on the 0.85 are just fine. If you want to use 75mm or longer, get the 1.25 magnifier for use w/ those lenses. 35mm framelines are tough to see and that's really why I bought the M2.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[leicamode]

Muchos Gracias for all your replies.

A friend has got a like New M6 TTL 0.85 in the range of USD $ 1500 which kinda tempted me.

Personally I love to shoot wide but at the same time, with this M6 I am going full B/W and am glad to hear that 35mm and 50mm are acceptable.

Mostly likely gonna go with a 50mm or longer for more protraitures.

One thing about TTLs, do the batteries really drain much faster than Classic M6s?

 

[x-ray]

It's correct that with the lenses you mention it doesn't matter what frames come up because these lens frames don't exist in the M's.

I have 2 .85 MP's, .72 MP, .72 M6, M2 and M3. My overall favorites are the .85 MP's and the .72 MP second. I have no problem with the 35mm frame in the .85 since I don't wear glasses but if you do it would most likely be a problem with the 35mm frame. .72 would be no problem with 35mm but would with glasses and 28mm frames. I also have a new Zeiss Ikon and like the VF / RF better than the leica even the .85 MP's. The eue piece is extra large and very easy to see the 28 frame even if you wear glasses and the brightness and ease of focusing is second to none not even the MP. The frame lines are complete lines unlike the bottom lines of the 50 and 35 / 35 and 28 on the M6 and MP. The RF is more accurate due to the extra long base length. Give the ZI your consideration it has many great features and is extremely well built and much lighter than the M's due to magnesium vs brass in the body.

 

[peter_n]

I use a 0.85mag M7. That magnification is great for anything >=50mm. If you use a 21mm and a 25mm frequently get a CV Bessa R4. It has parallax correction in the viewfinder for those focal lengths and you don't need a separate VF.

 

[tajart]

framelines

framelines

i pretty much have my 35 summicron (eight element) dedicated to my .85 mp (both in chrome).
i wouldn't shy away from putting wider on it if that was all i had, but i'm lucky right now and use my elmarit 28 on my .72 m7, which is a lovely combo.