How usable are 28mm framelines in 0.72 viewfinders?

[Deleted member 65559]

I remember reading somewhere that Leica 50mm frameline accuracy is about 93%, which is not really competitive with better SLRs. I can't imagine that a Leica 28mm is even as accurate as that. And a Leica VF fails to show the curvature inherent in 28mm and wider lenses. It's almost like you have to get 50% closer to your subject to get what you initially see in the VF. I agree with many that Leicas are not ideal for the focal length, although it works and can of course produce good results

Davide, from my own experience, I'd like to disagree. I've always had better results focusing with a Leica M rather than an SLR when using wide angles, especially the 21/25/28....& particularly in dim light. That's what has appealed to me about the M cameras. But even though i don't use them any more, I sure have a soft spot for Nikkor 105 & 180.

 

[shimokita]

My set up is a MP (0.72) with 28 f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH & 50 f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH plus CV15 f/4.5. With the CV15 I use an external finder but no finder with the 28. What I do is shoot without my glasses but with the appropriate diopter. No issues...

 

[Retro-Grouch]

For me, the 28 frame lines on my .72 M6 are barely useable, most annoying since I really like the 28. When I purchased my M6 TTL, I got a .58 finder, and it's a joy to use. Of course, shooting a 75mm with the .58 is not a joy, but feasible; since I very rarely even use a 50mm, this isn't a real issue.
For the very best experience with a 28mm, there the Zeiss ZI. That finder is the best there is (IMHO) and totally spanks anything Leica has ever made.

 

[bigglesworth]

I used a 28mm Elmarit on my M6 non-TTL for a while. I focused first, then took my glasses off to use the viewfinder. I could see the 28mm framelines well enough that I had no problem framing a shot. Today I use my 28mm on a 0.58 body, which makes things more comfortable and convenient. If I were to use my 28mm today on my M4P or other .72 body, I'd use a 28mm auxiliary finder, again, for convenience and viewing comfort.

Thanks Rob, I’m leaning towards just buying an M4 and seeing how it goes using the whole FOV as rough frameline- I don’t wear glasses so it should be okay.

The 0.58 is tempting but unfortunately I’m not that interested in an in-camera meter, and 0.58 M6’s are very expensive! Worst case scenario I’ll just end up shelling out for a good 28mm hot shoe finder.

 

[bigglesworth]

I find that for the price of any good Leica-branded 28mm M lens, you can buy a top of the line Contax SLR and a 28mm f/2.8 Distagon and have no issues with framing.

You’re probably right! Unfortunately I seem to be a sucker for Leica’s. I’ve used an M3 in the past and I find the user experience of the Leica design very enticing.

 

[bigglesworth]

Biggle, since you mentioned looking for an M4 or M4-P, having used M's (except the M7), I'd take the M4 every time, especially since the prices of M4-2/M4-P have skyrocketed. I prefer the more minimalist framelines, not to mention the brass top cover instead of zinc w/ black chrome.

I agree the less cluttered framelines of the M4 are appealing. AFAIK the majority of M4-P’s were manufactured with a brass top plate and finished in black chrome though. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’ve read that only the later runs of the M4-P incorporated a zinc top plate, apparently you can tell the difference by whether the front windows were recessed or not. I believe the zinc models have windows that are flush with the top plate.

In my opinion the M4 is far more visually appealing though, the classic Leica script on the top plate and lack of branding on the front of the camera feels a lot less ‘in your face’.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Yes, bigglesworth, I'm not sure of the year of change over or the relative quantities, but there was a change in the top plates. I agree re the discreetness of the M4. I've owned several M4-2, M4-P (including a chrome 70th anniversary), M-6s (including a titanium) and my straight M4s have always been smoother. The only one i still have is a '68 black paint which DAG recently serviced.

 

[Beemermark]

I have an M4, M7 and M9. I find all the extra frame lines in the M7&M9 distracting. With my 28 Elmarit I just use the edge of the VF and ignore the frame lines in the M7 & M9.


The first batch of M7's used the same VF internal lenses as the M4-2, M4-P and M6. There was no end to complaints about the flare in the M7 VF but I never see anyone mention the flare in the M4-2, M4-P and M6. I had both the M4-2 and M6 when they came out and both had terrible flare. The M4 is a better camera until the M7 came out.