Leica M6 framelines - tighter than actual view?

[dugrant153]

Hey everyone,

Are the framelines (i.e. the 35mm frame lines in my case) "tighter" than the actual view? I know the framelines are sort of an approximation of the framing but I always thought that the framelines were pretty much a match to the view and image I would see.

Comparing some other cameras and lenses together, I think the M6 35mm framelines are more along the lines of a 38mm or so. It appears that maybe they are tighter so you frame for the tighter lines and then get a bit extra spacing?

 

[richard_l]

I would not be surprised if that were the case. The field of view of various 35mm lenses can vary. Therefore it's best to err on the "tight" side.
In my experience, even SLRs are not 100% accurate.

 

[Roger Hicks]

First, they can be accurate only at one distance: the field of view narrows as you focus closer. Some are accurate at one metre; some at two; some at three; (very few) at infinity. You have to learn from experience exactly how much to allow with your camera.

Second, they vary widely from maker to maker and even model to model. There's a table about half-way down my Zeiss Ikon review comparing the Zeiss Ikon, a couple of Leicas, a couple of Voigtländer Bessas; and some accessory finders.

Third, in response to Richard, I have some difficulty in imagining how different 35mm lenses can have different fields of view on the same format, unless they depart significantly from their nominal focal lengths. As my dear late mother used to say, "My Pythagoras won't have it!"

Cheers,

R.

 

[jonmanjiro]

First, they can be accurate only at one distance: the field of view narrows as you focus closer.

This. The M6 frame lines are accurate at 0.70m, the narrowest field of view of a lens that focuses from 0.70m to infinity.

 

[Ronald M]

From the 1960`s

RF cameras focus well

SLR see well.

Also see post #3. Correct

Pro SLR`s with 100% viewfinder are required. Consumer grade are 92 to 95 so you get extra on the film or file. Theory was you could lose some with slide mounts. Enlarger negative carrier cover some image area.

Nikon F, F2 are all 100. My D3 is 100%

 

[brbo]

First, they can be accurate only at one distance:

Nonsense! 😉

Framelines stay the same across ALL distances. Unfortunately, (most) lenses don't.