LEICA VIEWFINDER MAGNIFIER M 1.25x

M

martinfuchs

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Hi there again,

As I am still waiting for my M6 to arrive I took a look at the LEICA VIEWFINDER MAGNIFIER M 1.25x because I am wearing glasses and would like to get some "help" focusing.

In the Leica prospect it says that the 35mm frame will still be seen with this magnifiert when not using eyeglasses.
A guy from the Leica shop told me that the 35mm frame wont be seen with our without glasses.

Does anyone use this magnifier and know if the 35mm frame can still be seen?

Thanks and greetings from Vienna,

Martin
 
Martin, wait until the camera comes. Then, once it is in your hands, move the frame selector towards the edge (not the center) of the camera. That way you should be able to see both, the 35 and 135mm framelines. If you cannot see the outer frame (and I doubt you will see it well), the magnifier is not going to change the situation.

BTW, I too wear glasses. My Leicas have both the 0.72 magnifier. I can see its framelines in the viewfinder but, in general terms, everything I see through it, will go in the image.

AFAIK, the M6 was made in two viewfinder magnification versions: the 0.72 and the 0.85 (very rare). Only later in the making of the M6TTL did Leica start making the 0.58 magnification viewfinder, which is intended for people with glasses who like shooting wide-angle lenses.

Be patient, Martin... We all have been there, and we all have learned soon enough what we need for our camera use. Cheers! :)
 
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Hi Martin,

Francisco has already given the best advice: wait until you get the camera. I'll add my experience with the magnifier - not that you need to buy one.

Are you getting the 0.72 viewfinder? With my glasses on, I can only just see the 35 mm framelines - exactly the same as Francisco describes. If I add the 1.25 magnifier I can't see the 35 mm framelines - but that is no big deal because you don't really need the magnifier for a 35 mm lens. It's useful with the Noctilux and all the longer lenses.

I'm one of the few who do like the magnifier, if you go by the concensus in the Leica forums (fora?). They don't like the magnifier because it does cause a small loss of viewfinder illumination and it is a bit of a nuisance.

Best,
Helen
 
alright then. i will just wait, and take pictures and see... :)
martin
 
My eyesight is HORRIBLE! But I do not have any problem focussing the Canon 7 with the 50mm F0.95 lens with its 0.8x viewfinder. I just got the M2 yesterday, the first with the 0.72x finder. No problem zeroing in on focus with it. The 1.25x is typically used for the faster 135mm lenses on the 0.72x. I will be surprised if you have a problem with a 90mm F2 or 50mm F1.4.

Of course the other solution is to buy an M3. Its 0.91x finder is perfect for telephoto lenses.
 
I'd like to have one for my 90/2, the frame lines are a little small and I think this would be a good solution, but man they are tooooooooooooo expensive!

Todd
 
The SP has frame lines for the 85 and has 1x magnification; it rules for big frame on a portrait lens. The M3 is a close second with 0.91x (0.92x?), better defined RF spot, and frame lines for the 90mm that you will love. Get a user M3! I have no problems with the 135 on the M3 either; but it is slow at F4.5.
 
I'd like to have an M3 for that reason, the framelines aren't bad with the M6/90mm combo, I have read that the magnifier increases focusing accuracy with the longer lenses though.

Todd
 
Todd, that's my understanding as well. IF I ever get a 90 for my M3 I would love to slap a 1.25x magnification on that already 0.91 viewfinder and get a 1.14x viewfinder. Yummy
 
not to intrude on you leica guys, but have you ever looked through a canon p viewfinder? :)

i have never had a camera where the image pops into focus more sharply and clearly. it's astounding and kinda cool too.

joe
 
Joe, the Leica M3 finder looks like a heads-up phosphorous display. I think that most of you can guess that I am a Nikon fanatic. I love my three (yes) Canon 7 cameras (one mint, one great EX user, one Frankenstein parts camera); very bright RF spot. I love my Nikon RF's, especially the S2 and SP finders. But my Rebuilt M3 finder is a step above. The RF spot itself looks like it was carved out with an Exacto knife and placed into the viewfinder.
 
Brian, I agree the M3's finder and RF spot it simply out of this world. I couldn't believe it the first time I looked through one.

Not to talk smack about Canon's though, I'm sure they're ok if you want to settle for that.. ;)

Kiiiiiiiiidddiiiing.........!!
 
well, if the m3 is better than the canon p then i salute you guys and stand in envy.

i now also have much higher expectations of you all that you will always have crack sharp pics ;)!

i'm gonna have to track down a m3 to have a look through, course that could be dangerous, i can see myself now, selling everything to buy a mint m3.

this place is bad.
 
Do it! Do it! Do it! :)

Then buy the 1.25x magnifier and let me know how you like it :D

And read this
 
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Great link Richard, I think he's being perfectly honest and candid. A Leica can be compared to a british sports car of the 60's, fun as hell to drive, you look pretty cool with it, but if it breaks down it'll cost an arm and a leg to get it going again. I've had no real problems with my M6 and every time I use it I'm impressed, I'd love an M3 to pair up with it.............................

Todd
 
Joe, nah not on 'my side' but as I think Todd summed it up - he's being very honest about some of the aspects that attracts people to Leica.

In a way it's also about that no camera is perfect but some are just so damn sexy.

:)
 
Oh, Richard I see... That guy was talking about some Leica that was not an M3. Personally, I find my Canon 7 with the 50mm F0.95 easier and more accurate to focus than the 55mm f1.2 on my F2AS with the "J" screen (microprism). And I find the 8.5cm f2 easier to focus on the SP than the 85mm f2 on the F2A. I like the 85mm f2; the $50 pawn shop rescue F2A is dedicated to it. At 135mm and wide F-stops the SLR's start to gain speed.


Kind of like your 351 Windsor vs 351 Cleveland for you Ford fans. You know, same as Better torque at Low RPM vs High RPM. RF's are faster focussing up to about 135mm, then the SLR's start to pull ahead. But if we are talking shooting within the 1/4mile, the RF's are going to win.

My '69 Cougar with the 351 Windsor 4-barrel was pretty damn fast too. These days I just supe up old cameras. Let's see if I can make that RF spot just a little brighter and more accurate...
 
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well, glad to see that some see with a more clear vision. (all puns intended)

todd, i really like the analogy, that make sense to me.

it's funny, when i started in photography it was the endless nikon-canon debate and i guess preferences in equipment will always be, but at least we are all on the same page when it comes to liking our rangefinders.

leica m3 or canon p, doesn't really matter if they do what we ask of them.
and in truth, if you guys like your m3 as much as i like my p, then we are some lucky son's of 'guns'.

joe
 
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