Leica Viewfinder Magnifier...

[Asim]

I couldn't find answers to a few questions regarding Leica magnifiers so I'd thought I'd as here.

Things you should know:
a. I have a Leica MP with a .72 viewfinder.
b. I have not decided on the 1.25 or 1.4 magnifier yet.
c. I have two lenses (28 f/2.8 and 50 f/1.4 Summilux).
d. A Leica -2.0 diopter (correction lens) is screwed onto the viewfinder.
e. I would like to use the a magnifier for the 50 Summilux.

My questions are:
1. With either the 1.25 or 1.4, would I still be able to read the exposure metering arrow lights inside the viewfinder?

2. How would I use the -2.0 correction lens for times when I'm shooting with the 28mm and then other times with I'm shooting with the 50mm + magnifier? Will I have to unscrew and screw back on the diopter every time I change lenses?! Isn't there an easier solution?

3. Is there a third party company that people have had good experience with?

4. Which magnifier would you recommend for me? I mainly shoot with the 50mm. The 28mm is for times when I really need the wider view.

 

[maddoc]

I have an Leica 1.25x magnifier and also a (third party) -2D diopter to screw into the VF eye-pice. I could check with my M7 later today if the combination of both still allows you to see the LEDs / time read-out.

Indeed you would have to unscrew the diopter every time you change the 1.25 Magnifier.

There was a 1.3x magnifier with adjustable diopter (included) from a manufacturer in Japan and avail. via Japanexposures web-site. I had one but sold it, it worked well. I don`t know if these are still available.

I only use 1.25x diopter for 90mm Summicron on 0.72x VF.

 

[Pioneer]

I have the 1.25x magnifier and find it useful on the M9 when using my Nokton 50/1.1 or 90mm Elmar. If I had a 135 I would probably use it there as well. I don't find I need it for my other lenses.

As for the diopter I don't use one so can't advise.

 

[bob338]

I have both Leica mags. I use the 1.4x for 75mm and up, and the 1.25 for 50s. They make focusing for me a lot easier, but they're not entirely essential. I think I could probably get away without them.
I had one of the 1.35x(?) from Japanexposures that adjusts and it did not agree with me. Too fiddly.
I have no problem seeing the exposure meter thingies with either mag.

 

[peterm1]

I use a 1.25 3rd party magnifier with a Japan Exposures diopter adjustment lens mounted simultaneously over it on my M8. It works fine. I mainly did this as I started with a 3rd party magnifier (eBay) but later found out about the Japan Exposures diopter lens which is infinitely adjustable from -3 to +3 (I think that is the range) which makes it more convenient than the Leica diopter lens which is fixed. As I already had the magnifier I decided to use them together. The advantage of doing this is they the eyepiece now sticks out about a centimeter or a bit less giving better eye access. The Japan Exposures one also has a slight magnification so taken together with the other lens, the combined magnification on my set up is, from memory around 1.4 or thereabouts. I do find that I can see the M8s exposure info OK but have to peer around a bit for some of the wider frame-lines. I obviously do not know about the MPs finder but this might be an indication. The main point I wanted to make is that it may be possible for you to use a magnifier with the Leica diopter lens much as I have done. But am not sure (its not an issue for my set up as the Japan Exposures diopter lens can be adjusted to correct / compensate for the presence of the other magnifier when I use them together). The Japan Exposures diopter is good and they were once available in 2 or 3 different magnifications. If they still are available then the simplest solution would be for you to just buy one of those in the correct magnification, adjust it to the correct diopter for your eye and then use it without bothering with the Leica diopter lens which you could either keep or sell. I think I paid around $200 for mine depending upon exchange rate.

Try here http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/

EDIT:

Just checked on the above site. They are still available in 0.85x 1.15x and 1.35x magnifications for Leica M cameras. They are advertised as "Magnifiers" but also have infinite diopter adjustments from -3 to +1.5 diopters. Not 3/3 as I stated above. The web pages also tell you how well they function with each viewfinder including your .72 finder. so it is an option if you wish to consider it.

Here is what they say:

Magnifier for Leica M viewfinders, aiding focussing accuracy when using longer lenses of 75mm focal length and above.
Key features:

• x1.35 magnification of the viewfinder image
• four lens surfaces multicoated for bright optical image. The only product of its kind to feature this.
• stepless variable diopter adjustment facility (-3.0 ~ +1.5)

On cameras with 0.75/0.72 magnification (e.g. Leica M2, Leica M4, Leica M6) this magnifier will result in natural view allowing shooting with both eyes open.
We recommend this magnifier for use on the Leica M8 when using 50mm and above focal lengths lenses.
Frameline visibility on Leica M8 (0.68 native magnification; without eyeglasses):
1.15x magnifier - all frames (24*/28/35/50/75/90)
1.25x magnifier - frames 28*/35/50/75/90
1.35x magnifier - frames 28*/35/50/75/90
* may require moving your eye around the viewfinder slightly to see the frame
A customer comments about the use on the Leica M9:
The x1.15 on the M9 0.68 M9 viewfinder provides about a 0.78 which is a little better than the standard M 0.72 on the film Ms.
The x1.35 provides a 0.90 viewfinder which is a little better than the 0.85 mag finder available for the film Ms.

 

[Asim]

Thank you all for the detailed replies. And thank you peterm1 especially for the link for the third party magnifier with all the details. I am seriously going to look into it because I won't have to fumble with a magnifier and diopter separatly.

Peterm1... do you know if I'd be able to ship the item to either Canada or the US without any penalties?

And lastly, this may be a dumb question... but as bob338 points out that the exposure arrow lights can be seen with the magnifier attached, does this mean that I'll also still be able to see the 28mm and 35mm framelines with the magnifier attached? I just presumed I won't have a view of any framelines wider than 50mm with the magnifier on.

Once again, thank you all for your insight.

 

[bob338]

And lastly, this may be a dumb question... but as bob338 points out that the exposure arrow lights can be seen with the magnifier attached, does this mean that I'll also still be able to see the 28mm and 35mm framelines with the magnifier attached? I just presumed I won't have a view of any framelines wider than 50mm with the magnifier on.

Once again, thank you all for your insight.

I cannot see the 28mm framelines, but I think the 35mm lines are visible. When shooting 35mm I tend to assume the whole viewfinder is the composition, so I may be the wrong person to answer this question.

 

[Ben Z]

milux.

My questions are:
1. With either the 1.25 or 1.4, would I still be able to read the exposure metering arrow lights inside the viewfinder?

2. How would I use the -2.0 correction lens for times when I'm shooting with the 28mm and then other times with I'm shooting with the 50mm + magnifier? Will I have to unscrew and screw back on the diopter every time I change lenses?! Isn't there an easier solution?

3. Is there a third party company that people have had good experience with?

4. Which magnifier would you recommend for me? I mainly shoot with the 50mm. The 28mm is for times when I really need the wider view.

1. Yes
2. You could leave a 28mm accessory finder in the shoe. That way you wouldn't need to remove the magnifier when using the 28.
3. Not me personally
4. I have the 1.25x and frankly don't use it. For the little bit of magnification it darkens the finder or reduces the contrast so the benefit washes out. Maybe the 1.4x is a better trade off.

 

[peterm1]

Thank you all for the detailed replies. And thank you peterm1 especially for the link for the third party magnifier with all the details. I am seriously going to look into it because I won't have to fumble with a magnifier and diopter separatly.

Peterm1... do you know if I'd be able to ship the item to either Canada or the US without any penalties?

And lastly, this may be a dumb question... but as bob338 points out that the exposure arrow lights can be seen with the magnifier attached, does this mean that I'll also still be able to see the 28mm and 35mm framelines with the magnifier attached? I just presumed I won't have a view of any framelines wider than 50mm with the magnifier on.

Once again, thank you all for your insight.

I understand that Japan Exposures sell these to USA because there are apparently legitimate uses for this other than on Leica M cameras. Hence you can buy one without problem. Go figure. Weird I know. Dont you just love government regulation. They feel the need to put the disclosure on their website however to stay kosher.

As to your question about ability to see whats in the finder have a look at the web page for these things - which I have copied and quoted in my earlier post below. They give a very clear statement of what is visible and what is not with each type of Leica finder and each type of magnifier. I am not familiar with your exact set up so I am afraid you will need to work it out for yourself. But as I said I have no problems with using mine on an M8.