M6 .58 & .72 finders. what's the difference?

[chris91387]

ok, i'm sort of shopping for my first leica and am toying with the idea of getting an m6 but am not sure about which finder to go with.

can someone tell me the difference(s) and any pros and cons?

thanks very much,

chris

 

[peter_n]

The different magnifications facilitate the use of different types of lenses. 0.58x is used for wider lenses like 28 & 35mm, 0.85x for the longer focal lengths like 75 or 90mm, and 0.72x is a sort of compromise that deals with both as well as the 40-50mm focal length. Most people buy the 0.72x and you can only get the other two mags by special order now.

 

[sepiareverb]

Well said Peter. I would just add that the framelines are different in the different VF's- .58 has no 135 framelines, they would be too small, .85 has no 28 framelines as they won't fit.

 

[tsai_tao]

Out of curiosity, I went to try out the different finders in a Leica official store just this week (a 0.58x finder was part of their a la carte demo kit). I would recommend you doing the same if possible; nothing like seeing it first hand. That said, I think the basic difference is that it is easier to see the 28mm lines on the 0.58x. In fact, I think the 28mm lines on the 0.58x are exactly where the 35mm lines on the 0.72x are.

So I guess basically my thoughts are as follows: if you find it hard to see the 28mm lines on the 0.72x finder, get the 0.58x. If the 28mm lines are visible to you in the 0.72x finder, the 0.58x doesn't really have as much appeal, I'd say.

 

[sepiareverb]

I don't know that the 35 & 28 are in exactly the same place from .58 to .72, but they are close. Eyeglass wearers are often pointed toward the .58 as their eyeball can't get as close to the eyepiece.

 

[tsai_tao]

I don't know that the 35 & 28 are in exactly the same place from .58 to .72, but they are close. Eyeglass wearers are often pointed toward the .58 as their eyball can't get as close to the eyepiece.

Yes, you're right, thanks for correcting me 🙂 ... i'm definitely not sure about them being exact. Basically, as a glasses-wearer myself, on the 0.72x, the 35mm lines were just inside the edges of the frame. And on the 0.58x, the 28mm lines were just inside the edges of the frame.

 

[thomasw_]

The biggest thing to note is that you can use the ZM 25/2,8 without an external VF by using the entire viewfinder within a 0.58 magnification finder. That ought to be reason enough to run right out and get yourself the best M body you can afford with a 0.58 VF ;P

 

[sepiareverb]

How true that is.

 

[Krosya]

The biggest thing to note is that you can use the ZM 25/2,8 without an external VF by using the entire viewfinder within a 0.58 magnification finder. That ought to be reason enough to run right out and get yourself the best M body you can afford with a 0.58 VF ;P

Thats assuming that 25mm FL is something you use or consider in a future. Some people are die-hard 50mm users and .58Vf would be complete waste for them as they would most likey never use ZM 25mm lens.

 

[marke]

Thats assuming that 25mm FL is something you use or consider in a future. Some people are die-hard 50mm users and .58Vf would be complete waste for them as they would most likey never use ZM 25mm lens.

I have the .58 VF, mostly because I wear eyeglasses and my primary lens is a Summicron 35mm. My Voightlander 25/f4 works great with this VF also. And if I find myself shooting with my Summicron 50mm, I just screw on the Leica 1.25x magnifier. If I would ever get another M, I would consider the .72 VF just to keep the 50mm on it.

 

[aizan]

it's been a while since i've looked through a .58x leica, but i seem to remember the frameline marks were different, apart from their size.

 

[peter_n]

The biggest thing to note is that you can use the ZM 25/2,8 without an external VF by using the entire viewfinder within a 0.58 magnification finder. That ought to be reason enough to run right out and get yourself the best M body you can afford with a 0.58 VF ;P

As an enthusiatic M user, I would say the best response would be to get a CV R4. My 24/2.8 ASPH loves that camera! 🙂

 

[JNewell]

One additional point: the .58x is only available in the M6TTL (and later models) - the M6 "classic" never came with a .58x finder.

 

[visiondr]

You're right, but they didn't come that way and doing RF swaps is tres cher. I priced it with both LUSA and DAG and almost required an AED. 😱

I'm curious, how many dollars does the switcheroo of Finders/RFs require?

 

[Mackinaw]

I'm curious, how many dollars does the switcheroo of Finders/RFs require?

Somebody mentioned what it cost them several months (maybe years) back. Ran about $400.00 USD if I'm remembering correctly. This is using either Sherry K. or DAG.

Jim B.

 

[chris91387]

wow, great answers. thanks, everyone.

i do not wear glasses (nor contacts)...yet. but being that i'm in my late 30's and i would keep this camera for many many yeays, it might be wise to plan on someday wearing glasses.

question: are the viewfinders replaceable? that is, if i picked up an m6 with a .58 finder and later wanted a .72 is this possible?

thanks again.

chris

 

[peter_n]

Yes it is possible Chris but I would think it would be much cheaper to simply sell the one you have and then buy the one you want.