M6 Viewfinder magnification

[alien8]

Hi All,

I am planning to buy my first rangefinder camera in the next few days (well, actually my second if you count the old yashica lynx 5000 that I put a few rolls through when I was much younger). I am likely going to buy an m6 because I would like an integrated meter. My main question is about viewfinder magnification. Is there any advantage to a .58 finder over .72 for people like me who do not use eye glasses? I understand it doesn't come with any wider angle framelines than the .72's 28mm, but I imagine it must give a wider viewing angle. I will most likely shoot wide most of the time. Probably a 35 for my first lens, and then maybe a 24 of 25 added to my kit at some point. Eventually I will want to be able to use a portrait lens as well though.

I searched the forums on this topic but not much came up.

Thanks,
Sean

 

[EmilGil]

If you don't use glasses, I can't really see a point in paying a premium for a .58x (.58x M6's are not very common). You'll need a separate finder for all lenses shorter than 28mm anyway and the accuracy of the higher magnification can be very useful once you get any longer lenses.

 

[alien8]

You'll need a separate finder for all lenses shorter than 28mm anyway and the accuracy of the higher magnification can be very useful once you get any longer lenses.

So the .58 finder doesn't have a wider field of view than the .72?

 

[EmilGil]

Yes it does, but with the same set of frames as the .72x. You might be able to use the full finder as an approximation of 24-25mm but I'm not sure about that. The advantage comes from having more "empty" space around the 28mm frames to see what's going on outside the frame.

Which is more important; seeing outside the 28mm frame or higher focusing accuracy? I chose the latter as I rarely shoot wider than 35-40mm (and with my CV 25mm, I use the separate finder).

 

[payasam]

Sean, even with wide angle lenses there are times when focussing must be accurate. I'd go with what EmilGil says. That way you'd be prepared for normal and longer lenses should you decide to use them.

 

[JNewell]

IIRC, the M6 classic was never made in a .58x, only the M6TTL. Most classics are .72x; there were ~3100 .85x M6 classics made. I agree with those above on the selection of finder mag for a first M6.

 

[alien8]

Yes, it's a ttl that I was looking at with the .58 magnification (on ebay). I will definitely opt for the .72 magnification. Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice. Now if I can only decide whether to get black or silver chrome!

 

[Pablito]

I too would get the .72. I'ts perfect for the 35mm lens. Of course you have the 28mm frames, just be aware that in some circumstances they can be hard to see - you sometimes feel like you really have to jam the camera into your eyeball to see them, even without glasses. I've taken to using an external finder for the 28 even on an .72 M6. I'ts also more accurate.

 

[thomasw_]

I have a MP with a .58 VF and it rocks for lenses 35 to 24. I use my zm 35 and 25 on it all the time and have no issues with focussing in those focal lengths. If you do shoot with the 35 FL and wider, then I highly recommend the .58 VF.

I think if you rarely shoot the 50 FL, you'd be fine with the .58 VF and a magnifier...I recommend the Megaperl's 1.35x for half the price of the Leica....and it turns your .58 VF into a .78 VF....So you have options if you decide to go with one body at .58🙂

I shoot nothing longer than a 50. But I use my beloved M3 for all of my 5cm FL work; there is nothing better for the 50mm focal length than the M3 with its .91 VF.

 

[EmilGil]

The only thing I'd like to change on my M6TTL is the colour, I'd much prefer chrome to my black one...

Repeat to self: I do not need a M2, I do not need an M2...

 

[marke]

Alien8, I would also suggest the .72x mag for you. I wear eyeglasses. That and the fact that the 35mm was to be my normal lens, is what made me decide on the .58x with my M6 TTL.

But I recently picked up a Leica 1.25x magnifier that works great when using my 50mm Summicron, even with eyeglasses. It has allowed me to have the .72x when I need it, but still have the .58x for my regular lens. If I didn't wear glasses, I wouldn't get anything other than the .72x.