pfoto
Well-known
I'm aware of the s/n issue, however if it is 29xx then it almost certainly has the MP finder.
M7 .85 viewfinder or .72 with magnifier?
- Thread starter parasko
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 39
- Views 6K
parasko
Established
The seria no: is 2854XXX. My .72 has a seria no: 2885XX and does have the updated viewfinder.
I remember contacting Leica about this some time ago and serial no's are only a vague indication of the upgrade.
I'm assuming by your recent comments that those with the .85 do not experience this fading of the patch? Could you please confirm.
Thanks.
I remember contacting Leica about this some time ago and serial no's are only a vague indication of the upgrade.
I'm assuming by your recent comments that those with the .85 do not experience this fading of the patch? Could you please confirm.
Thanks.
pfoto
Well-known
Correct because they use the serial numbers in batches that are assigned to a particular product. It results in a system that something manufactured quite recently can have an "old" serial number. Very confusing.
I use a 0.85x M7 with the MP finder and there are no problems with it. I would call your country's Leica distributor (Leica NJ if you are in the US), give them the s/n and ask them to do a lookup on the VF. I've read in another forum that Leica has such records, whether its true or not I don't know. Also most people report a purplish reflection from an MP type VF, you might also want to check if your two VFs reflect light the same.
marke
Well-known
I don't think that the purple tint in the windows (anti-reflective coating) is normally included on an upgraded VF.
pfoto
Well-known
I think parasko (OP) is under the impression that he received a body with a VF installed during manufacturing, although I could be wrong. I had a new MP-type VF fitted to an M7 by Leica NJ and it had the purple tint in the window BTW.
parasko
Established
The M7 purchased is a 'certified pre-owned' which means it is a used camera which has been inspected and fixed by Leica so comes with a 1 year warranty. The retailer was assured by Leica that the viewfinder had been upgraded but judging from a .72 version I own and a .58 version I tried, the patch does not produce as sharp an image and fades out under certain lighting conditions.
Hence, my impressions are that it has not been updated.
I will email Leica USA as suggested, who may have a record of the upgrade as the warranty is with them (and not with Leica Germany).
hlockwood
Well-known
My M7 with 0.85 vf and S/N 28847xx had the "fading" problem.
parasko
Established
Did yours have the updated viewfinder although it had the 'fading' problem?
Mean Panda
Established
Seems like the .85 viewfinders are prone to "fade" even if it has the updated MP viewfinder.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I just recently received my M6 TTL with 0.85x VF and the RF patch easily flares, when the eye is slightly off-center positioned. Also ordered an 0.85x magnifier from HK to see the 35mm frame lines more easily.
mfogiel
Veteran
I would definitely go for the 0.85, or actually, I'd go for the Bessa R3A. I have an M7 0.85 and a 1.33x magnifier, and I also wear glasses. The magnifier makes the VF even dimmer, and the 75 frames are too small without the magnifier and too big with the magnifier, so maybe a 1.25x magnifier would be more appropriate. However, I find the best 75mm view is to be found on the R3A at a fraction of the M7's cost.
sleepyhead
Well-known
Hi Gabor, please let us know how you get on with the 0.85x magnifier and seeing the 35mm lines.
Thanks
maddoc
... likes film again.
Hi Yaron,
I will do ! The seller just sent an email today, that the magnifier is on the way, should be here within one week or so.
Gabor
hlockwood
Well-known
Having just received my M7 (s/n 28847xx) with the upgraded .85 VF, I can say that this is not the case. Off center viewing does present a less contrasty patch, as before.
I can also add that the Leica 1.25 magnifier works beautifully on the upgraded VF.
Harry
Mean Panda
Established
hlockwood, I have heard that .85 VF flares easier than .72 in general regardless MP or M7. I am not 100% sure, but will try to find it out.
hlockwood
Well-known
FX trading
Established
Actually sold my M7 .85 partly for that reason; also found that my M6J was (surprisingly) superior on the flare front. There are other differences between the MP-type finder and the upgraded one (basically a condenser is added), which make it better to get a more recent camera- both in the coatings, as well as in a revised viewfinder design. If I remember correctly, Popflash recently even had a cancelled a la carte order with a nice discount.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I received the 0.85x magnifier today and have to say that I am not really convinced ... 😱 The 50mm frame lines are a little bit smaller but the 35mm still not easy to see. The 0.85x adds ~ 1 cm to the eyepiece ... To my opinion, not recommended ...
parasko
Established
Just to let you all know, Leica Germany has confirmed that my M7 .85 has the updated viewfinder. This means that IMO the .85 version is no major improvement on the .72 version, with the .72 less prone to flare and about the same in terms of ease of focus.
As my M7 is under Leica warranty, they are now adjusting the rangefinder etc. So it will be up for sale upon its return, hopefully within a month.
Cheers to you all for your help with this.
sleepyhead
Well-known
I guess I'm not surprised, I can't really see how any "mini-fier" could ADD space around the 35mm frames which are quite near the edge on the 0.85 mag Leica viewfinders - although of course just making them smaller and more central would help eyeglass wearers, but again the projection from the rear of the camera also makde getting your eye closer in more difficult. THANKS for the follow up.
