M8 viewfinder framelines

[freedmanpb@msn.]

I have had my M8 a couple of days. The framelines seem wildly pessimistic - they show a much smaller frame than is captured on the sensor. Is this a common problem or does mine need fixing?

 

[jaapv]

FAQ: RF framelines show the FOV at maximum extension= maximum focal length of the lens. i.e. 1 m focussing distance. As you focus further away the focal length decreases and FOV increases. At infinity it may be up to 15% larger than your framelines show depending on the nominal focal length of your lens. This is not a fault but a normal aspect of any rangefinder. Experienced users don't even notice but compensate automatically.

 

[Ben Z]

I think people (even those who have been using film Ms) are going to notice this more with the M8 because of the immediate feedback on the LCD. With film half the time people forget how exactly they composed the shot by the time they get the film developed, plus most labs crop some to fit the 35mm format onto standard print sizes. The good thing is, the instant review will help people to learn to compensate more quickly, and for those who find it really difficult, they will at least be able to re-shoot it .

 

[jaapv]

Another thing that is going to show up is focus shift. On film nobody notices, as it is minimal, but a 100% enlargement on the monitor wil give rise to "focus issues" If one stops a lens down, depending on the correction of that lens, the plane of focus will shift. For instance the Noctilux shows this quite clearly. Stop it down and the plane of focus moves slightly towards the camera. Another one is the Summilux 75.

 

[lxlim]

Focus shifts?

Focus shifts?

Another thing that is going to show up is focus shift. On film nobody notices, as it is minimal, but a 100% enlargement on the monitor wil give rise to "focus issues" If one stops a lens down, depending on the correction of that lens, the plane of focus will shift. For instance the Noctilux shows this quite clearly. Stop it down and the plane of focus moves slightly towards the camera. Another one is the Summilux 75.

Ai yi yi! I need to know about this, Jaap!

Focus plane SHIFTS if you focus on an object then stop down but focus plane REMAINS if aperture is already set while focussing. Am I correct in this statement in trying to understand you.

Is this physics or specific to rangefinders? The degree of shift depends on the correction in the original lens design?

Thanks.

Alex

 

[Ben Z]

For instance the Noctilux shows this quite clearly. Stop it down and the plane of focus moves slightly towards the camera. Another one is the Summilux 75.

Thanks for that. Now I can offer a "leigitmate" reason for not owning either of those lenses, instead of the humiliating "I can't afford them"