Some newbie inquiries...

[Hephaestus]

A few questions, if I may, for the Leica gurus?

• Is it possible to have the viewfinder magnification changed after market? Can I send a Leica to someone to have a 0.85x viewfinder installed for less than the price of a kidney?

• How tricky is it to adjust the shutter speed with your right index finger while your eye is to the finder on the pre-TTL M6?

• How-firmly do the add on 1.25x viewfinder magnifiers stay attached? If I toss a camera in a bag is it prone to falling off?

My problem is this;90mm is my preferred focal length, and I never shoot wider than 35mm, so the 0.85x is the preferred viewfinder- readily available on the M6 Classic, but I’m worried that I won’t conveniently be able to change the shutter speed while I have the camera to my eye and ready to fire. An M7 0.85 would be ideal, but they’re only available a-la-carte, and I can only afford a used camera (~$2000). What should I do?

Thanks very much and Merry Christmas!
-Ryan Lloyd

 

[Artorius]

With the 1.25x eyepiece, you won't need the .85x finder. Better yet, get yourself an M3. Comes with a .91x viewfinder.

 

[gregg]

Welcome to the forum Ryan!

The information I received from Don at dagcamera.com is that it is NOT possible to switch out the magnifications in your M6 camera. Leica will only swap for newer optics (i.e. MP "non-flare" finder) in the same magnification. There may be an optical/mechanical reason for this as well - something to do with the distance between rangefinder windows. That is just a guess though - others may have a more definitive answer.

My solution was to get the 1.25x finder attachment. I bought an aftermarket one from HK Camera on eBay - $60 plus shipping. I keep it tethered to the strap but it hasn't fallen out in regular use. It is great for shooting 50mm and 90mm.

Switching the speed on an M6 classic with your eye to the viewfinder is a bit tricky - you'll get better with practice. Also, if you pre-set exposure for the general lighting condition I find that moving the aperture 1/2 stop either direction will cover most situations.

Best wishes with the M6 classic - it is a wonderful camera. Get used to using it and it will be flexible and fast.

 

[mad_boy]

Welcome Rian,

Why don't you get a M6 TTL?
These are available in 0,85 magnification,
No problem changing the shutter dial with your finger
Can be had for well under 2000$ in mint condition.

Mad_boy

 

[Kyle]

IMO, the magnifiers are good for those that only want to use a longer/faster lens only occasionally. I only have experience with the generic HK Supplies $60 1.25x magnifier, but I found it finnicky and annoying to use. If your preferred focal length is 90, I'd try to sell the camera you have now and search for a used M6 or M7 with the .85 finder. That way you have the higher magnification built in, rather than dealing with a removable magnifier.

 

[JNewell]

A few questions, if I may, for the Leica gurus?

• How tricky is it to adjust the shutter speed with your right index finger while your eye is to the finder on the pre-TTL M6?

-Ryan Lloyd

I find it quite easy - but you need to remember to keep track of how many clicks and which direction your're adjusting the shutter speed.

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum Ryan! 🙂 I would suggest a used M7 if $2K is your budget. I have both 0.72 and 0.85 mag VF and love the 0.85 for focal lengths >=50mm. My 35mm is definitely usable on the 0.85 M7 too, but then I don't wear glasses. I would get a used 0.85 mag M7, they are awesome cameras. 😀 Be patient, one will come along. 🙂

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[LeicaM3]

I also prefer my M3 for the occasional 90 use. Actually, I can't bring myself to use it on .72 at all.

HKsupplies (website with same name and bayseller) sells a 1.25 magnifier "for" Leica (but not by) for about $60. Less painful than the original...

Good Luck.

Andreas

 

[Kyle]

This might just be your lucky day. A .85 M7 just popped up on pnet. No connection to the seller.

http://www.photo.net/gc/view-one?classified_ad_id=669232

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Hephaestus]

Thanks very much, everyone! Forgive me for the slow replies, I was called out of town shortly after posting...

As swapping out the viewfinder for a higher magnification seems to be impossible, I'm going to hold out for a 0.85 M7. I have decided that aperture priority would be a major asset in some situations, and I almost exclusively shoot with a portrait lens, so I think it's the best long term bet!

Kyle,
Thanks for the heads up about that M7 on photo.net- if it's still available I'll buy it!

Kindest regards,
-Ryan