those Leica View magnifier

[dovevadar]

anyone encountered problem with those 3rd party view magnifier from HK?
cant seem to focus properly with the 1.25x on.. there is a great difference in optic quality when I put it on and take it off.. with it on, the view will be slightly blurrish but with it off, I can read off a reciept from a distance. That sharp no kidding.

So does the leica version which cost a bomb perform the same? If so, no point for me to get it then...

 

[awilder]

I was lucky to get my Leica magnifier relatively cheap and was certainly worth it. Optical quality of the camera's viewfinder is not diminished in the least bit and it does marginally increase magnification. I don't always use it because it does restrict the outer field making the 35 framelines harder to see for eyeglass wearers like myself. I would advise using it for a 75 or 90 mm lens on a 0.58x finder or a high speed 50 or 135/4 on a 0.72x finder.

 

[sepiareverb]

I had a hard time with the extra depth it gave to the camera. I poked myself in the eye with it more than once, that certainly added some 'blur' to things, and it was always catching on my shirt placket.

 

[ferider]

I have both, Leica and HK magnifiers and they do produce equally sharp images. Something must be wrong with yours.

I find them very useful to focus fast long lenses on a .72 finder (like the 75 'lux) and keep both eyes open. Feels almost like an M3, just a little darker.

I don't wear glasses. With either 1.25 magnifier I can barely see the 35mm framelines of my M6. But I can see the meter.

The Leica finder is a little smaller which is why I prefer it.

Best,

Roland.

 

[awilder]

I typically use a 1/2 body ERC to protect the camera so the extra padding around the camera mittigates the 1/4" extension of the magnifier as it extends very little past the case. The tiny leather case and attached metal chain that normally comes with the magnifier is very handy and should be included with any prospective purchase.

 

[alexz]

I have and used HK x1.25 one on my M6 when shooting with 90mm Elmarit. Optically had no issues with one, performed good, however, with eyeglasses it makes less then comfortable combo, inconvenient and the hard metal edges of HK magnifier easily scratch eyeglasses surface.
Having said that, I guess for one who isn't bothered by spectacles, it may prove its usefulness.

The best solution though that I figured, IMHO, is a higher magnification RF body. Since I picked M3 my magnifier just gathers dust in the closet...(actually sleeps in its appropriate soft case).

 

[lewis44]

I have used both and still have the HK 1.25x. I use it when the 90 or 135mm is on my M7. Works fine. Just as clear as the Leica one.I also had the .85x and it was clear and in focus as well. If you are having a focus problem the mag may be defective. I would contact HK Supply and let them know. They are great to work with.

 

[dovevadar]

ic... thanks guys for much for all the very useful feedbacks. Don't think I'll ever use trust it again 🙂

 

[Santafecino]

I actually have 2 of the HK magnifiers and use them on M5s. They make the finder very much like the M3 I had years ago, but with that great meter. When I use the 35mm lens I take the magnifier off.

The latest HK magnifier has a screw thread for correction lenses. I use it to stack 2 magnifiers when using a 90mm lens. That gives 1.125 magnification. Nice, if not super-bright.

If your HK lens is unsharp, there is some problem--mine both work great, even with glasses.

HK should make a 1.25x lens for the CL. That would be very nice.
--Lindsay