Viewfinder magnification - M8 vs M9

[miklosphoto]

While analyzing all the cons and pros of upgrading to M9, I came to realize the following fact. The reason of this post to see if it just me or some one else came to this conclusion too.

Both the M8 and M9 cameras are using the same viewfinder with .68 magnification. While on M8 (M8.2 in my case) using a 35/2 Summicron as my most used lens I am getting pretty much the same size frameline as with my M7 and a 50mm lens. That frameline size is my personal preference, for me it is the ideal ration between what is in and out the frame while composing.

When I use my 50/1.4 on the M8, very often I also use the 1.4 magnifier to get the same feel. Without the magnifier, the frame is quite small to my taste. So with the M8 I don't really care as the 35mm is my most used focal length.

So here is my question, given the same .68 viewfinder on the M9, isn't that too small for a standard 50mm lens? I would be very annoyed to use a M9 with my 50/1.4 and the magnifier all the time. How do those of you who already own an M9 cope with this?

At this moment next to the price tag of the M9, this is probably the main reason not to switch from my M8.2 to M9.

What is your experience??

 

[Makten]

The frames for 50 mm are not the same in M8 and M9. The VF magnification is the same, which means that a lens A that on M8 gives the same AOV as lens B on M9, will use the same frameline size.
So, the 50 mm framelines on M9 will be about the same as the 35 mm framelines on M8.

 

[Jark89]

Ohh that's something new to me! Very helpful information, as I always wondered about this too. So, are the 35mm framelines on the M9 about the same as 28mm or 24mm framelines on the M8 then?

 

[miklosphoto]

The frames for 50 mm are not the same in M8 and M9. The VF magnification is the same, which means that a lens A that on M8 gives the same AOV as lens B on M9, will use the same frameline size.
So, the 50 mm framelines on M9 will be about the same as the 35 mm framelines on M8.

Well, that leaves me with one reason only not to upgrade. The price. 🙁

 

[Makten]

Ohh that's something new to me! Very helpful information, as I always wondered about this too. So, are the 35mm framelines on the M9 about the same as 28mm or 24mm framelines on the M8 then?

Yes, something inbetween, since 35/1.33 = 26.3. Just think of it as the crop factor of the framelines. A 35 mm lens will give a wider AOV on M9, and therefore the framelines are wider too, at the same magnification. 🙂

 

[bene]

Put down the money and don't look back you know its worth it. If it is within your means. Keep leica going =)

 

[Jark89]

Yes, something inbetween, since 35/1.33 = 26.3. Just think of it as the crop factor of the framelines. A 35 mm lens will give a wider AOV on M9, and therefore the framelines are wider too, at the same magnification. 🙂

Ahh I see now, thanks!