Leica Viewfinder Magnification

[andyap]

Need some expert advice on the selection of viewfinders.

Between the 0.72 and 0.85 which one should I choose for the Leica M7? Is it true that 0.72 is more popular because it is mid range. Someone told me that the 0.85 is better for viewing. Using the camera for general photography especially for travelling. Currently considering these three lens namely the 35mm, 50mm and a 90 mm (am I on the right track?)

Thanks for your advice in advance.

[Simon]

For your Reference:

[XXX Boy]

Hi,

If you use wide-angle lens more often then a .58 viewfinder is better to do the job.
.85 is good when you use a longer lens say 90mm or 135mm coz the mag power is higher so more easiler to focus and more accurate focus.
a .75 is a more 'classic' that is in between .85 and .58.
personally i perfer a .75

cheers

Originally Posted by andyap Need some expert advice on the selection of viewfinders. Between the 0.72 and 0.85 which one should I choose for the Leica M7? Is it true that 0.72 is more popular because it is mid range. Someone told me that the 0.85 is better for viewing. Using the camera for general photography especially for travelling. Currently considering these three lens namely the 35mm, 50mm and a 90 mm (am I on the right track?) Thanks for your advice in advance.

[Red Dawn]

Originally Posted by XXX Boy Hi, a .75 is a more 'classic' that is in between .85 and .58. personally i perfer a .75

u mean a 0.72x.....

Andy, if u wear glasses, u might want to consider the 0.58x version. It can get quite hard to see outside the edge of the framelines (which in itself is a great advantage) with the 0.72x.

I wear glasses and my preferred viewfinder is the 0.58x. That's the mag for my M6 TTL. With it, I can see 28mm framelines comfortably, and i have an uncluttered 35mm view (there's no 135mm frameline for the 0.58x) and am able to see outside of the 35mm to predict subject movement.

I have the 1.25x magnifier for times when i want to use the 50mm summicron, but its usable even without the magnifier.

if however, u think u willl need to use the 50 and 90 more often, u might consider the 0.72x, and add the magnifier.

I don't recommend the 0.85x cos it flares more easily for M6s / M7s and it is very difficult to use the 35mm frameline with the 0.85x......

[andyap]

Thanks Simon, XXX Boy and Red Dawn.

Very helpful information to help me make my decision. I think I will go for the 0.72 as I will using the 50mm and 90mm more in my travel photography.

By the way (OT), I was in CP today and tried the newly launched Leica CM. Very nice camera and look like a smaller version of the M series. Although, a little thick in depth but the overall weight is quite light. Quoted S$1550 including GST.

As someone mentioned in an earlier thread it is still a reasonable price. Since the price of a Leica M series 50mm lens alone is much more than this Leica CM (40mm/F2.4).

Happy Lunar New Year to all at CS.

Cheers

[SzennyBoy]

Originally Posted by Red Dawn Andy, if u wear glasses, u might want to consider the 0.58x version. It can get quite hard to see outside the edge of the framelines (which in itself is a great advantage) with the 0.72x.

I wear glasses and use the .72x M7 as well but I don't have that much problems with viewing the outside framelines... possibly because my glasses are of a compact design. In any case, unless you intend to use the 28mm wide-angle on a regular basis (the framelines for the 28mm is the on the outer most sides of the viewfinder), the .72x magnification should be sufficient. The 35mm framelines is still viewable even with glasses (definitely not an issue with the 50mm).

[waileong]

Sigh... it's not a reasonable price when you compare with US price, or even with hksupplies.com...

Originally Posted by andyap Thanks Simon, XXX Boy and Red Dawn. Very helpful information to help me make my decision. I think I will go for the 0.72 as I will using the 50mm and 90mm more in my travel photography. By the way (OT), I was in CP today and tried the newly launched Leica CM. Very nice camera and look like a smaller version of the M series. Although, a little thick in depth but the overall weight is quite light. Quoted S$1550 including GST. As someone mentioned in an earlier thread it is still a reasonable price. Since the price of a Leica M series 50mm lens alone is much more than this Leica CM (40mm/F2.4). Happy Lunar New Year to all at CS. Cheers

[SzennyBoy]

Originally Posted by waileong Sigh... it's not a reasonable price when you compare with US price, or even with hksupplies.com...

Definitely cheaper compared to the UK... approx. $2150 SGD!