Leica M6

[David Reynolds]

Could someone explain the difference between a 0.72 and a 0.85 viewfinder. Hopefully in plain english.
Thanks

 

[Alan9940]

0.85 viewfinder has a longer effective base length which, theoretically, leads to more accurate focus. It also provides a more "magnified" viewfinder which some prefer. For example, the 35mm framelines are easily seen with the 0.72, but are right to the edges with the 0.85. I would guess that eyeglass wearers would have a difficult time seeing the 35mm lines on a 0.85.

 

[madNbad]

This should help: http://blog.ricecracker.net/2011/04/23/leica-m-body-viewfinder-framelines/

 

[David Reynolds]

Thank you Allan 9940 and madNbad for info on framelines. As a user of M3 M4 & 111f this was never an issue. I guess the use of viewfinders that mounted in the flash shoe were the early forms of changing the framelines.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

Hey David, it also depends which lenses you would like to work with.
If you shoot with a 50mm a lot, then get the 85 viewfinder. It has no lines for the 28mm however, and is a little tight with the 35mm.
If you shoot with a 28mm a lot, then get the 58.
If you shoot with the 35mm, then the 72, or maybe the 85

 

[beemermark]

Thank you Allan 9940 and madNbad for info on framelines. As a user of M3 M4 & 111f this was never an issue. I guess the use of viewfinders that mounted in the flash shoe were the early forms of changing the framelines.

The M3 & M4 VF are 0.72x

 

[mshchem]

The M3 & M4 VF are 0.72x

M3 is the highest magnification. You need the 35mm with goggles to frame through viewfinder.

 

[David Reynolds]

M3 is the highest magnification. You need the 35mm with goggles to frame through viewfinder.

I Use a 35MM f3.5 Summaron with googles on my M3

 

[mshchem]

I Use a 35MM f3.5 Summaron with googles on my M3

Googles?

 

[quine666]

The M3 is 0.91x.

 

[David Reynolds]

Auto correct claims another victim. Sorry about that.

 

[Huss]

Googles?

The 35mm Summaron f 3.5 (and I think f2.8 also ) is available in a version that has goggles. This changes the magnification in the M3's vf to match a 35mm viewpoint, so you can use the 35mm lens accurately.
Here on my M3:

 

[beemermark]

I meant the M2 & M4 have .72x magnification. As stated the M3 is .91X.

 

[mshchem]

I got out one of my old Leica catalogues. They describe the M3 viewfinder as being "lifesize image" as noted there was 3 different 35mm lenses with "goggles" supplementary viewing lenses. 35mm Summilux f1.4, 35mm Summicron f2.0, 35mm Summaron f2.8. For the 50mm Summicron there was a Dual Range model with "goggles" that allowed the M3 to focus down to approximately 19 inches.
The M2 description says 3/4 lifesize viewfinder. It had bright-line frames for 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm. Also at the time it was the only camera that took the Leicavit rapid winder.
I had a M2 with the 50mm 1.4 lens, I foolishly sold it. Such a great camera. I had a M6ttl black chrome 50mm Summicron 0.72x finder. I sold it, didn't like the finder.
Finally settled on a Chrome (silver) M6ttl, bought this in the last 5 years, new in the box, a dealer in Japan had 10 identical cameras.
This camera has the 0.85x finder, which is perfect for me. I bought a 6 bit 50mm Summicron, in silver, 35mm Summicron ASPH I in silver, and a 90mm chrome made by ELCAN Summicron, one of the prettiest lenses I've seen, and it's got great coatings. State of the Art for 1963.
I love the 0.85x but if you intend to use 28mm lenses the 0.72x or even the 0.58x makes sense.
I really like rangefinder cameras, I have medium format rangefinders as well. Lots of fun.
The celebrities wearing Leicas as jewelry has absorbed a lot of the good buys.

 

[mshchem]

 

[mshchem]

 

[Huss]

I got out one of my old Leica catalogues. They describe the M3 viewfinder as being "lifesize image" as noted there was 3 different 35mm lenses with "goggles" supplementary viewing lenses. 35mm Summilux f1.4, 35mm Summicron f2.0, 35mm Summaron f2.8..

And yet my photo above shows a 35mm Summaron f3.5 with goggles.

 

[David Reynolds]

At one time I had a 35mm Summaron F2.8 and still have a f3.5. Both with goggles and used with my M3. Mistakenly I sold the f2.8 which I regret now.

 

[mshchem]

Here's a 1934 5 cm Summaron f 2. Aperture is marked f 2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5. Distance is in meters
Leica III (model F)

 

[David Reynolds]

This is my 1952 Leica 111f with a Summarit 50mm f1.5 I love this model

 

[mshchem]

This is my 1952 Leica 111f with a Summarit 50mm f1.5 I love this model

View attachment 264056

Nice, you had to have money to buy one of these in the day. Especially with the Super fast lens

 

[gradientprime]

The VF magnification on my M3 is perfect for 50 and great for 90, the .72x on the M6 is really good for 35! and a little too magnified for 28, but it still works well

 

[Sirius Glass]

Here's a 1934 5 cm Summaron f 2. Aperture is marked f 2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5. Distance is in meters
Leica III (model F)
View attachment 264049

This is my 1952 Leica 111f with a Summarit 50mm f1.5 I love this model

View attachment 264056

Maybe my eyesight is fading, but neither of these seem to look like a Leica M6. Can someone help me with the vision?

 

[David Reynolds]

Maybe my eyesight is fading, but neither of these seem to look like a Leica M6. Can someone help me with the vision?

The topic started with the M6 and its various viewfinders but soon evolved as a discussion about frame lines and magnified viewfinders on all Leica cameras. Some on M6's also M3's. My 111f with the Summarit 50mm is an example of a viewfinder that provides100% of the image. No goggles no frame lines. Also I wanted to show off my 111f. which i consider one of the finest Leica's produced to date.

 

[matthewm]

I spoke with a photographer at one point that said he was primarily a 35mm focal length shooter and sort of treated the .85 at a 35mm field of view and sort of ignored the frame lines. Not sure how smart this was, but seeing the link above, it looks to me like .85 pushes those 35mm frame lines almost to the edge so maybe this is a great way of quick shooting with a 35? I'm currently on the hunt for an M6 and was hoping for the .72 because I'm a 35mm focal length person, but I'd probably be fine with the .85, honestly.