Blurred vision.

[Fairkid]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello learned leicaphiles. I have a new to me M6 .85 and I am finding the finder to be very unsure of itself. Lots of flare, double vision, lack of sharpness. I've experienced other Ms (2,5,8,9) without issue and i'm wondering if this could be a 6 thing or if the finder could be out of whack? I can focus with it but it feels like I'm having to move my eye around in order to see what I need to.

 

Is this why people upgrade the m6 finder to an MP one or could I have an issue with my camera?

[madNbad]

Finder flare is common for the M6 and from what I understand the .85 is one of the worst offenders but as with all of the other finder magnifications, should only happen under certain lighting conditions. Strong side light or backlighting are the most common. The other issues you mention sounds like something caused a misalignment in the rangefinder. If you plan on sending it off to have it looked at the upgrade to the MP style finder is highly recommended.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Fairkid]

Thanks for getting back to me. I think I need to use it for a while and see the results before I assume anything. The view just doesn't feel as clear as my M9 or M2.

 

I have mainly been shooting indoors too which might not be the best testing ground.

 

It is a lovely camera though. My 50 lux feels like it's found its home.

[too old to care]

I bought my M6TTL .085 new in the 90s and did not understand the flair issue until recently. I picked up a used M9 and instantly knew what everyone was talking about, I loved the viewfinder. I passed on buying the M9, but I am thinking of upgrading my M6, and I think you would find equal satisfaction if you upgraded yours. You are right, the camera is a lovely piece of equipment.

[250swb]

Lots of flare, double vision, lack of sharpness.

 

If you have two images projected in the finder and the image looks un-sharp in the finder there is clearly a mechanical problem.

 

If on the other hand you haven't yet found the natural place to centre your eye when looking into the finder so you can see everything clearly and focus the image accurately that should come with experience. And yes, the M6 finder does flare sometimes for some people. Usually simply moving your eye a fraction will stop the flare of the focusing patch, some people do this without thinking and to all intents and purposes flare as a problem never registers with them. But realistically the M6 has been used by tens of thousands of photographers both amateurs and professionals and occasional flare is only a show stopper for a very few.

 

Steve

[Fairkid]

On reflection I think the latter is the main contributor. Moving eye position seems to have a much greater impact on the image clarity than on my other Ms. I'm sure it will get easier the more I shoot with it.

 

Many thanks for all your replies.

[250swb]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Also make sure the camera hasn't had a dioptre for correcting eyesight fitted.

 

Steve

[Fairkid]

Funnily enough it did come with +2 diopter installed but I had removed it before first using the camera.