Anyone using VF magnifier on M9?

[jlam]

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I'm considering getting a magnifier for my (soon to have) M9. The lenses I'll be using are 18mm, 50 lux, and 90 cron. The magnifier will be primarily for the 50 and 90.

 

Should I get the Leica 1.25x or 1.4x (or an after-market 1.25x or 1.35x)?

 

I've read that with the 1.4x one can't see outside the 50mm frameline but it allows both eyes to be open. Since the total magnification is not exactly 1.0x (but 0.95x), is it really comfortable to have both eyes open? If so what are the advantages?

 

Joseph

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[jaapv]

It is a personal thing. I find I focus more accurately without a magnifier (but with the appropriate diopter!)

[jonoslack]

HI Joseph

I'm with Jaap here - I've tried using multipliers, but for me the joy of the M is to have a unified view. I found that I can focus okay with a 90, and really easily with a 50 (and shoot with my eyes open).

 

I actually use contact lenses rather than a dioptre . . . . but maybe you don't have old git vision problems anyway!

[Gentleman Villain]

It is a personal thing. I find I focus more accurately without a magnifier (but with the appropriate diopter!)

 

Hi Jaapv, my knowledge of the diopters is a bit fuzzy. What diopters would you recommend in combination with which focal lengths? Thanks

 

I've never quite felt right about the magnifiers.

[JPH1962]

Hi there

I wear glasses with correction for close and normal view. On the M9 is use occasionally the Leica 1.4x. I appreciate it for the 90 cron and the 135 Elmar. On lenses up to 75 I do not need it. When focussing at close distance I appreciate it on the mentioned longer lenses.

 

JPH

[haroldp]

I tried 1.25X ( with 50 cron and 90 elmarit on M8 ) and while it felt good, examination in detail showed that my focus was at least as good or marginally better with just the naked finder. M9 has less magnification so might be different, but I have not yet used anything longer than 50 on my M9.

 

Could just be my eyes ??

 

Regards .... H

[jagsiva]

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I use the 1.4x with the Nocti 0.95 and Cron 90 F2. Makes focus a lot easier, particularly in low-light when I most use these lenses. I also find that the framelines more suited for these focal lenths. This is even more critical when I want to focus on a particular part of the face etc. sinc the DOF is quite narrow.

 

For simple and light, I ususally go with 35/50 cron and don't really see the need for the mag.

[wlaidlaw]

I am using one of Dirk Rosler's 1.15x ones with variable diopter. It is a bit marginal at 28mm but you can just about manage. It certainly helps at 50mm and above and I like the variable diopter feature.

 

This is not foolproof as the diopter seems to require slightly different adjustments for very close and distant focus distances. I am not sure why this is as the VF should always produce a virtual image at 2 meters but others have found the same thing.

 

Wilson

[Googaliser]

I use the 1.4x with the Nocti 0.95 and Cron 90 F2. Makes focus a lot easier, particularly in low-light when I most use these lenses. I also find that the framelines more suited for these focal lenths. This is even more critical when I want to focus on a particular part of the face etc. sinc the DOF is quite narrow.

 

For simple and light, I ususally go with 35/50 cron and don't really see the need for the mag.

 

+1

[russell]

I just bought a 1.4x viewfinder. I started shooting with a M3 so I like the idea of 1:1. This lets me keep both eyes open and not have to squint. This gives a better rapport with your subject as well as extending the "area outside the framelines" as much as possible. Sure for the final touch-focus I squint but only at the last moment.

[jaapv]

Hi Jaapv, my knowledge of the diopters is a bit fuzzy. What diopters would you recommend in combination with which focal lengths? Thanks

 

I've never quite felt right about the magnifiers.

A diopter is basically your reading glasses strength minus 0.5. However, many users are more comfortable with slightly different strengths, so it is wise to experiment before ordering one.