1.4x, 1.25x viewfinder magnifiers on an M2

[ChiILX1]

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Hi everyone,

I'm been loving the experience of shooting with my M2 and film. I can't believe I put with all that digital frustration and substandard quality. Now that film is here, I can't imagine how I ever lived without it! I'm never going 'back'

 

Only problem is that shooting in low light with my glasses on with moving subjects is a five minute activity. On top of that, even with contacts on and in low light, I still have difficulty focusing and have missed a few that I thought were in focus at the time.

 

My questions are:

 

1) Do these magnifiers help?

2) Do they cut out the 50mm framelines (I only have a 90 and a 50 so that would end my inquiry)

3) Are they not good to use for some reason I'm not foreseeing?

4) Is it just that I'm not used to the M2 only having it a month and would prefer shooting without the magnifier if I give myself more time- should they be avoided if possible?

5) What's the advantage to shooting with both eyes open - what's that like (possible with the 1.4x)

6) Will the M2 still fit in the vintage case I have for it if these are attached?

7) What do you think of the 1.25x vs the 1.4x for 50 and 90mm photography?

 

Thanks everyone.

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[ChiILX1]

Does anyone have a picture of the view through the viewfinder with these magnifiers and framelines visible? Thanks.

[johnloumiles]

I actually just asked a similar question yesterday and got some responses. You can check it out here.

 

I have not used magnifiers but that might now be the solution for low light. More along the lines of lighting up the illumination window.

[ChiILX1]

John,

Yes it is similar and low light was one of the reasons I was considering the magnifiers. It would increase the size of the rangefinder patch and therefore make it easier to see if it's in focus or not.

 

Can anyone answer my questions above?

[a.noctilux]

Hello,

 

My tale of "magnifier x1.25":

 

I love to take pictures with my M3 and 50mm (even Noctilux f/1).

 

When I use M8 (from 2007) I need the Mag. X1.25 that came with Macro-Elmar-M 90.

With that M8, I use it even with a 35mm...

 

I did not notice that the mag x1.25 was not usable at low light because the finder's contrast was very low.

 

And now with M9, I do not use it anymore.

The mag 1.25 is however put on my M6 (0.85) when I use Summilux 75mm and 50mm.

 

With M2 (0.72) this mag 1.25 let see 50mm frame but not 35's.

And contrast is very low for low light use.

 

 

Arnaud