Walterrxeyepice on M9

[algrove]

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It's worth pointing out that the eyepiece comes with a microfiber cloth for cleaning, but of course you can always use a t-shirt, too...

 

Or spit and T shirt.

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[gpwhite]

Having now shot all of my lenses on my M9 with the Walterrxeyepiece, I am delighted to report that the viewfinder correction really exceeds my expectations. I did encounter one surprising complication, which I will describe at the end of my comments below.

 

My hope for the rxeyepiece was that I could eliminate layering up the Leica magnifiers and correction diopters (-1.0 or more for me) that darkened the wonderful M viewfinder and constrained my viewing of the "shooting space." I also hoped for the Walterrxeyepiece sales pitch that correction of astigmatism would bring an obvious, visible benefit in focusing accuracy.

 

I started using a magnifier + diopter with my M9 because its shallower effective DOF (vs. M8) made my focusing at full aperture inconsistent... I even began to wonder about all of the posts one reads where someone feels that their M9 is not "calibrated" well enough to this lens or that lens. In particular, my 21 SX, which was outstanding on my M8, has been a real challenge on the M9 (at f/1.4 ~ f/2).

 

Well, using the rxeyepiece alone on my M9 (i.e., no magnifier), the results were spot on shooting my APO Telyt wide-open and distance to subject about 2.1m. Same thing for the 21SX, wide-open and distance to subject just about 1.3m. My 85 ZM Sonnar was also easy to focus correctly at f/2, although this lens needs to be stopped down to f/2.8 ~ f/4 to render depth. Because the APO Telyt and the 21 SX draw such beautiful images wide-open, they present a greater challenge to focus.

 

One complication that arises from the astigmatic correction in the rxeyepiece, however, is that the "horizon" for your fovea must be aligned squarely with the rxeyepiece. Of course, this makes sense given the shape of the correction lens. My problem is that with wide-angle lenses, in particular, I often try to hold the M lower to the ground than I can comfortably crouch down to. Thus, I have a habit looking into the viewfinder from a crooked angle (as one can do focusing an SLR). When I tried that technique with the rxeyepiece, I was not able to make the focus patch pop at all and soon realized that I messing up the whole idea behind the Walter Rx idea. Perhaps, as an option, they should offer those knee and elbow pads that sports photographers use with their 600 f/4 lenses, .

 

I also encountered the smudging problem that algrove mentioned in his last post on this thread. It is quite comfortable to press your brow right up against the smooth, wide mount of the rxeyepiece and try to gain the full width of the M9 viewfinder FOV. Since I keep a lens cloth handy to de-smear my LCD (for excessive pixel and WB peeping), I just wipe off the back of the rxeyepiece from time to time.

 

Summing up, I find the rxeyepiece to be simply wonderful. It has reconnected me with the Leica-ness of my M9 and made all of my lenses easy to use wide-open (21 SX, 28 SM, 35 SX, 50 SX, 85ZM and 135 APO).

 

Peter

 

P.S. I paid full price and have no connection with Jean-Louis Beck et al. Delivery to SF Bay Area took 17 days from date of order entry.

[algrove]

 

One complication that arises from the astigmatic correction in the rxeyepiece, however, is that the "horizon" for your fovea must be aligned squarely with the rxeyepiece. Of course, this makes sense given the shape of the correction lens. My problem is that with wide-angle lenses, in particular, I often try to hold the M lower to the ground than I can comfortably crouch down to. Thus, I have a habit looking into the viewfinder from a crooked angle (as one can do focusing an SLR). When I tried that technique with the rxeyepiece, I was not able to make the focus patch pop at all and soon realized that I messing up the whole idea behind the Walter Rx idea. Perhaps, as an option, they should offer those knee and elbow pads that sports photographers use with their 600 f/4 lenses, .

 

Peter.

 

As I read your post I was wondering if the 90 degree viewfinder that comes with the 90 Elmar-macro would help here. I am a long way from home where my 90 degree viewfinder is , but will check that out once I arrive home in 2 days.

[JazzDoc]

I purchased the Walter Rx Leica-M eyepiece a few months ago. Everything I

have to say about it merits superlatives.

 

It enables me to use my 21,35, 50, 75 and 90mm M lenses with clarity and focus precision. I needed the correction for astigmatism as well as diopter.

Miraculous device, especially with its rotation mechanism, since I often shoot in portrait

format.

 

If you have any reservations about purchasing the eyepiece, set them to rest

- you will not be disappointed. Is eagle-eye vision and focus accuracy with

your expensive Leica camera and lenses worth a few hundred dollars to you? I cannot imagine anyone saying "no".

 

I would now be lost without mine. Fantastic accessory.

[Double Negative]

Right on, Mark.

[thetoness]

My experience has been identical to Mark's-the eyepiece has made all the difference in the world when focusing. Great accessory.

[algrove]

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The Walter finally gave me the hit rate I want. I like it so much I will now order the screw in model so I can change it between my M's.