About the M Viewfinder

[pgk]

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Yesterday I realised something which whilst it is both obvious and has been discussed before, is what (subconsciously) attracts me to the M camera. It is the context in which the viewfinder places the subject - at least with the 'mid' focal length lenses.

 

I have realised that when I compose my images with the M, I tend to not only view the subject matter within the framelines but also the surrounds and this influences my final composition in a way that shooting through other cameras does not. The M viewfinder does not isolate the subject in the same way as other viewfinders do, or at least not with the 35 and 50mm lenses which I use most of all. It actually contextualises the subject matter and adds influences which shift my perception of the subject matter.

 

I am not sure just what changed my perception of composition from subconsciously taking the surrounds into account to a conscious realisation that this is what I do, but something did and this made me realise that I compose differently with RF and SLR (or digital compact).

 

Obviously I am stating the obvious but it does no harm to do so if it acts as a reminder. However next time I see a comparison review of a Leica M vs. the latest, greatest dSLR I will probably consider that it is missing a vital point......

[giordano]

However next time I see a comparison review of a Leica M vs. the latest, greatest dSLR I will probably consider that it is missing a vital point......

 

If you use your right eye to look through the DSLR, just open the other eye to see what's happening outside the frame - though it's a trick that works better with the slimmer lenses of yore than with today's big fat ones.

[jpattison]

Paul,

This is (one of the many) features of the DMR which makes it so special. An DSLR with an M like finder.... bliss!

 

Regards,

John

[pgk]

If you use your right eye to look through the DSLR, just open the other eye to see what's happening outside the frame - though it's a trick that works better with the slimmer lenses of yore than with today's big fat ones.

I often do, but my right eye is my dominant eye and its just not the same I'm afraid.

[Messsucherkamera]

I have realised that when I compose my images with the M, I tend to not only view the subject matter within the framelines but also the surrounds and this influences my final composition in a way that shooting through other cameras does not. The M viewfinder does not isolate the subject in the same way as other viewfinders do, or at least not with the 35 and 50mm lenses which I use most of all. It actually contextualises the subject matter and adds influences which shift my perception of the subject matter.

I have found that being able to see what's going on outside the bright line in my viewfinder is a huge plus - it enhances my ability to anticipate and to compose the image when I can see what's going on outside the area that will be recorded on the negative. Yes, I can look thru the viewfinder with my right eye and watch the scene as a whole with my left eye - but for me, dong so is visually unsettling and distracts from my concentration.

 

Perhaps I just need more practice at the "looking with one eye, photographing with the other" technique. Do many others out there employ this method when photographing?

[earleygallery]

It matters not to me, I compose by sight, that is I see the image I want before any camera is put to my eye (or held out a la zombie).

[lct]

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Hard to shoot both eyes open with (d)SLRs & wide or tele lenses. Best experience is 1:1 rangefinders from this viewpoint.

[hamey]

Not with me, When looking through the range finder I am always trying to match or fill the frame lines with the subject unlike the SLR what I see is what I get and want.

 

But I must admit most M users are ONE EYED especially with the M9....... lol.

 

 

Ken.