Leica X1 external viewfinder

[Jonathan Bogais]

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I've used an X1 for nearly a year, very satisfied with it. I'm considering buying the external viewfinder as the brightness of the light on the screen makes it impossible to see what I'm doing. I often work in the harsh Australian sun conditions taking images of people. Can someone explain to me how the viewfinder works first, if the image I see on the viewfinder matches what the lens is looking at; and, if it's worth spending a considerable amount of money for such an accessory. I have no intention replacing my X1, which is great for what I do. I'm also using an M6. Thanks. Jonathan

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[earleygallery]

The viewfinder will work just like your M6, but without the rangefinder of course and parallax correction.

[wda]

Jonathan, Welcome to the Forum!

 

Much has been written in this forum about the OVF for the X1. I encourage you to search the forum and you will find a lot of information relevant to your questions. Briefly, the X1 external viewfinder is a simple, but precision, optical viewfinder which gives a bright image highly suitable for framing your shots. Unlike EVF, there is no other information displayed in the finder. Focus confirmation is a green light on the back of the camera which is visible when you are framing through the finder. There is slight parallax error at close ranges; an etched alternative top of frame mark is there for your correction. With practice it works extremely well.

[robert blu]

I use most of time the external VF and as already said with some practice you learn how to deal with the parallax error at close distances. Only for vertical shots at close distance it is useful to learn to turn the camera always on the same side and after a short practicing time your framing will be ok.

robert

[Steve Lane]

I have just sent my finder back to the supplier as I could not get on with it; As I shoot in Aperture Priority mode nearly all of the time, I could not understand how the finder would benefit me. I found I was having to look at the rear screen to check my shutter speed before composing my picture. Similar problem when using spot metering. So, as I found I was needing to use the screen a lot, the viewfinder seemed redundant.

 

Having said that, it looked superb attached to the camera and is very well made - just not for me.

[HeinzX]

I had the viewfinder together with my X 1 (in the meantime all sold). I found it useful for quick shots (i.e. street with hyperfocal focussing) and for situations, where the pic of the monitor was difficult to see because of to much bright light from the wrong side. I had it with me in a small case of leather delivered with the case for the X 1. All in all - useful in some cases - but not a must.

[Aperture 2]

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I have the external viewfinder and I find it usefull as it allows to take pictures in full sun.

While there is no parallax correction you have indication lines showing the frame at infinity and at closest range so it is not difficult to manage. Another advantage is that the non usage of live view (and maybe also of automatic review) shoul increase a lot the battery autonomy.