M8 and 24mm

[steamboat]

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One the unique things about the M8 is that it has a built-in viewfinder for the 24mm lens. I've been using the 21mm with the 21-24-28 finder and find that to be frustrating. The 21 on the M8 is a 28mm crop so the 28 finder should work but it doesn't seem very accurate. I've been using the M system since forever and the 21mm on full frame since the same time so I'm familiar that there's a bit of - how should we say - give and take with framing and the external viewfinders. I might be happier with the 28mm brightline finder if I can figure out what I've done with it. Anyway, for those of you with M8 and 24mm how does that built in finder work for you? It seems a bit close to the very edge of the frame so even without glasses it's a challenge to see entire field. There's no external finder for the 24mm on the M8, unless you use a 35mm and figure you'll get more. If I get the 24mm I'll get the Summilux (speed rules). How about the 24mm finder? Work for you? Thanks.

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[iedei]

I use my 21mm Elmarit without an external VF. I just use the perimeter (most outer edge) of the viewfinder and it is fairly accurate.....when shooting with a 21mm, i'm not usually overly concerned with exact framing anyways...and the built-in outer edge works perfectly for me! I also don't like adding extra parts to the camera, so i don't want an external vf sticking out.

[lct]

The 24mm framelines are visible w/o spectacles on my M8.2 but i have to roll the eyes for that. The entire VF is accurate enough for day to day use though. 21mm lenses need more guesstimating w/o accessory finder but are still usable with a bit of practice as suggested above.

[rob139]

I'm using the 24mm summilux without external viewfinder on my M8. No problem, the frame lines are accurate enough for me. I also have the 21-24-28mm viewfinder, but if I can do without it I will do that. It's a bit of a hassle to have to use both internal and external viewfinders.

And in case you use the summilux wide open, you need to focus for every shot because of the shallow depth of field.

 

You will not get more accurate framing with an external viewfinder than with the frame lines in the internal viewfinder.

[steamboat]

Good answers. Thanks.

I've used all built-in regular viewfinder with 21mm and it's okay. In another string a member (Gus?) suggested taping over the middle window so you don't get ANY viewfinder line markings. That's an interesting approach. Doesn't help with framing but less distracting.

The 24mm markings in viewfinder sounds like it works fine.

Any more comments are ofcourse appreciated.

[tobey bilek]

Frames lines are made for close distance accuracy.. For distance , there will be excess image. Do some calibration of the zoom finder for 10,15,25, feet ( between21 & 24 mm). White label is fine, then tape over to preserve it.

 

For perfect framing, I suggest a pro level Nikon which is even better than any frame lines ever put in a Leica. The one you have does not even have bright lines and is difficult to use because you never know if your eye is centered.

[lct]

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Frames lines are made for close distance accuracy.. For distance , there will be excess image...

You mean on the M8 i guess. No problem with the M8.2.

[jaapv]

With the M8.2 as well. The only difference is the distance of optimum accuracy is different which shifts the change.

[lct]

I don't remember on the M8 but the 24mm frame lines are indeed accurate at medium to long distance on the M8.2. The latter will just crop the pics a bit below 1.5 metre.

[tobey bilek]

All frame line on all M Cameras are made for one distance. There is inaccuracy at others distances.

 

The M8 was set extreme close focus, therefore infinity was off considerably. 8.2 was set for 3 meters, a compromise.

 

Should you have some original instruction books, they explain you use the frame insides for close work, frame out side for medium distance, and for infinity use some multiple of the frame line width, 1 or 2 probably.

 

This is not a camera defect, just how RF work. If it bothers you, buy a SLR with 100% viewfinder. They are prefect at any distance.

[steamboat]

I should have mentioned that it's the M8.2.

I bought my first M2 in mid 1960's. I bought it with a 21 f4 SA and chrome finder. So I have been doing this for a while. I presently own Nikon SLRs, DSLRs and used Canon DSLRs for sometime so I am familiar with how this stuff works.

After thinking about what everybody said - all great advice btw - I've punted for a bit on the 24 and am beating the 21mm into submission. This is the 21mm f2.8 Elmarit-M. I've taken the 21-24-28 finder off, taped over the middle window so the frame lines don't show and am back with regular viewfinder.

I appreciate all the comments and advice and will file it away for when I get a 24mm.

[lct]

...8.2 was set for 3 meters, a compromise...

2 metres, an excellent compromise IMO. Same for 28mm framelines on the M240 hopefully.

[luigi bertolotti]

One the unique things about the M8 is that it has a built-in viewfinder for the 24mm lens....Anyway, for those of you with M8 and 24mm how does that built in finder work for you?

 

I took a 24 (Elmarit asph) just for the reason that it was the "Full VF" lens for my M8, and didn't regret... I wear spectacles but with a bit of attitude is a comfortable framing.

 

Btw.... I have sold it 3 days ago... with M definitely in sight, I think that my 21 & 28 would have sent the 24 in the drawer.... I hesitated, for the well known golden rule about selling Leica lenses... but reason prevailed (moreover, I haven't a 24 VF), with a little help from the cost of M and from the absence of aesthetical motivations to keep it... my Elmarit 21 asph is virtually identical..

[Photoskeptic]

Just spent three days of shooting down south and used the 24 Elmar-M quite often on my M8.2. I bought the 24 knowing the framelines should be accurate and they are. Even if I get an FF M I'm not about to add a finder.

[ho_co]

There's no external finder for the 24mm on the M8, unless you use a 35mm and figure you'll get more.

 

Remember, both of the 24 mm external viewfinderss (18696 for D-Lux 4 and 12026/12027) include a second set of frame lines that take into account the M8/M8.2's cropped field of view.