1.4X viewfinder for 90 apo

[leica1215]

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Is it necessary to get it with the 90 APO? I am getting the 90 APO, not sure if I need this. how many of you actually using the 1.4x viewfinder for 90 lens?

 

Thanks

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[dpitt]

First of all, I think for 90mm focussing should be possible without magnification.

Even 135 mm is possible but requires practice.

 

Results with magnifiers vary. Some say it helps, others claim that what you gain in maginification is lost in contrast and brightness of the finder. 

Consensus is that a custom built in finder like a 0.85 on M6 and higher or the 0.95 on the M3 will help for sure.

[LocalHero1953]

It's not necessary for me, but of course it depends on your eyesight. I used the 1.4x for a while but in the end found the reduced view (overall, not for the small 90mm frame) and clarity were not compensated by easier focusing. I'm long sighted, wear contacts most of the time, and can manage without specs when I'm not wearing contacts. YMMV.

[leica1215]

Thanks all, guess only way to find out is try it myself. I am going to just get the lens first to see if I am okay with it.

[DTM]

I am looking at buying the 90 too. I wear bifocals and am not looking to get the 1.4x. I don't like focusing with live view but am thinking of getting the EVF. Would this help with focusing with the 90?

[fotofool]

I shoot with the APO 90 often.  When outside in daylight I can focus it with 100% confidence using the M240's rangefinder.  That's true with or without my glasses (progressive lens).  When shooting indoors with shallow DOF, like a window light portrait, I prefer using the EVF because focus is more precise but it really isn't necessary.  But I most often use this lens in a relatively dark studio with a remote flash trigger occupying the hot shoe.  Even with only the strobe's modeling lights I can usually nail the focus with the rangefinder, but I do have misses and I have to focus very slowly and deliberately.  I always wear my glasses under those conditions.

 

I would say if you typically shoot under daylight conditions and don't normally struggle with rangefinder focusing, you aren't going to have any trouble.

[jaapv]

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I never felt the need for a magnifier for a 90, but I have been known to use the EVF when in an utterly lazy mood...

[rob_w]

I purchased a 1.4 magnifier for my 90 APO but don't use it much.  (In fact you are welcome to buy it if you like ... ).  First of all I found it did not help with focusing, which is already achievable with the normal viewfinder.  Secondly, it improves composition by increasing the size in the viewfinder but not enough to make a difference in most situations.

 

With my M 240 I tried using the EVF for a while but for me it is quite a hassle since I don't use the EVF with my other lenses.  I guess if I had a dedicated photo shoot that required the 90 (e.g. sports photography at a distance) I would set up with the EVF and use it for the whole session.  (Paradoxically I find the EVF most useful for evaluating wide angle shots -- getting accurate boundaries and upright perspectives.)

 

My main complaint with the 90 APO is that it is large and does not balance well on the body because a lot of its weight is towards the front.  If I had my time over I would make do with the 2.8 instead, which I used to own.  The 90 APO is a wonderful lens optically but not one I leave on the camera very often.

 

PS I am another progressive lens user and wear my glasses while using the M.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I agree almost entirely with Rob. The 1.4x finder doesn't do a huge amount to increase focus accuracy but it does help with composition because of the magnification.

 

I don't agree about the handling. I have a couple of 90's and don't find the Summicron a hassle at all. But I don't find a Noct a hassle either. The 90 f2 is an astounding lens and I wish I'd gotten mine earlier.

 

Gordon

[CheshireCat]

Are you sure you really want a 90 Cron ? I had one for a while and was disappointed so much that I returned it for the 75 Cron which is a better lens, lighter, and easier to focus. Just a little wider.

 

In any case, be sure to buy an EVF too.

[tobey bilek]

Useful for focusing 50 1.4 ,75, 90 135.    I have perfect vision, but find the .68 viewfinder  rf on my M8 and M9 difficult.  Never had issues with .72 M6.

 

What is nice is the view expands so 50 fills much more of the viewfinder.   90 is more improved, much like the M3.   

 

Faster and easier focusing comes with the increase.    I can focus without,  but extreme care is required taking way to much time.

 

I don`t notice any significant loss of contrast and certainly nothing like the goggles on an 35 or 135.

 

They are a pain to change when I change lenses.

[lct]

My surprise when receiving my new 90/2 apo was how relatively easy it can be to focus on the M240 compared to my 90/2 pre-apo so to answer the OP's question i don't need a magnifier in most cases. Now on a tripod, the EVF can be handy, especially for close focusing. As for the 75/2 it is a superb lens indeed but i don't find it easier to focus than the 90/2 apo and the latter's focusing action is smoother, as far as my samples are concerned at least, due to the lack of floating element in the 90 i suspect.