x1.35 magnifier works with 35mm and 50mm lenses on M240

[dugby]

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For some time my ageing eyes were having difficulty RF focussing through the OVF.

 

So I bought the MS-MAG x1.35 magnifier.  It works wonderfully with a 50mm  and to my surprise the 35mm frame lines are still visible.

 

The OVF image in my M240 is now so much sharper.

 

The beauty of the Japanese version, is that the optics are high grade and includes dioptre adjustments of -3.0 to +1.5

http://tinyurl.com/lrcvv5f

 

 

I am so much happier now.

 

[jaapv]

Reading this, I would say that the correct dioptre would be even better for you.

[bocaburger]

It was weird, for several years I had to use a +1 diopter on my Leica's and Rolleiflexes in addition to my glasses.  (I am very nearsighted, so using just a diopter is a PITA).  Then I got my eyes reexamined (because of mid- and close-range difficulties) and new glasses.  I noticed my distance vision wasn't as acute as it had been with my old glasses, and had to take the diopters off the cameras.  Recently got new glasses again, and right away noticed my Leica's were difficult to focus.  I put the +1 diopters back on and all was sharp again. So yes, the right diopter makes a world of difference.

[thighslapper]

Jaap has a longstanding downer on magnifiers ...... and I have to admit I found Leicas a bit useless and some others equally problematic ...

 

.... but as you say .... the Japan Exposures 1.35 is optically very good ..... crisp contrasty image and well corrected .... and the advantage of being able to perfectly correct to your eyes with the variable diopter .... and is in a different league to the others available (don't get the matching 1.15 ..... it's terrible ....)

 

A WORD OF WARNING: 

 

The dioptre adjustment on these can be a bit loose ..... and they have a habit of unscrewing and vanishing if you carry the camera on a strap and it rubs against your clothing .... I know ...... I have lost 3 this way .

 

Unless very stiff indeed I suggest you fit a rubber/neoprene 'O' ring ...... just tight enough to stop rotation but not so tight as to stop adjustment ......  something around the 22mm outside 19mm inside diameter and 3mm thick is about right:

 

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[dugby]

Thankyou for the responses.   Before making my purchase I had used the fora's search capability, and learnt of the many options and opinions about the 1.25, 1.4 and 1.35 options both with either "stand-alone fixed" or "built-in variable" dioptres.

 

What was not clear to me in the history of the appends I found, was whether the magnifiers would accomodate 35mm frame lines. Obviously they will accomodate the more tele focal lengths.

 

My experience at a Leica boutique confirmed that for a non-spectacle user,the 1.25x easily accomodates the 35mm frame lines, but the 1.4x did not.  There was a non-conclusive forum append that indicated that the 1.35x might work with 35mm frame lines, only when the eye is pushed up against the glass.

 

I can confirm that the 1.35x magnifier is usable with the M240's 35mm frame line, WITHOUT my eye pushed onto the glass.

 

Whilst I am aware of the Leica fixed dioptre option,  my eye sight is like many, whereby my dioptre requirements are variable throughout the day and year.  Some days I need to use my reading spectacles for short periods ( couple hours ),  on other occassions I can go two to four weeks without requiring my specs. My eyes have been like this for 10 years.

 

So the variable dioptre option is really my most desirable choice. From what I understand the non Leica product that I bought is the only high quality optical option with a variable dioptre.

 

Interestingly, I note that both my Leica Digilux 2 and Leica Digilux 3 both have variable dioptres, which encouraged me to pursue my MS-MAG choice. It's disappointing that Leica OVF design engineers did not extend this feature to the M consumer, who are the most likely target audience. Or maybe they realised the after sales option is more profitable.........

 

As for the o-ring end-user modification, thankyou for your reminder (which I had originally observer in my previous searches).

 

 

Finally for the M240 user, the 0.68 x 1.35 = 0.91 provides an almost life sized image in the OVF

[satijntje]

Thanks for the information, which is very useful

Just placed an order to get one of these 1.35 magnifiers with diopters as well.

3-6 days shipping for 175 Euro in total.

I hope that the little piece is not hold up at German customs :-)

Cheers

John