Leica M10 upgraded/larger rangefinder ..............how is it??

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

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Question,

For those of you that ALREADY have the new M10 and previously had owned a Leica M9 or M240. 

 

How do you find the new redesigned rangefinder/viewfinder (not EVF).

• Is it easier to operate?
• How many frame lines can you see?
• is it brighter?
• What percentage would you give it over the M9/M240 for ease of use?

Thanks in advance for your feedback

 

Neil

[digitalfx]

It is a slight improvement, not major...but every little bit helps.

I wear glasses and still cant see the entire 35mm frame lines.

 

I shoot mostly wide open and have all Summilux glass...What I did notice though is that my percentage of perfectly focused shots has increased dramatically.

I can see the rangefinder snap together easier with the M10 than I did with either the M9 or M240...so even though the RF doesn't appear dramatically brighter, it is easier to obtain critical focus for me. YMMV

 

I noticed this immediately when shooting the first few shots. But my experience is limited as the camera just arrived Friday and I haven't had a lot of time to shoot.

 

My first dozen or so shots had a 90% perfect focus rate...with the M240, it was closer to 50%

Im talking critical focus here, of course the percentage of shots that were acceptable was much higher. I need more time for a full assessment, but so far I'm impressed.

[matlep]

Didn´t think it was much difference to be honest. But I have only tried it for a short time. So I cant say anything about if it helps focus accuracy.

[Chaemono]

I only used it briefly in the the store, and I agree, a slight improvement as far as focusing is concerned. But unlike with the M240 where I would go back and forth with the RF patch to make sure the focusing is precisely to the point where I wanted it to be with the M10 I could tell right away. It seems the RF patch has better contrast.

[sblitz]

I only used it briefly in the the store, and I agree, a slight improvement as far as focusing is concerned. But unlike with the M240 where I would go back and forth with the RF patch to make sure the focusing is precisely to the point where I wanted it to be with the M10 I could tell right away. It seems the RF patch has better contrast.

 

 

Pretty much of the same opinion.....nice and bright, frame lines were white, patch seemed smaller which was okay as it left more room around the 90mm and 135mm frame lines, could slightly see around the 28mm frame lines but not by enough to herald it as a big deal -- this is all without glasses on. Can focus using the LV screen in the back with focus peaking, not sure why one would need an EVF but different strokes, etc.....

[digitalfx]

But unlike with the M240 where I would go back and forth with the RF patch to make sure the focusing is precisely to the point where I wanted it to be with the M10 I could tell right away. 

 

 

I agree...with the M10, the rangefinder really pops when you hit focus. I find that I am able to nail focus much quicker.

[hexx]

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If you compare RF patch with some of the film bodies, is it smaller/bigger? I have M6TTL 0.72x and I find VF brighter and RF patch a bit larger than on my M240.

[digitalfx]

not sure why one would need an EVF but different strokes, etc.....

 

honestly not sure why anyone would not think this is a great "option" to have. An option is something that enhances the use of a product and thats exactly what the EVF provides.

It expands the M camera lens arsenal. Without it how would you shoot with a macro lens for example? or even a simple close focus adapter? It gives you options in less than perfect rangefinder conditions (low light, very busy scenes, etc).

LV which exists for the EVF, allows you to shoot without your eye on the RF...all of this is a good thing.

There are times when its either impossible or extremely difficult to focus with a rangefinder...and having another option in these situations makes the M more valuable.

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

I agree...with the M10, the rangefinder really pops when you hit focus. I find that I am able to nail focus much quicker.

 

That sounds good

[Guest]

Indeed that does sound good. As with the 240/262 I found it difficult when I tried them in the streets of Zürich as demo from Leica shop. I am going to test the M10 soon.

[Tobers]

I did a comparison of the size of the patch on the M-240 and the M10 while in Leica Mayfair.

 

They both appear to be the same size. Seeing how much of a target subject (a nice illuminated shelf of shiny new Leica stuff) the rangefinder patches in each camera covered, they both covered the same.

[jrp]

The viewfinder in the M10 is a bit bigger and a bit brighter, but focusing / framing with your SL if you have glasses or lenses wider than 35mm is much much easier.

[tom0511]

Didn´t think it was much difference to be honest. But I have only tried it for a short time. So I cant say anything about if it helps focus accuracy.

 

same here

[tom0511]

I agree...with the M10, the rangefinder really pops when you hit focus. I find that I am able to nail focus much quicker.

I dont feel that I can see a serious difference so far.

[bocaburger]

I know sometimes confusion results from the subtleties of translation from German to English, so having not yet had a chance to handle an M10 yet, my question is by "larger" is Leica referring to the eyepoint being increased so as to provide a greater peripheral view, or does it simply refer to the increase in magnification from .68 to .72?

[matlep]

The latter i think.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I know sometimes confusion results from the subtleties of translation from German to English, so having not yet had a chance to handle an M10 yet, my question is by "larger" is Leica referring to the eyepoint being increased so as to provide a greater peripheral view, or does it simply refer to the increase in magnification from .68 to .72?

 

Both.

 

I finally had a chance to play with one at the Leica Store. I spent a good hour with the camera. I had my 240 with a 50 'lux and the M10 had a 50 black chrome lux on it.

 

The M10's viewfinder is larger. You can see more around the frame. This was noticeable. If you shoot 35mm and wider you'll immediately appreciate the extra breathing room around the frames.

 

The magnification was less noticeable to me. I could see it when comparing directly but it was a subtle difference. Then I put a 135mm on the M 10 and immediately it was easier to focus than on the type 240. So if you're longer lens shooter you might get some benefit. With a 50mm I found the M10 to be easier until I swapped lenses. Turns out I love the way the black chrome 'lux feels and focuses. It was better damped and doesn't have a focus tab. I'm now the proud owner of another 50 'lux......... So with a 50mm I am just as happy with my type 240.

 

I am far more likely to get an M10 now than I was before I handled the camera.

 

Gordon

[exile]

I also tried the M10 in store. I had my M9 with me so was able to compare directly. The viewfinder on the M10 is better, no doubt, but it is by no means a world of difference. Think in terms of an incremental improvement as part of the evolution and refinement of the digital M.