Disappointed by Visoflex type 20 -- any optical option around for the X-113?

[Nicoboss76]

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I just got the visoflex 020 a week ago now.

I did really think hard before investing so much money in it – the M10 definitely jumped up the price... or is it exchange rate? the Euro is not what it was a year ago

 

Regardless, I have to say that I am very disappointed so far. 

I've had the X 113 for a year now and was really looking forward to this as the next step in the experience, helping me frame and focus better.

 

Well, it's been only a week, but here is what I have to say after shooting 100+ random images in all sorts of conditions: I do not like it one bit. 

The GPS is not working

The eye sensor is not good at all -- I wear glasses so it's not helping, but even with contact lensesI basically most of the time have to cup one hand around the viewfinder to activate it! it's just to sensitive to environment light and I really wish that, like all other manufacturers of such product, they had integrated a manual switch to the device, I just don't get it.

 

Or make the option available in the menu, I don't care. All we need is a firmware update and it could fix.

 

This thing was extremely expensive and yes, it is beautiful to look through it, super clear, no lag, etc. -- but for me this is a return, unfortunately, and I will try an optical one instead. 

I don't see any justification of the price. This is just a jacked up accessory that they know everybody want and a smart way for them to get nice profits.

 

 

Anybody else had the same experience?

 

Should I stick to it a bit longer to get used to it?

 

Finally, what optical should I look into for the 113?

 

 

[DwF]

I have had mine for a while and use it occasionally with my X 113. Fortunately, mine showed up "like new" for a great price on Craigslist.  Wearing glasses does not interfere for me, and the Viso is especially nice to have in bright weather.  I like my M cameras without 'live view' but using the screen most of the time on the X113 works nicely. And including manual focus which I find useful even using the screen with the magnification feature.

 

I also have an optical finder, and when I put that on, I have to adjust my shooting back to eye-level using this camera. Once I make that switch mentally as I walk with my camera, it works well too. I've learned to focus holding the camera slightly away from my eye in the finder so I confirm focus, quickly frame and shoot. The X1 was better in this regard as the green light was easy to see with eye pressed to optical finder....but you asked about Viso!

 

David

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[Jethro]

Sorry to hear about your experience and I was likewise wondering whether the Viso 020 would be a worthwhile investment. I have been using a bright Zeiss 35mm optical viewfinder for my X 113 (bought as new on eBay for £200) which works well in daylight and frames (almost) accurately. The problem of course is the guesswork in focusing and the hit rate is not absolute. In dark conditions and on a tripod I use the screen although as an M user I do instinctively prefer optical viewfinders.

[DwF]

Sorry to hear about your experience and I was likewise wondering whether the Viso 020 would be a worthwhile investment. I have been using a bright Zeiss 35mm optical viewfinder for my X 113 (bought as new on eBay for £200) which works well in daylight and frames (almost) accurately. The problem of course is the guesswork in focusing and the hit rate is not absolute. In dark conditions and on a tripod I use the screen although as an M user I do instinctively prefer optical viewfinders.

Jethro,

 

If you stick to auto focus with optical finder and can finesse seeing the green on the screen as the lens sets focus, this works really well. For very close in to a subject and wide aperture, I back my face away as I am focusing from the finder just enough to see the screen using peripheral vision and then frame and shoot.

 

David

[danmitch]

I have had one for a while - I bought it at the same time as the camera and have it on the camera probably more than half the time, despite feeling it is un ugly lump. It works for me in "slow situations" and for those photos I prefer it to the back LCD screen, but it is not fast to activate (I am also a glasses wearer). I don't believe a firmware update will happen now but what I would have looked for would also have been a way to switch permanently to the EVF so it was always on / ready. It is a nice addition but not even close to built in EVFs on other modern cameras. I have also never been able to get the GPS to work. 

[TheBogart]

Yep. No GPS, but the shooting experience is fantastic. I wear glasses and I don't have problems. The Visoflex 020 it's a great companion to my X typ 113.

[rjans]

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I don't see any justification of the price. This is just a jacked up accessory that they know everybody want and a smart way for them to get nice profits.

 

 

Anybody else had the same experience?

 

Should I stick to it a bit longer to get used to it?

 

Finally, what optical should I look into for the 113?

 

 

It was earlier in a thread that the GPS did not work and I not need it. I got a second hand X 113 and did not want to spent so much money on the electronic viewfinder. So, I ended up with a Voigtländer 35 mm silver optical viewfinder, it matches my X 113. It's good for landscape, for portraits I set the camera on face detection and indoors I mostly use the screen of the camera. 

 

Best

[DS1969]

I have had my X 113 for a year now, purchased second hand from Red Dot in London.

 

I considered both an optical viewfinder, and the Viso. 

 

However after a year of just using the rear screen, and manual focusing almost all of my images, I have decided not to spend any money on either solution - I have put the cash in the bank, and I have started a Q fund. As Leica seem to have no urgency to replace the X with an update version with an EVF, then I feel that is my best option going forward. 

 

And for those who have looked at the new CL - I do not see that as the answer to my fixed lens camera conundrum.. 

[DwF]

I had hands-on with the CL Saturday. The camera was handed to me (at Leica Store -Bellevue, WA) with a very hefty 35mm Summilux T. This is a combo I would not consider but when I attached the 18-56 Vario Elmar, it balanced very nicely on the CL. I would consider the CL with the new 23mm Summicron. The Viso 020 IMO is a nice addition to the X, although I often just use the screen too as it works well especially with focus assist in manual mode.

 

 

[mikeodial]

I use the EVF2 which is expensive but an essential aid for focusing on the camera. I wish the X Vario had a built in EVF, perhaps its only great failing. See if you can try an EVF2 and I think you might find it satisfactory. 

[wda]

Not sure EVF2 works with the x113.

[Lawrence A.]

Late to this, but wanted to add my two cents worth. I love the viewfinder but also cannot get the GPS to work. I used my X1 with the optical finder and enjoyed it, but this is a step up for me, especially if I want to focus manually. It's prohibitively expensive, but came with the used kit.

 

[Einst_Stein]

The only choices are VF020 and uncoupled optical view finder. 

No need to talk much about pros and cons. 

Pick any one, and start to complain!

[plasticman]

I agree with a lot of what's been already written in the thread: the view through the Visoflex is really excellent (on my Leica T) and totally transformed my experience of the camera - in that respect I can wholeheartedly recommend it. But the eye-sensor is woefully terrible (I don't wear glasses) and has even meant that I've missed some shots (especially fast-moving moments with the kids).

When on vacation - typically somewhere sunny and especially bright - raising the camera to your eye, and trying to get the Visoflex to operate involves holding your spare hand clumsily over the whole unit, and waiting a few seconds for it to operate. Would be so nice to have the viewfinder as the default view when taking photographs - totally inexplicable that no firmware update has implemented this option.