LEICA Visoflex 2, What do you think?

[SrMi]

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54 minutes ago, Jon Warwick said:

I’ve tried the Visoflex on my M10 Monochrom (and also the store’s M11 to see the benefit of the “full” EVF resolution). It certainly seemed to do the job fairly well, but as expected the view through the Visoflex 2 didn’t feel anywhere as near as big compared to how I remember my SL2’s EVF - if someone knows just how much bigger the image is when using the respective EVFs on the SL2 vs Visoflex 2, I’d be intrigued to know. If set up the camera on a tripod, I can envisage myself just using the LCD on the back of the camera for focus peaking instead. 
 

 

The Visoflex tilting functionality works especially well on a tripod: you can keep tripod lower and thus more stable and you see aperture setting at the same time (looking from above).

[Photoworks]

10 hours ago, Jon Warwick said:

I’ve tried the Visoflex on my M10 Monochrom (and also the store’s M11 to see the benefit of the “full” EVF resolution). It certainly seemed to do the job fairly well, but as expected the view through the Visoflex 2 didn’t feel anywhere as near as big compared to how I remember my SL2’s EVF - if someone knows just how much bigger the image is when using the respective EVFs on the SL2 vs Visoflex 2, I’d be intrigued to know. If set up the camera on a tripod, I can envisage myself just using the LCD on the back of the camera for focus peaking instead. 
 

 

I think it is the same EVF as the Q2.

I wish it had the resolution of the SL2, so that I could focus without magnification and make the process more responsive. I may be possible that there is a hardware limitation how much resolution they could drive true the camera.

I would have like an option of an eyecup accessory ,

[Photoworks]

Is anyone having  a problem in getting the screen switch working reliably ?

I find myself of them taking the Visoflex on and off multiple time in order to get an image.

Some times the eye sensor works but the screen keeps flashing...

I have tested another unit in the Leica Store and it seams more an issue of the EVF rather than the camera.

[jakontil]

3 hours ago, Photoworks said:

Is anyone having  a problem in getting the screen switch working reliably ?

I find myself of them taking the Visoflex on and off multiple time in order to get an image.

Some times the eye sensor works but the screen keeps flashing...

I have tested another unit in the Leica Store and it seams more an issue of the EVF rather than the camera.

Try to clean the contacts on the EVF? It happened with the 020 in the past

[DenverSteve]

I think it is a fantastic piece of kit that enhances the M11.  I've had zero functionality issues with mine and think it can be used when wanted, or needed, and stowed when not desired.  It's too bad that Leica hasn't yet incorporated an EVF into the M-11 like the CL and Q2 but I believe it's not too far off.  Until then, this is the best of both worlds - use it when you want and remove it when you prefer less buik.  

[Stevejack]

17 hours ago, DenverSteve said:

I think it is a fantastic piece of kit that enhances the M11.  I've had zero functionality issues with mine and think it can be used when wanted, or needed, and stowed when not desired.  It's too bad that Leica hasn't yet incorporated an EVF into the M-11 like the CL and Q2 but I believe it's not too far off.  Until then, this is the best of both worlds - use it when you want and remove it when you prefer less buik.  

One thing I’ll really miss once they go integrated is the hinged EVF. I love flipping it up, crouching down, and looking through the EVF from chest / waist level. Far better than a flip out screen IMHO. 

[lct]

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Matter of tastes and neck flexibility .  

[TheEyesHaveIt]

I hope Leica never goes with solely an EVF for the M. I love that it isn't like every other digital camera on the market in that sense. I have started to appreciate the benefits of the OVF and the frame lines when composing - something that offers a different (and potentially better) approach than EVFs. I too don't mind the add on EVF option, especially given it is a much more flexible EVF than when built in.

[Tailwagger]

3 hours ago, TheEyesHaveIt said:

I hope Leica never goes with solely an EVF for the M.

Never is a long time.  While the slim possibility exists for a camera with no optical finder and an M-mount, current management has been pretty clear that you have little to worry about losing an OVF-base M. If such a camera sans OVF does appear... and so far after nearly tens years of suggestions it has yet to... it is expected to be a sibling, not a replacement.  

Personally where once I was highly interested in such a camera, I've cooled considerably to the idea.  For those highly reliant on the EVF... that would be me... when it comes to use of manual focus lenses the combination of the two is really a brilliant solution.  Each VF methodology has its strengths and weaknesses.  Having both available in the same body, at least for those open to the idea utilizing both, enhances the cameras capabilities, AFAIC. 

If, by OVF benefits, you're referring to seeing beyond the frame of capture, it's worth pointing out that the EVF can mimic this behavior via the crop modes, as the frame lines are drawn in the finder denoting the crop.  Assuming the situation doesn't involve critical timing, given the EVF's lag in real time, it can be useful on occasion for ensuring proper perspective when using wides. You do wind up with fewer pixels of course, but the M11 has plenty to give, IMO.

[DenverSteve]

On 11/26/2022 at 5:52 AM, Stevejack said:

One thing I’ll really miss once they go integrated is the hinged EVF. I love flipping it up, crouching down, and looking through the EVF from chest / waist level. Far better than a flip out screen IMHO. 

Yeah, it's a matter of time.  Leica has an integrated EVF in the D-lux, CL, Q2, S2..... they have autofocus/manual focus as well. They have separate memory & battery doors in the Q2. There is no reason they can't fully integrate - without increasing the body size - everything into a digital M body.  I do like the ability to articulate the Visoflex and use it like a waist-level finder.  With an EVF integrated M, you could still focus manually without peaking and shoot manual-focus lenses if you desired.  I use M-mount lenses on my CL and nothing world shattering has happened yet.  

[bcaslis]

A couple of questions from an M11 newbie (one week old!). I got the Visoflex 2 to try with 21m and 75mm lenses. The magnification seems much smaller than the Q2 when comparing side by side. Has anyone noticed this? I guess I was expecting it to be closer to the Q2.

For adjusting the diopter, you need to push in and turn the diopter button? I can't find any documentation for the EVF.

Loving the M11 so far, Visoflex 2 seems so so. It does help with critical focus on a 75mm (though I can do it through the rangefinder at least some time so far) and helps composing the scene with the 21mm. But I guess I was expecting the resolution and magnification to be better than it looks. I can't find any settings in the menu other than brightness so I don't think I have anything miss configured.

Edited January 7, 2023 by bcaslis

[lct]

2 hours ago, bcaslis said:

For adjusting the diopter, you need to push in and turn the diopter button?

Yes. Can be bit stiff so using two fingers and/or removing the Visoflex may help. 

2 hours ago, bcaslis said:

I was expecting the resolution and magnification to be better than it looks. I can't find any settings in the menu

Main menu, page 3, Capture assistant > Focus aid > Manual or Automatic.
• Automatic will do focus magnification by simply turning the focus ring of M lenses.
• Manual will do the same via a function button, touch control or the thumbwheel (see instructions manual page 97).

[hmzimelka]

4 hours ago, bcaslis said:

A couple of questions from an M11 newbie (one week old!). I got the Visoflex 2 to try with 21m and 75mm lenses. The magnification seems much smaller than the Q2 when comparing side by side. Has anyone noticed this? I guess I was expecting it to be closer to the Q2.

For adjusting the diopter, you need to push in and turn the diopter button? I can't find any documentation for the EVF.

Loving the M11 so far, Visoflex 2 seems so so. It does help with critical focus on a 75mm (though I can do it through the rangefinder at least some time so far) and helps composing the scene with the 21mm. But I guess I was expecting the resolution and magnification to be better than it looks. I can't find any settings in the menu other than brightness so I don't think I have anything miss configured.

I was also expecting better sharpness when zoomed in. If you increase the sharpness in JPG settings that helps a little since any JPG settings are applied during live view; Contrast, sharpness, B&W, etc

[bcaslis]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[lct]

If it is soft when zooming in it is because the subject matter is not in focus in my experience. Not sure if sharpening in the camera may help to get more accurate results then but i have never tried TBH.

[bcaslis]

Thanks, sharpness is not a problem, I can focus and get sharp images. I guess I was just expecting the Visoflex 2 to be closer to the Q2 EVF in size and UI. The UI elements are larger than the Q2 elements but the magnification is lower so the whole image just seems more cramped. It's an OK EVF but nothing to write home about. Overall, I think I prefer the rangefinder for focusing but I've used many mirrorless cameras over the years so I guess I was expecting more from the EVF. It's handy for some things but it could be better.

[lct]

I have no experience with the Q2 but the Visoflex 2 gives me the same feeling as the EVF of my digital CL more or less which is good enough for me. It cannot compete with high end EVFs though obviously. Will be for the EVF-M hopefully.

[jakontil]

1 hour ago, bcaslis said:

Thanks, sharpness is not a problem, I can focus and get sharp images. I guess I was just expecting the Visoflex 2 to be closer to the Q2 EVF in size and UI. The UI elements are larger than the Q2 elements but the magnification is lower so the whole image just seems more cramped. It's an OK EVF but nothing to write home about. Overall, I think I prefer the rangefinder for focusing but I've used many mirrorless cameras over the years so I guess I was expecting more from the EVF. It's handy for some things but it could be better.

Yeah i think the RF is always the primary focusing to go, i love the viso, it’s there when needed

[Guest]

I bought a Visoflex 2 with my M11 a couple of months ago. Coming from the Q2 I was worried that the range finder would not be "enough" for me. So far, I've not used the VF at all and have found the RF a delight to use even in dark conditions. I'm still learning with it but don't feel that the VF would add much for me at this time.

My only lens is a Summilux 35mm so I guess the advantage will come with wide and long lenses. I do like the idea of using the VF for shooting low down as my knees and back aren't what they were!

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[Photoworks]

On 1/7/2023 at 12:09 AM, bcaslis said:

Thanks, sharpness is not a problem, I can focus and get sharp images. I guess I was just expecting the Visoflex 2 to be closer to the Q2 EVF in size and UI. The UI elements are larger than the Q2 elements but the magnification is lower so the whole image just seems more cramped. It's an OK EVF but nothing to write home about. Overall, I think I prefer the rangefinder for focusing but I've used many mirrorless cameras over the years so I guess I was expecting more from the EVF. It's handy for some things but it could be better.

I find that the Visoflex 2 is the same as the q2. it is simpler to use on a AF camera.
I was hoping for the same quality of the SL2 for the price, not sure why they went this way, maybe size, or contact can not handle data rate , or to save battery power. I think the processor is the same of the SL2, so that should not have to be a problem.

At this point the EVF is still a tool that helps a little more than a solution.

Magnification can be set in camera, I use the little button for it, and have it off any other times.

If you are trying to focus at high ISO the image gets softer, that is normal with any EVF