MP 0.58 Rangefinder Patch "white out"

[Alan Zheng]

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Hi folks,

My MP just came back from Wetzlar for viewfinder replacement (to x0.58)... it's been a blast to use it with 28mm lenses. however, I've noticed that if my eye is not critically centered while looking through the viewfinder, the (bottom and right corner of the )rangefinder patch could sometime turn "white" , almost like a flare but not really... it's like some kind of reflection or looking through the border of a magnifying glass....not sure if this makes any sense.... for any of you who has a 0.58 camera, do you notice the same thing or is this an issue that needs to be looked at.?

Normal rangefinder patch:

https://ibb.co/ZYtjSFb

Looking through an angle:

https://ibb.co/6mgyb7P

Thanks for any feedback

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[Huss]

Checking my .58 MP and not wearing glasses -  If I look through the VF normally so I see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame - no issue w the patch.  Bright and easy to use at all times.

And I should note, w the .58 finder it is very easy to see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame (the whole point of that finder!).

However... if I move my eye so it is completely decentered, so I cannot see some of the frame lines, then the rf patch is compromised.  As would be expected.  

So the question to you is do you have this issue when you can see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame?  If so, then there is an issue w your camera.

[Alan Zheng]

8 hours ago, Huss said:

Checking my .58 MP and not wearing glasses -  If I look through the VF normally so I see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame - no issue w the patch.  Bright and easy to use at all times.

And I should note, w the .58 finder it is very easy to see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame (the whole point of that finder!).

However... if I move my eye so it is completely decentered, so I cannot see some of the frame lines, then the rf patch is compromised.  As would be expected.  

So the question to you is do you have this issue when you can see all four frame lines of the 28mm frame?  If so, then there is an issue w your camera.

Huss,

Thanks for the feedback, yeah I think we have identical experiences(thankfully), when all 28mm frame lines are visible through the viewfinder, the rf patch is always clear. When my eye is “decentered” from the viewfinder, the rf patch would appear as the 2nd picture I posted above. 
Fortunately and unfortunately, it sounds like that’s just the nature of the x.58 viewfinder…

thanks again for confirming this behaviour 

[Matlock]

1 hour ago, Alan Zheng said:

Huss,

Thanks for the feedback, yeah I think we have identical experiences(thankfully), when all 28mm frame lines are visible through the viewfinder, the rf patch is always clear. When my eye is “decentered” from the viewfinder, the rf patch would appear as the 2nd picture I posted above. 
Fortunately and unfortunately, it sounds like that’s just the nature of the x.58 viewfinder…

thanks again for confirming this behaviour 

I stipulated a x.58 viewfinder for my M6TTL when I bought it new and I fully agree with Huss's comments.

[250swb]

For those with glasses and using the .72 viewfinder who can see the 28mm framelines (just) centring is equally important as with the .58 finder. But in both cases it becomes a natural thing in a short time, relax and don't over think it.

[rtai]

Viewfinder replacement? Can you clarify? Leica can change a .72 finder to .58? I would be thrilled if this is possible.

[Huss]

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15 hours ago, rtai said:

Viewfinder replacement? Can you clarify? Leica can change a .72 finder to .58? I would be thrilled if this is possible.

They used to do this, not sure if they do anymore.  You'll need to contact Leica.  What I do know is it will be very expensive - but worth it if you cannot find a .58 camera.

[Dzongkha]

My local Leica dealer spoke of costs about € 1,500 for changing the viewfinder.

[rtai]

1 hour ago, Huss said:

They used to do this, not sure if they do anymore.  You'll need to contact Leica.  What I do know is it will be very expensive - but worth it if you cannot find a .58 camera.

I want one to use so it is probably more practical to get an M6TTL with .58 finder. I don’t have an extra .72 MP to sacrifice. 

[Huss]

4 hours ago, Dzongkha said:

My local Leica dealer spoke of costs about € 1,500 for changing the viewfinder.

So about $1800+- to convert.  Not bad actually seeing how much a native .58 now costs.  It may even be a business opportunity!

This one is in the US but I would avoid because the meter is defective.  Oh and it has a patched shutter curtain.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334965594074?hash=item4dfd8157da:g:lL4AAOSwlbNkwpct&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwBa3Tn9wcV6yxA31E2xgtkOMnFxQiSM9GmOhfuvAqAQ3A0Eukot%2FuY2QnVCnHCz9e7h8h1T5FyHEcylI256mkdK90ewiW7IOQdJJTNjvkTVW3iw4E%2BY13RD505mb1qiFFcQ10r6RcHuBCVZm3xF%2Bb3ZmAOVTnRVPgGBua48NdzAuT6rWg1qxGSD%2FKa39fzbX%2BQSNkT6OwFx%2FB%2ByvvbMfmNnt5r4gfOif7w%2BAlMvCQWoRi6KeUgbJelP6Y4hw5ytcdg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR5C8h5WzYg

Edited July 27, 2023 by Huss