1.25X view finder magnifier

[atatexan]

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Are these things worthwhile for improving focus?

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[JohnW.]

Not for me.  The best solution I find is the right diopter correction lens for my eyesight (+1.5).  This gives me a very clear viewfinder image which is easy to focus.  I tried the 1.25x magnifier but it just made the viewfinder image larger but still slightly out of focus..  I guess if you have 20/20 vision it might be fine.

 

 

[farnz]

On 3/28/2024 at 10:53 PM, atatexan said:

Are these things worthwhile for improving focus?

I used the Leica 1.25x mag with my 90/2 APO-Summicron-M asph on my M8 for a while and it seemed to make focussing easier but I noticed that it reduced contrast when looking through the viewfinder.  After taking it off I couldn't see a difference in the hit rate either way.  Since it had a habit of unscrewing itself and falling off I decided to leave it off because they're not cheap to replace.

Pete.

[Jeff S]

A magnifier will magnify eyesight issues. Be sure to address those first… distance, astigmatism, etc.  My 1.25x magnifier has remained in a drawer for decades. Eyeglasses, and now an added +.5 diopter for aging eyes, suffice for me. I stick with 28/35/50 focal lengths, which present no problems. As others mention, the magnifier reduces contrast.  The M FAQ covers these issues.

Jeff

[atatexan]

Thank you, Jeff. I work contact lenses for years until lasik two years ago. Lost a bit of night vision I was warned would be likely. Maybe I should try the diopter. My late father had one on his M3. I bought a 135mm goggle” lens for aircraft photos. With the M8 4/3 it becomes a 180mm. So far so good. 
 

thanks again.

[atatexan]

On 3/29/2024 at 2:27 AM, JohnW. said:

Not for me.  The best solution I find is the right diopter correction lens for my eyesight (+1.5).  This gives me a very clear viewfinder image which is easy to focus.  I tried the 1.25x magnifier but it just made the viewfinder image larger but still slightly out of focus..  I guess if you have 20/20 vision it might be fine.

 

Thank you John. I will try that.

 

[atatexan]

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19 hours ago, farnz said:

I used the Leica 1.25x mag with my 90/2 APO-Summicron-M asph on my M8 for a while and it seemed to make focussing easier but I noticed that it reduced contrast when looking through the viewfinder.  After taking it off I couldn't see a difference in the hit rate either way.  Since it had a habit of unscrewing itself and falling off I decided to leave it off because they're not cheap to replace.

Pete.

Thank you, Pete. All of you fellows have been very helpful. The different perspective all come to the same conclusion.

[Jeff S]

4 hours ago, atatexan said:

Thank you, Jeff. I work contact lenses for years until lasik two years ago. Lost a bit of night vision I was warned would be likely. Maybe I should try the diopter. My late father had one on his M3. I bought a 135mm goggle” lens for aircraft photos. With the M8 4/3 it becomes a 180mm. So far so good. 
 

thanks again.

If you’re not near a Leica dealer to try out diopters, a good optician will stock trial diopters for experimentation.
 

Jeff