1.15x or 1.35x magnifier for M8?

[A. Cheng]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I am planning to order one of these mag from Japan for my M8. Appreciate very much if some people here can advise which one suits my purpose.

 

I wear varifocal glasses all the time. I shoot mainly with 35mm and 75mm. Right now (w/o any mag) I can focus well with either lens but occasionally missing a shot or so. I know a 1.35x can enhance better than the 1.15x but not sure how significantly the difference is with actual experience. I also worry a 1.35x would 'cut out' the 35mm framelines for me with my glasses on.

 

Thanks in advance for your valuable response.

[Advertisement]

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

[Fotomiguel]

With the 35mm you don't need any magnifier. With the 75mm the 1.35x works much better.

Cheers!

[Ecar]

I don't wear glasses, but the way I use magnifiers is 1.35x for 75mm or 90mm and 1.15x exclusively for the Nocti wide open. Indeed, you shouldn't need a magnifier with a 35mm lens.

Hope this helps.

[A. Cheng]

Thanks Fotomiguel and Ecar for your prompt advise.

[doubice]

I find that choosing the right magnifier is a compromise between degree of magnification and how many frame lines is one willing to ‘lose’.

 

I opted for the 1.15x, because it lets me see all the frames, including the 24mm one (barely..), yet increases the finder’s magnification to 0.78. I wanted to keep the magnifier on the camera permanently; getting a stronger one would have probably required the magnifier’s removal for lenses wider than 35mm. You can always peek ‘around’ the finder and estimate the view with the 1.25x or 1.35 x magnifiers. Personally, I found it inconvenient but, that is me……

 

Best,

 

Jan

[j_lir]

i have a 1.35x that i don't use -- PM me we'll work it out.

 

thanks

[A. Cheng]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I find that choosing the right magnifier is a compromise between degree of magnification and how many frame lines is one willing to ‘lose’.

 

I opted for the 1.15x, because it lets me see all the frames, including the 24mm one (barely..), yet increases the finder’s magnification to 0.78. I wanted to keep the magnifier on the camera permanently; getting a stronger one would have probably required the magnifier’s removal for lenses wider than 35mm. You can always peek ‘around’ the finder and estimate the view with the 1.25x or 1.35 x magnifiers. Personally, I found it inconvenient but, that is me……

 

Best,

 

Jan

 

Thanks for advice. Now I am pretty sure what I need: buy the 1.35x and use it mainly for 75mm which to me focussing is critical. If it works for 35mm, not with unacceptable difficulty, it's a bonus. After all, M8's framelines are not really accurate for exact composition. I guess I can tolerate framing without the 35mm lines in sight as long as I get to know how much is 'outside' the VF's view through experimenting.

[williamn]

Where would you get the 1.15?

 

Thanks in advance...

[A. Cheng]

japan exposures | films and more (formerly Megaperls Japan Webshop)

[williamn]

Thanks, looks like they're shipping this product again. Last time i checked, they didn't have any in stock.

[hef]

I have a 1.25x one but I find it loses the framelines 28mm and below... I definately is good for 50 and above.

[luigi bertolotti]

I have the 1,35x : no problem to see the 35 frames, even with spectacles on: of course, you don't need it with the 35, but the problem is that mount/dismount such a little device is annoying and risky for losing/damaging. My favorite "light set" is 35+75 : you can leave the 1,35x all the time with this set.

[A. Cheng]

I have the 1,35x : no problem to see the 35 frames, even with spectacles on: of course, you don't need it with the 35, but the problem is that mount/dismount such a little device is annoying and risky for losing/damaging. My favorite "light set" is 35+75 : you can leave the 1,35x all the time with this set.

 

Great. It happens my usual set is 35+75 as well. I will buy the 1.35x.

[pklein]

The 1.15x has an adjustable diopter, which is great for people who wear both glasses and contacts, or whose eyes change between visits to the optometrist. Just put a ring of moleskin or black tape, or a couple of dots of liquid rubber on the eyepiece to avoid scratching glasses.

 

Any magnifier will make you less able to see the widest frame in the viewfinder. The only way I can see the full 28mm frame is when I wear contacts, and with no magnifier. your mileage may vary according to the shape of your face and eye sockets, and the prescription of your glasses, if any.