Is it possible to modify the frameline mechanisms so that all you get are the 35, 50, and 75mm framelines, one at a time?

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), October 23, 2001

Answers

It is possible to eliminate framelines so that only one set is showing. So 35, 50 and 90 are no problem but 50 and 75 are part of the same frameline mask. It may be possible to replace the 28/90 mask with another 50/75 mask. Then you could mask off the 50. You would then have to modify your 75's bayonet mount to engage the 28/90 set not the 50/75 set. This would require removing the lens' mount and adding material.

These would be extensive modifications and make your camera and 75mm lens incompatible with other M gear. I would not do it myself. DAG is the only shop I have known to do this work:

DAG Camera Repair

2451 Thatcher Lane

McFarland WI 52558

Don Goldberg

608.838.4769

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), October 23, 2001.

Mani, the 50/75 frameset, used with the 75 lens, is the most useful of all of them! The 75 "corners" indicate the framing at 1m, but the 50 framelines actually are almost perfect indications of the actual on-film coverage of the 75mm lens at infinity. Having the 2 together provide the most conveniently accurate framing available with the M6. (With the 90mm, for example, the 75mm frames are actually the on- film coverage of the 90 at infinity, but it requires toggling the preselector lever.)

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), October 23, 2001.

Interesting Jay; I always thougth of the 75 mask as almost useless, now I find a logic. Thanks Mani, what about an external finder; I know is not exactly what you´re asking for, but a sugested option.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), October 23, 2001.

John, Jay, Mr. Watson, thank you!

John, I can see that's quite an expensive custom job! It might just be worth getting a user M6 body for the 75 alone, and masking off the 50 lines!

Jay, thanks for that insight. My question was prompted by my persistent inability to use the 75 framelines automatically and without thinking. The 50 lines simply dominate and draw out the eye, visually speaking.

BTW, is it not true that parallax error increases with focal length? That's what's kept me away from the 75 finder. Especially since I use the 75 at relatively close quarters for portraiture.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), October 25, 2001.