I would like to know if someone use the new Leica-M 1.25 viewfinder magnifier, and if it is very helpfull....Thanks....Jean-Pierre Auger, Montréal, Canada.

-- Jean-Pierre Auger (paphoto@videotron.ca), April 25, 2002

Answers

I find it very useful, if not indispensable with my Noct on a .72 body. However, unless you use long lenses, or the 50/1, or the 75/1.4, it mostly an expensive gadget not likely to return your investment.

I do recommend very much if the above scenario is a factor.

-- Kevin Baker (kevin@thebakers.org), April 25, 2002.

Being a wearer of glasses, I use the .58 M-6 exclusively. I find the magnifier indespensible with the Noctilux, the 90MM Summicron, and the 75MM Summilux.

-- Ned Learned (ned@kajabbi.com), April 25, 2002.

On a 0.72x body it brings the finder mag up to 0.90x which means you can open both eyes and have the framelines floating in your field of view. It works for me with my 35, 50 and 90 but I do not wear glasses. I like it YMMV.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@shaw.ca), April 25, 2002.

It's become a permanent fixture on my 0.72 TTL for all lens 35-90. Highly recommended.

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), April 25, 2002.

I have one permanently mounted to one of my M6 0.72's (I unclipped the stupid chain and put it and the stupid leather case in the original box in case I ever sell it). I use that body for 90 (using 75 frames) and 135 lenses. I wear glasses and can not comfortably see the entire 50mm frame...and you need to see a fair bit beyond the 50mm frame to use it accurately at longer distances.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 25, 2002.

As one lucky person who has one, a specs wearer with a .58 TTL, I would say that the magnifier is a great acessory. BUT, it is not essential for working in good light IMHO. It comes into its own when you are using the camera in subdued light, wide apertues, or long focal lenght lenses. Expensive, but only worth it if you need it.

-- Steve Barnett (barnet@globalnet.co.uk), April 25, 2002.

Absolutely necessary, especially if you use a .58 or .72 M, and use 50mm and 90mm at wide apertures. Don't leave home without it!

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 25, 2002.

Yeah! Yeah! Try to buy one. Everyone has them on backorder with no estimated arrival date.

-- Kevin (kjones@croceco.com), April 25, 2002.

It is quite helpful with my .85 finder in good light. The larger apparent size of the 90 frame makes framing a bit easier. Focusing is about the same. I never had all that much difficulty achieving accurate focus with my 90, even with the .72.

The magnifier does make the framelines a bit dimmer, distractingly so in poor light. This is noticeable especially with the 75 framelines.

All in all, it is helpful, but not essential, unless you have a lot of difficulty achieving accurate focus, or perhaps if you have a .58 model. Check out the other threads on this topic in the archives.

As a footnote, this must be one of the most expensive 2 element magnifiers in existence. I think I computed that gram for gram, the magnifier is 4 times as expensive as gold! Its totally overpriced for what it is, except when measured against the alternative of getting a higher magnification body to go with your .58 or .72.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 25, 2002.

As best I can tell, there is no such Leica product. I've looked high and low, none of the dealers have them?!?

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), April 25, 2002.

There sure is Dan-or I am hallucinating about owning one ;-)

But they are in very short supply-I was quick and got the first one at the dealer. They have had about 6 pieces shipped in 8 months!

Check out this link

http://ww w.leica- camera.com/produkte/msystem/m6ttl/zubehoer/lupe/index_e.html

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 25, 2002.

http://www.leica- camera.com/produkte/msystem/m6ttl/zubehoer/lupe/index_e.html

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), April 25, 2002.

So does the existing rubber ring on teh body viewfinder twist off? Ive tried this on my M6, but cant seen to move it??

CAn you still the 35mm framelines with this magnifier as well?

Thanks

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), April 26, 2002.

Thanks Mani.

I saw the Leica .pdf file on the 1.25x, in fact I have a copy in the "Leica Dream File" and could use the device with my 0.58 and 90mm Elmarit. I guess I've been looking/waiting for 6 months or so. But I'll be danged if I can understand why a company that needs sales and has a product that is in such high demand, and is no doubt very profitable to sell, doesn't make a few and put them in distribution. Utterly incomprehensible, as far as I can grasp it!!

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), April 26, 2002.

Never mind the Voigtlander lens, this is the opportunity for Voigtlander to step in and fill a real need. Make the 1.25 magnifier to fit the Leica and sell it for a reasonable price, and most of all have it available. I venture to say it would probably be a best seller.

-- Art Mclaughlin (captmcl1@aol.com), April 26, 2002.

A must for anything 50mm or over.

-- (johnlktan@yahoo.com), April 26, 2002.