Hologon for Leica M

[Bob Parsons <bobp@dodo.demon.co.uk>]

Peter <pza@software-ag.de> wrote:

>I've a question regarding the finder for the 24mm lens.
>Is the covered area much bigger than the area covered
>by the cameras finder? In other words: does it make sense to
>use the 24mm lens without the 24mm finder?

Assuming you ask the question with respect to the M6. The area covered
by the inside of the 24mm bright line is about the same as a rectangle
with sides half way between the 28 mm bright line and the edge of the
viewfinder window. But... you do have to move your eye from side to
side to see the edges of the window. Not very easy at all. Also you
don't seem to get a very good impression of the perspective rendering.

One of the reasons I like the M series so much is the ability to be
able to see what's outside the field of view. I find it helps no end
with composition. Also when there is a lot going on with people moving
around you can tell if someone is about to enter the scene. Using the
built in camera viewfinder with the 24mm lens would lose this. I have
to admit though, you can't see much outside the 28mm frame of the M6.

One thing I find the camera finder useful for with the 24mm is to check
for converging verticals against the 35 or 28mm frames. I'm not very good
at judging this with the 24mm viewfinder, probably has something to do
with the curved corners of the frame.

        Bob Parsons.  bobp@dodo.demon.co.uk