Re: [Leica] 0.58 vs 0.72 Mag Finder

[Guy Bennett <gbennett@lainet.com>]

Julian,

I began with a 0.72 M6 TTL and just recently bought a second M body - a
0.58. So far, my impressions are very positive. The 35 framelines are much
easier to see and even the 28 frames are visible. I haven't yet experienced
any flare, though perhaps that's because I haven't yet shot enough with it.
I do feel that the reduced magnification makes it occasionally *slighty*
difficult to focus on small details (such as highlights in the subject's
eyes), but this may just be because my eyes are still used to the 0.72
magnification. On the whole, however, I am quite pleased with the new vf.

As for which camera you should start with, I would say to go with the one
that best accomodates the focal lengths you plan on using most: if you're
definitely more of a wide angle person, go with the 0.58. If you're tempted
by the 90 Summicron and/or the 75 Summilux, you may want to consider the
0.72. On the other hand, you may well wind up with both one day (as I did),
so don't worry *too* much about the initial choice. Once you've "taken the
plunge," there always be another Leica purchase on the horizon.

Guy
L.A.

>I am about to take the plunge and buy myself an M system and though it has
>been a bit of a process choosing what outfit to get (chrome vs. black, primary
>lens to use and viewfinder magnification) I have whittled it down to a chrome
>M6 TTL with a matching chrome 35mm Summicron Asph (I prefer the older chrome
>look together with it's better wearing characteristics).  With those decisions
>made I am now stuck with which view finder magnification to go with.
>
>I am a glasses wearer and when viewing with the 0.85 I can't see the 35mm
>frame lines and there is no 28mm which leaves the 0.72 and 0.58.  Having
>looked at the 0.58 on Saturday and comparing it with a 0.72 I have to say it
>is brighter and sharper than the 0.72, apparently less prone to flare and you
>can see the 28mm frame lines without having to take off your glasses.
>
>With regard to future lens choices that I would use with this body, I would
>think that after the 35mm Summicron and some more money, the next lenses would
>have be a 90mm followed by a 28mm Elmarit.
>
>Does anyone have any experience with the 0.58 finder; is there anything that I
>should be aware of, i.e. poor frame line sizing for the 90mm or focusing
>accuracy when compared with the 0.72?
>
>Any comments/advise would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
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