Re: View/-rangefinder with 135 lenses

[dlevy@worldy.com]

At 09:48  14/09/96 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>I am working on a documentary project and will need to spend a bit more time
>behind the 135mm framelines of my M4-P with 135/4 Tele-Elmar-M attached.
>For those of you who have had this wonderful experience, you will understand
>my lack of joy at the very thought of spending much time in this
>circumstance.  The portion of the total viewfinder image represented by the
>135 framelines is such a small fraction that it is VERY difficult to frame
>an image and focus the lens.
>
>I am considering purchasing an M3 because it appears that the 135 framelines
>is a larger portion of the entire viewfinder field and the magnification of
>the viewfinder is closer to 1:1 than the 72% lifesize image of the M4-P.
>Years ago I had an M3 and 135 Hecktor (a gorgeous piece of glass if you ask
>me) and can't remember having any difficulties either framing an image or
>focusing the lens with the combination.  For those who might suggest the
>135/2.8, I would add that I have done this, too.  I might as well carry my
>Hasselblad with the 250mm for the scant bit of weight I'd be saving!  I also
>suppose I could get an M4-2 (because they're cheaper) and have M3 framelines
>put in - but at what cost?
>
>Anyone (including Marc) have any thoughts/advice on the subject?
>
>Thanks friends,
>
>Curt
>
>Elizabeth Mei Wong
>Henry Curtis Miller
>Christopher P.E. Miller
>
>Pittsfield, Massachusetts
>In the Berkshires, next door to Tanglewood
>
Just a thought. I have a Leica screw mount 135 Canon which came with an
accessary viewfinder which mounts in the shoe. I think I paid about 120 for
it with case and screw to M adaptor. I have seen several of these for sale
in SHUTTERBUG for less and even the viewfinder alone. There were other
companies which manufactured viewfinders for 135mm with the Leica. This
won't help in the focusing department, but I will help in composition.
Brian Levy, J.D.
Toronto, Ont.
dlevy@worldy.com