Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Curt Miller wrote: > > Hi All, > > > 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. > > Anyone (including Marc) have any thoughts/advice on the subject? > > Thanks friends, > > Curt > A lot of people have got used to using the smaller 135 frames of the later M's. If they are satisfied with it, fine, whatever works. I guess a lot depends upon how often you use the 135. If you use it a LOT, I would suggest either the M3 or the l35/2.8 with eyes and larger image size. I personally am not a fan of the separate finder of any type on a Leica because of the parallax problem. I find having to focus and then change the focus distance from the lens to the finder a real pain and time waster. Again, though, this would be a function of how often you use the l35. If you seldom use it, the bother could easily be worth it to you. If you choose a separate finder, the best ones are the bright lines by Leitz, Nikon, and Canon. The most inexpensive of this lot is the Canon, selling often at 1/2 or less of the other two. The Nikon and Canon brightlines are easily recognized because they are all black---the others are chrome. On a side note, its a real shame that Leica never incorporated the automatic parallax corrected finder feature found in the Canon V/VT/L-1,2,3/VI,VI-L, VL-1,2,3. These camera had a wonderful coupling pin in the hot shoe which changed the parallax of the finder AUTOMATICALLY as you focused. Make sure you do not get one of these finder for your Leica since it has NO manual parallax correction. You might find that the M3 has another great advantage seldom written about. You can easily use the camera with BOTH EYES OPEN, focusing with your right eye. This allows a greater view of the picture area and also greatly reduces eye fatigue after hours of shooting. Stephen Gandy