Re: [Leica] Which Leica M6 should I buy?

[Paul Chefurka <chefurka@home.com>]

On Sun, 17 Sep 2000 18:10:49 -0400, "Peter Shier"
<pshier@mindspring.com> wrote:

>OK, then why would anyone want the lower mag models?

For the visibility of the wide-angle frame lines.  Models like the .58
are intended for use with short lenses that can be focussed accurately
with the smaller effective baselength.

Consider that the M3 with a magnification of .91 has a 50mm frame as
its widest view, the .85 M6 has allows a 35mm frame line as the outer
limit, and the .72 M6 has a 28mm view.  The lower magnification
permits a "high eyepoint" finder - the view subtends a smaller visual
angle in the finder.  This allows eyeglass wearers to see the entire
field of view more easily, and at the same token allows a wider-angle
frame to be incorporated into the finder.

I've got a .58 M6 on order, to match with the new 28 Summicron.

Paul