Re: [Leica] Re: Leica AF camera

[John Collier <jbcollier@home.com>]

At least two people on this list have seen the camera and commented on its
dimmer finder. I believe they stated it was slightly dimmer than a M finder.
How much dimmer I cannot say myself, so technically, you have me there.

Mr. Lal wrote: 
> 
> While your comments about the SP and the 7 have merit, how can you say how
> much dimmer the Hexar RF finder is when no one on this group has actually
> seen one?
> 
> In a message dated 12/10/99 12:48:11 PM, jbcollier@home.com writes:
> 
> << The Leica M finder is an amazing bit of optical engineering that has not
> been replicated to date. The Hexar RF finder is low mag and, according to
> reports on this list, noticeably dimmer than the Leica finder. The Canon 7
> models are substantially larger than an M body and the finder is no where
> near the quality of the Leica. The Nikon SP is dimmer yet and the 28/35
> frame lines do not have parallax correction. Leica had to increase the size
> of the body 2mm just to accomodate TTl flash cicuitry. I do not think that
> the finder you wish could be accommodated with out a substantial increase in
> body size. The present finder has all the disadvantages which we are all
> aware of; but, it is bright, contrasty and offers unequaled low light
> focussing ability which I prize above all else. I can focus swiftly and
> accurately in light I would have trouble walking in. When someone makes a
> better rangefinder I will be very impressed.
> 
> Mr. Lal wrote:
>> Not so - even back in the 1950's outboard zoom finders
>> for 35 mm format having a 6 x range were freely
>> available.  No reason to expect less today. The trick
>> is, of course, to make it all fit under the M 6 top
>> plate. 
>> 
>> As a last resort, although I do not believe it is
>> necessary, a two or three range system can be
>> implemented. A two range system might be, say, 15 - 75
>> mm in the wide range, and 40 - 200 mm in the tele range.
>> 
>> Note that the VF's of both the Canon 7 & the Nikon SP
>> offered a wider range of focal lengths, albeit no zoom
>> finder, than any M until the M4 P.
>