Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/08/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Douglas Herr wrote: Funny how the standards for SLR viewfinders have deteriorated so much that the D200 or 5D is considered 'decent'. --------- Sad to say, but that's *right on the money*. The degree of compromise accepted by many/most DSLR buyers/users is pretty astounding - particularly when one considers the high cost of the camera bodies. I have this stupid "heuristic" test - standing 1-2 meters away from a person, can I be *dead sure* (therefore, visual confirmation) whether or not I'm focusing on the near eye or the far eye of the subject. My M6TTL's and FM3a pass the test with little difficulty. I have a close buddy who shoots mostly Mamiya 7 and a Linhof 4x5 monorail. But he's also a new user of the Nikon D70, and he responded "Why does it matter?" This coming from a guy who typically stares through a high mag loupe at the ground glass and uses camera movements to refine focus!!! Clearly to me, when it comes to DSLR's, standards are greatly relaxed. At least in the Nikon world, highest mag (if not full coverage) comes from the FM/FE series of cameras - available used in good condition from KEH for anywhere from around $250 on up. Compare those VF's to the ones in all but the most precious DSLR's. ($$$$) As I've said before, the D200 fits in my budget; the VF is a marked improvement over the D70; and it's a spiffy camera. But now I'm looking into the Katz focusing screen and the eyepiece magnifier to to get something that will properly focus my 28/2.8 AIS. I'm treating it as an experiment, so as to not to be too disappointed. I've read highly conflicting views on both the focusing screen and the magnifier. We'll see. Scott -- Pics @ http://www.adrenaline.com/snaps Leica M6TTL, Bessa R, Nikon FM3a, Nikon D70, Rollei AFM35 (Jihad Sigint NSA FBI Patriot Act)