Far, far exceeds its limitations -- use 95% over my EVF
By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-11-01
Having used the Leica Visoflex Type 20 on my M240 when I had it, and then the M10 when I later switched over to the Leica Visoflex 2, thereafter used on my M10 Monochrom — I much, much prefer the universal wide-angle viewfinder - which stayed on these cameras most of the time (unless using my 75mm Summicron for close-ups with the macro-adapter M or the EL Pro 52 close-up lens filter). Given that I use my M cameras 99% in manual mode with classic metering, I find the electronic view finder information distracting — and most importantly — because the live view provided through the attached lens into the electronic finders does not provide ability to observe outside the field of view of the attached lens. In similar manner to the M’s viewfinder, the universal viewfinder’s extended view offers additional freedom and more spontaneous reaction options to what is happening outside of an attached lens field of view. What is difficult, soon overcome with practice, is the transition to the attached universal viewfinder after setting exposure and focus through the camera’s viewfinder. However, given that its use supports wide angle lens that have greater depth of field, maintaining focus has not been an issue even with the 28mm at f/2 — IF there is no appreciable movement to/from the camera. In the case of movement to/from the camera, I just use the camera viewfinder to continuously reestablish focus (and/or changing exposure) — having established an approximation of the field of view after glancing through the attached universal finder. I would do this even if using a 28 Summilux at 1.4, i.e., mostly using to the M’s viewfinder, occasionally reestablishing framing context — more often with the 21! Another issue is that I, too, as an other reviewer, have also experienced: the frosted panel once pop out (which illuminates the finder’s frame lines). As with any other issue with Leica equipment, or even just maintenance, I’ve sent this, all of my cameras, and three of my four Leica M lenses to the New Jersey service location — totally fixed — free of charge (only issue is the estimated 6 weeks for return of equipment, even when the universal viewfinder was sent to Germany — which is quite quick in reality compared to other service centers). I have not had an issue with the universal viewfinder sliding out of the accessory shoe; however, I do occasionally check it throughout a day’s shooting, e.g., pulling/pushing an M out/in a bag or most often from under a coat of unbuttoned shirt (cross shoulder carry from under arm) such as when covering an all day street/event. This viewfinder is otherwise, extremely robust: While covering an event all day, where I DO heavily use the M mostly with the 28, I dislodged the M’s accessory shoe then requiring repair, where the universal finder remained unaffected — now, that is a robust finder! Mostly used for anything that has dominate line(s), the illuminated bubble provides a very accurate indication of leveling — but only horizontally — however, it’s accuracy is countered by the time it takes to center the bubble; so, not used for action, but certainly for stationary scenes (scenery, horizon, architecture). I have not had an issue not seeing the lines or bubble in somewhat dim light, but then, I don’t usually use the M in near total darkness. Dim light seems to provide near adequate context. Last, its ugly — which I really like! So, if you purchase, be ready for its limitations while appreciating its clarity to view as an extension of that of the M.
Very Accurate for a Superwide Finder
By Greg
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2016-07-10
Short of using a camera that takes an EVF, this is as good as it gets and I would not want to use anything else with my 18mm f3.8 Super Elmar and M262 body. As accurate with the 18mm as the framelines are on the M262 with the 28-135mm lenses. As a glasses wearer and primarily landscape/travel user, the view is so nice it negates any negative thoughts about the bulkiness of it. 4 stars only because of the price, which I admit is excessive, but no other optical finder comes close to comparing in a positive way.
