Leica 1.4x Eyepiece Magnifier or not?

[brad_herman1]

<p>I have a Leica M8.2, and the 28, 50 and 90mm lenses. Since the M8.2 has a .68x viewfinder, I thought that it would be useful to get the 1.4x Eyepiece Magnifier to assist in critical focusing of the 90mm Elmarit.<br>

I think that the 1.25x Magnifier is too weak for the 90mm, so I noticed that most get the 1.4x. Is this a useful accessory? I see some folks buy them and sell them because they claim that they didn't end up using it.<br>

Any comments?<br>

Thanks, Brad</p>

[randy_lewis1]

<p>Brad,<br>

It's a toss up.<br>

It is used both for a higher magnification and because you can focus with both eyes open like you can do with the M3.<br>

I have an M3 and that's the way I do focus, but I have yet to try the 1.4x on my M8. It's tempting, but ain't cheap</p>

[kens]

<p>Depends a lot on your eyes, Brad. As my eyes have weakened with age I've found it more necessary with lenses that don't have much DoF - the 90's and the Noct, for example. Even the 50 Summilux benefits for me. Is there a local store where you can try one out before buying?</p>

[carbon_dragon]

<p>$340 is a lot of money unless it really makes a difference. I'm trying the "hoodman" loupe for magnifying the LCD screen on the back of a DSLR on the M8 and it kinda works. I can see what is in focus a little better. But the resolution of the M8 screen isn't great.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>I use the 1.2x. I believe that with the 1.4x you lose the 28mm frames (can't find my handbook at the moment). The 1.2x works quite well with the Nokton 50/1.1 and Summilux 75/1.4. With the 1.2x you are supposed to lose the 24mm frames. I can see them but only by squinting. </p>

[andrew robertson]

I have the MS Optical 1.5x magnifier and find it extremely helpful with my 50 f/1.2 and 90mm lenses.

[johnsimoes]

<p>I use the 1.4x on my M8 and it makes focusing the Nokton 50/1.1 and Konica 90/2.8 extremely easy.</p>