Magnifier for Leica M11 Monochrom

To enlarge the square double image area

The Leica M series, being a range-finder camera, allows photographers to focus by adjusting the lens’s focus ring while peering through the viewfinder. When you look through the viewfinder, you’ll see a square double image area in the center, and aligning the two images by adjusting the focus ring achieves precise focusing.

Leica M3, which I’ve used since 2012, the square double image area size in the optical viewfinder is the largest among various Leica M series cameras. Still I can see it easily. But I would like to get some assistance for precise focusing with Leica M11 Monochrome, since the area is smaller than M3.

Therefore I went to Leica Store Kyoto near my home.

How to enlarge the optical image in the viewfinder?

There are several solutions;

LCD Panel 

Leica M11 Monochrom has LCD panel.

On the monitor we can see the view from image sensor. Yes, it is one of solution for focusing. But I still would like to enjoy the focusing in optical viewfinder as well as possible. Especially for snap walking shot, I like to use more optical view finder. More fun!!

Leica Visoflex 2 viewfinder 

Yes, I like this digital viewfinder. When I would like to take picture with lower angle, I use it frequently. Another convenience is the usage when I use Leica APO Summicron M f2/35mm ASPH with shorter shooting distance. When using this unique lens, if the shooting distance is less than 70 cm, the Leica M-type camera’s optical rangefinder does not couple. In such cases, aligning it with the Leica Visoflex 2 viewfinder makes focusing adjustment easier while turning the lens’s focus ring. I like it. But it can be not the solution to enlarge the double image area in the genuine optical viewfinder.

Viewfinder magnifier 1.25x 

This is the serious solution to enlarge the square double image area in optical viewfinder. We can find the magnifier 1.4x. But　the larger magnification rate is not available for 35mm focal length lens. Thus I selected 1.25x this time. You can find out it in auction site. But it might be very popular with Leica M users. Not so easy to buy in such sites. I ordered it at Leica Store Kyoto, just walking distance from my home. Waited over 6 months till arrival from Germany.

To use the magnifier, we shouldn’t forget about the fact that we need the adapter to fit the magnifier into the view finder of Leica M11 Monochrom.

Actually I put the magnifier on my Leica M11 Monochrom with adapter. Before the usage, I thought magnification rate 1,25 might be not enough to feel that the square double image area become larger. But actually I understood that I can see enough effect. On the other hand, the bright frame for 35mm focal length lens is a little bit difficult to see by the enlargement.

Before & After putting magnifier

Above photos were taken with iPhone. The bright flame is distorted. If you see with your eyes, such distortion doesn’t appear. It must be issue from iPhone’s lens.

Appendix1 : 3rd party’s magnifier

When I went to Ginza last time in Jun 2023, I just stopped over at Sukiya Camera, which I purchased Summilux 50mm f1.4 (2nd version) long time ago. This camera shop handle a lot of various accessories of Leica classic cameras. Then I found out something look a like magnifier. No indication if it can fit with the digital Leica camaras or not. But anyway, I purchased the unknown magnifier by some 3rd party.

It can’t fit with the viewfinder thread of Leica M11 Monochrom. But fortunately the unknown magnifier can fit with Leica rangefinder thread adapter ( 24 001 ). Then another interest was that it also can fit with thread of Leica’s Magnifier 1.25x. Thus I tried to combine the Leica’s genuine magnifier 1.25x and the unknown magnifier.

The enlarging rate by the unique combination might be useful for focal length 90mm lenses.

Appendix2 : Mini leather bag

Leica’s viewfinder magnifier 1.25x is set with mini leather bag. It is very nice. It can be attached on camera strap. Must be very useful to avoid loss during photo walking.