Technical data

The rangefinder

Thanks to its high effective base width, the

rangefinder of the three LEICA M7 models permit

very precise control. This is particularly advan-

tageous when wide-angle lenses, which provide a

relatively large depth of field, are used. The larger

magnification of the 0.85 x viewfinder with its

longer base width leads to even higher accuracy:

Mechanical base width x Viewfinder = Effective

(distance between magnification base width

the optical axes of

the viewfinder

and the rangefinder

window)

LEICA M6 TTL

with 0.72x approx.

viewfinder 69.25 mm x 0.72 = 49.9mm

LEICA M6 TTL

with 0.85x approx.

viewfinder 69.25 mm x 0.85 = 58.9mm

LEICA M6 TTL

with 0.58x approx.

viewfinder 69.25 mm x 0.58 = 40.2mm

The rangefinder field is the bright rectangle in the

center of the viewfinder field. If you cover up the

large viewfinder window (16), only the bright-line

frames and the rangefinder field remain visible.

The bright, sharply defined rangefinder field per-

mits the use of either coincidence or split-image

rangefinder focusing.

Coincidence (double image) focusing

For a portrait, for example, align the eye with the

rangefinder field and turn the focusing ring of the

lens until the contours in the rangefinder field

merge. You can now determine the subject com-

position.

Split-image focusing

For photographs of architecture or other subjects

with straight vertical lines, align those vertical

lines with the rangefinder field and turn the focus-

ing ring of the lens until the contours form a con-

tinuous line at the limits of the rangefinder field.

You can now determine the subject composition.

In practice, there is rarely a clear distinction

between the two methods. It can be very effective

to use a combination of the two.