I didn’t know what to expect from Leica’s forthcoming Visoflex upgrade, but I did rather fancy something slightly more alluring than the current EVF: Smooth contours, a few highlights, perhaps even the odd graphic. Heaven knows, the current model is nothing to write home about. But there are limits.
Those of you who have recently explored rumour sites, perhaps viewing one of the leaked videos featuring a well-known photographer, will have been astounded to see what appears to be a large, featureless black box affixed to the top of the new camera (which we are supposed not to know about and mustn’t mention until next week).
If this is genuine, the next Visoflex has less charm than the Frankenfinder of yore. I have prepared myself for disappointment. Instead of a smoother unit with a dollop of design flare, it looks as though we will get a sharp-edged black box based on the design of a toy shipping container.
Let’s hope this monstrosity is a mock-up, designed to catch us all out — an ugly chrysalis with a beautiful butterfly ready to emerge; a captivating bit of kit that will enhance, rather than ruin, the traditional lines of the M. If not, what on earth are they thinking about?
On the positive side, though, the new Visoflex should be technically bang up to date. With luck, it will be on par with the finder of the SL2 or, even, the Q2. If so, it will be a case of function over form, which is perhaps as it should be.
It’s a pity, however, there couldn’t be a compromise, a synergy between form and function.
Leica has already said that the new EVF will work with M10 derivatives after a firmware update, although I am prepared for disappointment with my M10-D. The company may not feel it is worth the effort to issue a new upgrade. The same applies, unfortunately, to the TL and TL2. The hot-shoe interface on those cameras is identical to that of the M10 range so, in theory, the new finder could be made to work if there’s a will to do so.
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All
I would like to think that the “box” shown in the teaser photo is just a working prototype-type, or a “shape” to disguise the actual item. Though, considering that Leica is a champion of industrial design rather than a style designer, I have my doubts. We will have to wait and see.
Concerning the EVF itself, it may be more effective on the M11 than on the M10(s). The electronics of the M10 may be a limiting factor in what the EVF can show.
Though, for myself, the one feature I consider a necessity in an external EVF is tilt. Olympus set this standard with the original external EVF and it needs to stay to entice me to consider a new M-body.
PaulB
Unfortunately, it is exactly as it appears in that photograph. However, on the good side, it does tilt.
So does the 020 – and that is Uglee too. I am surprised there is (as of yet) not an option for a silver version so it blends a little better with the silver cameras – as my biggest issue with mine is a large black wart bolted to the top of my silver X. It sure looks odd.
I suppose this makes a case for buying the black M11 because that boxy finder will look less prominent.
Mike
Tilt is one redeeming feature. Plus the diopter adjustment is on the side rather than around the eyepiece. So for many of us it may become a case of “Handsome is, as handsome does.”
PaulB
If this is an accessory I dread to think how much a digital M body plus the shipping container are going to cost!
Perhaps the monstrous is wanting everything: rangefinder, Visoflex, 40 mpixels, Monochrom, screen, no screen. Just ultraperfect
Hi Mike
I fear your dismay and disappointment will endure not dissipate.
Resolution snd clarity on par with SL or SL 2 finders seems unlikely. Whippee if Leica have gone that far but I doubt it.
Performance to match the OLED unit in the Q2M would be very acceptable. Interestingly, supposedly for cost reasons, Fuji have stuck with a 3.69 m dot unit in the GFX 50 snd 100s models foregoing the clarity of the 5.6 m dot unit in the full-fat 100. Most who have not looked through the SL2 are not complaining too much.
If it tilts snd is on par with a Q2 finder then that will be progress. My own experience is that the framing and compositional benefits of the shift from circa 3.6 to 5.6 m dots are actually marginal. Magnification is perhaps more important.
Fingers crossed it is not as technologically behind as each of the previous M evfs have been at launch.
I accept all this talk of evfs is heresy in the M world .
I do love my Frankenfinder with my 28mm/5.6 and 21mm/3.5.
I am delighted with my M9 so I am not being tempted by the M11.
If the much needed new evf is not svelte what is Leica thinking?