Well I have another stupid question for the group.

I would like to add to my new leica M3 kit a wide angle lens (28mm or 35mm)

I am wondering how people shoot with these older model leicas and use wide angle lenses. I notice that a view lens models come with "goggles" that provide a frameline in the view finder. This appears to be on the older lenses, and as far as I have seen, are limited to 35mm.

How do people use the new wide lenses with an M3?

The goggled lenses were designed specifically for the M3 because it doesn't have a 35mm finder. You could use a newer lens but might want to invest in a accesory shoe mount auxillary finder to go with.

The goggled lenses were designed specifically for the M3 because it doesn't have a 35mm finder. You could use a newer lens but might want to invest in a accesory shoe mount auxillary finder to go with.

Thanks John,

I assume these auxiliary finders provide the framelines only and do not offer rangefinder focusing capabilities. Is that a correct assumption?

If so, I am interested in what general techniques people using this method us to obtain accurate focusing.

Thanks John,

I assume these auxiliary finders provide the framelines only and do not offer rangefinder focusing capabilities. Is that a correct assumption?

If so, I am interested in what general techniques people using this method us to obtain accurate focusing.

This is correct, so you focus with the rangefinder in the usual way but then switch to the auxiliary finder for framing. If I recall correctly, I think the whole visible area in an M3 finder (i.e. beyond the 50 mm frame) corresponds roughly to the field of view of a 35 mm lens.

Regards,

David