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Archive 2024I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
p.2 #1I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
I just ordered a black reflxlab one. I am used to the reverse view from using TLRs and the WLF on my F3P. I like the form factor more and will compare it to the Leica AUFSU. If I like the cheapo version more, I will sell the Leica one. Anyway, will let the peeps here know how they compare.
$59.99 including shipping…
$59.99 including shipping…
May 04, 2024 at 11:15 AM
p.2 #2I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
The odd letter combinations for Leica accessories is from the days of the telegram. Since telegrams charged by the letter, Leica began issuing letter codes to save money on communications. Instead of “Waist Level Viewfinder” you get AUFSU.
May 04, 2024 at 11:16 AM
p.2 #3I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
madNbad wrote:
The odd letter combinations for Leica accessories is from the days of the telegram. Since telegrams charged by the letter, Leica began issuing letter codes to save money on communications. Instead of “Waist Level Viewfinder” you get AUFSU.
So what is Ikea’s excuse?
The odd letter combinations for Leica accessories is from the days of the telegram. Since telegrams charged by the letter, Leica began issuing letter codes to save money on communications. Instead of “Waist Level Viewfinder” you get AUFSU.
So what is Ikea’s excuse?
May 04, 2024 at 11:17 AM
p.2 #4I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
madNbad wrote
The odd letter combinations for Leica accessories is from the days of the telegram. Since telegrams charged by the letter, Leica began issuing letter codes to save money on communications. Instead of “Waist Level Viewfinder” you get AUFSU.It’s to make you feel like you’re buying hand crafted furniture from a Swedish artisan.
May 04, 2024 at 11:20 AM
p.2 #5I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
madNbad wrote:
So what is Ikea’s excuse?It’s to make you feel like you’re buying hand crafted furniture from a Swedish artisan.
I did feel very Swedish when I put my table together and was wondering where a missing dowel went.
I had no idea I could swear in that language.
Desmolicious wrote
madNbad wrote
The odd letter combinations for Leica accessories is from the days of the telegram. Since telegrams charged by the letter, Leica began issuing letter codes to save money on communications. Instead of “Waist Level Viewfinder” you get AUFSU.I did feel very Swedish when I put my table together and was wondering where a missing dowel went.
I had no idea I could swear in that language.
May 04, 2024 at 01:10 PM
p.2 #6I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
That's not an ordinary hood. It's vented to prevent your trousers bursting into flames as your money exits your wallet. 
Desmolicious wrote:
From their page:
Viewing Angle: equivalent to a standard lens of 50mm (left/right reversal)
So like using a Rolleiflex or other TLR camera.Got it! The "left/right reversal" means that the image you see through the viewfinder will be reversed horizontally, which can take some getting used to. They likely kept it that way to maintain its compactness.I'm used to using TLRs so I most prob would still get this one. I like the cleaner design and built in level. But I'll first use my Leica version for a while! Seeing it is here now...Although a rare accessory, I hope you didn't pay a lot for the Leica AUFSU.I think I got a good deal seeing that it is in great shape with no paint loss, no glass damage and it came with the original leather case.
What is crazy is Leica actually made a bubble level to slide in where I put my cheapy. Because of its rarity, that bubble is like $1k! Then again people are asking $5000 for that OEM lens hood for 50 1.2!
$5000 Leica lens hood
Desmolicious wrote:
Fred Miranda wrote
Desmolicious wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Desmolicious wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Are you sure the image is reversed with the reflxlab? Perhaps I missed that info on that page. This image shows the correct image orientation:Viewing Angle: equivalent to a standard lens of 50mm (left/right reversal)
So like using a Rolleiflex or other TLR camera.
What is crazy is Leica actually made a bubble level to slide in where I put my cheapy. Because of its rarity, that bubble is like $1k! Then again people are asking $5000 for that OEM lens hood for 50 1.2!
$5000 Leica lens hood
May 04, 2024 at 02:13 PM
p.2 #7I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
May 05, 2024 at 07:42 PM
p.2 #8I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can...Show more →
Did you buy the Reflxlab WLF to compare?
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can...Show more →
Did you buy the Reflxlab WLF to compare?
May 06, 2024 at 09:56 AM
p.2 #9I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can...Show more →
Funny...this pic makes the F3 look the same size as the M. Maybe even a little smaller...
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can...Show more →
Funny...this pic makes the F3 look the same size as the M. Maybe even a little smaller...
May 06, 2024 at 10:19 AM
p.2 #10I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Wow, that's tiny. If I used that as a true WLF then I'd have a hard time seeing it.
The waist level finder that I grew up on was on a Yashica TLR, which was pretty big (2-1/2 x 2-1/2) and you could easily use it at the waist, though I routinely held it higher for a more critical view and more critical focusing.
I suppose I could get by with the Nikon's WLV, though it is small...
But the Leica accessory is just so small!
Huss, when you say WLV, you don't actually use it at the waist do you? I'm thinking that my old eyes could never produce good results with that finder held at the waist. By any chance are you holding it higher, near your chest, and looking down? I'm thinking that this would be a good approach if you're zone focusing... but my recollection is that you like to get low perspectives in your shooting. So I'm thinking that you're not using it at the waist, you're getting the camera close to the ground, and looking down into the WLV in a crouching position, so you don't have to lie down when using the rangefinder. I could see where this would be a very desirable tool for low-perspective photography. It would be a total game changer.
Edited on May 06, 2024 at 10:33 AM · View previous versions
The waist level finder that I grew up on was on a Yashica TLR, which was pretty big (2-1/2 x 2-1/2) and you could easily use it at the waist, though I routinely held it higher for a more critical view and more critical focusing.
I suppose I could get by with the Nikon's WLV, though it is small...
But the Leica accessory is just so small!
Huss, when you say WLV, you don't actually use it at the waist do you? I'm thinking that my old eyes could never produce good results with that finder held at the waist. By any chance are you holding it higher, near your chest, and looking down? I'm thinking that this would be a good approach if you're zone focusing... but my recollection is that you like to get low perspectives in your shooting. So I'm thinking that you're not using it at the waist, you're getting the camera close to the ground, and looking down into the WLV in a crouching position, so you don't have to lie down when using the rangefinder. I could see where this would be a very desirable tool for low-perspective photography. It would be a total game changer.
Edited on May 06, 2024 at 10:33 AM · View previous versions
May 06, 2024 at 10:31 AM
p.2 #11I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Fred Miranda wrote:
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53701780940_bf82330305_c.jpgDid you buy the Reflxlab WLF to compare?
yeah, I ordered one. Will report back when it comes in. I want it to be better than the Leica version, so I can sell that and get some money back! The optics are great on the AUFSU so we'll see how one a fraction of the cost compares.
Desmolicious wrote
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53701780940_bf82330305_c.jpg
yeah, I ordered one. Will report back when it comes in. I want it to be better than the Leica version, so I can sell that and get some money back! The optics are great on the AUFSU so we'll see how one a fraction of the cost compares.
May 06, 2024 at 10:32 AM
p.2 #12I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
coralnut wrote:
Wow, that's tiny. If I used that as a true WLF then I'd have a hard time seeing it.
The waist level finder that I grew up on was on a Yashica TLR, which was pretty big (2-1/2 x 2-1/2) and you could easily use it at the waist, though I routinely held it higher for a more critical view and more critical focusing.
I suppose I could get by with the Nikon's WLV, though it is small...
But the Leica accessory is just so small!
Huss, when you say WLV, you don't actually use it at the waist do you? I'm thinking...Show more →
I do shoot from the waist with these - that's the whole point to get that perspective. But if I need critical focus, I will first bring it to eye to focus, then lower to my waist (or however low I want to go). I have been practicing estimating distance so now zone focusing is easy. I think it is a good thing to practice no matter what type of camera you are using.
Wow, that's tiny. If I used that as a true WLF then I'd have a hard time seeing it.
The waist level finder that I grew up on was on a Yashica TLR, which was pretty big (2-1/2 x 2-1/2) and you could easily use it at the waist, though I routinely held it higher for a more critical view and more critical focusing.
I suppose I could get by with the Nikon's WLV, though it is small...
But the Leica accessory is just so small!
Huss, when you say WLV, you don't actually use it at the waist do you? I'm thinking...Show more →
I do shoot from the waist with these - that's the whole point to get that perspective. But if I need critical focus, I will first bring it to eye to focus, then lower to my waist (or however low I want to go). I have been practicing estimating distance so now zone focusing is easy. I think it is a good thing to practice no matter what type of camera you are using.
May 06, 2024 at 10:35 AM
p.2 #13I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53701780940_bf82330305_c.jpgDid you buy the Reflxlab WLF to compare?yeah, I ordered one. Will report back when it comes in. I want it to be better than the Leica version, so I can sell that and get some money back! The optics are great on the AUFSU so we'll see how one a fraction of the cost compares.
Great, let us know how it compares. I may get one too.
Fred Miranda wrote
Desmolicious wrote
Ok, so this finder is a bit tricky to use. It is small and you need to line the crosshairs up, and if you care, also pay attention to the bubble level. It's not something that you immediately get along with, practice is required.Here I compare it to the WLF on my Nikon F3P. While the image on the Nikon is reversed, the view is way bigger and as it is an SLR, no crosshairs etc are needed to be lined up. So the Nikon is the obvious winner? Well, not if you realize that with the Leica you can still use the regular VF if you like, but with the Nikon the WLF replaces the entire prism so that is the only VF you have.
At this point I do prefer the Nikon experience - also made easier as it is AE - but I am going to try the AUFSU on my M7 and M10R and practice more with it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53701780940_bf82330305_c.jpg
Great, let us know how it compares. I may get one too.
May 06, 2024 at 10:42 AM
p.2 #14I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Reflexlab also has a distance meter for scale focus cameras. For thirty bucks, it might be worth a try.
May 06, 2024 at 11:05 AM
p.2 #15I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
madNbad wrote:
Reflexlab also has a distance meter for scale focus cameras. For thirty bucks, it might be worth a try.
yeah i saw that. it is a laser rangefinder. A bit funny to me using an old scale focus camera, then sticking a laser on top of it!
Reflexlab also has a distance meter for scale focus cameras. For thirty bucks, it might be worth a try.
yeah i saw that. it is a laser rangefinder. A bit funny to me using an old scale focus camera, then sticking a laser on top of it!
May 06, 2024 at 11:43 AM
p.2 #16I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
yeah i saw that. it is a laser rangefinder. A bit funny to me using an old scale focus camera, then sticking a laser on top of it!
I already have a sport finder for the Retina 1a. It's marked for distance, works well and never needs a battery! The close and distance marking on the lens for f8 work well, too.
Guess I'll save my money for some other frivolous gizmo.
madNbad wrote
Reflexlab also has a distance meter for scale focus cameras. For thirty bucks, it might be worth a try.I already have a sport finder for the Retina 1a. It's marked for distance, works well and never needs a battery! The close and distance marking on the lens for f8 work well, too.
Guess I'll save my money for some other frivolous gizmo.
May 06, 2024 at 01:50 PM
p.2 #17I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Ok, one downside of the AUFSU? It pokes you in the ribs if you carry your camera with a neckstrap.
It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.
It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.
May 06, 2024 at 04:13 PM
p.2 #18I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Desmolicious wrote:
Ok, one downside of the AUFSU? It pokes you in the ribs if you carry your camera with a neckstrap.
It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.
It's either Leica designed it with the intention it would be primarily used with the camera mounted on a tripod or they want you to suffer for your art.
Ok, one downside of the AUFSU? It pokes you in the ribs if you carry your camera with a neckstrap.
It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.
It's either Leica designed it with the intention it would be primarily used with the camera mounted on a tripod or they want you to suffer for your art.
May 06, 2024 at 04:37 PM
p.2 #19I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
madNbad wrote:
It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.It's either Leica designed it with the intention it would be primarily used with the camera mounted on a tripod or they want you to suffer for your art.
I think they got into a Hot Tub Time Machine and saw the ruckus I was going to make with future Leica building cameras that somehow now scratch film. And this is future pay back.
Desmolicious wrote
Ok, one downside of the AUFSU? It pokes you in the ribs if you carry your camera with a neckstrap.It's because that cold shoe (where I mounted a bubble level) sticks out way far behind the camera.
The reflxlab version seems to protrude far less. Will see when it shows up.
I think they got into a Hot Tub Time Machine and saw the ruckus I was going to make with future Leica building cameras that somehow now scratch film. And this is future pay back.
May 06, 2024 at 06:07 PM
p.2 #20I just bought the greatest Leica accessory ever made
Very cool. Do you find the image on the Leica AUFSU blows out in daylight? Or is reasonably visible? At least the Nikon WLF and TLR’s have side panels that shade the light…
May 06, 2024 at 07:09 PM