The Z-1p doesn't have the new type of focusing screen either. Otherwise, I found the Z-1p easier to manual focus with slower lenses than the LX. To each his own I guess, but for me magnification or lack thereof has never been a problem when focusing. What makes a difference to me is whether it is easy to judge when an image pops into focus and when it is not. This has most often something to do with focusing screen type.
I believe the real problem is the uncoated plastic eyepiece (actually the inner elements (s) are coated, but the outer one isn't) which simply degrades the viewing quality. I tried the MZ-S (0.75x) too and it's viewfinder is indeed better than the Z-1p (0.8x), so magnification & screen quality are not the major factors. I use the very same MZ-M screen in both Z-1p & MX. The MX is a joy to use (even without the split image)) but the Z-1p still suffers (even with the split image). This is particular critical when the light drops.
Anyway, are you sure that you mirror/finder system are precisely calibrated?
Quite certain.
If you start to shoot, say, wide open with fast lenses focused at infinity you get all kinds of problems of hiiting maximum focus. There is no other method than using a matte ground glass on the film rails; not very practical. There are lot of reasons for this annoying fact; not at least thermal expansion and contraction.
AF near infinity with wide angles is particular inaccurate .
regards, Alan Chan
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