So, simply put, the effect she sees is caused by the difference in viewfinder magnification. And has nothing to do with, so called, effective focal lengths.
--
John Forbes wrote:
This is what the original question related to:
"it appears to me that when I look through a 50mm lens with the *istD, the subject does
indeed look closer than if I look through the same lens on my MZ-6."
The *ist D is showing in the view finder what will appear in the picture - to whit: a cropped version of what will appear on the Mz's 35mm negative.
The ratio of the *ist D's sensor to a 24x36mm neg is very close to 2:3, hence a 50mm lens used on the*ist D will give the same magnification (or framing if you prefer) as a 75mm lens on a 35mm camera.
That is why the subject "seems to be closer".
Still, at least you are disagreeing politely now. The next stage is to reach agreement. :-)
-- graywolf http://graywolfphoto.com
"You might as well accept people as they are, you are not going to be able to change them anyway."

