External Viewfinder for Digilux 2

[bluzdoctor]

Hello:

I am interested in using an external viewfinder on my D2. I am still a bit unsure of what type of viewfinder to use.

The thread started earlier (under "Making a D2 work for me") went like this:

My Post:

I emailed Stephen Gandy and he recommends the 28mm-35mm MiniFinder.

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Response:

The Voigtlander mini-finders Gandy sells are tempting but alas, they designed for 3:2 format cameras and your D2 is a 4:3 format camera, which means the brightlines will be for the wrong format.

A better choice, IMO, would be the Ricoh GV-1 finder for their GR Digital camera. It was designed around the GRD's 4:3 format and has brightlines for 21 and 28mm ... a bit wider than your preference, but at least the framing will be correct. Perhaps there are other 4:3 format finders available as well?
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Response:

Joel, I use the Voigtlander 28mm finder, which is inexpensive and bright.

This solves the lag problem for me.

If there is time to focus with the EVF, I then use the finder for composition. If the selected lens length is greater then 28, I estimate.

When focusing movement, I zone focus and use a lens length wider than the desired subject area, and click away using the finder.
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Response:

Hello Joel,
I have a Voightlander 28/35 MiniFinder. You can see it on my avitar mounted on an M3.
I'm sorry but I have to give it an F. It is very bright, clear and with a paralax line and I give an A for that.

The issue it the 35mm frame. On certain angle with the light, I can't see the frame "at all". No issue with the 28mm frame. I need the 35mm frame the most so I bought a Leitz 35mm finder. I only use the 28/35 finder for my 28mm lens since the 35mm frameline is next thing to useless.

Just letting you know...
-Ron

[wparsonsgisnet]

Joel, the 2nd response is mine. If you asked the question again (I guess you are) I would give you the same answer.

Since that's not really helpful, I'll restate the answer. I use a 28mm finder because it matches the shortest zoom length.

1. If the subject is moving, I hedge my bet by using the D2 zoom at wider than the image I hope to capture. So, if 90mm was the zoom setting I would have used, I set the zoom to, say, 50 or 35 so as to make sure that I get the subject in the frame, and I zone focus. Then I follow the subject using the finder and shoot when I am ready.

Set the shutter speed, first. In this mode, you can either depress the shutter to set the aperture automatically or decide beforehand what the aperture should be.

The important function in this exercise is NOT to look at the subject using either of the D2's electronic finder mechanisms -- because of the viewfinder lag.

This technique worked exceedingly well for me in 3 years of shooting.

2. If the subject is not moving, I use the 28 as a general guide to pointing the camera. You can also use the D2's viewers as well.

[bluzdoctor]

Hi Ron:

Not that your answer wasn't helpful. I guess the issue is whether you use the viewfinder to estimate framing or for precise framing, because the voigtlander viewfinders are 3:2 format and the D2 is 4:3. I tend to use a viewfinder for a pretty accurate arrangement of elements in the frame, so I am wondering if the Ricoh 21mm/28mm finder (4:3 format) is my only choice. I think we all work differently.

My question is whether any other 4:3 viewfinders are made, as I use 35mm focal length 95% of the time. Although 28mm may work if I get used to it....

Thanks,

Joel

[quote=wparsonsgisnet;290736]Joel, the 2nd response is mine. If you asked the question again (I guess you are) I would give you the same answer.

Since that's not really helpful, I'll restate the answer. I use a 28mm finder because it matches the shortest zoom length.

[ron110n]

Joel,

This has been discussed back 2004 and we didn't find a solution or a suitable substitute for an external D2 VF. I wish I can give you a detailed evaluation of a 35mm 3:2 Ext VF as mounted on a D2, but my D2 is dead awaiting for a new sensor. Much worst, all the achives from the old forum with valuable D2 end-user research information has seem to be deleted.

Although just now, I made an evaluation as mounted on a Panasonic L1 with a Four Thirds sensor, the result is boring, 35mm / 2 = 17.5mm. I zeroed at 18mm, Top side and bottom. Everyone expect that to happen since Four Thirds is full frame at it's standard.

Sorry for the inadequate help and truthfuly I use my LCD to aim my D2. I am not comfortable as for someone wearing bifocals, aiming at the "mini security surveilance monitor" at the D2 VF.

Best,
-Ron

[wparsonsgisnet]

Joel, if by D2 you mean Digilux-2, mine is 3:2 and the viewfinder works well.

I must be missing something (happens all the time....).

[bluzdoctor]

Read this review, down the page under "The Lens" for a good description of the Digilux-2's 4:3 format frame:

Leica Digilux 2 Review - photo.net

Joel

Originally Posted by wparsonsgisnet;

Joel, if by D2 you mean Digilux-2, mine is 3:2 and the viewfinder works well.

I must be missing something (happens all the time....).

[wparsonsgisnet]

Joel, I clearly missed it. tnx.