3.8/18 Super- Elmar ASPH Viewfinder

[arnold kaufman]

Hi to all the forum members, what a fountain of info I have recd.since signing on. This is my second Thread so I hope this subject is new or different.
I just purchased the new !8/3.8 lens which by the way is one of the most exciting lenses I have used in years DOF is terrific at F3.8 images are superb by my standards.
At the time of purchase and as of this date Leica is not shipping the Viewfinder for this lens so my rep. in Los Angeles tells me.
So I came up with the idea to use the 24mm accessory viewfinder designed for the D Lux -4 on my M-8.2 (18mm= 24mm).Can anyone tell me why this would not work? I have only shot a few pictures with this combination & all looks ok no heads chopped off.
Please may I hear from the experts.
Thanks all.
Arnold

[Walt Calahan]

Or you can purchase the Zeiss viewfinder for their 18 mm lens. They are in stock and just as good.

Zeiss | ZI Viewfinder for Zeiss Ikon Camera When Used | 1441-878

[wstotler]

That 24 should work fine.

The main advantage to the 18's finder is that its frameline combo will work with both film Ms and M8s. The 24's framelines will work fine for the 18 on the M8 but not on a film M.

Other finders? I looked at the plastic Leica 24, the Zeiss, and the Leica 21-24-28. The new Leica 24's price is completely insane but I made a conscious choice to trust and buy the Leica product designed for these new lenses instead of a substitute.

[mat_mcdermott]

The Voigtlander 25 is another good option. Well built and bright.

[cbretteville]

I have to recommend the Zeiss 25/28 viewfinder. It is positively the best finder I have ever used. Much better eyereleif for us with glasses than any of my other finders. As it has 28mm lines too it also doubles as a finder for my 21mm. Considderably more expensive than the CV25, but a lot cheaper than the new leica finder.

- Carl

[arnold kaufman]

Originally Posted by wstotler

That 24 should work fine.

The main advantage to the 18's finder is that its frameline combo will work with both film Ms and M8s. The 24's framelines will work fine for the 18 on the M8 but not on a film M.

Other finders? I looked at the plastic Leica 24, the Zeiss, and the Leica 21-24-28. The new Leica 24's price is completely insane but I made a conscious choice to trust and buy the Leica product designed for these new lenses instead of a substitute.

Thank you for the prompt response to all. I do have the 18 on order which I placed @ the time of purchase of the lens.So for now I shall use the plastic 24 finder and be content,However knowing my love for Leica new products I will probably take the 18 viewfinder when it arrives.Very pleased the D lux 4 finder is compatable.
Regards
Arnold

[arnold kaufman]

Originally Posted by arnold kaufman

Hi to all the forum members, what a fountain of info I have recd.since signing on. This is my second Thread so I hope this subject is new or different.
I just purchased the new !8/3.8 lens which by the way is one of the most exciting lenses I have used in years DOF is terrific at F3.8 images are superb by my standards.
At the time of purchase and as of this date Leica is not shipping the Viewfinder for this lens so my rep. in Los Angeles tells me.
So I came up with the idea to use the 24mm accessory viewfinder designed for the D Lux -4 on my M-8.2 (18mm= 24mm).Can anyone tell me why this would not work? I have only shot a few pictures with this combination & all looks ok no heads chopped off.
Please may I hear from the experts.
Thanks all.
Arnold

Thanks to all for the response to my question I will be satisfied using the D Lux 4 finder for the time being now that I know there should be no problems using it with the 18/3.8 lens.
Regards
Arnold

[Ivar B]

Originally Posted by Walt Calahan

Or you can purchase the Zeiss viewfinder for their 18 mm lens. They are in stock and just as good.

Zeiss | ZI Viewfinder for Zeiss Ikon Camera When Used | 1441-878

No, the Zeiss finder is not as good it is MUCH better. I just had an opportunity to compare the two side by side, and there really is no doubt all. The Leica viewfinder is twice as expensive also.

[adli]

Originally Posted by Ivar B

No, the Zeiss finder is not as good it is MUCH better. I just had an opportunity to compare the two side by side, and there really is no doubt all. The Leica viewfinder is twice as expensive also.

Does this viewfinder have framelines for both FF and the M8?

My local dealer have promised me they will get a 18mm for me today, which I am very happy with since I leave for Corsica tomorrow :-)

Haven't got hold of a viewfinder yet though.

[Dougg]

Originally Posted by cbretteville

I have to recommend the Zeiss 25/28 viewfinder. It is positively the best finder I have ever used. Much better eyereleif for us with glasses than any of my other finders. As it has 28mm lines too it also doubles as a finder for my 21mm. Considderably more expensive than the CV25, but a lot cheaper than the new leica finder. - Carl

This is what I've done as well... I can confirm this is a big bright finder that is a delight to use. The 25/28 framelines are suitable for 18 & 21mm lenses on the M8. Some users prefer to see only one set of framelines, but I find this dual finder versatile because I do use both those focal lengths.

[PeterP]

I just purchased the Leica 21/24/28 viewfinder, solves a lot of problems for my M8. Until the 18mm ships I will probably use my 15mm CV on my M7.

[wstotler]

I used the 24mm viewfinder for the 18mm all weekend on my M8.

It's an awesome finder (apart from the ^$%& price) and I am glad I purchased it.

I will say I had to consciously force myself to use the outer lines instead of the inner dotted lines for framing--not the finder's fault, but mine. Learning.

Thanks,
Will

[UliWer]

18_mm_Finder.jpg

Small size is the most obvious thing about the new 18-mm finder. The SBLOO - left on the photo - for 35-mm is rather huge compared to it. So the finder fits the M body very well, without any problems to store them together in a photo bag. It's position should give you not too much trouble of sticking your nose into the M viewfinder.

It's small size may be one reason of it's second very obvious feature: strong barrel distortion. I have no other comparison for very wide angle finders than the Leica 21/24/28 finder. It has much less distortion, though the field of view is too large for me with glasses, which is no problem at all with the new finder.

The view is very clear and bright. The lines for 18 mm are obvious and still leave some space around them. The inner angles for 24-mm which you will need for the M8 cause more problems. In critical situations you will realize white out of the inner frame, i think more so than with the M 6 viewfinder. The dotted lines for distances of 2 m with 18 mm may cause irritation, for you could mistake them as the upper limit of the 24 mm, which is wrong and cuts the top of pictures. This dotted line is too broad, i think the SBLOO solved this much finer and clearer.

Otherwise the frames appear very exact, quite a different experience than what you are used with the M8 viewfinder.

Though the best thing you could say about the new finder, is that it lets you use Leica's 3.8/18mm lens. It's handling is the best i know from any modern Leica lenses. The optical performance of this lens should be qualified by people who have more experience with super wide angles. All i can say is: it's great fun with this lens.

[Ivar B]

Originally Posted by adli

Does this viewfinder have framelines for both FF and the M8?

My local dealer have promised me they will get a 18mm for me today, which I am very happy with since I leave for Corsica tomorrow :-)

Haven't got hold of a viewfinder yet though.

No, if you shoot film you need the 18mm viewfinder proper. I use M8 and I find the Zeiss 25mm perfect. If it had been twice as expensive as the Leica viewfinder it would have been worth it - but we know it is the other way around, of course.

[sfokevin]

Originally Posted by adli

Does this viewfinder have framelines for both FF and the M8?

My local dealer have promised me they will get a 18mm for me today, which I am very happy with since I leave for Corsica tomorrow :-)

Haven't got hold of a viewfinder yet though.

All the new Leica view finders seem to be dual use (FF/M8)

[sepiareverb]

Do we have a delivery date for the 18mm VF yet? I'm leaving town in two weeks and am hoping it will be in my hands before I go...

[dfarkas]

Originally Posted by sepiareverb

Do we have a delivery date for the 18mm VF yet? I'm leaving town in two weeks and am hoping it will be in my hands before I go...

I just received my first shipment from Leica on Friday and stll have a few in stock of both black paint and silver.

Leica Brightline Finder M-18 - Black Paint

Leica Brightline Finder M-18 - Silver

David

[sepiareverb]

Originally Posted by dfarkas

I just received my first shipment from Leica on Friday and stll have a few in stock of both black paint and silver.

Fantastic! I'm on the Popflash waiting list already, or I'd order right now.