leica_newbie Posted September 24, 2014 Share #1 Posted September 24, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Greetings I am new to Leica and recently acquired a used X1 (silver/black). After much research I settled for the X1 based on its minimalist design/controls, size, performance (the slow AF does not concern me in the least), and picture quality. I will mainly be using the X1 to capture still objects, landscape, and architecture. I hope to have fun with this little camera and will rather enjoy the "learning curve" in getting the best pics. My X1 will not come with a view finder. I am wondering what the best viewfinder is as of 2014? Most of the forums/blogs I have been reading go back to 2011..and the suggestions appear to be a little dated...broken links etc. I am wondering what X1 users have been using as of late and where obtained. The Leica model on eBay is 295USD...ouch!! Are there any cheaper alternatives?? Thanks in advance!! Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 24, 2014 Posted September 24, 2014 Hi leica_newbie, Take a look here Best viewfinder for the X1 available today (2014)?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted September 24, 2014 Share #2 Posted September 24, 2014 Welcome to the Forum. My X1 came with a Leica 36mm viewfinder that fits into the hot shoe. It's just perfect for the camera (obviously). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted September 25, 2014 Share #3 Posted September 25, 2014 Welcome, too! You don't say where you are so its hard to recommend a place, but the Voigtländer 35mm is excellent for the X1. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDCT Posted September 25, 2014 Share #4 Posted September 25, 2014 Brightline 36mm is only way to go Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
!Nomad64 Posted September 25, 2014 Share #5 Posted September 25, 2014 Original Leica 36mm is the best as it was expressly made to match the camera. Voigtländer blends in better with the camera design. Third best option is a SBLOO http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/12010 provided that you can find one in mint conditions. Cheers, Bruno Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 25, 2014 Share #6 Posted September 25, 2014 Another vote for the Leica viewfinder. Large clear image. But if your budget is tight, look at the Voigtlander VF. You might be lucky and find a Leica unit used. I have seen them occasionally. See the Ffordes used equipment website. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
goatsby Posted September 25, 2014 Share #7 Posted September 25, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Another vote for the Leica 36mm. I picked mine up on eBay for a steal, and have seen them on B&H's used site for a good price. Start looking now and use eBay's "sold" listings to gauge a fair deal for yourself! Enjoy the X1, it is a hell of a little camera! AG Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iliona Posted September 28, 2014 Share #8 Posted September 28, 2014 After using the Leica viewfinder I change for the 35mm Voigtlander, much more precise frame ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holgersen Posted September 29, 2014 Share #9 Posted September 29, 2014 I use a second hand SBLOO. Works fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torquinian Posted October 1, 2014 Share #10 Posted October 1, 2014 I find the 36mm brightline finder entirely satisfactory. Ffordes are currently [ October 2014] doing special offer for readers af "Amateur Photographer] at £199 + postage. You have to order by phone. You can of course use it with the camera switched off, saving the battery. I am new to Leica and recently acquired a used X1 (silver/black). After much research I settled for the X1 based on its minimalist design/controls, size, performance (the slow AF does not concern me in the least), and picture quality. I will mainly be using the X1 to capture still objects, landscape, and architecture. I hope to have fun with this little camera and will rather enjoy the "learning curve" in getting the best pics. My X1 will not come with a view finder. I am wondering what the best viewfinder is as of 2014? Most of the forums/blogs I have been reading go back to 2011..and the suggestions appear to be a little dated...broken links etc. I am wondering what X1 users have been using as of late and where obtained. The Leica model on eBay is 295USD...ouch!! Are there any cheaper alternatives?? Thanks in advance!! Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennekam Posted October 14, 2014 Share #11 Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) I am using the 36 mm most of the time, but have found that the little Sigma VF-11 is nice and compact and means that the camera fit better in the bag. Although it is 28 mm instead of 35/36 mm, it still works well if you ignore the frame-lines and use the whole view. I see they are selling for about $140 at B&H. This guy is using one on his Fuji: http://www.lonelyspeck.com/adding-an-optical-viewfinder-to-the-fujifilm-x-e1/ Edited October 14, 2014 by kennekam Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted October 14, 2014 Share #12 Posted October 14, 2014 Mike, I would buy the correct Leica finder. Mine lives on the camera except for occasions when I need smaller pocketable size for social occasions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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