24mm and Viewfinder

[viramati]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I use the Panasonic VF that is made for the LX3. it is half the price and much brighter and clearer than the leica one.

[jaapv]

50% with, 50% without viewfinder, depending on the shot. I mostly use the CV 25 mm one, or the Leica DLux 4 one (which I dislike).

[menos I M6]

Do I see the 28mm frame in the M9 VF as on my 0.72 M6 or is it even closer to the edge?

[robert-gregory]

Although its fine to get by without an external finder, Its nice to have the option to see the lens framing as 'real-life' and not do too much guessing when you really need to see what is going on around the edges or beyond.

 

I had the Leica original 24mm plastic finder and never really liked it, not so bright and large for the view you get, not so well built (or at least it felt that way). Have the Panasonic finder made for the LX3 on my D-LUX 4 24, nice little well made finder (and I like the round style for looks) and could get by with that, but it is a bit tight for the 24mm Elmarit and beside it resides on my D-LUX 4. So I found a ZIESS 21MM T* finder and have been very happy with it. These are quite expensive new, but I found a like-new used one for a couple hundred USD, kind of a no brainer to get.

 

Although it says '21mm' it matches the 24mm Elmarit almost perfectly, its very very bright, maybe a bit brighter than the naked eye bright in dim light, and a clear very large view (interestingly I'm a bit far sighted, but with this finder there must be a 'built-in' -1 diopter correction and its sharp without my glasses). I remember the first time I looked through one, there was a 'WOW' factor, and I think I even said "WOW" out loud. Thought of getting another 21mm just to use the finder view it was that fun to look through. Anyway Its a great finder, and even the black paint is a close match for my black paint M9.

[ho_co]

... I mostly use ... the Leica DLux 4 one (which I dislike).

Jaap--

I'm curious what your dislikes are about that finder. Thanks

[batmobile]

Depends on usage. I would recommend a hotshoe finder as they are very very useful for action work as you get space around the frameline and a more intuitive feel for the composition. I would use the internal finder when shooting fast after focusing, say, people shots where you have to be quick, but also have to focus first. Stopped down with zone focusing, external finders are bliss IMO and much quicker to use than the internal ones.

 

I have a 24mm and use it on a .58 body. With a relaxed eye against the finder, what I see is what I get, but if I press right up against the finder, I see more than the lens (just). I can now shoot accurately with this body using the entire finder. On a 0.68/0.72 you are going to have to push that eyeball around all the corners and even then you will be short of the angle of view of a 24mm... and its tiring, annoying and kills instrinctive shooting. If worried about the cost, get a CV 25 finder as a start and see if you like it.

[MaxFoto]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Currently I even use a 21 lux @ M9 without any VF.

 

- Max

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!