Opions on the Optical Viewfinder

[frankliu86903]

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Hey guys, I just bought my X1 recently and thinking about buying the optical viewfinder. Any advice?

 

Thank you all in advance : )

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[eelekim]

Congratulations! Why do you think about getting the VF? Here we have a few threads including feedbacks and opinion about the VF or VF in general. I suggest you to check them out first.

[BB W]

Welcome, frankliu. I was torn about buying the viewfinder, too.

 

Here's one thread that I think you'll find helpful to read through: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/136854-x1-external-viewfinder-any-best-practices.html

 

and this one is handy, too, to get a feel for how different people feel about it: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/135692-x1-finder-distorted-not-very-clear.html

 

Finally, here's a listing from a quick search I did with viewfinder at the word but only choosing it to be in the title for threads: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/search.php?searchid=1494364&photoplog_searchinfo=1&photoplog_searchquery=viewfinder

 

Hope this helps. For me, I use it sometimes, would like to use it more and am still very much in the learning stages.

[Guest xCorpsman]

I had to send my VF in for repair and started a thread describing my experience. Quality issues with the Leica version notwithstanding, I can't imagine using the X1 without one. I find it so much easier to compose and maintain a steady hold for slow-ish shutter speeds. In hindsight, I feel like I should've gone with the less expensive, metal Voigtländer version.

[jsrockit]

I use the Leica one and love it... I don't know why people seem to hate this viewfinder so much.

[BB W]

I like mine too and just yesterday realized how glad I was to have it so I didn't have to take off my (prescription) polarized sunglasses and find my regular glasses in order to take a picture.

 

I think that some of us wish that the camera and the viewfinder weren't so expensive, so maybe that comes into play, I don't know. I have a photo friend that uses an old Helios viewfinder and she is seriously thinking about buying the Leica one. To each his or her own, I think.

[h00ligan]

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I have the Helios. Bought it to see how I like ovf. It's garbage. I am beginning to see the benefits of an ovf, but the Helios is crap.

[frankliu86903]

Welcome, frankliu. I was torn about buying the viewfinder, too.

 

Here's one thread that I think you'll find helpful to read through: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/136854-x1-external-viewfinder-any-best-practices.html

 

and this one is handy, too, to get a feel for how different people feel about it: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-x1-forum/135692-x1-finder-distorted-not-very-clear.html

 

Finally, here's a listing from a quick search I did with viewfinder at the word but only choosing it to be in the title for threads: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/search.php?searchid=1494364&photoplog_searchinfo=1&photoplog_searchquery=viewfinder

 

Hope this helps. For me, I use it sometimes, would like to use it more and am still very much in the learning stages.

 

Thanks so much! I think I will get one from eBay : )

 

I start to like this forum now - one of the best forums I have ever been to!

[BB W]

I'm glad you found it helpful. It takes a while to get to know your way around a new forum - let alone a new camera.

[swiss leica fan]

I like the Leica viewfinder very much. Especially when you photograph is bright sunlight, the LCD is almost useless. The viewfinder gives you a good and precise impression of what you are shooting at. As I wear glasses it is important that the viewfinder has rubber protection so that my glasses get not scratched. Other viewfinders from other firms do not have this protection devise. I highly recommend the view finder though I wished it has frames or markers in the screen so that I can hold the camera parallel to the horizon.

Kind regards

Swiss Leica Fan

[Guest X1s]

I had to send my VF in for repair and started a thread describing my experience. Quality issues with the Leica version not withstanding, I can't imagine using the X1 without one. I find it so much easier to compose and maintain a steady hold for slow-ish shutter speeds. In hindsight, I feel like I should've gone with the less expensive, metal Voigtländer version.

 

Well, (some) of the new leica stuff is cheap, however I have a 35mm viewfinder made in 1951 #12010 SBLOO that cost a whooping $28.50 WOW! I'll sell you mine in mint mint condition for a mere $500.00 if you want quality, LOL ... actually it is not for sale, but the quality and the brilliants of this piece is phenomenal !! I use it occasionally on my X1 for composing, it is flawless! I only wish that Leica would spend more time and money on quality, I would personally pay the extra [extra premium] for such. On a side note, I must say that the build quality of the X1 is quite poor IMHO, considering the price point and comparing all the other Leica gear I own from the current to the past. Nothing beats the brilliant viewfinders from the past.

 

Emma

[bernie.lcf]

Hey guys, I just bought my X1 recently and thinking about buying the optical viewfinder. Any advice?

 

Thank you all in advance : )

 

I am using the VF-1 made by Olympus, which you can often get for cheap on ebay (because the matching 17mm lens by Olympus is quite mediocre - to be polite). You will probably need to shave off 0.1mm from the VF-1 plastic socket, because otherwise it will be too tight.

 

The Viewfinder is quite okay. The frame is not 100% accurate, but good enough.... given the (on aveage) price of 40-50 EUR or so