Photojazz Posted January 18, 2011 Share #1 Posted January 18, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I noticed one of the members had a round viewfinder on his X1, vs the squarish looking Leica viewfinder. I don't considering myself a Leica snob, and my viewfinder does not require the Leica logo @ a rate of $350.00 since it has absolutely zero impact on image quality. if it was 150 bucks, I'd get it in a heartbeat, but 350 makes my heart skip a beat for a plain glass/plastic viewfinder. Arguements could be made of course, that it is the only one that is scaled to fit the view of the X1 exactly, and that may well be true, ,but let's face it, unless you are using a SLR with a bag full of primes, using a fixed focal length camera without a accurate foot zoom is going to be an inexact science anyway, and may require slight cropping in post. That said, my point is, anyone using another viewfinder with success? I have seen one photo of a X1 with a round viewfinder, and I'm shopping. I know of one so far in the Lumix line, the DMW-VH1 for over $200.00 less money, and is a 24mm *35mm equiv* viewfinder. Anybody used one? Results? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 18, 2011 Posted January 18, 2011 Hi Photojazz, Take a look here X1 Viewfinder alternatives. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
JeTexas Posted January 18, 2011 Share #2 Posted January 18, 2011 Search 35mm viewfinder on eBay. I got an old Leica adjustable one that can be set to 35mm, 50mm, 73mm, 90mm, and 135mm with a leather case for $90. If you don't need namebrand, a Chinese or Russian version can often be had for $30. Someone will probably get on here and make a case for glass quality, etc. If you can see through it, it's fine. The perfect/imperfect optics of a viewfinder aren't going to make your image look any different. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photojazz Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks, I saw one used Russian one there, didn't look to good. There are new ones there, but don't think I want to buy out of Russia, to risky. I think right now I am thinking Voigtlander Brightline metal viewfinder. I'll be watching for alternate suggestions too though, thanks... I now do NOT think that Panasonic viewfinder is right suggestion, but I can no longer edit post to take it out. It says it's a 24mm 35mm equiv, but I think the X1 is 36mm 35mm equivilent. So, I believe the Lumix is to wide, correct me if I am wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photojazz Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted January 18, 2011 Ok, I re-read the construction of Leica viewfinder, and the viewfinder is made of solid brass and glass with coatings, so definitely quality, just quality that does not affect image quality. But I correct my other statement about plastic glass of Leica viewfinder. :-) It's great quality, if you want the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phalter Posted January 18, 2011 Share #5 Posted January 18, 2011 I noticed one of the members had a round viewfinder on his X1, vs the squarish looking Leica viewfinder. I don't considering myself a Leica snob, and my viewfinder does not require the Leica logo @ a rate of $350.00 since it has absolutely zero impact on image quality. if it was 150 bucks, I'd get it in a heartbeat, but 350 makes my heart skip a beat for a plain glass/plastic viewfinder. Arguements could be made of course, that it is the only one that is scaled to fit the view of the X1 exactly, and that may well be true, ,but let's face it, unless you are using a SLR with a bag full of primes, using a fixed focal length camera without a accurate foot zoom is going to be an inexact science anyway, and may require slight cropping in post. That said, my point is, anyone using another viewfinder with success? I have seen one photo of a X1 with a round viewfinder, and I'm shopping. I know of one so far in the Lumix line, the DMW-VH1 for over $200.00 less money, and is a 24mm *35mm equiv* viewfinder. Anybody used one? Results? Thanks I use a round metal Voigtländer 35 mm viewfinder which costs around $160-170 (new) and is available both in black and silver chrome. It looks great but is smaller than Leica's 36 mm viewfinder and shows (at infinity) considerably more than what you then get on the image. But all in all it seems a good solution. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photojazz Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted January 18, 2011 So, 1mm difference at infinity makes that much difference huh? Wow. Actually, sticker shock, the Voigtlander is now up to 190.00 in price as of this posting. I was about to order it, but if the difference is significant, not as sure. nice looking piece though, and does look good on the camera. I guess you can get used to about what to expect, and it must get you somewhat close? Thanks for input. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeTexas Posted January 18, 2011 Share #7 Posted January 18, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) The Leica has problems at infinity as well. Although the crop size is the same, apparently the area of the crop isn't the same because of the difference in the position of the viewfinder versus the position of the lens. To show the same scene as the lens, all viewfinders have to be tilted slightly down. After a certain distance, you're seeing an area below what you're actually shooting. The adjustable viewfinders have a lever on the base to adjust their tilt, so you could calibrate with the LCD to match up for any given distance, but all of them have this issue to some degree. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
clat Posted January 18, 2011 Share #8 Posted January 18, 2011 I purchased the Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder that is intended for the Oly EP1 camera system. The price was right at $89 retail from B&H or Adorama. The Oly is a 4/3 camera so the aspect ratio of the image is ever so slightly different. But, it is very slight and only really is a problem if the subject is very very close, say... less than one meter. Otherwise, it provides a very accurate view and the cost is much less thant he $350 average of the Leica finder. It is silver, matches my X1 well and is aesthetically pleasing to look at. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photojazz Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share #9 Posted January 19, 2011 Thanks for info guys. Clat, I was thinking Olympus had something that had this optional VF, sounds definitely worth a view. I was searching for it earlier, but didn't see it. I'll relook. I found it, but it says it's for 17mm, ok, I see you say that is close for you. Interesting. I do like that Voightlander, except the 189 clams, however, that said, I do believe in quality, even if it's just a VF. I laughed at a info sheet I found online earlier, was saying if you wanted to look at the Leica VF, bring some money, then go back and get some more, ha. Try pricing the Zeiss VFs, they are really proud of theirs, even moreso than Leica! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
clat Posted January 19, 2011 Share #10 Posted January 19, 2011 It is marked for the lens that they intend it to be used with (the 17mm pancake) rather than a 35mm film equivalent as the Leica and Voigtlander viewfinders refer to. The crop factor of the 4/3 format is 2X. So that 17mm is effectively 34mm. The Leica and Voigts are 36 and 35mm respectively. So, 2mm difference. The crop factor on the 24mm Elmarit is 1.5X so that is where the 36mm comes from. I can live with 2mm difference for the nearly $300 difference in price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photojazz Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted January 19, 2011 ok, good analysis. Thanks for the info. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
h00ligan Posted January 19, 2011 Share #12 Posted January 19, 2011 but again, completely the wrong aspect ratio (seems my post didn't go through before Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brill64 Posted January 19, 2011 Share #13 Posted January 19, 2011 the Voigtländer 35 mm viewfinder is small (easy to get x1 with finder attached into and out of a small bag) but bright with a clearly defined frameline. also worth mentioning is the weight of this tiny finder adds to the over all ergonomic feel of the x1 in the hand. you might also consider the older square leica 35 sbloo finder which looks classically fab on the x1, is also bright and not hard to find. only available in silver and knocks the pants off the plastic thing.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
clat Posted January 20, 2011 Share #14 Posted January 20, 2011 but again, completely the wrong aspect ratio (seems my post didn't go through before Edward, Yes, it is the "completely wrong" aspect ratio. Theoretically a little too much image at the top and not quite enough on the sides. Practically speaking, the top line is accurate at anything past about a meter. The sides are always slightly off. Peter Lueck has been kind enough to photograph the Olympus viewfinder image superimposed on the X1 photgraphed image and provide it for us at the link below. With this information one can judge whether or not it is acceptable to them. For me the viewfinder is an aiming device that does not require an extreme amount of precision and as most other framing lines also lack a certain amount of precision this is an acceptable outcome to me. 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/141988-x1-viewfinder-alternatives/?do=findComment&comment=1563644'>More sharing options...
jtori Posted January 20, 2011 Share #15 Posted January 20, 2011 I've got the Leica VF and find that I use it almost exclusively. Over time you learn to compensate for parallax error. If you use it with the Thumbs Up, as I do, the error will be exacerbated. Again, it's a matter of training your brain. BTW, the specs may say the VF is brass, but I'll wager it's plastic. Optically nice, however. Joe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulpp Posted March 29, 2011 Share #16 Posted March 29, 2011 Due to comparative costs I bought the Olympus viewfinder and find it ok - £52.99 including postage etc.. The field of view is narrower but at least I know anything close to the viewfinder frame edge will be well within the actual image. (I find it easier to crop than to try and add something in later!!!) But I did not like the light metal colour finish (my X1 is black) so have just finished a paint job using kit model satin black enamel, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbonedeedo Posted March 29, 2011 Share #17 Posted March 29, 2011 Been using the Olympus VF for quite a while now. It works just fine and yes, since it's a little wider, you do get more in the photo, but it's not *that* much more. And, if you scour ebay, you can find them for relatively little money. I think I paid 40.00 US for mine. The color is off enough on the finish though that it stands out. But, apparently not enough to motivate me to paint it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiILX1 Posted March 29, 2011 Share #18 Posted March 29, 2011 I have a voigtlander viewfinder (black) that looks great and works great. It's metal with bright lines great build (brass). They go for $189 at Cameraquest. I jumped on one on Ebay for $110. Now I have two. The old one has got about 5 small nicks in it the size of a speck of dust, and the brass shines through on the silver aluminum back a bit, but if you want I'll sell it for $100. You have to look close to see any flaws. Works flawlessly, glass is perfect, and the tiny marks where the black paint rubbed off could be touched up. PM me if interested (I also have original box & velvet bag) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
markgay Posted March 29, 2011 Share #19 Posted March 29, 2011 Helios viewfinder, about £50, suggested to me by Red Dot Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
village idiot! Posted March 29, 2011 Share #20 Posted March 29, 2011 i also use the olympus micro 4/3rds viewfinder. wonderful relatively inexpensive alternative to both the voigtlander and leica VF'ers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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