Does a 21mm need a seperate viewfinder

[StephenPatterson]

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I have the Voigtlander 15 External Viewfinder to go with my Heliar 15/4.5. The construction of the body is plastic, but it more than adequately does the job. No frame lines and fairly severe distortion at the edges, but for a rough approximation of the frame it's useful.

 

I've had Leica, Zeiss and CV external viewfinders, and my order of preference is Leica, Zeiss and CV, however there is a large difference in price.

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[mmradman]

I have the Voigtlander 15 External Viewfinder to go with my Heliar 15/4.5. The construction of the body is plastic, but it more than adequately does the job. No frame lines and fairly severe distortion at the edges, but for a rough approximation of the frame it's useful.

 

I've had Leica, Zeiss and CV external viewfinders, and my order of preference is Leica, Zeiss and CV, however there is a large difference in price.

 

Thanks,

 

Trying to compare notes here.

 

For R19mm on M film camera I use Voightlander external VF 12mm for Epson Digital. It appears good quality plastic, slightly offset in the correct direction, it was cheap compared to Z/L alternatives.

[ohnri]

Bill, the only way faster is to "shoot from the hip", which I also do. However, when I have a second or two, I just raise the external VF to my eye and click away, having already set my zone focus and exposure. This makes the Leica the fastest camera for street photography.

 

As to your point about shooting wide open, I don't know many street photographers who do this. Most choose an aperture that will have sufficient DOF to capture the moment in context.

 

Stephen

 

Of course, you are right about street photography. I am specifically not talking about that as I agree that it is generally rather slow and predictable. And, as you say, sufficient DOF is often needed to capture a meaningful image. In these circumstances, one may use an external VF or not, depending on ability and preference.

 

I only very occasionally do such photography although I don't use a VF for my 21 'lux then either. However, I do use one for my WATE.

 

I am talking about truly fast moving subjects in poor lighting. You either shoot wide open or close to it unless you want an abstract photo of blur on blur. No time for an external VF.

 

Best,

 

Bill

[Your Old Dog]

I don't use a viewfinder with my 21. I just take several shots (mostly scenic) until I get what I want and delete the others, It has saved me a small fortune and is one less piece of equipment to have to dink around and keep track of.

[algrove]

I don't use a viewfinder with my 21. I just take several shots (mostly scenic) until I get what I want and delete the others, It has saved me a small fortune and is one less piece of equipment to have to dink around and keep track of.

 

Your comment reminded me of something of a suggestion I happened across. The Zeiss VF do not come with case like the Leica ones.

 

I happen to get some draw string pouches made of nice leather and made by the American Indians. They come in different sizes and are not expensive, but protect your gear well. I think I paid $35 for a dozen. You can get them in different colors (and even size variations within a limit are allowed) so that one color for the 21 another for the 24/25 and a third color for the 18 VF, etc. I have one that is so big I can fit my SWC VF in it no problem.

[menos I M6]

I am new to 21mm, just did this:

 

Untitled by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

… but from the wide angle shooting with the 15 Heliar and the first night shooting with the Konica Hexanon Dual 21-35, I tell you, that missing on an external 21mm finder with a 21mm lens is missing on half the photographic chances, you can use with such a super wide lens!

 

It doesn't matter, how fast your wide angle is, but half of it's operational offering to a skilled photographer is, to shoot freely, prefocussed, preset exposure with just using the external finder.

 

A good external finder is much brighter, than the dim rangefinder viewfinder of your camera, gives enough room around your bright line frame, to observe the scene and see all things, clicking in place, while the scene develops in front of your eyes and get's rid of all unnecessary distractions, like obstructing lens hoods/ - bodies, metering displays, focussing aids, etc…

 

I have to say, I am extremely surprised and pleased about the quality of the (likely Cosina made) Konica 21/35 mm finder, which is so much better (low distortion) than the regular Cosina finders and so much brighter (and lower distortion even), than the Leica Universal Frankenfinder, which I am a big fan of myself.

 

Framing this night shot with the Konica on M9 might have resulted in a fail - you got only one chance in candids, the second shot is ALWAYS worse or even broken:

 

US bikes in Shanghai - Konica M-Hexar Dual 21-35 f3.4-4 by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

Framing this shot just by pure imagination - not for me:

 

news - Konica M-Hexar Dual 21-35 f3.4-4 by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

 

If you want to really use the potential of your 21mm lens, you NEED an external finder, which comfortably shows you a non distorted view of your full frame AND some space around the frame for anticipating action with handheld shooting.