Leica 12013 21/24/28 view finder and options

[IWC Doppel]

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I am hoping to own an M9-P by the end of May, an upgrade from my M8. I have a few wide angle lenses and am interested in the Leica 12013

 

Seems it's big and bright but not that accurate ? Should I consider the latest 21mm finder and use full view from the M9 in the same way I have with my 21mm

 

I have 21mm Emlarit Asph and the 24 Elmarit Asph lenses

[MarkP]

The first few posts here may help. I was interested in the Leica 21-24-28mm variable VF as it seemed quite convenient and could have picked it up at a good price, but I was very disappointed in what seemed like such a practical device when I tested it and I mention this this in post #2 in the thread below. There is a lot of distortion which is quite disconcerting, one frames to the blacked out edge of the image (feels like looking down a tunnel, albeit a wide one), and it is a bit bigger than I would have liked. It did seem to frame quite accurately though, with no rotational error seen in the Zeiss finder.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/212291-21mm-finder-comparison.html

 

The 21mm Leica VF also has 28mm (and parallax) framelines, so it wouldn't be difficult to learn to frame for 24mm somewhere in-between (see post #9 in the above thread which has a diagram of the 21mm VF frame-lines).

 

Having said all of that, try the variable finder for yourself as it is cheaper and it may suit you for what you need.

[algrove]

The 12013 which I hold in my hand now is a nice VF and seems to act like a VF-it helps, but is not the cure all to framing IMHO. It costs way less than one fixed Leica VF. I like the lock down it has versus other Leica VF except the Frankenfinder which also has a lock down feature. Also like the tiny lens-like black round leather case that comes with it for protection.

 

Rereading your post, do you already own the 21 VF? If so, keep it and make do when using your 24. If not, try and buy.

 

Perhaps a used 21 VF can make do, but as another just recently noted he bought a banged up one (unknown beforehand to him) and is now stuck with a useless VF unless he spends considerable sums to get it fixed. What a mess.

[jaapv]

Of course the variable viewfinder is quite an ancient design that dates back to a pre- digital time when users were less alert to framing to the last mm. As it is it is quite practical, bright and accurate enough to work. And the distortion, whilst quite noticable idoes not impair function. The (Japanese) build quality is not quite Leica. The new frankenfinder is a whole lot better and versatile, but a bit of a lump, hence the name.

You might have a look at the Voigtlander varable viewfinder of which I have heard favorable reports.

I have Zeiss finders for both my 18 and 24 and use the camera for the 28. My Voigtlander ones live somewhere in my cupboard.

[IWC Doppel]

The 12013 which I hold in my hand now is a nice VF and seems to act like a VF-it helps, but is not the cure all to framing IMHO. It costs way less than one fixed Leica VF. I like the lock down it has versus other Leica VF except the Frankenfinder which also has a lock down feature. Also like the tiny lens-like black round leather case that comes with it for protection.

 

Rereading your post, do you already own the 21 VF? If so, keep it and make do when using your 24. If not, try and buy.

 

Perhaps a used 21 VF can make do, but as another just recently noted he bought a banged up one (unknown beforehand to him) and is now stuck with a useless VF unless he spends considerable sums to get it fixed. What a mess.

 

No view finder yet, thanks for the thoughts

[a.noctilux]

Hello,

As user of Leica LTM, I do have too many external finders.

 

My opinion is that there is no best allround finder.

But for your 21mm on M9, I suggest 21mm Brightline finder with lock if you can find one.

I have also the old metal Leitz 21 VF, but it's darker than newer one.

 

I use the 21/24/28 finder and find it not practical: big size and no frame lines .

Usefull only if I carry 21mm and 28mm. And M9 does have 28 frame, so ...

 

Arnaud