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Frankenfinder #12011


algrove

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I got this with my WATE and have many fixed wide angle lenses with me on this trip. I must say that with the Leica 18/3.8 #11649, composing is simply great for me with glasses and using the huge rubber eye cup provided with this VF is also superb. I use my Walter eye piece on my M9 for critical focusing, but for framing and composing the #12011 is a superb well made piece as with most Leica gear.

 

Have not yet used it with my new 21 and 24 on this trip, but will get to those once the sand storms abate here at Canyon de Chelly. For example, yesterday after 10 minutes in a grocery store I came out put the bags in the rear and after closing the door 2 cm of sand fell off the door sill like snow would fall off a door sill after a snow storm. Not good for changing lenses. Luckily this storm got to that intensity after I finished my morning shoot.

 

I also stole my wife's 50/2.0 for its light weight and must say it has come in very handy. Not ever using this lens before, I never realized that the 50/2 built in lens hood does not lock into position although it never has shifted while using it and there is plenty of firmness to it like with many longer Leica M lenses. And heck it weighs way less than an extra water bottle. The heck with water-how about Swiss chocolate for those steep climbs up from the valley floor.

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Yes, the Universal-Weitwinkelsucher-M (a.k.a. 'Frankenfinder') is bulky and ugly—but nothing short of wonderful when looking through it (as opposed to looking at it). It's bright, comfortable, and has a spirit level and a real parallax correction built-in. Very recommended for anyone who has more than one wide-angle lens below 28 mm. It also includes a set of framelines for 28 mm so with that focal length, you have the choice between quick framing (using the camera's 28 mm framelines) or comfortable framing (using the finder's 28 mm framelines). Also useful for older M cameras which don't have the 28 mm framelines in their viewfinders.

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Yes, the Universal-Weitwinkelsucher-M (a.k.a. 'Frankenfinder') is bulky and ugly—but nothing short of wonderful when looking through it (as opposed to looking at it). It's bright, comfortable, and has a spirit level and a real parallax correction built-in. Very recommended for anyone who has more than one wide-angle lens below 28 mm. It also includes a set of framelines for 28 mm so with that focal length, you have the choice between quick framing (using the camera's 28 mm framelines) or comfortable framing (using the finder's 28 mm framelines). Also useful for older M cameras which don't have the 28 mm framelines in their viewfinders.

 

I just got my WATE with the Frankenfinder last night. I agree with 01af, it is a wonderful finder. Don't understand why some people say it is ugly, I think it has a really nice retro look and I will be keeping it mounted most of the time. Even with my TelyT, what the hell!

 

I got interested in the WATE with all of Jono's posts from year's back, and I am looking forward to working with it. I think we both will be satisfied with our purchases!

 

Mark

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I don't have one, so I can't comment on its abilities.

 

But perhaps that enables me to be more objective about its aesthetics.

 

And I can confirm that it is authentically ugly.

 

A viewfinder only it's mother could love!!! I agree there is nothing sexy or svelte about the Frankenfinder, but the Leicameter MR wasn't exactly invisible. Sometimes function is more important than fashion!!!

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Function is surely most important. Perhaps not the most attractive finder but it works well and the spirit level is one of those things that first appears useless ,then you find it is very usefull after all.

Brian

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