external viewfinder for 21/24mm

[stump4545]

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i used to wing it and not use an external viewfinder when using a 21mm/24mm but I have come to really like the compositional accuracy I get when using an external, except that extra bulge on the top of the m9 really gets in the way.

 

 

great in use, not fun to keep on 24/7.

 

any insight into the external viewfinder conundrum?

 

thanks

[FrozenInTime]

The Frankenfinder is the most accurate thanks to it's parallax correction, bubble and shaped framelines* - but it's bulk makes everyday use less enjoyable.

* It has obvious barrel distortion

 

The Zeiss finder is really crisp and sharp - but it's square shape make it easier to catch the way out of the bag. Some say the frames are offset, but I can't remember as I last had the Zeiss finder when I only had M6s.

 

The Leica finder is my current everyday one mainly due to it's size.

It's clear and sharp but lower contrast than the Zeiss.

There is just a hint of barrel distortion and it's frame lines are not curved like the Frankenfinders so squaring the back with a vertical object is more tricky and parallax is a guess.

 

The metal Voigtländer 21/25mm combo finder is probably worth checking - I have the 12mm one and it is very well made and clear.

[Ecar]

I can sort of live without an external VF for the 21 on the M8 and the 24 on the M9, by using the edges of the RF window - but the composition is somewhat rough and you loose one of the benefits of the RF, that is seeing outside the frame when you press the shutter.

I wouldn't use the 21 on the M9 without VF, as there's too much compositional guesswork involved if this is not you main lens i.e., if pre-visualizing the field of view has not become a second nature.

I'm still undecided regarding the benefits (other than critical focusing) of the LV/EVF functions of the M240: whilst they provide WYSIWYG framing capabilities, you loose the benefits of seeing outside the frame. Also, the size of the EVF is not much different from that of an external optical VF and if you want to use LV only, then you need to move away from the camera to see the screen, which is not ideal.

Well, maybe I haven't found a focus-compose work process that works with LV/EVF yet...

 

Oh, yes: and the way the "horizon" function is currently accessed on the M240 makes it less practical than the good old bubble level on the Frankenfinder.

[stump4545]

anyone using only the Leica birghtline 21mm finder for both 21mm and 24mm?

 

love using the 21mm w/ external finder but it makes camera way more cumbersome.

 

using a 24mm w/o external finder is ok but not best for composition

 

 

was even thinking of stepping a few feet back and just using a 28mm, but photos with a 28mm just don't have that same huge look of a 21mm image.

[efreed2754]

Have an 18 and 24 lens. For my M9 use 18 finder which covers 18 and 24 (M8); in between is about 21 so this relatively small finder does the job for all three focal lengths if any of those are used.

 

Size is manageable

 

Ed

[MarkP]

There are a number of threads here regarding the use of various external optical VFs for 21mm (can't comment on the 24 in any detail).

 

 

A number of us feel that framing is more accurate with the Leica than CV, and in particular the Zeiss 21mm VFs (although the Zeiss is gloriously bright & clear). These centre the image higher and to the left of the central axis of the lens lens so when one composes with these other VFs the lens/sensor plane is incorrectly rotated off two axes which does affect more accurate composition and is harder to correct in PP.

 

In day to day street or casual photography it probably doesn't make much difference but it is an issue where more precise framing is required (allowing that this is already an issue with RF cameras.

[stump4545]

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i have read the various finder threads but i guess i wish i could have it all.

 

i am just hoping i get used to the external finder atop my camera.

 

for now it just always seems to be in the way.

[IWC Doppel]

I have the Voigtlander metal 21/25 which is very nice in terms of size as well as having a very bright and clear viewfinder.

 

I use it with my 21 and 24 mm lenses on my M9-P. The framing is good enough for me to compose what I need. if I check with boundaries it can be a little innacurate (obviously it's 25 and not 24). But I can't recall when I have ever found this an issue when using.

 

Very happy with it on all fronts, the only things I have noticed as the brightlines can change from super defined and bright to more muted depending on the light and angle, but again this has not caused me an issue.

[earleygallery]

 

for now it just always seems to be in the way.

 

Of what?

[RobertJRB]

Ok, from my experiences:

 

1: Leica bright line finder

- Good looks (silver or back, fits the M9-P perfectly)

- Nice image, not super good but more than usefull

- Small and sturdy

- Comes in a really handy small leather box

- Very expensive at 700 euro

 

2: Leica 21-24-28 finder

- Good price compared to the other leica's

- SLR type of viewing. Not a wide view with the frame inside, the outside of the view is the frame

- 3 in one which is kinda nice

- Don't know for sure, but comes with a small leather box

- nice classic look

 

3: Leica Frankenfinder No experience, from what I can see:

- Works great

- Very expensive

- Very big

- Probably best offering is u need the best and acurate finder

- Build in leveler which is great (since with the finder there is no place for a leveler)

 

4: Leica old style plastic bright line finders:

- Can be found pretty cheap

- Comes in a nice leather box

- Does the job just right, not extremely good, but more than enough

- Plastic build so not as nice as the metal ones, but also a lot lighter

- Has a lock to secure it into the hotshoe

- Bigger than the new metal style finders

- Only for the old wide angle's, no 18mm offering

 

5: Zeiss finder

- Lovely bright and contrasty view, better than the leica's

- Big and really high (square design)

- Good price at about 350 euro

- Doesn't come with a box

- Zeiss ZM focallengths. So no 24mm but a 25mm. Not that big a deal

 

6: Voightlander

- No experience.

 

 

For myself I bought a 24mm leica plastic bright line finder . Its nicely compact, not to expensive (only available used) and comes in a leather box

 

For my 18mm I bought the leica 18mm metal bright line finder in silver. Quite expensive but does the job greatly and fits the M9-P great.

I leave it on often since it isn't really in the way.

 

And when I don't use it its in my bag. The small leather box protects it pretty good.

[Les_Sismore]

This thread contains some comments and comparisons you might find useful.

 

The metal Voigtlander 21/25 finder I have works really well for me and goes everywhere with my Elmarit 21mm lens. The Leica finder that I bought with this lens never ventures out of its box.

 

Cheers

[stephen.w]

Is there anyone here who has experience with this Panasonic 24mm viewfinder and can comment on compatibility, framing accuracy, etc?

 

Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder DMW-VF1 B&H Photo

 

I have a 24mm lens on order to use on my film M and am in need of an external viewfinder.