More WATE questions

[eudemian]

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Sorry to plug on about this but I am trying to get to grips with this wide angle lens purchase. I have decided to start a new thread to avoid confusion.

 

Do WATE owners with the frankenfinder use the lens with a tripod? Do you find you need that stability to get the frankenfinder modified? How feasible is it to handhold, both in terms of weight, and manipulating the various dials?

 

I am just trying to get an idea of the ergonomics of the lens. I am unable to try the lens out first so want to gather as much information as possible.

 

Thanks

Tom

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

Tom,

I used the WATE + "Frankenfinder" on some 12 GB of SD cards in Bali and Kyoto. Not one shot on a tripod. At the Photokina last year the finder looked very ungainly and odd to me, however, the production model I purchased with the WATE looks much better IMHO. It handles very well and I kept it on the M8 even when I changed from the WATE to the Tri Elmar 28-35-50 etc. It screws down tightly with the locking screw.

The finder is very bright, the bright lines somewhat bowed to make the finder as small as feasible and the various focal lengths represented were reasonably accurate at middle distance. I believe you will get the hang of things soon.

The spirit level is clearly visible and very helpful in keeping the camera horizontal. All in all I am very pleased with the combination WATE + finder.

As an alternative I also used the smaller metal finder which was issued some time ago but in actual use preferred the "Frankenfinder" and left the other one at home.

Teddy

[Westerwald-Leica]

"Frankenfinder" (nice term) handles nicely and feels a lot less bulky than it looks. It certainly does not create the need to use a tripod and I find its weight acceptable.

 

I just love the brightness and clarity of the image in its viewfinder.

 

Bernd

[lensblur]

Hi,

 

I use the round Leica finder - the one with the 21, 24, 28 marks (but don't know what it's called though). Never ever feel the need to use tripod, or even the small Leica or Manfrotto's table stand tripods that you can put on your chest for better balance.

 

WATE is a great lens, and I like it more and more everyday. Initially, I was quite concerned with the image quality, but there is non (for me) at all. I don't use Zeiss 15 f/2.8 as often now.