kengai Posted July 29, 2017 Share #1 Posted July 29, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I just bought a 21 mm Elmarit. I now have the problem of the viewfinder: which to choose? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 29, 2017 Posted July 29, 2017 Hi kengai, Take a look here which viewfinder for Elmarit 21mm?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jip Posted July 29, 2017 Share #2 Posted July 29, 2017 One of the following: Leica 21-24-28 (second hand, no longer produced) Leica 21mm plastic Leica 21mm metal Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nsrimanus Posted July 29, 2017 Share #3 Posted July 29, 2017 I also ran into the same problem, having recently acquired a 24 Elmar. After trying the Leica metal, Leica plastic, and the EVF. I ended up buying the voiglander, which I found to have the nicest view (surprisingly). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted July 29, 2017 Share #4 Posted July 29, 2017 Voigtlaander 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke_Miller Posted July 29, 2017 Share #5 Posted July 29, 2017 (edited) I use the Frankenfinder with my 21 & 24 Elmarit-M lenses and occasionally with the 28 Summicron to eliminate viewfinder blockage. Initially I bought the current Leica metal finder, but discovered that the etched frame lines would wash out under some lighting conditions. The Frankenfinder metal framelines are illuminated just like the ones in the M9 (and earlier.bodies) and are visible in lighting.where those in the metal finder wash out. Edited July 29, 2017 by Luke_Miller Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoism Posted July 29, 2017 Share #6 Posted July 29, 2017 You need to consider the crop factor if you are not using a full frame body. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2017 Share #7 Posted July 29, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I like the Zeiss Zi 21mm finder (metal), which which is brighter and better than the plastic Leica 21 finder, and the old Leitz 21 metal finder. _______________ Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a911s Posted July 29, 2017 Share #8 Posted July 29, 2017 Ditto Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.liam Posted July 29, 2017 Share #9 Posted July 29, 2017 Ditto x 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
newnew Posted July 29, 2017 Share #10 Posted July 29, 2017 I use a Contax 21mm finder with my 21 mm SEM and have been very happy. It is rounded , has a crosshair in the middle and is very very bright . Its crome finish is very chic. It comes available from time to time on e-bay for half the price of leica. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawman Posted July 30, 2017 Share #11 Posted July 30, 2017 Isn't the leica finder the only one with the correct offset? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 30, 2017 Share #12 Posted July 30, 2017 The Leica plastic one and the Leitz metal one are not different from the Zeiss Zi one in terms of offset. All these have the inherent inaccuracy compared to an EVF or an SLR finder. _______________ Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrycym Posted July 30, 2017 Share #13 Posted July 30, 2017 I have one of those and I bought an Olympus EVF via EBay. It works Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 30, 2017 Share #14 Posted July 30, 2017 Isn't the leica finder the only one with the correct offset?in theory, yes; in actual use it makes little difference and is more than compensated by the higher optical quality of the Zeiss finder. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregm61 Posted July 31, 2017 Share #15 Posted July 31, 2017 I have several options for the 21 finder. A black metal SBK00 21 finder that fits by friction with no lock, a plastic Leitz with the locking lever, a Zeiss 21 that I usually use with my Contax IIA film rangefinder and 21mm f4.5 Biogon, and the multi-view Frankenfinder. My digital M has no video but I do have an EVF-2 from my Olympus Pen days, LOL... In terms of nicest, more comfortable (enormously wide) and accurate view, no question it's the Frankenfinder, but I'll typically only carry it if I am utilizing two lenses that need it (usually the 24 and 18). For just the 21, I'll usually take the light plastic 21 finder with the locking foot. The locking feature is nice, I've had the non-locking black metal SBK00 slip out of the shoe on my M262 (the fit in the M9 shoe in contrast is very tight) when pulling the body out of the bag. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckrider Posted July 31, 2017 Share #16 Posted July 31, 2017 I like the Zeiss Zi 21mm finder (metal), which which is brighter and better than the plastic Leica 21 finder, and the old Leitz 21 metal finder. _______________ Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine ditto 3x Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve McGarrett Posted July 31, 2017 Share #17 Posted July 31, 2017 For me the plastic thing is better... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
henning Posted August 1, 2017 Share #18 Posted August 1, 2017 (edited) Having used all of the above, and others, I prefer the Leica plastic one. Yes, the Zeiss offers the best view, but it has sharp projecting corners which catch on things. The finder can be prone to slipping out as well. The Voigtländer finder is nicely rounded, relatively inexpensive but not as accurate and also sticks up above the camera a bit more. The Leica metal one is very expensive and more prone to slipping out of the shoe. Before there were other good options I lost or damaged about 5 of these. Over the years I've had about 15 finders of one kind or another, and now usually reach for the plastic Leica. Edited August 1, 2017 by henning Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted August 1, 2017 Share #19 Posted August 1, 2017 I presume your M is not a modern one with live-view? Having used the Leica one with M6,M8,M9 and M240 it is so much easier to use on the latter model. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted August 1, 2017 Share #20 Posted August 1, 2017 I am way more than happy with 24 Leica metal for 24. Better than any in my collection of 21,28,35,50 90,135 Leica and 75 CV. The first 75 came with a crooked bright lined it took months to get it replaced by Photo Village. Zoom 21-24-28- is the worst finder I ever used. Leica should be ashamed to have put their name on it. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.