Viewfinder options for the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH

[bherman01545]

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Well, I decided to go wide - wider than my 28mm. I just purchased a Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH and need a viewfinder.

Do I go with the Leica Brightline Finder M-21 for 21mm M Lenses 12024 /12025 (current model) or a Leica Zoom Finder 21-24-28 12013 (Made in Japan) for almost 1/3 the price?

There is also Leica 21mm Brightline Finder 12008.

What are my options and the pros/cons for each? 

Thanks!

-Brad

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[jdlaing]

Well, if you ever get or have a 24mm the 12013 has its advantages. There are others available as well. I use a Konica Hexanon 21 finder.

[a.noctilux]

Hello Brad,

- my first 21mm VF is SBKOO/12002 (link to Wiki) , very nice but aging a bit now, so less clear than more modern VF

- then came plastic 12008 , better optic but fragile lockable foot ( plastic not reliable subject to break )

- after a while the 12014 (silver chrome 21-24-28) became my favorite as I use also other focals and it's IQ/optic is fine in use if we accept it's size

description from Wiki

...

• Manufacturer's description - The basic design of the viewfinder mechanism of the Leica M limits the image field view in such a way that bright line frames for focal lengths below 28 mm cannot be included in any of the viewfinder configurations. In the case of the 0.85X viewfinder the bright line frame for the 28 mm focal length is also no longer possible to include. To ensure that the wide-angle lenses for the Leica M can be used optimally with all viewfinder magnifications, an accessory viewfinder for 21/24/28 mm lenses is provided. It slides into the accessory shoe, and is secured by a clamping screw. The desired finder field is then selected by simply turning a thumbwheel, which has a click stop at each of the three possible settings. The focusing and exposure control are handled as usual by the Leica M's combined viewfinder/rangefinder. The viewfinder for 21/24/28 mm lenses is also suitable for eyeglass wearers, since its ocular is rubberized to protect glasses from scratches. As an alternative, it is also possible to use M system correction lenses. When not in use, the accessory viewfinder is housed in a furnished leather case.

The finders have parallax compensation markings for distances below 2 m and also markings for the slightly smaller image field of LEICA M8 models. They can therefore be used just as well for film photography (24x36 mm) as for digital photography (18x27 mm).

The entire optics are given a high-quality multi-layer coating to guarantee optimum viewing through the finder in all conditions. The high-quality metal body of the finders is designed in the popular retro look of the fifties and sixties, but are milled from solid brass according to the latest technologies and then given a silver-chrome or black paint finish to match the cameras. The eyepiece side is rubberized to protect eyeglasses.

- in my use (not for everyone I know), Voigtlander Zoomfinder 15-35mm ( even bigger) can be handy

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Not perfect solution ...

as side note, the Visoflex 020 on M10 is not that bad for every lens mounted

Edited September 9, 2020 by a.noctilux

[Lee Rust]

I just bought a new Voigtlander 21/25mm bright line finder and am quite pleased overall. It doesn't have the slight offset that accounts for the off-center position of the Leica accessory shoe, but it's very compact, all metal, and the $209 price was OK.

The fit is nice & snug on all my cameras from IIIa thru M262, but was pretty loose on the M10. A little paper shim fixed that problem.

Edited September 10, 2020 by Lee Rust

[james.liam]

The Zeiss 21 VF is extremely bright but also lacks the offset. It is however the most brilliant of the lot.

[Mikep996]

I have the voigt 21/25 viewfinder but I never use it after buying the visoflex 020.  Since the VF works with any lens and provides a lot more capability, I think it's a better choice.

HOWEVER, that being said, typically when using my Leica 21 I don't use either one!  I just estimate the coverage and it works fine with no additional finder at all!  

[michaelcole]

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I have the Leica Brightline Finder M-21 for 21mm M Lenses 12024 and I like it a lot.  It is very well made, bright and accurate.  

It is a pleasure to use and I like the room around the edges when looking through the viewfinder.

The inner lines are for the view with a Leica m8, but I like them for an aid in composition and I believe they also correspond to 28mm with full frame.

[bherman01545]

@michaelcole

Yes, I heard that from several dealers that this was the best finder, but wasn't prepared to spend almost $1k for a viewfinder. I mean, it isn't a lens?

I was able to get a LNIB one from a Leica dealer for less than 1/2 price though. I should receive it next week.

[Infantasy]

The best finder should be Visoflex 020 if you use M10. I own the 020 as well but occasionally use my Voigtlander 21/25 viewfinder if the object is fast moving.

[michaelcole]

20 hours ago, bherman01545 said:

@michaelcole

Yes, I heard that from several dealers that this was the best finder, but wasn't prepared to spend almost $1k for a viewfinder. I mean, it isn't a lens?

I was able to get a LNIB one from a Leica dealer for less than 1/2 price though. I should receive it next week.

Great deal!!  I bought mine the same way.  Enjoy!

[astrostl]

12008 works great for me with the 21 SEM, even with eyeglasses.

[Guest]

Leica's optical 21/24/28 viewfinder is the one I prefer, useful for having the three focal lengths and it can take correction diopters too..............