alexc Posted October 16, 2007 Share #1 Posted October 16, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) as part of the package I received a viewfinder with my WATE. Even though it is bulky it is very convinient to use. Friend of mine insisted I try his regular viefinder from Leica. Much smaller. I found that it is very difficult to understand FOV. Is it me? Does somebody use it with WATE? any comments. Thank you in advance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 Hi alexc, Take a look here viewfinder for WATE. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted October 16, 2007 Share #2 Posted October 16, 2007 I think the Frankenfinder is much better to use, brighter, frame lines, spirit level, parallax adjustment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexc Posted October 16, 2007 Author Share #3 Posted October 16, 2007 Thank you Mark. This my impression as well. In addition I did not find the "old" viewfinder acurate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted October 16, 2007 Share #4 Posted October 16, 2007 The problem with the Universal Finder (illustrated above) is that it does not show a clear boundary to the image field. It is extraordinarily fuzzy around the edges, which also makes it difficult to level it properly. All in all not one of Leica's cleverest accessories. The old bright frame finders were MUCH better, but for one focal length only, of course. As for the Frankenfinder, I took one look through it, and cried, never! Which also meant that the WATE was out. I make do with a 'Miliched' CV15mm, while waiting for the 16mm (or possibly 18mm) rangefinder-coupled prime lens that seems to be promised by more than a half in the latest issue of LFI. The old man from the Age of the SBLOO Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dseelig Posted October 16, 2007 Share #5 Posted October 16, 2007 I too tried the 21 24 28 finder totally inaccurate. I got the frankenfinder for fast work with my wate when I am at a slower pace the zeiss 25 28 finder stays on my camera. P.S. anyone want a 15 voigt 6 bit coded leica adpater. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanhulsenbeek Posted October 16, 2007 Share #6 Posted October 16, 2007 I too tried the 21 24 28 finder totally inaccurate. Yes, same with me. I now use the Ricoh Gr 21-28 viewfinder. Small and much more accurate. Not totally: it cuts a piece sideways: something to get used to. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexc Posted October 16, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted October 16, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Looks like as everybody in agreement. Thank you very much for your input. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_l Posted October 17, 2007 Share #8 Posted October 17, 2007 21-24-28 finder is PERFECTLY accurate - since it is continuously variable, just learn where to set yours for perfect framing. The Frenkenfinder is accurate as marked, but I hate the barrel distortion - I can't truly see what I am taking a picture of because the picture is so bent.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dseelig Posted October 17, 2007 Share #9 Posted October 17, 2007 If your eye is not perfectlyu aligned with the 21 24 28 view your framing will be off and qyuite a bit at that. Terrible viewfinder Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexc Posted October 17, 2007 Author Share #10 Posted October 17, 2007 21-24-28 finder is PERFECTLY accurate - since it is continuously variable, just learn where to set yours for perfect framing. The Frenkenfinder is accurate as marked, but I hate the barrel distortion - I can't truly see what I am taking a picture of because the picture is so bent.... Steve, can you please elaborate on this. What is "continuously variable"? What do you mean by "learn to set yours for perfect framing"? Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterlenz Posted October 18, 2007 Share #11 Posted October 18, 2007 Check out the pic I just posted on the M8 birthday thread, http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/34819-happy-birthday-leica-m8-2.html#post380616, shot today through camera's finder at 16mm. The posted shot has not been cropped or leveled. I wanted to be able to fit my M8 and WATE into a 'never-ready' case for this trip so no extra finder at all! Left the FF at home! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zapp Posted October 18, 2007 Share #12 Posted October 18, 2007 as part of the package I received a viewfinder with my WATE. Even though it is bulky it is very convinient to use. Friend of mine insisted I try his regular viefinder from Leica. Much smaller. I found that it is very difficult to understand FOV. Is it me? Does somebody use it with WATE? any comments. Thank you in advance. I am using the Zeiss 15mm viewfinder on Alpa with a bubble level in front. You need to do some calculations to check how the viewfinder corresponds to the lens' FOV, simple maths. Or get some tape and tape off getting on the image (easier with digital cameras or a ground glass in the film plane). The Zeiss viewfinder is small and nice, but from Voigtländer you can get a 15mm viewfinder (different quality) and the 15mm lens for the price of the Zeiss finder alone. Also, the Zeiss 15mm does not include the viewfinder which is a big bummer. Distortion of the Zeiss viewfinder is OK considering the small and simple design. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
guidomo Posted October 18, 2007 Share #13 Posted October 18, 2007 I am contemplating using a 21mm CV viewfinder which should be about right for the 16mm WATE setting on the M8. Then I would try to estimate the FOV for the 18 and 21mm settings or even mark them on the viewfinder somehow. Is that something anyone would recommend doing? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FMB Posted October 18, 2007 Share #14 Posted October 18, 2007 Wering eyeglasses Frankefinder must be used without doubt. It is a relax. I also think even it seems bulky actually the space occupied it's more o less the same others finders do in practical terms. Other pros: even distorsion, accurate and precise; brilliant; good help, the level; and all in one focal lenses and distances. Francisco. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_l Posted October 18, 2007 Share #15 Posted October 18, 2007 Alex- The Frankenfinder changes framelines but keeps magnification constant - the Leica 21-24-28 barrel rotates with click stops to change magnification. So, once you get to be reasonably consistent with how you look through it, you can just take a shot and then rotate the finder barrel to where the view through it matches the shot you took, mark that spot so you can use it whenever you mount that lens, and then you have a custom-tailored finder for your lens and eye. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlaurpic Posted October 20, 2007 Share #16 Posted October 20, 2007 As I have found that I have never wanted to set the WATE on any setting except 16 what I have been doing is using it with an old 21mm Leica brightline finder. Perhaps if I had either the frankenfinder or a 21-28-35, I might use other focal lengths, but I don't know. How many of you WATE users set it to 18 or 21? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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