Where can I find a Leica 28mm Finder in reasonable price?

[SOHODE]

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Hi,

I'm looking for a Leica 28mm Finder. But they're all overpriced on eBay or other websites. 

Do you know where I can find one in reasonable price? 

[jaapv]

 Voigtländer or if you want to go really cheap:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385709186747?hash=item59ce0f1ebb:g:008AAOSwBF1kmDfk&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0ByI%2B1ZRz5GiwGMmubrkayyC9OXfE0x4ELT%2FpuHhKCmD%2B6o%2BXqjHCBL4%2FwzfCPzbnUB48Iqn7ZvvEZWt2qxKqA2swqonwz4Zxl%2FcC0TfR5P09HPcjgo06EfCucNNLkRDvrr2JjG8cxqUZFDAV%2BdWiTW9%2FwUkfyhhmML0nMePJ1rbd25bsVI8QXb68%2BRsdSTZkRaZ8qzvKCDiqDDcfD93jPrbQnWAySy2ZQM6LCoNXHrn%2FNysNeX3vZuE3KR%2F08bTbAy8PASKy3qfRkqEtHuVVhk%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR5zhocHCYg

[spydrxx]

Overpriced is a matter of opinion and usually a function of a free market. But if the Leica ones are out of budget, I'd strongly recommend the Voigtlander ones, I've been quite happy with mine, and I sincerely doubt the Leica one is any better. It took a couple of months of daily checking Ebay offerings until I found one which matched my price point and condition requirements and even then I negotiated a lower price with the seller.

[rramesh]

Which camera? The built in one in the camera is sufficient for most folks.

If you are using a m10 or newer, I would recommend an EVF for accuracy.

If seeking an OVF, Leica or Voigtlander would be best. Fujifilm also makes one, I believe.

The TTArtisan one is very cheap, but it will not be very accurate.

 

 

Edited August 21, 2023 by rramesh

[SOHODE]

I want the finder for my M6 0.72 which I can't see all over the 28mm frame lines in it. I tried TTArtisan but it doesn't have a frame line. Also I tried the cheap unbranded one on the link, I would just go without finder. You barely can see anything on that little plastic thing. Voigtlander is also rare and expensive these days so I ended looking for Leica Finder. In my opinion paying $300-$500 for a 30-50 years old finder is not reasonable and of course this is a matter of opinion and it might be cheap for someone else. 

Edited August 21, 2023 by SOHODE

[nitroplait]

Bought a FUJIFILM X70 VF-X21 finder a year and a half ago in Japan. Discontinued a while back but was readily available new for the equivalent of US$ 50.

Brightlines for 21 and 28mm.

Made by Voigtlander, obviously. Don’t know if it’s available elsewhere.
Consider this a heads up on a product code possibly worth looking for.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited August 21, 2023 by nitroplait

[dsj]

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I have the older Leica plastic finder and the round metal Voigtländer Finder. 
The quality is much better with the Voigtländer but it also has a different magnification so it might be worth trying before committing. 

[Huss]

"Reasonable price" is the going market rate.

I use the metal Voigtlander 28 finder, and it is a very high quality piece.

On ebay right now there is an Avenon 28mm finder - metal with frame lines - for $160, and a CV 28 metal for $209.  I would jump on that CV finder if I were you.  That's a great price.

[adan]

Or there is - 

https://www.setadelstudios.com/products/leica-leica-slooz-28mm-optical-viewfinder-silver-chrome-metal-finder-clean

The basic problem you have is that "50 years old" = "not made anymore" = "rare" = "possibly collectible."

And on the Bay, you are competing in a global (and currently inflating) marketplace of up to 8 billion (which means even "The 1%" is still 80 million other would-be buyers).

[Huss]

9 hours ago, adan said:

Or there is - 

https://www.setadelstudios.com/products/leica-leica-slooz-28mm-optical-viewfinder-silver-chrome-metal-finder-clean

The basic problem you have is that "50 years old" = "not made anymore" = "rare" = "possibly collectible."

And on the Bay, you are competing in a global (and currently inflating) marketplace of up to 8 billion (which means even "The 1%" is still 80 million other would-be buyers).

In the ad they say the 'glass is clean and clear'.  So what is going on here?

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by jaapv
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[trisberg]

I don't see a lot of mentions of the Nikon DF-CP1 finder. IMO it's the best 28mm finder out there. It was sold for the Coolpix A and is not cheap if you can find it, but I think it is worth checking it out. Hardly any distortions, great eye relief and 0.52 magnification with very clear bright lines.

-Thomas

[jaapv]

On 8/21/2023 at 5:15 AM, SOHODE said:

I want the finder for my M6 0.72 which I can't see all over the 28mm frame lines in it. I tried TTArtisan but it doesn't have a frame line. Also I tried the cheap unbranded one on the link, I would just go without finder. You barely can see anything on that little plastic thing. Voigtlander is also rare and expensive these days so I ended looking for Leica Finder. In my opinion paying $300-$500 for a 30-50 years old finder is not reasonable and of course this is a matter of opinion and it might be cheap for someone else. 

Zeiss finders are superior to Leica ones.

[jaapv]

On 8/21/2023 at 5:15 AM, SOHODE said:

I want the finder for my M6 0.72 which I can't see all over the 28mm frame lines in it. I tried TTArtisan but it doesn't have a frame line. Also I tried the cheap unbranded one on the link, I would just go without finder. You barely can see anything on that little plastic thing. Voigtlander is also rare and expensive these days so I ended looking for Leica Finder. In my opinion paying $300-$500 for a 30-50 years old finder is not reasonable and of course this is a matter of opinion and it might be cheap for someone else. 

Zeiss finders are superior to Leica ones.

[mujk]

I purchased the all-metal Voigtländer 28mm finder back in the days for my M6TTL for the same reason (i.e. unable to see the 28 framelines in the finder). It is quite small and of very good quality. The framelines are bright and seem to be as accurate as the ones in the camera finder, at infinity. However, it is quite expensive when purchased new.

[Huss]

19 hours ago, Huss said:

In the ad they say the 'glass is clean and clear'.  So what is going on here?

 

Please refer to this link to see for yourself if this matches their description.  Pay attention to the image showing the back of the VF.

https://www.setadelstudios.com/products/leica-leica-slooz-28mm-optical-viewfinder-silver-chrome-metal-finder-clean

 

[SOHODE]

On 8/21/2023 at 7:02 PM, Huss said:

In the ad they say the 'glass is clean and clear'.  So what is going on here?

 

See the scratches on the rear element. “Clean” means probably the seller wiped off the mold

[SOHODE]

13 hours ago, mujk said:

I purchased the all-metal Voigtländer 28mm finder back in the days for my M6TTL for the same reason (i.e. unable to see the 28 framelines in the finder). It is quite small and of very good quality. The framelines are bright and seem to be as accurate as the ones in the camera finder, at infinity. However, it is quite expensive when purchased new.

it’s discontinued.  There’s no new anymore. Used is more expensive than what new cost before 

Edited August 23, 2023 by SOHODE

[Huss]

1 hour ago, SOHODE said:

it’s discontinued.  There’s no new anymore. Used is more expensive than what new cost before 

There is one for $209 on ebay.  It looks to be in excellent shape.

[SOHODE]

On 8/21/2023 at 11:08 AM, nitroplait said:

Bought a FUJIFILM X70 VF-X21 finder a year and a half ago in Japan. Discontinued a while back but was readily available new for the equivalent of US$ 50.

Brightlines for 21 and 28mm.

Made by Voigtlander, obviously. Don’t know if it’s available elsewhere.
Consider this a heads up on a product code possibly worth looking for.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

This is the same as Ricoh GV-1 (21-28mm) maybe rebranded Voigtlander as well. Ricoh GV-1 is super sharp and bright. I can say double sharper and brighter than Leica new brass finders. GV-1 is still sold about $150 new. 

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Hallo,

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[250swb]

On 8/21/2023 at 4:08 PM, nitroplait said:

Bought a FUJIFILM X70 VF-X21 finder a year and a half ago in Japan. Discontinued a while back but was readily available new for the equivalent of US$ 50.

Brightlines for 21 and 28mm.

Made by Voigtlander, obviously. Don’t know if it’s available elsewhere.
Consider this a heads up on a product code possibly worth looking for.

 

I guess Voigtlander just changed the frameline layout on their 21mm finder for Fuji, but does this finder have the parallax compensation guides for each lens? If it doesn't it may be worth searching for the dedicated Voigtlander 28mm finder instead. These Voigtlander plastic finders aren't cheap any more but i think they are by far the easiest to use and the brightest putting Leica's efforts to shame. 

Edited August 23, 2023 by 250swb